Scar Stenosis Research Articles

Reconstructive plastic treatment of extensive laryngotracheostomy after a mine explosion injury.

Introduction. The nature of the fighting in modern military conflicts causes an increase in the number of wounded due to mine-explosive fragmentation injury. Battle wounds to the neck are often combined with damage to the larynx and trachea, which subsequently leads to the formation of cicatricial strictures of the respiratory tract. Surgical intervention is the main method of treating chronic scar stenosis of the larynx and trachea. However, despite the large number of surgical techniques, not all of them are effective. Anatomical features of the larynx and trachea, difficulties in maintaining the formed lumen, in most cases lead to restenosis of the laryngeal tracheal lumen in the postoperative period, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of surgical treatment and worsens the rehabilitation potential of the patient. Purpose. to share the experience of treating a massive laryngotracheal defect caused by a mine explosion injury. Materials and methods. A patient with an extensive defect in the anterior wall of the larynx and trachea applied to the . After a clinical examination, the patient underwent laryngotracheoplasty using alloimplantation material, followed by stenting of the laryngeal and tracheal lumen using a developed silicone stent. Conclusion. The provision of high-tech medical care made it possible to achieve a positive clinical result, reduce the number of stages of surgical treatment, avoid restenosis of the laryngeal tracheal lumen, restore breathing through the natural respiratory tract, the physiological process of swallowing and the patient's voice.

Results of treatment of patients with post-burn strictures of the esophagus by the booging method

To date, treatment of cicatricial post-burn strictures of the esophagus remains one of the main challenges of thoracic surgery. Despite the signifi cant number of diff erent treatment methods, the number of patients requiring it, does not decrease. Conservative methods are mostly ineff ective. Bougienage of the esophagus remains the main method of treating scar strictures after burns.

Mid-gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy in the treatment of post-sleeve gastrectomy gastric tube twist: Four cases.

Background and study aims Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) may lead to symptomatic mid-gastric twist in 0.1% to 4% of cases. Endoscopic balloon dilatation often fails, requiring a switch to Roux-en-Y bypass. Submucosal endoscopic treatment is expanding, so we propose a new technique of fibrosis incision after tunnelization, called medio-gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (MG-POEM). Patients and methods Four patients aged 41 to 70 years underwent MG-POEM in 2020 for symptomatic post-LSG medio-gastric twist. The aim was to describe the technique, and document the efficacy, using the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System (GOOSS) score and a quality-of-life scale (QOLS). The procedures consisted of a POEM with myotomy and fibrosis incision. Results Median preoperative GOOSS and QOLS were 1/3 ([0-3] and 1.75/10 [0-10], respectively. All procedures were technically successful. One patient had immediate postoperative complications, which were treated conservatively. The median follow-up was 18 months. All patients had improved quality of life and food intake, with median postoperative GOOSS and QOLS of 3/3 and 6,5/10 [6-8], respectively. Two patients required additional pneumatic dilatation for scarring strictures. Follow-up endoscopies and esophagograms showed that the twist had disappeared. Conclusions MG-POEM shows promise for safe and effective management of post-LSG mid-gastric twist, despite requiring a high level of endoscopic skill to perform submucosal tunneling.

Improving reconstructive operations for “fresh” injuries and scar strictures of the main bile ducts

The aim of the work: prevention of hepaticocholedochal stricture in the long-term postoperative period after reconstructive surgery.
 Materials and Methods. The study is based on data from a clinical examination of 41 patients with injuries to the main bile ducts, who were operated on in the surgical department of the multidisciplinary clinic of Samarkand State Medical University for the period from 2010 to 2022. Depending on the choice of treatment tactics, the patients were divided into two groups. The first group, the comparison group, consisted of 18 (43.9 %) patients who underwent biliobiliary anastomosis in the traditional way. The second group, the main group, consisted of 23 (56.1%) patients who underwent reconstructive surgery using our improved method.
 Results and Discussion. Of the 18 patients in the comparison group, 13 (72.2 %) had a cicatricial stricture of the hepaticocholedochus in the long-term postoperative period after 1–3 years, requiring repeated operations. Of these, 9 patients underwent reconstructive hepaticojejuno- and hepaticoduodenoanastomosis, 4 patients underwent X-ray endobiliary interventions with the installation of a stent into the lumen of the hepaticocholedochus.
 
 

Functional, Radiological and Endoscopic Diagnostic of Tracheal Diseases

Diseases of the trachea are rare, while other diseases associated with shortness of breath and pulmonary symptoms are common, which is why the necessary diagnosis and therapy are regularly delayed. At the same time, diseases range from simple scarring stenosis to extensive tumour disease. Patients may be otherwise healthy, suffer from autoimmune disease, or have severe general illnesses, as in tracheotomised patients. Therefore, history and clinical examination provide very important clues to a disease of the trachea. Subsequent diagnostics should be ordered in a reasonable manner and lead to the correct diagnosis and subsequent therapy in a timely manner. Functional, radiological and endoscopic examinations, each with a special focus in experienced hands, avoid duplicate examinations or misinterpretations. Patients are grateful because diseases of the trachea - a central airway that cannot be bypassed - are experienced as life-threatening or at least as severely limiting the quality of life.

PRINCIPLES OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF TRACHEAL STENOSIS

To correctly carry out modern surgical treatment measures of advanced scar stenosis after endotracheal intubation and to give conclusions on the method carried out in them, to prevent various complications arising after the operation method, the specifics of the method to provide information about the advantages and disadvantages, as well as modern laryngotracheal stents that are used today.

Characteristics analysis of 157 cases of central airway stenosis due to tracheobronchial tuberculosis: A descriptive study.

Tracheobronchial stenosis, particularly central airway stenosis, which frequently results in severe complications such as lung damage, occurs in patients with tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB). To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with central airway stenosis due to tuberculosis (CASTB). Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, radiological features, bronchoscopic features and treatment of 157 patients who were diagnosed with CASTB in two tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China, from May 2020 to May 2022. CASTB mostly occurs in young patients and females. Patients with CASTB exhibited different symptoms repeatedly during the disease, especially varying degrees of dyspnea, prompting many patients to undergo bronchoscopic intervention and even surgery. Patients with cicatricial strictures constituted the highest proportion of the TBTB subtype with CASTB and 35.7% of the patients with CASTB were found to have tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) under bronchoscopy. CASTB and TBM mainly involved the left main bronchus. Patients with lower levels of education had higher rates of TBM. Patients with TBM manifested shortness of breath more frequently than patients without TBM. Patients with TBTB who had undergone bronchoscopic interventions have a higher rate of TBM. Despite mostly adequate anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, patients with TBTB can present with CASTB involving severe scarring stenosis, bronchial occlusion, tracheobronchomalacia and even destroyed lung.

The use of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of cicatricial stenosis of the larynx and cervical trachea

Despite the technical achievements of recent years in medicine, the problem of frequent recurrent stricture formation of the lumen of larynx and cervical trachea remains urgent. The etiology and pathogenesis of development of scar stenosis of the larynx and trachea were considered, and the analysis of the drugs' use for topical therapy in the comprehensive treatment of this pathology was conducted in the presented review. Special attention was paid to plasma enriched with platelets, its use in otorhinolaryngology, in particular in the treatment of laryngeal diseases. Positive and negative sides of the adjuvant therapy use have been identified. The search for means helping to prevent recurrent stricture formation of laryngeal lumen and cervical trachea determines the interest of the considered problem.

Video endoscopic methods of laryngeal examination in modern phoniatry

Introduction. Modern diagnostics of laryngeal diseases is based on the use of video endoscopic technologies. The authors of the article, having almost thirty years of experience with various methods of video endoscopy, proposed a classification of video endoscopic methods of laryngeal examination. Objective. To develop an algorithm for the application of various video endoscopic methods of laryngeal examination in voice professionals with functional and organic dysphonia. Materials and methods. From 2020 to 2022, 2308 patients aged 18 to 80 years (43.2 ± 11.5) were examined in the phoniatric department of the St. Petersburg Research Institute of ENT. There were 1424 women (61,7 %), 884 men (38,3 %) people. Functional dysphonia was detected in 705 (30,5 %) people, acute and chronic laryngitis in 668 (28,9 %), tumor-like formations in 436 (18,9 %), the remaining nosological forms were diagnosed in 499 (21,7). All the patients turned out to be representatives of voice-speaking professions and complained of dysphonia.For videolaryngoscopy, videolaryngostroboscopy, autofluorescence endoscopy, NBI–endoscopy, equipment from various manufacturers was used. Results. An algorithm for the application of video endoscopic research methods in persons of voice-speech professions with dysphonia has been developed. Overview videolaryngoscopy and videostroboscopy were mandatory research methods for all patients with complaints of voice function. The use of these two methods proved to be sufficient for the diagnosis of functional dysphonia, paresis and paralysis, congenital malformations of the larynx, scar stenosis. In-depth diagnostics and differential diagnostics of tumor-like formations, various forms of chronic laryngitis, benign and malignant formations, in addition to videolaryngoscopy and videostroboscopy, included autofluorescence endoscopy or NBI endoscopy, which revealed the earliest stages of the pathological process. Conclusions. Only the complex application of various methods of video endoscopy of the larynx provided timely diagnosis and early treatment of dysphonia, maximum restoration of voice function, and, consequently, the preservation of professional longevity by persons of voice-speech professions.

Current views on the etiology, classification, diagnosis, treatment of chemical burns and post-burn scar stenosis of the esophagus in children

This review analyzes different scientific views on the diagnosis and treatment of chemical burns of the esophagus and its consequences - the formation of cicatricial stenosis of the organ. Post-burn scar stenosis of the esophagus in pediatric surgery is a fairly common disease that is formed in children with chemical burn of the 3rd degree. In the study of this pathology a timely diagnosis between the degrees of esophageal burns and the correct selection of patients for dilatation of the organ is of particular interest for the correct treatment of patients.

The effective analysis of refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer treated by endoscopic radiotomy combined with local injection of triamcinolone acetonide

Refractor esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection of early esophageal carcinoma is a difficult clinical problem. To verify the effect of endoscopic radial incision combined local triamcinolone injection to treat refractory esophageal stenosis, we retrospectively analyzed 7 patients diagnosed with refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic mucosal dissection of early esophageal cancer in this study, of whom 4 male and 3 female patients, aged 50-76 years, with the mean age of 63 years. We performed the endoscopic radial incision in the thickness point of the scar stricture and injected the triamcinolone locally. The results showed it was safe and effective. The follow-up showed no esophageal stenosis occured and no adverse reaction such as hemorrhage, perforation, tumor-recurrence and triamcinolone-allergy occured.

Endoscopic resection in the treatment of intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts: A retrospective analysis of 17 cases

BackgroundIntramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts (EBCs) are rare congenital malformations. Differences in reports on the clinical features of intramural EBCs and some controversies about the treatment strategy for intramural EBCs exist. ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical characteristics of intramural EBCs and evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection. MethodsThe clinical and endoscopic features, endoscopic resection treatment, postoperative adverse events, and follow-up results of 17 patients with intramural EBCs were retrospectively studied. ResultsIntramural EBCs exhibited male predominance with a male/female ratio of 58.8% (10/7) and were predominantly found in the distal esophagus. Approximately 94.1% of patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. All lesions were protruding masses covered by intact mucosal epithelium. The morphologies of intramural EBCs were diverse under white light endoscopy. On endoscopic ultrasonography, intramural EBCs presented as homogeneous or inhomogeneous hypoechoic or anechoic lesions. Eleven lesions originated from the muscularis propria, which underwent submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER), and six lesions were from the submucosa, which underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Approximately 88.2% of patients underwent complete endoscopic resection. No serious pneumothorax, bleeding, pleural effusion, esophagotracheal fistula, or other adverse events occurred in all patients after endoscopic resection, and no cyst recurrence, metastasis, or esophageal scar stenosis was observed during the follow-up period. ConclusionsIntramural EBCs can be treated by digestive endoscopic surgery. STER and ESD are safe, effective, and minimally invasive resection methods.

Endoscopic techniques used in scarring stenoses after laryngectomy. Clinical observation

Dysphagia and formation of scarring stenoses after laryngectomy are common complications in oncological practice. One of the treatment methods for the strictures is endoscopic balloon dilation which is characterized by relatively high effectiveness. However, in patients who underwent both laryngectomy and chemoradiation treatment (before or after surgery), the risk of recurring scarring strictures is significantly higher. The article describes a case of successful treatment of a patient with dysphagia after integrative treatment of laryngeal cancer consisting of chemoradiotherapy and laryngectomy. After multiple procedures of balloon dilation, endoscopic stenting of the scar narrowing was performed.

Redo pull through combined procedures in Hirschprung disease

Introduction. One of the actual problems of reconstructive colorectal surgery in childhood is a high frequency of complications after the initial reconstructive procedures for Hirschprung disease. Currently, in the clinical practice there is a wide range of surgical techniques, the combination of which allows to avoid serious outcomes leading to child’s disability. The choice of the volume of repeated surgeries is strictly individual, depending on the nature of complications, types of previously performed surgeries as well as on patient’s initial status. The key for developing a curative tactics is findings after instrumental and morphological examination which were obtained for previous interventions and which often require additional further clarification.Material and methods. In 2010–2021, in the Center of Pediatric Colorectal Anomalies (Irkutsk, Russia) redo endorectal pullthrough surgeries were performed in 18 patients with Hirschprung disease after previous correcting interventions. Surgeons made transanal resection in combination with posterior sagittal perineotomy. Indications for repeated surgical procedures, in most cases, were residual aganglionic segments and the constipation relapses – 11 (61,2%) patients; scar deformation and anus channel stenosis – 5 (27,8%) patients; stricture of coloanal anastomosis – 1 (5,5%) patient; scar stenosis of the neorectum with a rectobulbar fistula – 1 (5,5%) patient.Results. 13 (72,2%) patients had good clinical outcomes: no parents’ complaints, stable rhythms of defecation (from 1 to 4 times per day), feces contents (type 3–6 by Bristol scale of feces). In 4 (22,2%) cases, there was chronic constipation where defecation was 2–3 times a week with preserved defecation urgencies and rare episodes of anal overflow incontinence requiring conservative treatment under the bowel emptying program. One patient had a stricture of coloanal anastomosis which was corrected with its dissection and further dilatation.Conclusion. To confirm indications for redo surgeries, a comprehensive assessment of the colon and perineum with clinical, functional and morphological examination is required. Transanal pull-down is a relatively safe procedure which, in most cases, has good and satisfactory clinical postoperative results and which may be performed even after previous endorectal resections. The rehabilitation program after the discussed surgery is strictly personified and developed under close interaction of a surgeon and a gastroenterologist after assessing the state of the formed coloanal anastomosis and the distal part of the pulled-down intestine.

Modern technologies in surgical treatment of combined anorectal pathology and their results

Surgery of combined anal and rectal diseases requires an unconventional tactics and methods of treatment of these pathologies, which provide minimal impact on tissues, preventing postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of new radiosurgical and electrosurgical technologies in the treatment of combined anal and rectal diseases by analyzing the clinical course of the postoperative period and the impact of these energy devices on the morphostructure of operated tissues. The results of treatment of 747 patients with combined anal and rectal diseases divided into four research groups and control group have been analyzed. In the first research group 169 (22,6%) patients with electrosurgery device “ERBE ICC 200” have been operated on in the second research group – 114 (15,3%) patients with electrosurgery device "EFA", in the third research group – 107 (14,3%) patients – with electrosurgery device "KLS Martin" and in the fourth research group – 245 (32,8%) patients with radiosurgery device "Surgitron". The control group consisted of 112 (14,9%) patients operated with a surgical scalpel. After surgery 30 patients from each study group underwent morphological investigation of rectal and anal tissues for measurement of the thickness of thermal impacts on them, which was performed using an eyepiece-micrometer scale. Due to the minimal and insignificant impact on the tissues during application of electrosurgery devices “KLS Martin”, “EFA” and “ERBE ICC 200”, as well as radiosurgery device "Surgitron", there were detected neither scar anal strictures in any of the four study groups, nor scarring deformities of the pararectal areas, which contributed to the cosmetic nature of the combined operations and caused rapid rehabilitation of patients in the study groups. In the control group in 2 (2%) patients the formation of scar anal stricture was diagnosed, which required conservative (1 patient) and operative (1 patient) measures to eliminate them. Using modern radiosurgery and electrosurgery technologies for treatment of combined anal and rectal diseases reduces the operation duration, volume of bleeding and intensity of the postoperative pain. Application of these above technologies prevents the occurance of anal strictures and scar pararectal deformations.

A potential preventive method for scar stenosis after esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection using human amniotic epithelial cells in a porcine model.

ObjectivesThe current methods employed for esophageal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) involve the risk of adverse postprocedural complications. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a new method to prevent stenosis following a resection procedure using human amniotic epithelial cells in a porcine model.MethodsWith the consent of a woman who underwent a cesarean section, amniotic epithelial cells were isolated from the amniotic membrane of the delivered placenta. Six swine were used for this study. Under general anesthesia, four EMRs using cap‐fitted microscope ulcers were performed on each porcine esophagus. Of the four ulcers, the two on the oral side were treated by injecting human amniotic epithelial (AE group) cells, and the remaining two on the anal side were left untreated (control group). One week after the procedure, the swine were sacrificed, and the ulcers were evaluated. The epithelialization rate was calculated by dividing the length of the epithelialized portion of each section by the length of the ulcer, which was determined using an optical microscope. Moreover, the mucosal thickening in each section was measured in terms of diameter.ResultsThe epithelialization rate was significantly higher in the AE group than in the control group. Mucosal thickening was not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsTransplanting amniotic epithelial cells into the ulcer promoted ulcer epithelialization. Amniotic epithelial cell transplantation is a potential method for the management of ulcer scar stenosis following esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Using the external auditory canal skin graft of the healthy side to treat unilateral congenital aural atresia: preliminary results of clinical research

Objective: To investigate whether the contralateral normal external auditory canal (EAC) skin graft can maintain the ear canal health after EAC reconstruction in unilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA) cases. Methods: A Zelen design randomized controlled study was used to collect unilateral CAA patients for EAC reconstruction prospectively (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000032103). The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the trial group. The trial group used the contralateral normal EAC skin graft group (transplant part of the contralateral normal EAC skin to repair the atresia side for unilateral CAA patients), the control group all used scalp blade thick skin. We observed the EAC health and hearing results of the two groups after EAC reconstruction. Results: A total of 13 cases were enrolled from July 2020 to August 2021. There were eight patients in the trial group, including six males and two females, with an average age of 22.3 years (14-36 years). There were two patients with CAA on the left and six patients on the right. The average follow-up time was 8.8 months (4-14 months). There were five patients in the control group, all cases were male with an average age of 16.2 years (12-20 years). There were four patients with CAA on the left and one patient on the right. The average follow-up time was 7.0 months (2-14 months). In the trial group, eight cases of reconstructed EAC epithelium were healthy, one patient had cicatricial stenosis of EAC opening and lateralization of the tympanic membrane. The other patient had cicatricial stenosis of reconstructed EAC, this case also had scar hyperplasia of the contralateral EAC opening but recovered after soft packing and triamcinolone acetonide injection treatment. The healthy side EAC of the rest trial group had no scarring stenosis or local bone hyperplasia during long-term follow-up. In the control group, one patient was lost to follow-up and the other four patients had dry ears of reconstructed EAC, but easily to form crusts and needed to be cleaned repeatedly, one patient had lateralization of the tympanic membrane, the EAC epithelium was not healthy for long-term follow-up. The incidence of complications related to EAC reconstruction was lower than previous studies (χ²=5.55, P=0.018), and the average postoperative Air-Bone Gap increased (18.8±10.0)dB. Conclusion: By optimizing the EAC reconstruction technology, the health of the reconstructed EAC is improved compared with the previous study. After active intervention and treatment, there should be no scarring stenosis or local bone hyperplasia on the contralateral side EAC.

Pharyngeal reconstruction for severe pharyngeal stenosis in Behçet's disease: a retrospective case series.

Pharyngeal scarring stenosis is a rare yet very severe complication in Behçet's disease (BD). Previously, such patients had to undergo tracheostomy for life, which seriously affected the patient's speech and swallowing function. We aim to present the effect of pharyngeal reconstructive surgeries using flaps for severe pharyngeal stenosis in BD. The medical history, the surgical procedures of reconstruction and the clinical outcomes of BD cases with pharyngeal stenosis were analysed. British Medical Research Council questionnaire (MRC), Chinese version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SWQOL), the dysphagia score (DS) and the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study were used. Six BD cases with pharyngeal stenosis underwent reconstructive operations. Submental island flaps and forearm free flaps were used in reconstructive procedures in three female and three male patients, respectively. All patients successfully removed the tracheotomy cannula and nasal feeding tube after reconstruction. Dyspnoea was significantly relived as MRC scores decreased from 3 (3-4) to 1 (1-2) (p=0.020, Z=-2.333). SWQOL scores were remarkably improved from 782.5 (657.0-854.0) to 826.5 (768.0-864.0) (p=0.027, Z=-2.207). There was non-significant decrease in DS (from 2.5 to 1.5, p=0.066, Z=-1.841) and increase in PAS (from 1 to 1.5, p=0.317, Z=-1.000). Reconstructive surgery using flaps is an effective and safe approach to rebuild pharyngeal cavity in BD patients with severe pharyngeal stenosis, which can improve the quality of life of these patients.

A Patient with Juvenile Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Complicated by Laryngeal Stenosis after Laryngeal Microsurgery: A Clinical Case

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the problem of juvenile respiratory papillomatosis lies in the recurrent course of the disease in young children. This can lead to the development of respiratory stenosis, requiring repeated, in some cases, monthly surgical treatments for endolaryngeal removal of papillomas, which sometimes leads to persistent scar stenosis of the larynx. We present clinical case of achieving remission of recurrent juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx. CLINICAL CASE: Patient, 5 years old, who applied in February 2016, was hospitalized in the ENT department with severe dyspnea, laryngoscopy revealed laryngeal papillomatosis with 3–4 grade stenosis. Over the past 10 months, the patient has undergone laryngeal surgery 6 times using cold instruments and a CO2 laser due to papillomatosis. Taking into account the recurrent nature of the course of the disease, the patient is administered to consult an allergist-immunologist. Based on the anamnesis and the results of the tests, the immunologist-allergist diagnosed: Primary immunodeficiency, unspecified (insufficiency in the production of specific antibodies), persistent allergic rhinitis, in the stage of incomplete remission and prescribed treatment. The patient was operated twice from 2017 to 2018 for a developed post-operative complication – cicatricial stenosis of the larynx. With these surgical repairs, no recurrence of laryngeal papillomatosis was detected. Furthermore, in 2021, according to endovideolaryngoscopy, remission was confirmed. R In this clinical case, we managed to achieve remission of laryngeal papillomatosis in a patient after surgery and treatment by an immunologist. Allergen elimination and immunocorrection helped us achieve deep remission. Surgical treatment eliminated laryngeal stenosis, recovering breathing and voice quality. Furthermore, this clinical case demonstrates the importance of studying the immune status in patients with laryngeal papillomatosis. CONCLUSION: The results obtained by us show the need for the use of immunomodulators in these patients. All children with prolonged hoarseness should undergo laryngoscopy, which will allow diagnosing laryngeal papillomatosis at earlier uncomplicated stages of the disease. Treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis should be comprehensive and in addition to surgical treatment should include differential immune correction. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the above clinical case, we managed to achieve remission of laryngeal papillomatosis in a patient after surgery and treatment by an immunologist. Allergen elimination and immunocorrection helped us achieve deep remission. Surgical treatment eliminated laryngeal stenosis, recovering breathing and voice quality. Furthermore, this clinical case demonstrates the importance of studying the immune status in patients with laryngeal papillomatosis. The results obtained by us show the need for the use of immunomodulators in these patients. All children with prolonged hoarseness should undergo laryngoscopy, which will allow diagnosing laryngeal papillomatosis at earlier uncomplicated stages of the disease. Treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis should be comprehensive and in addition to surgical treatment should include differential immune correction.

Surgical procedure and treatment results of pharyngoplasty CWICKs for obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectiveUvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is performed as a surgical treatment at the oropharyngeal level for obstructive sleep apnea, but there are problems with variations in treatment effects and postoperative complications. Therefore, to improve those, we have devised and put into practice the so-called CWICKs, which is a modified version of barbed reposition pharyngoplasty as a surgical method. We outline the procedure of CWICKs and report the treatment results in comparison with the conventional UPPP. MethodsCWICKs are surgeries that use resorbable wound closure devices to pull the posterior palatal arch outward and elevate it anteriorly and superiorly to maintain an open upper airway during sleep at the soft palate level. We compared the therapeutic effects of 46 patients evaluated by polysomnography before and after surgery among CWICKs performed in our department between January 2015 and December 2019 and 91 patients who underwent UPPP in our department between January 2000 and December 2008. ResultsIn 46 patients who underwent CWICKs, significant improvement was observed before and after surgery using the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive apnea index (OAI), ration of each sleep stage, and SpO2 level > 90%. The improvement rate of AHI was 68.4%, and the surgical success rate was 58.7%. Postoperative patient satisfaction was also good, and significant improvement in subjective sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) was observed before and after surgery. No postoperative complications such as dysphagia or scar stenosis were observed in any of the patients in the CWICKs group. Compared with the 91 cases of UPPP, which is the conventional method, there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of AHI (p = 0.199), but the improvement rate of OAI had significantly improved (p = 0.013). Regarding the postoperative sleep stage, In the CWICKs group, a significant decrease in stage 1 and a significant increase in stage 2, stage 3, and stage rapid eye movement were observed, whereas in the UPPP group, no significant improvement in stage 3 was observed. Multivariate analysis of surgical success did not show an association with surgical methods (CWICKs or UPPP). On the other hand, an association was shown with age (<45), palatine tonsil size (≥3 / 5), high MPH (≥14 mm), and OAI rate (> 1/3). ConclusionThe treatment outcome of CWICKs was equal to or better than that of the conventional UPPP. Future follow-up is required for long-term prognosis, but no serious postoperative complications, such as dysphagia or scar stenosis, have been observed. CWICKs are considered to be minimally invasive, simple, and effective surgical procedures with few complications.