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Laryngoscope 2019 Feb 12. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Objective: To evaluate the extent of airway improvement and voice quality in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) who underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery.

Methods: Seven patients with BVFP caused by thyroid surgeries were enrolled. They underwent selective laryngeal reinnervation surgery. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Jan 22;119:147-150. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.

Objectives: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis often causes severe dyspnea requiring an early airway intervention in neonates. Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) with suture is a quick, reversible, minimally-invasive vocal cord lateralizing technique to enlarge the glottis. The arytenoid cartilage is directly lateralized to a normal abducted position. Read More

Acta Otolaryngol 2019 Feb 1:1-4. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

a Department of Otolaryngology , Xuzhou Central Hospital , Xuzhou , China.

Background: There are many causes for vocal cord paralysis, which can cause difficulty in breathing in serious cases. The common surgical methods for solving vocal cord paralysis include laryngeal splitting or laser surgery, but there are limitations. Plasma radiofrequency ablation is a new treatment with good achievements in clinical applications. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019 Jan 18;119:75-78. Epub 2019 Jan 18.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otology & Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address:

Vocal fold immobility (VFI) is a common cause of dysphonia and dysphagia in children. Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is an important adjunctive test in its diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present an alternative technique in which bipolar double hookwire electrodes allow simultaneous placement and recordings from the bilateral thyroarytenoid and posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Dec 26. Epub 2018 Dec 26.

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: Unilateral ML is a commonly performed surgery for dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency. The safety of this procedure performed in the outpatient setting has not been extensively examined. The purpose of the study was to assess the safety of outpatient unilateral ML in adults and determine the incidence and timing of postoperative complications across two tertiary-care academic medical centers. Read More

J Voice 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California. Electronic address:

Aim: Steps for assessment and successful management of bilateral vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) are (1) recognition of its presence, (2) identifying the etiology and factors restricting vocal fold motion, (3) evaluation of airway patency, and (4) establishing a management plan. No large series documenting the course and outcome of adult idiopathic bilateral VFMI has been published within the past 15 years.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of adult patients with idiopathic bilateral VFMI at a tertiary academic center. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Nov;53(11):847-850

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.

To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of vocal fold paralysis in children. To provide useful information for diagnosis, management and prognosis in the clinical work. Two hundred and seven children with vocal fold paralysis in Children's Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively studied, and followed-up. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 Mar 3;129(3):699-703. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Background: Vocal fold movement impairment (VFMI) secondary to neuronal injury is a known risk after aortic surgery. Total arch replacement is technically challenging, and the incidence of vocal fold movement impairment secondary to neuronal injury after this surgery is unknown. This study examined the incidence of VFMI after total arch replacement and medialization treatment outcomes. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Sep 18:194599818800462. Epub 2018 Sep 18.

3 Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Objective To test the hypothesis that the etiologies of bilateral vocal fold mobility impairment (BLVFI), bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP), and posterior glottis stenosis (PGS) have distinct clinical outcomes. To identify patient-specific and procedural factors that influence tracheostomy-free survival. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 Mar 12;129(3):704-708. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Bombay Hospital Voice and Swallowing Centre, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine the position and anatomic variability of the thyroarytenoid (TA) branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in an Indian population. This study is specifically targeted to aid in identifying the nerve for reinnervation procedures for unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis, as well as denervation surgeries such as TA myoneurectomy and Selective Laryngeal Adductor Denervation and Reinnervation (SLAD-R) for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Methods: We dissected 46 fresh-frozen adult larynges (92 sides) without pathology. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2018 Sep 26;127(9):653-656. Epub 2018 Jul 26.

1 Department of Otolaryngology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.

Objectives: To increase awareness of vocal fold mobility impairment secondary to laryngeal mask airway (LMA) use in the operating room.

Methods: We report 2 cases of bilateral vocal fold mobility impairment after LMA use within 7 months of each other. One patient is a 52-year-old female who developed this complication after orthopedic elbow surgery. Read More

Eur Spine J 2018 07 11;27(Suppl 3):549-554. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.

Purpose: To report a patient with bilateral vocal cord palsy following cervical laminoplasty, who survived following a tracheotomy and intensive respiratory care.

Methods: Acute respiratory distress is a fatal complication of cervical spinal surgery. The incidence of bilateral vocal cord palsy after posterior cervical decompression surgery is extremely rare. Read More

Clin Dysmorphol 2018 Oct;27(4):116-121

British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute.

We report on a family with three siblings, male and female, affected by congenital bilateral limitation of vocal cord abduction, with the additional finding of clubfeet in two. The paternal family history suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance. The siblings and father also have mild craniofacial features, which may be an expression of variability or may be unrelated. Read More

Am J Otolaryngol 2018 Sep - Oct;39(5):536-541. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Airway Surgery Department, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia; Clinical Research Center, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal folds' immobility is a challenge in laryngology. Multiple procedures have been proposed to improve breathing by statically enlarging the glottal airway, what also results in loss of voice and aspiration. We proposed a technique to enlarge the posterior glottis by rotating the arytenoids on its axis, imitating the function of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, with the objective of evaluating the results regarding decannulation, voice quality, and bronchoaspiration. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Aug 4;275(8):2061-2069. Epub 2018 Jun 4.

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Purpose: With adequate indication and meticulous execution, endoscopic procedures can efficiently treat a subset of adult and pediatric benign laryngotracheal stenosis and obstructions, but these procedures are precise and very demanding. The difference between a successful and a failed surgery, with potentially debilitating side effects, resides in small details. The learning curve is long and very few centers worldwide have a sufficient case load making adequate training difficult. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Feb;32(3):196-198

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.

To assess the efficacy of partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy in cases with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. A total number of 11 patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who undergone partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy was included in this retrospective study. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by compare the form of glottis, the scale of dyspnea and the change of voice preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as the occurrence of surgery complications such as dysphonia and dysphagia. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 May;53(5):375-380

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiamen University Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China.

To discuss the clinical effect of small dose of botulinum toxin injection in cricothyroid muscle and thyroarytenoid muscle on patients with incomplete bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Six patients were selected with Ⅰor Ⅱ or Ⅲ degree of dyspnea diagnosed as bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury by laryngeal electromyography, and small dose of botulinum toxin injection was performed in cricothyroid muscle and thyroarytenoid muscle as a treatment. Degree of dyspnea was assessed one month before and after the treatment, and the stroboscopic laryngoscope results, acoustic parameters and CT image of the patients were collected in the 6 patients. Read More

J Voice 2018 May 10. Epub 2018 May 10.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address:

Purpose: Endoscopic partial arytenoidectomy (EPA) is one of the static operations for treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Improvement in airway may cause voice loss and aspiration. The author reports his experience on EPA using medially based mucosal flap to enlarge posterior glottis without removing any part of membranous vocal fold. Read More

Am J Otolaryngol 2018 Jul - Aug;39(4):413-417. Epub 2018 Apr 13.

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.

Purpose: Ultrasonography is a well-established modality for visualization of head and neck anatomy. Using ultrasound to detect vocal fold mobility has been described before, but no study has evaluated factors affecting the exam reliability. The aim of the study is to determine anatomic factors influencing the reliability of ultrasound to detect vocal fold motion. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 May 21;108:120-124. Epub 2018 Mar 21.

UCSF-Benioff Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, United States. Electronic address:

Objective: Bilateral vocal-fold immobility (BFVI) is a rare but significant cause of severe respiratory distress in neonates. The primary aim of treatment is to provide an adequate airway while minimizing adverse effects such as aspiration and dysphonia. Our objective here is to describe the outcomes of a series of neonates undergoing percutaneous endoscopic suture lateralization for BVFI using a novel technique. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2018 Jul 20;33(5):1115-1121. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.

The purpose of the study was to assess the role of laser-assisted posterior cordectomy in the management of patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. We aimed an analysis of 132 consecutive patients treated by CO laser posterior cordectomy, aged 38-91, 31% tracheotomized on admission. Cordectomy was performed under microlaryngoscopy using CO laser (Lumenis AcuPulse 40 CO laser, wavelength 10. Read More

J Voice 2019 Jan 23;33(1):33-39. Epub 2018 Feb 23.

Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of optimal surgical procedures in ex vivo simulated bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).

Study Design: Four surgical stages were sequentially performed on 10 excised canine larynges with simulated BVFP: (1) transverse cordotomy, (2) medial arytenoidectomy, (3) subtotal arytenoidectomy, and (4) total arytenoidectomy.

Materials And Methods: The sound pressure level, the signal-to-noise ratio, the glottal resistance, the glottal airflow (GF), the maximal glottal area (MGA), and spectrograms were measured after each stage. Read More

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2018 07;54(1):106-112

Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Objectives: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is a severe complication after laryngotracheal (LT) surgery. The reduced glottic opening leads to significant respiratory distress immediately after the operation and requires the placement of a tracheostomy in most cases. Patients with a pre-existing unilateral VFP or expected recurrent nerve resection are at the highest risk for glottic failure. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Jul 22;128(7):1628-1633. Epub 2018 Jan 22.

the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center, Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh.

Objective: Treatment options for symptomatic unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP) include vocal fold augmentation, laryngeal framework surgery, and laryngeal reinnervation. Laryngeal reinnervation (LR) has been suggested to provide "tone" to the paralyzed VF. This implies a loss of tone as a result of denervation without reinnervation. Read More

Vestn Otorinolaringol 2017;82(6):18-23

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 119991.

The restoration of the functional competence of the larynx following bilateral laryngeal nerve damage and vocal fold paralysis is a serious challenge for the surgeon that has thus far no satisfactory solution. Physiological re-innervation that occurs naturally with time is non-selective and, in the majority of the cases, leads to synkinesis. Laryngeal pacing achieved with the application of the implantable microchips appears to be a promising approach. Read More

Equine Vet J 2018 Jul 5;50(4):457-464. Epub 2018 Jan 5.

Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.

Background: In horses, the only established method for reinnervation of the larynx is the nerve-muscle pedicle implantation, whereas in human medicine, direct nerve implantation is a standard surgical technique for selective laryngeal reinnervation in human patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objectives: (1) To describe a modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) in horses and (2) evaluate the outcomes of reinnervation using direct nerve needle-stimulation of the first cervical nerve and exercising endoscopy before and after surgery.

Study Design: Case series. Read More

Am J Vet Res 2017 Dec;78(12):1444-1448

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of bilateral ventriculocordectomy via ventral laryngotomy on laryngeal airway resistance (LAR) in canine cadaver larynges. SAMPLE 6 clinically normal canine cadaver larynges. PROCEDURES LAR was determined for each specimen before (baseline) and after bilateral ventriculocordectomy with the epiglottis open and closed. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Mar 21;158(3):505-510. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

2 Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Objective Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is a neuro-oncologic condition that presents with bilateral vestibular schwannomas of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Voice and swallowing impairment can occur from direct involvement or compression of the vagus nerve or as the result of surgical excision of CPA tumors. The objectives in this study are to (1) assess the prevalence of voice and swallowing impairments and (2) analyze the effects of vagal dysfunction in patients with NF2. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2017 Nov;96(45):e8514

aDepartment of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University bDepartment of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Rationale: Arytenoid dislocation is very rare and may be misdiagnosed as vocal cord paralysis or a self-limiting sore throat.

Patient Concerns: A 70-year-old male (70 kg, 156 cm) was scheduled for transurethral resection of bladder tumors. A McGrath videolaryngoscope, with a basic cuffed Mallinckrodt oral tracheal tube of 7. Read More

In Vivo 2017 Nov-Dec;31(6):1159-1162

Private Practice for Otorhinolaryngology, Allergology, Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Background: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis can result in shortness of breath and severe dyspnea which can be life-threatening.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-five patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent endo-extralaryngeal laterofixation according to Lichtenberger were retrospectively analyzed regarding etiology, symptoms, treatment and complications.

Results: In 27 patients, laterofixation of the vocal cord alone was performed. Read More

J Voice 2018 Nov 1;32(6):763-766. Epub 2017 Nov 1.

Department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Objective: The objective of this study was to report the first case of unilateral vocal fold paralysis in a patient with Parkinson disease (PD) and to review the literature.

Methods: This is a case report and literature review following PubMed search using the keywords "Parkinson," "vocal fold paralysis," "vocal fold palsy," "vocal fold immobility," "vocal fold adductor palsy," "airway obstruction," and "stridor."

Results: A total of 18 subjects diagnosed with PD and vocal fold paralysis were described. Read More

Adv Clin Exp Med 2017 Sep;26(6):947-952

Institute of Chemical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gliwice, Poland.

Background: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a rapidly developing instrument with a number of practical applications, allows calculation and visualization of the changing parameters of airflow in the upper respiratory tract.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of CFD as an instrument for noninvasive tests of the larynx in patients who had undergone surgical treatment due to bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Material And Methods: Surface measurements of the glottic space were made during maximum adduction of the vocal folds. Read More

J Infect Chemother 2018 Feb 17;24(2):142-146. Epub 2017 Oct 17.

Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an infectious herpes virus present in approximately 50% of the world's population. Pharyngitis is an uncommon manifestation of CMV infection, and vocal cord immobility (VCI) following CMV pharyngitis is quite rare. An 83-year-old man with well-controlled diabetes mellitus and hypertension was admitted due to dyspnea, odynophagia, and dysphagia. Read More

Int J Surg 2017 Dec 10;48:180-188. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Division for Endocrine and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University Hospital G. Martino, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria 1, 98125, Messina, Italy. Electronic address:

Purpose: The increasing use of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid surgery imposes an evaluation of cost-effectiveness.

Methods: The analysis estimated the cost versus utility of different alternatives that simulate nerve injury course and the consequences for the following cohorts of patients: (1) no RLN injury, or vocal fold palsy (VCP) recovery within 1 month (2), 2 months (3), 6 months (4), and after 12 months (5). In the model applied, the average simulated cohort consisted of a young female patient, 40 years old, employed, daily voice user, who underwent elective, conventional total thyroidectomy via cervical incision using a standardized intermittent IONM technique, for an operable benign, bilateral, diffuse, multinodular, non-toxic, non-retrosternal goiter. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 06 8;128(6):1316-1319. Epub 2017 Oct 8.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, U.S.A.

Objective: To determine the effect of injection augmentation of the vocal folds on chronic cough symptoms in patients with glottic insufficiency.

Methods: Medical records from 146 consecutive patients who underwent vocal fold injection augmentation by a fellowship-trained laryngologist between 2013 and 2015 were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (12 male) met inclusion criteria of a vocal fold augmentation injection, cough symptoms lasting more than 8 weeks, and glottic insufficiency as determined by shortened closed phase on stroboscopy. Read More

Vestn Otorinolaringol 2017;82(4):77-82

Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Therapeutics, State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education 'N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University', Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, 117997.

The objective of the present study was to consider the currently available methods for the diagnostics and treatment of the patients presenting with bilateral paralysis of the larynx of various etiologies. We undertook the analysis of the publications in the domestic and foreign scientific literature concerning diagnosis and treatment of bilateral paralysis of the larynx. It was found that despite the existing modern high-tech diagnostic technologies and the variety of surgical methods for the treatment of this condition, the problem of diagnostics, management, and rehabilitation of the patients suffering from bilateral paralysis of the larynx remains a serious challenge for the researchers and clinicians that requires further investigation of this pathology. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 12 5;157(6):948-954. Epub 2017 Sep 5.

1 Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Objectives To describe the present understanding of birth trauma-related vocal fold immobility and quantitatively compare it with idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility to explore whether it is a discrete entity. Data Sources PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. Review Methods English-language, observational, or experimental studies involving infants with idiopathic congenital or birth trauma-related vocal fold immobility were included. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 02 29;128(2):447-450. Epub 2017 Aug 29.

Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Laryngoscope 2017 11 26;127(11):2604-2607. Epub 2017 Aug 26.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Sep 21;100:86-90. Epub 2017 Jun 21.

Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.

Introduction: Unilateral vocal fold paresis may significantly impair the vocal quality and laryngeal competence of a child. Relatively little literature relates to injection medialisation laryngoplasty (IML) in children and previous reports have involved small numbers of heterogenous cases.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of paediatric patients managed by our multidisciplinary specialist voice clinic undergoing IML for unilateral vocal fold paresis. Read More

Clin Otolaryngol 2018 02 29;43(1):256-260. Epub 2017 Aug 29.

Department of Otolaryngology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.

Objectives: To compare respiratory function, swallowing and voice quality of bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) patients undergoing laser and diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Tertiary academic hospital. Read More

J Voice 2018 May 3;32(3):359-362. Epub 2017 Jul 3.

Head and Neck Regeneration Program, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona. Electronic address:

Bilateral true vocal fold paralysis is rarely attributable to inflammatory diseases. Sarcoidosis is a rare but important etiology of bilateral true vocal fold paralysis by compressive lymphadenopathy, granulomatous infiltration, and neural involvement. We describe the first reported case of sarcoidosis presenting as bilateral vocal fold immobility caused by direct fixation by granulomatous infiltration severe enough to necessitate tracheostomy insertion. Read More

Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Sep 4;10(3):203-212. Epub 2017 Jul 4.

Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) refers to neurological causes of reduced or absent movement of one or both vocal folds. Bilateral VFP (BVFP) is characterized by inspiratory dyspnea due to narrowing of the airway at the glottic level with both vocal folds assuming a paramedian position. The primary objective of intervention for BVFP is to relieve patients' dyspnea. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Jun 18;97:13-17. Epub 2017 Mar 18.

Otolaryngologyst at Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente, Concepcion, Chile.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adducted position (BVCPAd) is a severe cause of airway obstruction and usually debuts with stridor and airway distress necessitating immediate intervention. Tracheostomy has long been the gold standard for treating this condition, but has significant associated morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients. New conservative procedures have emerged to treat this condition thus avoiding tracheostomy, like endoscopic anterior and posterior cricoid split (EAPCS). Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2017 Apr;52(4):263-266

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital(Institute), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.

To analyze the incidences of complications after central compartment reoperation for recurrent/persistent differentiated thyroid cancer, and to investigate the safety and feasiblity of central compartment reoperation. A total of 109 patients who underwent central compartment reoperation for recurrent/persistent differentiated thyroid cancer from January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2016 in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was analysed retrospectively, and the incidences of reoperation-related complications were evaluated. Among 109 patients, only 10 (9. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2017 Apr;52(4):245-252

Department of Otorhinolarnygology Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.

To investigate the surgical effect of reinnervation of bilateral posterior cricoarytenoid muscles(PCA) with left hemi-phrenic nerve and endoscopic laser arytenoid resection in bilateral vocal cord fold paralysis(BVFP) and to analyze the pros and cons of the two methods. One hundred and seventeen BVFP patients who underwent reinnervation of bilateral PCA using the left hemi-phrenic nerve approach (nerve group, =52) or laser arytenoidectomy(laser group, =65) were enrolled in this study from Jan.2009 to Dec. Read More

Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017 Jun 7;14(3):317-326. Epub 2017 Apr 7.

1Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510630 People's Republic of China.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury can result in unilateral or bilateral vocal cords paralysis, thereby causing a series of complications, such as hoarseness and dyspnea. However, the repair of RLN remains a great challenge in current medicine. This study aimed to develop human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) and nerve growth factor (NGF)-loaded heparinized collagen scaffolds (HuMSCs/NGF HC-scaffolds) and evaluate their potential in the repair of RLN injury. Read More

Langenbecks Arch Surg 2017 Jun 4;402(4):663-673. Epub 2017 Apr 4.

International Evidence-Based Anatomy Working Group, 12 Kopernika St, 31-034, Krakow, Poland.

Purpose: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is one of the most common and detrimental complications following thyroidectomy. Intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (I-IONM) has been proposed to reduce prevalence of RLN injury following thyroidectomy and has gained increasing acceptance in recent years.

Methods: A comprehensive database search was performed, and data from eligible meta-analyses meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted. Read More

Laryngoscope 2017 09 27;127(9):2100-2105. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sean Parker Institute for the Voice, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: To identify strobolaryngoscopic findings significant in the diagnosis of paresis.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Fellowship-trained laryngologists reviewed 34 videostroboscopic examinations (24 with paresis, eight without paresis, two repeat). Read More