Managing subglottic stenosis with Montgomery tube - Our experience.

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the outcome of Montgomery T-tube insertion in our institution (AIIMS, Raipur). This study also throws light on its indications and complications. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 10 patients who presented with laryngotracheal stenosis and managed by Laryngofissure with Montgomery Tube insertion in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery atAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, India, during the period of January 2018- JUNE 2020. Results: The most common cause of laryngotracheal stenosis was prolonged intubation as seen in 80% patients.Majority of patients (40%) in this study were in the 3rd decade. In this study all the patients underwent tracheostomy prior to treatment for stenosis. The most common complication seen was surgical emphysema in post-operative period seen in 6 patients (60%) followed by crusting in 4 patients (40%), secondary granulation tissue formation in 4 patients (40%). Montgomery tube reinsertion had to be done in 2 patients (20%). Conclusions: Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) has always been and will remain a challenge to the otolaryngologistsand a multidisciplinary approach is required to tackle it.A multitude of surgeries have been described for the management of Laryngotracheal stenosis ranging from Endoscopic dilatation and cricotracheal resection with anterior and posterior grafting and anastomosis but many of them require specialized training and expertise,prolonged ICU care and have morbidity and mortality. 'Laryngofissure and Montgomery Tube stenting provides a safe and easy treatment option which can be done at most centres provided appropriate case selection has been done.

"Fistula Zero" Project After Total Laryngectomy: The Candiolo Cancer Institute Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a troublesome complication after total laryngectomy. The "Fistula zero" project aims to reduce the number of PCF by following a detailed protocol based on three fundamental key points. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Fistula zero project included 77 patients who underwent total laryngectomy in the period from January 2019 to December 2020. The protocol consisted of three main aspects: the systematic placement of a Har-El salivary bypass tube, the continuous horizontal watertight pharyngeal suture using a barbed suture, onlay insetting of a pedicled flap in pre-treated patients. RESULTS: One case of PCF (1.3%) and three small blind fistulas (3.9%) were observed in this series. The mean length of hospitalization was 18 days. CONCLUSION: Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) prolongs hospitalization and delays adjuvant treatments. Thanks to a strict adherence to the protocol, it was possible to reduce PCF rates, avoiding lengthy hospitalization and additional surgical procedures.

Utility of the Montgomery salivary tubes for preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic, protocolized, and standardized use of a Montgomery tube in preventing pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy and neck dissection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A Montgomery salivary bypass tube was placed in 44 patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection, observing the percentage of fistula appearance and the time of start of deglutition. Comparison was made with a group of 28 patients prior to the implantation of the protocol in whom the tube was not used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of fistulas and an earlier onset of deglutition in the salivary bypass tube patients compared to those in whom the tube had not been used. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic and standardized use of the Montgomery salivary bypass tube in patients undergoing total laryngectomy and neck dissection might decrease the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula and improve the course of one that is already established.

Tracheal mucormycosis pneumonia: a rare clinical presentation.

This article reports an unusual case of tracheal mucormycosis following H1N1 pneumonia and reviews previously reported cases. A 40-y-old female with a 5-y history of diabetes mellitus, adequately controlled by oral hypoglycemic agents, developed tracheal mucormycosis after successful treatment for H1N1 pneumonia. The condition was diagnosed during workup for decannulation due to subglottic and upper tracheal obstruction by necrotic chewing gum-like tissue and cartilage. The patient was managed successfully by treatment with amphotericin B and surgical intervention in the form of laryngofissure and Montgomery tube placement. A review of the literature revealed only 5 previously reported cases of tracheal mucormycosis. A high degree of suspicion, early endoscopy and biopsy, histopathological evidence of the infection, and early institution of therapy are the keys to successful outcome.

Laryngotracheal stenosis: clinical profile, surgical management and outcome.

Despite the availability of various surgical options, management of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) still remains an enigma. Proper selection of surgical technique in each clinical setting is the key for successful outcome. The purpose of this article is to guide one in selection of appropriate surgical procedures depending upon various stenosis parameters. Aim To record the clinical profile of cases with LTS. To assess the outcome following various surgical interventions based on site, severity, cause of stenosis and to derive conclusions regarding treatment options in various stenosis. Materials and Methods It is a study of 60 cases with chronic LTS. It includes retrospective study of 30 cases treated from 2004 and prospective study of 30 cases from Jan 2007 to Dec 2009. A total of 60 cases with LTS were enrolled in the study. Patients were assessed clinically by eliciting detailed history and analyzing previous records. After assessment of extent of stenosis, they were subjected to surgical interventions (endoscopic/open approach). Outcome after surgical interventions was assessed. Results 60 patients were included in the study, in the age group of 2.5-50 years. There were 46 (77%) male patients and 14 (23%) female patients. Intrinsic trauma, secondary to prolonged intubation was the most common cause of LTS, seen in 23 (38%) cases followed by post traumatic stenosis (strangulation-18 (30%), blunt injury-15 (25%), penetrating neck injury-4 (7%)). Stenosis was divided into 6 types based on subsite involvement. Of which, cervical trachea was the commonest site of involvement (25/60 cases). Majority of cases had fixed vocal cords at presentation (55%), more commonly due to post traumatic injury. 60 cases had undergone a total of 110 surgical procedures (endoscopic-56,open approach-54). In the end, overall decannulation rate is 93.3%. In site wise tracheal stenosis, isolated subglottis, combined glottis and subglottic stenosis had decannulation rate of 100% each and with mobile vocal cords, the success rate is 96%. Conclusions Post traumatic stenosis with fixed vocal cords is more common in our practice. Categorizing stenosis into various subtypes helps in treatment planning and predicts surgical outcome. Tracheal or subglottic stenosis with mobile vocal cords has better success rate.