Office-Based Lower Airway Endoscopy: Feasibility and Safety.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to identify the ease and safety of office-based lower airway endoscopy (OLAE) in patients with and without comorbidities. In addition, we identified the most common indications for OLAE and the associated diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review on 567 patients and 706 in-office flexible fiberoptic procedures was performed. Using a previously established grading system, the ease of visualization of the subglottis, trachea, and carina was assessed, in addition to the overall ease of the exam. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-eight videos were available for review. Of those, 105 videos included an OLAE, accounting for 21.5% of all procedures. Laryngomalacia was the most common diagnosis in 35 of 105 (36%) OLAE. For all laryngomalacia cases, the overall ease was found to be on average 2.15 (standard error 0.12). Fisher exact testing showed a statistical significance in the ability to visualize the trachea between the types of Laryngomalacia (LM) (P = .035). Fisher exact testing was performed comparing LM types I, II, or III, and combined types of LM; no statistical difference was found between groups. In 4.76% of OLAE procedures, a subglottic pathology was diagnosed. Comorbidities were found in OLAE 26 of 105 patients. There were no complications identified. CONCLUSION: We found OLAE more challenging than previously reported. OLAE of combined types of laryngomalacia was subjectively more difficult, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. OLAE continues to be a safe alternative to operative laryngoscopy in pediatric patients and appears safe in those with comorbidities when precautions are taken. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 131:E649-E652, 2021.

30-Day readmission rates, diagnoses, and risk factors following pediatric airway surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the last few decades, the increased survival of premature infants and critically ill children have led to the increased frequency and complexity of pediatric airway procedures. Minimizing readmission rates following these procedures is important to maximize health outcomes and cost effectiveness. This study examines the incidence, reasons, and risk factors for hospital readmissions following pediatric airway surgeries in a large, nationally representative sample. METHODS: Pediatric airway surgeries performed across 22 states in 2014 were identified using data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Airway surgeries were identified and categorized using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes into the following categories: tracheostomy, repair of larynx, repair of trachea, laryngeal excision, tracheal excision, bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, laryngotracheal diagnostic procedures, other operations on larynx, and other operations on trachea. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors significantly correlated with readmissions. RESULTS: 10,289 pediatric airway procedures over 7120 visits were identified. 954 readmissions were identified for an overall readmission rate of 13.4%. 613 of these readmissions were related to the initial procedure, yielding a relevant readmission rate of 8.6%. On univariate analysis, factors that varied significantly with readmission rates included number of diagnoses on record (OR 1.06), number of chronic conditions (OR 1.18), number of procedures (OR 1.07), public insurance status (OR 1.39), bottom quartile median household income in patient zip code (OR 1.29), teaching hospital status (OR 1.60), and chronic perinatal respiratory disease (OR 1.45). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors included number of diagnoses (OR 1.02), number of chronic conditions (OR 1.13), and bottom quartile median household income in patient zip code (OR 1.20). The most common categories for readmission were respiratory distress (36%), infection (24%), and pneumonia (14%). The top overall individual reasons for readmission were stenosis of larynx (7.3%) and pneumonia (5.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric airway surgeries have relatively high rates of readmission. Strategies to reduce readmissions should involve addressing health disparities and employing a multidisciplinary approach to improve care for medically complex patients.

Repeated Orotracheal Intubation in Mice.

The literature describes several methods for mouse intubation that either require visualization of the glottis through the oral cavity or incision in the ventral neck for direct confirmation of cannula placement in the trachea. The relative difficulty or the tissue trauma induced to the subject by such procedures can be an impediment to an investigator's ability to perform longitudinal studies. This article illustrates a technique in which physical manipulation of the mouse following the use of a depilatory to remove hair from the ventral neck permits transcutaneous visualization of the trachea for orotracheal intubation regardless of degree of skin pigmentation. This method is innocuous to the subject and easily achieved with a limited understanding of murine anatomy. This refined approach facilitates repeated intubation, which may be necessary for monitoring progression of disease or instillation of treatments. Using this method may result in a reduction of the number of animals and technical skill required to measure lung function in mouse models of respiratory disease.

Anesthesia for shared airway surgery in children.

Shared airway surgery in children is a complex, high-risk undertaking that requires continuous communication and cooperation between the anesthetic and surgical teams. Airway abnormalities commonly seen in children, the surgical options, and the anesthetic techniques that can be used to care for this vulnerable population are discussed. Many of these procedures were traditionally carried out using jet ventilation, or intermittent tracheal intubation, but increasingly spontaneously breathing "tubeless" techniques are being used. This review has been written from both the surgical and anesthetic perspective, highlighting the concerns that both specialties have in relation to the maintenance of surgical access and operating conditions, and the need for the provision of anesthesia, oxygenation, and ventilation where the airway is the primary site of operation.

Association between Upper-airway Surgery and Ameliorative Risk Markers of Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of upper-airway surgery on improvement of endothelial function-related markers in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Subjects with moderate to severe OSA who underwent upper-airway surgery, with a follow-up duration of at least 6 months, were included. Pre- and postoperative polysomnographic variables and endothelial function-related markers were compared. Subgroup and correlation analyses were conducted to find possible indicators for better endothelial function-related markers after upper-airway surgery. In total, 44 patients with OSA were included. The mean follow-up duration was 1.72 ± 0.92 years. Serum VEGFA [-20.29 (CI: -35.27, -5.31), p < 0.05], Ang2 [-0.06 (CI: -0.16, 0.03), p < 0.05], E-selectin [-7.21 (CI: -11.01, -3.41), p < 0.001], VWF [-58.83 (CI: -103.93, -13.73), p < 0.05], VWFCP [-33.52 (CI: -66.34, -0.70), p < 0.05], and TM [-0.06 (CI: -0.09, -0.03), p < 0.05] were significantly lower after upper-airway surgery. However, other risk markers of endothelial function, such as Ang1, ICAM1, VEGFR1, and VCAM, did not change significantly. Correlations between improved endothelial function-related markers and ameliorated oxyhemoglobin saturation and glucolipid metabolism were established. Upper-airway surgery might be associated with an improvement in endothelial function in patients with OSA. These changes may be associated with improved oxygen saturation after upper-airway surgery.

Assessment of postoperative pain management and comparison of effectiveness of pain relief treatment involving paravertebral block and thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: TEA (thoracic epidural analgesia) is considered a basic method of analgesia used in thoracic surgeries. PVB (paravertebral block) is an alternative method. The thesis compares effectiveness of both methods in postoperative analgesia with particular focus on assessment of the postoperative pain management quality. METHODS: The study involved 2 groups of patients, each consisting of 30 patients undergoing posterolateral thoracotomy. The study group involved patients anesthetized applying PVB method, while the control group involved patients anesthetized with TEA. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters as well as severity of pain assessed using NRS (numeric rating scale) during the first 3 days after the surgery, number of days of hospitalization, and the need to use additional pain relievers were taken into account in both groups. Evaluation of postoperative pain management quality was performed applying Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management. RESULTS: No statistical significance was demonstrated between the groups in respect of hemodynamic and respiratory parameters values, the need to use additional pain relievers and the number of days of hospitalization. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in respect of general assessment of pain management quality, except for the assessment of the lowest level of pain within the last 24 h of measurement. This result in TEA group was statistically significantly lower than the one in PVB group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In the assessment of postoperative pain management quality both analyzed methods are statistically significantly different only in the category of "lowest level of pain within the last 24 hours of measurement", to the benefit of TEA group. No statistically significant difference has been observed between the two study groups with respect to the remaining parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KB-0012/71/15. Date of registration 22 June 2015.

Outcomes and imaging findings of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is a recently classified histopathologic diagnosis often identified incidentally following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for presumed chronic rhinosinusitis. Limited data exist defining preoperative imaging features and surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine characteristic imaging findings of REAH and postoperative olfactory and recurrence outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines on articles published from 1995 to present. PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were queried for studies pertinent to imaging findings of REAH and surgical outcomes. Quality of articles was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS: A total of 294 articles were identified, with 15 meeting inclusion criteria. Seven articles assessed both imaging findings and surgical outcomes. Three articles focused exclusively on imaging, whereas 5 examined surgical outcomes. Olfactory cleft (OC) widening greater than 10 mm on computed tomography (CT) was characteristic of REAH. A total of 441 patients with REAH were included; 221 patients (50.1%) had concurrent nasal polyposis, whereas 154 patients (34.9%) had isolated REAH. Surgical intervention ranged from simple excision to complete ESS. Sixty-five percent (65%) of patients reported improved olfaction; 4.1% of patients recurred with follow-up ranging from 4 months to 5 years. CONCLUSION: A widened OC may suggest the presence of REAH. This disease process has been identified in patients with nasal polyposis or encountered as an isolated lesion. Targeted surgery may result in improved olfaction and a low likelihood of recurrence, though long-term prospective studies are necessary.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication: An Excellent Treatment of GERD-Related Respiratory Symptoms in Children-Results of a Multicentric Study.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly chronic cough, are being recognized with increased frequency in children. This survey aimed to investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for treatment of GERD-related respiratory symptoms not responsive to medical therapy in neurological normal children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data of children with GERD-related respiratory complaints not responsive to medical therapy who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in four European centers of Pediatric Surgery over a 10-year period. We excluded children with neurological impairment. RESULTS: A total of 220 laparoscopic Nissen procedures were performed in the period 2005-2015. Twenty-four (12 boys and 12 girls, average age 9.5 years) out of the 220 patients (10.9%) presented with chronic cough and other respiratory manifestations, including asthma, reactive airway disease, and recurrent pneumonia. Average operative time was 65 minutes (range 45-100). As for postoperative complications, two tight wraps requiring endoscopic dilatation (IIIb Clavien) and two relapses of GERD for slipped Nissen requiring reoperation (IIIb Clavien) were recorded. None of these complications occurred in the group of patients with GERD-related respiratory symptoms. At follow-up evaluation, respiratory symptoms disappeared with a significant improvement of quality of life scoring (I Grade Visick) in 22/24 patients (91.6%). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that GERD should be investigated as one of the possible etiologic factors in any child with persistent respiratory complaints. In patients with symptoms not responsive to medical therapy, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the treatment of choice with a very high success rate (>90% in our series), a very low morbidity, a significant improvement in airway symptoms, and a marked reduction in the need for medications.

Providing cardiothoracic services in 2035: Signs of trouble ahead.

OBJECTIVE: As the population ages, we will present the reality around being able to meet the health care needs of our population. In particular, we will present that providing cardiothoracic services in 2035 with a shortage of surgeons and an unknown caseload may be an impossibility. METHODS: By using data from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, we estimate that in 2010, 4000 cardiothoracic surgeons performed more than 530,000 cases. Additionally, cardiothoracic residency programs train and certify on average 90 new surgeons every year. To estimate the number of cases for 2035, we consulted the Census Bureau figures for 2010 and population projections for 2035. We then estimated the expected caseload for cardiothoracic surgeons relative to heart surgery, as well as lung and esophageal surgery. We found that among 2010 cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States, they completed more than 530,000 cases. RESULTS: We project that by 2035 there will be 853,912 cases to perform, representing an increase from 2010 to 2035 of approximately 61% nationally. The cases per surgeon, per year, in 2010 averaged 135 for almost each of the 4000 surgeons. In 2035, the average caseload per surgeon will be 299 cases, representing an increase of 121% for the individual surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that by 2035, cardiothoracic surgeons will be responsible for more than 850,000 patients requiring surgery. This represents a 61% increase in the national case load and a potential for a 121% increase for each cardiothoracic surgeon. We believe this is not feasible and a sign of trouble ahead.

Five Hundred Seventy-Six Cases of Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Using Local Anesthesia and Sedation: Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia and endotracheal intubation are a luxury rather than a necessity for many video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) operations. Twenty-three years ago, I began using local anesthesia and sedation for pleural disease and subsequently, for pericardial and lung disease. STUDY DESIGN: The records of all patients undergoing VATS using local anesthesia and sedation at hospitals of the Geisinger Health System (Danville and Wilkes-Barre, PA), from June 1, 2002 to June 30, 2011, and the Lifebridge Health System (Baltimore, MD) from July 1, 2011 to March 1, 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. There was 1 unsuccessful attempt at this technique, and it was eligible for inclusion. No patient was excluded based on age, BMI, or comorbidities. No patient had endotracheal intubation, laryngeal mask airway, or epidural or nerve block analgesia; all patients breathed spontaneously. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-nine patients ranging in age from 21 to 104 years (mean 67 years) underwent 576 procedures: pleural biopsy-drainage with or without talc (n = 368); drainage of empyema (n = 112); lung biopsy (n = 56); evacuation of chronic hemothorax (n = 23); pericardial window (n = 10); treatment of chylothorax (n = 2); lung abscess draining (n = 2); treatment of pneumothorax (n = 2); and mediastinal mass biopsy (n = 1). No patient required intubation or conversion to thoracotomy. There were 12 complications (2%). There were no deaths due to operation. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracic surgery using local anesthesia and sedation is safe and effective for many indications. A review of the lessons learned caring for 529 patients will allow any thoracic surgeon and any anesthesiologist to practice this technique.

Feasibility and Safety of Flexible Bronchoscopy Performed Via Tracheal Tubes in Patients With Tracheostomies: A Retrospective, Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory disease, and is typically performed via transnasal or transoral approaches. FB can be performed via tracheal tubes in patients with tracheostomies; however, the safety and technical feasibility has not been established. The present study evaluates the safety and feasibility of performing FB via tracheal tubes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 patients underwent 56 procedures involving FB via tracheal tubes at a single institution from November 2013 to November 2014 and were included in this retrospective case series. RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 68 years (interquartile range, 56 to 82.5), and 51% were female. Most patients had 2 comorbidities (interquartile range, 1 to 3), with the most common being hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Upper airway obstruction was the primary indication for bronchoscopy in 40% of patients. Fifty-three percent of patients had a Shiley tube #6, [internal cannula diameter (ICD) of 6.5 mm]; tracheal tubes in the remaining patients ranged from Shiley #4 (ICD, 5.5 mm) to Shiley #8 (ICD, 8.5 mm). One patient did not complete the procedure due to severe hypertension (intraprocedural systolic blood pressure >180 mm Hg). During FB, no patients experienced cardiorespiratory arrest, arrhythmia, bleeding, or desaturation that required resuscitation. Eleven patients had a mucus plug leading to atelectasis during bronchoscopy, and 8 of these had a postprocedural chest x-ray finding of lung reexpansion. CONCLUSION: FB via tracheal tubes is a technically feasible and safe procedure that does not compromise patient oxygenation.

Ventilación controlada por volumen y por presión en pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas intervenidos quirúrgicamente / Volume- and pressure-controlled ventilation in surgically intervened patients with chronic respiratory diseases

Fundamento: Existe una alta frecuencia en nuestro medio de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y asma bronquial que requieren intervenciones quirúrgicas electivas y precisan de anestesia general con ventilación mecánica controlada por volumen y por presión. Objetivo: Comparar ambos métodos de ventilación controlada en los pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias crónicas intervenidos quirúrgicamente de forma electiva en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech de Camagüey. Métodos: Estudio observacional analítico. El universo comprendió 83 pacientes y la muestra por 40 pacientes. Se conformaron dos grupos de estudio: grupo I, en el cual se utilizó la ventilación controlada por volumen y se prefijó el volumen tidal a 7 mL/kg, con frecuencia respiratoria de 10-12 respiraciones por minuto, índice de inspiración-espiración 1:2 y FiO2 de 20,5 por ciento, y grupo II, en el cual se empleó la ventilación controlada por presión y se prefijó la presión inspiratoria pico ideal para garantizar el volumen minuto adecuado en el paciente, con frecuencia respiratoria de 10-12 respiraciones por minuto, índice de inspiración-espiración 1:2 y FiO2 0,5 por ciento. En ambos grupos se calculó la compliance dinámica y se determinó la relación presión arterial de oxígeno y fracción inspirada de oxígeno. Resultados: Se encontraron cifras mayores de la relación PO2/FiO 2, cifras de PIP más bajas y una mejor compliance dinámica en el grupo II. Conclusiones: La ventilación controlada por presión es una modalidad ventilatoria que ofrece al paciente adecuada oxigenación con mejor compliance y control de la presión inspiratoria pico(AU)

Background: Our scenario presents high frequency of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma and who require elective surgery and general anesthesia with volume- and pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation. Objective: To compare both methods of controlled ventilation in patients with chronic respiratory diseases electively operated at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital in Camagüey. Methods: Analytical, observational study. The universe comprised 83 patients and the sample comprised 40 patients. Study group I, in which volume-controlled ventilation was used, and volume was adjusted to 7 mL/kg, with respiratory rate of 10-12 breaths per minute, inspiratory-expiration ratio 1:2, and FiO 2 at 20.5 percent; and group II, in which pressure-controlled ventilation was used and the ideal peak inspiratory pressure was set to ensure the patient's adequate volume per minute, respiratory rate of 10-12 breaths per minute, inspiratory-expiration index 1:2, and FiO2 at 0.5 percent. Dynamic compliance was calculated in both groups and the relationship between oxygen arterial pressure and inspired oxygen fraction was determined. Results: We found higher numbers of the PO2/FiO2 ratio, lower PIP numbers and better dynamic compliance in group II. Conclusions : Pressure-controlled ventilation is a ventilation modality that offers the patient adequate oxygenation with better compliance and control of peak inspiratory pressure(AU)

Effect of low tidal volume with PEEP on respiratory function in infants undergoing one-lung ventilation.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies have shown that low tidal volume (TV) with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) offers lung protection during one-lung ventilation (OLV). Considering the unique physiological characteristics of infants, we aimed to determine the feasibility and effect of low TV with PEEP in infants undergoing OLV during thoracoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomized 60 infants to a conventional group (group I: TV, 8-10 ml/kg; RR, 23-45 bpm; PEEP, 0 cmH2O) or a low TV with PEEP group (group II: TV, 5-7 ml/kg; RR, 23-45 bpm; PEEP, 4-6 cmH2O). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at four time points: 5 min of two-lung ventilation (TLV, T0), and 20 min, 40 min, and 60 min of OLV (T1, T2, T3); hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean blood pressure), temperature, as well as gas exchange (SpO2 and PETCO2) and ventilation parameters (FiO2, PEEP, Pmax) were recorded simultaneously. Lung compliance and shunt were also calculated. RESULT: No significant difference was found between both groups at T0. Compared with T0, PETCO2, Pmax, PaCO2, lactic acid, and intrapulmonary shunt volume (Qs/Qt) were increased while PaO2 and respiratory system compliance (Cdyx) were decreased noticeably in both groups at T1, T2, and T3. At T1, T2, and T3, Pmax and Qs/Qt were much lower while PETCO2, PaCO2, and Cdyx were higher in group II than in group I. There was no significant difference in lactic acid and PaO2 measurements between the two groups at T1, T2, and T3. CONCLUSION: Low TV with PEEP could be an effective intraoperative ventilation strategy for infants undergoing OLV during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and may reduce the risk of lung injury. However, this strategy, as well as the influence of intraoperative hypercapnia on infants, needs further investigation.

The efficacy and safety of the flexible fiber CO2 laser delivery system in the endoscopic management of pediatric airway problems: Our long term experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of flexible fiber CO2 laser in the endoscopic management of pediatric airway cases. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent CO2 laser-assisted airway procedures between September 2007 and January 2014 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients underwent 80 procedures utilizing flexible fiber CO2 laser. Procedures included supraglottoplasty (n = 32), laryngeal cleft repair (type I [n = 10], type II [n = 7], type III [n = 6]), suprastomal granuloma excision (n = 6), cordotomy (n = 4), laryngeal neurofibroma excision (n = 4), laryngeal granulomatous mass excision (n = 1), subglottic stenosis excision (n = 6), division of glottic web (n = 2), subglottic cyst excision (n = 1), and supraglottic biopsy (n = 1). Ages ranged from 8 days to 21 years (median 11 months). No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the use of laser were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The flexible fiber CO2 laser can be safely and effectively used to address a variety of pediatric airway lesions. Previously, the use of CO2 laser in minimally invasive airway surgery has been limited due to the articulating arm carrier, absence of a hand piece, and the direct line-of sight view required. The fiber allows the cutting beam to be directed at the site of the lesion and bypasses limitations posed by other laser systems.

A decade of pediatric tracheostomies: Indications, outcomes, and long-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To define the mortality and long-term outcomes of children undergoing tracheostomy. DESIGN: Retrospective chart and Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics review of patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit who underwent a tracheostomy between 2001 and 2011. Mortality and decannulation rates were compared based on tracheostomy indication and age. SUBJECTS: A total of 426 patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a large tertiary children's hospital. RESULTS: The median patient age was 1.5 years (3 days-24 years). Primary indications for tracheostomy included (a) airway obstruction, (b) congenital neurologic disease, (c) acquired neurologic disease, (d) congenital respiratory disease, and (e) acquired respiratory disease. Overall, 98 patients (23%) died during the study period, and 75th percentile survival time was 5.9 years (95%CI: 3-8). Patients undergoing a tracheostomy for airway obstruction were the least likely to die; while patients with acquired neurologic disease were most likely to die. A total of 163 patients (38%) were decannulated, and 50% were decannulated at 1.2 years (95%CI: 0.9-1.5). Patients with congenital neurologic disease were the least likely to undergo decannulation. Over half of the patients were discharged from the hospital requiring some form of mechanical respiratory support in addition to their tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: In this largest cohort of long-term follow-up to date, we have shown the overall risk of mortality varied according to the indication for the tracheostomy. We were unable to determine exact causes of death. The likelihood of being decannulated also correlates with the underlying indication for the tracheostomy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:946-953. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Transoral robotic surgery for upper airway pathology in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to present one of the largest case series of pediatric transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the upper airway demonstrating a wide range of ages and indications. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series at an academic tertiary referral center from August 2010 to September 2014. METHODS: The da Vinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) was used on 16 pediatric patients for 18 procedures. A variety of upper airway pathologies and reconstructions in children with a wide range of ages and weights were treated. No lingual tonsillectomies or base-of-tongue reductions were included. RESULTS: Sixteen children (6 males) underwent 18 TORS procedures, including resection of hamartoma (n = 1), repair of laryngeal cleft (n = 7), removal of saccular cyst (n = 2), release of pharyngeal or esophageal strictures (n = 2), and excision of lymphatic malformations (n = 4). Patient ages ranged from 14 days to 15 years. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients had successful robotic access, and no patients had conversions to open or traditional endoscopic surgery. Hospital courses varied with duration ranging from 1 to 20 days. The median follow up was 22 months. CONCLUSION: Applying TORS to the pediatric population can be feasible and safe for appropriate airway pathologies. Because many patients are small in size, there is inherent risk in using robotic instruments and scopes transorally. Pearls in this series include a standardized two-robot experienced attending team and longitudinal airway follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 127:247-251, 2017.

Diagnosis and Anti-Reflux Therapy for GERD with Respiratory Symptoms: A Study Using Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH Monitoring.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Respiratory symptoms are often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although the role of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring in GERD is clear, little is known regarding the characteristics of patients with respiratory symptoms based on MII-pH monitoring and anti-reflux therapy. We evaluated a cohort of GERD patients to identify the MII-pH parameters of GERD-related respiratory symptoms and to assess the anti-reflux therapy outcomes. METHODS: We undertook a prospective study of patients who were referred for GERD evaluation from January 2011 to January 2012. One hundred ninety-five patients underwent MII-pH monitoring and esophageal manometry, and one hundred sixty-five patients underwent invasive anti-reflux therapy that included laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and the Stretta procedure. The patient characteristics and MII-pH parameters were analyzed, and the symptom scores were assessed at baseline and at 1- and 3-year follow-up evaluations. RESULTS: Of the 195 patients, 96 (49.2%) exhibited respiratory symptoms and significantly more reflux episodes (70.7±29.3) than patients without respiratory symptoms (64.7±24.4, p = 0.044) based on the MII-pH monitoring results. Moreover, the group of patients with respiratory symptoms exhibited more proximal reflux episodes (35.2±21.3) than the non-respiratory symptomatic group (28.3±17.9, p = 0.013). One hundred twenty-five patients following the Stretta procedure (n = 60, 31 with respiratory symptoms) or LTF (n = 65, 35 with respiratory symptoms) completed the designated 3-year follow-up period and were included in the final analysis. The symptom scores after anti-reflux therapy all decreased relative to the corresponding baseline values (p<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the control of respiration between the Stretta procedure and LTF (p>0.05). However, LTF significantly reduced the recurrence (re-operation) rate compared with the Stretta procedure (0 vs. 19.4%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: MII-pH monitoring effectively detected respiratory-related predictive parameters, including total/proximal reflux episodes and symptom correlations. We found that GERD patients with respiratory symptoms exhibited more proximal and total reflux episodes but not more acid-related episodes, as determined by MII-pH monitoring. Thus, such monitoring could be useful for diagnosing atypical GERD patients with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, LTF exhibited a more significant effect on controlling typical symptoms in all GERD patients and reducing the recurrence rate than the Stretta procedure in patients with respiratory symptoms.