Overlapping otolaryngologic surgery: Safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures scheduled staggered between two operating rooms increase efficiency by eliminating turnover time. However, the practice might increase the surgeon's fatigue. Overlapping surgery has been assumed to be safe because no critical portions of procedures are performed simultaneously in two rooms, but there is little evidence in the literature to support that assumption for otolaryngologic surgery, and there is no evidence comparing non-overlapping and overlapping surgical outcomes for a single surgeon with all confounding factors controlled. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that included a consecutive sample of adult subjects who underwent otolaryngologic laryngeal or otologic surgery between June 2013 and March 2016. All procedures were performed by the same surgical team and surgeon who had block time with 2-rooms every other week and 1-room on alternate weeks. The incidence of surgical complications was assessed in the perioperative period. Duration of surgery and time-in-room also were evaluated, as were surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 496 surgeries were assigned to either overlapping-surgery (n = 346) or non-overlapping-surgery (n = 150) cohorts. Overlapping-surgery was a significant predictor for increased time-in-room on multivariate analysis but was not a significant predictor for surgery duration. Rate of complications, hospital readmission, emergency department visit, reoperation, mortality, and patient satisfaction did not differ significantly between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping surgery does not hinder patient safety or functional outcomes in patients undergoing otolaryngologic operations such as voice or ear surgery.

Characterization of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in the Elderly Population.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) often is not diagnosed due to its presentation without heartburn. The aim of this study was to analyze the signs and symptoms of elderly patients undergoing treatment for LPR using subjective as well as objective measures including strobovideolaryngoscopies, 24-hour pH studies, and manometry to highlight appropriate considerations for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux who were seen from January 2010 to February 2021 in the practice of the senior author (Robert T. Sataloff) who had undergone 24-hour pH testing, and for whom all data were available. Patients aged 60 years and older were considered elderly and compared to patients younger than 40 and between the ages of 40 and 59. However, patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s were evaluated and compared separately. Objective reflux findings, 24-hour pH studies, and manometry were compared between groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-eight patients being treated for LPR were included, 100 of whom were over the age of 60. While 94.1% of patients younger than 40 had a chief complaint of hoarseness, 71% percent of those aged 60 and older complained of hoarseness. Patients aged 60 and older were more likely to present with no voice complaint as their age increased (P = 0.001). Lower esophageal sphincter residual pressure was 12.15 ±â€¯6.28 in elderly patients compared to 4.90 ±â€¯3.38 in patients younger than 40 (P < 0.001). Upper esophageal sphincter (UES) basal pressure was decreased in elderly patients at 83.84 ±â€¯50.53 compared to 105.92 ±â€¯51.49 in patients younger than 60 or younger (P = 0.029). Older patients in their 70s and 80s also had lower UES basal pressures at 75.79 ±â€¯47.66 and 63.45 ±â€¯14.50 (P = 0.003). Additionally, while 71.4% of patients younger than 40 had normal esophageal motility (Chicago classification v4), only 40% of elderly patients had normal esophageal motility (P < 0.001). More severe ventricular obliteration also was present in elderly patients compared to non-elderly patients (P = 0.032), and thick endolaryngeal mucus was less likely to be present in elderly patients (P = 0.007). Reflux finding score differed between age groups with patients aged less than 40 scoring 14.78 ±â€¯2.5, 40-59 year olds scoring 15.83 ±â€¯2.13 and patients 60 and older scoring 15.48 ±â€¯2.43 (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients diagnosed with LPR have different presentations of the disease compared with younger patients.

Gluten Sensitivity Underlying Resistant "Laryngopharyngeal Reflux" Symptoms and Signs.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is one of the most common conditions encountered in otolaryngology. Gluten sensitivity may mimic the signs and symptoms of LPR or act as an aggravating cofactor with LPR. Gluten sensitivity and food intolerance also have been implicated as conditions that may be associated specifically with LPR symptoms and signs resistant to traditional medical treatment. Medical management of LPR may be insufficient to control symptoms and laryngeal signs of reflux, constituting resistant LPR. Eliminating gluten from the diet could provide symptomatic relief to patients with gluten sensitivity and LPR that is not controlled adequately by current regimens. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between gluten sensitivity and LPR. We aimed to evaluate reflux finding score (RFS) improvement following elimination of gluten from the diet in patients with resistant LPR who had positive blood tests associated with gluten sensitivity. Symptom improvement was also assessed following dietary gluten elimination. Lastly, we aimed to identify predictors for a positive response to a gluten-free diet. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent gluten sensitivity testing for treatment-resistant LPR symptoms and/or signs were included. Patients with ≥1 positive test were advised to begin a therapeutic trial of a gluten-free diet. Subjects who chose not to trial a gluten-free diet or tested negative for gluten sensitivity markers served as controls. RFS was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven patients were included; 81 trialed a gluten-free diet. Subjects who trialed the gluten-free diet were significantly more likely to demonstrate objective improvement in RFS (77.14% vs 43.88%), and report subjective improvement (55.41% vs 25.77%) than those who did not. RFS had decreased significantly from baseline at 1-3, 3-6, 6-12, and >12-month interval follow-up examinations in subjects who trialed a gluten-free diet. Comparison between subjects who trialed the gluten-free diet, tested positive for a gluten sensitivity marker but did not trial the gluten-free diet, and subjects who were negative for all gluten sensitivity markers revealed that a gluten-free diet was associated with a significantly greater percent improvement in RFS compared to controls at 1-3, 6-12, and >12-months. CONCLUSION: Gluten sensitivity can mimic or aggravate LPR. A gluten-free diet should be considered for patients with resistant LPR, especially if blood test abnormalities that suggest gluten sensitivity are identified. The diet should be maintained for a minimum of three months to demonstrate objective improvement using RFS.

Efficacy of the Grit Scale Score in Predicting Voice Therapy Adherence and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Voice therapy generally is considered first-line treatment for dysphonia and vocal fold paresis. It requires a commitment of time, effort and resources; currently, there is no good indicator to identify which patients are good candidates for voice therapy. The Grit scale, developed by psychologist Angela Duckworth, provides a method to quantify perseverance and commitment to long-term goals. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the Grit scale score could correlate with patient adherence to voice therapy and outcomes, by which subjects with higher Grit scale scores demonstrate greater adherence and better outcomes. METHODS: Subjects were categorized into five groups, subjects who (1) were discharged from therapy after successful completion, (2) improved to normal, near-normal, or a level of voice function with which the patients were satisfied, and then stopped attending therapy (3) attended as at least the recommended number of sessions or greater than 8 sessions with some voice improvement (4) failed to improve to a voice function level satisfactory to the patient despite attending voice therapy, (5) failed to attend voice therapy as recommended. Subjects in groups 1-4 were considered adherent to voice therapy, whereas group 5 was considered not adherent. Category 1 was considered the most favorable outcome, whereas Category 5 was considered the least favorable outcome (1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5). RESULTS: Eighty-nine subjects are included in the study. The average age of subjects was 44.9 years old, and there was a nearly equal split between male and female subjects. The mean Grit score (48) of the adherent group (categories 1-4) was not significantly different from that of the non-adherent group (47, P = 0.190). Spearman's rho between Grit scale score and the categories (1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5) was 0.0674, P = 0.530. CONCLUSION: Neither the analysis by groups nor the Spearman correlation across all categories supported our hypothesis that higher Grit scale scores would be associated with better adherence and outcomes. The failure of the Grit scale score to predict adherence to voice therapy and outcomes emphasizes the need for further research to find a metric that will help predict and improve patient adherence with voice therapy and voice outcomes. Further research is needed to determine why it was unable to be predictive and to confirm or refute our findings.

Intralesional Cidofovir: A Systematic Review of Administration Protocols and Long-term Recurrence Rates in Adult and Juvenile Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: This is a systematic review aimed to explore Cidofovir administration protocols, recurrence rates, and long-term effectiveness for severe cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). The primary goal was to identify current practices, determine the preferred protocol, and assess the adjuvant therapy's ability to prevent long-term papilloma recurrence in juvenile and adult-onset disease. METHODS: The following databases were searched: Pubmed, Google Scholar (pages 1-10), EMBASE, Scopus, ISI (clarivate), Cochrane Library, and Journal Storage from 1996 to June 2022. Articles that reported the use of intralesional Cidofovir in RRP and reported remission/recurrence rates with follow-up were included in the review. The systematic review was registered through PROSPERO and contains the detailed protocol for the conduction of the review. RESULTS: A total of 389 records were identified, 126 titles and abstracts screened, 45 studies fully read, and 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Two hundred and fourteen adult-onset RRP (AORRP) and 126 juvenile-onset RRP (JORRP) cases were treated with Cidofovir across the included studies. There was no universal protocol for administering Cidofovir, with variations in concentration, treatment period, number and interval of injections, and follow-up duration. Most lesions showed human papilloma virus types 6 and 11. Recurrence rates varied, and other outcomes reported included remission rates, lesion reduction, surgical intervals, and side effects. Some studies demonstrated significant improvements in disease severity and extended intervals between recurrences after Cidofovir administration. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of 30 studies reveals the need for greater consistency in reporting treatment parameters and outcomes. The use of recurrence-free period as an outcome measure and the potential benefits of a concentration of 7.5 mg/mL are identified. Additionally, the importance of viral typing within papilloma lesions is emphasized. To further enhance understanding and establish optimal protocols, future research should focus on uniform reporting, including severity, dosage, interval, treatment duration, functional outcome, and related procedures. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022299549.

An Exploration of the Risk Factors, Severity, and Sequelae of Vocal Fold Hemorrhage in a Population of Voice Patients Before and After Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Vocal fold hemorrhage (VFH) is the rupture (usually acute) of a blood vessel within the true vocal fold. The long-term sequelae of VFH on the mucosal wave (MW) and glottic gap on video stroboscopy remain understudied. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term consequences of VFH through measured and rated analysis of the mucosal wave and glottic gap. METHODS: The presence of VFH and its extent (limited/moderate vs. extensive VFH) were identified. The primary outcome of this study was mucosal wave, which was assessed on an ordinal scale by three blinded raters pre and posthemorrhage. Only patients who had undergone strobovideolaryngoscopy before sustaining VFH were included. Mucosal wave and glottic gap also were measured using image pixel analysis using the open-access tool, ImageJ (NIH, Bethesda, MD). RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects were included in this study (mean age 39.78 ± 15.54). Intra-rater reliability for MW ratings was 81.48% ± 6.150% (minimum 77.78%) for all evaluators (κ = 0.519 [0.267-0.772], P < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability analysis revealed 75.56% agreement between evaluators (κ = 0.524 [0.425-0.623], P < 0.001). MWMeasured extrapolated from ImageJ methodology correlated significantly with MWRated (n = 70, r = 0.448, P < 0.001). ΔMWMeasured from baseline to follow-up evaluation were compared for both the initial follow-up visit (FU1) and the second follow-up visit (FU2) [-4.135 ± 31.01 vs. 36.50 ± 39.97, P = 0.025]. Hence, ΔMWMeasured was significantly better by FU2 than FU1, with the larger positive change from baseline representing a greater improvement in the measured mucosal wave. Additionally, there were significant differences in ΔMWRated between those with limited/moderate VFH and those with extensive VFH at FU1. Duration of absolute voice rest correlated significantly with time to VFH resolution. Long-term change in mucosal wave after hemorrhage was assessed using both ΔMWMeasured and MWRated. Based on ΔMWRater, 35.0% of subjects demonstrated ongoing and worse mucosal wave restriction compared to baseline at their most recent follow-up visit. Based on ΔMWMeasured, 50.0% of the subjects showed ongoing and worse mucosal wave restriction compared to baseline at their most recent follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Overall long-term restrictions in MW after hemorrhage were present in 35.0% of the subjects based on ratings and 50.0% of the patients based on the measured MW using ImageJ, demonstrating the importance of ongoing study into this pathology and how to prevent it, especially in PVU and professional singers. Patients presenting with extensive hemorrhage were at risk for more prominent, detectable changes in mucosal wave compared to those with limited/moderate hemorrhage in the short-term, defined by a mean FU time of 3 months, but not long-term, characterized by a mean FU time 6 months or greater. Whether the severity of VFH is a true indicator of mucosal wave alterations requires additional study, as does the reliability and validity of ImageJ mucosal wave and glottic gap measurement techniques.

Safety and Efficacy of Outpatinet Type 1 Thyroplasty Using Gore-Tex for Mobile Vocal Folds.

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 thyroplasty treats glottic insufficiency (GI) through vocal fold medialization. The safety of type 1 thyroplasty and its efficacy in an outpatient setting have not been investigated in patients with mobile vocal folds. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate efficacy and safety of outpatient type 1 thyroplasty using Gore-Tex for mobile vocal folds. METHODS: Patients from our voice center who had vocal fold paresis, had not had prior thyroplasty, and who underwent type 1 thyroplasty using Gore-Tex implants and were followed for at least 3 months were included in this retrospective study. Strobovideolaryngoscopy footage from each patient's preoperative and postoperative visits was compiled and de-identified. Three blinded physician raters reviewed and evaluated the videos to determine glottic closure and complications. Interrater reliability was moderate and intrarater reliability was good for GI. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients with an average age of 49.6 years were included in the retrospective cohort. GI improved significantly in patients from preoperative to first postoperative visit and from preoperative to second postoperative visit. The GI improvement from the second to third visit was not significant. In total, 33 patients underwent additional Thyroplasty, 12 due to revision from a complication and 25 for further voice improvement. There were no major complications seen. Within 1 month of surgery, the most frequent findings were edema and hemorrhage. Long-term complications evaluated by raters were reported inconsistently with poor interrater and intrarater reliability, and therefore were excluded. CONCLUSION: Overall, outpatient type 1 thyroplasty using a Gore-Tex implant is safe and effective in treating dysphonia due to GI in patients with vocal fold paresis and mobile vocal folds. There were no major complications within 1 week of surgery requiring hospitalization, supporting the literature that type 1 thyroplasty is safe to perform in the outpatient setting.

Misdiagnosis of Vocal Fold Nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Benign vocal fold masses (BVMs) include nodules, polyps, cysts, and other pathology. Nevertheless, some otolaryngologists and other physicians utilize "vocal fold nodules" as an umbrella diagnosis for vocal fold masses. Patients subsequently evaluated by a laryngologist are found to have a different vocal fold mass, which often has a different prognosis and treatment plan compared to nodules. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate at which vocal fold nodules are misdiagnosed. METHODS: Adult voice patients who presented to our voice center having been evaluated elsewhere by an otolaryngologist and diagnosed with vocal fold nodules, or prenodules, were included in this retrospective study. Strobovideolaryngoscopy (SVL) footage from each patient's first visit or prior to any treatment at our center was compiled and de-identified. Three blinded physician raters evaluated the videos to determine if the mass(es) was/were nodules on a binary scale, with 1 indicating a nodule. If the mass was not a nodule (0), the raters were asked to identify it based on a list of five different mass types. RESULTS: There were 56 cases (11 male and 45 female) included in the retrospective cohort. The average age was 38 ± 14.8 with a range of 11-65. Reliability between all raters was fair (κ = 0.3). Individually raters 1 and 2 had very good reliability (κ = 1) and rater 3 had good reliability (κ = 0.6). In 100% of cases, two raters agreed that none of the masses were nodules. Only one rater identified two masses as vocal fold nodules, indicating that at least 97% of cases were not vocal fold nodules and had been misdiagnosed. The most frequently identified mass and the most frequently agreed upon mass by all raters was vocal fold cyst or pseudocyst, followed by fibrous mass. Only one rater was unable to identify the mass type in some cases (n = 7). CONCLUSION: Vocal fold nodules are frequently misdiagnosed. Proper identification of vocal fold masses requires high levels of expertise and SVL. Since treatment of BVMs varies with mass type, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Otolaryngology resident familiarity with surgical instruments and preoperative setup: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine otolaryngology (ORL) residents' ability to prepare the operating room independently for ORL surgical cases and their familiarity with ORL surgical instruments and related equipment. METHODS: A 24-question, one-time, anonymous survey was distributed to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery program directors for distribution among their residents in the United States in November 2022. Residents in every post-graduate year were surveyed. Spearman's ranked correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were used. RESULTS: The response rate among program directors was 9.5 % (11/116 programs), while the response rate among residents was 51.5 % (88/171 residents). A total of 88 survey responses were completed. 61 % of ORL residents who responded were able to name most instruments used in surgical cases. The most recognized surgical instruments by ORL residents were microdebrider (99 %) and alligator forceps (98 %); the least recognized were bellucci micro scissors (72 %) and pituitary forceps (52 %); and all instruments except the microdebrider showed significantly increased recognition with increasing post graduate training year (PGY), p ≤ 0.05. ORL residents were most able to set up independently the electrocautery (77 %) and laryngoscope suspension (73 %), while they were least able to set up the robot laser (6.8 %) and coblator (26 %) independently. All instruments showed significant positive correlations with increasing PGY; the strongest correlation was found in laryngoscope suspension, r = 0.74. 48 % of ORL residents reported that there were times when surgical techs and nurses were not available. Only 54 % of ORL residents reported being able to set up instruments when alone in the operating room, including 77.8 % of PGY-5 residents. Only 8 % of residents reported receiving education related to surgical instruments from their residency program, while 85 % thought that ORL residencies should have courses or educational materials about surgical instruments. CONCLUSION: ORL residents' familiarity with surgical instruments and preoperative setup improved throughout their training. However, specific instruments had much lower recognition than others and a lower ability for independent setup. Nearly half of ORL residents reported being unable to set up surgical instruments in the absence of surgical staff. Implementation of surgical instrument education may improve these deficiencies.

Assessing the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Presbylarynx in the Elderly Laryngology Population.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of presbylarynx and its associated features in an elderly population representative of patients seen in a tertiary care laryngology practice. The secondary objective of this study was to compare laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) findings, coexisting VF conditions, medical history, surgical history, medication use, and other parameters between patients with and without presbylarynx. METHODS: Adult voice patients aged 60 years and older who underwent strobovideolaryngoscopy were included in the study. Patients were assigned to one of two groups based on the majority (≥2/3) agreement of three blinded authors' (GA, KL, and HP) graded examinations of strobovideolaryngoscopy (SVL) videos for findings consistent with presbylarynx (atrophic vocal folds [VFA], vocal fold bowing [VFB], vocal process prominence [VPP] and anterior glottic insufficiency [GI]). Patient demographics, medical history, surgical history, medication use, laboratory results, and SVL videos were compiled. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0.0.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY). All tests were performed two-tailed, and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients (84 female/80 male, mean age of 68.397 ± 4.947 years) were included in this study. The prevalence of presbylarynx was 52.4% (n = 86) in the study population. The mean age of patients in the presbylarynx group was significantly higher than the nonpresbylarynx group. Additionally, there were significantly more males than females in the presbylarynx group. The presbylarynx group also was found to have a higher proportion of ACE inhibitor (ACEi) use. Further, laboratory results revealed a significantly higher proportion of patients with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the presbylarynx group. Conversely, patients in the nonpresbylarynx group were found to have a significantly higher rate of levothyroxine use. On SVL, patients in the nonpresbylarynx cohort were found to have a significantly higher proportion of benign vocal fold lesions and vocal fold paresis. However, LEMG testing revealed no statistically significant differences in muscle recruitment between groups. Men with presbylarynx were found to have a significantly higher proportion of VFB and VPP compared to women with presbylarynx. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with presbylarynx in patients representative of those treated by laryngologists. Signs consistent with presbylarynx are observable even in the presence of coexisting VF conditions. Older age, elevated TSH, the use of ACEi, and male gender was associated with signs of presbylarynx on SVL. Of those diagnosed with presbylarynx, males were identified as having higher proportions of VFB and VPP compared to females. More education regarding presbylarynx and further studies to improve standardization of the criteria for its diagnosis, as well as its relationship with other VF conditions, are encouraged to improve management of the aging voice.

The Relationship Between Vocal Fold Mobility Disorders and Ineffective Esophageal Motility.

OBJECTIVE: Deglutition, speech production, and airway protection are extraordinarily complex, interrelated functions that are coordinated, in large part, by the motor and sensory innervation of CN X. Previous studies assessing the relationship between neurogenic voice disorders and dysphagia have focused on the risk of aspiration due to glottic insufficiency and the association of vocal fold hypomobility (VFH) with systemic neurologic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VFH disorders and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). METHODS: Adult voice patients who underwent laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) and dual 24-hour pH impedance with high-resolution manometry (HRM) testing were included in the study. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups based on the presence or absence of moderate-to-severe RLN and/or SLN VFH (Mo-SLNH/RLNH) using results from six muscle LEMG tests. In subjects with Mo-SLNH/RLNH, there was 0-60% muscle recruitment on LEMG, whereas control subjects in the non-Mo-SLNH/RLNH group demonstrated 61-100% muscle recruitment. Analysis of mild-to-severe VFH (80% muscle recruitment or less) was also performed in a similar manner. The prevalence of IEM, defined using Chicago Classification Version 4.0 (CCv4.0), was compared between groups, as were HRM parameters. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two subjects were included (37.7% male/62.3% female, mean age of 43.88 ± 17.285). No differences in IEM prevalence were found when stratifying for cases of mild-to-severe VFH. However, there was significantly higher percentage of IEM in those with Mo-SLNH/RLNH. Mo-SLNH/RLNH subjects demonstrated higher rates of weak swallows and inefficient swallows, as well as lower IBP and UES residual pressures on HRM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Mo-SLNH/RLNH demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of IEM. Those with mild-to-severe VFH did not. Higher rates of ineffective and weak swallows, and lower IBP and UES residual pressures among Mo-SLNH/RLNH subjects suggest a possible connection between Mo-SLNH/RLNH and IEM disorders. These manometric differences were more prominent with sub-stratification of the Mo-SLNH/RLNH group by IEM. Additional research is advised.

Safety of Laryngeal Electromyography and Repetitive Stimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal Electromyography (LEMG) is a procedure used to assess electrical signals from laryngeal muscles. It is considered to be the gold standard test for examining vocal fold paresis/paralysis. Repetitive stimulation studies, which usually are performed at the time of LEMG, can aid in assessment of neuromuscular function. Electromyography poses risks to the patient due to the use of electricity and needles. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the safety of LEMG and discuss the possible complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients from January 2015 through February 2022. Information from patient charts included age, sex, chief complaint, past medical history, family medical history, medications, social history, strobovideolaryngoscopy results, type of paresis, professional voice user status, presence of pacemaker, laryngeal electromyography and repetitive stimulation study results, and reported complications. Complications were considered to be anything that differed from the norm. Pain was included as a complication. Data were analyzed for relationships and significance. RESULTS: Five hundred patients were included. Eighteen of the 500 (3.6%) experienced complications. Four (2.1%) males and 14 (4.5%) females experienced complications. Nine of the 18 (50%) reported pain after the procedure, 1 (5.56%) had excessive bleeding (controlled with pressure), 5 (27.78%) reported voice changes, and 3 (16.67%) experienced difficulty with completion of the procedure. No patients with pacemakers or patients taking anticoagulants had complications, but repetitive stimulation studies were not performed on patients with pacemakers. CONCLUSIONS: LEMG and repetitive stimulation studies are safe and effective procedures to examine laryngeal muscles. Repetitive stimulation studies are not recommended for patients with pacemakers.

Postoperative Voice Surgical Outcomes in Professional Singers vs Non-Singers.

OBJECTIVES: Professional singers often are described as vocal athletes, and just as professional athletes get injured, injuries to professional singers can occur during practice and performances. In other fields of medicine, research has shown that competitive sports athletes recover more quickly after orthopedic surgical procedures compared to non-athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether similar differences occur with voice patients by comparing voice surgical outcomes between professional singers and non-singers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included a consecutive sample of 194 adult subjects who underwent voice surgical procedures in the operating room. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, the senior author of this study (RTS). Data were reviewed for patients with medical records between January 1, 2010 to February 1, 2022. Subjects who reported receiving income from singing or reported studying voice at a collegiate level or higher were classified as professional singers. Subjects reporting careers in all other professions, including unpaid avocational singers or singers without formal training, were assigned to the non-singer control group. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Statistical significance was determined using independent samples t test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test or binary logistic regression for binary outcomes. RESULTS: There were 194 subjects included in this study (43.81% male/56.19% female). The average age was 42.60 ± 15.17. Ninety subjects were professional singers and 104 were non-singers. Revision of surgical plan was significantly different for professional singers compared to non-singers (14.44% versus 0%, P < 0.001). The rate of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the singer and non-singer groups, even when adjusting for other factors. Professional singers presented with slightly more severe vocal fold hemorrhages on the first postoperative visit compared to non-singers (1.73 ± 0.73 versus 1.32 ± 0.65, P = 0.003), but there was no difference by the second visit. Following surgery, professional singers adhered to a longer duration of voice rest. However, both groups participated equally in voice therapy postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found in operative complications between professional singers and non-singers. This study describes outcomes and considerations in patient care for professional singers. It also provides insight into potentially modifiable factors, such as voice rest, that could impact patient care postoperatively.

A New Risk of Using Alkaline Drops in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is common in the otolaryngologist's office, and a multimodal treatment regimen is employed often. Counseling patients on lifestyle modifications is important. Alkaline water consumption has been recommended as a nonmedical "antacid" for its value in deactivating pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme responsible for laryngeal tissue inflammatory changes in LPR. Alkaline water can be found as premade bottled water, or it can be made at home by titrating regular-pH water with concentrated alkaline drops. We present a patient who mistakenly instilled the alkaline drops into her eye, causing alkali-related chemical burns to the sclera and cornea, which subsequently resulted in scar.

Surgical Outcome of Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) Laser Photocoagulation for Vocal Fold Vascular Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Laser technology is used in microscopic direct laryngeal surgery for a variety of indications. Lasers are categorized broadly as photoangiolytic or cutting/ablating lasers, based on the chromophores that absorb their energy. Photoangiolytic lasers such as the 532 nm Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate (KTP) laser are absorbed selectively by the chromophore hemoglobin, facilitating controlled intravascular coagulation, with preservation of the overlying epithelium and adjacent tissue. Efficacy of the KTP laser has been demonstrated for incision, coagulation, and ablation in vocal fold (VF) surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine surgical outcomes following KTP laser photocoagulation for the management of VF vascular lesions. METHODS: Adult patients with sufficient data who had undergone KTP laser photocoagulation in the operating room for the treatment of VF vascular lesions were included in this retrospective study. Strobovideolaryngoscopy (SVL) video footage from all preoperative visits and all available postoperative visits was compiled and de-identified. Patients were followed up at days 1-7, 8-14, 30-60, and greater than 60 days after surgery. Three blinded physician evaluators reviewed and evaluated the SVL footage independently for postoperative outcome parameters. Postoperative SVL video footage was evaluated on a 5-point scale for surgical success (surgical objective score; 1 = failure and 5 = complete success). The average surgical objective score was 4.36, 4.04, 4.25, and 4.46 (out of 5) at postoperative visits 1-4, respectively. RESULTS: There were 60 cases (19 male and 41 female) included in the retrospective cohort. The average age was 42.42 ± 15.51 (range = 18-74). Fifty-one-point six seven percent of subjects were professional voice users (singers, teachers, public speakers, and others). All subjects were diagnosed preoperatively with VF vascular malformations and had undergone pulsed KTP laser photocoagulation. There were 40 bilateral cases and 20 unilateral cases, for a total of 100 VFs included in the study. Vascular malformation recurrence was identified in 3.00% and 10.00% of subjects at the third and fourth postoperative visits, retrospectively. The formation of new vascular malformations was identified in 0.00%, 1.00%, 6.00%, and 7.00% of subjects at postoperative visits 1-4, respectively. CONCLUSION: KTP laser photocoagulation is highly effective for the management of vocal fold vascular lesions. Presence of hemorrhage or edema does not affect the long-term surgical outcome. In relatively few cases, vascular lesion recurrence or formation of new vascular lesions may occur.

Diagnosing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Comparison between 24-hour pH-Impedance Testing and Pharyngeal Probe (Restech) Testing, with Introduction of the Sataloff Score.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of pH monitoring using 24-hour esophageal pH-Impedance (HEMII-pH) testing versus pharyngeal pH (Restech) testing (Respiratory Technology Corporation, Houston, Texas) for diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). METHODS: Retrospectively, patients were reviewed who had completed a Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) survey and stroboscopy within 60 days before or after undergoing simultaneous esophageal pH-Impedance monitoring and Restech testing. Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was determined by 4 blinded observers. 80.45% of patients were on anti-reflux medications at the time of study and had incomplete response to treatment for reflux. Improvement on reflux treatment was determined by evaluating presenting pre-pH monitoring RFS, post treatment RFS, and improvement of symptoms. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships among RSI, RFS, and test results from HEMII-pH and Restech tests. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included in the analysis. The inter-rater reliability of the RFS determination was 74.57%, and the intra-rater reliability was 67.00%. Subjects who had a positive RYAN Score had a significant correlation with RFS (r of 0.222 and p-value of 0.0492). There was no correlation between RFS and number or percent time of reflux events, longest event, total number of events, or percent of time at alkaline pH for either HEMII-PH or Restech test. RSI correlated better with HEMII-pH test than with Restech for percent time spent in both upright (r of 0.226 and p-value of 0.029) and supine position (r of 0.261 and a p-value of 0.032). Restech correlated better with total patient symptom Scores including cough, heartburn, burping, and throat clearing, with a r of 0.242 and a p-value of 0.048. Restech detected more percent time in reflux for total reflux, supine reflux, and upright reflux (p-value less than 0.0001). Restech also detected longer event times than Impedance (p-value of less than 0.0001). When diagnosis of LPR is based on the definition of CRC, the Sataloff Score test had 70.45% sensitivity and 80.95% specificity. The RYAN Score had a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 56.45%, and the Wu Score had a sensitivity of 62.16%, and specificity of 54.05%. When the Sataloff and Wu Score were used together, the sensitivity was 71.45%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 59.46%. CONCLUSION: The amount of time of reflux events correlates with symptoms better than the number of events. The HEMII-pH test was able to detect more events of pH<4 than Restech, possibly because there might have been more acid events below than above the upper esophageal sphincter, while Restech detected more total events. Restech recorded longer event times than HEMII-pH test. Since length of time correlates with RFS (probably reflecting laryngeal inflammation), and since laryngeal clearance of acid is more similar to pharyngeal than esophageal clearance, this finding might prove valuable clinically. The Sataloff Score has a sensitivity of 70.45%, and a specificity of 80.95% and appears useful clinically to detect mild to moderate that is missed by the RYAN Score. A combination of Sataloff Score and Wu Score may be clinically valuable to identify LPR with an increased sensitivity of 71.45% and increased specificity of 100%. The Wu Score is not yet available for the general clinical use, but the Sataloff Score is.

The Relationship Between Chronic Cough and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Chronic cough is multifactorial in origin, may affect quality of life adversely, and often poses a diagnostic challenge for physicians. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is one common contributing factor for chronic cough, but the mechanism by which reflux causes cough remains unclear. Research investigating the relationship between chronic cough and LPR has focused largely on reflux from the perspective of gastroenterology, rather than otolaryngology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between chronic cough and LPR by using the objective results of 24-hour pH impedance studies. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who presented to the voice center of the senior author (RTS) with a chief complaint of chronic cough and no previous diagnosis of reflux. Patient demographics, past medical history, laboratory data, and exam findings during the initial visit from 2015 to 2020 and at follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 28 patients who presented with a chief complaint of chronic cough and who had not been diagnosed with or treated for reflux previously. Twenty-three had additional risk factors for chronic cough (asthma, chronic sinusitis, and bronchial schwannoma). All 28 had findings consistent with LPR upon exam. Treatment with reflux medications and lifestyle modification decreased the reflux finding score significantly from 11.39 to 9.21 (P= 0.005). Of all, 60.7% of patients reported subjective improvement in cough symptoms. The cough had improved in 50.0% and had resolved completely in 10.7%. Patients with VF paresis were less likely to report improvement in their cough. Further workup was performed for the 11 patients who had cough that did not resolve completely after reflux treatment. Detectable levels of antimycoplasma antibodies were found in nine patients, and antipertussis antibodies were found in two patients. Six patients followed up after a course of clarithromycin, three of whom had experienced improvement in their cough. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that LPR may be a prevalent contributing or etiologic factor for chronic cough. The expected improvement after initiating reflux treatment is 60% at 3 months. Cough resolved completely in 10% of patients at 4 months. Nonresponders may have other contributing causes of cough, including esophageal dysmotility, mycoplasma, pertussis, and other contributors. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.

The Validity and Reliability of the Reflux Finding Score.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease is common. The incidence of newly diagnosed cases has increased substantially due to awareness and development of new diagnostic measurements. The reflux finding score (RFS) and reflux symptom index (RSI) are believed to be useful in the assessment process, including after the initiation of therapy. However, many authors have suggested concerns about the reliability and validity of the RFS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the RFS. METHODS: Ninety-two patients diagnosed with LPR who had undergone 24-hour pH-Impedance tests were included. All patients underwent stroboscopy and 24-Hour pH-Impedance monitoring within thirty days. Fifty-nine patients filled out a RSI prior to stroboscopic exam. The RFS was determined by four blinded observers: one otolaryngology resident, two laryngology fellows, and one laryngologist. Stroboscopic images were reviewed again one year later to assess intrarater reliability. RFS and RSI were correlated with 24-hour pH Impedance testing. RESULTS: The Kappa value between reviewers was 0.479. The percent agreement of the four observers for total RFS was 74.04%.The percent agreement between reviewers for subglottic edema was 78.77%; for ventricular obliteration was 65.55%; for erythema/hyperemia was 69.62%, for vocal fold edema was 68.32%; for diffuse laryngeal edema was 66.86%, for posterior commissure hypertrophy was 73.54%; for granuloma/granulation was 96.80%; for thick endolaryngeal mucus was 72.81%. The intrarater reliability of the four observers for total RFS was 67.5% with an intrarater reliability range of 50%-90%. The intrarater reliability for subglottic edema was 85% with a range of 70%-100%; for ventricular obliteration was 77.50% with a range of 70%-90%; for erythema/hyperemia was 65.00% with a range of 50%-90%; for vocal fold edema was 52.50% with a range of 30%-70%; for diffuse laryngeal edema was 62.50% with a range of 20%-80%; for posterior commissure hypertrophy was 52.50% with a range of 10%-80%; for granuloma/granulation was 100%; for thick endolaryngeal mucus was 55.00% with a range of 10%-90%. There was no correlation between RFS and any parameter of the 24-Hr pH-Impedance Test. RSI had a significant correlation with number of upright events (r value of 0.271, R2 of 0.0733 and P-value of 0.037), total symptoms experienced (r value of 0.0.267, R2 of 0.0715 and P-value of 0.041), and symptom correlation score (r value of -0.297, R2 of 0.0884 and P-value of 0.022). CONCLUSION: Many authors have expressed concerns about the reliability and validity of the RFS. In our study we found a fair/substantial interrater reliability, and a modest intra-rater reliability. We found no correlation between the RFS and 24-Hr pH Impedance testing. This study suggests that the concerns about the validity and reliability of the RFS may be warranted. This widely used clinical score should be interpreted with caution and further research and refinement should be considered.

A Novel Surgical Technique for Posterior Glottic Stenosis Using a Silastic Implant.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a novel surgical technique for the management of posterior glottic stenosis (PGS). METHODS: Literature review (PubMed 1973-2020) and case example of a patient treated with novel technique by principal investigator (R.T.S.) RESULTS: Numerous techniques for the treatment of PGS have had varying success. Our patient, a 67-year-old male with a 2-year history of posterior glottic stenosis secondary to multiple, prolonged intubations previously had been treated with several surgical and medical interventions. Three weeks following an additional endotracheal intubation, he presented to our office with PGS recurrence, exhibiting hoarseness, and shortness of breath with any physical activity. He was treated with a silastic sheet placed through a tunnel in the stenosis and sutured posteriorly as a stent. The stent was removed 3 weeks later and the remaining stenosis was divided, successfully treating our patient's PGS with long-term improvement in both respiratory and voice complaints. This led to the design of a stent to be used for this purpose. CONCLUSIONS: This new surgical technique addresses a complex clinical problem and provides otolaryngologists with a minimally invasive option for the surgical treatment of PGS that offers advantages over existing techniques. The two-stage procedure should reduce the risk of recurrence, but more experience is needed. This novel implant may be a valuable tool in the treatment of select patients with mild-moderate PGS.

Role of Famotidine and Other Acid Reflux Medications for SARS-CoV-2: A Pilot Study.

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The H-2 blocker famotidine has been suggested as an FDA-approved drug that could potentially be repurposed for treatment of COVID-19. Famotidine has since been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce symptom severity in patients acutely ill with COVID-19. Other studies have suggested that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might have an association with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether famotidine or any other antireflux medications have a prophylactic or detrimental effect for SARS-CoV-2 infection when taken regularly for the management of acid reflux. METHODS: An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed via email to adult otolaryngology patients to collect demographic data, past medical history, medication history, incidence of symptoms associated with COVID-19, potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and results of any PCR or serological testing. Associations between reflux medications and incidence of COVID-19 cases were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Chi-square with Fisher's exact test, Point-Biserial correlation, Kendall's-tau-b, independent samples t test, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. A binary logistic regression model was fit to determine probability of COVID-19 cases after adjustment for other risk factors. RESULTS: There were 307 patients who responded to the survey. The average age of respondents was 52.63 ± 17.03. Famotidine use was not associated with incidence of laboratory-confirmed (P= 0.717) or symptomatically suspected (P= 0.876) COVID-19. No other reflux medications were found to be significant predictors for laboratory-confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (P> 0.05). Younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.020-1.065, P< 0.001), high risk obesity (OR = 4.005, 95% CI: 1.449-11.069, P= 0.007), and use of a corticosteroid nasal spray (OR = 3.529, 95% CI: 1.352-9.211, P= 0.010) were significant predictors for symptomatically suspected COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between incidence of COVID-19 and use of reflux medications, including famotidine at doses used orally to manage reflux and high dose PPIs. Reflux medications did not protect against or increase the risk of COVID-19.