Impact of subspecialty training on management of laryngopharyngeal reflux: results of a worldwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: To study the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) among the subspecialties of practicing otolaryngology-head and neck surgeons and their trainees. METHODS: A survey was sent to over 8000 otolaryngologists (OTOHNS) over 65 countries, utilizing membership lists of participating otolaryngological societies. The outcomes were answers to questions regarding LPR knowledge and practice patterns, and included queries about its definition, prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: Of the 824 respondents, 658 practiced in one specific otolaryngologic subspecialty. The symptoms and findings thought to be the most related to LPR varied significantly between subspecialists. Extra-laryngeal findings were considered less by laryngologists while more experienced OTOHNS did not often consider digestive complaints. Compared with colleagues, otologists, rhinologists and laryngologists were less aware of the involvement of LPR in otological, rhinological and laryngological disorders, respectively. Irrespective of subspecialty, OTOHNS consider symptoms and signs and a positive response to empirical therapeutic trial to establish a LPR diagnosis. Awareness regarding the usefulness of impedance pH-studies is low in all groups. The therapeutic approach significantly varies between groups, although all were in agreement for the treatment duration. The management of non-responder patients demonstrated significant differences among laryngologists who performed additional examinations. The majority of participants (37.1%) admitted to being less than knowledgeable about LPR management. CONCLUSIONS: LPR knowledge and management vary significantly across otolaryngology subspecialties. International guidelines on LPR management appear necessary to improve knowledge and management of LPR across all subspecialties of otolaryngology.

Benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion.

Schwannomas commonly develop in the cervical region, 25% - 45% of cases are diagnosed in this anatomical region. Tracheal neurogenic tumors are exceedingly rare and can be misdiagnosed as invasive thyroid carcinomas or other infiltrating malignancies when present at the level of the thyroid gland. Here, we present a case of synchronous benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion and papillary thyroid carcinoma in a patient who was initially hospitalized for COVID-19. The patient presented with dyspnea that was later found to be caused by tracheal extension of a cervical tumor. Surgical excision was performed, and the surgical team proceeded with segmental tracheal resection, removal of the cervical mass, and total thyroidectomy. The specimen was sent for pathological analysis, which revealed synchronous findings of a benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion and papillary thyroid carcinoma. The literature on this subject, together with the present case report, suggests that neurogenic tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of obstructing tracheal cervical masses. Surgical excision is the first-line of treatment for benign cervical schwannomas.

Combined larynx large cell neuroendocrine and squamous cell carcinoma: a case report.

Laryngeal cancer ranks third among the most common head and neck neoplasms. The most common histological subtype is squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors are rare. An even rarer entity is a composite tumor with both these histologies. This case reports a metastatic combined carcinoma of squamous cells and large neuroendocrine cells, presenting favorable response to treatment with a total laryngectomy followed by adjuvant therapy including chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Short Version of the Reflux Symptom Score: Reflux Symptom Score-12 into Brazilian Portuguese.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the French Reflux Symptom Score-12 questionnaire used for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. METHODS: This was a cross-cultural translation and adaptation study of a health instrument, with a cross-sectional design. It was carried out in eight stages: translation from French into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the first version (pilot test 1), adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the second version (pilot test 2), back translation, reviewing by a committee in conjunction with the author of the original instrument and, application of the final version. The Brazilian Portuguese versions of the questionnaire were applied to individuals with symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux who underwent pHmetry and esophageal manometry at the study site. RESULTS: In pilot test 1, the first version of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to 30 patients. The patients had no difficulty to understand any of the 12 symptom items, but 15 patients (50%) had difficulty interpreting the symptom frequency score. After adapting the format of the frequency score, a version 2 of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to another 23 patients, who completed the questionnaire in full without any difficulty. Along with the review committee, the author of the original RSS-12 considered the version 2 to be adequate and did not propose any changes, so it was approved as the final version of the Brazilian Portuguese RSS-12. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument, called Reflux Symptom Score-12 PT-BR, shows good understanding and linguistic, conceptual and content equivalence, in relation to the original Reflux Symptom Score-12.

Management of oral feeding following total laryngectomy around the world: YO-IFOS international study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze worldwide practices regarding the initiation of oral feeding after total laryngectomy (TL). METHODS: Online survey. RESULTS: Among the 332 responses received, 278 from 59 countries were analyzed. Our results showed that 45.6% of respondents started water and 45.1% started liquid diet between postoperative days 7 and 10. Semi-solid feeds were initiated between days 10 and 14 for 44.9% of respondents and a free diet was allowed after day 15 for 60.8% of respondents. This timing was significantly delayed in cases of laryngo-pharyngectomy and after prior radiotherapy (p < 0.001). A greater proportion of respondents in Africa and Oceania allowed early oral feeding before day 6 as compared with the rest of the world (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite increasing number of publications, there is still a lack of evidence to support early oral feeding. The majority of respondents preferred to delay its initiation until at least 7 days after surgery.

Benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion

ABSTRACT Schwannomas commonly develop in the cervical region, 25% - 45% of cases are diagnosed in this anatomical region. Tracheal neurogenic tumors are exceedingly rare and can be misdiagnosed as invasive thyroid carcinomas or other infiltrating malignancies when present at the level of the thyroid gland. Here, we present a case of synchronous benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion and papillary thyroid carcinoma in a patient who was initially hospitalized for COVID-19. The patient presented with dyspnea that was later found to be caused by tracheal extension of a cervical tumor. Surgical excision was performed, and the surgical team proceeded with segmental tracheal resection, removal of the cervical mass, and total thyroidectomy. The specimen was sent for pathological analysis, which revealed synchronous findings of a benign cervical schwannoma with tracheal invasion and papillary thyroid carcinoma. The literature on this subject, together with the present case report, suggests that neurogenic tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of obstructing tracheal cervical masses. Surgical excision is the first-line of treatment for benign cervical schwannomas.

Combined larynx large cell neuroendocrine and squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

ABSTRACT Laryngeal cancer ranks third among the most common head and neck neoplasms. The most common histological subtype is squamous cell carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors are rare. An even rarer entity is a composite tumor with both these histologies. This case reports a metastatic combined carcinoma of squamous cells and large neuroendocrine cells, presenting favorable response to treatment with a total laryngectomy followed by adjuvant therapy including chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Short Version of the Reflux Symptom Score: Reflux Symptom Score-12 into Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract Objective: To describe the process of translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the French Reflux Symptom Score-12 questionnaire used for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Methods: This was across-cultural translation and adaptation study of a health instrument, with a cross-sectional design. It was carried out in eight stages: translation from French into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the first version (pilot test 1), adaptation by a panel of experts, application of the second version (pilot test 2), back translation, reviewing by a committee in conjunction with the author of the original instrument and, application of the final version. The Brazilian Portuguese versions of the questionnaire were applied to individuals with symptoms and signs of laryngopharyngeal reflux who underwent pHmetry and esophageal manometry at the study site. Results: In pilot test 1, the first version of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to 30 patients. The patients had no difficulty to understand any of the 12 symptom items, but 15 patients (50%) had difficulty interpreting the symptom frequency score. After adapting the format of the frequency score, a version 2 of the RSS-12 in Brazilian Portuguese was applied to another 23 patients, who completed the questionnaire in full without any difficulty. Along with the review committee, the author of the original RSS-12 considered the version 2 to be adequate and did not propose any changes, so it was approved as the final version of the Brazilian Portuguese RSS-12. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument, called Reflux Symptom Score-12 PT-BR, shows good understanding and linguistic, conceptual and content equivalence, in relation to the original Reflux Symptom Score-12.

Vocal assessment in patients submited to CO2 laser cordectomy.

AIM: To evaluate voice outcomes in patients with early glottic carcinoma treated by CO2 laser cordectomy. METHOD: 15 patients with glottic Tis and T1 squamous cell carcinoma treated with CO2 laser were analyzed. The assessment consisted of perceptual voice analysis, objective voice evaluation and video-laryngo-stroboscopic exam. In addition, patients rated their voices and completed the Voice related Quality of Life (VR-QOL) questionnaire. The results were compared with those obtained in a matched control group. RESULTS: Most of the patients presented some degree of hoarseness on perceptual voice analysis, mainly rough and breathy voices. Their acoustic evaluation compared with the control group showed a small increase in fundamental frequency, but with no statistically significant difference, and the values of jitter, shimmer and noise to harmonic ratio were worse and statistically significant. As regards to videolaryngo-stroboscopic findings, better results were achieved in the less extensive resection group. Patients have had minimal repercussion in their life quality in respect to voice. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of voice alterations in patients submitted to cordectomy by CO2 laser, functional results are acceptable, with minimal repercussion in their quality of life.

Avaliação da voz em pacientes submetidos à cordectomia com laser de CO2 / Vocal assessment in patients submited to CO2 laser cordectomy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a voz de pacientes portadores de carcinomas iniciais glóticos submetidos à cordectomia com laser de CO2. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 15 pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma espinocelular Tis e T1 glóticos. A avaliação foi feita por meio da análise perceptivo auditiva da voz, pela análise acústica computadorizada e videolaringoestroboscópica. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário de avaliação geral da voz e um protocolo de qualidade de vida relacionado à voz (QVV). Os resultados foram comparados aos de um grupo controle de indivíduos com laringes normais. RESULTADOS: A análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz revelou que a maioria dos pacientes submetidos à cordectomia apresentou algum grau de disfonia, à custa de rouquidão e soprosidade. Considerando os parâmetros acústicos analisados e os valores do grupo controle, observou-se a tendência de um pequeno incremento da freqüência fundamental, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significante; os valores de jitter, shimmer e da proporção harmônico-ruído apresentaram-se significantemente alterados. Os aspectos analisados na videolaringoestroboscopia mostraram-se melhores nas cordectomias menos extensas. Os escores do QVV sugerem que os pacientes tiveram um discreto impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada à voz. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da presença de alterações na qualidade vocal dos pacientes submetidos à cordectomia com laser de CO2, os resultados funcionais tendem a ser bem aceitos pelos pacientes, com discreta repercussão na qualidade de vida.

AIM: To evaluate voice outcomes in patients with early glottic carcinoma treated by CO2 laser cordectomy. METHOD: 15 patients with glottic Tis and T1 squamous cell carcinoma treated with CO2 laser were analyzed. The assessment consisted of perceptual voice analysis, objective voice evaluation and video-laryngo-stroboscopic exam. In addition, patients rated their voices and completed the Voice related Quality of Life (VR-QOL) questionnaire. The results were compared with those obtained in a matched control group. RESULTS: Most of the patients presented some degree of hoarseness on perceptual voice analysis, mainly rough and breathy voices. Their acoustic evaluation compared with the control group showed a small increase in fundamental frequency, but with no statistically significant difference, and the values of jitter, shimmer and noise to harmonic ratio were worse and statistically significant. As regards to videolaryngo- stroboscopic findings, better results were achieved in the less extensive resection group. Patients have had minimal repercussion in their life quality in respect to voice. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of voice alterations in patients submitted to cordectomy by CO2 laser, functional results are acceptable, with minimal repercussion in their quality of life.

Lactente com dor abdominal / Abdominal pain in an infant

Objetivo: Descrever um caso de intussuscepção intestinal em lactente de apresentação atípica e realizar uma revisão da literatura acerca dos pontos chave relacionados ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da intussuscepção em crianças. Relato de caso: Lactente de 4 meses levado ao pronto atendimento por quadro de choro havia uma hora. O exame físico inicial revelou apenas palidez e ruídos hidroaéreos aumentados ao exame do abdomen.Após admissão, evoluiu com resolução completa de todos os sintomas e não apresentou novos episódios de dor durante sete horas de observação. Uma hora após a alta, apresentou evacuação com sangue,que levou ao diagnóstico de intussuscepção intestinal.Conclusão: A intussuscepção intestinal pode ter formas de apresentação variáveis que dificultam o diagnóstico. Elevado índice de suspeição, reavaliações frequentes e investigação radiológica são necessários para o diagnóstico precoce dos casos atípicos.

Objective: To report a case of intestinal intussusception with atypical presentation in an infant, and to provide a review of the key points of the literature related to diagnosis and treatment of intussusception in children. Case report: A four months old infant was brought to the Emergency Department due to crying beginning one hour before. Physical examination on admission revealed paleness and increased abdominal sounds. After admission the patient exhibited a complete resolution of all the symptoms, and no new onset of pain during a seven hours period of observation. One hour after discharge the infant had one single episode of bloody stools, which led to the diagnosis of intestinal intussusception. Conclusion: The initial presentation of intestinal intussusception may be variable, making difficult its diagnosis. A high index of suspicion, repeated re-evaluations and radiological investigation are necessary to establish an early diagnosis of atypical cases.

Otalgia reflexa / Referred otalgia

A otalgia é um sintoma comum na prática otorrinolaringológica, sendo constatados em 50 por cento dos pacientes ausência de anormalidades otológicas. A dor nestes casos é secundária a diversas afecções, sendo a maioria localizada no segmento da cabeça e pescoço. Revisamos a inervação sensitiva desta região, as doenças responsáveis por esta sintomatologia e a terapêutica, a fim de possibilitar a mais direta abordagem da otologia referida. Os autores salientam a importância da pesquisa de neoplasias do trato aerodigestivo na presença deste sintoma, uma vez que o atraso no diagnóstico compromete de sobremaneira o prognóstico.

Avaliaçäo perceptiva, temporal e aerodinâmica da voz traqueoesofágica / Perceptual, temporal and aerodynamic evaluation of tracheosophageal voice

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados fonatórios de pacientes laringectomizados totais e reabilitados para fonaçao por meio de próteses traqueoesofágicas. Identificar aspectos perceptivos e suas possíveis relaçoes com as características temporais e aerodinâmicas. Contribuir para o conhecimento da fisiologia da produçao da voz traqueoesofágica, e colaborar para c processo de reabilitaçao após laringectomias totais. Casuística: Foram estudados 18 pacientes laringectomizados totais e reabilitados para fonaçao pela inserçao de próteses fonatórias. Métodos: Os aspectos perceptivo estudados foram a avaliaçao da satisfaçao com a qualidade vocal, e pelo julgamento de cinco fonoaudiólogas, avaliamos a inteligibilidade em leitura de texto, número de pausas na contagem de números de 1 até 20, presença de ruído de estoma, loudness, e tipo de voz. A avaliaçao temporal foi executada pela medida do tempo máximo de fonaçao da vogal sustentada /a/. A avaliaçao aerodinâmica registrou o quociente fônico simples, nível de pressao fonatório, fluxo aéreo médio, volume fonatório, pressao intrabucal, resistência fonatória, e pressao intratraqueal. Resultados: Foram definido três grupos de vozes: neutras, comprimidas e tensas-estranguladas, com aumento da constriçao vocal nesta ordem. Pacientes com maior constriçac tiveram menores escores de satisfaçao (p=0,023*). A avaliaçao da inteligibilidade em leitura de texto teve diferença significante entre os grupo (p=0,002*), permitindo a caracterizaçao do grupo de vozes neutras como melhor adaptados a esta modalidade de reabilitaçao vocal. A avaliaçao, pela vogal sustentada /a/, da pressao intratraqueal mostrou diferença significante (p=0,023*), sendo útil para caracterizaçao das vozes neutras quando comparadas às tensas-estranguladas. A avaliaçao aerodinâmica pele emissao dos fonemas /i//pi//pi/, por um sistema computadorizado, permitiu medida da pressao intrabucal com exatidao, e a análise estatística resultou significante (p=0,014*), sendo esta aferiçao útil na diferenciaçao entre vozes comprimidas e tensas-estranguladas