Vocal fold scars: a common classification proposal by the American Laryngological Association and European Laryngological Society.

PURPOSE: Vocal fold scar is one the most challenging benign laryngeal pathologies. The purpose of this paper is to propose a classification that will allow for a common description of this entity between laryngologists, prevent discrepancies in interpretation, allow for comparison of related studies, and offer a training tool for young laryngologists. METHODS/RESULTS: Based on the depth and laterality of scarring, we propose 4 types: type I, characterized by atrophy of lamina propria with/without affected epithelium; type II, where the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle are affected; type III, where the scar is located on the anterior commissure; type IV, which includes extended scar formation in both anteroposterior and rostro-caudal axis with significant loss of vocal fold mass. CONCLUSION: We believe that our proposal is comprehensive and encompasses all existing iatrogenic and non-iatrogenic etiologies in a simple and concise manner. It also serves its purpose as a descriptive, comparative, and training tool.

Correction to: Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society.

The article 'Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society,' written by Marc Remacle, Christoph Arens, Mostafa Badr Eldin, Guillermo Campos, Carlos Chiesa Estomba, Pavel Dulguerov, Ivana Fiz, Anastasios Hantzakos, Jerôme Keghian, Francesco Mora, Nayla Matar, Giorgio Peretti, Cesare Piazza, Gregory N. Postma, Vyas Prasad, Elisabeth Sjogren, Frederik G. Dikkers, was originally published Online First without open access. After publication in volume 274 issue 10, page 3723-3727 the authors decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an open access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to

Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society.

Acronyms and abbreviations are frequently used in otorhinolaryngology and other medical specialties. CO2 laser-assisted transoral surgery of the pharynx, the larynx and the upper airway is a family of commonly performed surgical procedures termed transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The abbreviation TLM can be confusing because of alternative modes of delivery. Classification and definition of the different types of procedures, performed transorally or transnasally, are proposed by the Working Committee for Nomenclature of the European Laryngological Society, emphasizing the type of laser used and the way this laser is transmitted. What is usually called TLM, would more clearly be defined as CO2 laser transoral microsurgery or CO2 TOLMS or CO2 laser transoral surgery only (with a handpiece) would be defined as CO2 TOLS. KTP transnasal flexible laser surgery would be KTP TNFLS. Transoral use of the flexible CO2 wave-guide with a handpiece would be a CO2 TOFLS. One can argue that these clarifications are not necessary and that the abbreviation TLM for transoral laser microsurgery is more than sufficient. But this is not the case. Laser surgery, office-based laser surgery and microsurgery are frequently and erroneously interchanged for one another. These classifications allow for a clear understanding of what was performed and what the results meant.

Nomenclature proposal to describe vocal fold motion impairment.

The terms used to describe vocal fold motion impairment are confusing and not standardized. This results in a failure to communicate accurately and to major limitations of interpreting research studies involving vocal fold impairment. We propose standard nomenclature for reporting vocal fold impairment. Overarching terms of vocal fold immobility and hypomobility are rigorously defined. This includes assessment techniques and inclusion and exclusion criteria for determining vocal fold immobility and hypomobility. In addition, criteria for use of the following terms have been outlined in detail: vocal fold paralysis, vocal fold paresis, vocal fold immobility/hypomobility associated with mechanical impairment of the crico-arytenoid joint and vocal fold immobility/hypomobility related to laryngeal malignant disease. This represents the first rigorously defined vocal fold motion impairment nomenclature system. This provides detailed definitions to the terms vocal fold paralysis and vocal fold paresis.

Accessibility to Puberphonia Online and Its Readability by Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the readability of online materials related to puberphonia. STUDY DESIGN: Online material review. METHOD: The study was conducted by performing a Google search using the specific keyword "puberphonia." Subsequently, 18 websites were selected for inclusion in the review based on predefined criteria. The selected websites underwent assessment utilizing three distinct readability metrics: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). RESULTS: The analysis of the selected websites revealed the following mean scores: a mean FRES of 40.2, a mean FKGL of 11.8, and a mean SMOG score of 10.9. The physician-oriented websites had a mean FRES score of 35.8, a mean FKGL score of 12.5, and a mean SMOG score of 11.4. The patient-oriented websites exhibited a mean FRES score of 44.6, a mean FKGL score of 11.3, and a mean SMOG score of 10.5. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the readability and understandability of online resources related to puberphonia exhibit high scores, suggesting that the materials may be challenging for patients to comprehend. Addressing and enhancing the readability of these online resources is crucial, as it has the potential to enhance patient awareness and comprehension of puberphonia, ultimately leading to more informed health care decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Office Laser Laryngology: A Paradigm Shift.

OBJECTIVES: To present the value of office-based laryngological procedures as an effective alternative method to the treatment of benign and malignant laryngeal pathologies. METHODS: We have reviewed the technological advancements of fiber-guided laser systems, fiberoptic endoscopes, and high-definition imaging systems that have enabled office-based laryngological procedures. We describe the importance of case and patient selection, the available laser systems, and the technique applied. RESULTS: Several benign and malignant pathologies can be now treated in the office under local anesthesia with angiolytic or thermocoagulative lasers and with success rate comparable to that of general anesthesia. Safety guidelines and laser precautions must be implemented invariably to protect the patient and caregivers from the untoward effects of laser. Although there is considerable reduction of cost with office procedures, there are risks of undertreatment, increased repeatability, as well as tissue edema from the burning effect. CONCLUSIONS: The low learning curve, high patient satisfaction rate, and excellent results indicate that in-office laser procedures have become an effective weapon in our armamentarium.

Endoscopic partial supraglottic laryngectomies: techniques and results.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results of endoscopic surgery for supraglottic carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From 1992 to 2004, 45 patients diagnosed with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (two Tis, nine T1N0, 27 T2N0, two T2N1, one T2N2, four T3N0) underwent different types of endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomies according to the European Laryngological Society (ELS) classification: three limited excision (type I); 27 medial without resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIb); one medial with resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIIa); three medial with resection of the preepiglottic space (type IIIb); nine lateral (type IVa); two lateral (type IVb). RESULTS: Overall survival was 93 +/- 4 percent (SE) after three years and 89 +/- 6 percent (SE) after five years. The median follow-up is 3.7 years. Patients with clinically N0 necks were found to have positive nodes in eight (19%) cases. Two cases of postoperative hemorrhage were controlled by electrocautery. All of the patients without previous treatment for larynx cancer regained swallowing function within five days to three weeks after surgery. Mean duration of hospitalization was 12.5 days. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic partial laryngectomies, as defined by the ELS classification, for selected supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma proved to be an excellent alternative to radiotherapy and open neck surgery.

Endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy: a proposal for a classification by the working committee on nomenclature, European Laryngological Society.

In July 1999, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) has accepted a proposal for the classification of different laryngeal endoscopic cordectomies. This is actually a common classification system used as a tool for surgical training, documentation and comparison of results. The same harmonization work is deemed necessary for the treatment of supraglottic lesions. The ELS is proposing a classification of the different laryngeal endoscopic supraglottic partial laryngectomies. This classification comprises four types of supraglottic laryngectomies: Type I, limited excision of small size superficial lesions of the free edge of the epiglottis, the ary-epiglottic fold, the arytenoid, or the ventricular fold or any other part of the supraglottis; Type II, medial supraglottic laryngectomy without resection of the pre-epiglottic space, suitable for T1 lesions of either the suprahyoid or the infrahyoid laryngeal surface of the epiglottis (Type IIa, superior hemi-epiglottectomy or Type IIb, total epiglottectomy, respectively); Type III, medial supraglottic laryngectomy with resection of the pre-epiglottic space, suitable for T1-T2 tumors of the infrahyoid endolaryngeal epiglottis without (Type IIIa) or with (Type IIIb) extension to the ventricular fold, necessitating its excision; finally, Type IV, lateral supraglottic laryngectomy, suitable for tumors of the threefolds' region, which may include the ventricular fold (Type IVa) or the arytenoid (Type IVb), when involved. As in the cases of endoscopic cordectomies, these operations are similarly classified according to the surgical approach used and the degree of resection completed in order to facilitate their use in daily clinical practice.

Anesthetic Management of the Narrowed Airway.

Airway narrowing can be idiopathic or can occur as a result of airway tumors, hematomas, infections, and other pathologic conditions. Endoscopic management variously involves balloon dilatation, stent placement, laser vaporization of pathologic tissue, microdebridement, and other interventions, using either a rigid or a flexible bronchoscope. Jet ventilation is frequently used in such settings, especially when the presence of an endotracheal tube would interfere with the procedure. In desperate cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used in managing the critical airway.

Sphenoid sinus mucocele: late complication of Sphenoidotomy.

Sphenoid sinus mucocele is an infrequent but well-recognized entity in sinus pathology. The symptoms produced by it are related to the anatomical surroundings of the sphenoid sinus. We describe a case of sphenoid sinus mucocele presenting with ipsilateral oculomotor nerve palsy 10 years after endoscopic sphenoidotomy. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic decompression of the sphenoid sinus with marsupialization of the mucocele, resulting in immediate remission of his symptoms. We conclude that the otorhinolaryngologist should be aware of such a potential complication when counselling the patient prior to endoscopic sinus surgery.