Hoarseness: When to observe and when to refer.

The terms hoarseness and dysphonia are used interchangeably, and both describe a type of altered vocal quality affecting one-third of patients. While hoarseness may be secondary to benign conditions such as reflux or viral laryngitis, it may suggest benign or malignant vocal-fold pathology. It is important for caregivers to know how to evaluate, treat, and when to refer patients for direct visualization via laryngoscopy. In this article, we review basic laryngeal anatomy and function, symptoms of vocal-fold pathology, and current guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery on the diagnosis and treatment of dysphonia, including patient referral.

Predictors of prolonged stay after laryngeal surgery for benign neoplasms in children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric benign laryngeal tumors can often be treated as same-day surgeries. This study identified factors associated with prolonged hospital stay in children undergoing laryngeal surgery for benign tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of records of pediatric patients who underwent laryngeal surgery with a post-op diagnosis of benign tumor was performed with the American College of Surgeons Pediatric National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP-P) database (2014-2018). Clinical variables analyzed included comorbidities, total length of stay (LOS), readmission, and reoperation. RESULTS: 1775 patients were identified with a mean age at time of surgery of 8.95 years (95% CI 8.76-9.14). 966 (54.4%) were males and 809 (45.6%) were females. Mean LOS was 0.22 days (95% CI 0.12-0.32). Only 128 (7.3%) patients had a LOS of one day or more. Children with a variety of comorbidities, including premature birth, oxygen support, tracheostomy, developmental delay, and cardiac risk factors, had a significantly prolonged LOS (P < .001). Additionally, younger children were significantly more likely to stay overnight (ß = -0.041, P < .001). Twenty-three (1.3%) patients were readmitted, 2 (0.1%) were reintubated, and 13 (0.7%) underwent reoperation for related reasons. Despite the association of premature birth, ventilator dependence, oxygen support, tracheostomy, esophageal/GI disease, developmental delay, seizure, neuromuscular disorders, congenital malformations, and steroid use with LOS, only younger age and ventilator dependence were associated with readmission. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that laryngeal surgery for benign tumors is safe but recognizes that patients with comorbidities or young children may require a prolonged stay. Awareness of these implications may help guide management.