[Introduction of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and increase of the range of indications in our department]. / Fiberoszkóppal végzett funkcionális nyelésvizsgálat bevezetése és indikációs körének kiterjesztése klinikánkon.

Dysphagia is a disease resulting from preparatory or transport disorder of the swallowing process and it is divided into oropharyngeal and esophageal phases according to the site of the lesion. The ear, nose and throat assessment focuses on the oropharyngeal phase, but differential diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of the cause of dysphagia is often a complex task requiring multidisciplinary approach and collaboration. The method of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has been introduced at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head-Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, enabling the examination of otorhinolaryngological and neurological disorders of swallowing as well as objective analysis of patients' swallowing quality. The fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is a minimally invasive procedure that allows visualization of the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing. It can identify anatomical abnormalities or neurological disorders causing dysphagia, thus playing a significant role in later patient rehabilitation. We hereby present our experiences in examinations of patients who underwent partial laryngectomy and/or pharyngectomy due to head and neck tumors as well as of those who underwent airway surgery duo to upper airway stenosis. Thanks to our collaboration with the Neurology Department, we also share our experiences gained during the examinations of patients struggling with oropharyngeal swallowing problems of various neurological origins. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(46): 1817-1823.

Long-term results of slide laryngotracheoplasty for congenital subglottic stenosis in newborns and infants.

OBJECTIVES: Slide laryngotracheoplasty is an effective, single-step procedure without tracheostomy and stenting for treating high-grade congenital subglottic stenosis in neonates and infants. Long-term outcomes were evaluated to assess the reliability of the procedure performed in this age of rapid development of the laryngeal structures. METHODS: We report five children who underwent slide laryngotracheoplasty before the age of 4 months, each with >3 years follow-up. Increases of length and bodyweight were systematically assessed. Breathing, swallowing, voice, and overall satisfaction was assessed by a quality of life questionnaire. Voice quality was objectively evaluated by measuring shimmer, jitter, fundamental frequency, and the harmonics-to-noise ratio. RESULTS: All patients had a stable and adequate airway during follow-up without any additional open airway surgery. The patients' voices were physiological, and the intervention had no negative impact on speech development. Swallowing function was optimally retained, and the patients' bodyweight gain and length were satisfactory. During at least 3 years of observation, the anastomosis remained stable and grew dynamically with the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Slide laryngotracheoplasty (as a single-step procedure) provides an adequate airway without tracheostomy, grafting, or stenting with good long-term functional results in selected neonates and infants with congenital subglottic stenosis.

Functional results of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy for bilateral vocal fold palsy.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) is a reliable surgical solution for the minimally invasive treatment of bilateral vocal fold palsy (BVFP), providing a stable airway by the lateralization of the arytenoid cartilages with a simple suture. The nondestructive manner of the intervention theoretically leads to higher regeneration potential, thus better voice quality. The study aimed to investigate the respiratory and phonatory outcomes of this treatment concept. METHODS: 61 BVFP patients with significant dyspnea associated with thyroid/parathyroid surgery were treated by unilateral EAAL. Jitter, Shimmer, Harmonics to Noise Ratio, Maximum Phonation Time, Fundamental frequency, Voice Handicap Index, Dysphonia Severity Index, Friedrich's Dysphonia Index, Global-Roughness-Breathiness scale, Quality of Life, and Peak Inspiratory Flow were evaluated 18 months after EAAL. RESULTS: All patients had a stable and adequate airway during the follow-up. Ten patients (16.4%) experienced complete bilateral motion recovery with objective acoustic parameters in the physiological ranges. Most functional results of the 13 patients (21.3%) with unilateral recovery also reached the normal values. Fifteen patients (24.6%) had unilateral adduction recovery only, with slightly impaired voice quality. Eleven patients (18.0%) had false vocal fold phonation with socially acceptable voice. In 12 patients (19.7%) no significant motion recovery was detected on the glottic level. CONCLUSION: EAAL does not interfere with the potential regeneration process and meets the most important phoniatric requirements while guaranteeing the reversibility of the procedure-therefore serving patients with transient palsy. Further, a socially acceptable voice quality and an adequate airway are ensured even in cases of permanent bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Innovative surgical solutions for laryngeal stenoses in newborns and infants / Laryngealis szukületek innovatív sebészi megoldásai újszülött- és csecsemokorban.

Összefoglaló. A veleszületett légúti szukületek gyakran kombináltan jelentkeznek, és más szervrendszert is érinto kísérobetegségekkel, illetve malformációkkal is társulhatnak. Figyelembe véve ezeket a tényezoket, illetve a csecsemokori légút speciális anatómiáját és sérülékeny szöveteit, a felso légúti szukületek sebészi kezelése újszülött- és csecsemokorban igen nagy kihívást jelento feladat, melynek célja a mihamarabbi definitív, stabil légút biztosítása a hangképzés és a nyelési funkció megorzésével. A laryngomalacia, a hangszalagbénulás és a subglotticus stenosis együttesen a gége veleszületett rendellenességeinek megközelítoleg 90%-áért felelos. A szerzok erre a három kórképre fókuszálva egy-egy eset kapcsán bemutatják a Szegedi Tudományegyetem Fül-Orr-Gégészeti és Fej-Nyaksebészeti Klinikáján muködo légútsebészeti munkacsoport által rutinszeruen alkalmazott innovatív sebészi módszereket. A bemutatott sebészeti megoldások egy lépésben, tracheostoma, sztentelés és graft beültetése nélkül azonnali stabil légutat biztosítanak jó hangminoséggel és nyelési funkcióval a supraglottis, a glottis és a subglottis dinamikus és statikus szukületei esetén egyaránt. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(52): 2100-2106. Summary. Congenital airway stenoses occur frequently in combinations or may be associated with comorbidities and malformations affecting other organ systems. Considering these factors as well as the special anatomy and vulnerable tissues of the pediatric airway, surgical treatment in neonates and infants is an extremely challenging task. The ultimate goal of the management is to ensure a definitive and adequate airway as soon as possible with the preservation of voice and swallowing. Laryngomalacia, vocal cord palsy and subglottic stenosis together account for approximately 90% of congenital laryngeal disorders. Focusing on these three diseases, the authors - the airway surgery working group at the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, Hungary - present their routinely applied innovative surgical strategies in connection with three cases. The presented 'one-step' surgical solutions provide immediate stable airway with good voice quality and swallowing function without tracheostomy, stenting, or graft implantation for both dynamic and static stenoses of the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(52): 2100-2106.

Six cases of Solobacterium moorei isolated alone or in mixed culture in Hungary and comparison with previously published cases.

Solobacterium moorei is a strict anaerobic gram-positive rod. It is found in the human microbiota in different parts of the body, but it also appears to be an opportunistic pathogen in some infectious processes. We describe six cases of severe infections identified in 2016 in which S. moorei was isolated alone or in mixed culture involving other anaerobes or both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Three cases were associated with the oral cavity, including a middle ear infection, a wound infection after total laryngectomy, and a mandibular abscess as a result of bisphosphonate therapy. In the other three patients, the sites of infection had no connections with the oral cavity and included chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia, a superinfection of cutaneous tuberculosis associated with hidradenitis suppurativa, and the isolation of S. moorei from the blood culture of a cachectic man with several comorbidities. Based on our findings, S. moorei does not appear to be that virulent of a bacterium; except for the case with bacteraemia, S. moorei was recovered as a co-pathogen in patients with several immunosuppressive predisposing factors. We highlight the finding that the routine use of MALDI-TOF MS in microbiology laboratories can in a timely and detailed manner identify members of mixed infections involving different anaerobic bacteria that may be rare and difficult-to-culture and identify species, such as S. moorei.

An unusual cause of infant's stridor - congenital laryngocele.

Congenital laryngocele is an uncommon cause of neonatal stridor. There are only a few cases reported in the literature. The authors present a successfully treated case of an infant, whose life could only be saved by urgent tracheostomy. On the 5th postoperative day endoscopic excision and marsupialization provided patent airway. The patient could be decannulated. During follow-up no recurrence was observed.

Correction to: An unusual cause of infant's stridor - congenital laryngocele.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Slide laryngotracheoplasty for congenital subglottic stenosis in newborns and infants.

OBJECTIVES: Subglottic stenosis is the most common laryngeal anomaly necessitating tracheostomy in early childhood. Crico- and laryngotracheal resection and laryngotracheal reconstruction-usually with autologous cartilage graft implantation-are the most effective treatments. These surgical techniques are obviously challenging in neonatal age and infancy. However, a reconstructive surgery performed at early age may prevent the sequel of complications. METHODS: The authors present their novel surgical method for congenital subglottic stenosis. Seven infants had inspiratory stridor; two of them had to be intubated and one required tracheostomy. Laryngotracheoscopy, CT or MRI revealed subglottic stenosis: Cotton-Myer grade II in one, and grade III in six cases. Slide laryngotracheoplasty was performed before 5 months of age (10-130 days), with a follow-up period of average 36 months (4-80 months). Phoniatry and quality of life questionnaire were used for evaluation of postoperative results. RESULTS: Slide laryngotracheoplasty in the neonatal age made the temporary tracheostomy unnecessary. All babies remained intubated for 3 to 10 days with an uncuffed tracheal tube. After extubation, no dyspnea or swallowing disorder occurred. A subjective quality of life questionnaire, laryngotracheoscopy, clinical growth charts showed satisfactory functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage slide laryngotracheoplasty might be a favorable solution for subglottic stenosis, even in early childhood. In one step, the airway can be maintained without stenting and tracheostomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E199-E205, 2020.

Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy for the treatment of neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis - Long-term results.

OBJECTIVES: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis often causes severe dyspnea requiring an early airway intervention in neonates. Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) with suture is a quick, reversible, minimally-invasive vocal cord lateralizing technique to enlarge the glottis. The arytenoid cartilage is directly lateralized to a normal abducted position. It can be performed even in early childhood with the recently-introduced pediatric endoscopic thread guide instrument. The long-term results and the stability of the lateralization were evaluated. METHODS: Three newborns had inspiratory stridor immediately after birth. Laryngo-tracheoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral, left-sided endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy was performed with supraglottic jet ventilation. The follow-up period was >3 years. RESULTS: After extubation on the 4-7th postoperative day no dyspnea or swallowing disorder occurred. Laryngo-tracheoscopy, clinical growth charts and voice analysis showed satisfactory functional results. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy might be a favorable solution for neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis. In one step, airway patency can be achieved without irreversible damage to the glottic structures. Normal swallowing function was preserved. The results are durable, and neither medialization nor dyspnea re-appeared during observation.

Glottic configuration changes and outcomes of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) is an effective glottis enlarging procedure for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord palsy (BVCP). The postoperative glottic configuration changes can be evaluated by modern, high-resolution, 3D image reconstructions. Functional results are described by spirometry as well as objective and subjective phoniatric tests. METHODS: Unilateral EAAL was performed in ten malignant thyroid gland tumor patients (eight women, two men), who had BVCP after thyroid surgery. Slicer 3D® software was used for morphometric analysis. Pre- and postoperative peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and standard phoniatric parameters were compared. RESULTS: The glottic gap improved significantly (+ 60%). Significant improvement of PIF was found in all cases. Phoniatric tests revealed better quality of voice and patient satisfaction. Their voices changed from a severely impaired to a socially acceptable, almost normal, quality. CONCLUSION: The results support our clinical observations that the ideal position of the lateralization sutures is the one which provides a physiological abduction position of the arytenoid cartilage. Considering these good results, the surgical indications for minimally invasive endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy may be extended.

Isolated Recovery of Adductor Muscle Function Following Bilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to analyze the phoniatric and respiratory outcomes of a subset of bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) patients who were all treated with unilateral endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL). EAAL is a nondestructive, minimally invasive glottis widening operation, which does not damage either the surgically treated or the contralateral vocal cord. Therefore, it does not impair the regeneration potential of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Ten out of 21 BVCP patients who were treated with EAAL showed signs of isolated adduction recovery at 1 year and were chosen for this study. Functional results (objective and subjective voice analysis, spirometric measurement) and vocal cord movements were assessed preoperatively, 1 week and 1 year after EAAL. Laryngeal electromyography was performed on the 12th postoperative month. RESULTS: The volitional adductor movement seen on laryngoscopy was corroborated by laryngeal electromyography evaluation. Peak inspiratory flow increased significantly after EAAL. Quality-of-life scores also showed high patient satisfaction. Shimmer showed consistent improvement along with harmonic-to-noise ratio and average maximal phonation time in parallel with the improving vocal cord movement. Complex voice analysis and subjective self-evaluation tests also demonstrated significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: EAAL, as a minimally invasive, nondestructive airway widening technique, does not interfere with the potential regeneration process that can still occur after BVCP, allowing for laryngeal functional recovery. It is a safe and effective treatment for BVCP that allows a simple solution with good phonatory, swallowing, and respiratory benefits by unilateral passive and reversible vocal cord lateralization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2334-2340, 2019.

[Phoniatric outcomes of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy in patients with transient bilateral vocal cord paralysis]. / Endoszkópos arytaenoid abdukciós lateropexia foniátriai eredményei átmeneti kétoldali gégebénulás esetén.

INTRODUCTION: Dyspnea caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis often requires surgical intervention to prevent acute asphyxiation. The regeneration of the laryngeal nerves may last weeks or months and it is difficult to predict the outcome. In the past decades, several open and endoscopic surgical techniques have been introduced for treatment to avoid tracheostomy, however, these procedures with resection of the glottis resulted in irreversible changes in the laryngeal structure, thus the voice quality decreased over a long-term period. AIM: Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy is an accepted reversible, minimally invasive technique that provides an immediate patent airway by the lateralisation of the arytenoid cartilage with a suture. The aim of our study was to analyze the phonatory and respiratory outcomes of this treatment concept. METHOD: Two patients suffering from bilateral vocal cord palsy were treated with endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. After recovery of the vocal cord movements, the sutures were removed. Spirometric and phoniatric results of the two patients were analysed after suture removal. RESULTS: Good spirometric parameters and normal voice quality were detected in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: These results prove the high reversibility of the minimally invasive endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. Lateralization suture can be removed in the case of vocal cord movement recovery, and phonation may be physiological. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(29): 1188-1192.

Diagnostic Difficulties in Evaluation of Neck Masses - Idiopathic Lymph Node Infarction.

Palpable neck masses are often the only signs of patients visiting their ENT specialists. Lymphadenopathy may be a primary or secondary manifestation of numerous benign and malignant disorders. The medical history, physical examination, imaging and pathological examination may help to set the appropriate diagnosis. Lymph node infarction is a very rare entity among the various pathologies involving the lymph nodes. We hereby present three cases, in which infarction was the only symptom, no associated condition occurred.

Functional outcomes of endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy for unilateral vocal cord paralysis with dyspnea.

In unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP), hoarseness is usually the leading symptom; however, the diminished airway might lead to breathing problems as well, especially with exertion. The application of the classic resection glottis enlarging or medialization procedures might shift the breathing and/or the voice to a worse condition. The non-destructive endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) might be a solution for this problem. The aim of our study was to analyze the phonatory and respiratory outcomes of this treatment concept. The first year phoniatric [Jitter, Shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time (MPT), fundamental frequency (F 0), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), Global-Roughness-Breathiness scale (GRB)], peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated in ten UVCP patients treated by EAAL for dyspnea generally presented on exertion. PIF, Jitter, QoL, GRB, and VHI significantly improved. DSI, HNR, and MPT got non-significantly better. F 0 slightly increased in all patients, a mild deterioration of shimmer was observed. These results prove that improving respiratory function is not necessarily associated with a deterioration in voice quality. The EAAL provides a significant improvement in breathing and the vibratory parameters of the postoperative, more tensed and straightened vocal cords proved to be more advantageous than the original (para) median 'loose' position. The over-adduction of the contralateral side more or less compensates for the disadvantageous, more lateral position of the operated side. EAAL might be an alternative treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis associated with breathing problems.

[Endoscopic ultra dream pulse laser surgery of laryngomalacia. Our experiences gained during the introduction of the method in Hungary]. / A laryngomalacia endoszkópos ultrapulzációs-lézeres (ultra dream pulse) sebészete. A módszer hazai bevezetése során szerzett tapasztalataink.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital stridor and dyspnoe are caused by laryngomalacia in most cases. AIM: In this article we present a new, surgical method for treating severe laryngomalacia in patients under the age of 1, where ultrapulsated (UDP) laser beam is used for supraglottoplasty. Ultra dream pulse laser creates lesser thermical side damage in the tissue, therefore the risk of postoperative laryngeal oedema and scarring is lower. METHOD: We present 10 cases and the endoscopic UDP-laser surgery of patients under the age of 1 with severe laryngomalacia. RESULTS: After the surgery the stridorous symptoms disappeared, and there was no evidence of postoperative laryngeal oedema, there was no need for reoperation or tracheotomy in any of the cases. CONCLUSION: UDP-laser surgery of laryngomalacia is proven to be a safe and effective surgial modality. During the follow up visits we experienced neither recurrence of stridor nor laryngeal scarring. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(33): 1288-1292.

Vascular mapping of the retroauricular skin - proposal for a posterior superior surgical incision for transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing implants.

BACKGROUND: Passive transcutaneous osseointegrated hearing implant systems have become increasingly popular more recently. The area over the implant is vulnerable due to vibration and pressure from the externally worn sound processor. Good perfusion and neural integrity has the potential to reduce complications. The authors' objective was to determine the ideal surgical exposure to maintain perfusion and neural integrity and decrease surgical time as a result of reduced bleeding. METHODS: The vascular anatomy of the temporal-parietal soft tissue was examined in a total of 50 subjects. Imaging diagnostics included magnetic resonance angiography in 12 and Doppler ultrasound in 25 healthy subjects to reveal the arterial network. Cadaver dissection of 13 subjects formed the control group. The prevalence of the arteries were statistically analyzed with sector analysis in the surgically relevant area. RESULTS: The main arterial branches of this region could be well identified with each method. Statistical analysis showed that the arterial pattern was similar in all subjects. The prevalence of major arteries is low in the upper posterior area though large in proximity to the auricle region. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse methods indicate the advantages of a posterior superior incision because the major arteries and nerves are at less risk of damage and best preserved. Although injury to these structures is rare, when it occurs, the distal flow is compromised and the peri-implant area is left intact. Hand-held Doppler is efficient and cost-effective in finding the best position for incision, if necessary, in subjects with a history of surgical stress to the retroauricular skin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This was a non-interventional study.

A new solution for neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis: Endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Bilateral vocal cord paralysis in early childhood is a life-threatening condition, which often requires immediate intervention. One of the treatment options is a quick, reversible simple suture vocal cord lateralizing technique, whereby the arytenoid cartilage is directly lateralized to the normal abducted position. Considering pediatric laryngeal anatomy, a small endolaryngeal thread guide instrument was designed for precise suture insertion. STUDY DESIGN: New instrument validation. METHODS: Four newborns had inspiratory stridor immediately after birth; two had to be intubated. Laryngotracheoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral, left-sided endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy was performed with supraglottic jet ventilation on the 4th, 5th, 5th, and 27th day of life for the four patients, respectively. RESULTS: All babies remained intubated for 3 to 7 days with an uncuffed tracheal tube. After extubation, no dyspnea or swallowing disorder occurred. A subjective quality of life questionnaire, laryngotracheoscopy, clinical growth charts, and voice analysis showed satisfactory functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, quick, reversible endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy might be a more favorable solution for neonatal bilateral vocal cord paralysis than earlier treatment strategies. In one step, the airway can be maintained without the risk of any permanent damage to voice production. Good swallowing function is also preserved. The specially modified endolaryngeal thread guide instrument gives a fast and effective option for creating the lateralized arytenoid position even in the technically challenging surgical context of a neonate larynx. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1608-1614, 2017.

Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for pediatric combined high grade stenosis as a laryngeal manifestation of epidermolysis bullosa.

Epidermolysis bullosa refers to a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited mucocutaneous diseases. Laryngotracheal lesions are momentous regarding the risk of sudden airway obstruction. The traditional treatment is tracheostomy. This case report highlights the advantages of minimally invasive interventions. A successful combined endoscopic management of a life-threatening respiratory crisis is presented in a 4-year-old child. Combined commissure stenosis with supraglottic spread was treated by CO2 laser dissection and bilateral endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy, supplemented with mitomycin C application. Due to expectable less scarring, the combination of these modern methods may be an efficient solution in these vulnerable respiratory tracts.

Rotational thyrotracheopexy after cricoidectomy for low-grade laryngeal chrondrosarcoma.

OBJECTIVES: The complex laryngeal functions are fundamentally defined by the cricoid cartilage. Thus, lesions requiring subtotal or total resection of the cricoid cartilage commonly warrant total laryngectomy. However, from an oncological perspective, the resection of the cricoid cartilage would be an optimal solution in these cases. The poor functional results of the few reported cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy with different reconstruction techniques confirm the need for new approaches to reconstruct the infrastructure of the larynx post cricoidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series review. METHODS: Four consecutive patients with low-grade chondrosarcoma were treated by cricoidectomy with rotational thyrotracheopexy reconstruction to enable the functional creation of a complete cartilaginous ring that can substitute the functions of the cricoid cartilage. The glottic structures were stabilized with endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy. Patients were evaluated with objective and subjective function tests. RESULTS: Tumor-free margins were proven; patients were successfully decannulated within 3 weeks. Voice outcomes were adequate for social conversation in all cases. Oral feeding was possible in three patients. CONCLUSION: Total and subtotal cricoidectomy can be a surgical option to avoid total laryngectomy in cases of large chondrosarcomas destroying the cricoid cartilage. The thyrotracheopexy rotational advancement technique enables the effective reconstruction of the structural deficit of the resected cricoid cartilage in cases of total and subtotal cricoidectomy. An adequate airway for breathing, swallowing, and voice production can be reconstructed with good oncological control. In cases where the pharynx is not involved, good swallowing function can also be achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1109-1115, 2017.

Comparison of endoscopic techniques designed for posterior glottic stenosis--a cadaver morphometric study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Posterior glottic stenosis may cause more or less severe dyspnea. The popular endoscopic procedures have only a limited role in the treatment. Considering our clinical experiences, endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL) after proper mobilization of the fixed joints provides an effective option even in high-grade stenoses. STUDY DESIGN: To confirm these clinical observations, a morphometric study was performed in 100 cadaver larynges (50 male, 50 female) to objectively compare the endoscopic glottis-widening procedures. METHODS: The postoperative measurements of the posterior commissure following EAAL, classic vocal cord laterofixation (VCL), transverse cordotomy (TC), and arytenoidectomy (AE) were assessed by a digital image analyzer program. The distance between the vocal process of the lateralized vocal fold and the midline, the angle between the axis of the posterior commissure midpoint, and the vocal process and laryngeal median sagittal line were measured. RESULTS: EAAL was found to be more effective in improving the posterior glottis configuration; however, AE and VCL were beneficial as well. CONCLUSIONS: Our morphometric study proved that organ-preserving EAAL provided more space in the posterior glottic area. Fibrous reconnection and contraction of the scar can be minimized in this way, which may be the clinical efficacy explanation.