Vagal nerve stimulator-associated sleep disordered breathing secondary to vagal-induced laryngospasm in pediatric populations: Case presentation and systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a well-documented complication of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in the literature. Yet, a formal consensus on its management has not been established, particularly in the pediatric population. This study aims to evaluate the current literature on VNS-associated SDB in order to further characterize its presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. METHODS: A literature review from 2001 to November 8, 2021 was conducted to search for studies on SDB during vagal nerve stimulation in pediatric populations. RESULTS: Of 277 studies screened, seven studies reported on pediatric patients with VNS-associated SDB. Several investigators found on polysomnogram that periods of apnea/hypopnea correlated with VNS activity. When VNS settings were lowered or turned off, symptoms would either improve or completely resolve. CONCLUSION: VNS-associated SDB is a well described complication of VNS implantation, occurring due to an obstructive process from vagal stimulation and laryngeal contraction. Diagnosis can be made via polysomnogram. Recommended treatment is through adjustment of VNS settings. However, those who are unable to tolerate this, or who have had pre-existing obstructive issues prior to VNS, should pursue other treatment options such as non-invasive positive pressure or surgery directed by DISE findings.

Laringoespasmo reflejo en cirugía urológica pediátrica / Reflex laryngospasm in pediatric urologic surgery

Introducción: El laringoespasmo es una complicación temida por los anestesiólogos. Se asocia a broncoespasmo, hipoxia, arritmias, aspiración del contenido gástrico y paro cardiaco. Es más frecuente en neonatos y lactantes. Está estrechamente vinculado al tipo de cirugía y consiste en un cierre intenso y prolongado de la glotis en respuesta a la estimulación glótica directa o refleja. Objetivo: Describir el tratamiento del laringoespasmo parcial reflejo en un paciente pediátrico durante una intervención urológica. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 18 meses de edad al cual se le realiza meatotomía. Durante la cirugía presenta laringoespasmo parcial reflejo tratado con maniobras físicas. Sin la necesidad de usar medicamento ni vía área mecánica. Conclusiones: Las maniobras utilizadas son seguras y efectivas en el tratamiento del laringoespasmo reflejo sin la necesidad de abordar la vía aérea ni uso de medicamentos, se lograron resultados satisfactorios con una relación riesgo beneficio a favor del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Laryngospasm is a complication feared by anesthesiologists. It is associated with bronchospasm, hypoxia, arrhythmias, aspiration of gastric contents, and cardiac arrest. It is more common among neonates and infants. It is closely related to the type of surgery and consists in an intense and prolonged closure of the glottis in response to direct or reflex glottic stimulation. Objective: To describe the management of reflex partial laryngospasm in a pediatric patient during a urological intervention. Case presentation: 18-month-old patient who received meatotomy. During surgery, he presented reflex partial laryngospasm managed with physical maneuvers, without the need to use medication or the mechanic airways ventilation. Conclusions: The maneuvers used are safe and effective for the management of reflex laryngospasm without the need to address the airway or using of medications. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved with a risk-benefit ratio in favor of the patient(AU)

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is acute-onset bilateral pulmonary interstitial edema. This condition can be caused by significant negative intrathoracic pressure generated by large inspiratory effort against acute upper airway obstruction. Postoperative NPPE is rare but potentially life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. This article describes a patient who developed postoperative NPPE following a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Respiratory anesthetic emergencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Respiratory anesthetic emergencies are the most common complications encountered during the administration of anesthesia in both the adult and pediatric populations. Regardless of the depth of anesthesia, a thorough review of the patients' health history, including the past medical history, edication list, prior anesthesia history, and complex physical examination, is critical in the promotion of safety in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office. The effective management of respiratory anesthetic emergencies includes both strong didactic and clinical skills.

Postoperative adverse respiratory events in preschool patients with inhaled foreign bodies: an analysis of 505 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk factors associated with postoperative adverse respiratory events in preschool-aged children with inhaled foreign bodies (FBs) undergoing rigid bronchoscopy. BACKGROUND: Foreign bodies aspiration is the most common cause of admission in pediatric emergency in otolaryngology service. Performance of rigid bronchoscopy is the standard treatment for removal of FBs in children. In some cases, severe respiratory events (complete laryngospasm and pneumothorax) may cause anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. However, the association between patient-related factors and postoperative complications in preschool-aged children with inhaled FBs undergoing rigid bronchoscopy is unclear. METHODS: We carried out a large prospective, single-institution review of anesthesia for 505 American Society of Anesthesiologists I-III preschool children aged ≤7 with inhaled FBs undergoing rigid bronchoscopy. Patients with postoperative adverse respiratory events were classified into two groups: the minor events group [hemorrhage, minor desaturation, and partial laryngospasm (wheezing, stridor, and dyspnea)) and the major events group (complete laryngospasm, including major desaturation, and pneumothorax). RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative adverse respiratory events was 9.5% in preschool-aged children with inhaled FBs undergoing rigid bronchoscopy. Preoperative respiratory impairment was associated with an increased risk for the complicate (P < 0.01). Pneumothorax occurred in 4 (0.8%) patients. There was 1 (0.2%) death from severe respiratory-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative respiratory impairment may develop the patients with FBs into postoperative adverse respiratory events.

[The use of "laryngospasm notch" in a patient who was unable to breathe during general anesthesia with a ProSeal laryngeal mask airway--the effect of Kino's approach].

We report a case where "laryngospasm notch" technique was used in a patient to initiate spontaneous respiration during general anesthesia. The patient was a 43-year-old woman who underwent conization. A Pro-Seal laryngeal mask airway was inserted after induction of general anesthesia. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (1.7-2%) and fentanyl. Surgical course was uneventful until the patient became unable to breathe towards the end of surgery. Positive-pressure ventilation was applied, but the patient could not be ventilated. "Laryngospasm notch" technique was performed by applying digital pressure in front of the tragus of the ears, and the patient began to breathe spontaneously. We describe our experience with the "laryngospasm notch" technique applied to the front of the tragus of the ears to treat laryngospasm.

[The use of "laryngospasm notch" in two patients whose oxygen saturations dropped after tracheal extubation].

In 1998, Dr. Larson described the technique of applying pressure to the "laryngospasm notch" as the best treatment for laryngospasm. Yet, there are no case reports of using this technique in the literature. We report 2 cases of using this technique in patients whose oxygen saturation levels dropped after tracheal extubation. The first patient was a 48-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the second patient was a 67-year-old man who underwent lumbar laminectomy. In both cases, induction of general anesthesia and surgery were uneventful. After surgery, we confirmed spontaneous respiration and the patients were able to respond and shake hands. However, immediately after extubation, the patients could not breathe and their oxygen saturation levels decreased to 76% and 84%, respectively. In the first patient, mask ventilation was easy and we used the "laryngospasm notch" technique during ventilation. However, in the second patient, mask ventilation was difficult and we used this technique prepared for re-intubation. In both cases, the patients began to breathe spontaneously shortly after using this technique and oxygen saturation increased to 100%. The incidence of laryngospasm is higher after tracheal extubation. The "laryngospasm notch" method is a good technique to treat this condition.

Laringoespasmo / Laringoespasmo / Laryngospasm

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A manutenção das vias aéreas é de importância fundamental para os anestesiologistas, particularmente durante a indução da anestesia e após a extubação, quando ocorre mais frequentemente o espasmo da laringe ou laringoespasmo. O anestesiologista deve conhecer a fisiologia do funcionamento faríngeo-laríngeo e os fatores de risco para a obstrução das vias aéreas, pois se trata de complicação potencialmente grave que pode ocorrer durante procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico, de etiologia multifatorial e cujas consequências podem ser nefastas. O atraso no diagnóstico ou tratamento e a evolução do quadro podem levar à hipoxemia, edema agudo do pulmão e eventualmente óbito do paciente. Nesse contexto o objetivo deste artigo foi rever as medidas que devem ser tomadas em situação de laringoespasmo, já que oxigenação e ventilação adequadas podem ficar comprometidas em tal situação. CONTEÚDO: Este artigo de revisão apresenta os mecanismos de manutenção das vias aéreas, discutindo seus aspectos mais relevantes e etiologia, fisiopatologia, tratamento e prevenção do laringoespasmo. CONCLUSÕES: Há muitas recomendações na literatura que visam tratar ou prevenir o desenvolvimento do laringoespasmo, mas nenhuma é completamente eficaz. Devido à sua gravidade, é necessário que sejam realizados mais estudos com enfoque nas medidas de prevenção dessa complicação.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Airways management is fundamental for anesthesiologists, especially during induction of anesthesia and after extubation, when laryngeal spasm is more common. The anesthesiologist should know pharyngeal-laryngeal physiology and the risk factors for airways obstruction, since this is a potentially severe complication with a multifactorial etiology that can develop during anesthesia and whose consequences can be catastrophic. A delay in the diagnosis or treatment and its evolution can lead to hypoxemia, acute pulmonary edema, and, eventually, death of the patient. In this context, the objective of this report was to review the measures that should be taken in cases of laryngospasm because adequate oxygenation and ventilation may be compromised in this situation. CONTENTS: This review article presents the mechanisms of airways management, discussing the most relevant aspects and etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of laryngospasm. CONCLUSIONS: The literature has several recommendations on the treatment or prevention of laryngospasm, but none of them is completely effective. Due to its severity, further studies on measures to prevent this complication are necessary.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El mantenimiento de las vías aéreas tiene una importancia fundamental para los anestesiólogos, particularmente durante la inducción de la anestesia y después de la extubación, cuando ocurre más a menudo el espasmo de la laringe o laringoespasmo. El anestesiólogo debe conocer la fisiología del funcionamiento faríngeo-laríngeo y los factores de riesgo para la obstrucción de las vías aéreas, porque se trata de una complicación potencialmente grave que puede ocurrir durante el procedimiento anestésico quirúrgico, de etiología multifactorial y cuyas consecuencias pueden ser nefastas. El atraso en el diagnóstico o tratamiento y la evolución del cuadro pueden conllevar a la hipoxemia, edema agudo del pulmón y eventualmente al deceso del paciente. En ese sentido, el objetivo de este artículo fue analizar nuevamente las medidas que deben ser tomadas en una situación de laringoespasmo, ya que la oxigenación y la ventilación adecuadas pueden quedar comprometidas en esa situación. CONTENIDO: Este artículo de revisión presenta los mecanismos de mantenimiento de las vías aéreas, discutiendo sus aspectos más relevantes y la etiología, fisiopatología, tratamiento y prevención del laringoespasmo. CONCLUSIONES: Existen muchas recomendaciones en la literatura que objetivan tratar o prevenir el desarrollo del laringoespasmo, pero ninguna de ellas es completamente eficaz. Debido a su gravedad, se hace necesario realizar más estudios con un enfoque en las medidas de prevención de esa complicación.

Tratamento do laringoespasmo em anestesia pediátrica por digitopressão retroauricular: relato de casos / Tratamiento del laringoespasmo en anestesia pediátrica por digitopresión retroauricular: relato de casos / Treatment of laryngeal spasm in pediatric anesthesia by retroauricular digital pressure: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os problemas com a via aérea pediátrica estão entre os maiores desafios que o anestesiologista pode encontrar em sua prática clínica. Dentre eles, destaca-se o laringoespasmo, que ocorre com freqüência duas a três vezes maior na população pediátrica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar o tratamento de laringoespasmo realizado com digitopressão de ponto localizado atrás do lóbulo da orelha. A técnica é fácil, antiga, porém pouco divulgada. Pode ser utilizada de forma segura e rápida, dispensando o acesso venoso periférico que, em algumas situações, pode estar ausente. RELATO DOS CASOS: Dois casos de anestesia pediátrica em pacientes de 3 anos e de 6 meses de idade, nos quais ocorreu laringoespasmo. Ambos foram tratados apenas com a digitopressão da depressão retroauricular e evoluíram com pronta melhora do padrão respiratório e da saturação arterial de oxigênio. Como o laringoespasmo é complicação comum e potencialmente grave pela sua morbimortalidade, é necessário tratamento seguro, eficaz e rápido. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento clássico do laringoespasmo é a administração de oxigênio a 100 por cento com pressão positiva por unidade ventilatória (balão e máscara) e, se não houver resposta, administração venosa de 0,25 a 1 mg.kg-1 de succinilcolina. A técnica apresentada para tratamento do laringoespasmo é fácil, segura e eficaz, e realizada com digitopressão bilateral da região localizada atrás do lóbulo das orelhas. O laringoespasmo cedeu em poucos segundos e os pacientes tiveram evolução favorável.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Problems with pediatric airways are among the greatest challenges an anesthesiologist can face. Laryngeal spasm, which is twice or three times more frequent in the pediatric population, is paramount. The objective of this work was to report the treatment of laryngeal spasm applying digital pressure on a specific area behind the ear lobe. The technique is old, easy, but little known. It is safe and can be promptly done, and does not require peripheral venous access, which might not be present in some situations. CASE REPORT: We report two cases of pediatric anesthesia, in a three-year old and six month-old patients, who developed laryngeal spasm. Both patients were treated by applying retroauricular digital pressure with immediate improvement of the breathing pattern and arterial oxygen saturation. Since laryngeal spasm is a common and potentially severe complication due to its morbimortality, it requires a safe, effective, and fast treatment. CONCLUSION: The classical treatment of laryngeal spasm includes the administration of 100 percent oxygen with positive pressure per ventilatory unit (balloon and mask) and, in the absence of response, intravenous succinylcholine, 0.25 to 1 mg.kg-1. The technique presented here for the treatment of laryngeal spasm is easy to perform, safe and effective, and consists of bilateral digital pressure behind the ear lobes, which reversed the laryngeal spasm in a few seconds, avoiding the development of complications.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los problemas con la vía aérea pediátrica están entre los más grandes retos que el anestesiólogo puede encontrar en su práctica clínica. Entre ellos se destaca el laringoespasmo, que ocurre con frecuencia de dos a tres veces más en la población pediátrica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue relatar el tratamiento de laringoespasmo realizado con digitopresión de punto localizado detrás del lóbulo de la oreja. La técnica es fácil, antigua, pero poco divulgada. Puede ser utilizada de forma segura y rápida sin necesidad del acceso venoso periférico que, en algunas situaciones, puede estar ausente. RELATO DE LOS CASOS: Dos casos de anestesia pediátrica en pacientes de tres años y de seis meses de edad, en los cuales ocurrió laringoespasmo. Los dos fueron tratados apenas con la digitopresión de la depresión retroauricular y evolucionaron con una rápida mejora del estándar respiratorio y de la saturación arterial de oxígeno. Como el laringoespasmo es una complicación común y potencialmente grave por su morbimortalidad, se hace necesario un tratamiento seguro, eficaz y rápido. CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento clásico del laringoespasmo es la administración de oxígeno a 100 por ciento con presión positiva por unidad ventilatoria (globo y máscara) y si no hay respuesta, administración venosa de 0,25 a 1 mg.kg-1 de succinilcolina. La técnica presentada para el tratamiento del laringoespasmo es fácil, segura y eficaz, realizada con digitopresión bilateral de la región localizada detrás del lóbulo de las orejas. El laringoespasmo cedió en pocos segundos y los pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable.

Management of aerodigestive tract foreign bodies: innovative teaching concepts.

OBJECTIVES: We discuss a method to provide medical education in bronchoesophagology by using high-fidelity patient simulation manikins. METHODS: A sophisticated, life-sized infant manikin with realistic anatomic, physiologic, and hemodynamic responses to interventions was programmed to simulate endobronchial foreign body lodgment by blocking ventilation of one lung and manifesting audible stridor, asymmetric chest wall motion, and decreased oxygen saturation. RESULTS: Otolaryngology residents participated in simulation exercises incorporating the cognitive and technical skills necessary for successful airway endoscopy, including technical proficiency and teamwork, to learn to coordinate endoscopy and ventilation and manage laryngospasm. Rather than relying on instructor description, the participants responded directly to the manikin. This sense of realism stimulated participants to rehearse to improve provider performance and patient safety. Simulation provided an agenda determined by the needs of the learners, exploration without direct risk to patients, immediate feedback, and objective documentation. CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly evolving medical simulation technologies support activated, effective adult learning; they will play an increasing role in medical education.

Idiopathic laryngeal spasm: management and long-term outcome.

Idiopathic laryngeal spasm (ILS) is an uncommon disorder characterised by brief episodes of stridor, occurring at any time. Subsequent outpatient ENT examination is normal. These episodes cause considerable anxiety for both patient and physician. Little is known about the initiating event(s) in this condition or the long-term outcome. Using a combination of telephone and postal questionnaires with case note review, we have reviewed a cohort of 21 patients with this diagnosis managed by the senior author over the last 15 years. None of the 19 patients who responded were worse; 13 (68%) described improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. ILS is difficult to classify in the spectrum of vocal cord disorders, but appears distinct to those previously described. The condition responds well to a conservative management approach of reassurance and counselling.

Pulmonary edema and lung injury after severe laryngospasm.

A young male with no pre-operative medical illness underwent corrective surgery for a deviated nasal septum under general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, patient was extubated but went into severe laryngospasm that did not improve with gentle Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation (IPPV) and small dose of Suxamethonium. As the situation worsened and patient developed severe bradycardia and de-saturation, re-intubation was done that revealed pink froth in the endotracheal tube. His portable chest X-ray was suggestive of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. With an overnight supportive treatment, using mechanical ventilation with Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP), morphine infusion and frusemide, patient improved and was subsequently weaned off from ventilator.

Postobstructive pulmonary edema after laryngospasm in the otolaryngology patient.

CONTEXT: Post-obstructive pulmonary edema (PPE) is an uncommon complication which develops immediately after the onset of acute airway obstruction such as laryngospasm or epiglottitis (type I) or after the relief of chronic upper airway obstruction such as adenotonsillar hypertrophy (type II). OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of type I PPE following laryngospasm in pediatric and adult patients undergoing otolaryngologic surgical procedures other than those for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of 13 otolaryngology patients from 1996 to 2003. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital and its affiliates. PATIENTS: 13 patients (4 children, 9 adults, 5 males, 8 females) ranging in age from 9 months to 48 years. RESULTS: Operative procedures included adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, removal of an esophageal foreign body, microlaryngoscopy with papilloma excision, endoscopic sinus surgery, septorhinoplasty, and thyroidectomy. Six patients required reintubation. Treatment included positive pressure ventilation, oxygen therapy, and diuretics. Seven patients were discharged within 24 hours and the others were discharged between 2 and 8 days postoperatively. There were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: Laryngospasm resulting in PPE may occur in both children and adults after various otolaryngologic procedures. Among the subgroup of children, our study is the first to report its occurrence in healthy children without sleep apnea undergoing elective surgery.

Vagal nerve stimulator implantation: an otolaryngologist's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare an otolaryngologist's experience with a cohort of epilepsy patients implanted with a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) to previously published data. METHODS: Demographics, preoperative seizure frequency, medications, and complications were retrospectively collected from patients implanted by the senior author. Postoperative medications and seizure frequency were obtained from referring neurologists. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were implanted over a 24-month period. Average age was 28.3 years. Patients presented with petit mal (n = 3), tonic-clonic (n = 6), complex partial (n = 5), and grand mal (n = 8) seizures. Mean follow-up postimplantation was 13.5 months. Most patients had at least a 50% reduction of seizure frequency, with 3 patients being seizure free. There were no postoperative infections. One patient had left vocal cord immobility. The most common side effect was voice disturbance during device activation. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists are well equipped to perform VNS implantation and to diagnose and treat possible laryngeal side effects. EBM RATING: C-4.

Is there a role of a small dose of propofol in the treatment of laryngeal spasm?

BACKGROUND: Propofol has been found to depress the laryngeal reflexes. We studied whether this property could be utilized to relieve laryngeal spasm. METHODS: This study was conducted over a period of 3 years, and included children aged 3-10 years, ASA status I and II. Most of the children were undergoing minor surgical procedures, under general anaesthesia with Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA trade mark ) and caudal epidural analgesia. RESULTS: During this period, 20 patients developed laryngeal spasm on removal of the LMA at the end of surgery. Initially, they all were treated with 100% O2, with gentle positive pressure ventilation. Out of 20 patients, seven responded well with 100% O2 and gentle positive pressure ventilation. The remaining 13 were treated with a small dose of propofol (0.8 mg.kg-1 body weight). Laryngeal spasm was relieved successfully in 10 patients and three patients required intubation to improve their oxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol in a small dose (0.8 mg.kg-1 body weight) was a useful drug to relieve laryngeal spasm in most children (76.9%) following the removal of the LMA. Because it was not found to be effective in all patients, succinylcholine still has a role to play in critical conditions. However, we recommend propofol as a suitable alternative for relieving laryngeal spasm in situations where succinylcholine is contraindicated.

Chemodenervation of the rat hemilarynx with phenol.

In this study, the injection of phenol into the true vocal fold was evaluated on a rat model as a possible treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia. A 10% phenol solution was injected into the right true vocal fold. Quantitative measurement of vocal fold adductory force showed reduction to 35% of the preinjection value 3 months after injection (p < .05). Qualitative evaluation by videolaryngoscopy demonstrated maintenance of the normal vocal fold range of motion. Histologic studies showed a transient inflammatory infiltrate and myolysis, while the vocal fold mucosa and the cricoarytenoid joints remained undamaged. Further investigation into the potential use of phenol for treating spasmodic dysphonia is warranted.

Edema pulmonar agudo post obstructivo secundario a laringo espasmo. Reporte de caso / Acute post obstructive pulmonary edema after laringospasm

Se reporta el caso de un paciente joven que fue sometido a hernioplastia inguinal izquierda, que presentó durante la emergencia de la anestesia, laringoespasmo, y secundario a este desarrolla edema agudo pulmonar se hace un breve análisis de puntos importantes del diagnóstico, la fisiopatología y el tratamiento de ambas entidades clínicas

Technique for injection of botulinum toxin through the flexible nasolaryngoscope.

A new endoscopic method of injecting botulinum toxin into the thyroarytenoid muscles for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia was evaluated. Twelve patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia were given injections in the thyroarytenoid muscle under video visualization with a flexible catheter needle that was passed through the working channel of a flexible nasolaryngoscope. Six patients received unilateral injections, and six received bilateral injections. Preinjection and postinjection speech samples were compared by use of spectrographic analysis. Significant decreases in voice breaks and sentence duration were found after treatment with both unilateral and bilateral injections. Patient interviews and diaries documented the reported degree and duration of symptom reduction. All 12 patients reported that the injections were of significant benefit and that the endoscopic procedure was tolerable. We concluded that this is a safe and effective technique for injecting botulinium toxin into laryngeal muscles for treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.