Characteristics, natural evolution and surgical treatment outcomes of unilateral laryngeal paralysis versus ankylosis: A longitudinal cohort study.

AIMS: Although unilateral laryngeal immobility (ULI) can results from paralysis or ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint, no comparative study exists to date. Aim of this study was to compare clinical features, aetiologies, spontaneous recovery and evolution after surgical treatment of ULI according to its mechanism. METHODOLOGY: Longitudinal observational cohort study between 1992 and 2017 in a tertiary care referral centre and university teaching hospital. All adult patients with isolated ULI were included. Presenting symptoms and demographic data were recorded at baseline. During follow-up, natural recovery and, if a surgical treatment was performed, treatment failure rate were noted. RESULTS: 994 patients were included, 56.4% of male and with a mean age of 58 years. Overall, 91% had paralysis and 9% had ankylosis. Dysphonia was the main symptom in both groups (>96%). Dyspnoea was more frequent in patients with ankylosis (26.1% vs 4.2% in those with paralysis) whereas dysphagia was more frequent in those with paralysis (31.1% vs 20% in those with ankylosis). With a mean follow-up of 2.3 years (±5.1), spontaneous recovery did not differ according to ULI's aetiology (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.85-2.40). Overall, 37.1% underwent a surgical treatment, and paralysis was associated with a lower odd of treatment failure (hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.70) over a mean follow-up of 3.1 years (±4.1). CONCLUSION: ULI resulting from paralysis or ankylosis differ in their symptoms and responses to surgical treatment, whereas natural evolution was similar.

Postsurgical Disfigurement Influences Disgust Recognition: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about how emotion recognition may be modified in individuals prone to elicit disgust. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if subjects with total laryngectomy would present a modified recognition of facial expressions of disgust. METHODS: A total of 29 patients presenting with a history of advanced-stage laryngeal cancer were recruited, 17 being surgically treated (total laryngectomy) and 12 treated with chemoradiation therapy only. Based on a validated set of images of facial expressions of fear, disgust, surprise, happiness, sadness and anger displayed by 6 actors, we presented participants with expressions of each emotion at 5 levels of increasing intensity and measured their ability to recognize these emotions. RESULTS: Participants with (vs without) laryngectomy showed a higher threshold for the recognition of disgust (3.2. vs 2.7 images needed before emotion recognition, p = 0.03) and a lower success rate of correct recognition (75.5% vs 88.9%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Subjects presenting with an aesthetic impairment of the head and neck showed poorer performance in disgust recognition when compared with those without disfigurement. These findings might relate either to some perceptual adaptation, habituation phenomenon, or to some higher-level processes related to emotion regulation strategies.

Postoperative hemorrhage after transoral oropharyngectomy for cancer of the lateral oropharynx.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome of postoperative hemorrhage after transoral oropharyngectomy for cancer of the lateral oropharynx. METHODS: Retrospective review of a cohort of 514 cancers of the lateral oropharynx consecutively resected. RESULTS: Incidence of postoperative hemorrhage was 3.6%. In 31.5% of cases, onset was after hospital discharge. No hemorrhages occurred after the end of the fourth postoperative week. Variables associated with increased risk of hemorrhage were advanced age (P=.004), antithrombotic treatment (P=.012), and robotic assistance (P=.009). When the source of hemorrhage could be identified, hemostasis, performed transorally in most cases, was highly effective; no patients in this subgroup showed recurrence. In spontaneously resolved hemorrhage under observation or when no active site of bleeding was found on exploration under general anesthesia, the recurrence rate was 18.1%. Overall, hemorrhage resulted in death in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Exploration under general anesthesia in case of active bleeding and observation with discussion of arterial exploration of the ipsilateral external carotid system in patients in whom no source of bleeding can be identified are the keys to successful management of this potentially lethal complication.

Early and severe dyspnea after supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

We present the case of a not-yet-reported complication that occurred during the immediate postoperative period after supracricoid partial laryngectomy. We include a review of the literature on complications following this procedure, emphasizing technical considerations that are critical during this surgery. Clinical, diagnostic, and operative findings are presented, as is a differential diagnosis for early and severe postoperative dyspnea following supracricoid laryngectomy.

Ten-Year Efficacy of Transoral Surgery for Squamous Carcinoma of the Lateral Oropharynx.

OBJECTIVES: To document the 10-year results of transoral mandibular preservation surgery for patients with T1-2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from the lateral oropharynx. METHODS: This was a retrospective 30-year review using STROBE guidelines at an academic, tertiary referral center. A total of 294 patients with T1-2 SCC of the lateral oropharynx were reviewed. Only 19% of patients were never-smokers, suggesting a predominantly HPV-negative population. All patients had transoral mandibular preservation surgery. Follow-up therapy included neck dissection (76.5%), induction chemotherapy (57.8%), and postoperative radiation therapy (31.6%) Local control, survival, and functional endpoints, as well as the consequences of local recurrence, were analyzed. RESULTS: The 10-year local disease control was 88.3%. Local recurrence was salvaged in 50% of cases, resulting in an overall 94.5% local control rate. The overall 10-year survival was 50%. Mortality was related to metachronous second primary cancer (MSPC) (29.2%), medical comorbidities (25.7%), uncontrolled local recurrence (10%), and complications following transoral resection (4.2%). In multivariate analysis, the development of an MSPC significantly increased (p < 0.005) the risk of death. Overall, 95.2% of patients achieved mandibular preservation. However, gastrostomy and tracheostomy dependence occurred in 1% and 0.3% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For a patient population with a significant percentage of tobacco-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), transoral surgery was associated with long-term minimal postoperative complications and a high rate of local control. MSPC was the main cause of death during the first 10 postoperative years. Such long-term figures support transoral surgery as an effective first-line treatment for early-stage predominantly tobacco-related OPC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Primary Total Laryngectomy for Endolaryngeal cT3-4M0 Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A STROBE Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To document 10-year oncologic outcome of primary total laryngectomy (TL) for patients with cT3-4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). STUDY DESIGN: Observational inception cohort of 531 patients with isolated untreated endolaryngeal cT3-4M0 SCC review over 40 years using STROBE guideline. 94% of patients were followed until death or for a minimum of 10 years. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral care center. METHODS: All patients underwent primary TL. Prior tracheotomy, induction chemotherapy, thyroid gland resection, level II-IV neck dissection, level VI dissection, and postoperative radiation therapy were associated in 6%, 40%, 43%, 89%, 47%, and 74% of cases, respectively: The main objective was to determine the 10-year actuarial local control estimate. Accessory objectives comprised screening for clinical variables increasing the risk of local recurrence, and analysis of long-term oncologic consequences of local recurrence. RESULTS: The 10-year actuarial local control estimate was 89.7%. Local recurrence was salvaged in 11% of cases, resulting in 92% overall local control. On multivariate analysis, none of the study variables correlated with local recurrence. Local recurrence resulted in significantly reduced nodal control, distant metastasis control, and survival. Postoperative complications, persistent index SCC, intercurrent disease, and metachronous second primary cancer accounted for respectively 3%, 37%, 33%, and 28% of the 334 deaths noted during the 10 years following TL. CONCLUSION: The present study underscored the long-term oncologic efficacy of primary TL, the dangers of local recurrence, the key role of local control for survival, and the importance of a long-term oncologic watch policy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2288-2294, 2024.

Glottic bamboo nodules from systemic lupus erythematosus.

Bamboo nodules of the glottis are of late being described as a distinct entity seen in patients with autoimmune diseases. We report the symptoms, clinical features, and management of a case of bamboo nodules of the glottis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. We discuss the pathogenesis and management of this condition on the basis of a review of the medical literature.

Descending mediastinitis with mediastinal abscess after supracricoid partial laryngectomy.

We document a rare and not-yet-reported condition after supracricoid partial laryngectomy: the development of descending mediastinitis with mediastinal abscess. We present a case in which early diagnosis and team management allowed for a successful outcome. The pathophysiology of this severe complication, as well as its diagnosis, management, and prevention, is discussed, together with a review of the medical scientific literature.

Functional organ preservation for laryngeal cancer: past, present and future.

OBJECTIVE: Management of laryngeal cancer has focused on improving survival while preserving function. Over the past 20 years, the trends have shifted from surgery to chemoradiotherapy and presently we are facing various challenges. It is imperative to re-examine what has happened and what can be done. METHODS: Review of the literature along with our experience in the management of functional organ preservation for laryngeal cancer. RESULTS: There was an increasing use of chemoradiotherapy with a decreasing use of surgery. Inappropriate patient selection along with inability to properly apply salvage surgeries have been presumed to be responsible for survival deterioration in laryngeal cancer. Reports concerning late adverse events after chemoradiotherapy are also increasing. Reconfirmation of the multidisciplinary team approach is imperative. Transoral laser microsurgery can be used for early laryngeal cancer and, in some experienced institutes, for advanced-stage cancers. Supracricoid laryngectomy demonstrated satisfactory oncologic and functional outcomes, based on our experience. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment selection for larynx preservation should not merely be decided by guidelines but considering each patient's individual condition. Head and neck surgeons are encouraged to take reasonable risks in performing salvage larynx preservation surgery when it is the only option to save a functioning larynx.

Lack of adverse events after medialization laryngoplasty With the montgomery thyroplasty implant in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to document the incidence of and risk factors for adverse events after medialization laryngoplasty with Montgomery implant insertion in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis. METHODS: We studied a retrospective series of 191 patients consecutively managed at a university teaching hospital. RESULTS: No adverse events were noted in 79.8% of the patients. Intraoperative, immediate, and late postoperative adverse events were noted in 8.3%, 8.9%, and 4.1% of the patients, respectively. The various adverse events noted were failure to insert the implant (3.6%), difficulties in stabilizing the implant (4.8%), misplacement of the implant (2.1%), dyspnea (2.7%), hematoma (4.8%), extrusion (1.6%), persistent morphological laryngeal alterations (1.6%), and keloid scars (1.1%). Tracheotomy, procedure-related death, and infection at the insertion site were not encountered. No significant statistical relationship was noted between the various adverse events encountered and the variables under analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that medialization laryngoplasty with Montgomery implant insertion in patients with unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis from various causes is a relatively safe, reliable, and reproducible procedure with a short learning curve.

Trade-off between survival and laryngeal preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer: the otorhinolaryngology patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a prospective study to evaluate, from the patient's perspective, the trade-off between speech and survival that individuals face when given a diagnosis of advanced-stage laryngeal cancer amenable to either total laryngectomy or a laryngeal preservation protocol using chemotherapy and radiotherapy. METHODS: Volunteers (309) consecutively seen at the otorhinolaryngology clinic of a university teaching hospital in France completed an anonymous questionnaire designed to determine their position if they faced the diagnosis of an advanced-stage laryngeal cancer. Univariate analysis was performed for potential statistical relationships with various variables. RESULTS: We found that 12.9% of patients were unable to determine their position regarding the two treatment options offered, and this group had a significant statistical relationship with four variables (age, education, professional status, and history of cancer among relatives). We found that 24.6% of patients made survival their main consideration and would not consider any trade-off. Among the 62.5% who considered the trade-off, the percentage of cure that patients were ready to lose in order to preserve their larynx varied from 5% to 100% (mean, 33%; SD, 23%). Aside from the undecided group, none of the variables analyzed was related either to the decision as to whether to consider a trade-off or to the percentage of c re that patients agreed to trade to preserve their larynx. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced-stage laryngeal cancer, treatment should be initiated only after careful evaluation of the patient's attitude toward both laryngeal preservation and survival.

[Evolution of laryngectomy based on a comparison of two cohorts a century apart: an illustration of the progress, difficulties and conflicts encountered in medicine]. / Histoire des laryngectomies illustrée par l'analyse de deux cohortes à un siècle de distance : un reflet du progrès, des difficultés et des conflits rencontrés en médecine.

Based on a comparison of two cohorts of patients with laryngeal cancer managed by laryngectomy one century apart, and an analysis of original textbooks from the end of the nineteenth century, we examine the development of laryngectomy, the difficulties encountered in this first therapeutic approach to laryngeal carcinoma, and the conflicts it generated. The overall death rate changed little over the course of a century, although the 5-year actuarial survival estimate improved from 22.6% in 1888 to 75.1% in 1988 (p < .0001). The causes of death also changed (p < .0001), with fewer deaths related to post-operative complications and/or local failure (82.7% in 1888, 9% in 1988). The rate of suicide deaths fell from 1.8% to 0.04%. In contrast, the percentage of deaths due to metachronous second primary tumors and/or intercurrent disease increased from 9% in 1888 to 76.7% in 1998. Analysis of actuarial survival rates demonstrated that 77.4% of patients died before the 60th post-operative month in 1888, while this percentage was only reached 275 months post-operatively a century later. Our research also underscores the importance of patient information and medical ethics.

[Unilateral laryngeal paralysis in the adult patient]. / Paralysies laryngées unilatérales de l'adulte.

Based on a review of the recent medical literature, the authors document the epidemiological evolution, pathophysisology diagnosis and recent advances in treatment for adult patients with unilateral laryngeal paralysis. Speech therapy, which used to be the only therapeutic option, is nowadays complemented by efficient surgical techniques, which have modified the management of many patients.

Imported acute and isolated glottic paracoccidioidomycosis.

The current report documents the rare clinical presentation of an imported acute and isolated glottic paracoccidioidomycosis. We discuss the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of this laryngeal disease, emphasizing the role of modern antifungal treatment, and review the relevant literature.

[Isolated unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis in adults. An inception cohort of 591 patients managed in a French--university--teaching hospital]. / Paralysies laryngées unilatérales isolées de l'adulte: etude d'une cohorte de 591 patients pris en charge en centre hospitalo-universitaire.

UNLABELLED: We analyzed an inception cohort of 591 adults with isolated unilateral laryngeal paralysis managed at a French teaching hospital during the period 1990-2008. Symptoms, causes, treatment and outcome were compared between two periods (1990-2000 vs 2001-2008), using the Chi squared test and Mann Whitney U test. Dysphonia, swallowing impairment and respiratory impairment were present in respectively 98.3%, 34.8% and 4.1% of cases, The causes of paralysis were surgical and non surgical in respectively 65.1% and 21.1% of cases. Cancer (mainly lung cancer) was present in 59.6% of cases, and 22% of these patients were receiving palliative treatment. Thoraco-mediastinal surgery and thyroid-parathyroid surgery accounted for 79.4% of surgical causes. Malignancies accounted for 76.8% of non surgical causes. Within the idiopathic group (13.8% of the cohort), a tumor lying along the path of the paralyzed nerve was detected in 3.7% of cases. Larynx motion was recovered in 19.6% of cases; nerve transection, the etiology, and the time since symptom onset were predictive factors for motion recovery. Treatment consisted of laryngeal medialisation and isolated speech therapy in 40.1% and 59.9% of cases, respectively. The current success rate of laryngeal medialisation is 90.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The three main causes of unilateral laryngeal nerve paralysis were tumors, surgery and cardiovascular disorders (surgical and non surgical). Laryngeal medialisation is now a major component of rehabilitation in our center.

Extended lateral pharyngotomy for selected squamous cell carcinomas of the lateral tongue base.

OBJECTIVES: In a retrospective review of an inception cohort of 26 patients with an isolated, previously untreated, moderately to well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral tongue base, consecutively managed with an extended lateral pharyngotomy approach at a single tertiary referral care center, the authors review the key surgical points, highlight the potential technical pitfalls, and document the complications and long-term functional and oncological outcomes in terms of survival and local control. METHODS: The adjunctive measures included induction chemotherapy, ipsilateral neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy, used in 96.1%, 96.1%, and 38.5% of patients, respectively. All patients but 2 were followed for at least 5 years or until death (maximum, 158 months). RESULTS: The significant postoperative complications included pharyngocutaneous fistula in 3 patients (11.5%) and hemorrhage requiring reoperation, partial flap necrosis, and pneumonia from aspiration in 1 patient (3.8%) each. In univariate analysis, no significant statistical relationship was noted between the significant postoperative complications noted and the variables under analysis. Overall, successful oral alimentation was achieved in 100% of patients by the first postoperative month without gastrostomy, tracheotomy, or completion total laryngectomy. There were no intraoperative or perioperative deaths. The main causes of death were metachronous second primary tumor, intercurrent disease, and distant metastasis, resulting in 84.6%, 64%, and 46.9% 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival estimates, respectively. Two patients (7.6%) had local recurrence, resulting in 100%, 86.7%, and 86.7% 1-, 3-, and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial local control estimates, respectively. As a function of T stage, the 3- and 5-year actuarial local control estimates were 100%, 87.5%, and 90.9% in patients with tumors classified as T1, T2, and T3-T4a, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Such results suggest that extended lateral pharyngotomy should be integrated among the various conservative treatment options available to patients with selected carcinomas of the lateral tongue base.

[Thyroid tumors in the adult revealed by unilateral laryngeal paralysis]. / Tumeurs thyroïdiennes de l'adulte révélées par une paralysie laryngée unilatérale.

GOAL: To analyze the characteristic of thyroid tumor associated with ipsilateral unilateral laryngeal paralysis (ULP) in the adult patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 30 patients with ULP related to an ipsilateral thyroid tumor (group A) and comparison with a cohort of 99 patients in whom ULP revealed a non-thyroid tumor (group B). RESULTS: Group A consisted of 66.6% of women with a mean age of 69 years. Comparison between both groups noted that female gender was more frequent in group A (66.6% vs. 17.1%, P<0.0001), and the underlying tumor was more frequently malignant in group B (89.9% vs. 43.4%, P<0.0001). Within group A, the incidence for recovery of laryngeal motion varied form 0% for malignant tumor to 50% for benign tumor. In patients with a benign thyroid tumor in whom recovery of laryngeal motion did not occur, the watch policy initiated allowed to detect a pathology (malignant tumor or neurological) explaining persistent ULP in 57% of cases. CONCLUSION: The present series confirm that ULP in the face of thyroid tumor does not allow to distinguish formally between benign and malignant tumors and highlight the value of a long term watch policy in patients with benign thyroid tumor pathology in whom recovery of laryngeal mobility does not occur.

Ten-year outcome of curative "exclusive" chemotherapy in N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx with complete clinical response.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to document 10-year outcome after curative "exclusive" chemotherapy in N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx. METHODS: Retrospective nonrandomized analysis of an inception cohort of 191 patients. Platinum salt and 5-fluorouracil were used in all patients. RESULTS: The 3-, 5-, 10-year overall actuarial survival and local control estimates were 83.3%, 74.4%, and 55.4% and 62.1%, 62.1%, and 55.3%, respectively. Main causes of death were metachronous second primary cancer (n = 39) and intercurrent disease (n = 28). No clinical variables were associated with increased risk of local recurrence. Salvage treatment resulted in 94.7% ultimate local control and 88.4% organ preservation. "Exclusive" chemotherapy was considered "beneficial" in 62.3% and "detrimental" in 7.8% of cases. CONCLUSION: The high rate of local recurrence may be thought not to justify this treatment. Nevertheless, many patients avoided surgery and remained free of disease. Therefore, this approach deserves further study in the era of immune checkpoints inhibitors.

[Analysis of the variables affecting patients' memorization and interpretation of information on thyroidectomy-related risks]. / Analyse des facteurs qui influent sur la mémorisation et l'interprétation par le malade de l'information concernant les risques de la thyroïdectomie.

We prospectively analyzed patients' memorisation and interpretation of preoperative information on the risks of thyroidectomy. This study was conducted in an academic tertiary care referral center, based on an inception cohort of 280 patients who were consecutively informed of the risks of thyroidectomy (unilateral laryngeal immobility, bilateral laryngeal immobility, hypocalcemia, common surgical complications, and perioperative death) by the same surgeon during the period 2003-2006. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors affecting memorisation and interpretation of the information delivered. After being informed of the risks, 14.6% of patients declined surgery, and 5% decided to postpone the operation for a few months. Among the 215 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, 0.9% remembered all five risks, 17.2% three or four, 61.4% one or two, and 20.4% none. The number of risks remembered did not vary over time. Age, occupation, and the year of the analysis influenced memorisation. In the immediate post-operative period, 85.5% of the patients had a positive opinion and 45.1% a negative opinion of the preoperative information, and 35.3% simultaneously expressed positive and negative opinions. The number of preoperative visits and the interval between the final preoperative visit and surgery both affected the patients' interpretation of the information. Patient memorisation of information on surgical risks is poor, and this results in major stress for the patient. After receiving this information, a significant proportion of patients decide to forego surgery.

Mucocele development after endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyposis: A long-term analysis.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of long-term mucocele development after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for nasal polyposis, to search for a statistical relationship with preoperative variables and to analyze the management of this complication. A retrospective analysis of 153 patients who underwent FESS for nasal polyposis, with a minimum of 7 years of follow-up, was performed. Mucocele diagnosis was based on regular clinical and radiologic evaluation. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The postoperative mucocele rate was 13.1% (20 patients). The mean delay between surgery and mucocele diagnosis was 6.25 years. A high preoperative Lund-Mackay score (>19) was a risk factor for postoperative mucocele (p = 0.04). Asthma and aspirin intolerance did not increase the risk of this complication. Endoscopic marsupialization of mucoceles was successful in 19 patients, with only one recurrent frontal mucocele. One patient required external approaches for two frontal mucoceles. In conclusion, mucocele risk after FESS for nasal polyposis is significant, especially in case of a high preoperative Lund-Mackay score (>19). Long-term clinical follow-up is recommended, imaging being prescribed based on symptoms or abnormal findings on clinical examination. Endoscopic marsupialization is very effective, but frontal mucoceles are more likely to recur.