[Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis]. / Papillomatose respiratoire récurrente.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a chronic infection of the airway mucosa by the human papilloma virus, in the form of recurrent exophytic papilloma. Two clinical forms are distinguished: juvenile and adult onset. Depending on their size and location, papilloma can cause dysphonia, pharyngeal discomfort, until obstruction of the airway. There is no curative treatment. The management strategy is to surgically remove symptomatic disease by transoral approach, but some recurrent disease require multiple interventions and -adjuvant therapies. The symptoms caused by the disease as well as treatments' side effects have a major impact on patient's quality of life. Vaccination against HPV currently represents the best strategy to prevent disease.

La papillomatose respiratoire récurrente est une infection chronique de la muqueuse des voies aériennes par le virus du papillome humain sous forme de papillomes exophytiques récidivants. Deux formes cliniques sont décrites : juvénile et adulte. Selon leurs taille et localisation, les papillomes peuvent être responsables d'une dysphonie, d'une gêne pharyngée, jusqu'à l'obstruction des voies respiratoires. Il n'y a pas de traitement curatif définitif. La stratégie est chirurgicale par l'ablation des lésions symptomatiques par voie endoscopique, mais certaines maladies récidivantes nécessitent de multiples interventions en plus des thérapies adjuvantes. L'impact sur la qualité de vie est majeur, à travers les symptômes occasionnés et les séquelles des traitements. La vaccination représente le meilleur espoir d'éradication de la maladie.

Utility of flexible interventional endoscopy in endoscopic sinus surgery: a case series.

PURPOSE: During endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), difficult-to-reach pathologies need an extended endoscopic approach or an external approach. We started to use a flexible interventional endoscope (FIE) to evaluate the necessity of those approaches. The study's objective is to describe our experience and define patients who could benefit from this technique. METHODS: We reviewed every patient who benefited from FIE associated with ESS at our tertiary University Hospital between January 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS: During this period, we did 107 ESS, and 14 patients benefited from the FIE, representing 13% of our ESS. The median duration of the flexible endoscopy time was 14 min (4-38 min). We identified three groups of patients who can benefit from the FIE. The first one is for patients with a fungal infection, to control and to clean lateral recesses in a noninvasive manner. The second one is for patients with a pathology of the lateral frontal sinus, to remove the frontoethmoidal cells or mucocele with the biopsy forceps through the working channel. The third group is for patients with inverted papillomas, to precisely identify the insertion and to decide on the most appropriate surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, using flexible endoscopy during ESS helps decide the optimal surgical approach and sometimes treat the pathology through a limited approach. Prospective studies for each group of patients are needed to confirm the benefit of this new combined procedure.

Pediatric vascular anomalies with airway compromise.

Vascular anomalies are rare lesions of diverse nature that may affect the head and neck region. Any mass in or around the upper airway has the potential to obstruct or compromise it. The absolute priority, before etiologic treatment, is the evaluation of the risk for the airway and its management. Prenatal diagnosis of an upper airway obstruction requires a planned delivery in a center having a specialized team experienced in managing a compromised feto-neonatal airway, and who could perform an ex-utero intrapartum treatment to secure the airway. Even after birth, the airway remains central in the patient's overall management. Signs and symptoms of airway compromise must be evaluated keeping in mind the specific requirements of infants and small children and being aware that rapid worsening may occur. The treatment is then tailored to the patient and his lesion with the goal of improving symptoms while avoiding treatment-related complications. Maintaining reasonable expectations by the patient and families are part of a successful management. Cure is achievable for small and localized lesions, but symptom relief and mitigation of functional, esthetic and psychological impairments is the goal for large and complex lesions. If a tracheotomy was required, decannulation is one of the primary management goals.

[Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma : new therapeutic approaches]. / Carcinome anaplasique de la thyroïde : nouvelles approches thérapeutiques.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is among the most aggressive cancers with a median overall survival of 4 months and a disease-specific mortality of close to 100%. As soon as the diagnosis is suspected or established, urgent referral to an experienced multidisciplinary center is imperative. Chemotherapy has limited efficacy. Molecular analyses, together with the availability of novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies, now permit to improve outcomes. In particular, targeted therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib is indicated as first-line therapy for BRAF V600E-mutated ATC.

Le cancer anaplasique de la thyroïde (CAT) compte parmi les cancers les plus agressifs avec une survie médiane de 4 mois et une mortalité spécifique à la maladie proche de 100 %. Dès que le diagnostic est suspecté ou établi, une orientation urgente vers un centre multidisciplinaire expérimenté est essentielle. La chimiothérapie a une efficacité limitée. Les analyses moléculaires, ainsi que la disponibilité de nouvelles thérapies ciblées et d'immunothérapies, permettent désormais d'améliorer les résultats. En particulier, le CAT avec mutation BRAF V600E bénéficie d'une combinaison de thérapies ciblées par dabrafénib et tramétinib en traitement de première ligne.

[Laryngeal reinnervation]. / Réinnervations laryngées.

The surgical management of unilateral and bilateral vocal cord paralysis depends on the severity of the condition, the potential for spontaneous recovery, the patient's age and vocal expectations. Standardized re-innervation surgeries, unilateral non-selective and bilateral selective, are viable alternatives to static procedures currently under evaluation in prospective studies. Neurorraphy of the ansa cervicalis loop to the recurrent laryngeal nerve allows lasting vocal recovery and potentially superior results to medialization and thyroplasty, by maintaining the visco-elastic properties of the vocal cord and preventing its atrophy. Selective bilateral reinnervation shows potential for recovery of inspiratory abduction with improved respiratory function without vocal deterioration.

La prise en charge chirurgicale des paralysies cordales uni et bilatérales dépend de la sévérité de l'atteinte, du potentiel de récupération spontanée, de l'âge du patient et de ses attentes. De nouvelles stratégies standardisées de réinnervations, unilatérales non sélectives et bilatérales sélectives, sont désormais appliquées en clinique et en cours d'études prospectives. La neurorraphie de l'anse cervicale au nerf laryngé récurrent permet un rétablissement vocal durable et potentiellement supérieur aux techniques statiques de médialisation et thyroplastie, par maintien des propriétés viscoélastiques de la corde et prévention de sa fibrose. La réinnervation bilatérale sélective montre un potentiel de récupération de l'abduction inspiratoire avec une amélioration des fonctions respiratoires sans détérioration vocale.

[Anosmia and COVID-19]. / Anosmie et COVID-19.

Anosmia associated or not with dysgeusia seems to be a frequent symptom in cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19. It can be the initial symptom of the disease or remain isolated in pauci-symptomatic patients. Waiting for scientific confirmation and in the context of the current pandemic, it seems essential to consider any patient with a new anosmia as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 until proven otherwise. These patients should therefore isolate themselves and remain alert to the occurrence of other symptoms suggestive of the infection and/or be tested. Topical and systemic corticosteroids and nose washes are contraindicated. The natural course of anosmia seems to be favorable in most cases.

L'anosmie associée ou non à la dysgueusie semble être un symptôme fréquent en cas d'infection au SARS-CoV-2 responsable du COVID-19. Elle peut être le symptôme initial de la maladie ou rester isolée chez certains patients paucisymptomatiques. Dans l'attente de confirmations scientifiques et dans le contexte de pandémie actuelle, il semble primordial de considérer tout patient présentant une anosmie nouvelle comme étant infecté par le SARS-CoV-2 jusqu'à preuve du contraire. Ces patients devraient donc s'auto-isoler et rester attentifs à l'apparition des autres symptômes évocateurs de l'infection et/ou se faire tester. Les corticoïdes topiques et systémiques ainsi que les rinçages nasaux sont contre-indiqués. L'évolution naturelle de l'anosmie semble favorable dans la plupart des cas.

[Thyroid nodules and thyroid differentiated cancers: an update on diagnosis and surgical management.] / Nodules et cancers différenciés de la thyroïde: mise à jour sur le diagnostic et le traitement chirurgical.

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancers has increased in the past 30 years, mainly due to overdiagnosis. It is therefore crucial to adapt diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to avoid overtreatment that exposes patients to unnecessary risks. Accordingly, international guidelines on the subject are regularly updated. Ultrasound and cytology guide the management for thyroid nodules. Some microcarcinomas can now be actively followed without immediate surgery, and some low-risk cancers can be adequately treated with lobo-isthmectomy. The indications for central neck dissection remain controversial. Technological advances allow minimizing specific complications of thyroid surgery and facilitate scarless surgery.

Face à l'augmentation d'incidence des cancers différenciés de la thyroïde principalement due au surdiagnostic, il est crucial d'adapter les attitudes diagnostiques et thérapeutiques afin d'éviter le « surtraitement ¼ qui expose les patients à des risques non nécessaires. Dans ce but, les recommandations internationales à ce sujet sont régulièrement mises à jour. L'ultrason et la cytologie permettent d'orienter la conduite à tenir devant un nodule thyroïdien. Certains microcarcinomes sont maintenant éligibles pour un suivi actif et une lobo-isthmectomie peut être proposée pour certains cancers avérés. Les indications aux curages ganglionnaires centraux sont toujours débattues. Des évolutions technologiques permettent de réduire les complications propres à la chirurgie thyroïdienne et facilitent la réalisation d'interventions sans cicatrice visible.

Temporary tracheal stenting using endovascular prosthesis in the management of severe refractory stenosis following slide tracheoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of endovascular stents in temporary tracheal stenting and endoscopic treatment strategy for patients with severe refractory tracheal stenosis following slide tracheoplasty. METHODS: Two patients had severe tracheal stenosis after slide tracheoplasty for long segment congenital tracheal stenosis. Both these patients were managed endoscopically and an endovascular prosthesis was used to temporarily stent the trachea. Short and long term results were evaluated clinically and with repeated endoscopies. RESULTS: The 2 patients had an excellent recovery immediately after the stent placement and continue to have an optimal, age-appropriate stable tracheal diameter after stent removal. CONCLUSION: Endovascular stents can be temporarily used to stent the trachea in the endoscopic treatment strategy to correct refractory severe tracheal stenosis following slide tracheoplasty.

Lamb larynx model for training in endoscopic and CO2 laser-assisted surgeries for benign laryngotracheal obstructions.

PURPOSE: With adequate indication and meticulous execution, endoscopic procedures can efficiently treat a subset of adult and pediatric benign laryngotracheal stenosis and obstructions, but these procedures are precise and very demanding. The difference between a successful and a failed surgery, with potentially debilitating side effects, resides in small details. The learning curve is long and very few centers worldwide have a sufficient case load making adequate training difficult. While indications and concepts of endoscopic procedures can be learned in books and by observing trained colleagues, the dexterity and the precise realization need to be practiced, ideally not initially on patients. METHODS: We describe here the lamb model system for the initial training in such procedures. We provide a step-by-step guide for endoscopic approaches intended to treat pathologies such as laryngomalacia, bilateral vocal fold paralysis, posterior glottic stenosis, and laryngotracheal clefts. CONCLUSIONS: The lamb model system does not pose ethical issues, and it is easy to obtain and to handle. It was used during an international training course for laryngotracheal stenosis by novice and advanced airway surgeons. It was unanimously judged as relevant and useful by the participants.

Laser supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia; a 14 year experience of a tertiary referral center.

To review the outcomes of laser supraglottoplasty performed in children with symptomatic laryngomalacia and determine the factors influencing them. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent laser supraglottoplasty for symptomatic laryngomalacia at the Lausanne University Hospital from November 2001 to November 2014. We examined the patient's demography, symptoms, comorbidities, type of laryngomalacia, synchronous airway lesions, and final outcomes. Seventy-nine patients were included in this study; median age at the time of surgery was 12.7 months. 55.7 % of the cases had comorbidities, 22.8 % of the patients were premature and synchronous airway lesions were present in 32.9 % of the cases. The different morphological types of laryngomalacia (I-III) were seen in 26.6, 62 and 11.4 % of the patients, respectively. Overall, operation specific success rate of laser supraglottoplasty was 86.1 %. Failures in 11 (13.9 %) of the 79 cases required 15 revision procedures. Success rates for patients with associated comorbidities, synchronous airway lesions, neurological disorders and prematurity were 81.8, 76.9, 69.2 and 66.7 %, respectively. Patients with type III laryngomalacia had a limited success rate (66.7 %) as compared to patients with morphological types I and II (90.5 and 87.8 %, respectively). Laser supraglottoplasty is an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic laryngomalacia. Patients with prematurity, type III LM, synchronous airway lesions and associated comorbidities are predisposed to surgical failure.

L-Shaped Septal Extension Spreader Graft for Improvement of Tip Symmetry in Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose Deformities.

INTRODUCTION: The unilateral cleft lip nose is characterized by numerous complex and interdependent deformities. Secondary rhinoplasty techniques aim to correct cleft lip nose deformities by using multiple maneuvers combining septum and nasal spine medialization and alar cartilage, as well as soft tissue mobilization and repositioning. Moreover, cartilage grafting is frequently used to restore adequate tip projection and nasal symmetry. We present a technique of cartilage grafting commonly used in noncleft rhinoplasties that we modified for cases of moderate cleft lip nose deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective case study of 21 patients with moderate unilateral cleft lip nose deformities who underwent secondary septorhinoplasty with an L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar rim, alar batten graft, and soft tissue repositioning. Exclusion criteria were severe or complex septal deviation avoiding a stable fixation of the graft. Mean follow-up time was 28 months. Surgical outcomes were analyzed by anthropometric measurements of standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs. RESULTS: All parameters improved except for the nostril height. The height between the alar base and the dome defining dome symmetry, as well as the angles between the lower lateral cartilage and the alar base (α) defining the orientation of the alar rim, improved significantly. The mean ratios of cleft/noncleft side of the height between the alar base and the dome and α showed statistically significant improvements from 0.833 (preoperative) to 0.994 (postoperative) (P < 0.0001) and from 0.883 to 1.02 (P = 0.0038), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The L-shaped septal extension spreader graft combined with alar batten graft and soft tissue repositioning is an option for secondary rhinoplasties in unilateral cleft lip nose deformities minimizing tip rigidity with significant improvement of the dome's height and its symmetry, as well as the alar side angle.

Endoscopic epiglottopexy using Lichtenberger's needle carrier to avoid breakdown of repair.

Severe type III laryngomalacia LM is represented by a retroflexed epiglottis that touches the posterior pharyngeal wall and obstructs the laryngeal inlet. Endoscopic epiglottopexy is advised in such cases wherein pexy sutures are passed between the epiglottis and base of tongue. Using conventional needle carriers, it is difficult to pass such sutures that go deep enough into the tongue base. Such a pexy is prone to a break down. We describe a novel technique of placing these glossoepiglottic sutures using the Lichtenberger's needle carrier. We used this technique in three patients with excellent results and report no complications. We propose to use this technique in cases of epiglottic prolapse seen in severe LM and certain hypotonic conditions.

Capturing epidermal stemness for regenerative medicine.

The skin is privileged because several skin-derived stem cells (epithelial stem cells from epidermis and its appendages, mesenchymal stem cells from dermis and subcutis, melanocyte stem cells) can be efficiently captured for therapeutic use. Main indications remain the permanent coverage of extensive third degree burns and healing of chronic cutaneous wounds, but recent advances in gene therapy technology open the door to the treatment of disabling inherited skin diseases with genetically corrected keratinocyte stem cells. Therapeutic skin stem cells that were initially cultured in research or hospital laboratories must be produced according strict regulatory guidelines, which ensure patients and medical teams that the medicinal cell products are safe, of constant quality and manufactured according to state-of-the art technology. Nonetheless, it does not warrant clinical efficacy and permanent engraftment of autologous stem cells remains variable. There are many challenges ahead to improve efficacy among which to keep telomere-dependent senescence and telomere-independent senescence (clonal conversion) to a minimum in cell culture and to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in engraftment. Finally, medicinal stem cells are expansive to produce and reimbursement of costs by health insurances is a major concern in many countries.

Esophageal schwannoma mimicking non-functional parathyroid adenoma on 99mTc-sestamibi imaging: a case report.

Technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT) is a mainstay of the pre-operative localization of parathyroid lesions. We report here the case of a 30 year-old woman with a fortuitously discovered 2 cm cervical mass for which a parathyroid origin was originally suspected due to its retro-thyroidal localization and a personal history of nephrolithiasis. Normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels excluded primary hyperparathyroidism, raising suspicion of a non-functional parathyroid adenoma, and SPECT/CT imaging showed that the mass was 99mTc-sestamibi-avid. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed; cytology was non-diagnostic but the needle washout was negative for thyroglobulin, calcitonin and PTH, arguing against a thyroidal or parathyroidal origin of the mass. Core needle biopsy revealed a schwannoma, ostensibly originating from the recurrent laryngeal nerve; upon surgical resection, it was finally found to arise from the esophageal submucosa. This case illustrates the fact that endocrinologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine, head and neck, and other specialists investigating patients with cervical masses should be aware that schwannomas need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal 99mTc-sestamibi uptake in the neck region.

Neonatal Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Dermatosis: A Critical Case Recovering after Prompt Recognition, Intensive Management, and Breastfeeding Interruption - A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (NLABD) is a rare, life-threatening, mucocutaneous bullous disorder. The pathogenesis and optimal treatment remain poorly defined and raise critical clinical challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a full-term female infant with severe cutaneous and respiratory symptoms due to NLABD. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence on the infant's skin biopsy, while IgAs directed against the basement membrane of the skin and mucosa were identified in the mother's milk. The infant fully recovered after nearly 8 weeks of intensive multidisciplinary care, including non-invasive ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, systemic corticoid treatment, and breastfeeding discontinuation. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the importance of timely adequate diagnosis and management of this rare and serious condition. Moreover, it adds novel evidence documenting the presence of pathogenic IgAs in breastmilk.

Congenital Malformations of the Cricoid Cartilage: Upper Airway Obstruction and Treatment Strategy.

OBJECTIVES: To review treatment and outcomes in patients with congenital cricoid cartilage malformation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosis of congenital cricoid malformation (CCM) treated in a single tertiary pediatric referral center between 1985 and 2022. Patients were grouped according to the morphology of the cricoid cartilage that was diagnosed during endoscopy. We reviewed the treatment strategy(s), decannulation rate, complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were grouped into four morphological subtypes of cricoid cartilage: 10 patients had a hypoplastic cricoid, eight had an elliptic shape, five had severe anterior thickening, and six an accentuated V-shape posterior cricoid plate. Twenty-four patients underwent surgery, and five were closely followed up without surgical treatment. Eight patients had a tracheostomy prior to surgery, and the majority had a hypoplastic cricoid. Most patients (20 out of 24) required additional procedures postoperatively to achieve an age-appropriate airway. Thirteen patients needed endoscopic dilatation(s) and granulation tissue removal; four needed more aggressive treatment, and three patients required revision open surgery. Decannulation was achieved after a median of 4.5 months in all previously tracheostomized patients. Endoscopy at the last follow-up showed an age-appropriate airway in 27 patients; 20 patients had normal oral feeding, and 11 patients had a normal voice. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy is important to diagnose CCM and most of the time patients would need only watchful waiting. In this report, surgery was required for patients who continued to remain symptomatic and had a compromised airway. The type of surgery depends on the type of cricoid malformation and the grade of stenosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3185-3191, 2023.

Enhancing Robustness of Adhesive Hydrogels through PEG-NHS Incorporation.

Tissue wounds are a significant challenge for the healthcare system, affecting millions globally. Current methods like suturing and stapling have limitations as they inadequately cover the wound, fail to prevent fluid leakage, and increase the risk of infection. Effective solutions for diverse wound conditions are still lacking. Adhesive hydrogels, on the other hand, can be a potential alternative for wound care. They offer benefits such as firm sealing without leakage, easy and rapid application, and the provision of mechanical support and flexibility. However, the in vivo durability of hydrogels is often compromised by excessive swelling and unforeseen degradation, which limits their widespread use. In this study, we addressed the durability issues of the adhesive hydrogels by incorporating acrylamide polyethylene glycol N-hydroxysuccinimide (PEG-NHS) moieties (max. 2 wt %) into hydrogels based on hydroxy ethyl acrylamide (HEAam). The results showed that the addition of PEG-NHS significantly enhanced the adhesion performance, achieving up to 2-fold improvement on various soft tissues including skin, trachea, heart, lung, liver, and kidney. We further observed that the addition of PEG-NHS into the adhesive hydrogel network improved their intrinsic mechanical properties. The tensile modulus of these hydrogels increased up to 5-fold, while the swelling ratio decreased up to 2-fold in various media. These hydrogels also exhibited improved durability under the enzymatic and oxidative biodegradation induced conditions without causing any toxicity to the cells. To evaluate its potential for clinical applications, we used PEG-NHS based hydrogels to address tracheomalacia, a condition characterized by inadequate mechanical support of the airway due to weak/malacic cartilage rings. Ex vivo study confirmed that the addition of PEG-NHS to the hydrogel network prevented approximately 90% of airway collapse compared to the case without PEG-NHS. Overall, this study offers a promising approach to enhance the durability of adhesive hydrogels by the addition of PEG-NHS, thereby improving their overall performances for various biomedical applications.

Preoperative CT-Based Skeletal Muscle Mass Depletion and Outcomes after Total Laryngectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of preoperative CT-based skeletal muscle mass depletion on postoperative clinical outcomes and survival in patients who underwent total laryngectomy for cancer. METHODS: Patients operated on between January 2011 and March 2020 were retrospectively included. Skeletal muscle area and intra- and inter-muscular fat accumulation were measured at the third lumbar vertebral level on preoperative CT scans. Skeletal muscle mass depletion was defined based on pre-established cut-off values. Their association with postoperative morbidity, length of stay (LOS), costs, and survival was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included, of which 37 (44%) had preoperative skeletal muscle mass depletion. The rate of postoperative fistula (23% vs. 35%, p = 0.348), cutaneous cervical dehiscence (17% vs. 11%, p = 0.629), superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSI) (12% vs. 10%, p = 1.000), and unplanned reoperation (38% vs. 37%, p = 1.000) were comparable between the two patient groups. No difference in median LOS was observed (41 vs. 33 days, p = 0.295), nor in treatment costs (119,976 vs. 109,402 CHF, p = 0.585). The median overall survival was comparable between the two groups (3.43 vs. 4.95 years, p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle mass depletion alone had no significant impact on postoperative clinical outcomes or survival.

Oropharyngolaryngeal manifestations in severe toxic epidermal necrolysis: a single-center's retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare and life-threatening mucocutaneous disease. Although mucosal ear, nose, and throat (ENT) involvement is common, little is known about the characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of these lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate ENT mucosal lesions in severe toxic epidermal necrolysis patients and analyze their characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes, as well as proposing a management algorithm to prevent long-term debilitating sequalae of these lesions. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of toxic epidermal necrolysis cases treated at the tertiary burns unit of the Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Switzerland, between 2006 and 2019. RESULTS: Out of 19 patients with severe toxic epidermal necrolysis, 17 (89%) underwent a complete ENT examination at admission and 14 (82%) had ENT mucosal involvement. Five (26.3%) patients died during the stay in the intensive care unit. Of the 16 patients who received maximal care, 13 (81%) required orotracheal intubation for a median time of 16 (IQR: 14) days. Out of the 14 patients who survived, four (29%) had long-term ENT complications consisting of synechiaes necessitating subsequent endoscopic procedures. Those four patients all required mechanical ventilation with an orotracheal tube and suffered from hypopharyngeal synechiaes as well as oral and endonasal synechiaes in individual cases. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a high prevalence of ENT synechiaes in patients with severe toxic epidermal necrolysis and requiring orotracheal intubation. Periodic ENT examination could prevent mature synechiae formation in these patients. We propose an algorithm to prevent long-term sequalae in ENT mucosal involvement.