Developing Cricothyroidotomy Skills Using a Biomaterial-Covered Model.

INTRODUCTION: Cricothyroidotomy is an advanced and life-saving technique, but it is also a rare and a difficult procedure. The purpose of the present study was to produce a low-cost simulation model with realistic anatomic features to investigate its effectiveness in developing cricothyroidotomy skills. METHODS: This study was performed at a university simulation center with 57 second-year student paramedics and a cricothyroidotomy simulation model. Total scores were assessed using a checklist. This consisted of 13 steps and was scored as misapplication/omission=0, correct performance and timing with hesitation=1, and correct performance and timing without hesitation=2. One of these steps, local anesthesia of the area if time is available, was not performed owing to time limitations. The highest possible score was 24. Data are presented as mean±SD with range, as appropriate. Normal distribution was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t test, and Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Students completed the cricothyroidotomy procedure steps in 116±46 (55-238) s. At performance assessment, the score achieved was 12±5 (2-24). The highest total score of 24 was achieved by 3 students (5%). Total scores exhibited negative and significant correlation with procedure time (r=-0.403, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The model developed in this study is an inexpensive and effective method that can be used in cricothyroidotomy training for student paramedics. We think that repeating the cricothyroidotomy procedure on the model will increase success levels.

Modified technique of functional vertical hemilaryngectomy for cancer invading 1 hemicricoid.

BACKGROUND: Partial laryngectomy techniques are challenging, especially in young patients where function has to be preserved without compromising the oncologic outcome. We present a modified laryngectomy technique indicated for tumors invading one hemicricoid. METHODS: Vertical hemilaryngectomy with reconstruction of neo-glottis by hemi trachea and placement of an endolaryngeal silicon prosthesis for a 21-y old female patient presenting with a synovial sarcoma located on the left arytenoid area. RESULTS: The prosthesis was removed at 6 w with tracheotomy closure at 8w post-op. Patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Functional outcome showed good swallowing without aspiration. Voice was hoarse. At 5 years post-op the patient is free of recurrence presenting only mild dyspnea upon effort. CONCLUSION: Vertical hemilaryngectomy including a hemicricoid is feasible with single stage reconstruction by a hemi-trachea of 4 to 5 rings intussuscepted into the thyroid cartilage. The functional outcome is good considering oncologic safety and avoidance of a permanent tracheostomy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

Optimizing emergent surgical cricothyrotomy for use in austere environments.

Emergent cricothyrotomy is an infrequently performed procedure used in the direst of circumstances on the most severely injured patients. Austere environments present further unique challenges to effective emergency medical practice. Recently, military trauma registry data were searched for the frequency of cricothyrotomy use and success rates during a 22-month period. These data revealed that cricothyrotomy performed in the most rigorous austere environment (ie, battlefield) had many successes, but also a large number of failed (33%) attempts by medics owing to many factors. Thus, the aim of this review article is to present what is known about cricothyrotomy and apply this knowledge to any austere environment for qualified providers. The National Library of Medicine's PubMed was used to conduct a thorough search using the terms "prehospital," "cricothyroidotomy," "cricothyrotomy," and "surgical airway." The findings were further narrowed by applicability to the austere environment. This review presents relevant airway anatomy, incidences, indications, contraindications, procedures, and equipment, including improvised devices, success rates, complications, and training methods. Recommendations are proffered for ways to optimize procedures, equipment, and training for successful application of this emergent skill set in the austere environment.

Aortic homograft reconstruction of partial laryngectomy defects: a new technique.

OBJECTIVES: Wide-field transcervical partial laryngectomy often precludes tracheotomy decannulation. It is done infrequently today, primarily because of the popularity of chemotherapy-radiotherapy treatment regimens and limited enthusiasm for using transcervical partial laryngectomy after failed radiotherapy. We sought to identify a new reconstructive technique that would provide an alternative to total laryngectomy in as many patients as possible. METHODS: We performed a retrospective examination of 15 patients who underwent single-stage wide-field transcervical partial laryngectomy with cryopreserved aortic homograft reconstruction. Eight of the 15 patients had previously undergone failed radiotherapy. At least 40% of the cricoid circumference was resected in 8 patients. RESULTS: All 15 patients had their tracheotomy tube removed and have laryngeal phonation, and 14 of the 15 resumed oral intake. There were no major surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Use of aortic homografts is a new, reliable, and versatile reconstructive option for performing conservation laryngeal cancer surgery that allows for airway, swallowing, and voice preservation.

Treatment of adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia by surgical myectomy: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the belief that it represents a central neurologic dysfunctional process, adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia without tremor is usually effectively treated by injection of botulinum toxin A; however, in most cases such injections must be repeated every few months. A promising new surgical procedure is herein reported. METHODS: Under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, a large laryngoplasty window is created, and under direct vision with intraoperative voice monitoring, fibers from the thyroarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are removed until breathiness occurs. The two sides are staged; that is, one side is done at a time, with surgery on the second side being performed 3 to 6 months after that on the first side, if needed. RESULTS: This was a retrospective, unblinded study of 5 patients who underwent myectomy of the thyroarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles. The preliminary results show improved voice fluency in all patients at 5 to 19 months of follow-up. There was no period of prolonged breathiness or dysphagia in any of the patients, and there were no surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Myectomy of the thyroarytenoid and lateral cricoarytenoid muscles is a promising new surgical treatment for adductor-type spasmodic dysphonia that may effectively mimic "permanent" botulinum toxin injections.

Laryngotracheal separation under local anaesthesia for intractable salivary aspiration: cricoidectomy with fibrin glue support.

Chronic salivary aspiration can cause life-threatening pneumonia in a patient whose laryngeal function is completely lost. We report a patient who had laryngotracheal separation with cricoidectomy under local anaesthesia. The simplicity and reliability of the procedure were improved by using fibrin glue and the outcome was most satisfactory.

Treatment of Zenker's diverticula by cricopharyngeus myotomy under local anesthesia.

Optimum surgical management of the hypopharyngeal diverticulum is controversial. The authors discuss 48 consecutive patients (average age 72.1 years) with documented hypopharyngeal diverticula who were treated by cricopharyngeus myotomy, leaving the diverticula in situ. All came to the hospital with dysphagia; other symptoms included postdeglutitive cough, regurgitation, aspiration, and weight loss. Seven patients had had previous surgery for a Zenker's diverticulum with recurrence. Aspiration pneumonia was treated in 9 patients; 28 patients had concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiovascular disease. Thirty-nine patients had cricopharyngeus myotomy under local anesthesia, 5 had cricopharyngeus myotomy under general endotracheal anesthesia, and 4 patients underwent myotomy with a cervical esophagostomy. There was one mortality (2.1%) and no incidence of postoperative bleeding, sepsis, or cranial nerve injury. Follow-up was done with 30 patients via telephone an average of 64 months after operation. Twenty-one of 30 patients reported excellent relief of symptoms, 5 reported improvement with occasional symptoms, and 4 patients described persistent dysphagia. Cricopharyngeus myotomy under local anesthetic is a safe and effective approach to the patient with a hypopharyngeal diverticulum. The awake patient can swallow on command, which enables the surgeon to identify the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and to perform an accurate, complete myotomy. The absence of a pharyngeal suture line eliminates the risk of leakage and mediastinal sepsis, and allows early, postoperative feeding and discharge.