Carotid endarterectomy significantly improves postoperative laryngeal sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: Iatrogenic injury of the vagus nerve or its branches during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can result in globus sensation, dysphagia, and even vocal fold immobility. Knowledge of morphologic and functional laryngopharyngeal outcomes after CEA is poor. The present study was performed to determine potential iatrogenic damage to the laryngeal innervation after CEA. An area of particular interest was the supraglottic sensory threshold, which was examined by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing With Sensory Testing (FEESST; Pentax Medical Company, Montvale, NJ), a validated and safe method for the determination of the motor and sensory components of swallowing. METHODS: FEESST was used preoperatively in 32 patients scheduled to undergo CEA and twice postoperatively to examine the motor and sensory components of swallowing. In this endolaryngeal examination, laryngopharyngeal sensory thresholds (in mm Hg) were defined as normal at <4.0 mm Hg air pulse pressure (APP), moderate deficit at 4.0 to 6.0 mm Hg APP, or severe deficit at >6.0 mm Hg APP, with a value >10.0 mm Hg APP indicating abolished laryngeal adductor reflex. Acoustic voice parameters were also analyzed for further functional changes of the larynx. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation preoperative FEESST measures showed no significant differences (P = .065) between the operated-on side (6.73 ± 1.73 mm Hg) and the opposite side (5.83 ± 1.68 mm Hg). At 2 days postoperatively, the threshold increased (P = .001) to 7.62 ± 1.98 mm Hg on the operated-on side. A laryngopharyngeal mucosal hematoma on the operated side was endoscopically detectable in eight patients (30.8%); in these patients, we found a markedly elevated (P = .021) measure of 9.50 ± 0.93 mm Hg. On the opposite (nonoperated-on) side of the laryngopharynx, the thresholds remained at the same level as preoperatively over all assessments (P >.05), whereas the differences between the operated and nonoperated-on sides and the hematoma and nonhematoma groups were highly significant (P = .004 and P = .001, respectively). Surprisingly, the sensory threshold on the operated-on side (6.08 ± 2.02 mm Hg) decreased significantly at the 6-week follow-up, even in relation to the preoperative measure (P = .022). With the exception of one patient with permanent unilateral vocal fold immobility, no signs of nerve injury were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with previous reports, injuries to the recurrent laryngeal nerve during CEA seem to be rare. In most patients, postoperative symptoms (globus, dysphagia, dysphonia) and signs fade within a few weeks without any specific therapeutic intervention. This study shows an improved long-term postoperative superior laryngeal nerve function with regard to laryngopharyngeal sensitivity.

The functional anatomy of the cricothyroid joint.

Postoperative long-term treatment problems of male-to-female transsexuals can be caused by the underestimated mobility of the cricothyroid joint. One hundred cadaveric larynges were analysed to reveal the morphological and functional anatomy of the CTJ focusing on possible horizontal and vertical gliding movements. Furthermore, the distance of the cricothyroid space for rotational movements was measured. The articular surface of the cricothyroid joint showed three different possibilities: a well-defined facet (Type 1 61%), no definable facet (Type 2 22%) or a flat surface with or without a tiny protuberance (Type 3 17%). Side different statements and intraindividual differences between male and female specimens were included. These different types affect horizontal and vertical gliding movements, besides rotational movements. The mobility between Type 1 and the others was highly significant (P < 0.001). Regarding different motions in the cricothyroid joint, rotational movements caused significant elongation of the vocal folds, which should be taken into consideration for phonosurgical methods.

Feasibility of piezoelectric endoscopic transsphenoidal craniotomy: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has become the gold standard for surgical treatment of treating pituitary adenomas or other lesions in that area. Opening of bony skull base has been performed with burrs, chisels, and hammers or standard instruments like punches and circular top knives. The creation of primary bone flaps-as in external craniotomies-is difficult.The piezoelectric osteotomes used in the present study allows creating a bone flap for endoscopic transnasal approaches in certain areas. The aim of this study was to prove the feasibility of piezoelectric endoscopic transnasal craniotomies. Study Design. Cadaveric study. METHODS: On cadaveric specimens (N = 5), a piezoelectric system with specially designed hardware for endonasal application was applied and endoscopic transsphenoidal craniotomies at the sellar floor, tuberculum sellae, and planum sphenoidale were performed up to a size of 3-5 cm(2). RESULTS: Bone flaps could be created without fracturing with the piezoosteotome and could be reimplanted. Endoscopic handling was unproblematic and time required was not exceeding standard procedures. CONCLUSION: In a cadaveric model, the piezoelectric endoscopic transsphenoidal craniotomy (PETC) is technically feasible. This technique allows the surgeon to create a bone flap in endoscopic transnasal approaches similar to existing standard transcranial craniotomies. Future trials will focus on skull base reconstruction using this bone flap.

Sudden unilateral hearing loss as first sign of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis? A 3-year retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, several studies and case reports have dealt with the topic of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) and focused on sudden hearing loss as an early and rare symptom, to diminish the delay in diagnosing this serious disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis over 3 years and investigated MRIs of all inpatients who were treated for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether sudden hearing loss could be an early indicator, or the first sign, of CSVT. RESULTS: In total, 554 patients were included. Only 2 patients with CSVT could be identified. In both, sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not the only symptom. They also reported headache, and 1 patient also reported tinnitus and vertigo. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, sudden unilateral sensorineural hearing loss alone is not a reliable indicator of CSVT. In combination with headache or visual impairment, this rare vascular disease should be taken into account.

Prevertebral tendinitis: how to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Prevertebral tendinitis is an inflammatory process that affects the cervicothoracic prevertebral muscles. Because of its clinical presentation and imaging features in computed tomography scans, prevertebral tendinitis can easily be mistaken for deep cervical abscess formation. Totally different therapy regimens require clinical and diagnostic pathways for sufficient differentiation between those two pathologic entities. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with comparison. METHODS: In 10 patients with prevertebral tendinitis, we evaluated the symptoms, laboratory reports, and radiological imaging findings. We compared these data to 65 patients with a deep cervical abscess formation. The basic radiologic imaging procedure was contrast-enhanced computed tomography. For detection of prevertebral tendinitis, we performed magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted images and calculated the apparent diffusion coefficient map. RESULTS: Patients with prevertebral tendinitis complained of severe neck pain, globus sensation, and neck stiffness. Diffusion-weighted images showed a typical benign prevertebral effusion. Computed tomography scans showed amorphous calcifications in the tendon of the prevertebral muscles. The C-reactive protein values were slightly increased in patients with prevertebral tendinitis, and white blood cell count remained normal. In comparison to patients with deep cervical abscess formation, the C-reactive protein and white blood cell count was significantly lower (P < .05) in the prevertebral tendinitis cases. CONCLUSIONS: Prevertebral tendinitis should be considered when patients suffer from neck pain, neck stiffness, and globus sensations despite low signs of inflammation in the laboratory report. To confirm the diagnosis, the best imaging feature is magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient map.

Heat development at nasal endoscopes' tips: danger of tissue damage? A laboratory study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to measure the temperature generated by light sources in conjunction with angulated endoscopes and to analyze whether the heat generated at the endoscopes' tips harbors potential damage to mucosa or highly sensitive structures like the optic nerve or brain when in direct contact, considering a beginning necrosis of human protein starting at 40°C. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory setting, prospective. METHODS: Brand new 4-mm, 0° and 30° rigid nasal endoscopes were measured each with halogen, xenon, and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, respectively, at different power levels for tip contact temperature. RESULTS: The highest temperatures were reached with a xenon light source at a maximum of 44.3°C, 65.8°C, and 91.4°C at 33%, 66%, and 100% power levels, respectively, for 4-mm, 0° endoscopes. For 30° endoscopes, temperatures of 47.0°C, 75.1°C, and 95.5°C were measured at 33%, 66%, and 100% power levels (P < .001; 0° vs. 30°), respectively. At 5-mm distance from the tip, temperatures were below body temperature for all light sources (<36°C) at all power settings. Within 2 minutes after switching off light sources, temperatures dropped to room temperature (22°C). CONCLUSIONS: Xenon light sources have the greatest illumination potential; however, at only 33% power level, potentially harmful temperatures can be reached at the tips of the endoscopes. Power LED and halogen have the highest safety; however, only LED has very good illumination. In narrow corridors, direct contact to tissues or vital structures should be avoided, or endoscopes should be cooled during surgical procedures.

The cricothyroid joint--functional aspects with regard to different types of its structure.

The cricothyroid joint (CTJ) plays a key role in pitch adjustment of the human voice. It allows an external elongation of the vocal fold performed by the cricothyroid muscle with a consecutive stretching and increasing of tension. Phonosurgical methods such as cricothyroid approximation need sophisticated investigations on anatomical and functional principles because of the low satisfaction rates. Fifty cadaveric specimens were analyzed to reveal the morphological and functional anatomy of the CTJ focusing on possible gliding movements in a horizontal and vertical direction. The cartilaginous surfaces of the CTJ were categorized according to Maue and Dickson into three different types (type A: well-defined facet; type B: no definable facet; type C: flat cartilage surface or protuberance) and functional correlations examined. Side different statements and intraindividual differences between male and female specimens were included. Besides from rotational movements, the CTJ allowed horizontal and vertical gliding movements depending on the different types of the cartilaginous surfaces. Especially the difference concerning mobility between type A and the others was highly significant (P<0.001). Two thirds of our specimens showed a similar type in both CTJs, whereas in one third it was asymmetric. In comparison to the possible change of distances between horizontal gliding movements and rotation, rotation caused significant elongation of the vocal folds, which should be proposed in phonosurgical methods for cricothyroid approximation.

Lipoaugmentation of the vocal folds: a survey on alternative donor sites for graft harvesting.

Lipoaugmentation is a treatment option for patients suffering from glottic insufficiency. Autologous fat is a nearly ideal material for vocal-fold augmentation from the view of biocompatibility and viscoelasticity, but there is still the problem of high graft resorption. As distribution and biological behavior of fatty tissue is very different in the human body, the aim of the study was to elucidate possible donor sites with respect to the quantity of harvested fat, the surgical accessibility to the region, the donor site morbidity and possibility of aesthetic defects and the quality of harvested tissue. Possible donor sites for harvesting were examined by magnetic resonance imaging in thirty-five patients with special emphasis to the buccal fat pad, the neck, the dorsolateral side of the proximal upper extremity, the subcutaneous layer of the abdominal wall, the superficial trochanteric region, the medial thigh, and the infrapatellar fat pad. Identified regions that failed to be chosen into consideration because of an elaborate surgical approach (superficial axillary's space, ischio-anal fossa, subcutaneous layer of buttock, popliteal fossa) were not taken into consideration. The mean volume of the buccal fat was 3.994 cm(3); the average thickness of the fat at the level of C7 was 1.721 cm, the mean value in the upper extremities was 1.913 cm laterally and 1.275 cm dorsally. The subcutaneous fat of the abdominal wall was divided into a superficial compartment (mean: 1.527 cm) and a deep one (average: 3.545 cm). In the superficial trochanteric region, the mean thickness was 2.536 cm, in the medial thigh 2.127 cm; the mean volume of the infrapatellar fat pad was 20.198 cm(3). All regions of interest showed reproducible and sufficient amounts of harvestable tissue, we found significant intersexual differences in dorsolateral side of the upper arm, subcutaneous layer of the abdominal wall and superficial trochanteric region. When harvesting subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall, grafts of the deep layer should be preferred, in the upper extremity the deep, muscle-neighbored parts. An alternative method is the surgically accessible fat of the neck. Solid fat pads could be harvested from the buccal region or the infrapatellar fat.