Stapler Use in Salvage Total Laryngectomy: A Useful Tool?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze stapler benefits in salvage total laryngectomy in terms of surgical time, hospitalization length, oral feeding time, and occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula, and to evaluate risk factors for its onset. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. METHODS: One hundred fourteen patients affected by endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent salvage total laryngectomy following primary treatment failure were reviewed. We divided patients into two groups based on type of pharyngeal suture performed: mechanical suture with stapler (group A) and manual suture (group B). These two groups were compared for surgical time, start of oral feeding, hospitalization length, surgical margins and pharyngocutaneous fistula incidence considering its relationship with diabetes mellitus, nutritional status, primary treatment, and neck dissection. RESULTS: In group A and group B, oral feeding restarting time was 15 ± 9.33 versus 20.03 ± 13.81 days, hospitalization was 17.63 ± 10.08 versus 23.72 ± 14.29 days, and surgery lasted 268.39 ± 76.93 versus 294.26 ± 140.58 minutes, respectively (P < .05). Surgical margins resulted infiltrated in two patients (4.3%) in group A and 12 patients in group B (17.6%) (P = .03). Twenty-one patients (18.4%) presented with pharyngocutanoeus fistula. In group A and group B the incidence of fistula was 15.2% and 20.6%, respectively (P = .468). Fistula occurred in 7 of 18 diabetic patients (38.9%) and 14 of 96 (14.6%) nondiabetic patients (P = .015). Nineteen fistulas (90.5%) occurred in patients who had undergone previous radiation treatment (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: Using a stapler shortened operative time and hospitalization, while also providing a faster restart of oral feeding. Moreover, mechanical pharyngeal suture seems to decrease fistula rate even though its prevention role in salvage laryngectomy should be confirmed by further studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E473-E478, 2021.

Rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello / Rehabilitation of the laryngectomised patient. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

La laringectomía total permanece como tratamiento fundamental para el carcinoma de laringe localmente avanzado asociándose a una mayor supervivencia. Sin embargo, supone para el paciente una serie de cambios, como la incapacidad de comunicarse verbalmente, la respiración o el cambio estético, que inciden en su calidad de vida y obligan a su rehabilitación integral. El presente documento ha sido elaborado por el grupo de trabajo de rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado de la Comisión de Cabeza y Cuello y Base de Cráneo de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello con el objeto de unificar las recomendaciones sobre materiales, técnicas y medidas que aúnen la rehabilitación integral del paciente sometido a una laringectomía total para la mejora de su calidad de vida y está destinado a especialistas en otorrinolaringología, a profesionales relacionados con el cuidado del paciente laringectomizado total y también a los propios pacientes. Las recomendaciones del documento tienen como objetivo mejorar la atención del paciente al cual se le ha realizado una laringectomía total teniendo en cuenta las necesidades de personal y material, las consideraciones sobre los procedimientos necesarios antes de la cirugía, durante el propio acto quirúrgico y tras el alta hospitalaria del paciente. Se dan también recomendaciones específicas sobre los tipos de rehabilitación y seguimiento de la misma, así como la necesidad de llevar un registro de dichas actividades. Las recomendaciones expuestas pretenden ayudar a los profesionales sanitarios relacionados con el tratamiento de los pacientes laringectomizados totales a llevar a cabo la tarea de hacer que la vida de estos pacientes sea lo más parecida posible a la vida que llevaban antes de realizarse una laringectomía total

Total laryngectomy remains essential treatment for locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma, related to better survival rates. However, it involves changes for the patient, such as the inability to communicate verbally, breathing or aesthetic changes, which affect their quality of life and require comprehensive rehabilitation. This paper was written by the total laryngectomy rehabilitation workgroup of the National Head and Neck and Skull Base working committee of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The purpose of the article is to combine materials, surgical procedures and means towards the comprehensive rehabilitation of total laryngectomy patients, so that they can achieve a good quality of life. This paper is aimed at all health care professionals caring for total laryngectomy patients. It is also aimed at the patients themselves, as well as ENT surgeons. We have considered staffing and material needs, all procedures before, during and after surgery and after hospital discharge. There are also detailed recommendations about types of rehabilitation and follow-up, and the need for recording these events. The comprehensive rehabilitation total laryngectomy patients is very important if we want to improve their quality of life. The recommendations we mention aim to help the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of total laryngectomy patients to help them achieve a good quality of life, as similar as possible to the life they led before surgery

Multicenter randomized crossover trial evaluating the provox luna in laryngectomized subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the relative compliance and the dermatological and pulmonary outcomes when the Provox Luna system (Atos Medical, Malmö, Sweden) is added during the night to the usual tracheastoma care of laryngectomized subjects. METHODS: This was a multicenter randomized crossover trial conducted in the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, and Maastricht University Medical Center in The Netherlands. The study included 46 laryngectomized subjects with prior heat and moisture exchanger (HME) and adhesive experience. RESULTS: A significant improvement in the number of compliant individuals was found: Luna: n = 43 of 45 (96%); usual care: n = 35 of 46 (76%), P = 0.02. The Luna period was associated with longer intervals of daily HME use (Luna 23.2 hours [range: 15.6-24.0 hours], usual care [UC]: 21.5 hours [range: 6.0-24.0 hours], P = 0.003) and an increased frequency of skin improvement overnight (Luna 3.9 days [standard deviation (SD)]: 7.0 days), Usual Care: 8.1 days ([SD: 10.8 days], P = 0.008). Fifty-six percent (n = 26) of participants wanted to continue using the Provox Luna system at the conclusion of the study. CONCLUSION: An improvement in compliance and skin recovery overnight was observed when the Provox Luna was added to the usual adhesive and HME use. Therefore, there is utility in supplementing the usual post-total laryngectomy care with the Provox Luna system at night, particularly in the setting of compliance concerns and in subjects who desire dermatological relief overnight. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b Laryngoscope, 129:2354-2360, 2019.

Transoral supraglottic laryngectomy using a next-generation single-port robotic surgical system.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the feasibility of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) supraglottic laryngectomy (SGL) using a next-generation flexible surgical robot. METHODS: Preclinical human cadaver anatomic study of TORS SGL via en bloc resection. RESULTS: A single-port robotic surgical system (da Vinci Sp, Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California) provided sufficient access, reach, and visualization to perform TORS SGL. Access and exposure were achieved with a standard laryngo-pharyngoscope retractor. The remote center of the robotic system was located 10 cm from the maxillary alveolus. Three surgical instruments and one flexible camera could be deployed with minimal collision or restriction of arm movement. CONCLUSIONS: Routine resection supraglottic cancers through TORS have been hindered by challenging exposure and visualization and limited instrument maneuverability deep within the laryngopharyngeal complex. This preclinical feasibility study demonstrates the technical feasibility for TORS SGL using a next-generation flexible surgical robot.

Rehabilitation of the laryngectomised patient. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. / Rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello.

Total laryngectomy remains essential treatment for locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma, related to better survival rates. However, it involves changes for the patient, such as the inability to communicate verbally, breathing or aesthetic changes, which affect their quality of life and require comprehensive rehabilitation. This paper was written by the total laryngectomy rehabilitation workgroup of the National Head and Neck and Skull Base working committee of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The purpose of the article is to combine materials, surgical procedures and means towards the comprehensive rehabilitation of total laryngectomy patients, so that they can achieve a good quality of life. This paper is aimed at all health care professionals caring for total laryngectomy patients. It is also aimed at the patients themselves, as well as ENT surgeons. We have considered staffing and material needs, all procedures before, during and after surgery and after hospital discharge. There are also detailed recommendations about types of rehabilitation and follow-up, and the need for recording these events. The comprehensive rehabilitation total laryngectomy patients is very important if we want to improve their quality of life. The recommendations we mention aim to help the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of total laryngectomy patients to help them achieve a good quality of life, as similar as possible to the life they led before surgery.

Phonosurgical Resection Using Submucosal Infusion Technique for Early Glottic Lesions: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedure?

OBJECTIVES:: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the submucosal infusion combined with microflap dissection via laser CO2 as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for superficial glottic lesions. To define a safe surgical procedure in terms of local control, a morphometric study of surgical margins was performed. METHODS:: From January 2011 to January 2016, we treated 122 patients with early glottic lesions with phonomicrosurgery. Patients with effective hydrodissection underwent a microflap and type I-II diagnostic cordectomy. In the others, a biopsy was carried out, and in the case of a malignant lesion, a type III to VI cordectomy was performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) for all the lesions was also determined according to comparative assessments of surgical margins. The Voice Handicap Index was used to evaluate functional outcomes. RESULTS:: In 27 cases (32%), hydrodissection was effective; specifically, 24 (88.8%) were premalignant lesions, and 3 (11.2%) had a carcinoma. In 56 patients (68%), hydrodissection was not adequate, and a biopsy was performed: 9 (16%) were premalignant and 47 (84%) malignant lesions. The DFS analysis suggests that margins >0.7 mm resulted in a cutoff that can guarantee a safe procedure in the case of effective hydrodissection ( P < .05). CONCLUSION:: Phonomicrosurgery may be both a diagnostic and therapeutic option with oncological efficacy for superficial glottic lesions of undetermined nature when surgical margins exceed 0.7 mm. In case of inadequate hydrodissection, the hypothesis of an infiltrative carcinoma warrants a wider cordectomy.

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging to assist the linear stapler closure of the pharynx during total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present a novel technique for stapler-assisted laryngectomy under direct visualization using a videoendoscope with narrow-band imaging (NBI-endoscopy). METHODS: A case series of five consecutive patients were treated with stapler-assisted total laryngectomy from December 2014 to March 2016. The technique involved monitoring the stapler closure of laryngopharyngeal cavity under NBI-endoscopic vision, triple checking of neo-pharynx cavity by an endoscopic view inside and transillumination verification outside, air leakage test, and guiding the insertion of feeding tube under direct visualization. The main evaluation of this study was pharyngocutaneous fistula, surgical margin, and oral feeding time. RESULTS: All the patients healed well without a pharyngocutaneous fistula. The mean of surgical time, oral feeding, and hospitalization time were 40 min, 6 days, and 8 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a technique simple to learn and associated with decreased complication rates, which could be safe and efficient for stapler-assisted laryngectomy.

Routine use of salivary bypass tubes in laryngectomy patients: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngocutaneous fistula is a cause of significant morbidity following laryngectomy. Routine use of salivary bypass tubes during laryngectomy has been proposed to reduce the incidence of fistulae and neopharyngeal strictures. METHOD: Following a systematic search of Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases (1946 - current), included articles were assessed for bias according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. RESULTS: Three case-control trials showed reduced pharyngocutaneous fistula rates with the use of salivary bypass tubes; six case series reported widely varied fistula rates. With regards to stricture rates, the largest case-control trial found no improvement with salivary bypass tube use. No fatal adverse events were observed among the 204 patients who received a salivary bypass tube. CONCLUSION: Low-level evidence suggests salivary bypass tubes may reduce the incidence of fistula in high-risk patient groups. A robust randomised controlled trial, or large, multicentre cohort studies, are needed to further examine this intervention.

Laparoscopic instrument use in laryngeal surgery: transoral resection of a supraglottic haemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Adult laryngeal haemangiomas are rare vascular tumours that have been managed by a variety of surgical techniques. METHODS: This paper describes a case of near-fatal acute airway obstruction secondary to such a lesion, followed by our approach to surgical resection using a laparoscopic bipolar tissue-sealing device. RESULTS: This technique resulted in successful excision of the lesion, with no evidence of recurrence at one year of follow up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic bipolar instruments can be used for the resection of moderate to large laryngeal haemangiomas as an alternative to laser excision.

[The application status of the linear stapler device in the total laryngectomy].

Summary It is very obvious that the linear stapler can shorten the operation time, reduce the incidence of pharyngeal fistula, and shorten the oral feeding time in total laryngectomy. However the stapler was used in the total laryngectomy not as widespread as in gastrointestinal surgery. In order to further understanding the function of the linear stapler device in the total laryngectomy, the stapler's composition, working principle, classification，method to use, operation method, and application of advantages and disadvantages will be reviewed.

Effect of cloth stoma covers on tracheal climate of laryngectomy patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cloth stoma covers (bibs) to compensate for breathing unconditioned air after laryngectomy and loss of heat-moisture-exchange (HME) functions of the upper airways, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported. In addition, we compared the efficacy of inexpensive, simple, locally made, noncommercial fabric bibs with commercial bibs and stick-over-the-stoma HME devices and to determine whether wetting the bib improves the tracheal climate. METHODS: Tracheal temperature and humidity were studied in 25 patients who underwent a laryngectomy with a purpose-built sampling device. RESULTS: Noncommercial and commercial bibs effectively heat and humidify inspired air (p < .05). Both bibs compare favorably with commercial HME devices. There is no benefit in using a commercially produced Buchanan Bib over an inexpensive noncommercial bib. Wetting a bib proved to be counterproductive. CONCLUSION: Inexpensive, noncommercial bibs are effective and improve tracheal climate and benefit patients with laryngectomies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E480-E487, 2016.

Surgical anatomy of oropharynx and supraglottic larynx for transoral robotic surgery.

Traditional external surgical approaches have been used for the surgical management of the oropharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. Trans-oral robotic surgery allows surgeon to operate oropharyngeal and supraglottic tumors through the mouth with preservation of functions. The surgeons must be knowledgeable about the anatomy of the oral cavity and oropharynx medial to lateral perspective. In this article, we will describe the relevant inside out surgical anatomy and its clinical implications for trans-oral robotic surgery.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is increasingly used in laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer surgery. Ablative procedures described in these anatomical sites include: (i) supraglottic laryngectomy, (ii) total laryngectomy, (iii) glottic cordectomy, and (iv) partial pharyngectomy. TORS supraglottic laryngectomy remains the most commonly performed of these procedures. Initial oncologic and functional outcomes with these procedures are promising and comparable to other treatment options. As robotic instrumentation technology advances a rise in TORS laryngeal/hypopharyngeal surgery is anticipated.

Changes in rima glottidis area and lack of laryngeal epiglottic-glottic seal after unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization ex vivo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variation in rima glottidis (RG) area and lack of epiglottic-glottic seal (LEGS) of the canine larynx associated with different suture anchor points in the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages, dissection of the cricoarytenoid joint capsule, section of the interarytenoid band, and disarticulation of the cricothyroid joint. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Cadaveric canine larynges (n = 18). METHODS: Larynges were assigned to 2 groups: group 1 = intact cricothyroid articulation and group 2 = cricothyroid articulation sharply sectioned. In each group, the arytenoid cartilage was lateralized successively as follows: (a) intact cricoarytenoid articulation, (b) cricoarytenoid articulation sharply sectioned, and (c) division of the interarytenoid band. Each variation was performed initially with the suture passed dorsally into the cricoid cartilage then with the suture passed laterally. Each time, the increase of rima glottis area (%) and the LEGS (mm(2) ) were measured. RESULTS: Rima glottis area (RGA): when the suture was placed dorsally, division of the interarytenoid band resulted in a significant increase in RGA compared with groups with an intact band. Laryngeal distortion: when the suture through the cricoid cartilage was dorsal, LEGS increased with section of the cricothyroid articulation, dissection of cricoarytenoid articulation, and division of the interarytenoid band. CONCLUSION: Unilateral arytenoid lateralization results in some degree of LEGS with a misalignment of the epiglottis over the RG. Our results revealed that the optimal RGA associated with the minimal LEGS was obtained with dorsal placement of a cricoarytenoid suture when the cricothyroid joint and the interarytenoid band were intact.

Transoral surgery using a novel single-port flexible endoscope system.

The transoral resection of pharyngeal and laryngeal tumors is challenging due to their location in a narrow anatomic space. In this study, the visualization and resection in the area of the pharynx and larynx using a novel computer-assisted flexible endoscopic robotic system are evaluated. The Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System (Medrobotics Corp., Raynham, MA, USA) is an operator-controlled flexible endoscope robotic system that includes a flexible endoscope and computer-assisted controllers, with two accessory channels for the use of compatible, 3.5 mm flexible instruments. In six human cadavers, four basic procedures (tonsillectomy, base of tongue resection, hemi-epiglottectomy and resection of false vocal cords) were performed bilaterally by two surgeons. Success in appropriate visualization of the target structure and resection was documented. The driving and resection time was determined for each procedure. An appropriate exposure and resection within the pharynx and larynx was achieved in all cases. Both surgeons experienced a learning curve in driving the system and performing the procedures. The Medrobotics Flex(®) system is a promising tool for transoral resections within the pharynx and larynx. Good visualization, access, and resectability are hereby clear advantages of the system compared to commonly used systems.

[Total laryngectomy using a linear stapler for laryngeal cancer].

Total laryngectomy is a well established method for the treatment of laryngeal cancer. In some cases such as elderly patients or patients with severe complications, a shorter surgical time is preferred. Total laryngectomy using a linear stapler is reportedly advantageous for shortening of the surgical time and for lowering the rate of pharyngeal fistula formation. We applied this surgical technique in three laryngeal cancer cases. After skeletonization of the larynx, the linear stapler is inserted between the larynx and the pharyngeal mucosa. Excision of the larynx and suturing of the pharyngeal mucosa are performed simultaneously. Although the number of cases is small for statistical analysis, the surgical time was shortened by about 30 minutes compared to laryngectomy with manual suturing. Total laryngectomy by linear stapler cannot be applied in all cases of advanced laryngeal cancer. However, if the tumor is confined to the endolarynx, it is a useful tool for some cases that require a shorter surgical time.

Subtotal supracricoid laryngectomy: changing in indications, surgical techniques and use of new surgical devices.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the evolution of supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) in indications, surgical techniques and outcomes through last decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 146 patients affected by laryngeal cancer treated with SCPL was carried on. We defined: (1) group A, 100 patients treated by cold instruments between 1995 and 2004; (2) group B, 46 patients treated by harmonic scalpel between 2005 and 2010. Complications rate, and functional and oncological results were documented and a comparison between the two groups was made; histopathological analysis of surgical margins was evaluated and correlated with local incidence of recurrence. RESULTS: Significant differences in age mean-value (p=0.02), T classification (p=0.007), and in indication for more advanced-staged patients were found in group B (p=0.001). Surgical procedure was shorter in group B (p<0.001), with shorter swallowing recovery (p=0.003). Oncological outcomes did not report any significant differences. Group B showed a higher incidence of post- operative arytenoid edema (p=0.03) associated with a lower rate of pneumonia (p=0.038). Despite a higher rate of close or positive-margins found in group B no higher incidence of local-recurrence was reported (p=0.02) compared to group A. CONCLUSIONS: We documented changing in indications and surgical technique for SCPL because of the development of modern diagnostic techniques and the introduction of low-thermal injury device allowing a more challenging tumor excision as well as with a shorter swallowing recovery in our series.

Surgical treatment of T1b glottic tumor, 10-years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The TNM classification of glottic tumors defined T1b as a tumor involving both vocal cords with normal mobility of such. In the last fifteen years, in the medical literature, the role of open surgery for management of laringeal cancer has decreased considerably owing to the development of transoral laser microsurgery which is an oncologically and functionally reliable treatment particularly for early glottic cancers. AIM: Report the efficacy of different surgical techniques (laser CO2 cordectomy or supracricoid partial laryngectomy) in T1b glottic cancers treatment with a 10-years follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 92 patients with T1b glottic cancer undergoing surgery between 1986 and 2002, of which 39 were treated with CO2 laser cordectomy while 53 with supracricoid partial laryngectomy (14 crico-hyoid-pexy and 39 crico-hyoid-epiglotto-pexy). Each of the three groups was recalled and evalued with the aim to calculate the survival, initially at 3 and 5 years and thereafter, provide a 10 years follow-up, including local recurrence. RESULTS: 10 years absolute survival of the 39 patient treated with CO2 laser was 56.25%, while that of the two groups subjected to supracricoid partial laryngectomy was respectively of 66.6% for crico-hyoid-pexy and 58.82% for crico-hyoid-epiglotto-pexy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an excellent absolute survival also after 10 years follow-up. Since both the CO2 laser and supracricoid partial laryngectomy show similar local control and survival rates we can't determine with certainty the best therapeutic approach as claimed by a great number of literature studies.