Reasonable Risk Ratio of Palate Surgery: A New Critical Analysis.

OBJECTIVE.: A new critical complication risk analysis, the reasonable risk ratio (RRR or R3) for palate surgeries in obstructive sleep apnea patients. METHODS.: Analysis from published meta-analyses, systematic reviews on success rates, and complications encountered for 3 palate surgeries, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP), barbed repositioning pharyngoplasty (BRP) and modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mUPPP), over 20 years. The RRR is derived from a ratio of the percentage of each respective complication over the success rate of that particular surgical procedure. The benchmark RRR of tonsillectomy is set at 0.035 to 0.078. An RRR below this benchmark value is more favorable as tonsillectomy is a widely accepted ENT procedure with risks to benefit well accepted. RESULTS.: The RRR for foreign body (FB) sensation (BRP) ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 (mean RRR of 0.14), FB sensation (ESP) 0.01, FB sensation (mUPPP) ranged from 0.33 to 0.55 (mean RRR of 0.44). The RRR for swallowing difficulties (BRP) ranged from 0.04 to 0.23 (mean RRR of 0.11), mUPPP, was 0.37; no reported swallowing difficulties with the ESP. The RRR for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) (BRP) ranged from 0.009 to 0.18 (mean RRR of 0.07), and RRR VPI (mUPPP) was 0.14. The RRR (BRP) for dry throat was 0.06 and the mUPPP was 0.35, with no reported VPI or dry throat for ESP. The overall RRR for the BRP was 0.09, ESP was 0.01 and mUPPP was 0.29. CONCLUSION.: RRR provides a summarized data-driven, statistical guide to aid decision-making, and helps in patient counseling. BRP and ESP have been shown to have less complications compared to mUPPP.Level of evidence: IV.

Review of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal nodal metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. In rare instances, PTC has metastasized to the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal nodes. This is hypothesized to occur due to an aberrant lymphatic channel or via retrograde lymphatic flow following previous neck dissection. METHODS: A literature search was conducted with keywords "parapharyngeal," "retropharyngeal," and "papillary thyroid carcinoma." RESULTS: 46 articles were identified for a total of 135 cases. The most common presenting symptom was lymphadenopathy followed by pharyngeal mass and dyspnea. 38.03 % of patients were asymptomatic. Of cases including initial treatment history, 94.44 % had a history of neck dissection. The transcervical approach was the most utilized to resect the tumors, although in recent years trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) has also been used. CONCLUSION: PTC metastatic to the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal nodes is a rare occurrence that can be difficult to diagnose due its indolent nature.

[Analysis of the difference of therapeutic effect and predictive factors between postural and non-postural OSA after modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty].

Objective:To analyze the factors influencing the outcome of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in positional obstructive sleep apnea（POSA） and non-positional OSA（NPOSA） patients, and to explore the differences between the two groups. Methods:The data of 101 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who received treatment from November 2020 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 45 positional patients（POSA group） and 56 non-positional patients（NPOSA group）, who underwent overnight polysomnography were included. The upper airway（UA） anatomy was evaluated by three-dimensional computer tomography（3D-CT）. All patients received revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with uvula preservation and were followed using polysomnography for at least three months postoperatively. Results:The overall effective rate was 55.45%. The surgical success rate in POSA undergoing UPPP was higher than NPOSA（POSA 30/45, 66.7% versus NPOSA 26/56, 46.4%, P=0.042）. The H-UPPP effect of POSA was negatively correlated with the minimum lateral airway of the Velopharyngeal airway（r=-0.505, P<0.001）, the minimum lateral airway of the glossopharyngeal airway（r=-0.474, P=0.001） and the minimum cross-sectional area（r=-0.394, P=0.007）. Logistic analysis showed that minimal lateral airway of the glossopharynxgeum（mLAT）（OR 0.873; 95%CI 0.798-0.955, P=0.003） was a significant predictor for surgical outcomes among POSA patients. In NPOSA, age（OR 0.936; 95%CI 0.879-0.998, P=0.042） was a significant predictor for surgical outcomes. Conclusion:The effect of H-UPPP was higher in POSA than in NPOSA. The width of glossopharyngeal mLAT was an important predictor of POSA efficacy. Age was a predictor of NPOSA efficacy.

[The choice of method of surgical treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency]. / Vybor metoda khirurgicheskogo lecheniya nebno-glotochnoi nedostatochnosti.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the criteria for selecting surgical treatments for velopharyngeal disfunction and to evaluate their effectiveness.Materials and Methods. 34 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency underwent surgery at the National Medical Research Center for Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery. Five common surgical methods for treating velopharyngeal disfunction were employed. RESULTS: The choice of surgery was primarily based on the anatomical and functional state of the muscle lifting the soft palate, specifically its position, which was determined visually or by MRI. Repositioning of the muscle helped to improve or restore speech in patients with velopharyngeal disfunction through surgeries such as secondary cleft revision, Furlow's palatoplasty, and triangular miomucosal flaps. In cases of soft palate palsy or correct positioning of the m. levator veli palatini, the focus of surgical treatment shifted to the pharynx, where surgeries like pharyngoplasty with a posterior pharyngeal flap and Hynes pharyngoplasties were performed. These also improved or restored speech in patients, though more towards improvement than complete restoration. If the muscle's position was optimal, the choice of treatment method subsequently depended on the results of additional nasopharyngoscopy: determining the size of the opening and the type of velopharyngeal closure. Besides the common methods used for speech management, various surgical procedures were combined based on the clinical situation. CONCLUSION: The position of the levator muscle is very important for its function. The optimal treatment for velopharyngeal disfunction, especially in patients with large openings, involved using a buccal flap alone or in combination with triangular mucosal-muscle flaps, where the highest percentage of normal speech rate was achieved.

A Comparison of Transoral Versus Transcervical Surgical Approaches to Retropharyngeal Lymphadenectomy: A Scoping Review.

IMPORTANCE: A gap in knowledge exists concerning the functional outcomes and complications when comparing various surgical approaches for retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastases. OBJECTIVE: To explore perioperative outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications associated in the treatment of RPLN metastases. DESIGN: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol was used to conduct a scoping review of the PubMed and Scopus databases. REVIEW METHODS: We systematically searched 2 databases from inception to January 2023 for articles examining the treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes in the retropharyngeal space. We included English records about surgical approaches, complications, functional outcomes for patients >18 years old with retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: One-hundred ninety-nine articles were identified, of which 17 were included in the analysis. Three studies assessed RPLN dissection in the postradiation setting. We identified limited knowledge about functional outcomes and complications following surgery for retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. Overall, acute postoperative dysphagia was documented in 35/170 patients (20.5%). However, the assessment of dysphagia was limited, and not described in the majority of studies. The overall rate of postoperative neuropathy and hematoma were 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively. No postoperative hematomas were documented in the transcervical approach. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the need for further research on postoperative outcomes following RPLN dissection. We recommend further studies focusing on objective swallow assessments and long-term outcomes of either surgical approaches.

Throat packing via nasopharyngeal airway for severe trismus cases requiring surgical intervention under general anesthesia: A simplified and innovative approach.

Throat packing is essential in oral and maxillofacial surgeries to prevent blood and tissue debris aspiration, reducing postoperative complications. Traditional oral route methods are often inadequate, especially in severe trismus cases like Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), TMJ Ankylosis, and post-traumatic conditions due to limited mouth opening. This study introduces a novel technique using a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) for throat packing. The method involves inserting a hemostatic dressing through an NPA, ensuring minimal invasiveness and effective airway management. Proper positioning is confirmed with a laryngoscope or fiberoptic scope, and the dressing is secured to prevent dislodgement. This technique is easy, reproducible, and less injurious compared to traditional methods. At our center, throat packing via NPA was performed on 35 patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, resulting in high satisfaction and no reported complications.

Palate Shape, Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Findings, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Pharyngeal Surgery Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Pharyngeal surgery is a treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) unable to tolerate positive pressure therapy. This study aims to determine the association between palate shape as described by Woodson and pharyngeal surgical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Exploratory analysis of retrospective cohort. SETTING: Multicenter. METHODS: Three blinded reviewers assessed palate shape using drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) videos from a previously-assembled cohort of adults undergoing pharyngeal surgery. Palate shape scores were examined for association with surgical outcomes with univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate analyses included adjustment for consensus DISE findings determined previously. RESULTS: Two hundred nine study subjects were included from 13 centers. Age was 53.7 ± 11.5 years, body mass index (BMI) was 30.3 ± 5.0 kg/m2, and 21% were female. In isolated soft palate surgery, greater GenuAP narrowing was associated with lesser odds of surgical response, whereas greater GenuLW narrowing was associated with greater odds of surgical response. These findings largely persisted after adjustment for key DISE findings, age, gender, OSA severity, BMI, and tonsil size. Other palate-shape findings were not clearly associated with surgical outcomes, although some palate-shape findings demonstrated trends toward an association with outcomes (P < .10). CONCLUSION: Greater GenuAP narrowing and GenuLW narrowing were associated with lesser and greater, respectively, odds of surgical response after isolated soft palate surgery. Palate shape and other palate shape level scores were not clearly associated with surgical outcomes. Larger studies may determine more precisely the association between palate shape and pharyngeal surgery outcomes.

[Modern view on the effectiveness of surgical methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Sovremennyi vzglyad na effektivnost' khirurgicheskikh metodov lecheniya sindroma obstruktivnogo apnoe sna.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is not only a widespread pathology, but also has far-reaching social consequences due to patients' poor quality of nighttime sleep and high daytime sleepiness. To date, a large number of methods, both conservative and surgical, have been developed for the treatment of OSA. Surgeries performed for OSA are aimed at correcting the structures of the nose, pharynx, larynx, as well as the hyoid and jaw bones and the muscles attached to them. Despite the seventy-five-year history of the use of surgical treatment methods, there is still no complete clarity regarding the advisability of certain types of operations. The article presents data from meta-analyses published over the last ten years and devoted to various types of surgical procedures aimed at combating OSA in adult and pediatric populations. Rhinosurgical approaches, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, surgical advancement of the lower jaw in adults and expansion of the upper jaw in children, interventions on the hyoid bone and mental tubercle, removal of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils, operations for laryngomalacia and bariatric surgery are considered. Data on the effectiveness of the most common operations: tonsillectomy in adults (85%), multilevel pharyngoplasty (60%); and about a wide range of data on the effectiveness of uvulopalatoplasty (25 to 94%) are presented. Effective surgical options and criteria for a positive prognosis of such treatment, the possibility of complete cure of OSA, that is, reducing the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) below 5 events per hour in adults, are discussed. In conclusion, the need to continue research using Sher's criteria for the effectiveness of surgical operations is emphasized: a reduction in AHI by 50% or more or below 20 events per hour. Research that includes long-term postoperative follow-up is especially important.

The internal mammary artery perforator flap in pharyngoesophageal, cervical tracheal, and cutaneous neck reconstruction.

The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap is an evolution of the deltopectoral flap that is harvested based upon a single perforator from the internal mammary artery. Its favorable characteristics include pliability as a fasciocutaneous flap, ease of harvest, and minimal donor site morbidity. In this paper, we report our harvest technique and the versatility of the IMAP flap for pharyngoesophageal, cervical tracheal, and cutaneous neck defects. We seek to highlight the IMAP as a useful regional reconstructive option in both the primary and salvage reconstructive setting. As such, this flap is an important option in the head and neck reconstructive surgeon's armamentarium.

Stapler versus conventional pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of stapler pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy by the incidence of PCT and assessment of swallowing after surgery. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes in terms of patients' survival rates. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 58 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups according to the method of pharyngeal repair after laryngectomy: manual closure group (n = 28), and stapler group (n = 30). Functional and oncological outcomes were assessed and compared. RESULTS: The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was significantly less in the stapler group. Additionally, operative time was significantly shorter and swallowing function was better in the stapler group compared to the manual group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding survival rates. CONCLUSION: The stapler is a reliable method for pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy if the limits of its indications regarding the primary tumor are considered. Stapler closure decreases the incidence of PCF and decreases the surgical time. Good swallowing outcomes are achieved without compromising the oncological outcomes.

Postlaryngectomy pharyngoplasty with melolabial flap.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest case series describing the use of a melolabial flap for postlaryngectomy pharyngoplasty. It is an excellent alternative for pharyngoplasty, especially in cases post chemoradiotherapy. It accomplishes the goal while removing the restrictions of local and distant flaps. Although donor site morbidity is acceptable, specific consent is required due to the possibility of functional and cosmetic impairment. Additional cases with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period can assist corroborate our first findings. In addition, because we tend to protect facial vessels for this flap, a follow-up about the compromise of oncological safety at level IB is required. In our case series, however, there was no recurrence until the final follow-up. As a result, it is a better option to pharyngoplasty post laryngectomy.

[Clinical effect of the modified pharyngeal flap of bilateral muscular rings in the treatment of moderate and severe velopharyngeal insufficiency].

To introduce the modified pharyngeal flap of bilateral muscular rings (BMR), and to discuss the clinical effect of this operation in the correction of moderate and severe velopharyngeal insufficiency. The clinical data of 18 patients who underwent BMR surgery in the Department of Craniofacial Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University from May 2019 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 10 males and 8 females, with a median age of 8.5 years (aged from 5 to 34 years). The patients were diagnosed preoperatively with moderate to severe velopharyngeal insufficiency (velopharyngeal closure ratio<0.7). The results of nasopharyngoscopy and speech assessment were compared and analyzed before operation and at the follow-up 6 months after the operation to evaluate the changes in velopharyngeal function and speech. Eighteen patients underwent BMR, 4 patients had snoring (the symptom disappeared after a few weeks in 3 cases), and 2 patients had local erosion of the wound, which delayed healing. Postoperative nasopharyngoscopy showed that all patients achieved comparatively complete velopharyngeal closure, some patients got enhanced lateral pharyngeal wall motility, and all patients got active motility of posterior pharyngeal wall flap. The postoperative speech assessment was significantly improved compared with that before the operation. The preoperative median score was 9 (range 7-12), and the postoperative median score was 2 (range 0-4). The statistical analysis was performed by paired non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). BMR is a reliable method for the treatment of moderate and severe velopharyngeal insufficiency. This technique can achieve functional contraction of the full circumference of the ventilator while preserving the obstructive effect of the posterior pharyngeal wall flap, which is helpful to balance nasal ventilation and velopharyngeal closure and improve the velopharyngeal function of patients.

The palatopharyngeal muscle in otolaryngology practice: an anatomical-based surgical report.

OBJECTIVES: The author discusses current otolaryngological procedures employing the palatopharyngeus muscle, based on the surgical anatomy of the muscle and its neural supply. These techniques should be deeply revised for more conservative, anatomically-based maneuvers. METHODS: Revision of anatomical and surgical research and comments with the provision of a primary concept. RESULTS: The palatopharyngeus muscle is innervated by the pharyngeal plexus (the vagus and the accessory nerves) with additional fibers from the lesser palatine nerves. The innervation enters the muscle mainly through its lateral border. CONCLUSIONS: The palatopharyngeus muscle has a fundamental role in swallowing and speech. The muscle helps other dilators to maintain upper airway patency. Sphincter pharyngoplasty should be revised as regards its role as a sphincter. Palatopharyngeal procedures for OSA employing the palatopharyngeus muscle should follow the conservative, anatomically-based, and non-neural ablation concept.

[The Ascending Pharyngeal Artery, Accessory Meningeal Artery, Lingual Artery, Vasa Nervorum, and Potential Anastomotic Channels].

The ascending pharyngeal, accessory meningeal, and lingual arteries branch from the proximal segment of the external carotid artery. These branches give rise to smaller branches that contribute blood supply to the pharyngeal mucosa, parapharyngeal tissue, middle ear, submandibular tissues, tongue, and dura mater of the middle and posterior fossa. These arteries may also supply the cranial nerves and have potential anastomotic channels that function with the internal carotid and vertebral arteries. M igration of embolic material into the vasa nervorum and potential anastomoses may cause complications. Therefore, knowledge of these functional anatomies is crucial for neuro-interventionalists.

Surgical outcomes and revision rates for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in syndromic and non-syndromic children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate pre- and post-operative resonance, surgical technique, revision rate, and revision indication among syndromic and non-syndromic children with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted through July 2022. Children surgically treated for VPI were included. A meta-analysis of single means, proportions, comparison of proportions, and mean differences with 95 % confidence interval [CI] was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles (n = 1437) were included in the analysis. The most common surgery was Sphincter Pharyngoplasty (SP), 62.6 % [31.3-88.9] for syndromic and 76.3 % [37.5-98.9] for non-syndromic children. Among all surgical techniques, for syndromic and non-syndromic children, 54.8 % [30.9-77.5] and 73.9 % [61.3-84.6] obtained normal resonance post-operatively, respectively. Syndromic patients obtained normal resonance post-operatively in 83.3 % [57.7-96.6] of Combined Furlow Palatoplasty and Sphincter Pharyngoplasty (CPSP), 72.6 % [54.5-87.5] of Pharyngeal Flap (PF), and 45.1 % [13.2-79.8] of Sphincter Pharyngoplasty (SP) surgeries. Non-syndromic patients obtained normal resonance post-operatively in 79.2 % [66.4-88.8] of PF and 75.2 % [61.8-86.5] of SP surgeries. The revision rate for syndromic and non-syndromic patients was 19.9 % [15.0-25.6] and 11.3 % [5.8-18.3], respectively. The difference was statistically significant, 8.6 % [2.9-15.0, p = 0.003]. Syndromic patients who underwent PF were least likely to undergo revision surgery as compared to SP and CPSP, 7.7 % [2.3-17.9] vs. 23.7 % [15.5-33.1] and 15.3 % [2.8-40.7], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Syndromic children had higher revision rates and were significantly less likely to obtain normal resonance following primary surgery than non-syndromic patients. Among syndromic children, PF and CPSP have been shown to improve resonance and reduce revision rates more so than SP alone.

Superiorly Based Posterior Pharyngeal Flaps: Using A Care Pathway to Optimize Speech and Airway Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngeal flap (PF) surgery is effective at improving velopharyngeal sufficiency, but historical literature shows a concerning prevalence rate of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), reported as high as 20%. Our institution has developed a protocol to minimize risk of postoperative obstructive complications and increase safety of PF surgery. We hypothesize that (1) preoperative staged removal of significant adenotonsillar tissue along with (2) multiview videofluoroscopy to guide patient-specific surgical approach via appropriately sized PFs can result in excellent speech outcomes while limiting occurrence of OSA. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) (aged 2-20 years) seen at the University of Rochester from 2015 to 2022 undergoing PF surgery to correct VPI. Nasopharyngoscopy was used for surgical planning and airway evaluation. Patients with tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy underwent staged adenotonsillectomy at least 2 months before PF. Multiview videofluoroscopy was used to identify anatomic causes of VPI and to determine PF width. Patients underwent polysomnography and speech evaluation before and at least 6 months after PF surgery. RESULTS: Forty-one children aged 8.5 ± 4.1 years (range, 4 to 18 years) who underwent posterior PF surgery for VPI were identified. This included 10 patients with 22q11.2 deletion and 4 patients with Pierre Robin sequence. Thirty-nine patients had both pre- and postoperative speech data and underwent both a pre- and postoperative sleep study. Polysomnography showed no significant difference in obstructive apnea-hypopnea index after posterior PF surgery (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index preop, 1.3 ± 1.2 events per hour; postop, 1.7 ± 2.1 events per hour; P = 0.111). Significant improvements in speech outcome were seen in patients who underwent PF (modified Pittsburgh score preop, 11.52 ± 1.37; postop, 1.09 ± 2.35; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of preoperative staged adenotonsillectomy as well as patient-specific PF dimensions results in effective resolution of VPI and a low risk of OSA.

Infrahyoid muscle flap as augmentation of pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the usage of contralateral infrahyoid muscles as onlay flap in prevention of pharyngo-cutaneous fistula (PCF) in total laryngectomy (TL) patients with high risk factors of PCF development. METHODS: This study included 10 patients who suffered from advanced laryngeal carcinoma with presence of risk factors for development of PCF. We added an enforcement muscular layer during neo-pharynx wall repair, the infrahyoid muscle flap of the contralateral side of the tumour origin as an onlay muscular flap to cover the anastomotic site for healing augmentation. Patients were followed up for PCF development where the PCF incidence was calculated. RESULTS: One patient died from congestive heart failure in the 21th post-operative day so, the actual PCF rate in TL patients with high risk factors of PCF development in our study was 11.11% (1 out of 9 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Infrahyoid muscle flap may have a role in preventing PCF after TL in patients with high risk factors of PCF development in this case series study to be further assessed in other studies to justify its role.

Various arrangements of pharyngeal flap in soft palate reconstruction after cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: The pharyngeal flap (PF) is useful for reconstruction of soft palate defects, but effective arrangements of PF for various types of soft palate defects are controversial. Here, we classify three types of soft palate defects and discuss the arrangements of PF and their functional prognosis. METHODS: Reconstruction was performed based on the classification of the defects. Clinical details were collected, and postoperative function was analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients were included in the study. The defect sizes ranged from 25 (width) × 40 (depth) to 40 × 60 mm. Six patients underwent pharyngeal flap reconstruction with free-flap reconstruction, and two underwent pharyngeal flap reconstruction. The pharyngeal flap was harvested at the maximum width of the posterior pharyngeal wall, ranging from 25 to 40 mm in length. Eating and speaking functions were maintained in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Good postoperative function can be maintained by narrowing the velopharyngeal space with a pharyngeal flap.