Trans-oral, Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Excision of an Unusual Schwannoma of the Tongue Base: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Introduction Schwannomas are benign, solitary, encapsulated tumors that may originate at any site of the peripheral nervous system, with the exception of the olfactory and optic nerves. Schwannomas of the base of tongue are very rare, and only sporadic cases are documented. The tongue base represents a challenge for surgeons. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser might provide an effective surgical option for such lesions because of the easy access to the lesion, the bloodless surgical field and optimum epithelization of wounds. Objective We present an unusual case of pedunculated schwannoma of the tongue base treated via transoral CO2-assisted excision. We also provide a review of the available literature, in English language, on humans. Data synthesis The authors searched the PubMed database and Google up to July 2018. The following search terms were applied: tongue and lingual, combined with schwannoma and neurilemmoma. Titles and abstracts were screened, and, then, only supraglottic (hypopharyngeal) tongue base masses were considered. Fourteen articles were included in this review, reporting 17 cases. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 39 years, affecting predominantly females. Dysphagia and lump sensations were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean follow-up period range was 1.5 to 60 months (mean = 13 months). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusion We could conclude that tongue base schwannomas are rare. Transoral complete excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice. CO2 laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that has been performed in few reports with no recurrence and with favorable outcomes.

Trans-oral, Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Excision of an Unusual Schwannoma of the Tongue Base: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction Schwannomas are benign, solitary, encapsulated tumors that may originate at any site of the peripheral nervous system, with the exception of the olfactory and optic nerves. Schwannomas of the base of tongue are very rare, and only sporadic cases are documented. The tongue base represents a challenge for surgeons. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser might provide an effective surgical option for such lesions because of the easy access to the lesion, the bloodless surgical field and optimum epithelization of wounds. Objective We present an unusual case of pedunculated schwannoma of the tongue base treated via transoral CO 2 -assisted excision. We also provide a review of the available literature, in English language, on humans. Data synthesis The authors searched the PubMed database and Google up to July 2018. The following search terms were applied: tongue and lingual, combined with schwannoma and neurilemmoma . Titles and abstracts were screened, and, then, only supraglottic (hypopharyngeal) tongue base masses were considered. Fourteen articles were included in this review, reporting 17 cases. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 39 years, affecting predominantly females. Dysphagia and lump sensations were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean follow-up period range was 1.5 to 60 months (mean = 13 months). There was no evidence of recurrence in any of the cases. Conclusion We could conclude that tongue base schwannomas are rare. Transoral complete excision of the tumor is the treatment of choice. CO 2 laser surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option that has been performed in few reports with no recurrence and with favorable outcomes.

Posterior canal wall reposition for management of cholesteatoma: Technique and results.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of surgery in acquired middle ear cholesteatomas is the complete eradication of the disease with an ear free of discharge. This can be performed either by open or closed techniques with their benefits and drawbacks. We present the technique of reposition of the posterior canal wall for the management of cholesteatoma cases and its results and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 31 patients with primary acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. The surgical technique included complete cortical mastoidectomy, wide posterior tympanotomy, dividing the bony posterior meatal wall with a micro-sagittal saw and its removal, dissection and eradication of cholesteatoma, and repositioning the canal wall segment in its anatomical site. RESULTS: No significant intraoperative complication occurred. An injury to the dura occurred in one patient. Damage of the bony posterior canal wall occurred in two patients during saw cutting. Residual cholesteatoma was found in two patients. No dislocation or necrosis of the reconstructed posterior canal wall was noted and the new reconstructed external ear canal appeared to be of near normal size, shape, and contour. CONCLUSION: This technique provides optimal surgical exposure and access to areas that are difficult to reach by CWU approach, allows removal of the cholesteatoma without intraoperative complications, decreases the rate of residual cholesteatoma, restores near-normal anatomy of the external auditory canal, and avoids the sequelae of the open mastoid cavity. Therefore, it would be a feasible alternative to the standard CWU and CWD procedures.

Laryngoceles: Concepts of diagnosis and management.

A laryngocele is an abnormal dilatation of the laryngeal saccule. It is a rare benign lesion of the larynx. Various modalities of treatment have been advocated for its management. We present our treatment results and outcomes of a series of cases of laryngoceles and discuss the concepts of their management. This study included patients with different laryngocele types. Patients with an internal laryngocele underwent endoscopic CO2 laser resection, while those with a combined laryngocele underwent resection via a V-shaped lateral thyrotomy approach. Seven patients had an internal laryngocele, and 4 patients had a combined laryngocele. Hoarseness and neck swelling were the most common symptoms. The mean follow-up period was 8.5 months. None of the patients needed a tracheostomy either preoperatively or postoperatively, or had recurrence of laryngocele. We advocate the lateral thyrotomy approach for combined laryngoceles as it provides safe, precise, and complete resection under direct visualization via a single approach, while we favor the endoscopic laser approach for the internal ones as it allows resection of the entire lesion with minimal laryngeal trauma, less operative time, and a shorter hospital stay.

Massive Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Neck and Larynx

Introduction Laryngeal neurofibromas are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.03 to 0.1% of benign tumors of the larynx. Objectives To report the first case of massive neck plexiform neurofibroma with intralaryngeal (supraglottic) extension in a 5-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 and to describe its treatment. Resumed Report This massive plexiform neurofibroma was surgically removed, relieving its significant respiratory obstructive symptoms without recurrence to date. Conclusion Massive neck plexiform neurofibroma with supraglottic part was found in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1; it should be included in differential diagnosis of stridor and neck mass in children. It was diagnosed and removed in early in childhood without recurrence.(AU)

Massive Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Neck and Larynx.

Introduction Laryngeal neurofibromas are extremely rare, accounting for only 0.03 to 0.1% of benign tumors of the larynx. Objectives To report the first case of massive neck plexiform neurofibroma with intralaryngeal (supraglottic) extension in a 5-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 and to describe its treatment. Resumed Report This massive plexiform neurofibroma was surgically removed, relieving its significant respiratory obstructive symptoms without recurrence to date. Conclusion Massive neck plexiform neurofibroma with supraglottic part was found in a child with neurofibromatosis type 1; it should be included in differential diagnosis of stridor and neck mass in children. It was diagnosed and removed in early in childhood without recurrence.

Management of persistent tracheoesophageal puncture.

Tracheoesophageal puncture with placement of a voice prosthesis (VP) provides successful speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. However, enlargement of the tracheoesophageal puncture is a challenging complication as it results in leakage around the VP into the airway and may eventually lead to aspiration pneumonia and respiratory complications. It necessitates removal of the VP and permanent closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula. We present our own experience for surgical closure of persistent tracheoesophageal puncture. A non-controlled prospective study was conducted at the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig, Egypt. This study included five patients with an enlarged tracheoesophageal puncture. They had persistent leakage around the VP with resulting recurrent chest infections. None of the patients underwent previous surgical intervention for closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula. This surgical technique involved identification and exposure of the tracheoesophageal fistula tract by blunt dissection and its ligation by non-resorbable sutures at two points close to the posterior wall of the trachea without dividing the fistula tract. The mean follow-up period was 14.4 months. Successful closure of the fistula was achieved in all patients (100%). All patients tolerated full diet well and had uneventful recovery and no further episodes of aspiration. This surgical technique is simple, easily feasible technically, and effective. It enables early oral feeding and allows a short hospital stay, thus increasing the patient's comfort.