Efficient management of benign laryngeal symptoms in an endoscopy outpatient clinic.

Objectives: A globus and thick mucus in the throat are common reasons for referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. ENT outpatient appointments focus on nasolaryngoscopy examinations, patient education, and reassurance. An endoscopic outpatient clinic (EOC) was established to efficiently manage patients with benign laryngeal symptoms. Methods: Patients referred between February 2022 and June 2023 due to a globus and/or thick mucus in the throat were immediately contacted via post. The contact letter included patient education about the potential underlying reasons for their symptoms and self-care instructions. A 15-min outpatient visit was scheduled for an ENT examination and nasolaryngoscopy. Patients completed a questionnaire about their current symptoms and whether they had followed the self-care instructions just before visiting the EOC and 1-month following their appointment. Results: In total, 203 patients examined in the EOC were included in the study. Before the EOC visit, most patients (89.2%) considered the information letter useful, it relieved concerns in 44.2% of patients, and 73.2% patients had already followed the self-care instructions. After the 1-month follow-up period, symptoms diminished significantly (p < .001). Conclusions: Instructions for self-care and encouragement relieved concerns among patients with benign laryngeal symptoms. Moreover, symptoms improved significantly after a 1-month follow-up period. Level of evidence: 4.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma - malignant transformation and non-sinonasal malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: To assess malignant transformation rate, non-sinonasal malignancies, and factors contributing to recurrence in patients treated for sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients treated for SNIP (n = 296) between the years 1984-2014 at Helsinki University Hospital. Data from the Finnish Cancer Registry confirmed the number of those patients with sinonasal and non-sinonasal malignancies. RESULTS: Only 2 of 296 (0.7%) patients primarily diagnosed with benign SNIP developed sinonasal cancer in a mean follow-up of 5.8 years. The most common non-sinonasal cancer sites were similar to those reported for the whole Finnish population. None of the patients presented with an HPV-associated non-sinonasal malignancy. The recurrence rate among patients who underwent attachment-oriented surgery was significantly lower compared to those operated on with other approaches (40.2% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.006). Dysplasia in SNIP was associated with a higher recurrence rate (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Malignant transformation of SNIP was rare. Patients with SNIP were not prone to HPV-associated non-sinonasal malignancies. Endoscopic resection and attachment-oriented surgery have become predominant approaches in the treatment of SNIP; meanwhile, the total number of SNIP recurrences has decreased. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:506-511, 2023.

ALS patients in otorhinolaryngology: A retrospective study.

Objectives: Given its rarity and the lack of clear clinical markers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a diagnostic challenge. Because bulbar-onset ALS (buALS) presents with impaired speech or swallowing, patients are often primarily referred to an otolaryngologist (ORL) or phoniatrician. The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to analyze the role of ORLs and phoniatricians in ALS diagnostics and treatment and the potential diagnostic delay related to initial visit to aforementioned specialists. Methods: We reviewed data for all 327 patients treated for ALS through the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) between 2010 and 2014, focusing specifically on 110 (34%) patients presenting with bulbar nerve onset (buALS). Their presenting symptoms, referral to specialized care, and delay in referral to a neurology clinic were assessed. Indications and findings from swallowing studies were reviewed as well as the incidence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and tracheostomy. Results: Among the 110 patients with buALS, 64 (58%) were primarily referred to a neurologist, 28 (25%) to an ORL, and five (5%) to a phoniatrician. The most common presenting symptom was dysarthria in 89 patients, (81%), followed by dysphagia in 26 (24%). In most cases, an ORL or phoniatrician suspected a neuromuscular disease; however, in eight (24%) cases, the neurological etiology of symptoms was missed. Overall, 49 (45%) patients underwent a swallowing study and 86 (78%) patients underwent PEG placement. Conclusions: Among buALS patients, 30% initially consulted an ORL or phoniatrician and 45% underwent a swallowing study. Based on our results, swallowing studies rarely lead to immediate PEG placement. An initial visit to other specialists had no impact on diagnostic delays or survival.

Effect of alar nasal valve stent on nasal breathing.

PURPOSE: Lateral nasal wall insufficiency has previously been a surgical challenge. In 2018, the Alar Nasal Valve Stent (Medtronic) was taken into use at Helsinki University Hospital. The alar cartilages are repositioned and locked into position with the Alar Nasal Valve Stent on the mucosa. The stent gives support and widens the alar valve while cartilages scar into their new position presumably facilitating breathing after removal of the stent. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to investigate whether the Alar Nasal Valve Stent has an effect on nasal breathing in patients with lateral nasal wall insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Symptom questionnaires (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, five-step symptom score) were analyzed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow were analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The patients performed a stress ergometry preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, with their noses being photographed and filmed. RESULTS: In a series of 18 patients, a significant positive difference was seen in subjective symptom scores preoperatively versus postoperatively. The difference remained stable throughout the follow-up. No difference in objective symptom measurements was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from lateral nasal wall insufficiency experience a significant subjective improvement in nasal breathing after Alar Nasal Valve Stent surgery.

Finnish Version of the Eating Assessment Tool (F-EAT-10): A Valid and Reliable Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Dysphagia Evaluation.

Our aim was to validate a Finnish version of the Eating Assessment Tool (F-EAT-10) for clinical use and to test its reliability and validity in a multicenter nationwide study. Normative data were acquired from 180 non-dysphagic participants (median age 57.0 years, 62.2% female). Dysphagia patients (n = 117, median age 69.7 years, 53.0% female) referred to fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) completed F-EAT-10 before the examination and after 2 weeks. Patients underwent the 100-ml water swallow test (WST) and FEES was evaluated using the following three scales: the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and the Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale. An operative cohort of 19 patients (median age 75.8 years, 57.9% female) underwent an endoscopic operation on Zenker's diverticulum, tight cricopharyngeal muscle diagnosed in videofluorography, or both. Patients completed the F-EAT-10 preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The cut-off score for controls was < 3 (sensitivity 94.0%, specificity 96.1%) suggesting that ≥ 3 is abnormal. Re-questionnaires for test-retest reliability analysis were available from 92 FEES patients and 123 controls. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent for the total F-EAT-10 score (0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.95). Pearson correlation coefficients were strong (p < 0.001) for each of the questions and the total score. Internal consistency as assessed by Cronbach's alpha was excellent (0.95). Some correlations between findings in FEES and 100-ml WST with F-EAT-10 were observed. The change in subjective symptoms of operative patients paralleled the change in F-EAT-10. F-EAT-10 is a reliable, valid, and symptom-specific patient-reported outcome measure for assessing dysphagia among Finnish speakers.

No changes in nocturnal respiration with hypoglossal neurostimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We initiated Hypoglossal Neurostimulation therapy (HGNS) at the Helsinki University Hospital in late 2014. Here, we report our experience. METHODS: We included all 15 HGNS patients. All patients had previously failed both CPAP and oral appliance therapy for sleep apnoea. Overnight polysomnography parameters were analysed before and at 1.5 years with HGNS. RESULTS: Mean ± SD patient age was 53 ± 6 years; 2 women and 13 men were included. Mean ± SD efficient CPAP level was 11.4 ± 3.4 cm H2 O. Implantation technically succeeded in all patients. There were no significant changes of AHI and ODI4 after HGNS [median (quartile) 29.2/h (19.8-38.7) versus 30.1/h (15.6-52.6) and 15.0/h (5.9-20) versus 12.5/h (6.9-30.2) respectively]. CONCLUSION: We did not observe significant changes in AHI and ODI4 indices with HGNS therapy. Larger multicentre randomised controlled trials are necessary before wider international use of HGNS.

The feasibility of NBI in patients with suspected upper airway lesions: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Narrow band imaging (NBI) improves diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal cancer, but most reported NBI studies are from experienced centers. Feasibility reports on use at everyday outpatient departments are needed. STUDY DESIGN: Researcher-initiated, prospective, multicenter. METHODS: Participating physicians were instructed in NBI technique during a 4-hour meeting. Patients underwent an examination that included endoscopy with white light (WL) high-definition (HD) TV and NBI filter in the selected time period. All suspicious lesions were biopsied. The medical records of patients with NBI negative findings were evaluated 6 months after the visit to detect all possible malignant lesions coming into view at mucosal sites. These were considered as false-negative cases, enabling long-term assess to the positive predictive value (NPV) of the protocol. RESULTS: We enrolled 125 patients. Of those, 84 (67.2%) were males and the median age was 65 years (range, 35-91). In analysis of the accuracy of WL HD TV and NBI against biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity of WL HD TV were 62% and 81%, respectively; and the sensitivity and specificity of NBI were 100% and 84%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI was significantly better (P < 0.05). When analyzing medical records 6 months after the initial examination, we found three patients who had been diagnosed with a malignant lesion (NPV of NBI of 96.8%). CONCLUSION: Narrow band imaging is readily implemented in an everyday outpatient practice, and there seems to be better detection rates of dysplastic/carcinoma lesions with HD NBI compared to HD WL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 127:1821-1825, 2017.

Work-up of globus: assessing the benefits of neck ultrasound and videofluorography.

Globus patients with normal ear, nose, and throat (ENT) status are a diagnostic challenge. The symptom may be long lasting and cause concern about malignancy, leading to possibly unnecessary further investigation. The aim of the study was to assess whether radiological examinations are useful in globus diagnostics, how often patients suffer from persistent globus, and whether globus patients with normal ENT status develop a malignancy during a follow-up. We reviewed medical records of all 76 globus patients referred to Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 2009. Patient history and findings in physical and radiological examinations were registered. A questionnaire concerning patients' present pharyngeal symptoms was sent 3 and 6 years after their initial visit. Data from the Finnish Cancer Registry revealed whether patients developed malignancies within a 3-year follow-up. Based on medical records, neck ultrasound was performed for 37 (49 %) and videofluorography for 22 patients (29 %), with nonsignificant findings. After a 3- and 6-year follow-up, half patients indicated that they were asymptomatic or had fewer symptoms, whereas the rest had persistent symptoms. The Finnish Cancer Registry data confirmed that globus patients developed no head and neck malignancies during a 3-year follow-up. In the present study, neck ultrasound and videofluorography showed no additional benefit to evaluate the globus etiology in patients whose ENT status was normal. Half the globus patients suffered from persistent symptoms after a 3- and 6-year follow-up, indicating that globus may cause discomfort chronically. However, no patients developed malignancies during a 3-year follow-up.

Dysphagia and malignancy: A three-year follow-up and survey of National Cancer Registry data.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Dysphagia may cause concern about malignancy. Symptoms are often unspecific; thus, it is essential to identify those requiring further investigations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study combined with patient survey. METHODS: Case records of the 303 dysphagia patients referred in 2009 to Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were surveyed. Based on clinical data, the main cause of symptoms divided patients into five groups. Alarming signs were food sticking in the throat or in the esophagus, weight loss, and progressive dysphagia symptoms. A questionnaire sent 3 years after the primary visit concerned the present symptoms. To investigate whether dysphagia could have been early symptom of malignancy, we surveyed the Finnish Cancer Registry database until the end of 2012. RESULTS: Most diagnoses remained descriptive: unspecific dysphagia (167, 55%). Five (0.02%) had malignant disease, for all of whom the suspicion of malignancy was evident. Finnish Cancer Registry data indicated that unspecific dysphagia did not develop into malignancy during a 3-year follow-up. Returned questionnaires numbered 154 (62%), of which 30 (19%) were asymptomatic patients; relieved symptoms in 36 (23%), fluctuating or unchanged symptoms in 43 (28%), and worse symptoms in 12 (8%). The remaining patients (33, 21%) had not answered that question or the answer was uninterpretable. CONCLUSION: Further investigations to reveal malignancy seemed unnecessary if alarming clinical signs or findings were lacking. After 3 years, almost half the patients were asymptomatic or had milder symptoms revealing the condition's potential for spontaneous recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:2073-2078, 2016.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement by otorhinolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons.

CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement by an otorhinolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon is a feasible procedure with logistical advantages for the patient. Patient selection, co-morbidities, and the prognosis of the underlying disease are factors determining the outcome. Patient evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, with a gastroenterologist surgeon as a technical adviser, is proposed. OBJECTIVE: PEG tube placement offers an alternative to enteral nutrition. We aimed to analyze complication rates after PEG tube placement in order to evaluate the changed management policy. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of complication rates in two patient cohorts with consecutive PEG tube placement at the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (group I, n = 120) and Surgery (group II, n = 172) at Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Data were collected on the patients' age, sex, preoperative condition, tumor site and stage, preoperative laboratory parameters, coexisting medical diagnoses, indication and date for PEG tube placement, complications, time of PEG use, follow-up time, and clinical status at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The only baseline differences between the cohorts were a higher ASA classification and fewer prophylactic PEG tubes in group II. The rate of major complications was 7.5% in group I and 13.9% in group II; in group I the rate of minor complications was 25%, compared with 15% in group II; and the procedure-related mortality rate was 0.8% in group I and 0.5% in group II. The differences were not significant (p = 0.105-0.795).