Laryngeal photobiomodulation: application sites, interferences from body mass index and skin phototype.

PURPOSE: Establish points on the neck, correspondent to the laryngeal topography, where to apply Low Level Light therapy (LLLT), to evaluate the incidence of light through variables such as skin phototype and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, analytical, observational study, carried out with 15 vocally healthy women, between 18 and 50 years of age, who were divided into three groups, according to BMI and skin phototype. Six anatomical reference points were established to locate the larynx and its musculature, with visual monitoring by videonasolaryngoscopy, to assess light reach (present/absent) and degree of illumination (from very weak to very strong) in the larynx during the LASER application at doses of 3J, 6J and 9J. A flexible endoscope was used for visual monitoring during the LASER application, and subsequent image analysis. RESULTS: The light reached the larynx at doses of 3J, 6J and 9J, in the anterior commissure of the vocal folds, membranous (thyroarytenoid muscle) and cartilaginous portions of the vocal fold and the cricothyroid muscle. The degree of LASER light illumination decreased in overweight and obese participants and increased in moderate brown and dark brown skin phototypes. CONCLUSION: Data suggest that the LLLT penetrates differently according to skin phototype and BMI, being more evident in individuals with Fitzpatrick IV and V phototypes and less evident with higher BMI levels. The evidence that the LASER light reaches the larynx in specific anatomical points provides direction for the standardization of its use in voice practice.

Comprehensive analysis and treatment of intraoral thyroglossal duct cysts with intraoperative techniques: a 7-case series review in a tertiary care center.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst is a relatively rare clinical disease. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment process of 7 patients and explores the clinical characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst in combination with past literature reports. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 7 cases of intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst admitted to the Otolaryngology ward of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 2017 to January 2024. The cases were recorded in terms of gender, age, symptoms, physical signs, radiological examinations, surgical methods, and postoperative complications. All cases were followed up, and the latest follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: Among the 7 cases, 6 patients underwent laryngoscopic and radiological examinations before surgery, and 1 child was found to have a cyst during surgery. All cases were diagnosed with intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst and treated with plasma radiofrequency surgery. None of the patients had postoperative complications, and no recurrence was found in the six-month follow-up after discharge. CONCLUSION: Intraoral thyroglossal duct cyst is rare in clinical practice. It is important to pay attention to its differential diagnosis clinically, and careful review of images is required before surgery. Cryoablation with low-temperature plasma radiofrequency is not only minimally invasive and has a quick recovery but also has few complications and a low recurrence rate. It is a safe and effective treatment method that is worthy of clinical promotion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Preoperative Acetaminophen For Microsuspension Laryngoscopy Reduces Postoperative Opioid Use.

OBJECTIVES: The opioid crisis has prompted consideration of analgesic prescriptions. This study explored the value of preoperative acetaminophen for pain control following microsuspension laryngoscopy (MSL) and compared the results with a previous study of pain and opioid use following MSL (Tsang et al.). METHODS: A prospective open-label clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing MSL. All patients were administered preoperative acetaminophen. Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and present pain intensity (PPI) scores were collected preoperatively and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, and 14. Statistical analysis identified variables associated with opioid use or increased pain scores, and compared outcomes with Tsang et al. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were included (mean age 52.8 ± 17.3 years, 40 males). All patients received preoperative 1 g acetaminophen (77 (86.5%) orally) with no adverse effects. On POD1, opioid usage was 10%. Median [IQR] pain scores were 5 [2-11], 21 [12.3-56.8], and 3 [2-3.3] on SF-MPQ, VAS, and PPI, respectively. Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) opioid requirements significantly correlated with POD1 opioid consumption (τb = 0.214; p ≤ 0.05), and significant associations with PACU opioid administration were found for total anesthesia time (OR (95%CI) = 1.271 (1.043-1.548), p = 0.017) and total laryngoscope suspension time (OR (95%CI) = 0.791 (0.651-0.962, p = 0.019)). This cohort demonstrated reduced opioid usage on POD1 compared with Tsang et al (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative acetaminophen is a safe intervention, resulting in decreased postoperative opioid use following MSL. Anesthesia time correlated with need for postoperative opioids. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4625-4635, 2024.

Evaluación del niño con estridor / Evaluation of the child with stridor

El estridor en niños es un síntoma que puede indicar una obstrucción en la vía aérea, siendo esencial comprender sus características y evolución. Este artículo destaca la importancia de la anamnesis detallada, la evaluación clínica y los estudios instrumentales para diagnosticar y tratar eficazmente las causas subyacentes del estridor. Se discuten las características del estridor, los signos de gravedad y los pasos para una evaluación adecuada, incluyendo la nasofaringolaringoscopía flexible y la laringotraqueobroncoscopía. Se concluye que una evaluación integral es fundamental para abordar el estridor en niños de manera óptima.

Stridor in children is a symptom that may indicate an obstruction in the airway, and it is essential to understand its characteristics and evolution. This article highlights the importance of a detailed history, clinical evaluation, and instrumental studies in effectively diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of stridor. The characteristics of stridor, signs of severity, and steps for proper evaluation, including flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and laryngotracheobronchoscopy, are discussed. It concludes that a comprehensive evaluation is essential to address stridor in children optimally.

Post-extubation laryngitis in children: diagnosis, management and follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the occurrence of post-extubation laryngitis, analyze its one-year evolution, and correlate laryngeal lesions with clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study including children up to 13 years old at a tertiary hospital between March 2020 and March 2022 with diagnosis of post-extubation laryngitis confirmed by endoscopic examination. Exclusion criteria were prior history of intubation or anatomical airway abnormalities. Medical records were reviewed to characterize patients, underlying diagnosis, laryngeal lesions, treatment, and outcomes at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 38 endoscopically confirmed post-extubation laryngitis cases, corresponding to 86.4% of suspected cases. The mean age was 13.24 months, and 60.5% were male. Acute respiratory failure was the leading cause of intubation. Initial treatment was clinical, and initial diagnosis was defined by nasopharynoglaryngoscopy and/or Microlaryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy (MLB) findings. Initial diagnostic MLB was performed in 65.7% of the patients. Approximately half (53%) of the patients exhibited moderate or severe laryngeal lesions. When compared to mild cases, these patients experienced a higher rate of extubation failures (mean of 1.95 vs. 0.72, p = 0.0013), underwent more endoscopic procedures, and faced worse outcomes, such as the increased need for tracheostomy (p = 0.0001) and the development of laryngeal stenosis (p = 0.0450). Tracheostomy was performed in 14 (36.8%) children. Patients undergoing tracheostomy presented more extubation failures and longer intubation periods. Eight (21%) developed laryngeal stenosis, and 17 (58.6%) had complete resolution on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Post-extubation laryngitis is a frequent diagnosis among patients with clinical symptoms or failed extubation. The severity of laryngeal lesions was linked to a less favorable prognosis observed at one-year follow-up. Otolaryngological evaluation, follow-up protocols, and increased access to therapeutic resources are essential to manage these children properly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Position paper of diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation laryngitis in children: a multidisciplinary expert-based opinion.

OBJECTIVES: To make recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of post-extubation laryngitis (PEL) in children with or without other comorbidities. METHODS: A three-iterative modified Delphi method was applied. Specialists were recruited representing pediatric otolaryngologists, pediatric and neonatal intensivists. Questions and statements approached topics encompassing definition, diagnosis, endoscopic airway evaluation, risk factors, comorbidities, management, and follow-up. A consensus was defined as a supermajority >70%. RESULTS: Stridor was considered the most frequent symptom and airway endoscopy was recommended for definitive diagnosis. Gastroesophageal reflux and previous history of intubation were considered risk factors. Specific length of intubation did not achieve a consensus as a risk factor. Systemic corticosteroids should be part of the medical treatment and dexamethasone was the drug of choice. No consensus was achieved regarding dosage of corticosteroids, although endoscopic findings help defining dosage and length of treatment. Non-invasive ventilation, laryngeal rest, and use of comfort sedation scales were recommended. Indications for microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy under anesthesia were symptoms progression or failure to improve after the first 72-h of medical treatment post-extubation, after two failed extubations, and/or suspicion of severe lesions on flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Management of post-extubation laryngitis is challenging and can be facilitated by a multidisciplinary approach. Airway endoscopy is mandatory and impacts decision-making, although there is no consensus regarding dosage and length of treatment.

Video versus direct laryngoscopy in critically ill patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of video laryngoscopy (VL) has demonstrated superiority over direct laryngoscopy (DL) for intubation in surgical settings. However, its effectiveness in the intensive care unit and emergency department settings remains uncertain. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing VL versus DL in critically ill patients. Critical setting was defined as emergency department and intensive care unit. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. R version 4.3.1 was used for statistical analysis and heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. All outcomes were submitted to random-effect models. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis of 14 RCTs, compromising 3981 patients assigned to VL (n = 2002) or DL (n = 1979). Compared with DL, VL significantly increased successful intubations on the first attempt (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.20; p < 0.01; I2 = 82%). Regarding adverse events, VL reduced the number of esophageal intubations (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.24-0.80; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and incidence of aspiration episodes (RR 0.63; 95% CI 0.41-0.96; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%) compared to DL. CONCLUSION: VL is a more effective and safer strategy compared with DL for increasing successful intubations on the first attempt and reducing esophageal intubations in critically ill patients. Our findings support the routine use of VL in critically ill patients. Registration CRD42023439685 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023439685 . Registered 6 July 2023.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in adults.

Difficult airway management represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report with updated recommendations for the management of difficult airway in adults. These recommendations were developed based on the consensus of a group of expert anesthesiologists, aiming to provide strategies for managing difficulties during tracheal intubation. They are based on evidence published in international guidelines and opinions of experts. The report underlines the essential steps for proper difficult airway management, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and maintaining arterial oxygenation. Additional strategies for using advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices, are discussed. The report considers recent advances in understanding crisis management, and the implementation seeks to further patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. The recommendations are outlined to be uncomplicated and easy to implement. The report underscores the importance of ongoing education, training in realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest technologies available.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in pediatric care.

Difficult airway management in pediatrics during anesthesia represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report containing updated recommendations for the management of difficult airways in children and neonates. These recommendations have been developed based on the consensus of a panel of experts, with the objective of offering strategies to overcome challenges during airway management in pediatric patients. Grounded in evidence published in international guidelines and expert opinions, the report highlights crucial steps for the appropriate management of difficult airways in pediatrics, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and, paramountly, the maintenance of arterial oxygenation. The report also delves into additional strategies involving the use of advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible intubating bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of implementing the outlined recommendations, with a focus on the significance of continuous education, training through realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest available technologies. These practices are deemed essential to ensure procedural safety and contribute to the enhancement of anesthesia outcomes in pediatrics.

Estudio retrospectivo para describir la prevalencia del hiatus glótico longitudinal y su relación con la patología orgánica en pacientes adultos con disfonía / Retrospective study to describe the prevalence of spindle-shaped glottic chink and its relationship with organic pathology in adult patients with dysphonia

Introducción: El hiatus glótico longitudinal es un signo descrito en la práctica clínica a partir de las fibrolaringoscopias de pacientes con patologías laríngeas. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de patologías laríngeas orgánicas y funcionales mediante videolaringoestroboscopia, y evaluar la frecuencia de hiatus longitudinal y su asociación con patología orgánica en pacientes adultos disfónicos. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo durante 2018-2019 en un hospital de alta complejidad. Se incluyeron las videolaringoestroboscopia de pacientes mayores de 14 años que consultaron por disfonía. Las patologías laríngeas se categorizaron en orgánicas o funcionales. La asociación entre patología orgánica y el hiatus longitudinal se analizó mediante un análisis multivariado ajustado por confundidores. Resultados: Se incluyeron 310 pacientes de los cuales se analizaron 269. La media de edad fue 43,9 ± 7,09 años y el porcentaje de sexo femenino 65,8% (n: 177). La prevalencia de disfonía orgánica fue del 84,01% y de disfonía funcional, del 13,38%. La prevalencia de hiatus longitudinal fue del 23,79% (n: 64). Se observó una asociación, estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de hiatus longitudinal y la presencia de patología orgánica con OR de12,64 (1,60-99,42; p: 0,01) ajustada por edad, sexo, tabaquismo y antigüedad de la disfonía. Conclusión: La prevalencia de patologías laríngeas orgánicas es mayor a la de funcionales y el hiatus longitudinal se asocia a patología orgánica ajustada por confundidores.

Introduction: Spindle-shaped glottic chink is a sign described in clinical practice from fibrolaryngoscopy of patients with laryngeal pathologies. Aim: to describe the prevalence of organic and functional laryngeal pathologies by videolaringostroboscopy, and to evaluate the frequency of spindle-shaped glottic chink and its association with organic pathology in dysphonic adult patients. Material and Method: A retrospective and descriptive study was conducted during 2018-2019 in a high complexity hospital. Patient's videostroboscopy older than 14 years old who consulted for dysphonia were included. Laryngeal pathologies were categorized into organic or functional diseases. The association between organic pathology and spindle-shaped glottic chink was analyzed using a multivariate analysis adjusted for confounders. Results: 310 patients were included of whom 269 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 43.9 ± 7.09 years and the percentage of female sex was 65.8 % (n: 177). The prevalence of organic dysphonia was 84.01% and of functional dysphonia, 13.38%. The prevalence of spindle-shaped glottic chink was 23.79% (n:64) (18.67-28.91%). A statistically significant association was observed between the presence of spindle-shaped glottic chink and the presence of organic pathology with OR of 12.64 (1.60- 99.42; p: 0.01) adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and history of dysphonia. Conclusion: The prevalence of organic laryngeal pathology is higher than functional and spindle-shaped glottic chink is associated with organic pathology adjusted for confounders.

Cuerpo extraño en espacio paraglótico / Foreign body in the paraglottic space

Los cuerpos extraños en la vía aérea son una urgencia muy común en la práctica de la otorrinolaringología. La mayoría suelen encontrarse en población pediátrica donde la gravedad es mayor. En adultos estos episodios suelen ser accidentales, siendo la exploración física fundamental para su diagnóstico. Exponemos aquí el caso de un varón qué presentó una espina de pescado en el área interaritenoidea.

Foreign bodies in the airway are a very common emergency in the practice of otorhinolaryngology, the majority of which are usually found in the pediatric population. In adults, these episodes are usually accidental, and physical examination is fundamental for its diagnosis. We report a case of fish bone impaction in the interarytenoid area.

Manejo de vía aérea difícil en paciente con masa gigante en cuello: reporte de caso / Difficult airway management in a patient with a giant neck mass: Case report

La Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología (ASA) define vía aérea difícil, como la situación clínica en la que un médico capacitado en el cuidado anestésico experimenta una dificultad anticipada o no, incluyendo uno o más de los siguientes: ventilación con máscara facial, laringoscopia, ventilación mediante una vía aérea supraglótica, intubación traqueal, extubación o vía aérea invasiva. El manejo de vía aérea difícil sigue siendo un reto incluso para expertos en su manejo y más aún si esta se realiza en lugares poco controlados, con escaso equipamiento y con personal sin entrenamiento adecuado. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer una opción segura en el abordaje del paciente que presenta vía aérea difícil. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino, 73 años, llevado a emergencia por dificultad respiratoria secundario a una obstrucción parcial de la vía aérea debido a una masa gigante en cuello, donde se realiza intubación traqueal vigil videoasistida con sedación (ketamina y dexmedetomidina). El paciente con gran parte de su vía aérea invadida por la masa, se preoxigena a través de un dispositivo bolsa- mascarilla previo a intubación orotraqueal, manteniendo la ventilación espontánea con asociado a sedación monitorizada; evitando así un evento fatídico como ser el colapso de la vía aérea. En conclusión, la intubación traqueal vigil videoasistida bajo sedación con ketamina y dexmedetomidina es una opción segura en abordaje de vía aérea difícil...(AU)

Using a Bougie With C-MAC Video Laryngoscopy Did Not Improve First-Attempt Intubation Success Rates in Critical Care Air Transport.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown a bougie improves first-attempt success rates when used in combination with direct laryngoscopy during the initial attempt. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a bougie in combination with C-MAC (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) improves first-attempt success rates of endotracheal intubation (ETI) compared with C-MAC with a traditional stylet. METHODS: This study is a retrospective chart review using data collected on 371 intubations completed by a single air medical service using the C-MAC laryngoscope and either a bougie or a stylet. RESULTS: The overall success rate using C-MAC for ETI with either a bougie or a stylet was 83%. There was no statistically significant difference between first-attempt successful intubations using C-MAC and a bougie (82%) or a stylet (86%) (χ1 = 0.871, P = .351). There was no statistically significant difference between laryngoscopy grade and the number of attempts that resulted in a successful intubation (χ1 = 0.743, P = .7). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between first-attempt success rates using video laryngoscopy with a bougie, overall intubation success rates, or difficult intubation success rates compared with video laryngoscopy with a stylet, indicating that the purpose of a bougie as a rescue device did not hold true in the prehospital setting of our critical care air medical service.

Fetal Laryngoscopy and Endoscopic Tracheal Intubation to Avoid ex utero Intrapartum Treatment in the Management of Fetuses with Suspected Airway Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Large congenital neck tumors can cause neonatal death due to airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of the first cohort of fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction managed with fetal laryngoscopy (FL) and fetal endoscopic tracheal intubation (FETI) to secure fetal airways and avoid ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort of consecutive fetuses with neck masses that were candidates for an EXIT procedure due to suspicion of laryngeal and/or tracheal occlusion on ultrasonographic (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were recruited for FL in a tertiary referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. FETI was performed if the obstruction was confirmed by FL. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and March 2023, 35 cases with neck masses were evaluated. Airway obstruction was suspected in 12/35 (34.3%), either by US in 10/35 (28.6%) or by fetal MRI in 2/35 (5.7%). In all cases, FL was successfully performed at the first attempt at a median gestational age (GA) of 36+5 (range, 33+5-39+6) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 22.5 (12-35) min. In 4 cases, airway patency was confirmed during FL and an EXIT procedure was avoided. In 8/12 cases (66.7%), airway obstruction was confirmed during fetoscopy and FETI was successfully performed at a median GA of 36+3 (33+2-38+5) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 25.0 (range, 12-45) min. No case required an EXIT procedure. All patients underwent conventional cesarean delivery with no maternal complications and all neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a correctly positioned endotracheal tube (ETT) immediately after delivery. Three neonatal deaths (37.5%) were reported due to postnatal unplanned extubation, failed ETT replacement, and tumoral bleeding. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction, FL and FETI are feasible and could replace EXIT procedures with good maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Visual-perceptive assessment of glottic characteristics of vocal nodules by means of high-speed videoendoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Visual-perceptive assessment of glottic characteristics of vocal nodules by means of high-speed videoendoscopy. METHODS: Descriptive observational research with convenience sampling of five laryngeal videos of women with an average age of 25 years. The diagnosis of vocal nodules was defined by two otolaryngologists, with 100% intra-rater agreement and 53.40% inter-rater agreement and five otolaryngologists as judge assessed the laryngeal videos based on an adapted protocol. The statistical analysis calculated measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as percentage. The AC1 coefficient was used for agreement analysis. RESULTS: In high-speed videoendoscopy imaging, vocal nodules are characterized by amplitude of the mucosal wave and muco-undulatory movement with magnitude between 50% and 60%. Non-vibrating segments of vocal folds are scarce, and the glottal cycle does not show a predominant phase, it is symmetric and periodic. Glottal closure is characterized by the presence of a mid-posterior triangular chink (double chink or isolated mid-posterior triangular chink), without movement of supraglottic laryngeal structures, with irregular contour of the free edge of vocal folds, which are vertically on-plane. CONCLUSION: Vocal nodules present mid-posterior triangular chink and irregular free edge contour. Amplitude and mucosal wave were partially reduced. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 (Case-series).

Split cricoideo anterior posterior: una novedosa técnica para evitar la traqueotomía en parálisis cordal bilateral en pacientes pediátricos / Posterior anterior cricoid split: a cutting-edge technique to avoid tracheostomy in bilateral cordal paralysis in pediatric patients

Introducción: La parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción es la segunda causa de estridor congénito y genera una grave obstrucción de la vía aérea, debutando con estridor. La traqueotomía ha sido durante mucho tiempo el gold estándar para el tratamiento de esta afección, no exenta de complicaciones. Existen procedimientos que intentan evitar la traqueotomía, como el split cricoideo anterior posterior endoscópico (SCAPE). Objetivo: Presentar experiencia con SCAPE en pacientes pediátricos como tratamiento alternativo de parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos en pacientes con parálisis cordal bilateral en aducción tratados con SCAPE entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente de Concepción, Chile. Resultados: Siete pacientes se sometieron a SCAPE. Todos los pacientes presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria severa, cinco requirieron asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Seis pacientes tenían el diagnóstico de parálisis cordal bilateral (PCB) congénita y uno PCB secundaria a tumor de tronco cerebral. Cuatro pacientes presentaron comorbilidad de la vía aérea: dos pacientes presentaron estenosis subglótica grado I y dos pacientes presentaron laringomalacia que requirió manejo quirúrgico. Los días promedio de intubación fueron once días. Ningún paciente requirió soporte ventilatorio postoperatorio, sólo un paciente recibió oxigenoterapia nocturna debido a hipoventilación secundaria a lesión de tronco. Ningún paciente ha presentado descompensación respiratoria grave. Un 40% ha recuperado movilidad cordal bilateral. Conclusión: Split cricoideo anteroposterior endoscópico es una alternativa eficaz para tratar el PCB en pacientes pediátricos. Nuestro estudio evidencia que es una alternativa a la traqueotomía, con excelentes resultados y menor morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction is the second cause of congenital stridor and generates a serious obstruction of the airway. Tracheostomy has long been the gold standard for the treatment of this condition, but it has inherent complications. There are procedures that try to avoid tracheotomy, such as the endoscopic anterior posterior cricoid split (EAPCS). Aim: Present our experience with EAPCS in pediatric patients as a treatment for bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adduction. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of the surgical results obtained in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction treated with EAPCS between January 2016 and December 2019 at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital in Concepción, Chile. Results: Seven patients underwent EAPCS. All patients had severe respiratory failure, five required mechanical ventilation assistance. Six patients were diagnosed with congenital bilateral cord palsy (BCP) and one BCP secondary to a brainstem tumor. Four patients had airway comorbidity: two patients had grade I subglottic stenosis and two patients had laryngomalacia that required surgical management. The average days of intubation were eleven days. No patient required post op invasive/non-invasive ventilation, only one patient received nocturnal oxygen therapy due to hypoventilation secondary to trunk injury. None of the patients has presented severe respiratory decompensation. Forty percent have recovered bilateral chordal mobility. Conclusion: SCAPE is a cutting-edge and effective alternative to treat PCB in pediatric patients. Our study shows that it is an alternative to tracheotomy, with excellent results and lower morbidity and mortality.

Anesthetic induction and endotracheal intubation in the sitting position due to the fixed forearm caught by a meat grinder

Abstract A male patient was scheduled for urgent amputation of his right forearm. His right forearm was stuck inside the insertion slot of a meat grinder, resulting in severe pain to his injured arm. His upper body could not move to sit in a semi-upright position. An endotracheal tube was successfully placed after rapid sequence intubation using a video laryngoscope from behind the patient on the first attempt. This case report is the first documentation of successful anesthetic induction with subsequent endotracheal intubation using a video laryngoscope from behind an injured patient whose upper body was upright with limited positioning.