Validation of the 10-Item Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis-Handicap Index quality of life questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES: To validate and test the reliability of the 10-Item Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis-Voice Handicap Index (UVFP-HI-10) quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients with UVFP. DESIGN: Prospective describe study based on perceptive surveys. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 61 patients with UVFP and 53 healthy individuals comprised the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Both the patients and controls completed the UVFP-HI-10 questionnaire. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the internal consistency and validity of the survey. In addition, maximum phonation time (MPT) was used to objectively measure patient QoL. RESULTS: Internal consistency was high (α = .914) and the correlation with MPT was significant (rs = -0.722). The estimated marginal mean in the discriminant validity study was around seven times higher in the UVFP group compared to the controls. The UVFP-HI-10 cut-off value was more than 0.9 and the sensitivity and specificity were more than 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: The UVFP-HI-10 is a self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaire with a high reliability and excellent criterion-based validity. This questionnaire can be used to evaluate specific clinical complaints (e.g., vocalisation, swallowing, and breathing) in terms of their impact on QoL in patients with UVFP. Thus, its use is appropriate as a basic assessment tool as part of a specific UVFP treatment protocol.

Modified Montgomery thyroplasty: Customisation of the cartilage window according to laryngeal anatomy.

We described a Montgomery's thyroplasty using a set of measurement devices designed to achieve accurate individualised prosthesis placement. The objective of the present study was to describe the surgical techniques employed via a step-by-step video and show our results. In total, 42 modified thyroplasties were performed during the 10-year study period. The verification of both points: adequate location and size of the prosthesis are the keys to the success of this intervention. The individualisation of the cartilage window location produces optimal functional results in patients post-intervention in terms of the MPT, GRB score, and VHI-30.

Mapping of SARS-CoV-2 in Waldeyer's lymphatic ring and visceral biopsies: the age and the illness duration's impact.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of age and the interval between disease diagnosis and death on the organotropism of SARS-CoV-2. METHOD: Patients underwent post-mortem biopsies from lungs, Waldeyer ring, heart, liver, kidneys and bone marrow between 2020‒2021. SARS-CoV-2 organotropism was mapped by using molecular RT-PCR analyses for SARS-CoV2 targeting the Envelope gene (E), the RNA Polymerase Gene (RdRp), and the Nucleocapsid gene (N). Statistical and linear regression analysis was performed to study the impact of age and illness duration in SARS-CoV-2 organotropism. RESULTS: We performed 158 postmortem biopsies in 21 patients, with a mean age of 76 years old. The mean interval between the diagnosis of the infection to the death was 23 days. The RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 100% of lung biopsies, 76%‒82% of Waldeyer's ring biopsies, 55% of heart biopsies, 40% of kidney biopsies, 33% of liver and 25% of bone marrow biopsies. Patients who died before the day 9, presented extensive visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Most of the patients older than 80 years (90%) presented visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, while among younger patients, only 3/11 patients presented visceral dissemination of the virus. The relationship between "age" and "illness duration" and multitropism of the virus was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Disease interval and age were factors that were significantly associated with RT-PCR positive results in multiple organs. Critical COVID-19 patients have multiorganic viral dissemination in early stages. In the critical older patients, multiorganic viral dissemination is the rule.

Is Sedation of Choice in Thyroplasty Surgery? A Study on the Effects of Sedatives on Voice Quality.

OBJECTIVE: In order to establish the ideal anesthetic protocol in thyroplasty type I surgery, where the intraoperative voice test is used to guide the medialization of the paralyzed fold, we have studied the effects of a sedation with midazolam premedication and adjusted intravenous doses of propofol and remifentanil on voice quality in patients without vocal fold pathology undergoing otorhinolaryngology surgery other than thyroplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study included 40 adult patients. METHOD: A voice recording was performed when the patient was fully awake and when an appropriate level of conscious sedation was reached. Following premedication with midazolam at anxiolytic doses, remifentanil and propofol were administrated by target controlled infusion pumps (TCI). These results were compared with those obtained in a previous study carried out by the same team using intravenous bolus (IV) according to weight. The recorded voice analysis was performed using the computer program Praat (v.5.3.39) for a sustained vowel. RESULTS: All the parameters obtained from the acoustic analysis of the voice were altered after sedation with target controlled infusion in a statistically significant way. Comparing with bolus intravenous, harmonic and noise ratio (HNR) was the only parameter that decreased less in the TCI group. CONCLUSION: The state of sedation obtained using midazolam premedication, propofol and remifentanil adjusted intravenous doses alters significantly all the voice parameters, although this alteration is considerably less than the changes produced by the medication administered in bolus IV. According to these results, the sedation and the voice test during thyroplasty surgery would present a series of limitations when it comes to guiding the medialization of the paralyzed vocal fold and therefore it could not be considered as the ideal anesthetic protocol in thyroplasty surgery.

Anesthetic Technique and Functional Outcomes in Modified Montgomery Thyroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Montgomery thyroplasty type I is a surgical technique indicated in vocal cord paralysis which consists of the paralyzed cord medialization, improving the voice quality. The objective of the study is to describe in detail the anesthetic method to obtain optimal post-medialization voice results. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective case series study including patients who underwent medialization thyroplasty using the modified Montgomery technique at the General University Hospital of Valencia between 2011 and 2021. The anesthetic technique consisted of general anesthesia with neuromuscular relaxation and a laryngeal mask. Pre- and post-surgical vocal functional data of maximum phonation times (MPT), G score, and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) were evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients presented an improvement in voice results, increasing MPT after surgery and a decrease in VHI-30 and G score postoperatively, with statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-surgical results (p-value < 0.05). There were no complications related to anesthesia or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of general anesthesia with muscle relaxation in modified Montgomery thyroplasty may be a good option to consider. The use of a laryngeal mask for ventilation combined with a fiberoptic check allows direct visualization of the vocal cords intraoperatively, providing good functional voice results.

Microelectrodes and radiofrequency for transoral horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy in T3 tumors.

The aim of this manuscript is to show the surgical technique for horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy in T3 carcinomas by a transoral approach using microelectrodes and radiofrequency. From 2009 to 2020, 11 selected cases of T3 laryngeal supraglottic carcinomas invading the pre-epiglottic space, with preserved vocal cords mobility underwent surgery. The technique is described step by step. Average time duration of the larynx surgery was 95 min. Nine percent of the patients presented a profuse hemorrhage 7 days postoperative; in 73% of patients the nasogastric feeding tube was withdrew 10 days after surgery. We emphasize a remarkable short surgical time and high hemostatic effectiveness. The ME tips allow to perform cuts at angles and contribute with a sense of touch. The low cost of the equipment and its easy handling and maintenance is a remarkable advantage over other technologies for transoral surgery.

Mapping of SARS-CoV-2 in Waldeyer's lymphatic ring and visceral biopsies: the age and the illness duration's impact

Abstract Objective: To study the impact of age and the interval between disease diagnosis and death on the organotropism of SARS-CoV-2. Method: Patients underwent post-mortem biopsies from lungs, Waldeyer ring, heart, liver, kidneys and bone marrow between 2020-2021. SARS-CoV-2 organotropism was mapped by using molecular RT-PCR analyses for SARS-CoV2 targeting the Envelope gene (E), the RNA Polymerase Gene (RdRp), and the Nucleocapsid gene (N). Statistical and linear regression analysis was performed to study the impact of age and illness duration in SARS-CoV-2 organotropism. Results: We performed 158 postmortem biopsies in 21 patients, with a mean age of 76 years old. The mean interval between the diagnosis of the infection to the death was 23 days. The RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 100% of lung biopsies, 76%-82% of Waldeyer's ring biopsies, 55% of heart biopsies, 40% of kidney biopsies, 33% of liver and 25% of bone marrow biopsies. Patients who died before the day 9, presented extensive visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Most of the patients older than 80 years (90%) presented visceral dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, while among younger patients, only 3/11 patients presented visceral dissemination of the virus. The relationship between "age" and "illness duration" and multitropism of the virus was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Disease interval and age were factors that were significantly associated with RT-PCR positive results in multiple organs. Critical COVID-19 patients have multiorganic viral dissemination in early stages. In the critical older patients, multiorganic viral dissemination is the rule. Level of evidence: 4. Case Series.

Informed consent in dentistry and medicine in Spain: Practical considerations and legality

Background: The healthcare practice of dentistry, as well as medicine, is framed within a legal environment. Patients have the right to know all the information related to any action performed on them and dental or medical doctors are obliged to obtain their patient’s prior written informed consent (IC) before undertaking any healthcare procedures. Material and Methods: Here we reviewed the legality and jurisprudence in Spain regarding IC. We also used INFLESZ text readability analysis software to analyse a sample of official Spanish informed consent documents (ICDs) from different surgical and interventional procedures related to dentistry and oral cavity interventions. Results: It is a mistake to confound IC with ICDs. This error prevents physicians from considering the former as a care process in which the patient’s authorisation signature is the last link in a chain formed, almost in its entirety, by the informative process and deliberation alongside the patient. Multiple factors can influence communication between practitioners and their patients. Importantly, treatment adherence is greater when patients feel involved and autonomous in shared decision-making and when the circumstances of their lives are adequately considered. We concluded that although the ICDs we analysed conformed to the requirements set out in international law, they were somewhat difficult to read according to the reading habits of the general Spanish population. Conclusions: Knowledge about the legality of IC helps professionals to understand the problems that may arise from their non-compliance. This is because the omission or defective fulfilment of IC obligations is the origin of legal responsibility for medical practitioners. In this sense, to date, there have been more convictions for defective ICs than for malpractice. The information provided in ICs should include the risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives and must be tailored to the needs and capabilities of the patient to enable autonomous decision-making.(AU)

Use of monopolar microelectrodes and radiofrequency in the treatment of arytenoid edema after partial horizontal laryngectomy and radiotherapy.

We evaluated the tissue reduction effects using monopolar microelectrodes (MME) coupled to a radiofrequency (RF) generator in arytenoid edema caused by postoperative radiotherapy in larynx. This is a retrospective transversal study, which included 15 patients with supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma. All the patients had undergone a partial horizontal laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection followed by postoperative radiotherapy. The studied group of patients presented laryngeal stenosis defined by arytenoid edema as a complication, requiring permanent tracheostomy for mean of 12 months. The surgical procedure for treating the edema was the transoral approach of the larynx by microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia; using 180° MME coupled to a 4-MHz RF generator delivering 15 W using coagulation mode. A total of 11 (73%) patients were decannulated. The median time for decannulation was 10 weeks. No complications were reported. After 2 years of follow-ups, no case of re-stenosis was found. MME coupled to RF is a very efficient method to treat arytenoid edema after adjuvant radiotherapy.

Acute tissue damage induced by monopolar microelectrodes and radiofrequency in vocal cords after transoral cordectomy.

INTRODUCTION: In 2006 and 2009, we reported the levels of acute and chronic tissue damage after cordectomy associated with use of the microlectrodes using high frequency energy. In 2010, we shifted to radiofrequency rather than high frequency electrogenerators. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate acute tissue damage in the larynx after cordectomy using microelectrodes coupled to a radiofrequencygenerator. METHODS: We studied 22 patients with a stage T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma. The patients were randomly assigned to the two operating mode: cutting or coagulation (11 patients each mode). The strength of the study is that there are no previous studies on the effect of radiofrequency in human vocal cord. RESULTS: Tissue damage was milder when microelectrodes were coupled to a 4 MHz generator operating in the cutting mode. Thus, when using microelectrodes and radiofrequency, we recommend that the cutting mode be used for epithelial incision and the coagulation mode to treat the stroma and muscle and for final hemostasis. CONCLUSION: Microelectrodes and radiofrequency in transoral laryngeal surgery produced mild tissue damage and offer an excellent alternative to the use of high frequency energy.

"The importance of preoperative evaluations prior to pediatric otorhinolaryngological surgery".

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of preoperative evaluations prior to pediatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed a total of 99 patients, with mean age of 6.53 + 2.39 years, an average of 11.04 months after their inclusion on the surgical treatment list. These patients were obtained from General University Hospital of Valencia surgery waiting list between October 2015 and July 2016. We have reassessed all the patients before their surgery date and analyzed the results: the indication had changed or not. In the case of indication changed, the outcome was subdivided into: extension, reduction, or surgery no indicated because a clinical resolution. RESULTS: After waiting on the list for surgery for an average of 11 months, the initial surgical indication had changed in 52 patients (52%), this groups was subdivided into: 33 patients (33%) had spontaneously resolved by the time of their reassessment and their clinical symptoms no longer met the criteria for surgery, the indication for surgery was extended in 10 patients (10%) and was reduced another 9 patients (9%). We found a statistically significantrelationship (p = 0.034) between the age of the patients at the time of the preoperative re- evaluation and modifications made to the initial surgery indication. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the dynamic evolution of benign Waldeyer-ring related pathologies in the pediatric population due to physical growth and immune development. The clinical evaluation prior to benign pediatric surgery is recommended In specially in the group over 5 years.

Incidencia de la hiperostosis esquelética difusa idiopática sobre un modelo clínico de disfagia / Incidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis from a model of dysphagia

OBJETIVO: Relacionar la clínica de disfagia con la enfermedad de Forestier-Rotes-Querol o hiperostosis esquelética difusa idiopática (HEDI), desorden por osificación del ligamento cervical anterior común y calcificaciones en otras articulaciones. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Revisión del historial clínico-radiológico de 455 pacientes que en 5 años consultaron en nuestro centro por disfagia, remitidos desde Atención Primaria o diferentes especialidades. El diagnóstico de HEDI se estableció en función de los criterios descritos por Resnick. RESULTADOS: Sobre un volumen total de 32.544 pacientes atendidos, el 1,4% consultó por disfagia alta. En 51 casos con esta sintomatología -el 11,2% de los sujeto- pudieron verificarse datos congruentes con los hallazgos radiológicos diagnósticos de HEDI. La incidencia observada fue de 7:100.000 habitantes-año. Dos casos con disfagia severa mejoraron con la retirada del hueso cervical neoformado. CONCLUSIONES: La HEDI supone una osificación interarticular anquilosante habitualmente sistémica pero asintomática. Al manifestarse, distorsiona principalmente las funciones de cuello y vías altas, generando sobre todo disfagia. Unos pocos casos requieren cirugía liberadora de estas calcificaciones

OBJECTIVE: To relate symptoms of dysphagia to Forestier-Rotes Querol disease or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a disorder due to ossification in the anterior longitudinal ligament and calcifications in other entheses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of clinical and radiological findings in 455 outpatients attended at our Centre with dysphagia, for 5 years, referred from dental, trauma, neurological or primary health care. A diagnosis of DISH was established using Resnick's criteria. RESULTS: We detected 51 cases with dysphagia consistent with DISH diagnostic criteria - 11.2% of subjects suffering this symptom- out of 32544 outpatients attended. An incidence of 7:100000 inhabitants per year was observed. Two cases showed significant improvement after removing the new bone in the spine. CONCLUSIONS: DISH is an ankylosing ossification between the joints, frequently systemic but showing no clinical symptoms. When symptoms manifest, neck movements and upper airways are involved, mainly dysphagia. A few cases need surgery to relieve the calcification processes

Incidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis from a model of dysphagia. / Incidencia de la hiperostosis esquelética difusa idiopática sobre un modelo clínico de disfagia.

OBJECTIVE: To relate symptoms of dysphagia to Forestier-Rotes Querol disease or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a disorder due to ossification in the anterior longitudinal ligament and calcifications in other entheses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of clinical and radiological findings in 455 outpatients attended at our Centre with dysphagia, for 5years, referred from dental, trauma, neurological or primary health care. A diagnosis of DISH was established using Resnick's criteria. RESULTS: We detected 51 cases with dysphagia consistent with DISH diagnostic criteria - 11.2% of subjects suffering this symptom- out of 32544 outpatients attended. An incidence of 7:100000 inhabitants per year was observed. Two cases showed significant improvement after removing the new bone in the spine. CONCLUSIONS: DISH is an ankylosing ossification between the joints, frequently systemic but showing no clinical symptoms. When symptoms manifest, neck movements and upper airways are involved, mainly dysphagia. A few cases need surgery to relieve the calcification processes.

Head and Neck Lymphomas in HIV Patients: a Clinical Perspective.

Introduction Because of the many HIV-related malignancies, the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus are challenging. Objective Here, we review current knowledge of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck lymphomas in HIV patients from a clinical perspective. Data Synthesis Although Hodgkin's lymphoma is not an AIDS-defining neoplasm, its prevalence is ten times higher in HIV patients than in the general population. NHL is the second most common malignancy in HIV patients, after Kaposi's sarcoma. In this group of patients, NHL is characterized by rapid progression, frequent extranodal involvement, and a poor outcome. HIV-related salivary gland disease is a benign condition that shares some features with lymphomas and is considered in their differential diagnosis. Conclusion The otolaryngologist may be the first clinician to diagnose head and neck lymphomas. The increasing survival of HIV patients implies clinical and epidemiological changes in the behavior of this disease. Early diagnosis is important to improve the prognosis and avoid the propagation of HIV infection.

Head and Neck Lymphomas in HIV Patients: a Clinical Perspective

Abstract Introduction Because of the many HIV-related malignancies, the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus are challenging. Objective Here, we review current knowledge of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of head and neck lymphomas in HIV patients from a clinical perspective. Data Synthesis Although Hodgkin's lymphoma is not an AIDS-defining neoplasm, its prevalence is ten times higher in HIV patients than in the general population. NHL is the second most common malignancy in HIV patients, after Kaposi's sarcoma. In this group of patients, NHL is characterized by rapid progression, frequent extranodal involvement, and a poor outcome. HIV-related salivary gland disease is a benign condition that shares some features with lymphomas and is considered in their differential diagnosis. Conclusion The otolaryngologist may be the first clinician to diagnose head and neck lymphomas. The increasing survival of HIV patients implies clinical and epidemiological changes in the behavior of this disease. Early diagnosis is important to improve the prognosis and avoid the propagation of HIV infection.

Is testing the voice under sedation reliable in medialization thyroplasty?

OBJECTIVES: Medialization thyroplasty is an accepted method for improving non-compensated unilateral vocal cord palsy. Most surgeons decide the depth of penetration of the prosthesis by monitoring the voice changes in the patient during the surgical procedure. General anesthesia with intubation is incompatible with this procedure. Sedation is recommended. In this study we want to objectivize and quantify the influence of sedation and position on voice in order to know if this anesthetic procedure is justified in medialization thyroplasties. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. METHODS: This study involved 15 adult patients who underwent sedation. Voice recordings were performed in each patient in three different positions and conditions: the seated position without sedation, the supine position without sedation, and the supine position under the effects of sedation. The sedation drugs used were midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol. The level of sedation was monitored using the observational scale and the bispectral index. RESULTS: The acoustic data obtained from sustained vowel sounds from patient recordings showed that sedation significantly affected the values of pitch. Compared to recordings from patients without sedation, pitch values in patients under sedation were significantly higher for jitter local and shimmer local recordings and significantly lower for pitch and harmonics-to-noise ratio. The supine position was shown not to influence on the voice. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation exerts an important influence on voice quality. General anesthesia could be an alternative, focusing our attention on monitoring the glottis with a fibrolaryngoscope during the surgical procedure. No sedation at all can also be an alternative.