Ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block: a randomized comparison between parasagittal and transverse approach.

BACKGROUND: Different approach ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block was used to aid awake intubation, but little is known which approach was superior. We aimed to compare the parasagittal and transverse approaches for ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block in adult patients undergoing awake intubation. METHODS: Fifty patients with awake orotracheal intubation were randomized to receive either a parasagittal or transverse ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block. The primary outcome was patient's quality of airway anesthesia grade during insertion of the tube into the trachea. The patients' tube tolerance score after intubation, total procedure time, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, Ramsay sedation score at each time point, incidence of sore throat both 1 h and 24 h after extubation, and hoarseness before intubation, 1 h and 24 h after extubation were documented. RESULTS: Patients' quality of airway anesthesia was significantly better in the parasagittal group than in the transverse group (median grade[IQR], 0 [0-1] vs. 1 [0-1], P = 0.036). Patients in the parasagittal approach group had better tube tolerance scores (median score [IQR],1[1-1] vs. 1 [1-1.5], P = 0.042) and shorter total procedure time (median time [IQR], 113 s [98.5-125.5] vs. 188 s [149.5-260], P < 0.001) than those in the transverse approach group. The incidence of sore throat 24 h after extubation was lower in the parasagittal group (8% vs. 36%, P = 0.041). Hoarseness occurred in more than half of the patients in parasagittal group before intubation (72% vs. 40%, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the transverse approach, the ultrasound-guided parasagittal approach showed improved efficacy in terms of the quality of airway topical anesthesia and shorter total procedure time for superior laryngeal nerve block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This prospective, randomized controlled trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing First Hospital (KY20220425-014) and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (19/6/2022, ChiCTR2200061287) prior to patient enrollment. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in this trial.

Outcomes of a step-up approach to the treatment of neurogenic cough.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic cough (NC) is thought to be related to sensory neuropathy in the hypopharynx and larynx. Defined as a cough persisting longer than 8 weeks refractory to standard therapy, it is a diagnosis of exclusion when other common etiologies (asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medication side effects) are ruled out. It affects roughly 11 % of Americans and can negatively impact quality of life. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, we evaluated the medical records of adult patients seen at the University of Arizona's tertiary laryngology center from 2018 to 2023. Patients were included if their cough persisted for >8 weeks, and they either did not respond to prior proton pump inhibitor and asthma therapy or had GERD and asthma ruled out. These patients underwent a progressive escalation of therapy, which included neuromodulators with or without cough suppression therapy, superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block, and laryngeal botulinum toxin injections. The primary outcome was patient-reported improvement in cough symptoms rated on a 1-5 scale: 1 = no response, 2 = mild improvement, 3 = moderate improvement, 4 = significant improvement, 5 = complete resolution. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were included. Mean (SD) age was 64.6 (14.8) years, and 66 % were female. Overall, 42 patients (75.0 %) responded to treatment. Among responders, 7 (16.7 %) experienced mild improvement, 14 (33.3 %) experienced moderate improvement, 17 (40.5 %) experienced significant improvement, and 4 (9.5 %) experienced complete resolution of their cough. 33 patients (58.9 %) were managed exclusively with neuromodulators ± cough suppression therapy; 27 responded, with an average response rating of 3.0 (SD = 1.2). 11 patients (19.6 %) failed medical therapy and underwent SLN block without subsequent botox treatment; 7 responded, with an average response rating of 2.5 (SD = 1.4). 9 patients (16.1 %) failed all previous therapies and underwent laryngeal botulinum toxin injections; 6 responded with an average response rating of 2.4 (SD = 1.3). The remaining 3 patients underwent cough suppression therapy alone, with 2 responding and an average response rating of 3.3 (SD = 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Neurogenic cough can be effectively treated with a stepwise multimodal approach, including neuromodulators, cough suppression therapy, SLN block, and laryngeal botulinum toxin injections.

Comparison of diffusion ranges at different local anesthetic volumes during superior laryngeal nerve block.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block is a practical and painless approach to avoid the hemodynamic stress response during endotracheal intubation and relieve sore throat after laryngeal surgery. The main purpose of this study was to establish an optimal dosage of local anesthetic when performing SLN block to help anesthetists balance analgesia and side effects. METHODS: Twenty fresh larynx specimens were obtained immediately after resection and then injected with 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5- mL of a lidocaine-blue dye mixture at bilateral SLN puncture sites. Superficial areas of deposited blue dye were measured. Dye leakage and surrounding dyed tissue were recorded. Another 40 patients were included in the ultrasound investigation. Distances between the internal branch of the SLN (iSLN) and adjacent structures were calculated. RESULTS: The dye spread area was greater with the administration of larger doses, especially to the visceral space. A 2- or 3-mL injection of local anesthetic was sufficient to infiltrate the SLN gap. A higher incidence of dye leaking out of the thyrohyoid membrane and anterior epiglottis space was observed; furthermore, there was substantially more dyed hyoid/thyroid cartilage with 4 and 5 mL of injected dye mixture than 2 mL. There was no significant difference between the specimen and ultrasound measurements of for length of iSLN-adjacent structures. CONCLUSIONS: In the Chinese population, 2- or 3- mL of local anesthetic is a safe dose during SLN block. A larger volume could overflow from the cavity to cause complications. The thyrohyoid membrane combined with the superior laryngeal artery is a reliable target for positioning the iSLN during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.

Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Microlaryngoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) for microlaryngoscopic surgery (MLS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, CNKI database, VIP database, Wanfang database, and trial registry databases. METHODS: PICOS principles were performed: adults undergoing MLS receiving SLNB compared with no-SLNB in randomized controlled trials were included. Primary outcome included the incidence of severe postoperative sore throat (POST). Secondary outcomes included perioperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), incidence of severe postoperative cough, and anesthesia recovery time. RESULTS: Eleven articles with 728 patients were included. Results indicated that SLNB provides lower incidence of severe POST in post-extubation 30 min (relative ratio [RR] = 0.13; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.05 ~ 0.34), 2 h (RR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02 ~ 0.36), 4-6 h (RR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03 ~ 0.41), and 24 h (RR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03 ~ 0.83); lower MAP (tracheal intubation: standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.59; 95% CI: -1.69 to -0.42); suspension laryngoscope insertion: (SMD = -0.98; 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.46); tracheal extubation: (SMD = -0.78; 95% CI:-1.24 to -0.31); post-extubation 5 min: (SMD = -0.95; 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.49); lower HR (tracheal intubation: mean difference [MD] = -9.71; 95% CI: -17.16 to -2.27); suspension laryngoscope insertion: (MD = -8.64; 95% CI: -16.79 to -0.49); tracheal extubation: (MD = -10.13; 95% CI: -17.86 to -2.39); post-extubation 5 min: (MD = -13.44; 95% CI: -22.53 to -4.35); lower incidence of severe postoperative cough in post-extubation 30 min (RR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06 ~ 0.57) and 2 h (RR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.02 ~ 0.69); and shorter anesthesia recovery time (MD = -5.34; 95% CI: -8.81 to -1.86) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB could provide lower incidence of severe POST, more stable perioperative MAP and HR, lower incidence of severe postoperative cough, and shorter anesthesia recovery time for MLS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I Laryngoscope, 134:3437-3446, 2024.

The Role of Bilateral Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Managing Refractory Chronic Cough.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim was to investigate the utilization and efficacy of bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block in patients with refractory chronic cough. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 164 patients with refractory chronic cough who underwent bilateral SLN block at a single institution between November 2018 and September 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes including pre- and postinjection Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The cohort underwent an average of 2.97 bilateral injections (range 1-22), containing either corticosteroid and local anesthetic or corticosteroid alone. Notably, 116 of 164 of patients reported an average of 67.3% reduction in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. The average pre- and postinjection LCQ scores were 9.70 and 13.82, respectively. A lower LCQ score represents a greater impairment of health status due to cough, and the minimum important change is 1.3 points between questionnaires. The average improvement on LCQ following bilateral SLN block was 4.11 points for this cohort. CONCLUSION: The use of in-office bilateral SLN block is an effective treatment that can be used alone or in conjunction with oral medications for the treatment of refractory chronic cough. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1773-1777, 2024.

The Application of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Non-Cough Laryngeal Hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE(S): To investigate the effect of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block in patients with non-cough complaints relating to laryngeal who have failed conventional medical therapy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 46 patients who underwent SLN block for non-cough indications between July 2019 and March 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. The primary diagnoses for this group included: odynophagia, throat pain, cervicalgia, muscle tension dysphonia, globus sensation, hyoid bone syndrome, and Eagle syndrome. RESULTS: The cohort underwent an average of 1.24 bilateral injections (range 0-7) and 0.87 unilateral injections (range 0-4). About 35 of 46 patients reported an average of 51.0% improvement in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. On subgroup analysis, the patients with spasmodic dysphonia, odynophagia, and hyoid bone syndrome had the best percent improvement on average (75%-77.5%). Patients with globus sensation had the lowest percent improvement on average in response to this therapy, reporting only about 25%. Five patients experienced a mild adverse reaction immediately following injection which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The use of in-office SLN block for non-cough disorders involving the larynx requires further study with larger sample sizes to better delineate the efficacy of these applications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1765-1768, 2024.

Indications and Short-Term Outcomes for In-Office Therapeutic Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block.

OBJECTIVE: Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block consists of injection of steroid and anesthetic at the internal branch of the SLN entry site. Prior case series have demonstrated beneficial effects on neurogenic cough. SLN blocks have also recently shown benefit for paralaryngeal pain. We describe short-term outcomes for multiple symptoms of irritable larynx syndrome (ILS) including neurogenic cough, dysphonia related to laryngeal hypersensitivity, inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO), paralaryngeal pain, and isolated globus. METHODS: Retrospective review from 2 institutions of patients undergoing a single SLN block for the indications listed. Variables include age, sex, indication(s), known vagus neuropathy, and patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients were included (59 males, 150 females; age: 58 ± 13 years). Twenty-six patients (12%) had a history of a vagus nerve injury. Indications included neurogenic cough (n = 149), dysphonia related to laryngeal hypersensitivity (n = 66), paralaryngeal pain (n = 50), ILO (n = 23), and isolated globus (n = 3). Some patients had multiple indications. Significant improvements in patient-reported measures occurred after a single SLN block within 2 to 4 weeks for neurogenic cough (cough severity index; 25.2 ± 11.2 to 19.0 ± 12.8; P < .001), dysphonia (voice handicap index-10; 22.1 ± 12.2-18.0 ± 13.3; P = .005), and ILO (dyspnea index; 21.0 ± 14.9-14.7 ± 15.7; P = .017). Subjective pain improved in 23 of 39 patients with paralaryngeal pain. There was no observed improvement for isolated globus. Presence of known vagal neuropathy or therapy around the time of SLN block did not affect outcome. CONCLUSION: SLN block can be an effective component of treatment for a variety of ILS symptoms. Patients may experience some improvement after 1 injection. LAY SUMMARY: Symptoms of irritable larynx syndrome, such as neurogenic cough, paralaryngeal pain, inducible laryngeal obstruction, and dysphonia related to laryngeal hypersensitivity can be challenging to manage. In-office Superior Laryngeal Nerve blocks can serve as a quick, well tolerated, adjunctive treatment with positive short-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Anesthetic management of airway stent placement by rigid bronchoscopy with superior laryngeal nerve block while preserving spontaneous breathing: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: The combination of superior laryngeal nerve block can reduce the respiratory depression that occurs during management under total intravenous anesthesia. Abstract: Anesthetic management of endobronchial stent placement by rigid bronchoscopy requires the maintenance of spontaneous breathing while suppressing upper airway reflexes. The combination of superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) can reduce the respiratory depression that occurs during management under total intravenous anesthesia. The patient was diagnosed as having lung cancer with invasion into the right middle bronchus and stenosis of the right main bronchus on chest computed tomography, and emergency airway stent placement was performed. Sedation was initiated with propofol and dexmedetomidine, and ultrasound-guided SLNB was performed after local anesthetic spraying into the oral cavity and trachea. Bucking was minimally controlled during insertion of the rigid bronchoscope. The patient's intraoperative hemodynamics remained stable, and there were no hypoxic events. SLNB can provide the suppression of the upper airway reflex while minimizing effects on spontaneous breathing, and may be useful for achieving balanced anesthesia during rigid bronchoscopy.

Effect of superior laryngeal nerve block in alleviating sore throat after application of i-gel supraglottic airway: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complaint after supraglottic airway device (SAD) application. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) block has the potential to alleviate POST. The aim of this trial was to explore the effect of iSLN block in alleviating sore throat, as well as to identify the potential risk factors for POST after SAD insertion. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients scheduled for elective gynecological surgery were randomized to either group T: tetracaine syrup (1%) for local lubrication on i-gel supraglottic device (n = 67) or group B: i-gel insertion with water based lubricant on it and followed by bilateral iSLN block (ropivacaine, 0.375%, 2 ml for each side) (n = 67). Under ultrasound guidance, iSLN was exposed below thyrohyoid membrane. The primary outcome was the intensity of sore throat at 6 h after surgery. In addition, POST score at 0.5 h and 24 h, the severity of postoperative swallowing discomfort, acoustic analysis and complications were measured. RESULTS: Compared with tetracaine syrup for local lubrication, iSLN block resulted in a reduced intensity of POST at 0.5 h (P = 0.044, OR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.02 to 3.88) and 6 h (P < 0.001, OR = 5.07, 95%CI 2.53 to 10.14) after surgery, as well as less severity of swallowing discomfort (P < 0.001, OR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.63 to 2.99) and cough (P = 0.039, OR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.04 to 3.73). The patients after iSLN block presented lower jitter and shimmer value in acoustic analysis at 6 h after surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: iSLN block was effective in alleviating POST, improving voice function, as well as reducing postoperative swallowing discomfort and coughing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000037974) on 8th Sept 2020.

Modified anterior approach versus traditional posterior approach for ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block in awake endotracheal intubation: a randomized non-inferiority clinical trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the effect of the modified ultrasound-guided anterior superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) with the traditional ultrasound-guided posterior SLNB in providing intubation conditions during awake tracheal intubation (ATI) in patients without difficult airway. DESIGN: Randomized, assessor-blind. Registration number: ChiCTR2200058086. SETTING: West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. PATIENTS: 104 patients aged 18-65 years, of American Society of Anesthesiologists status I-III, posted for elective general surgery with general endotracheal anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomized into two groups (modified group, n = 52; traditional group, n = 52). Modified anterior SLNB or traditional posterior SLNB was performed under ultrasound guidance. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the proportion of acceptable intubation condition (AIC), which was analyzed in both per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) populations. The prespecified non-inferiority margin was -4.8%. Secondary outcomes included intubation success rate on the first attempt, hemodynamic parameters during ATI, time taken for airway anesthesia and intubation, recall of intubation, patient perception of comfort, and incidence and severity of postoperative complications. MAIN RESULTS: In the PP population, the proportion of AIC in the modified group was 49/49 (100%) and that in the traditional group was 49/49 (100%), absolute difference 0, lower limit of 1-sided 95% CI, -0.3%. In the ITT population, the primary outcomes in the modified and traditional group were 52/52 (100%) and 51/52 (98.1%), respectively, with an absolute difference of 1.9% and a lower limit of 1-sided 95% CI of -1.2%. The non-inferiority of modified ultrasound-guided anterior SLNB was confirmed in both populations. CONCLUSIONS: Among adults without difficult airways during videolaryngoscope-assisted ATI, the modified ultrasound-guided anterior SLNB, compared to the traditional posterior approach, showed a statistically non-inferior effect in terms of providing AIC.

Comparison of landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided technique for superior laryngeal nerve block to aid fibreoptic intubation - An observational study.

Background and Aims: Awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) is the gold standard in the management of the difficult airway. Several methods to achieve airway anesthesia to aid AFOI include superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB). This study aimed to compare land-mark-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques for SLNB to aid AFOI. Material and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study. Patients in both groups received 1 mg Midazolam and 50 µg of fentanyl for mild sedation before intubation, nasal passages were anaesthetized using lignocaine-coated nasopharyngeal airways, nebulization of 3 ml of 2% lignocaine, and intratracheal injection of 2 ml of 2% lignocaine given through cricothyroid membrane. Patients in Group L received SNLB, at the lateral end of the thyrohyoid membrane (2 ml of 1.5% lignocaine). Patients in Group U had their thyrohyoid membrane visualized using linear ultrasound probe (8 - 13 Hz) and the injection was placed just superficial to the membrane using out of plane method. The groups were compared with respect to quality of anesthesia (assessed on a 5-point scale), patient comfort during AFOI, time taken to intubation and Haemodynamics. Results: A total of 25 patients were enrolled: 13 in Group L and 12 patients in Group U. The demographics were comparable. Quality of airway anesthesia, time taken to intubation, haemodynamics and patient comfort were comparable. All were intubated successfully and there were no complications. Conclusion: USG-guided SLNB was comparable to landmark-based method with respect to quality of airway anesthesia and patient comfort. USG-guided block did not add any advantage over the landmark-based method.

Efficacy of ultrasound guided superior laryngeal nerve block on sedation for delayed extubation in maxillofacial surgery with free flap reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) is a regional anesthesia technique for addressing airway response. However, SLNB on the efficacy of sedation in patients with delayed extubation is unknown, particularly for maxillofacial surgery (MS). The aim of the study was to assess whether ultrasound guided (UG) SLNB reduces the incidence of moderate to severe cough for delayed extubation in MS with free flap reconstruction. METHODS: 60 patients were randomly assigned to the GEA group (control group) and the SLNB group (UG-SLNB postoperatively, study group). During the initial two postoperative hours, the incidence of moderate and severe cough, agitation, and the number of patients requiring rescue propofol and flurbiprofen were recorded. Additionally, the time spent under the target level of sedation, postoperative hemodynamics, and the total does of propofol during the postoperative 24 h were recorded. RESULTS: The data showed the SLNB group had a significantly lower incidence of moderate to severe cough and agitation (p < 0.05), and a longer sedation time (p < 0.05). The number of patients required rescue propofol and flurbiprofen, as well as the hemodynamic changes, were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of UG-SLNB is associated with reduced incidence of postoperative cough. Moreover, SLNB can enhance the efficacy of postoperative sedation with need of fewer agents postoperatively. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000039982.

Menor aerolización con bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior comparado con lidocaína intravenosa a la extubación / Less aerolization with superior laryngeal nerve block compared to intravenous lidocaine at extubation

Resumen: Introducción: La tos es una respuesta fisiológica de protección de la vía aérea, produce aerosoles que se identifican por imagen y alcanza una velocidad de hasta ocho metros por segundo. La extubación produce tos, hipertensión, taquicardia, apnea y laringoespasmo, existen métodos para minimizar su aparición. Debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 se han utilizado como profilaxis del reflejo tusígeno, la lidocaína intravenosa y el bloqueo del nervio laríngeo superior. El objetivo fue compararlos en la inhibición de la tos. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes entre 18-60 años, cirugía electiva con anestesia general balanceada, ASA 1-3, con intubación menor a tres horas. Se aleatorizó un total de 90 pacientes, 45 en cada grupo, se eliminó un total de 10 pacientes por presentar inestabilidad hemodinámica al final de la cirugía o por no administrar dosis intravenosa de lidocaína en el tiempo establecido. Resultados: No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de pacientes que presentaron tos en ambos grupos (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), de éstos se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el número de decibeles a favor del grupo de bloqueo (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: El bloqueo (selectivo) presenta menos aerolización que la lidocaína intravenosa en la extubación.

Abstract: Introduction: Coughing is a physiological response to protect the airway, it produces aerosols that are identified by imaging reaching a speed of up to 8 meters per second. Extubation produces cough, hypertension, tachycardia, apnea and laryngospasm, there are methods to minimize its occurrence. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intravenous lidocaine and superior laryngeal nerve block have been used as cough reflex prophylaxis. The aim was to compare them in cough inhibition. Material and methods: Patients aged 18-60 years, elective surgery with balanced general anesthesia, ASA 1-3, with intubation less than 3 hours, were selected. A total of 90 patients were randomized, 45 in each group. A total of 10 patients were eliminated because they presented hemodynamic instability at the end of surgery, and because the intravenous dose of lidocaine was not administered within the established time. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who presented cough in both groups (13 vs 10, p = 0.4684), of these there was a statistically significant difference in the number of decibels in favor of the block group (75.6 vs 67, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Block presents less aerolization than intravenous lidocaine in extubation.

The Efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Neurogenic Cough: A Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic cough is a common and debilitating problem. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block for neurogenic cough through a placebo-controlled, prospective trial. METHODS: Patients were recruited in an outpatient tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria included a history consistent with neurogenic cough and age ≥ 18. Exclusion criteria included patients with untreated other etiologies of chronic cough (i.e., uncontrolled reflux) and current neuromodulating medication use. Patients were randomized into the treatment (1-2 mL of a 1:1 triamcinolone 40 mg: 1% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrines) or placebo (saline) group and received two unilateral injections at approximately 2-week intervals. Outcomes were measured primarily by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and a patient symptom log including a visual analog scale of cough severity. RESULTS: 17 patients completed the study, including 10 in the treatment group and seven in the placebo group. Eight (80%) patients in the treatment group reported improvement with at least one of the injections, whereas only 1 (14.3%) patient reported improvement in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Average total LCQ scores increased in the treatment group from 10.09 to 13.15 (p = 0.03), with the most change occurring in the social domain. There was no statistically significant change in LCQ scores for the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: An SLN block is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of neurogenic cough. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment protocol and assess long-term follow-up of patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:3068-3074, 2023.

Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Transcutaneous Vocal Fold Injection: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Topical lidocaine remains the mainstay for anesthesia in transcutaneous vocal fold injection (VFI). While using topical lidocaine, laryngologists sometimes encounter uncontrolled reflexes or poor compliance. Superior laryngeal nerve block (SLNB) provides deep and rapid anesthesia on the larynx above the vocal folds and abolishes the glottic closure reflex. Herein, we present a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of SLNB for transcutaneous VFI and explored its usefulness. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients were prospectively anesthetized with SLNB during transcutaneous VFI for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. In the SLNB group, 0.5 to 1 mL of 2% lidocaine was infiltrated on bilateral SLNs through the thyrohyoid membrane. As the control group, we included previous 47 patients who underwent VFI with topical lidocaine. In the control group, 10% lidocaine spray was applied to the laryngopharyngeal mucosa. Demographic data, laryngeal exposure, patient compliance, procedural interruption, and complications were investigated. Patient compliance was evaluated based on the frequency of cough and swallowing during VFI procedures. RESULTS: SLNB enabled endoscopic contact on the epiglottis and pharyngeal wall without gag reflex and provided good exposure of the procedure field on the vocal folds. In the SLNB group, the laryngeal exposure is significantly better than in the control (P = 0.005). The frequency of cough and swallowing was significantly lower in the SLNB group than in the control (P < 0.001). The number of procedural interruptions was lower in the SLNB group than in the control (P < 0.001). There was no acute or delayed complication related to SLNB such as bleeding, hematoma, delayed sensory/swallowing problems, or unscheduled hospital visits. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB might be safe and effective for anesthesia in transcutaneous VFI. SLNB could be a good anesthetic option for patients with poor compliance despite the sufficient application of topical lidocaine.

Clinical Application of Ultrasound-Guided Internal Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Patients with Severe COPD Undergoing Awake Fibreoptic Nasotracheal Intubation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Purpose: The aim was to investigate the time for intubation, adverse events and the comfort score of ultrasound-guided internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve block in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) undergoing awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation. Methods: Sixty patients with COPD who needed awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation were randomly and evenly divided into the ultrasound-guided internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve block group (group S) and the control group (group C). All patients received procedural sedation with dexmedetomidine and adequate topical anaesthesia of the upper respiratory tract. Then, bilateral block was performed (with 2 mL of 2% lidocaine or the same volume of saline) followed by fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation. The primary outcomes were time for intubation, adverse reactions and comfort score. The secondary outcomes were haemodynamic changes and serum norepinephrine (NE) and adrenaline (AD) concentrations immediately before intubation (T0); immediately after intubation to the laryngopharynx (T1); and immediately (T2), 5 min (T3) and 10 min (T4) after intubation between the groups. Results: Compared with group C, the time for intubation, the incidence of adverse reactions and the comfort score in group S were significantly lower (P<0.01). Compared with T0, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), NE and AD were significantly higher at T1 - T4 in group C (P<0.05), but were not obviously higher at T1 - T4 in group S (P>0.05). MAP, HR, NE and AD at T1-T4 were significantly lower in group S than in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve block can effectively shorten the time for intubation, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve comfort score, maintain considerable haemodynamic stability and inhibit stress response in patients with severe COPD undergoing awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation.

Membranous Vocal Fold Lesions in Patients With Chronic Cough: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Trauma related to chronic cough and forceful glottal closure has been associated with lesions of the vocal process; however, there is limited description of cough leading to membranous vocal fold lesions. We present a series of mid-membranous vocal fold lesions in a cohort of patients with chronic cough, with a proposed mechanism of lesion formation. METHODS: Patients treated for chronic cough with membranous vocal fold lesions affecting phonation were identified. Presentation, diagnosis, treatment strategies (behavioral, medical, and surgical), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and videostroboscopy were reviewed. RESULTS: Five patients are included (four females, one male, aged 56±16 years). Mean cough duration was 2.6±3.5 years. All patients were on acid suppressive medications for existing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prior to referral. All lesions were identified at the mid-membranous vocal folds and morphologically encompassed a wound healing spectrum between ulceration and/or granulation tissue (granuloma) formation. Patients were treated in an interdisciplinary fashion with behavioral cough suppression therapy, superior laryngeal nerve block, and neuromodulators. Three had persistent lesions requiring procedural intervention (one office-based steroid injection and two surgical excisions). At the completion of treatment, all five patients had improvement in Cough Severity Index with an average decrease of 15.2±4.8. All but one patient had improvement in their Voice Handicap Index-10 with an average decrease of 13.2±11.1. One patient undergoing surgical intervention was noted to have a persistent lesion on follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mid-membranous vocal fold lesions in patients with chronic cough are uncommon. When they do occur, they represent epithelial change arising in context of shear injury and are distinct from phonotraumatic lesions in the lamina propria. An interdisciplinary approach including behavioral cough suppression therapy, neuromodulators, superior laryngeal nerve block, and acid suppression are reasonable for initial management, reserving surgical intervention for refractory lesions once the inciting source of injury has been controlled.

Clinical study of ultrasound-guided bilateral superior laryngeal nerve internal branch block combined with endotracheal surface anesthesia on hemodynamics in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage for the duration of postoperative tube insertion / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral superior laryngeal nerve internal branch block combined with endotracheal surface anesthesia in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage for the duration of postoperative tube insertion.Methods A total of 100 emergency hypertensive intracerebral hemor-rhage surgical patients who visited our hospital from October 2021 to April 2023 were included as the research subjects.They were randomly divided into four groups,25 patients in each group.After surgery,group U received bilateral superior laryngeal nerve internal branch block under guidance of ultrasound combined with endotracheal surface anesthesia,group C1 received bilateral superior laryngeal nerve internal branch block under guidance of ultrasound,group C2 received endotracheal surface anesthesia,and group C3 did not undergo any procedure after surgery.Hemodynamic changes(HR,MAP,and SpO2)at different time points during the postoperative tube insertion in four groups of patients were recorded.The frequency of restlessness within 10 hours after surgery,the dosage of dexmedetomidine and urapidil,the volume of wound drainage,and the satisfaction of bed nurses were also recorded.Results There was no statistically significant difference in general conditions among the four groups(P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in HR and MAP at different time points in Group U(P>0.05),while the differences among the other three groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).At the same time point,the MAP and HR of group U and C1 were significantly lower than those of group C3(P<0.05),and the MAP of group U was significantly lower than that of group C2(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in SPO2 among the four groups of patients at the same time point(P>0.05);The frequency of restlessness,dosage of dexmedetomidine and urapidil,and volume of wound drainage in the U and C1 groups were significantly lower than those in the C2 and C3 groups(P<0.05).Except for the difference in restlessness frequency(P<0.05),there was no statistical difference in other indicators between group U and C1;There was a statistical difference in satisfaction among the four groups of nurses(P<0.05,C3>C2>C1>U group).No nerve block related complications were observed in the U and C1 group.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided bilateral superior laryngeal nerve branch block combined with endotracheal surface anesthesia can maintain hemodynamics steadily of the postoperative patients in the NICU to varying degrees and reduce the frequency of postoperative restlessness,the dosage of sedative and anti-hypertensive drugs,while reducing the flow of wound drainage,and improve the satisfaction of bed nurses.