Adverse events associated with device assisted hyoid and tongue base suspension for obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Hyoid and tongue base suspension may treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study summarizes device-related adverse events associated with the AIRvance and AIRLIFT systems used for hyoid and tongue base suspension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was queried for reports describing adverse events associated with hyoid or tongue base suspension from January 2012 to December 2022. RESULTS: 77 adverse events were identified. When performed separately, adverse events were equally as common with hyoid suspension as with tongue base suspension. More complications occurred postoperatively (51 [66.2 %]) than intraoperatively (26 [33.8 %]). The most reported adverse events were infection (23 [29.9 %]), broken screw (15 [19.5 %]), pain or discomfort (10 [13.0 %]), suture rupture (8 [10.4 %]), and dislodged screw (7 [9.1 %]). 10 infections required drainage or debridement; 12 required device explantation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the largest and most longitudinal review of adverse events associated with hyoid and tongue base suspension. Infection was the most common adverse event, and may require device explantation. While adverse events were most frequently attributed to device malfunction, broken screw, suture rupture, and broken needle were often attributed to operator error due to application of excessive force. Surgeon training to increase familiarity with hyoid and tongue base suspension may reduce adverse events caused by operator error. The MAUDE database is limited as a passive surveillance system. Standardized reporting may improve understanding of associated adverse events, enabling better informed comparisons between surgical treatment options for OSA.

Intraosseous hemangioma with aneurysmal bone cyst-like changes of the hyoid bone: Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Intraosseous hemangioma is a rare benign vascular tumor of the bone that can affect any body part; however, the most common site is the vertebra, followed by calvarial bones. PATIENT CONCERNS: We present a case of intraosseous hemangioma in a 23-year-old male who presented a feeling of fullness in the throat for 3 months. The hyoid bone level had a hard mass of about 5 cm. Fine needle aspiration showed 5 mL dark bloody aspirates. Magnetic resonance image showed a 5.3 cm mixed signal intensity lesion in the hyoid body. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathologic examination showed intraosseous hemangioma with aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC)-like changes in the hyoid bone. INTERVENTIONS: The mass was completely removed without significant problems. OUTCOMES: Complete mass excision and symptomatic improvements were achieved, and no subsequent relapses were observed. LESSONS: The authors experienced a case of intraosseous hemangioma with ABC-like changes. There has been no case report of intraosseous hemangioma in the hyoid bone. This case showed a spectral pattern of the ABC-like changes developing from the underlying bone tumor as a secondary change. ABC-like changes in bone tumors can mislead the diagnosis. Careful examination of the tumor is essential for the correct diagnosis of ABC or ABC-like changes.

The changes in oral volume and hyoid bone position after maxillomandibular advancement and genioglossus advancement for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and genioglossus advancement (GA) are surgeries for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Postoperative evaluation is primarily based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) measured by polysomnography. The purpose of this study was to identify the timing of hyoid bone relocation after MMA and GA surgery and to investigate whether or not hyoid bone relocation can be an indicator of postoperative evaluation of OSA. METHODS: Patients with OSA underwent MMA and GA surgery. Changes in hyoid bone position and tongue-to-oral volume ratio were analyzed on lateral radiographs before, immediately after, and 1 year after surgery. Then, a correlation was verified between these changes and postoperative AHI. RESULTS: In 18 patients studied, the position of the hyoid bone did not show a constant tendency immediately after surgery. One year after surgery, the bone had moved anteriorly and toward the oral cavity in all patients compared to its preoperative position. And AHI correlated with the movement of the hyoid bone to the oral side. DISCUSSION: One year after surgery, the tongue was adapted to the newly enlarged oral space, and as a result, the low position of the hyoid bone before the operation was improved. The findings suggest that the degree of lowering of the hyoid bone may be an indicator of the improvement of AHI.

Hyoid Suspension With UPPP for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

This retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes for hyomandibular suspension when performed with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Thirty-nine patients with moderate-to-severe OSA were treated with hyoid myotomy and suspension and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Patients underwent hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible (Encore System) with either staged or concurrent UPPP. The primary outcome was a successful surgical result, defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) lower than 20, and a 50% or greater decline in AHI on postoperative polysomnography. Successful surgical results were achieved in 30 (76.9%) out of 39 patients. The mean preoperative AHI improved 69.2% from 49.9 ± 25.6 to 15.4 ± 14.9 (P < .001) postoperatively. All patients reported clinical improvement of symptoms. There were 4 wound complications and one infection requiring removal of hardware. For patients with multilevel obstructive sleep apnea, hyoid advancement and suspension to the mandible appears efficacious when performed in conjunction with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Reconsideration of hyoid bone syndrome-A case series with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Hyoid bone syndrome is a type of faciocervical pain and occasionally concomitant clicking larynx that is caused by degeneration and/or elongation of the greater horn of the hyoid bone at the attachment of the stylohyoid ligament. CASES PRESENTATION: We report five patients who presented with deep-seated, dull, aching, throat pain that radiated from neck, accompanying by throat clicking while speaking, swallowing, yawning, and turning head. Most notably, one of them also complained an intermittent ulcer hemorrhage in the tongue base. Diagnostic tests included physical palpation of the hyoid greater cornu and computed tomography examination. One patient did not accept the surgery, but other than that four patients responded well to resection of the abnormal hyoid bone, which resulted in immediate and complete relief of their symptoms and with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Clicking sensation and pain while deglutition is an unpleasant condition, which produces physiological and psychological bearings. This dictates the need for accurate diagnosis and proper management of the condition. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons involved in the treatment of orofacial pain should consider this rare condition as a differential diagnosis.

[Effect of the Hyoid Bone Suspension Technique on the Preservation of Swallowing Function after Total Glossectomy and Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Tongue Cancer].

Dysphagia is a major postoperative complication in patients with locally advanced oral cancer. In this case report, we describe the effect of the hyoid bone suspension technique on the preservation of swallowing function after total glossectomy and pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction for locally advanced tongue cancer. Case: A 72-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of his tongue(cT4aN2cM0, cStage ⅣA). Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent a tracheotomy, bilateral modified radical neck dissection type Ⅲ, total glossectomy, and reconstruction with a left pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap(PMMC flap). Intraoperatively, the PMMC flap was designed to have a heart shape of 11×6 cm and was elevated. Subsequently, holes were made at the lower edge of the mandible, and the hyoid bone was suspended and fixed to the mandibular border using 2-0 nylon sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful; the flap was completely engrafted and was in good condition. The hyoid bone suspension technique can reproduce the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, and the palatal augmentation prosthesis helps to improve food mass feeding and preserve the swallowing function.

Clinical effectiveness of treating laryngotracheal stenosis with free hyoid bone reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage: A case series.

We reported the free hyoid bone reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage to treat LTS in children. This retrospective case series study included LTS children who underwent hyoid bone separation and T tube implantation. Thirty-four children were included. Twenty-five children were with good outcomes after free hyoid bone reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage. Specifically, the cure rate was 92.8% for the children with mixed stenosis, followed by 63.6% in children with glottis stenosis and 55.6% in children with subglottic stenosis. Free hyoid bone reconstruction of the cricoid cartilage for the management of LTS is feasible, with good outcomes and few complications.

Transoral robotic excision of thyroglossal duct cyst using vestibular and sublingual incisions.

With the extension of remote-access head and neck surgery to improve postoperative cosmetic outcomes, a robotic or endoscopic procedure was developed to excise thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs). Here, we present the operative procedure of a novel transoral robot-assisted Sistrunk operation using oral vestibular and sublingual incisions in a 21-year-old woman with TGDC. A 1.5-cm central vestibular incision and two lateral vestibular incisions were made. In addition, a midline vertical sublingual incision was made to cut the hyoid bone via the sublingual route. The surgery was successfully completed without conversion to the conventional transcervical approach. Our technique using three vestibular incisions and a sublingual incision was more efficient in performing the Sistrunk operation than frenulotomy or endoscopic vestibular approaches. In conclusion, the transoral robotic Sistrunk operation using three vestibular incisions and a sublingual incision is feasible and safe and yields excellent postoperative cosmesis.

Epidermoid cyst mimicking a thyroglossal duct cyst in a pediatric patient: a case report.

This article presents a case of an epidermoid cyst that mimicked a thyroglossal duct cyst in a pediatric patient. An 8-year-old boy was referred for evaluation of a volumetric increase in the median cervical region with an evolution of about 4 years. The skin in the submental region was healthy and normal colored. Palpation revealed a mobile, well-circumscribed nodular lesion of soft consistency. Computed tomography of the neck showed an expansive hypodense formation extending from the base of the tongue to the upper portion of the hyoid bone, suggesting a thyroglossal duct cyst. Considering the diagnostic hypothesis, cystic enucleation via the Sistrunk procedure was planned. However, no ductal structure was identified during the surgical procedure, and the lesion was only near, but not attached to, the hyoid bone. Simple excision of the lesion was therefore performed. At the most recent follow-up examination, about 3 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated satisfactory clinical progress. The epidermoid cyst close to the hyoid bone presented diagnostic difficulty due to its similarity to a thyroglossal duct cyst. Computed tomography provides limited information for diagnosing this type of lesion, and ultrasonography is the preferred test. In view of the uncertain diagnosis in this case, the extent of the excision was determined during the surgery, and simple excision was a satisfactory treatment associated with a good prognosis.

Characteristics of lingual thyroglossal duct cysts under flexible laryngoscopy and treatment approaches.

OBJECTIVES: Lingual thyroglossal duct cysts (LTGDCs) are clinically rare and easily misdiagnosed as epiglottic cysts. Misdiagnosis leads to mistreatment; thus,simple diagnosis is important. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of LTGDCs with flexible laryngoscopy and imaging, improve their diagnosis and explore surgical methods for patients undergoing an initial operation and patients with recurrence. METHODS: In total, 10 patients with LTGDCs were admitted from April 2014 to December 2020.By reviewing the diagnosis and treatment of the first typical case, the characteristics of LTGDC under flexible laryngoscopy were summarized. According to these characteristic manifestations, a clinical diagnosis of LTGDC was made correctly in the other 9 patients. All 10 patients underwent preoperative CT of the neck and sagittal reconstruction and thyroid ultrasound. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, the first 2 patients had recurrent LTGDCs after several operations and underwent Sistrunk surgery. The remaining 8 patients were newly diagnosed and underwent endoscopic radical resection with low-temperature coblation; of these patients, 7 had no recurrence, and 1 underwent Sistrunk surgery after developing short-term recurrence. All patients were followed up for 5 months to 6 years after the last operation and were without recurrence. CONCLUSION: LTGDCs are easily misdiagnosed as epiglottic cysts in the clinic. A correct clinical diagnosis can be made based on the characteristics according to flexible laryngoscopy. To determine the relationship between the cyst and hyoid bone, CT was performed. The surgical method was chosen based on the relationship between the cyst and hyoid bone and history of recurrence.

Variables predictive of surgical outcomes after hyoid myotomy with suspension to thyroid cartilage.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate variables predicting improvement in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with hyoid suspension to thyroid cartilage 4-suture technique. METHODS: Sixty adult patients (age range 23-78 years) with OSA underwent hyoid suspension to thyroid cartilage with or without concurrent multi-level surgery over an eight-year period from 2011 to 2019 at a tertiary academic center. All patients had a preoperative apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5. Changes in mean AHI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) were measured with paired Student t-test. Linear and logistic regression models were used to predict change in AHI and surgical success respectively with respect to body mass index (BMI), age, sex, previous sleep surgery, concurrent retrolingual surgery, concurrent palatopharyngoplasty, and preoperative AHI. RESULTS: The mean AHI demonstrated a significant improvement from a preoperative AHI of 39.0 ± 25.5 to a postoperative AHI of 31.2 ± 23.4 (p = 0.005). The mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) significantly improved from 13.1 ± 6.0 to 9.2 ± 5.7 (p = 0.000012). Surgical success, defined as a 50% reduction in preoperative AHI to a postoperative AHI ≤ 20, was obtained in 18/60 (30.0%) patients. Preoperative BMI significantly correlates with variation of change in AHI in multivariable linear regression model (p = 0.003). Preoperative AHI was significant predictor of surgical success in multivariable logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of improvement in polysomnographic parameters after hyoid suspension to thyroid appears to be more significant in patients with lower BMI. Even patients with an obese BMI and severe OSA achieve significant improvement from this procedure.

Effect of modified genioglosuss advancement on hyoid bone position: Cephalometric study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess Hyoid bone position and retrolingual airway space after Modified Genioglossus Advancement Surgery by cephalometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Zagazig University Hospital. METHODS: Eighteen patients with moderate to severe OSA having multilevel airway obstruction confirmed by fiberoptic endoscopy during Muller's maneuver and DISE. All patients underwent modified genioglossus advancement surgery associated with antrolateral advancement pharyngoplasty. Beside Polysomnography and Drug induced sleep endoscopy, Cephalometry was done preoperatively and 6 months postoperative. RESULTS: Improved Polysomnography parameters as Postoperative mean ± SD apnea hypopnea index decreased from 52 ± 17.1 to 17 ± 3 (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 27.71 to 42.41). LOS increased from 79.89 ± 4.43% to 83 ± 4.05% (P 0.07, 95% confidence interval -0.31 to 6.97). Cephalometry analysis showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative findings, including: Retrolingual airway space at three levels significantly increased; Level 1 from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 8.5 ± 1.7, Level 2 from 10.5 ± 2.4 to 13.9 ± 2.1, Level 3 from 15.7 ± 3.1 to 21 ± 4, H-GN decreased from 51 ± 7 to 39 ± 8, H-MP decreased from 31.6 ± 7.7 to 24.9 ± 7.3, HS decreased from 121 ± 15 to 102 ± 12, H-PH increased from 29 ± 8 to 43 ± 9. With a success rate defined as AHI <20 and a 50% decrease in AHI of the preoperative value, the surgical success rate was 83.33%. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Modified genioglossus advancement procedures done for OSA patients significantly changed the position of hyoid bone into a more anterior and superior position and this was reflected in the postoperative Polysomnography.

Trans-hyoid hyoidthyroidpexy: A modified technique for selected cases of obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Hypopharyngeal collapse (HC) considered a challenge in surgery of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Several procedures were presented to deal with HC indirectly via providing support to the lateral walls of the hypopharynx preventing transverse collapse but hyoidthryoidpexy had gained more popularity. The procedure aimed to fix the mobile hyoid bone to a rigid mid-line neck structure, thus preventing the bone and its attached muscles from collapsing during sleep with the negative intrathoracic pressure on inspiration. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case series study. METHODS: From April 2018 to January 2020, A Modified Technique of Trans hyoid hyoidthyroidpexy was applied for all included patients (24) patients with symptoms of OSA showing predominant lateral wall collapse of the hypopharynx (with retro-palatal collapse) with other OSA surgery. RESULTS: 6-8 months postoperatively, the Apnea Hypopnea index dropped from 43.75 ± 8.44 to 16.28 ± 7.35 (P < 0.0001; t = 10.6988). 14 patients (58.33%) were reported as successful while 7 patients (29.17%) were considered responders and three patients (12.5%) were considered non responders. The mean lowest oxygen desaturation elevated from 77.56 ± 5.64 to 92.38 ± 6.25 (p < 0.0001). Epworth Sleepiness Scale improved (P < 0.0001) from 16.85 ± 4.23 to 5.17 ± 3.89. CONCLUSION: Trans-hyoid hyoidthyroidpwxy is a modified technique of hyoidthyroidpexy. The procedure reported good outcomes in treating OSA. It is a simple, cost-effective and less traumatic technique. It could be combined with other multilevel surgical procedures.

Endoscopic-Assisted Transoral Thyroglossal Cyst Resection.

Sistrunk procedure is the standard method for thyroglossal duct cyst resection. While this procedure is successful and safe, it results in postoperative scars on the front of neck. We propose a total transoral technique without external incision that starts with careful separation of the floor of the mouth and genioglossus muscle followed by the exact localization of the cyst using methylene blue. Simultaneously, the hyoid bone connected to the cyst and tract was removed. Finally, routine hemostasis is conducted, and the operative cavity is closed. All patients who received this operation in our department recovered successfully without experiencing severe intraoperative or postoperative complications.

The Relevance of and Surgical Approach to the Suprahyoid Region in Thyroglossal Duct Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent or recurrent disease following excision of a thyroglossal duct cyst/sinus (TGDC) is often found in the suprahyoid region. Cadaver dissections were performed to identify and name important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area; a histopathologic analysis of surgical specimens was completed to determine the incidence and extent of microscopic disease; and clinical outcomes were compared to determine the efficacy of a specific anatomic dissection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Standardized dissections of four adult cadavers were performed. Consecutive surgical specimens were examined for evidence of microscopic TDGC disease in the suprahyoid region, measuring the greatest width and length of disease. A retrospective review of all consecutive TGDC procedures was completed. RESULTS: The important surgical landmarks in the suprahyoid area were identified in all cadavers. Microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area was found in 79% (37 of 47) of surgical specimens. The mean greatest length and width of microscopic disease was 12.4 mm and 1.4 mm, respectively. Following identification of these landmarks, the incidence of recurrent or persistent disease decreased (P = .02) from 5% (8 of 159) to 0% (0 of 112). CONCLUSION: The majority of pediatric patients with a TGDC will have microscopic disease in the suprahyoid area. The surgical landmark of the fascial plane between the geniohyoid and genioglossus muscles demarcates the anterior and lateral borders of resection in the suprahyoid area. This approach can be used as a reliable and easily reproducible technique in TGDC surgery to increase confidence of achieving complete removal of disease in the suprahyoid area, avoiding persistent or recurrent disease and a revision procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:553-558, 2021.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and barbed reposition pharyngoplasty with and without hyoid suspension for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome: A comparison of long-term functional results.

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common condition; when conservative approaches are not effective, surgical techniques aimed at reducing the airway obstruction effect are used. This retrospective study aimed at comparing the functional outcomes in patients with OSAHS undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) according to Fairbanks and barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) according to Mantovani, with or without hyoid suspension (HS). One-hundred twenty-two consecutive OSAHS patients who underwent surgical treatment were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups; all patients underwent preoperative and postoperative polysomnography (PSG) with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) evaluation, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) evaluation. The results were analyzed according to the different surgical procedures in relation to the preoperative PSG and anthropometric data. A significant reduction was observed at 18-month follow-up for patients in BRP group for body mass index (p = 0.004), ESS (p < 0.0001), ODI (p < 0.0001), and AHI (p < 0.0001). Risk factors for poor postoperative AHI reduction were evaluated; preoperative AHI was the strongest independent protective factor, while preoperative ODI was the strongest risk factor. The association of HS with UPPP or BRP showed significant results in terms of higher postoperative AHI reduction only when associated to UPPP (p < 0.0001). This study showed that the BRP technique was more effective compared to UPPP for patients with OSAHS. The association of HS showed greater benefits in UPPP compared to BRP. Randomized prospective trials with longer follow-up are necessary to confirm our results and formulate a more accurate indication of the optimal therapeutic strategy.