Medialisation thyroplasty with tensor fascia lata: a novel approach for reducing post-thyroplasty complications

Swallowing improvement surgeries

PURPOSE

To discuss the different swallowing improvement surgeries that address one or more dysfunctional pharyngolaryngeal structures causing dysphagia. These surgeries reduce the risk of aspiration without sacrificing vocal function.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed database and used Google Scholar search engine to find studies discussing the different swallowing improvement surgeries. A manual search of references in selected articles and reviews was done as well. No chronologic limitation was set for the studies; however, only articles written in English and Japanese were considered. Due to the nature of this article, no particular inclusion or exclusion criteria were set when searching for studies to be used as references; however, all relevant studies were reviewed and agreed upon by the authors for inclusion in this review article.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Surgeries to improve swallowing function can be categorized into those that reinforce nasopharyngeal closure or pharyngeal contraction, improve laryngeal elevation or pharyngoesophageal segment opening, and those that improve vocal fold closure to protect the airway during swallowing. They are an effective alternative treatment that may significantly improve these patients' quality of life. Swallowing rehabilitation with the altered pharyngolaryngeal structures is required post-operatively to significantly improve patients' dysphagia.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeries to improve swallowing function address specific dysfunctional sites involved in the swallowing mechanism. Choosing the most appropriate surgery for each patient requires knowledge of the pathophysiology for their dysphagia and detailed pre-operative work-up.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the outcomes of type I thyroplasty in the irradiated neck

BACKGROUND

Type I thyroplasty has been well-documented as a safe and effective treatment modality for vocal fold motion impairment, as well as other select cases of persistent glottic insufficiency. However, history of prior radiation to the neck has traditionally been viewed as a relative, if not formal contra-indication to this procedure. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze all available data in the literature on type I thyroplasty in previously irradiated patients and perform a meta-analysis assessing whether complications and revision rates are significantly different between radiated and non-irradiated patients. Secondary outcomes were to compare voice outcomes between these cohorts.

METHODS

Several databases were screened for relevant citations using the PICO process. The quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated using the MINORS scoring system. Main endpoints for analysis in this study were complication rate and revision rate. Secondary endpoint was reported voice outcome.

RESULTS

Three articles were included in the analysis. Zero major complications were reported, including no instances of implant extrusion or explantation. There was an 11.8 % rate of minor complications. There were similar rates of revision between radiation and control groups. There was no significant difference in voice outcomes between groups. The average MINORS score of the studies suggested a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on limited quality evidence, this review suggests that type I thyroplasty is safe and feasible in carefully selected irradiated patients, with comparable complication and success rates as their non-irradiated cohorts. Further large-scale studies are warranted.

Gore-Tex implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty: Case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To review current literature and experience with Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following medialization thyroplasty, as well as to report the unique case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty.

METHODS

Review of existing literature and description of personal experience with unique case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty.

RESULTS

Review of existing literature found no prior reported cases of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. Risk factors for implant extrusion include the pressure of the implant on insertion and the inability to secure the implant. Cases of implant extrusion can be managed operatively via an endoscopic or via an external open approach.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of Gore-TexⓇ implant extrusion following revision medialization thyroplasty. Careful consideration should be given in revision medialization thyroplasty as additional implant material may cause increased pressure, a risk factor for implant extrusion.

The Utility of Strap Muscle in Complex Type I Thyroplasties

INTRODUCTION

Type I thyroplasty is a common procedure used to improve dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency caused by vocal fold paralysis, paresis, or bowing. Revision often involves more complex procedures that can be complicated by mucosal violation, hemorrhage, infection, and shifted or extruded implants. Intraoperative challenges can be managed successfully using autologous strap muscle rotation flaps.

OBJECTIVES

Review vocal fold medialization with strap muscle as a viable option for thyroplasty, particularly operations with inadvertent mucosal disruption.

METHODS

All operative records of the senior author's 30-year experience were queried for modified, complex, or revision type I thyroplasties. Each of these was reviewed, and only those utilizing autologous strap muscle rotation flaps for vocal fold medialization were included. Changes in voice quality were assessed using strobovideolaryngoscopic assessment of glottic closure and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores when available.

RESULTS

Seven patients were found to have undergone eight type I thyroplasty using autologous strap muscle flaps. Improved glottic closure was seen in all patients except one. This patient, complicated by a laryngeal fracture of unknown origin discovered at the time of surgery, had worse voice with strap muscle implantation intraoperatively; therefore, the patient's fracture was reduced, and medialization was postponed. All other patients reported improved voice quality both intra- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative VHI-10 scores were available for two of the seven cases with successfully implanted strap muscles. A decrease in VHI-10 was observed in both cases (mean = 11). No postoperative complications occurred in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Although revision thyroplasties are relatively rare, they can be challenging. The seven cases presented herein illustrate the successful and safe use of autologous strap muscle rotation flaps for complex, revision type I thyroplasty procedures. They are particularly helpful in cases requiring additional soft tissue between the thyroid cartilage and mucosa in preparation for possible future medialization after Gore-Tex or Silastic implants, and for inadvertent mucosal disruption in which using a foreign implant might pose a risk of infection. Future studies should be performed with larger populations and longer follow-up to confirm the efficacy and safety of this procedure.

Strap Muscle Type I Thyroplasty After Gore-Tex Implant Extrusion: Case Report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the presentation and management techniques of implant extrusion following type I thyroplasty and to illustrate the potential of strap muscle for augmentation following implant removal.

METHODS

We report a unique case of a patient with late Gore-Tex implant extrusion after type I thyroplasty treated with removal and autologous strap muscle graft for augmentation.

RESULTS

A 41-year-old female nearly 3.5 years status post Gore-Tex type I thyroplasty for left vocal fold paralysis presented for evaluation of dysphonia. Upon flexible laryngoscopy, erythema, edema, and granulation tissue were identified at the left vocal fold and ventricle. The patient subsequently underwent removal of her implant. Intraoperatively, a free portion of sternothyroid muscle was dissected free and placed into the paraglottic space. One month following surgery, the patient reported an improvement in her Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score from 40 to 0. In addition, no major complications were observed and complete glottic closure was achieved. Nine months postsurgery, she continued to function well with a VHI score of 0. At 50 months postop, the patient still reports a VHI score of 0.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant extrusion is a rare complication of type I thyroplasty usually occurring in the first few months after surgery and more commonly presenting in females. Current management options consist of observation or augmentation with autologous fat or vocal fold injection following implant removal. This is the first report of a successful strap muscle free graft revision thyroplasty following implant extrusion. The patient's excellent long-term outcome highlights the potential of strap muscle augmentation as a feasible management option for implant extrusion.