Office-based 585 nm pulsed dye laser treatment for vocal polyps

Prospective Outcomes of Microlaryngoscopy Versus Office Laser Photoangiolysis for Vocal Fold Polyps

OBJECTIVE(S)

The objective of this study is to compare treatment outcomes for vocal fold polyps (VFPs) between operating room microlaryngoscopy and office-based photoangiolysis with the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser.

METHODS

Prospective nonrandomized cohort study of patients with VFPs undergoing microlaryngoscopy ("OR group") or KTP laser photoangiolysis ("KTP group"). Voice outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures [Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Singing VHI-10 (SVHI-10)], auditory-perceptual measures [Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)], videostroboscopic characteristics [Voice-Vibratory Assessment of Laryngeal Imaging (VALI)], and acoustic and aerodynamic measures) were performed at baseline and regular intervals after intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-four subjects (17 OR group, 27 KTP group) with VFPs were enrolled. Mean VHI-10 significantly improved from baseline to each follow-up interval in both groups, except for the 1-2-week interval in the OR group. Mean SVHI-10 improved for both groups at some intervals. Growth curve models and time-to-event analyses for patient-reported outcomes did not differ between groups. There were significant improvements in all categories of auditory-perceptual voice quality and some categories of videostroboscopic characteristics in both groups. No significant trends were identified in acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Improvements in most outcomes did not significantly differ between groups or based on polyp size. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvements in patient-reported voice outcomes measures, auditory-perceptual voice evaluation, and videostroboscopic characteristics occur following surgical treatment of vocal fold polyps with either microlaryngoscopy or office-based KTP laser. Long-term voice outcomes do not significantly differ between treatment modalities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 134:S1-S20, 2024.

Office-Based Treatment of Vocal Fold Polyps and Reinke's Edema: A Rational Comparison With Suspension Laryngoscopy

OBJECTIVE

Benign laryngeal lesions have traditionally been treated through suspension laryngoscopy under general anesthesia (GA). Recently, the development of operative videoendoscopes coupled with photoangiolytic lasers has allowed clinicians to treat these conditions in the outpatient clinic. We report our experience in the office-based (OB) setting for the treatment of patients affected by vocal fold polyps (VFPs) and Reinke's edema (RE), comparing it to patients treated under GA.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients affected by VFP or RE. A 445 nm diode blue laser was used through the operative channel of a flexible video-endoscope for OB procedures, while GA surgeries were carried out with cold steel instrumentation. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) represented the primary outcome. Endoscopic outcomes, duration, and morbidity of the procedures were investigated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients were retrospectively enrolled. 52 were treated in an OB setting, while 91 underwent GA. Regarding patients with RE, both the OB and GA cohorts showed a significant improvement in VHI-10 (from 12.7 to 2.6 and 19.5 to 5.1, respectively; p < 0.001), as did those with VFPs (from 11.8 to 2.3 and 15.9 to 2.9 respectively; p < 0.001). No differences were found when comparing VHI-10 in the OB and GA cohorts. The mean procedural time of OB treatment (4.9 min) was significantly shorter than GA (37.1 min). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the OB setting. For selected patients, OB treatments offer comparable vocal outcomes, favorable morbidity, and reduced operation times, making them an appealing alternative to the traditional approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2665-2672, 2023.

Office-based Blue Laser Therapy of Vocal Fold Polyps: A Cohort of 18 Patients: Blue Laser Therapy of Vocal Fold Polyps

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of office-based blue laser therapy of vocal fold polyps on voice.

METHODS

The medical records and video recordings of patients who underwent office-based laser therapy in a tertiary referral center between February 2020 and May 2020, and May 2021 and October 2022 was conducted. Only patients with vocal fold polyps who had undergone office-based blue laser therapy were included. The voice was evaluated before and after surgery using the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), GRB perceptual evaluation, acoustic analysis, and maximum phonation time.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were included. The mean age of the study group was 52.5 ± 11.94 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. Ten patients of the total group (53.6%) had hemorrhagic polyps and the most common site was the mid-third of the vocal fold. All patients who presented for follow-up (n = 15) had partial or complete regression of the lesion (4 and 11, respectively). There was a significant decrease in the mean score of VHI-10 (17.6 ± 9.97 vs. 4.27 ± 5.76, p < 0.001) and in the means of grade of dysphonia (2.0 ± 0.73 to 0.5 ± 0.63, p < 0.001), roughness (1.88 ± 0.81 to 0.44 ± 0.51, p < 0.001) and breathiness (0.81 ± 0.75 to 0.13 ± 0.34 p < 0.001). There was also a marked decrease in the perturbation parameters (jitter and shimmer) and a significant increase in the MPT from 10.66 ± 4.22 s to 14.26 ± 6.26 s (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Office-based blue laser therapy is an effective treatment modality in patients with vocal fold polyps.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2712-2718, 2023.

Indications, Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Outcomes of 585 nm Pulsed Dye Laser in Non-Malignant Laryngeal Lesions: A Systematic Review

The objective of this manuscript was to review the indications, efficacy, and safety of a 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in non-malignant laryngeal lesions. Following the PRISMA statement recommendations, three independent authors searched for articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Web of Science. A bias analysis was performed following NICE guidance tools. From the 506 identified publications, 19 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The PDL improves vocal quality objectively and subjectively in vascular lesions (p < 0.005) and improves vocal quality in patients with dysplasia/leukoplasia without changing the natural history of the disease compared to other treatments. Reinke's edema and granulomas require an average of 1.5 PDL sessions for resolution. Treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis requires multiple sessions, with complete remission achieved in 50-70% of patients. Regardless of the lesion, the tolerance of the procedure under local anesthesia is exceptional (84-97%), and the results in terms of regression and vocal quality are promising. The complication rate is minimal, and the procedure does not interfere with other treatment alternatives. There is no consensus on laser settings. The lack of consistent use in evaluating vocal outcomes, whether objective or subjective, prevents the comparability between studies. The 585 nm pulsed dye laser appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with non-malignant laryngeal pathology. Future controlled studies are needed to compare the 585 nm pulsed dye laser with other lasers or cold instrument procedures.

The Efficacy of Different Voice Treatments for Vocal Fold Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Vocal fold polyps (VFP) are a common cause of voice disorders and laryngeal discomfort. They are usually treated by behavioral voice therapy (VT) or phonosurgery, or a combination (CT) of both. However, the superiority of either of these treatments has not been clearly established.

METHODS

Three databases were searched from inception to October 2022 and a manual search was performed. All clinical trials of VFP treatment were included that reported at least auditory-perceptual judgment, aerodynamics, acoustics, and the patient-perceived handicap.

RESULTS

We identified 31 eligible studies (VT: n = 47-194; phonosurgery: n = 404-1039; CT: n = 237-350). All treatment approaches were highly effective, with large effect sizes (d > 0.8) and significant improvements in almost all voice parameters (p-values < 0.05). Phonosurgery reduced roughness and NHR, and the emotional and functional subscales of the VHI-30 were the most compared to behavioral voice therapy and combined treatment (p-values < 0.001). Combined treatment improved hoarseness, jitter, shimmer, MPT, and the physical subscale of the VHI-30 more than phonosurgery and behavioral voice therapy (p-values < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

All three treatment approaches were effective in eliminating vocal fold polyps or their negative sequelae, with phonosurgery and combined treatment providing the greatest improvement. These results may inform future treatment decisions for patients with vocal fold polyps.

Office-Based Laser Therapy in Vocal Fold Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To analyze voice outcomes and lesion regression in patients with vocal fold polyps treated in-office using lasers.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The search was performed in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses framework. There were no limitations to the year of publication and the search included studies looking at voice outcomes and lesion evolution of in-office laser treatment for vocal fold polyps measured through voice-handicap index, GRB, acoustic analysis or aerodynamics measures. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's ROBINS-I tool for observational studies. Data analysis was performed SPSS software with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

We identified 167 articles, 10 of which met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The total number of participants was 242. Meta-analysis showed significant improvement in voice handicap index-10 scores (95% CI, [0.86; 1.45]) and decrease in GRB score (95% CI, [1.09; 4.13]) after in-office laser therapy. It also showed significant improvement in percent shimmer (95% CI, [0.26; 1.01]), and significant increase in maximum phonation time (95% CI, [-0.92; -0.18]).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser therapy an outpatient office setting is a reliable alternative to classical phono-microsurgery. Results show Office-based laser therapy of vocal fold polyps results in a significant improvement in subjective voice outcomes measures. This subjective improvement in voice quality is associated with partial or complete disease regression on laryngeal examination and an increase in maximum phonation time. Ovlaryngeal examination in patients with polyps treated with in-office laser.

Laser Partial Arytenoidectomy as an Office Procedure

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis is a disabling condition that results in airway symptoms, dysphonia, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Various types of glottal widening procedures have been described in the literature, all of which are performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The aim is to report laser partial arytenoidectomy as an office-based treatment modality in a patient with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Using Thulium laser fiber introduced through the working channel of fiberoptic nasopharyngoscope, a posterior cordectomy followed by resection of the vocal process of the right arytenoid was performed. The laser was used in a pulsed mode, power range 3.5 to 4.5 W, duration 70 to 300 milliseconds, repetition 2 to 4 Hz, and aiming beam 65%. The procedure was well tolerated and the patient was successfully decannulated 3 weeks later. Unsedated office-based laser arytenoidectomy might be considered a safe alternative to the commonly practiced glottal widening procedures in patients with a preexisting tracheotomy.

Feasibility of transnasal flexible carbon dioxide laser surgery for laryngopharyngeal lesions

OBJECTIVE

The fiber-guided carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser is a useful device for laryngopharyngeal surgery. The flexible CO₂ wave-guide laser has been developed and commercially available for several years. However, the transnasal use of CO₂ flexible wave-guided laser surgery through the instrument channel of a flexible endoscope (CO₂ TNFLS) is not permitted in Japan. This feasibility study aimed to assess the value and the safety of an in-office CO₂ TNFLS procedure.

METHODS

Patients with small laryngopharyngeal diseases were enrolled from June 2015. Eligible patients had indications with lesions generally localized superficial lesions such as the benign tumor, leukoplakia, and premalignant lesion-like carcinoma in situ (CIS). Patients were locally well anesthetized using xylocaine. After removing as much of the lesion(s) as possible with flexible forceps, the remainder of the lesions were evaporated using CO₂ TNFLS through the instrument channel of a flexible endoscope under local anesthesia.

RESULTS

Eighteen surgeries involving 13 patients, including 9 papilloma (7 recurrent respiratory papilloma [RRP]), 2 carcinoma in situ, 1 leukoplakia, and 1 large epiglottic cyst), were performed. Four patients with RRP required multiple surgeries. Except for 3 patients with RRP, all patients achieved disease control without additional intervention. All procedures were completed with no severe adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Office-based CO₂ TNFLS is safe and feasible for patients with laryngopharyngeal pathologies. It is especially valuable for RRP patients with small lesions to avoid surgery under general anesthesia.

Secondary submucosal vocal cyst following pulsed dye laser application for sulcus vocalis

CONCLUSION

Submucosal vocal cyst can occur as a distinct long-term sequelae following pulsed dye laser (PDL) application for sulcus vocalis. It is recommended that the cyst lesion should be surgically removed for treatment. Optimal and precise irradiation of PDL is considered important to avoid the development of a such complication.

OBJECTIVE

After several years of clinical practice and an extended period of follow-up of the patients who received PDL application in treating sulcus vocalis, the authors have encountered several cases of secondary submucosal vocal cyst development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this late complication following PDL laryngeal surgery.

METHODS

Patients who developed secondary submucosal vocal cyst after last PDL laryngeal surgery between March 2008 and January 2016 were analyzed after retrospectively reviewing clinical and operative data.

RESULTS

There were a total 11 patients who had been identified as presenting secondary submucosal vocal cyst among 186 patients who underwent PDL laryngeal surgery (5.9% incidence). All five patients who received surgery showed complete resolution and were free of symptoms. The remaining six patients were closely observed with conservative measures, with only one patient who showed resolution of the cyst.

Treatment of Hemorrhagic Vocal Polyps by Pulsed Dye Laser-Assisted Laryngomicrosurgery

Objective. Conventional surgical techniques of laryngomicrosurgery (LMS) on hemorrhagic vocal polyps are often difficult due to obscuration of the surgical field by inadvertent bleeding from the lesion, and there are often significant amounts of mucosal epithelium loss. Here, we introduce our surgical technique using pulsed dye laser (PDL), which can effectively resect the polyp with vocal fold mucosa preservation. Methods. Patients who were diagnosed with hemorrhagic vocal polyp and who were surgically managed using PDL from March 2013 to October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes and surgical findings were evaluated. Results. A total of 39 patients were treated with PDL-assisted enucleation LMS. The average age was 43.7 years (range 20–73), and there were 20 males and 19 females (17 professional voice users). In all cases, the hemorrhagic polyp was successfully enucleated after application of PDL, thereby preserving the overlying epithelium. Postoperative voice outcomes were favorable with clear preservation of the vocal fold mucosal wave. Conclusion. PDL-assisted enucleation LMS for the treatment of hemorrhagic vocal polyps can be a safe and effective surgical technique. It can be considered a promising treatment option for hemorrhagic vocal polyps.

Comparison of vocal outcomes after angiolytic laser surgery and microflap surgery for vocal polyps

OBJECTIVE

The microflap technique is a standard procedure for the treatment of vocal fold polyps. Angiolytic laser surgery carried out under topical anesthesia is an alternative method for vocal polyp removal. However, it is not clear whether angiolytic laser surgery has the same effects on vocal outcomes as the microflap technique because of a lack of studies comparing both procedures. In the current study, vocal outcomes after both procedures were compared to clarify the effects of angiolytic laser surgery for vocal polyp removal.

METHODS

Vocal outcomes were reviewed for patients who underwent angiolytic laser surgery (n=20, laser group) or microflap surgery (n=34, microflap group) for vocal polyp removal. The data analyzed included patient and lesion characteristics, number of surgeries required for complete resolution, and aerodynamic and acoustic examinations before and after surgery.

RESULTS

In the laser surgery group, complete resolution of the lesion was achieved with a single procedure in 17 cases (85%) and with two procedures in 3 cases (15%). Postoperative aerodynamic and acoustic parameters demonstrated significant improvement compared to preoperative parameters in both the laser surgery group and the microflap surgery group. There were no significant differences in any postoperative aerodynamic and acoustic parameters between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The current retrospective study demonstrated that angiolytic laser surgery achieved complete resolution of vocal polyps within two procedures. Postoperative effects on aerodynamic and acoustic functions were similar to those after microflap surgery.