Voice outcome following lateral laryngotomy to remove teflon granuloma

Pedicled Fat Flap Reconstruction of the Atrophic or “Empty” Paraglottic Space following Resection of Teflon Granuloma or Oversized Implant

Objectives:

Loss of functional and supporting architecture in the paraglottic space (PGS) necessitates augmentation to restore phonation and prevent aspiration. Our previous PGS reconstructions using an inferiorly based sternohyoid muscle flap have shown a propensity to fibrose over time, tethering the vocal fold inferolaterally. Poor voice outcomes have led us to explore other reconstructive options such as the laterally based vascularized fat flap described below. Our objectives in the present study were 1) to discuss phonosurgical options for reestablishing PGS volume after removal of an oversized implant or after definitive resection of Teflon granuloma; and 2) to understand the surgical technique, indications, and functional prognosis of the laterally based fat flap used for augmenting the “empty” PGS.

Methods:

Fourteen cases of PGS reconstruction with a laterally based subplatysmal fat flap were retrospectively investigated for indications, functional outcome, and the need for subsequent phonosurgical procedures. Preoperative and postoperative voice and videostroboscopic findings were analyzed.

Results:

Fat flap augmentation helped achieve subjective vocal improvement in patients with an empty PGS. A subset of our patients demonstrated fat flap atrophy within 12 months, prompting revision laryngoplasty. Viable flaps were encountered in each revision, facilitating future medialization attempts.

Conclusions:

Fat flap reconstruction of the PGS is a versatile, beneficial adjunct for revision medialization in select cases.

Transventricular chondroplastic laryngotomy--a new surgical technique for the endolarynx

Current surgical techniques for laryngeal exposure pose distinct limitations. To address these issues, this article describes a novel surgical technique. Our technique, termed Transventricular Chondroplastic Laryngotomy, allows for extensive and direct external access to the endolarynx. This procedure is described in both a cadaver and animal models. Three pigs were submitted to thyroid cartilage window opening without touching the laryngeal ventricle, and seven animals were submitted to the full procedure, opening a thyroid cartilage window with wide ventricular opening. The animals were sacrificed 20 days following the procedure. Prior to sacrifice, all animals underwent laryngoscopic examination and following euthanasia, the larynx and cervical regions were examined grossly, in addition to histologically. This surgery allowed for extensive exposure of the ipsilateral vocal fold and the contralateral hemilarynx, through the laryngeal ventricle, and thus enabled bi-instrumental handling of the vestibular fold, laryngeal ventricle, and from the anterior commissure to the arytenoids, bilaterally. No postoperative complications were observed. Access to the ventricle was easily and directly achieved through the thyroarytenoid muscle. We hypothesize that transventricular chondroplastic laryngotomy will emerge as the surgical technique of choice in patients presenting with difficult exposure and/or traditional surgical instruments are not feasible. Future transventricular chondroplastic laryngotomy clinical applications of the procedure are discussed including the resection of lesions and more complex reconstruction of vocal folds.

Complications of thyroid and parathyroid surgery

Today most complications of thyroid and parathyroid surgery are related to either metabolic derangements or injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. Other complications include superior laryngeal nerve injury, infection, airway compromise, and bleeding. Although the principal goal of thyroid and parathyroid surgery is the prevention of these complications, prompt recognition and intervention will minimize morbidity and provide the patient with the best chance of a satisfactory outcome.