Recovery of swallowing disorders in patients undergoing supracricoid laryngectomy with botulinum toxin therapy

Retrospective Exploration of Botulinum Toxin Injection for Pharyngoesophageal Segment Dysfunction Post-laryngectomy

Objective

To assess our institution's experience with botulinum toxin A injection management of pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment dysfunction after laryngectomy in tracheoesophageal voice and swallowing restoration.

Study Design

A retrospective review of 43 patients who had Botox as treatment for PE dysfunction.

Setting

Tertiary academic center with fellowship-trained otolaryngologists.

Methods

Pre- and post-injection outcomes were evaluated using chart review, and the severity of symptoms was recorded based on the subjective assessment by the patient, speech language pathologists, and the treating surgeon.

Results

Forty-three patients were treated for PE dysfunction with botulinum toxin A injection. Most patients were male (n = 35, 81.4%), underwent primary cricopharnygeal myotomy (n = 36, 83.7%), and 37 (86%) had both dysphagia and speech concerns. Our injection methods included percutaneous injection by videofluoroscopy (n = 19, 44.2%), transnasal esophagoscopy (17, 40.5%), electromyography (n = 3, 7%), ultrasound (n = 1, 2.3%), or in the operating room (n = 3,7%). We found that 37 (86%) patients had subjective improvement in their symptoms, with 16 (38.1%) improving in both swallow and voice. There were no significant complications, or subjective difference in speech and swallowing outcomes by method of injection.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin A injection appears to be safe and effective for treating difficulty with speech and swallowing due to PE dysfunction after laryngectomy. Institutions should develop standard protocols for treatment and assessment.

Flexible endoscopic phonosurgery for treatment of functional sequelae after laryngeal oncologic surgery: a narrative review

Flexible endoscopic phonosurgery (FEPS) is one of the most recent and constantly evolving operative techniques in the field of minimally invasive laryngeal surgery. Thanks in part to the possibility of using new technologies, such as digital endoscopes, laser fibres, and different laryngeal injection materials, its fields of application have rapidly expanded. This narrative review describes the current possible indications of FEPS ranging from injection laryngoplasties in cases of vocal cord paralysis or mass defect, to the correction of dysphagia after open partial horizontal laryngectomies. Use of microscissors, microforceps, and laser fibres also allows this technique to be applied for removal of superficial vocal cord lesions, avoiding general anaesthesia in an increasing number of patients.

Functional Outcomes of the Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Patients Who Underwent Partial Laryngectomy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid injection on dysphagia, aspiration, and voice problems in patients with persistent functional problems despite appropriate rehabilitation after partial laryngectomy.

METHODS

Seventeen patients who underwent hyaluronic acid injection due to persistent swallowing, aspiration, and voice problems after partial laryngectomy surgery were included in the study. The hyaluronic acid injection was performed after 2 years of follow-up after partial laryngectomy surgery. Evaluation of swallowing was performed through a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and was quantified using two scales: a dysphagia score and a modified penetration-aspiration scale. Voice Handicap Index-10 was used for the determination of the psychosocial handicapping effects of the voice. Jitter percent, shimmer percent, fundamental frequency, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and maximum phonation time were evaluated for the acoustic analysis of the voice. All measurements were performed at preoperative day and postoperative months 1, 6, and 24.

RESULTS

A statistically significant improvement was observed for all of the evaluated parameters except the harmonics-to-noise ratio for postoperative months 1 and 6 (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative sixth month and the preoperative value of the harmonics-to-noise ratio. A statistically significant improvement was observed between the postoperative 24th month and preoperatively for jitter percent, shimmer percent, fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, dysphagia, and penetration aspiration score (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Surgical rehabilitation should be considered along with conservative treatments to improve swallowing and voice function after partial laryngectomy. Hyaluronic acid injection may be an effective method both in the short and long term for the surgical rehabilitation of persisting functional problems that may occur following partial laryngectomies.

Swallowing and Aspiration: How Much Is Affected by the Number of Arytenoid Cartilages Remaining After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy?

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the presence of one or two arytenoids on early/late period swallowing-aspiration functions.

Methods

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were categorized into two groups as follows: group I, patients who underwent SCPL with one arytenoid cartilage and group II, patients who underwent SCPL with two arytenoid cartilages. The time of decannulation and oral feeding onset, and swallowing-aspiration functions were evaluated and compared in the early nutritional period, first, and third months.

Results

There was no significant correlation between decannulation time and swallowing-aspiration. The aspiration rates in group I and group II were similar and there was no significant difference in oral feeding onset and aspiration grades in the first and third months between both groups.

Conclusion

We found similar oncological and functional outcomes in SCPL which protected one or two arytenoid cartilages. Therefore we suggest to be performed one arytenoid cartilage SCPL in selected patients who was advance stage and tumor volume over with larynx cancer.

Analysis of swallowing function after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the swallowing function after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy, focusing on the effects of arytenoid cartilage resection and radiation therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty supracricoid laryngectomy-cricohyoidopexy patients, at least 1 year after treatment, were retrospectively analyzed. Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed for each patient. Three blinded judges evaluated the video recordings based on 3 parameters. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory was completed by each patient for assessment of disease-specific quality of life.

RESULTS

All patients were decannulated at an average of 23.6 days. Nasogastric feeding tubes were removed at an average of 27.3 days, and all patients could eat orally. Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing showed that patients with total resection of 1 arytenoid had more bolus retention than patients with both arytenoids preserved (P = .008). Compared with patients who did not receive radiotherapy, patients who did receive radiotherapy exhibited increased retention (P = .021) and aspiration (P = .007). The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory results revealed no differences in quality of life according to the level of arytenoid resection or the administration of radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The functional evaluation of swallowing after supracricoid laryngectomy-cricohyoidopexy showed satisfactory results. Patients with total resection of 1 arytenoid had significantly higher bolus retention, and those who received radiotherapy had significantly increased retention and aspiration.

Injection augmentation of arytenoids after partial laryngectomy: case series

Background:

We undertook collagen injection laryngoplasty to achieve arytenoid augmentation in patients with dysphagia and persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy, and we evaluated the efficacy of arytenoid augmentation in aiding neoglottic closure and ensuring airway safety.

Methods:

Two patients with persistent swallowing impairment after partial laryngectomy were studied. Swallowing was evaluated using fibre-optic endoscopy, and modified barium swallow study. Collagen was then injected into the arytenoid mucosa to achieve neoglottic competence.

Results:

The patients were followed up for up to two years. Both patients showed a marked improvement in neoglottic competence, as evaluated by fibre-optic and flexible endoscopy at three-month and one-year follow-up appointments.

Conclusion:

Arytenoid augmentation by injection laryngoplasty can be considered a safe and effective surgical tool for the treatment of dysphagia with persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy.

Botulinum toxin improves dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) for severe oro-pharyngeal dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

BoNT/A was injected percutaneously into the hyperactive cricopharyngeal muscle of 14 dysphagic MS patients under electromyographic control. Patients were evaluated by videofluoroscopic and electromyographic examinations and by the Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS), at week 1, 4, 12, 16, 18, and 24 after BoNT/A injection.

RESULTS

All patients showed a significant improvement in all the swallowing outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

No specific treatment for oro-pharyngeal dysphagia related to MS has been described to date. Our preliminary findings suggest a potential benefit from BoNT/A treatment in MS patients with dysphagia associated with upper esophageal sphincter hyperactivity.

Botulinum toxin A prolongs functional durability of voice prostheses in laryngectomees with pharyngoesophageal spasm

PURPOSE

Laryngectomized patients with pharyngoesophageal spasm frequently have poor voice quality and dysphagia. Local botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection can relieve muscular hypertonicity and improve symptoms. This procedure should also prolong the functional life span of the tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study evaluates 33 BTA treatments in 11 laryngectomees. All patients were having poor voice quality; 6 patients had additional dysphagia. In 10 patients, the BTA injection has been carried out during rigid pharyngoscopy under general anesthesia. One patient was treated in local anesthesia.

RESULTS

A subjective improvement of voice quality was reported in 94%. This lasted on average for 20 weeks. The swallowing function improved moderately. For the first time, the functional life span of voice prostheses was examined. After treatment of pharyngoesophageal spasm, their durability was almost tripled. The BTA therapy has a significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The BTA treatment improves voice quality and prolongs functional durability of voice prostheses in laryngectomees with pharyngoesophageal spasm. The success of treatment is of limited duration but can be repeated in the long-term.

The Effect of Arytenoid Resection on Functional Results of Cricohyoidopexy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of arytenoid resection on voice and swallowing function in patients who undergo supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy.

STUDY DESIGN: A case series with chart review. According to the arytenoid number, patients were divided into two groups: 11 patients with two arytenoids and 9 patients with one arytenoid. The decannulation, nasogastric tube removal, and hospitalization times were noted. Maximum phonation time, average fundamental frequency, percent jitter, percent shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio were measured. Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenicity and strain scale (for the perceptual evaluation of vocal quality), Voice Handicap Index (for self-assessment of the voice), and dysphagia score were used.

RESULTS: The mean decannulation, nasogastric tube removal, and hospitalization time was 18.4, 40.2, and 32.7 days in patients with one arytenoid, whereas 8.8, 20.8, and 25.3 days in patients with two arytenoids, respectively. The differences were statistically significant. For all of the parameters that are associated with voice function and dysphagia, there was no statistically significant difference between one arytenoid and two arytenoids.

CONCLUSION: Arytenoid resection may affect the swallowing function in the early postoperative period, but for voice and deglutition functions there was no difference between cricohyoidopexy with one arytenoid and two over the course of time.

Disorders of swallowing: palliative care

This article defines palliative care for swallowing disorders as treatment for severe and chronic dysphagia or intractable aspiration when the recovery of normal swallowing is not anticipated and attempts to restore normal swallowing have been unsuccessful. Palliative treatment for dysphagia is not only for the dying patient because patients with difficulty swallowing can live for a long time. Palliative care for dysphagia is aimed at maximizing swallowing function, maintaining pulmonary health, and supporting healthy nutrition despite the impaired ability to swallow. When despite all attempts at intervention a patient becomes totally unable to swallow, the goal of therapy changes toward finding ways to provide adequate nutrition for the patient.

Long-lasting effect of a single botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia secondary to upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) injection in the cricopharyngeus muscle in patients with neurological dysphagia caused by alteration in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening and with preserved pharyngeal contraction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective pilot study was undertaken in 10 patients (7 brain lesions and 3 cervical spinal cord injuries), with a minimum time-lapse of 6 months from neurological lesion to BTX-A injection. Dysfunction of the UES opening and the presence of pharyngeal contraction were diagnosed by videofluoroscopy (VDF) and esophageal manometry (EM). The BTX-A (100 U) injection was guided by endoscopy. Clinical, VDF, and EM follow-ups were carried out at 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and at 1 year post-injection.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, 6 patients were fed by nasogastric tube. VDF showed impairment of the UES opening, residue in pyriform sinuses, and aspiration in all cases. During follow-up, there was a decrease in the number of patients that had aspiration: 3 patients at one year. During swallowing, EM showed a mean UES relaxation of 90% (range: 74.5-100%), residual pressure 3.2 mmHg (range: 0-13 mmHg) and pharyngeal amplitude 52 mmHg (range: 25-80 mmHg). At follow-up, a significant improvement in UES relaxation (98% (89-100%)) and pharyngeal contraction (97 mmHg (35-165 mmHg)) was observed. At 3 months, 6 patients were eating exclusively by mouth.

CONCLUSIONS

One single injection of BTX-A in the UES has long-lasting effectiveness in patients with neurological dysphagia caused by alteration in the UES opening and with pharyngeal contraction. Nevertheless, a randomized control trial should be done to confirm these results and rule out the effect of potential spontaneous improvement of neurological injury.

Botulinum toxin treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with diabetic neuropathy

OBJECTIVE

No specific treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia related to diabetic neuropathy has been described to date. Chemical myotomy of the cricopharyngeus (CP) muscle by botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) has been effective in reducing or abolishing dysphagia associated with upper esophageal sphincter (UES) hyperactivity of different etiologies. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of BoNT/A injections into the CP muscle in diabetic patients with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with diabetic autonomic and/or somatic peripheral neuropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve type 2 diabetic patients with severe dysphagia for both solid and liquid foods associated with autonomic and/or peripheral somatic neuropathy were investigated. Swallowing function was evaluated by clinical examination, videofluoroscopy, and simultaneous needle electromyography (EMG) of the CP and pharyngeal inferior constrictor (IC) muscles. Clinical evaluation using a four-level dysphagia severity score was performed every other day for the 1st week and thereafter every other week until week 24. Videofluoroscopy and EMG follow-up were carried out at week 1, 4, 12, 16, 18, and 24 after BoNT/A injection. BoNT/A was injected percutaneously into the CP muscle under EMG control.

RESULTS

BoNT/A induced the complete recovery of dysphagia in 10 patients and had a significant (P = 0.0001, ANOVA) improvement in 2 patients within 4 +/- 1.1 days (range 3-7). Clinical improvement was confirmed by videofluoroscopy and EMG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a potential benefit from BoNT/A treatment in dysphagia associated with diabetic neuropathy. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this observation.

Supracricoid laryngectomy: is it time to define guidelines to evaluate functional results? a review

PURPOSE

Supracricoid laryngectomy (SCL) permits local control and 5-year survival rates similar to total laryngectomy in selected cases of advanced-stage laryngeal carcinoma. Although most of the reports regarding the surgical technique and oncological results have been proposed by European groups, increased interest in SCL has also been shown in recent years by American surgeons. There is still a lack of comprehensive studies about functional outcomes (respiration, deglutition, phonation) after SCL. Materials and methods This report briefly evaluates the functional outcomes of SCL recorded by the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Padua University since 1998 and critically reviews recent English-language literature describing SCL functional results.

RESULTS

The present review confirms that the available data on functional results were collected using heterogeneous methods, parameters, and evaluation scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Every effort has to be made to uniform the format for presenting outcome data, particularly on swallowing and voice parameters. Defining guidelines to evaluate the functional results of SCL may facilitate interstudy comparability.