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.

Treatment Outcomes of Type 1 Thyroplasty Using Gore-Tex® Following Injection Laryngoplasty

OBJECTIVE

To compare voice-related outcomes of type 1 thyroplasty using Gore-Tex® between patients with and without augmentation injection laryngoplasty (IL) prior to surgery.

METHODS

Forty-five patients who underwent Gore-Tex® thyroplasty at a single institution by a single surgeon between November 2016 and February 2019 were identified as those who previously had IL (n = 20) and those without IL (n = 25). Pre- and post-operative voice-related primary outcomes were evaluated using the GRBAS, and CAPE-V auditory-perceptual rating scales and secondary outcome were evaluated using the VRQOL. Pre- and post-operative voice samples were blinded, randomized, and analyzed by 3 voice-specialized speech pathologists to obtain CAPE-V scores. The VRQOL and GRBAS scores were obtained from retrospective chart review. Student's t test with a paired one-tailed distribution was used for comparisons within groups and 2-sample equal variance for comparisons between groups. Intraclass correlation coefficient determined interrater agreement.

RESULTS

GRBAS, and VRQOL significantly improved post Gore-Tex® thyroplasty. There was no difference in improvement between patients who received pre-surgery IL and those who did not in either GRBAS or VRQOL scores, but CAPE-V showed significant improvement in the IL group. A strongly positive correlation was demonstrated between the severity of CAPE-V pre-op score and the overall improvement following surgery for both groups combined.

CONCLUSION

Patients with vocal fold paralysis have a significantly better voice after Gore-Tex® thyroplasty by self-report (VRQOL) and assessment by trained voice professionals (GRBAS). Having IL prior to surgery does not adversely affect later surgical outcomes. This paper represents one of the largest analyses of voice quality outcomes of Gore-Tex® thyroplasty using validated patient scales and randomized blinded analyses.

Safety of Outpatient Type 1 Thyroplasty

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 thyroplasty is an established procedure for the treatment of vocal fold paralysis to improve voice and swallowing outcomes. At our institution, we commonly perform this procedure on an outpatient basis in medically stable patients. With this study, we assess the safety of outpatient thyroplasty by examining complication and readmission rates, need for revision surgery, and predictors of these outcome measures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing outpatient type 1 thyroplasty for vocal fold paralysis between 2013 and 2018 at our institution. We documented the etiology of paralysis, comorbidities, and demographic data. Our primary outcome measures were complications, need for readmission, and need for revision surgery.

RESULTS

During the study period, 160 patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean age at time of surgery was 62.1 ± 13.9 years; there were 82 (51%) males and 78 (49%) females. Nine (5.6%) patients experienced major complications after surgery and 7 (4.4%) patients required unplanned readmission. Mean time to complication was 6.9 ± 9.7 days. There were no instances of postoperative airway compromise requiring intervention. There were no mortalities. Of those who underwent primary surgery, 22 (14%) patients required revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Given that complications tend to occur in a delayed fashion rather than in the acute postoperative period, same-day discharge seems reasonable as compared to overnight observation in medically stable patients undergoing type 1 thyroplasty.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

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

BACKGROUND

Medialisation thyroplasty is considered the 'gold standard' treatment for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, enabling improvement of voice and swallowing function, and preventing life-threatening aspiration events. The most commonly used laryngeal implants induce some degree of local tissue inflammatory response, and carry the risk of immediate or delayed implant extrusion.

METHODS

This paper describes a novel approach for medialisation thyroplasty. Specifically, it utilises a ribbon of autologous tensor fascia lata harvested at the time of surgery. This is layered within the paraglottic space in a manner similar to Gore-Tex thyroplasty.

RESULTS

Thus far, this method has been accomplished in two patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis, who also received prior radiotherapy to the head and neck.

CONCLUSION

Given the increased risk of post-operative wound breakdown and infection in irradiated patients, it is suggested that this new approach will lead to improved outcomes, and a decrease in complications such as extrusion or wound infection, particularly in this patient population.

Laryngeal framework surgery: current strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Laryngeal framework surgery (LFS) is an indispensable surgical approach for the treatment of voice problems. The purpose of this review is to single out some relevant articles published on the topic of LFS from 2015 to mid-2016. Articles referring to injection laryngoplasty (augmentation) are entirely left aside.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the vast majority of recent publications, LFS mostly addresses surgery intended to improve vocal function in cases of glottic insufficiency. Here, medialization laryngoplasties remain the most important surgery. Arytenoid adduction remains an important technique within this field. Some clinical studies concerning indications and outcome of LFS are covered in the recent articles, trying to improve decision making for the indication of medialization laryngoplasty to enhance the rate of favorable long-term results. As in the past years, only a few articles report on laboratory research and other aspects of LFS.

SUMMARY

Articles published from 2015 to mid-2016 show that further improvements in LFS have been made, both surgically-technically and in respect of patient selection. There is still a debate about the combination of medialization laryngoplasty and arytenoid adduction in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis (UVFP). Although augmentation laryngoplasties are significantly increasing in number, it seems that LFS remains an important procedure within phonosurgery.

Laryngeal Framework Surgery in the Irradiated Neck: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal framework surgery (LFS) remains a cornerstone treatment in the management of glottic insufficiency. Traditionally, a history of radiation to the neck has been considered a relative contraindication to LFS.

METHODS

A retrospective matched cohort study was performed to study LFS outcomes in patients with and without a history of radiation. Variables studied included radiation specifics, surgical time, operative difficulty, complications, need for revision surgery, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores.

RESULTS

A total of 298 patients were studied. Fourteen patients with a history of neck irradiation were matched with 14 nonirradiated controls. No complications were encountered in the nonirradiated cohort. In the irradiated cohort, there were 2 minor wound complications and 1 admission for stridor treated medically. No cases of implant extrusion were observed. The VHI-10 scores were improved in both cohorts relative to preoperative baseline (P = .001). Posttreatment VHI-10 scores were better in the nonirradiated cohort (P = .03). There was no difference between cohorts with respect to complication rates, surgical time, surgical difficulty, length of stay, use of a surgical drain, or need for revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laryngeal framework surgery is safe and associated with improved voice outcomes in patients with a history of neck irradiation.