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Advances in Therapy Sep 2023The most common early postoperative complication after total laryngectomy (TL) is pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Rates of PCF are higher in patients who undergo... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The most common early postoperative complication after total laryngectomy (TL) is pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Rates of PCF are higher in patients who undergo salvage TL compared with primary TL. Published meta-analyses include heterogeneous studies making the conclusions difficult to interpret. The objectives of this scoping review were to explore the reconstructive techniques potentially available for primary TL and to clarify which could be the best technique for each clinical scenario.
METHODS
A list of available reconstructive techniques for primary TL was built and the potential comparisons between techniques were identified. A PubMed literature search was performed from inception to August 2022. Only case-control, comparative cohort, or randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included.
RESULTS
A meta-analysis of seven original studies showed a PCF risk difference (RD) of 14% (95% CI 8-20%) favoring stapler closure over manual suture. In a meta-analysis of 12 studies, we could not find statistically significant differences in PCF risk between primary vertical suture and T-shaped suture. Evidence for other pharyngeal closure alternatives is scarce.
CONCLUSION
We could not identify differences in the rate of PCF between continuous and T-shape suture configuration. Stapler closure seems to be followed by a lower rate of PCF than manual suture in those patients that are good candidates for this technique.
Topics: Humans; Cutaneous Fistula; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngectomy; Pharyngeal Diseases; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37436593
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02561-7 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research Mar 2016To assess feasibility of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in awake dogs, determine whether specific variables associated with the oropharyngeal phase...
OBJECTIVE
To assess feasibility of flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in awake dogs, determine whether specific variables associated with the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing can be recognized, and evaluate the safety and tolerability of FEES.
ANIMALS
6 healthy client-owned large- and giant-breed adult dogs.
PROCEDURES
A topical anesthetic was applied to the nasal passage of each dog, and a fiberoptic endoscope was passed transnasally until the tip of the scope was positioned in the oropharynx. All dogs voluntarily drank colored water followed by consumption of a commercial canned diet and then a kibble diet mixed with food color. During each swallow, laryngeal and pharyngeal anatomic structures were evaluated and depth of bolus flow prior to the pharyngeal phase of swallowing was assessed. Evidence of bolus retention in the vallecula or pyriform sinuses and laryngeal penetration of the bolus were recorded.
RESULTS
FEES was completed without major adverse events and was tolerated well by all 6 dogs. Mild, self-limiting epistaxis was noted for 2 dogs. The nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx were observed in all dogs; movement of food boluses through the esophagus was observed in 2 dogs, and food boluses in the stomach were visible in 1 dog. Pharyngeal and laryngeal function was considered physiologically normal in all dogs.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
FEES appeared to be a feasible diagnostic tool for use in large- and giant-breed dogs. Studies are warranted in dogs with oropharyngeal dysphagia to determine whether FEES can be tolerated and whether it can augment videofluoroscopy findings.
Topics: Animals; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Esophagoscopy; Female; Male; Pharynx
PubMed: 26919601
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.77.3.294 -
American Journal of Speech-language... Mar 2023Spinal pathology is very common with advancing age and can cause dysphagia; however, it is unclear how frequently these pathologies affect swallowing function. This...
PURPOSE
Spinal pathology is very common with advancing age and can cause dysphagia; however, it is unclear how frequently these pathologies affect swallowing function. This study evaluates how cervical spinal pathology may impact swallowing function in dysphagic individuals observed during videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs).
METHOD
A retrospective case-control study was performed on 100 individuals with dysphagia as well as age-/gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) with available VFSS. Spinal anatomy of patients was classified into two predetermined categories, and a consensus decision of whether spinal pathology influenced swallowing physiology was made. Validated swallow metrics, including Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) component scores, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) maximum scores, and 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores, were compared between the spine-associated dysphagia (SAD), non-SAD (NSAD), and HC groups using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance.
RESULTS
Most patients with dysphagia had spinal pathology. Spinal pathology was judged to be the primary etiology of dysphagia in 16.9% of patients with abnormal spine pathology. Median EAT-10 scores were statistically different among the three groups, with the NSAD group scoring the highest and the HC group scoring the lowest. Similarly, median PAS scores were significantly different between dysphagic groups and HCs. Median MBSImP Oral Total scores were significantly different only between the NSAD group and HCs, whereas Pharyngeal Total score was not significantly different among the groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Spinal pathology is commonly observed during VFSS and can contribute to dysphagia, resulting in worse swallowing-related outcomes when compared with HCs. Patients judged to have SAD tended to have better outcomes than patients with dysphagia from other etiologies, perhaps due to the progressive nature of spinal disease that allows for compensatory swallowing physiology over time.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Retrospective Studies; Case-Control Studies; Spinal Diseases
PubMed: 36749843
DOI: 10.1044/2022_AJSLP-22-00257 -
The Lancet. Microbe Jul 2021Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality. A reinvigorated vaccine development effort calls for new clinically relevant... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality. A reinvigorated vaccine development effort calls for new clinically relevant human S pyogenes experimental infection models to support proof of concept evaluation of candidate vaccines. We describe the initial Controlled Human Infection for Vaccination Against S pyogenes (CHIVAS-M75) study, in which we aimed to identify a dose of emm75 S pyogenes that causes acute pharyngitis in at least 60% of volunteers when applied to the pharynx by swab.
METHODS
This observational, dose-finding study was done in a clinical trials facility in Melbourne (VIC, Australia). Groups of healthy volunteers aged 18-40 years, at low risk of complicated S pyogenes disease, and without high type-specific anti-emm75 IgG antibodies against the challenge strain were challenged and closely monitored as inpatients for up to 6 days, and then as outpatients for 6 months. Antibiotics were started upon diagnosis (clinical signs and symptoms of pharyngitis and a positive rapid molecular test) or after 5 days in those without pharyngitis. Rapid test results were confirmed by standard bacterial culture. After a sentinel participant, cohorts of five and then ten participants were challenged, with protocol-directed dose-escalation or de-escalation for subsequent cohorts. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants at each dose level with pharyngitis by day 5 after challenge. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03361163.
FINDINGS
Between July 10, 2018, and Sept 23, 2019, 25 healthy adults were challenged with emm75 S pyogenes and included in analyses. Pharyngitis was diagnosed in 17 (85%; 95% CI 62-97) of 20 participants at the starting dose level (1-3 × 10 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL). This high proportion prompted dose de-escalation. At the lower dose level (1-3 × 10 CFU/mL), pharyngitis was diagnosed in one of five participants. Immunological, biochemical, and microbiological results supported the clinical picture, with acute symptomatic pharyngitis characterised by pharyngeal colonisation by S pyogenes accompanied by significantly elevated C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines (eg, interferon-γ and interleukin-6), and modest serological responses to streptolysin O and deoxyribonuclease B. There were no severe (grade 3) or serious adverse events related to challenge.
INTERPRETATION
We have established a reliable pharyngitis human infection model with reassuring early safety findings to accelerate development of vaccines and other interventions to control disease due to S pyogenes.
FUNDING
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Humans; Pharyngitis; Pharynx; Scarlet Fever; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 35544165
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30240-8 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Sep 2021
Topics: Adolescent; Calculi; Humans; Male; Medical Illustration; Palatine Tonsil; Pharyngeal Diseases; Tonsillectomy
PubMed: 32182137
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320908484 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Nov 2021Primary (chemo)radiation (CHRT) for HNC may lead to late dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of swallowing disorders based on prospectively... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Relationship between videofluoroscopic and subjective (physician- and patient- rated) assessment of late swallowing dysfunction after (chemo) radiation: Results of a prospective observational study.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Primary (chemo)radiation (CHRT) for HNC may lead to late dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of swallowing disorders based on prospectively collected objective videofluoroscopic (VF) assessment and to assess the correlations between VF findings and subjective (physician- and patient-rated) swallowing measures.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
189 consecutive HNC patients receiving (CH)RT were included. Swallowing evaluation at baseline and 6 months after treatment (T6) encompassed: CTCAE v.4.0 scores (aspiration/dysphagia), PROMs: SWAL QOL/ EORTC QLQ-H&N35 (swallowing domain) questionnaires and VF evaluation: Penetration Aspiration Scale, semi-quantitative swallowing pathophysiology evaluation, temporal measures and oral/pharyngeal residue quantification. Aspiration specific PROMs (aPROMs) were selected. Correlations between late penetration/aspiration (PA_T6) and: clinical factors, CTCAE and aPROMs were assessed using uni- and multivariable analysis.
RESULTS
Prevalence of PA increased from 20% at baseline to 43% after treatment (p < 0.001). The most relevant baseline predictors for PA_T6 were: PA_T0, age, disease stage III-IV, bilateral RT and baseline aPROM 'Choking when drinking' (AUC: 0.84). In general aPROMs correlated better with VF-based PA than CTCAE scores. The most of physiological swallowing components significantly correlated and predictive for PA (i.e. Laryngeal Vestibular Closure, Laryngeal Elevation and Pharyngeal Contraction) were prone to radiation damage.
CONCLUSION
The risk of RT-induced PA is substantial. Presented prediction models for late penetration/aspiration may support patient selection for baseline and follow-up VF examination. Furthermore, all aspiration related OARs involved in aforementioned swallowing components should be addressed in swallowing sparing strategies. The dose to these structures as well as baseline PROMs should be included in future NTCP models for aspiration.
Topics: Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Physicians; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34592362
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.09.017 -
The Journal of Emergency Medicine Feb 2023The emerging 2022 human mpox virus outbreak has presented with unique disease manifestations challenging prior case definitions.
BACKGROUND
The emerging 2022 human mpox virus outbreak has presented with unique disease manifestations challenging prior case definitions.
CASE REPORT
We present a case of a 42-year-old transgender woman with human immunodeficiency virus controlled on antiretroviral therapy, presenting with sore throat, who, after three emergency department visits, was found to have acute tonsillitis complicated by airway obstruction secondary to mpox. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Sore throat is a common presentation to the emergency department. mpox should be placed on the list of differential diagnoses when evaluating patients who present with pharyngitis to avoid complications or a missed diagnosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Tonsillitis; Mpox (monkeypox); Peritonsillar Abscess; Pharyngitis; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 36822985
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2022.12.029 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022The underlying pathogenesis of pediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and recurrent tonsillitis (RT) are poorly understood but need to be elucidated to...
BACKGROUND
The underlying pathogenesis of pediatric obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and recurrent tonsillitis (RT) are poorly understood but need to be elucidated to develop less invasive treatment and prevention strategies.
METHODS
Children aged between 1- and 16-years undergoing adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy for SDB (n=40), RT alone (n=18), or both SDB and RT (SDB+RT) (n=17) were recruited with age-matched healthy controls (n=33). Total bacterial load and species-specific densities of nontypeable (NTHi) and were measured by qPCR in nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, adenoid and tonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT, and in naso- and oro- pharyngeal swabs from healthy children. A subset of tonsil biopsies were examined for biofilms using 16S rRNA FISH (n=3/group).
RESULTS
The 5 bacterial species were detected in naso- and oro- pharyngeal samples from all children. These species were frequently detected in adenotonsillar tissue (except , which was absent in adenoids) from children with SDB, SDB+RT and RT. NTHi and were observed in tonsils from 66.7-88.2% and 33.3-58.8% of children respectively. Similar total and species-specific bacterial densities were observed in adenotonsillar tissue from children with SDB, SDB+RT or RT. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were more likely to have multiple bacterial species co-detected than adenotonsillar tissue where one or two targeted species predominated. Polymicrobial biofilms and intracellular bacteria were observed in tonsils from children with adenotonsillar disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Antimicrobials, particularly anti-biofilm therapies, may be a strategy for managing children with SDB.
Topics: Biofilms; Child; Humans; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Staphylococcus aureus; Tonsillitis
PubMed: 35295756
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.831887 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2021Head and neck cancer patients often suffer from dysphagia after surgery and radiotherapy. A singing-enhanced swallowing protocol was established to improve their...
BACKGROUND
Head and neck cancer patients often suffer from dysphagia after surgery and radiotherapy. A singing-enhanced swallowing protocol was established to improve their swallowing function. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of therapeutic singing on dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
METHODS
Patients who participated in this study were allocated to the intervention group (15 patients) and the control group (13 patients). Patients assigned to the intervention group received therapeutic singing 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups, including the oral cavity cancer group and the pharyngeal cancer group. The patients' vocal functions were evaluated in maximum phonation time, pitch, intensity, jitter, shimmer, harmonics to noise ratio, and laryngeal diadochokinesis (L-DDK). To evaluate swallowing function, videofluoroscopic swallowing study was done, and the results were analyzed by videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) and dynamic imaging grade of swallowing toxicity (DIGEST).
RESULTS
Among the voice parameters, L-DDK of the intervention group significantly increased compared to that of the control group. Swallowing functions of the intervention group were significantly improved in VDS and DIGEST after the intervention. Detailed items of VDS and DIGEST showed improvements especially in the pharyngeal phase score of VDS, such as laryngeal elevation, pharyngeal transit time, and aspiration. In addition, the pharyngeal cancer group showed significant improvements in VDS and DIGEST scores after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Our outcomes highlight the beneficial effects of singing for HNC patients with dysphagia. The notable improvements in the pharyngeal phase suggest that therapeutic singing would be more appropriate for HNC patients who need to improve their intrinsic muscle movements of vocal fold and laryngeal elevation.
Topics: Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Singing
PubMed: 34903088
DOI: 10.1177/15347354211065040 -
Surgical Endoscopy May 2023Advances in endoscopic imaging technology have led to an increase in detection of superficial pharyngeal squamous carcinoma. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has...
BACKGROUND
Advances in endoscopic imaging technology have led to an increase in detection of superficial pharyngeal squamous carcinoma. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of these lesions, however there is still insufficient evidence on the long-term results of pharyngeal ESD.
METHODS
This is a single-center retrospective study of all cases of superficial pharyngeal cancer that underwent ESD as primary treatment between January 2010 and May 2022. A total of 83 lesions in 63 patients were analyzed.
RESULTS
The en bloc resection rate was 100%, and R0 resection rate was 59.0%, with an adverse event rate of 6.0%. During a mean observation period of 1134 days, there were 0 cases of disease-specific metastasis or death. However, the 5-year cumulative incidence of metachronous head and neck cancer after resection was 27.1% and the 5-year overall survival and 10-year overall survival after pharyngeal ESD were 87.0% and 69.6%, respectively. Of the 34 cases with non-R0 resection, local recurrence occurred in 8.8%. Location of lesion (p = 0.011), disparity between demarcation of the lesion with NBI and iodine staining (p = 0.026), and non-effective laryngeal elevation (p = 0.080) were risk factors for non-R0 resection.
CONCLUSION
Pharyngeal ESD is effective and safe. Further studies are needed to improve and standardize indications and strategies for pharyngeal ESD.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Prognosis; Endoscopy; Treatment Outcome; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 36624214
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09820-8