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Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology Jul 2021Unilateral vocal folds paralysis is a disorder that affects a patient's quality-of-life by disturbing their phonation, breathing, and swallowing activities. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Unilateral vocal folds paralysis is a disorder that affects a patient's quality-of-life by disturbing their phonation, breathing, and swallowing activities. This systematic review aimed to estimate the efficacy of voice treatment on the vocal fold motility in adult patients with unilateral vocal folds paralysis.
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched for retrospective and prospective cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional with comparative studies with adults that were published between 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 10 studies containing morpho-functional evaluation results were included in the analysis. Pooled data analysis of the motility of the vocal folds before and after voice therapy allowed inferring about the efficacy of voice therapy intervention in patients with unilateral vocal folds paralysis. A random-effect model was used to estimate the effect size. Publication bias was considered.
RESULTS
The pooled data analysis of the visual-perceptual measures revealed that vocal fold motility improved in 72% (95% CI: 64.0-80.0) of all patients after the therapeutic interventions. The inconsistency index ( = 18.35%) of the studies included in this meta-analysis revealed an extremely low heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Cochran's Q test showed no publication bias. The systematic review was limited to only English language articles.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis supports the evidence that voice therapy intervention can have a positive effect on the vocal fold motility, that is, they can improve the glottal gap closure, irrespective of the exercises and techniques used.
Topics: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Language Therapy; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Speech; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords; Voice Quality
PubMed: 32406287
DOI: 10.1080/14015439.2020.1762730 -
Journal of the Neurological Sciences May 2011Patients with medically intractable seizures who are not candidates for epilepsy surgery are left with few options. Vagal nerve stimulation therapy is often a viable... (Review)
Review
Patients with medically intractable seizures who are not candidates for epilepsy surgery are left with few options. Vagal nerve stimulation therapy is often a viable alternative for these patients and can have a positive impact on quality of life. Rarely complications may occur. We report a case of mild blunt neck trauma resulting in VNS malfunction and delayed vocal cord paralysis. A systematic review of the literature on VNS malfunction, self-inflicted injuries, vagal nerve injury, and common side effects including voice changes was performed. Only a handful of relevant publications were found. Symptoms following VNS dysfunction include pain, dyspnea, and dysphonia. These symptoms are usually nonspecific, and in many cases, do not help differentiate from vagal nerve traction, lead breakage, or pulse generator malfunction. In our case, lead fracture and visible traction injury to the left vagus nerve were seen during surgical exploration. The vocal cord function completely recovered after revision of the leads. Prompt medical attention including appropriate diagnostic studies and early surgical exploration is necessary in cases of delayed vocal cord dysfunction and can help prevent long-term complications such as neuroma formation. The authors present a unique case of reversible vocal cord injury from blunt neck trauma leading to left vagus nerve damage.
Topics: Equipment Failure; Female; Humans; Neck Injuries; Vagus Nerve Stimulation; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Young Adult
PubMed: 21397256
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.02.022 -
The Laryngoscope Sep 2016Correct assessment of patients with a glottic lesion is crucial for ensuring proper treatment in cases of cancer or premalignancy and for avoiding unnecessary surgery.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Correct assessment of patients with a glottic lesion is crucial for ensuring proper treatment in cases of cancer or premalignancy and for avoiding unnecessary surgery. For years, videostroboscopy (VS) has been the gold standard for assessing such lesions, but diagnostic difficulties have been described. We aim to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of VS in differentiating early glottic cancer from noninvasive lesions by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed and Embase databases were searched without restrictions on publication date.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. We systematically searched the literature for publications on stroboscopic diagnosis of cancer or premalignant lesions on the vocal cords. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively assessed. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of VS were calculated, and bubble and summary receiver operating characteristics plots were created.
RESULTS
A meta-analysis was conducted on five studies with a total of 307 patients. The sensitivities of VS within the single studies ranged from 86% to 100% and specificities ranged from 7% to 93%. The meta-analysis showed that the sensitivity of the combined results was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-0.98), and the specificity was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.21-0.93).
CONCLUSION
VS is able to identify almost all patients with cancer, but only approximately two-thirds of patients with noninvasive lesions are correctly identified as not having cancer. Further research concerning assessment of patients with vocal cord lesions is needed.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
NA Laryngoscope, 126:2079-2084, 2016.
Topics: Early Detection of Cancer; Glottis; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Predictive Value of Tests; Stroboscopy; Video Recording
PubMed: 26524997
DOI: 10.1002/lary.25745 -
Updates in Surgery Oct 2023This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the surgical outcomes of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the surgical outcomes of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) and transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT). We carried out a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar on studies comparing TOETVA and TORT until January 2023. A total of five articles published between 2018 and 2023 that matched the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies included 641 patients (394 TOETVA patients and 247 TORT patients). TOETVA group was associated with a significantly shorter operative time with a mean difference of 60.08 min [95% confidence interval (CI) - 83.95 to - 36.20; P < 0.001). Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was more common in the TOETVA group than the TORT group (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.14-7.88; P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the other outcomes, including the length of hospital stay, postoperative pain scores, number of central lymph nodes retrieved, permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, and transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism. The TOETVA group was associated with shorter operative time and more transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy than the TORT group. Each procedure has its benefits and limitations. The surgical approach should be determined by considering the patient's characteristics and preferences, as well as the surgeon's preference and area of expertise.
Topics: Humans; Thyroidectomy; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Hypoparathyroidism; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 37556081
DOI: 10.1007/s13304-023-01623-3 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Feb 2021To examine and compare the outcomes of various types of glottic widening surgery (GWS) for initial management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) in children, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To examine and compare the outcomes of various types of glottic widening surgery (GWS) for initial management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) in children, the outcomes of different GWS procedures in children who underwent initial tracheostomy, and the rate of decannulation in children who underwent tracheostomy alone versus tracheostomy followed by GWS.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) on September 9, 2019, with no date restriction.
REVIEW METHODS
Articles focusing on GWS or tracheostomy for initial management of BVFP were included. Articles describing patients who received no surgical intervention for BVFP were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 5989 articles were reviewed: 67 articles met inclusion criteria, and 240 patients were incorporated into the analysis. Patients who underwent primary GWS had an eventual tracheostomy rate of 6.0% (5/83). There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of tracheostomy, reoperation, or mortality among cricoid split, suture lateralization, and cordectomy/cordotomy. Patients who underwent primary tracheostomy failed to achieve decannulation in 36.9% (58/157) of cases. Decannulation was more likely in tracheostomized children who received GWS than those who did not (odds ratio, 6.336; < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Most children who undergo primary GWS for BVFP avoid tracheostomy or reoperation. These data demonstrated no differences in surgical outcomes among the most common types of GWS for BVFP. For children who receive a tracheostomy as their first intervention for BVFP, GWS is associated with a significantly improved rate of decannulation.
Topics: Child; Humans; Laryngoscopy; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords; Voice Quality
PubMed: 32689890
DOI: 10.1177/0194599820944892 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2012This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 2, 2001 and previously updated in 2007 and 2009.Vocal cord nodules are bilateral,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 2, 2001 and previously updated in 2007 and 2009.Vocal cord nodules are bilateral, benign, callous-like growths of the mid-portion of the membranous vocal folds. They are of variable size and are characterised histologically by thickening of the epithelium with a variable degree of inflammation in the underlying superficial lamina propria. They characteristically produce hoarseness, discomfort and an unstable voice when speaking or singing.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of surgery versus non-surgical interventions for vocal cord nodules.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; BIOSIS Previews; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ISRCTN and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 9 April 2012.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing any surgical intervention for vocal cord nodules with non-surgical treatment or no treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
No suitable trials were identified.
MAIN RESULTS
No studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for high-quality randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules.
Topics: Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 22696326
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001934.pub2 -
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... May 2014Vocal process granulomas (VPGs) are benign laryngeal lesions with controversial treatment and a tendency to recur. There are several treatment options with unpredictable... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Vocal process granulomas (VPGs) are benign laryngeal lesions with controversial treatment and a tendency to recur. There are several treatment options with unpredictable results, high recurrence rates, and disappointing long-term outcome. The aims of this article are to focus on evidence-based current treatment strategies for primary lesions and recurrences.
DATA SOURCES
The data came from a systematic review of the literature.
METHODS
Main outcome measures were recurrence rate, reduction, and/or complete resolution. Inclusion criteria included English literature, randomized and nonrandomized trials, prospective and retrospective studies, and primary and recurrent cases. Exclusion criteria included case reports, teaching reviews, and papers not focusing on treatment.
RESULTS
The time frame of the included studies was from 1997 to 2012. There are 6 different treatment options (single or combined) for VPG. Antireflux medication is the mainstay treatment and when combined with lifestyle changes and voice therapy results in the lowest recurrence rate. "Bloodless" in-office or in-theater laser techniques appear to have lower recurrence rates when compared to traditional cold steel microlaryngoscopy techniques, especially for recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS
There is level 2A evidence that antireflux treatment is the main treatment strategy for vocal process granulomas with surgery reserved only for failures of medical treatment or airway obstruction or when diagnosis is in doubt.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins; Granuloma; Granuloma, Laryngeal; Humans; Life Style; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; Speech Therapy; Steroids; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 24642585
DOI: 10.1177/0003489414525921 -
The Laryngoscope Aug 2016Current interventions in the management of vocal fold (VF) dysfunction focus on conservative and surgical approaches. However, the complex structure and precise... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Current interventions in the management of vocal fold (VF) dysfunction focus on conservative and surgical approaches. However, the complex structure and precise biomechanical properties of the human VF mean that these strategies have their limitations in clinical practice and in some cases offer inadequate levels of success. Regenerative medicine is an exciting development in this field and has the potential to further enhance VF recovery beyond conventional treatments. Our aim in this review is to discuss advances in the field of regenerative medicine; that is, advances in the process of replacing, engineering, or regenerating the VF through utilization of stem cells, with the intention of restoring normal VF structure and function.
DATA SOURCES
English literature (1946-2015) review.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE for cases and studies of VF tissue engineering utilizing stem cells.
RESULTS
The three main approaches by which regenerative medicine is currently applied to VF regeneration include cell therapy, scaffold development, and utilization of growth factors.
CONCLUSION
Exciting advances have been made in stem cell biology in recent years, including use of induced pluripotent stem cells. We expect such advances to be translated into the field in the forthcoming years. Laryngoscope, 126:1865-1870, 2016.
Topics: Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Tissue Engineering; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 26774977
DOI: 10.1002/lary.25820 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Nov 2022Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion considered to be within the spectrum of histopathological results from parakeratosis, through stages of dysplasia to invasive... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion considered to be within the spectrum of histopathological results from parakeratosis, through stages of dysplasia to invasive cancer. Narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy has been introduced to improve early diagnosis of benign and malignant laryngeal lesions. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative evaluation of vocal fold leukoplakia with NBI endoscopy in comparison with histology.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using 3 different databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The included articles in the systematic review were identified combining each of the following terms: "narrow band imaging" OR "NBI," [AND] with each of these terms: "laryngeal leukoplakia," OR "vocal fold leukoplakia," OR "vocal cord leukoplakia."
RESULTS
The articles that fully met the inclusion criteria were 5 case series, conducted between January 2010 and February 2018, and published between 2017 and 2019. The selected articles included 312 patients (86% males and 14% females), affected by 382 vocal cord leukoplakia, evaluated with NBI endoscopy and that underwent surgical microlaryngoscopy with biopsy. Based on the studies included in the review, accuracy of NBI in predicting malignancy within leukoplakia ranged from 81% to 97.8%, demonstrating to be an accurate method to predict the risk of malignant transformation of vocal fold leukoplakia.
CONCLUSION
Narrow band imaging can help otolaryngologists in the decision-making process on the necessity to perform a biopsy and transoral surgery or long-term follow-up. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the high association of NBI evaluation of the epithelium surrounding the leukoplakia with the histological diagnosis.
Topics: Endoscopy; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Leukoplakia; Male; Narrow Band Imaging; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 33213196
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320973770 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jul 2023Thyroid disease is a common endocrine disorder, and thyroid surgeries and postoperative complications have increased recently. This study aimed to explore the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Thyroid disease is a common endocrine disorder, and thyroid surgeries and postoperative complications have increased recently. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in endoscopic thyroid surgery using subgroup analysis and determine confounding factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two researchers individually searched for relevant studies published till November 2022 in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Eventually, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test, and a funnel plot was implemented to evaluate publication bias. The odds ratio or risk difference were calculated using fixed-effects models. The weighted mean difference of continuous variables was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the disease type.
RESULTS
Eight eligible papers included 915 patients and 1242 exposed nerves. The frequencies of transient, permanent and total recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy were 2.64, 0.19 and 2.83%, respectively, in the IONM group and 6.15, 0.75 and 6.90%, respectively, in the conventional exposure group. In addition, analysis of the secondary outcome indicators for the average total length of surgery, localisation time of the RLN, recognition rate of the superior laryngeal nerve and length of incision revealed that IONM reduced the localisation time of the RLN and increased the identification rate of the superior laryngeal nerve. Subgroup analysis showed that IONM significantly reduced the incidence of RLN palsy in patients with malignancies.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of IONM significantly reduced the incidence of transient RLN palsy during endoscopic thyroid surgery, but it did not significantly reduce the incidence of permanent RLN palsy. However, the reduction in the total RLN palsy was statistically significant. In addition, IONM can effectively reduce the location time of the RLN and increase the recognition rate of the superior laryngeal nerve. Therefore, the application of IONM for malignant tumours is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Gland; Thyroidectomy; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Vocal Cord Paralysis
PubMed: 37318897
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000393