Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes in Type 1 Thyroplasty Comparing Silastic to Gore-Tex.

Objective: Type 1 Thyroplasty is a well-established procedure used for medializing an immobile vocal fold. Silastic and Gore-Tex are the two most common materials used to accomplish this, but comparative data on their relative efficacy are scarce. We sought to compare outcomes between Silastic and Gore-Tex implants via systematic review and meta-analysis for unilateral vocal fold immobility.

Survey of Practice Patterns in the Use of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Blocks.

Objective: Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injection is performed for a variety of upper aerodigestive tract-related indications. Existing literature examines the efficacy of SLN injection for specific indications. However, there is a paucity of insight into overall practice patterns and a lack of standardization, particularly with regards to medication and dosing, treatment time frame, and circumstances.

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Google Search Analysis.

Objective: No studies describe what patients search for online in relation to retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD). Our objectives were to describe the Google search volume for RCPD, identify the most common queries related to RCPD, and evaluate the available online resources.

Study Design: Observational.

Virtual Reality for Pain Management During High-Resolution Manometry: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. HRM is typically performed in the office with local anesthesia only, and many patients find it unpleasant and painful. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a virtual reality (VR) headset on pain and anxiety outcomes in patients with dysphagia undergoing HRM.

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.

Transoral Laser Microsurgical Excision of a Laryngeal Schwannoma Located in the Paraglottic Space.

Objectives/hypothesis: To report the first case of transoral excision of a paraglottic laryngeal schwannoma.

Methods: Case report.

Results: Laryngeal schwannomas are rare tumors, with approximately 75 cases reported to date worldwide.

Pilot Study: Pneumatic Compression Garment Therapy for Postradiotherapy Laryngopharyngeal Edema.

Objectives: Pneumatic compression garment therapy (PCGT) has been established as treatment for postradiotherapy lymphedema, and its use in head and neck patients is becoming more common. Although effects on interstitial edema of the cervical soft tissues have been studied, effects on internal laryngopharyngeal edema, as well as associated symptoms of dysphagia and dysphonia, have yet to be published.

Methods: We surveyed 7 patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer (HNC) who had also been prescribed PCGT for cervical lymphedema.

Incidence of contralateral-bilateral nodes in the human papillomavirus era.

Objectives/hypothesis: HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has a more favorable prognosis when compared to HPV-negative disease, regardless of the presence of nodal metastases. However, the importance of contralateral neck treatment based on HPV status has not been well studied. Given the historically poor prognostic implications of cervical nodal metastases, this study sought to elucidate the relationship between HPV status and contralateral/bilateral nodal metastasis in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Long-term Voice Outcomes of Early Thyroplasty for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Following Aortic Arch Surgery.

Objective: To describe this institution's experience with and the long-term outcomes of early type 1 thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) following surgery on the aortic arch.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review with telephone questionnaire.

Setting: Academic tertiary care center.

Surgical Management of a Functional Paraganglioma of the Infratemporal Fossa.

Background Paragangliomas are rare neural crest tumors that can manifest in the head and neck as either functional or more commonly as nonfunctional lesions. Paragangliomas of the infratemporal fossa are exceedingly rare, with no more than a handful of documented cases. Like other tumors of this space, surgical management is challenging on account of complex anatomy and nearby critical structures.

Compliance and quality of life in patients on prescribed voice rest.

Objectives: To determine patient compliance with voice rest and the impact of voice rest on quality of life (QOL).

Study Design: Prospective.

Setting: University hospital.