Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx with Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis: A Rare Coincidence.

We herein report a rare coincidence and a possible association between laryngotracheal fungal infection and spindle cell carcinoma of the larynx (SpCC). A 79-year-old gentleman presented to the Emergency Department with manifestations of airway obstruction. Flexible nasendoscopy showed pooling of saliva around the larynx and his neck palpation did not show cervical lymphadenopathy.

Laryngeal Schwannoma: A Rare Entity.

Of all schwannomas, 24-45% arise from the head and neck area. Laryngeal schwannoma is an uncommon site. We report a case of a 34-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with worsening sudden onset inspiratory stridor.

Sternocleidomastoid flap augmentation of the pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap augmentation of the pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy on the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Thirty patients with T4a laryngeal carcinoma and none of them receiving primary radiotherapy previously were divided into two equal groups. Group A patients had SCM flap augmentation of the pharyngeal closure after total laryngectomy.

External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve Mediated Glottic Closing Force in the Porcine Model.

Objectives: Based on our laboratory's newly confirmed motor pathway for glottic closure, we measured the glottic closing force (GCF) during isolated stimulation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (eSLN) in the porcine model. Glottic closure is 1 of the primary mechanisms for prevention of aspiration during deglutition.

Methods: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and eSLN were identified bilaterally in 4 porcine necks.

Is the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve Dispensable in Thyroid Surgery?

Background: There is growing evidence that the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (eSLN) participates in thyroarytenoid (TA) contraction, but little data quantify its role in vocal cord adduction. Injury to the eSLN, such as in thyroid surgery, is difficult to diagnose and likely underappreciated. It is the authors' belief that eSLN injury contributes to aspiration by depriving its contribution to the laryngeal plexus.