Medial arytenoidectomy versus transverse cordotomy as a treatment for bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objectives: Transverse cordotomy (TC) and medial arytenoidectomy (MA) are procedures performed to enlarge the glottic airway in patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP). Both are less destructive than total arytenoidectomy and have distinct theoretical advantages for voice preservation, but they have never been compared.

Methods: The records of patients with BVFP treated with TC or MA were reviewed; information regarding the outcome measures of tracheotomy decannulation, dysphagia, Voice Handicap Index score, voice intensity, clinical course, and preoperative and postoperative voice quality was obtained.

Is chronic nonmalignant pain associated with decreased appetite in older adults? Preliminary evidence.

Objectives: To examine the association between self-reported appetite impairment and pain intensity in community-dwelling older adults with chronic nonmalignant pain.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: An outpatient pain clinic at the University of Pittsburgh.