Beyond complete remission: A comparative analysis of long-term laryngeal function in patients with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer following radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation.

Background: This study evaluates functional larynx preservation in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) and laryngeal cancer (LC) who achieved complete remission following radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT).

Methods: HPC and LC patients treated with RT/CCRT from 1999 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Severe late dysphagia and tracheostomy cases were assessed to determine laryngeal function.

Healthcare service use and medical outcomes of tracheostomy-dependent children: a nationwide study.

Background: Despite the rising trend of tracheostomies in children, there is a lack of comprehensive resources for families to navigate the challenges of living with a tracheostomy, emphasising the need for evidence-based support in understanding postoperative care and long-term adjustments. This study aimed to examine the pattern of using healthcare services and nationwide medical outcomes in children who underwent a tracheotomy before the age of 2 years.

Methods: This retrospective study used the National Health Insurance System database from 2008 to 2016 and included all children codified with tracheotomy procedure codes before their second birthday.

Predictors of Early and Late Response to Esomezol and Lifestyle Modification in Adults With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Prospective, Multicenter, Open-Label Cohort Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess predictors of the response to varying durations of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and lifestyle modification treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).

Methods: Between October 2014 and June 2016, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-cohort, intention-to-treat, observational study was conducted at eight referral hospitals across the Republic of Korea to examine predictors of early and late response to treatment in adult patients (age ≥19 years) with LPRD. Participants underwent standard treatment (PPI [Esomezol] and lifestyle modification) for 3 months.

The Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Subglottic Cysts in Children: A Clinical Experience Using the Spontaneous Respiration Technique.

Objectives: Subglottic cysts (SGCs) are a rare cause of respiratory distress resulting from upper airway obstruction in infants and young children. Risk factors other than prematurity with a history of endotracheal intubation have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical features and analyze the risk factors of SGCs.

Assessment of Esophageal Reconstruction via Bioreactor Cultivation of a Synthetic Scaffold in a Canine Model.

Objectives: Using tissue-engineered materials for esophageal reconstruction is a technically challenging task in animals that requires bioreactor training to enhance cellular reactivity. There have been many attempts at esophageal tissue engineering, but the success rate has been limited due to difficulty in initial epithelialization in the special environment of peristalsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of an artificial esophagus that can enhance the regeneration of esophageal mucosa and muscle through the optimal combination of a double-layered polymeric scaffold and a custom-designed mesenchymal stem cell-based bioreactor system in a canine model.

Prevention of Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula Formation as a Complication of Tracheostomy: Two Case Reports.

Tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIF) is a rare complication of tracheostomy and refers to the formation of a fistula between the trachea and innominate artery. Because TIF is fatal, prevention rather than treatment is very important. Here we report the cases of two high-risk patients who underwent tracheostomy, and in whose cases attempts were made to lower the risk of TIF.

Tongue Reduction Surgery Improves Mandibular Prognathism in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Without Compromising Tongue Function.

Objectives: This study evaluated the surgical outcomes of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome who underwent tongue-reduction surgery and analyzed whether the malocclusion and mandibular prognathism caused by macroglossia could be improved.

Methods: A retrospective medical record review was performed for 11 patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome whose macroglossia was surgically treated. Demographic data, symptoms and signs, and intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes were evaluated.

The Expression of Defensin-Associated Genes May Be Correlated With Lymph Node Metastasis of Early-Stage Tongue Cancer.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the genetic differences between cases of early-stage tongue cancer that were positive or negative for lymph node metastasis.

Methods: In total, 35 cases of tongue cancer with RNA sequencing data were enrolled in this study. The gene expression profile of the following two groups was compared: N0 group (T stage 1 or 2 with N0 stage) and N+ group (T stage 1 or 2 with N+ stage).

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for early stage glottic cancer: efficacy of 3.5 Gy per fraction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicity profile of patients with early glottic cancer who underwent hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) with 3.5 Gy per fraction.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of 35 patients with early stage (T1-2N0M0) glottic cancer who underwent definitive RT.

Case of impacted subglottic metallic foreign body removal without tracheostomy through an endotracheal tube.

A foreign body in the upper airway can cause serious morbidity and mortality, especially in pediatric patients. This case report describes an innovative way to remove an impacted foreign body distal to the vocal folds through an endotracheal tube without tracheostomy.

Injection laryngoplasty of human adipose-derived stem cell spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel improves the morphological and functional characteristics of geriatric larynx.

Aim: As the geriatric population increased, the need of treatment for laryngeal atrophy and dysfunction increased. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of injection of human adipose-derived stem cell (hASC) spheroid-loaded catechol-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-CA) hydrogel on therapeutic rejuvenation of the geriatric larynx.

Methods: Stem cell spheroids with hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel were injected into the laryngeal muscles of 18-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats.

Endoscopic management of pin stuck into the segmental bronchus.

This case is a challenging case review of a successful removal of sharp and deep located airway foreign body using ventilating bronchoscopy.

Efficacy of high-flow nasal oxygenation compared with tracheal intubation for oxygenation during laryngeal microsurgery: a randomised non-inferiority study.

Background: Oxygenation via a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can be an alternative to tracheal intubation during short apnoeic procedures. This randomised, non-inferiority study assessed the efficacy of HFNC compared with tracheal intubation in laryngeal microsurgery.

Methods: Patients (≥20 yr old) undergoing laryngeal microsurgery under general anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade were randomised to either the HFNC or tracheal intubation groups.

Application and Efficiency of Transnasal Humidified Rapid-Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange in Laryngeal Microsurgery.

Objectives/hypothesis: This study aimed to analyze the feasibility of transnasal humidified rapid-insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) during laryngeal microsurgery (LMS) and investigated its efficiency and application according to the location of the lesion.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Patients over 20 years of age who underwent LMS without underlying cardiac, pulmonary, or cerebrovascular disease were retrospectively reviewed.

Effects of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty on voice and swallowing problems in cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Background: Unilateral vocal cord paralysis may result from nerve compression by tumors or direct nerve injuries during tumor resections, which can cause dysphonia or dysphagia, and reduced quality of life.

Objectives: This prospective, single-group study aimed to investigate the effect of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty on voice and swallowing function in patients with cancer-related unilateral vocal cord paralysis.

Methods: Patients underwent percutaneous injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid under local anesthesia.

Primary versus modified secondary closure techniques for persistent tracheocutaneous fistula in pediatric patients.

Purpose: This study aimed at compating two closure techniques for tracheocutaneous fistulas (TCFs) in pediatric patients.

Methods: A total of 106 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent closure of a persistent TCF between April 2007 and February 2021 at a tertiary pediatric hospital were evaluated, and 103 pediatric patients aged between 12 months and 18 years were included. The clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes were compared between TCF closure by primary closure (Group 1) and a modified secondary healing technique (Group 2).

Multilevel Airway Stenosis Being Bypassed by a Customized Tracheostomy Tube in an Infant with Myhre Syndrome.

Myhre syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the gene. Although recognizing Myhre syndrome in early childhood is challenging, it is important to manage airway stenosis in patients with Myhre syndrome. We report the case of a 2-month-old boy who initially presented with severe multilevel airway stenosis, dysmorphic face, and multiple abnormalities.

Feasibility of Surgical Treatment for Laryngomalacia Using the Spontaneous Respiration Technique.

Objectives: In this study, we review our institutional experience with pediatric laryngomalacia (LM) and report our experiences of patients undergoing supraglottoplasty using the spontaneous respiration using intravenous anesthesia and high-flow nasal oxygen (STRIVE Hi) technique.

Methods: The medical records of 29 children with LM who visited Seoul National University Hospital between January 2017 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical management was performed using the STRIVE Hi technique.

Prevascularized Tracheal Scaffolds Using the Platysma Flap for Enhanced Tracheal Regeneration.

Objectives: One of the greatest hurdles in tracheal tissue engineering is insufficient vascularization, which leads to delayed mucosal regeneration, inflammation, and restenosis. This study investigated whether a prevascularized segmental tracheal substitute using platysma can enhance tracheal mucosal regeneration.

Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds with (group M) or without (group S) Matrigel coating were implanted under the feeding vessels of the platysma in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 3) to induce vascularization.

Endoscopically Applied Biodegradable Stent in a Rabbit Model of Pediatric Tracheomalacia.

Objectives: A polydioxanone (PDO) stent was developed to treat tracheomalacia in pediatric patients. However, its safety and efficacy need to be verified in animal studies before clinical trials in patients can be conducted. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a PDO stent in normal and tracheomalacia-model rabbits.

Pediatric airway surgery under spontaneous respiration using high-flow nasal oxygen.

Objectives: In pediatric airway surgery, SponTaneous Respiration using IntraVEnous anesthesia and Hi-flow nasal oxygen (STRIVE Hi) has not been well explored. Here, we report our experience of using STRIVE Hi in endoscopic evaluations and surgeries of the pediatric airway.

Methods: This retrospective review was based on 45 airway procedures conducted under STRIVE Hi, performed by a single surgeon at a single institute from May 2017 to September 2018.

Role of concurrent chemoradiation on locally advanced unresectable adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Background/aims: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare salivary gland tumor characterized by indolence, with a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) on locally advanced unresectable ACC.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 10 patients with pathologically confirmed ACC of the head and neck who received CCRT with cisplatin in Seoul National University Hospital between 2013 and 2018.

Transplantation of a 3D-printed tracheal graft combined with iPS cell-derived MSCs and chondrocytes.

For successful tracheal reconstruction, tissue-engineered artificial trachea should meet several requirements, such as biocompatible constructs comparable to natural trachea, coverage with ciliated respiratory mucosa, and adequate cartilage remodeling to support a cylindrical structure. Here, we designed an artificial trachea with mechanical properties similar to the native trachea that can enhance the regeneration of tracheal mucosa and cartilage through the optimal combination of a two-layered tubular scaffold and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cells. The framework of the artificial trachea was fabricated with electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (inner) and 3D-printed PCL microfibers (outer).

Dexamethasone loaded bilayered 3D tubular scaffold reduces restenosis at the anastomotic site of tracheal replacement: in vitro and in vivo assessments.

Despite recent developments in the tracheal tissue engineering field, the creation of a patient specific substitute possessing both appropriate mechanical and biointerfacial properties remains challenging. Most tracheal replacement therapies fail due to restenosis at the anastomosis site. In this study, we designed a robust, biodegradable, 3D tubular scaffold by combining electrospinning (ELSP) and 3D (three-dimensional) printing techniques for use in transplantation therapy.