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Laryngeal reinnervation with nerve-nerve anastomosis versus laryngeal framework surgery alone: a comparison of safety. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008 Feb;138(2):217-20

Date

02/05/2008

Pubmed ID

18241719

DOI

10.1016/j.otohns.2007.10.036

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-38649105203 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   18 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize any additional risks and rate of complication associated with laryngeal reinnervation in comparison to traditional laryngeal framework surgery.

DESIGN: Retrospective chart review over a 5-year period.

RESULTS: A total of 16 reinnervation procedures were performed to rehabilitate a paralyzed vocal fold. Of the 16 procedures, 12 (75%) were combined with arytenoid adduction. One reinnervation was aborted due to presence of scar and vascular malformation in the tracheal-esophageal groove. There were no major complications (airway obstruction or death). There were no cases of prolonged dysphagia or aspiration pneumonia; there was one wound infection (6%). Endoscopic findings postoperatively included pharyngeal ecchymoses in three patients (19%), all of whom underwent a simultaneously performed arytenoid adduction. There was a similar incidence of minor complications in traditional framework surgery performed without reinnervation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Laryngeal reinnervation, alone or in combination with laryngeal framework surgery, does not appear to add significant perioperative morbidity. This is the first report to document the safety of laryngeal reinnervation by nerve-nerve anastomosis.

Author List

Blumin JH, Merati AL

Author

Joel H. Blumin MD Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Anastomosis, Surgical
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Laryngeal Nerve Injuries
Laryngeal Nerves
Laryngoscopy
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Dissection
Neurosurgical Procedures
Reoperation
Retrospective Studies
Thyroidectomy
Treatment Outcome
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Voice Quality