• Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.1019-1027
• /
• 2017

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics between neurogenic and non-neurogenic cause of vocal cord immobility (VCI). Methods The researchers retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients who underwent laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). LEMG was performed in the bilateral cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles. A total of 137 patients were enrolled from 2011 to 2016, and they were assigned to either the neurogenic or non-neurogenic VCI group, according to the LEMG results. The clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups and a subgroup analysis was done in the neurogenic group. Results Among the 137 subjects, 94 patients had nerve injury. There were no differences between the neurogenic and non-neurogenic group in terms of demographic data, underlying disease except cancer, and premorbid events. In general characteristics, cancer was significantly higher in the neurogenic group than non-neurogenic group (p=0.001). In the clinical findings, the impaired high pitched 'e' sound and aspiration symptoms were significantly higher in neurogenic group (p=0.039 for impaired high pitched 'e' sound; p=0.021 for aspiration symptoms), and sore throat was more common in the non-neurogenic group (p=0.014). In the subgroup analysis of neurogenic group, hoarseness was more common in recurrent laryngeal neuropathy group than superior laryngeal neuropathy group (p=0.018). Conclusion In patients with suspected vocal cord palsy, impaired high pitched 'e' sound and aspiration symptoms were more common in group with neurogenic cause of VCI. Hoarseness was more frequent in subjects with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Thorough clinical evaluation and LEMG are important to differentiate underlying cause of VCI.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.25-27
• /
• 2013

A 47-year-old man was referred for TEF. He underwent tracheostomy three months ago to maintain prolonged ventilator care. Computed tomography (CT) scan and fiberoptic examination showed bilateral vocal cord palsy with median fixation and about 2 inch sized long segmental tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) tract along the necrotic cricoid and tracheal cartilages. Narrow field total laryngectomy was performed to remove devitalized cartilages and mucosa, and repair TEF. He discharged without complication except mild stenotic change of tracheal fenestration 19 days later.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.10 no.1 s.19
• /
• pp.41-45
• /
• 2004

Tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation are often performed in patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure. Recently, the incidence of iatrogenic tracheal stenosis has increased. Tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis would be one of the most physiologic treatment options for severe tracheal stenosis. Also, this treatment can be applied to the management of trachea invaded by thyroid cancer and tracheal neoplasm. The authors aimed to analyze the outcomes of end-to-end anastomosis of trachea following segmental resection in tracheal stenosis and tracheal invasion of cancer that we have recently experienced. Materials and methods Authors retrospectively studied 19 cases treated by tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis between Feburuary 1996 and January 2003. 12 patients had tracheal stenosis, 6 patients had tracheal invasion by thryroid cancer and 1 patient had tracheal cancer. We analyzed the direct causes of tracheal stenosis, preoperative vocal cord function, operation technique, early and delayed postoperative complications, and the outcome of end-to-end anastomois. Result Decannulation without significant aspiration was achieved in 16 cases($89.5\%$). A 27 year-old man could not be decannulated because of restenosis. A 62 year-old woman could not be decannulated because of bilateral vocal cord palsy. Conclusion End-to-end anastomosis is a safe and effective surgical method for tracheal stenosis. Case selection for end-to-end anastomosis and preservation of recurrent laryngeal nerve during operation is very important.