Background Unstable respiratory–swallowing coordination has been associated with disorders and disease. The goals of this study were (1) to describe respiratory–swallow patterns in patients with dysphagia consequent to treatments for cancers of the oropharynx and (2) to determine the association between respiratory–swallow patterns, airway invasion, and overall severity of swallowing impairment. Methods This prospective, cross-sectional design compared respiratory–swallow patterns in 20 patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer and 20 healthy, age-matched control participants. Nasal airflow direction was synchronously recorded with videofluoroscopic imaging in participants who swallowed 5-mL thin liquid barium boluses. Results Respiratory–swallow patterns differed between groups. Most control participants initiated and completed swallowing bracketed by expiratory airflow. Swallowing in patients often interrupted inspiratory flow and was associated with penetration or aspiration of the bolus. Conclusions We suggest nonexpiratory bracketed respiratory–swallowing phase patterns in patients with oropharyngeal cancer may place patients at greater risk of airway penetration or aspiration during swallowing.

Patients with thyroid disease frequently present with compressive symptoms, and the majority of patients experience relief postoperatively. The volume of the thyroid gland is associated with compressive symptoms along with additional contributing factors.

Background /Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of upper airway surgery (UAS) on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A secondary objective was to determine if a decrease in CPAP from UAS increases CPAP adherence. Methods: Studies were eligible for inclusion if a CPAP titration was performed both prior and following UAS in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies that compared adherence to CPAP before and after UAS were included to evaluate the secondary objective. Results: A total of 11 articles involving 323 patients were included in the review. The results show that there was a mean reduction in CPAP of 1.40 cm H₂O (95% CI -2.08 to -0.73). Four of the 11 papers, with a total of 80 patients, evaluated CPAP adherence and found a significant 0.62-hour improvement on average (95% CI 0.22-1.01). Conclusion: Due to high levels of nonadherence, surgical intervention will play a role even in patients who are unlikely to be fully cured by surgery. UAS decreases the apnea-hypopnea index and modestly reduces CPAP while improving CPAP adherence in the majority of patients. The evidence suggests that UAS may have an adjunctive role in the management of OSA.

No abstract

Hyoid myotomy and suspension with a mandibular screw anchor is an effective method with which to address hypopharyngeal collapse in multilevel surgery for OSA. The procedure can be performed with a small-incision, minimally invasive approach with minimal complications and patient morbidity.