PurposeLaryngeal fracture is rare, but complications are frequent and severe. Controversy still exists in regards to its proper management. The aim of this study was to present the clinical findings and management of laryngeal fracture in Korea.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the medical records of 22 patients with laryngeal fracture at a tertiary care trauma center from 2000 to 2010 retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 22 patients (19 men and 3 woman) presented with laryngeal fractures caused by blunt (n=13) or penetrating (n=9) injury. Pain (68.1%), odynophagia (68.1%), hoarseness (18.1%), hemoptysis (13.6%), and subcutaneous emphysema (9%) were the common presenting symptoms and noncomminuted fracture was common. High velocity blunt trauma (mostly traffic accidents) patients had more extensive injury and poor voice outcomes. Penetrating trauma patients due to physical assault or suicide attempt demonstrated more frequently injuries on the left side.ConclusionIn driver-caused traffic accidents, where injuries in a wide area within the larynx occurred, poor voice results were seen, and these injuries required aggressive treatment. When endotracheal intubation was performed at experienced emergency centers with fiberoptic laryngoscopes, airway management was safely achieved. In addition, if the fractured laryngeal framework was corrected at appropriate times, voice results were good.

PurposeHypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) level in thyroidectomy patients could predict hypocalcemia.Materials and MethodsWe performed a prospective study of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Serum concentration of i-PTH, total calcium (Ca), ionized calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (P), magnesium (Mg), and albumin were measured preoperatively and at 0 hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours postoperatively.Results108 patients were recruited to the study. A total of 50 patients (46%) experienced hypocalcemia. The serum i-PTH concentration was linearly related to the time of measurement, while concentrations of P, Mg, albumin, Ca, and Ca2+ were not. We compared odds ratios, and found that the concentration of i-PTH at 6 hours post operation was the most closely related to the occurrence of hypocalcemic symptom. On ROC analysis using i-PTH level at 6 hours, an i-PTH level of 10.6 mg/dL was found to maximize both sensitivity and specificity at the same time point.ConclusionWe found that i-PTH was a predictor of hypocalcemia, and that the earliest predictor of hypocalcemic symptoms was an i-PTH concentration lower than 10.6 mg/dL obtained 6 hours after total thyroidectomy.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare a negative pressure drain with a natural drain in order to determine whether a negative pressure drainage tube causes an increase in the drainage volume.Materials and MethodsSixty-two patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were enrolled in the study between March 2010 and August 2010 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital. The patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to two groups, a negative pressure drainage group (n=32) and natural drainage group (n=30). Every 3 hours, the volume of drainage was checked in the two groups until the tube was removed.ResultsThe amount of drainage during the first 24 hours postoperatively was 41.68±3.93 mL in the negative drain group and 25.3±2.68 mL in the natural drain group (p<0.001). After 24 additional hours, the negative drain group was 35.19±4.26 mL and natural drain groups 21.53±2.90 mL (p<0.001). However, the drainage at postoperative day 3 was not statistically different between the two groups. In addition, the vocal cord palsy and temporary and permanent hypocalcemia were not different between the two groups.ConclusionThese results indicate that a negative pressure drain may increase the amount of drainage during the first 24-48 hours postoperatively. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a closed suction drain when only a total thyroidectomy is done.

The granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon, benign lesion with a preference for subcutaneous sites. In the head and neck, the tongue is the most common site, followed by the larynx. We experienced a case of a 27-year-old woman with lingual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) surrounded by GCT. The pathological findings established that the lesion was SCC covered by GCT in the midline of the tongue. The size of the mass was very small, however, so we excised it in a diamond shape. There is an interesting association between GCTs and other malignant neoplasms. However, no causal relationship between GCT and these other carcinomas has been established. Here we report on an SCC coexisting with GCT at the same site as a median tongue lesion and review the literature.

IntroductionThe technique of selective embolization has been applied for years in the treatment of vascular anomalies, severe hemorrhage, and for benign and malignant tumors. Some hypervascular skeletal metastases are prone to massive hemorrhage.Case presentationWe describe the cases of two patients with thyroid carcinoma presenting with neuromuscular symptoms due to large skeletal metastases in the shoulder and sternum respectively. Pre-operative percutaneous selective catheterizations of the arteries feeding the metastatic tumors were performed, followed by infusion of gelfoam. The procedures were technically successful in both patients without adverse effects or bleeding. Complete resections of the skeletal metastases were then performed without substantial bleeding.ConclusionSelective embolization is an effective treatment for bony metastases from thyroid cancer.

IntroductionPlexiform neurofibroma of the larynx is a rare disease. In this report, we present a plexiform neurofibroma in the arytenoids and neurofibroma in the parapharynx detected coincidently.Case presentationA 56-year-old Asian woman presented with respiratory distress and episodes of apnea at night. A solitary mass from the left arytenoids was found to be nearly obstructing the airway and causing the sleep apnea. There was also a parapharynx mass protruding into the pharynx. The parapharynx tumor was removed with the lateral incision approach, and the arytenoid tumor was removed with a transoral carbon dioxide laser. The pathologic diagnosis was plexiform neurofibroma for the arytenoid mass and neurofibroma for the parapharynx mass.ConclusionWe have reported an extremely rare case of plexiform neurofibroma in the arytenoids and neurofibroma in the parapharynx. This entity may be considered in the differential diagnosis of all laryngeal and parapharynx masses.

Objectives. The transcutaneous approach is a good option for office-based vocal fold injection (VFI). However, precise localization requires extensive experience because the needle tip is invisible in small and complex laryngeal spaces. Recently, real-time light-guided VFI (RL-VFI) was proposed as a new technique that allows simultaneous injection under precise needle localization by light guidance. Herein, we aimed to verify the feasibility of RL-VFI in an in vivo canine model and explored its clinical usefulness.Methods. The device for RL-VFI comprised a light source (light-emitting diode modules [10 W] of red color [650 nm]) and injectors (1.5 inches, 23 gauge). An adult male beagle was used for the experiment. After tracheostomy, a rigid laryngoscope was inserted and suspended to expose the larynx. A flexible naso-laryngoscopy system was used to visualize the vocal folds.Results. RL-VFI was performed using various transcutaneous approaches, including the cricothyroid, transthyroid, and transhyoid approaches. Light guidance helped identify the path of the needle and prevent inadvertent penetration. The location of the needle tip was accurately indicated by the light. The illuminated needle could be easily placed at the intended points in the vocal fold with real-time visual-motor feedback. Hyaluronic acid could be simultaneously injected lateral to the vocal process under light guidance without manipulation of the device.Conclusion. RL-VFI was found to be safe and feasible in an in vivo canine model, providing precise localization and visualmotor feedback. The clinical application of RL-VFI is expected to improve the safety and precision of VFI.

Cricothyroid (CT) approach for vocal fold injection (VFI) has advantages of a low complication rate, suitability for in-office practice, and good patient compliance. However, it requires a high level of experience and a steep learning curve due to invisibility of needle. Recently, real-time light-guided VFI (RL-VFI) was developed for safe and precise injection into laryngeal structures under light guidance. Herein, we describe the development of a simulation-based training (SBT) program using RL-VFI for CT approach and report its preliminary application with in-training otolaryngologists. Methods: The workshop comprised 3 sessions: mini-lectures, and two hands-on training courses of conventional VFI and RL-VFI. Excised canine larynges and the device for RL-VFI were prepared for hands-on courses. Comfort levels for VFI was evaluated using visual analogue scale after each session. Trainees were requested to identify the needle tip on the target point lateral to vocal process. The time (s) to reach the target point was measured in all procedures. After workshop, all participants filled out questionnaires regarding their future preference for conventional VFI and RL-VFI. Results: Eleven otolaryngology residents participated in the study. The mean comfort levels were 1.7 ± 1.6, 5.5 ± 2.6, 4.8 ± 1.7, and 7.5 ± 1.6 for pre-workshop, post-lecture, post-conventional VFI, and post-RL-VFI ( P < .001). The mean time (s) to reach the target point were 146.4 ± 90.1 and 42.7 ± 40.5 for conventional VFI and RL-VFI ( P = .004). The mean preference scores were 4.2 ± 1.3 and 8.7 ± 1.3 for conventional VFI and RL-VFI ( P = .004). Conclusion: SBT program using RL-VFI might improve the comfort levels of trainees for VFI with CT approach. It would be helpful for trainees to practice VFI before trying it on actual patients.