BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intraoperative application of mitomycin C in prevention of glottic restenosis after posterior transverse CO2 laser cordotomy (PTLC) for patients with post-thyroidectomy bilateral vocal fold paralysis. METHODS Twenty-five patients with an impaired airway because of bilateral vocal fold paralysis were treated with PTLC. Patient...

BACKGROUND Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a rare diagnosis causing dyspnea, dysphonia and dysphagia. Management depends on respiratory performance, airway patency, vocal ability, and quality-of-life priorities. The authors review the presentation, management and outcome in patients diagnosed with BVFI. The utility and efficacy of the Empey index (EI) and the Expiratory Disproportion ...

BACKGROUND Anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome results in motor palsy and dissociated sensory loss below the level of the lesion, accompanied by bladder dysfunction. When the cervical spine is involved, breathing disorders may be observed. OBJECTIVE To describe the polysomnographic findings in a patient with cervical ASA syndrome complicated by a sleep breathing disorder. SETTING Unit of ...

Conventional laminectomy is the most popular technique for the complete removal of intradural spinal tumors. In particular, the central portion intramedullary tumor and large intradural extramedullary tumor often require a total laminectomy for the midline myelotomy, sufficient decompression, and adequate visualization. However, this technique has the disadvantages of a wide incision, extensive...

Introduction: Kashima operation, also known as endoscopic laser cordotomy is used for the treatment of bilateral abductor vocal cord palsy where the glottis chink is made posteriorly, sufficient enough for patient to breathe comfortably without any strider.   Materials and Methods: This Clinical Trial Was Performed On 12 Patients[1] with Bilateral Abductor Vocal Cord Paralysis. All Patients...

OBJECTIVE Comparison of different endoscopic glottis-widening procedures designed for bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) is a challenge. This is because a statistically efficient analysis and comparable clinical series is hard to obtain considering the variable aspects of the results and the evaluation methods. This study of a large number of cadaver larynges provides comparable, objective ...

Percutaneous upper cervical cordotomy continues to be performed on patients suffering from several types of severe chronic pain. It is believed that the operation is effective because it cuts the spinothalamic tract (STT), a primary pathway carrying nociceptive information from the spinal cord to the brain in humans. In recent years, there has been controversy regarding the location of STT axon...