This case describes a subtotal cricoid cartilage defect reconstructed with a prefabricated composite free flap. A 61-year-old man with a chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage required a subtotal cricoidectomy. The resulting defect was successfully reconstructed with a two-stage prefabricated radial forearm free flap utilizing auricular cartilage. Our case further adds to the evidence that pre...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Incompetence of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is fundamental to the occurrence of esophagopharyngeal reflux (EPR), and development of supraesophageal manifestations of reflux disease (SERD). However, therapeutic approaches to SERD have not been directed to strengthening of the UES barrier function. Our aims were to demonstrate that EPR events can be experimentally i...

BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate the human tracheobronchial tree because of its unsurpassed ability to visualize the airway and surrounding structures. To establish an ideal animal model for studying subglottic stenosis, we assessed the size and morphology of the normal rabbit's laryngotracheal airway by helical CT. We measured luminal dimensions at the levels of the aryt...

Study Design A descriptive experimental study. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the reliability and accuracy of palpable anterior neck landmarks (angle of the mandible, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage) for the identification of cervical spinal levels in a slight neck-extended position as in anterior approach cervical spinal surgery. Overview of Literatu...

INTRODUCTION Posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) presents a challenge to the airway surgeon. A variety of techniques, ranging from endoscopic laser arytenoidectomy and partial cordotomy to open laryngotracheoplasty with anterior and posterior costal cartilage grafting, have been described with variable results in addressing this problem in adults. Endoscopic posterior cricoid split and rib graft (...

Post-cricoid carcinoma occurs mainly in women and is often associated with a history of iron-deficiency anaemia. In some cases dysphagia has been present for many years. An association of this type of cancer with pernicious anaemia is not generally recognized. A recent study of 93 cases of post-cricoid carcinoma (Jacobs, 1961a) showed that 29 had suffered from iron-deficiency anaemia and that f...

Cricoid pressure to occlude the upper end of the oesophagus, also called the Sellick manoeuvre, may be used to decrease the risk of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during intubation for rapid induction of anaesthesia. Effective and safe use of the technique requires training and experience. Cricoid pressure is contraindicated in patients with suspected cricotracheal injury, active vomi...

BACKGROUND Rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) is a medical procedure involving a prompt induction of general anesthesia by using cricoid pressure that prevents regurgitation of gastric contents. The factors affecting RSII are prophylaxis for aspiration, preoxygenation, drug and equipment preparation for RSII, ventilation after induction till intubation and patient condition. We some...