Comparison of Dental Injury Rates in Perioperative Intubation and Suspension Laryngoscopy for Otolaryngology Procedures

Objective Direct laryngoscopy is an essential skill during perioperative intubation and otolaryngology procedures. Dental injury is a common complication of direct laryngoscopy. However, the technique and tools used by anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and others during perioperative intubation and by ear, nose, and throat surgeons for their procedures are different. The purpose of this review is to explore the literature for all studies detailing rates of dental injury in each of these settings and to compare them to see if the approaches have a significant difference in rate of dental injury. Data Sources PubMed. Review Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed was performed through February 2021 with search terms “dental” and “intubation” or “laryngoscopy.” PRISMA guidelines were followed. Studies documenting rates of dental injuries during intubation or during laryngologic procedures were included, and the 2 groups were compared. Results Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria: 17 in the perioperative intubation group and 6 in the suspension laryngoscopy group. There was an increased incidence of dental injury in the perioperative intubation group (4.86%) as compared with the suspension laryngoscopy group (1.70%). Conclusions The difference in dental injury rate between the groups could be due to the differences in direct laryngoscopy technique or tools used, the presence vs absence of a dental guard, or a combination of these factors. More studies need to be performed to develop definitive and specific conclusions to recommend changes that prevent dental injury.

Anesthesia for Airway Endoscopy and Micro-Laryngeal Surgery

Pre- and intra-operative anesthetic management considerations for airway endoscopy and micro-laryngeal surgery are covered in this chapter. Often presenting with critically obstructed or otherwise compromised airways, a carefully devised induction and airway control plan is essential. Unique to this type of surgery is the shared surgical field, requiring the utmost level of communication and cooperation between the surgical and anesthesia teams. Included is a discussion of ventilation options, routine and otherwise, and associated airway instrumentation such as jet ventilation catheters. Challenges of patient management during suspension laryngoscopy, are presented. Also addressed are laser basics, specific anesthetic considerations including risks and potential harms in the setting of these high-risk for fire procedures. This review contains 5 figures, 2 tables, and 40 references. Keywords: airway endoscopy, micro-laryngeal surgery, anesthetic considerations, obstructed airway, preoperative evaluation, airway intubation, laryngeal microsurgery, fire, OR

Application of Gastroscopy in the Diagnosis of Congenital Pyriform Sinus Fistula in Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic value of gastroscopy under local anesthesia for congenital pyriform sinus fistula (CPSF).Methods: This research was a diagnostic study. Patients received gastroscopy under local anesthesia to diagnose CPSF, and suspension laryngoscopy under general anesthesia was performed 2 days after gastroscopy. Various conditions of the internal opening of CPSF were then recorded. Patients were grouped according to lesion sides, age, time after the inflammation subsided, and history of previous surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of gastroscopy were compared between the groups.Results: A total of 48 patients were recruited in this study, and no patients had severe gastroscopy-related complications. The diagnostic values of gastroscopy in 41 cases (85.4%) were consistent with suspension laryngoscopy. The sensitivity of gastroscopy was 86.4%, the specificity was 75%, the AUC was 0.807, the positive prediction rate was 97.4%, the negative prediction rate was 33.3%, the accuracy rate was 85.4%, and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 2.1. The kappa consistency test results had statistical significance (P = 0.0026, kappa = 0.3913). The diagnostic value of gastroscopy was better for the patients with inflammation subsiding for more than 4 weeks (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: Gastroscopy under local anesthesia is a safe, effective, reliable and novel diagnostic method for CPSF, and it is especially recommended as a diagnostic method for the patients with inflammation subsiding for more than 4 weeks.

Suspension Laryngoscopy Experiences in a Tertiary Airway Service: a Prospective Study of 150 Procedures

Objectives: In most cases, suspension laryngoscopy (SL) is efficient, bloodless and with minimal post-procedure discomfort. We aimed to identify predictive patient factors for acceptable surgical views at SL as well as quantify our tertiary airway unit’s complication rates. Design: Prospective cohort study of 150 consecutive microlaryngoscopy procedures involving SL over an 8-month period between November 2019 and July 2020. Patients were assessed pre-operatively for pre-existing oral, temporomandibular, dental, pharyngeal or laryngeal pathology, interincisor distance and qualitative gross limitations to neck extension and forward head posture. Intraoperatively, the laryngoscopic view was graded by anesthetic and surgical teams, and complications were recorded on patient interview in recovery. Setting: Tertiary adult airway service for predominantly benign pathology. Results: Adequate surgical views were obtained in 149/150 procedures. BMI and limitations to chin and neck movement had mild positive correlations with more difficult views in their own rights, but did not correlate with a statistically significant increase in complications. There was a negative correlation between age and interincisor gap (p=0.014), and wider mouth opening correlated with a lower incidence of sore throat (p=0.023). Macroglossia showed a statistically significant positive correlation with tongue symptoms (p=1.611x10-8). Conclusion: In the context of an experienced airway unit with a high caseload of predominantly benign pathology, SL is very effective and safe with low associated morbidity and no mortality. Patient-reported neck and chin movement were found to correlate well with the surgical view obtained. The most common complication of SL is temporary sore throat and there remain recognized risks of temporary tongue and dental symptoms.