DOCSLIB.ORG

Anesthesia for Patients with Mediastinal Masses

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Anesthesia for Patients with Mediastinal Masses 14 Anesthesia for Patients with Mediastinal Masses Chih Min Ku Introduction .................................................................................................................. 201 Anatomy and Pathology ............................................................................................... 202 Clinical Presentation .................................................................................................... 202 Preoperative Evaluation ............................................................................................... 203 Surgical Approaches .................................................................................................... 203 Preoperative Treatment ................................................................................................ 203 Anesthetic Management ............................................................................................... 203 Complications and Risk Factors .................................................................................. 205 Anesthesia for Mediastinoscopy .................................................................................. 205 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 206 Clinical Case Discussion .............................................................................................. 207 Key Points • A careful anesthetic plan that is not irreversible is likely to result in a good outcome. • Patients with anterior mediastinal masses can develop major airway and cardiovascular compression under gen- eral anesthesia, which can be fatal. Introduction • Patients who are symptomatic or have significant compres- sion of these vital structures on CT scans are likely at high Mediastinal masses are an uncommon entity. They constitute risk. a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant tumors. The • Where possible, diagnostic procedures should be under- anesthesiologist may provide perioperative care to patients taken under local anesthesia. undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They can • Understanding the relation of the mediastinal mass to present formidable challenges as mediastinal masses, espe- vital cardiorespiratory structures, careful preoperative cially those located in the anterior mediastinum, can cause assessment of the patient, discussion with the surgeon, perioperative morbidity and mortality by causing major air- meticulous planning, and preparation for possible peri- way and vascular compression, which may be exacerbated operative complications related to compression of the under general anesthesia. There are numerous case reports of major airways and vascular structures are key to success- fatal or near fatal complications associated with anesthesia for ful management. patients with anterior mediastinal masses [1–5]. Understand- • Useful strategies to consider include awake fiberoptic intu- ing the nature of the mediastinal mass in relation to vital struc- bation, maintenance of spontaneous ventilation, avoidance tures, its pathophysiology, careful preoperative assessment of of muscle relaxants, intubation distal to the airway com- the patient, discussion with the surgeon, and being prepared pression, positioning changes, immediate availability of for management of cardiorespiratory complications related to rigid bronchoscopy, and elective cardiopulmonary bypass compression of the trachea and vascular structures are key to in extreme cases. successful management. P. Slinger (ed.), Principles and Practice of Anesthesia for Thoracic Surgery, 201 DOI 10.1007/978-1-4419-0184-2_14, © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 202 C.M. Ku Anatomy and Pathology Table 14.1. Masses in the mediastinal compartments. Superior Retrosternal thyroid The mediastinum can be divided into four compartments: supe- Thymoma rior, anterior, middle, and posterior (Fig. 14.1). The mediasti- Anterior Thymoma Lymphoma num is bound by the thoracic inlet superiorly, the diaphragm Germ cell tumor inferiorly, mediastinal pleura laterally, sternum anteriorly, and Thymic cyst the vertebral column posteriorly. The superior mediastinum Parathyroid adenoma extends from the thoracic inlet to a plane extending from the Middle Bronchogenic cyst sternomanubrial junction to the inferior aspect of the fourth Cardiac/vascular structure Benign adenopathy thoracic vertebra. The anterior mediastinum is bound anteri- Lymphoma orly by the sternum and posteriorly by the pericardium. The Metastases middle compartment is bound anteriorly and posteriorly by Posterior Esophageal mass the pericardium. The posterior mediastinum extends from the Hiatal hernia posterior pericardium to the anterior longitudinal ligament Neurogenic tumor Spine lesions [6]. Some authors divide the mediastinum into three compart- ments [7, 8]. Table 14.1 shows the typical masses in the vari- ous mediastinal compartments [6, 8]. Most masses are located in the anterior mediastinum. In adults, the common patholo- gies include thymoma, lymphoma, and germ cell tumor. In the Clinical Presentation pediatric population, lymphoma, PNET, and neuroblastoma are more common [9]. Tracheobronchial obstruction, superior vena cava syndrome, Anterior mediastinal masses are more likely to cause right heart and pulmonary vascular compression, and sys- severe cardiorespiratory problems due to their proximity and temic syndromes, e.g., myasthenia gravis and thyroid disease relation to the major airway and cardiovascular structures. are some of the common presentations of mediastinal masses Any compressive effects can be exacerbated under general [10]. The patient can also be asymptomatic. anesthesia. Patients with tracheobronchial obstruction may complain of dyspnea, noisy breathing, nonspecific cough, and chest discomfort. These symptoms may be worse in certain posi- tions, especially the supine position. They may find lying in certain positions more uncomfortable. Signs may include tachypnea, stridor, rhonchi, and decreased breath sounds, which may also be positional in nature. Physical examina- tion is usually unremarkable. The severity of a patient’s respiratory symptoms may not correlate with the degree of airway obstruction. Patients with severe respiratory symp- toms may have significant decreases in tracheal cross-sec- tional area [11]. However, asymptomatic pediatric patients have developed airway obstruction during anesthesia [12– 14]. Children may present with symptoms of airway obstruc- tion earlier than adults because they have a smaller tracheal diameter and small decreases in tracheal diameter result in large decreases in cross-sectional area and increases in air- way resistance [10]. Superior vena cava syndrome, due to obstruction of venous drainage in the upper thorax, may present as dyspnea, CNS symptoms like headache, visual disturbance, altered menta- tion, dilated collateral veins in the upper body and edema of the face, neck, and arms. Right heart and pulmonary vascular compression can present as dyspnea, syncope during a forced Valsalva maneuver [15], arrhythmias, and cardiac murmur. Symptoms may mimic those of tracheobronchial obstruction. Hence it is important to look for the relation of the mass to the Fig. 14.1. Anatomic location of the four compartments of the medi- tracheobronchial tree, right heart, and pulmonary vasculature astinum (reprinted from Warren [6] with permission). in the radiology scans. 14. Anesthesia for Patients with Mediastinal Masses 203 Preoperative Evaluation Preoperative Treatment The most important aim of preoperative investigation is to Patients with mediastinal masses causing significant respiratory identify the size, the relations of the mediastinal mass to the or cardiovascular compression are at high risk of cardiopul- tracheobronchial tree and vital vascular structures, and the monary collapse under general anesthesia. They may benefit location and extent of any compressive effects. from preoperative treatment of the mediastinal mass with ste- This is best done by radiological studies, mainly chest roids, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, in order to shrink the radiographs and CT scans. CT scans of the thorax provide tumor and alleviate the obstruction [11, 27–30]. Preoperative accurate assessment of the tumor, its nature, size, extent, radiation therapy due to severe clinical or radiological find- location, relations to the tracheobronchial tree and major ings has been associated with a decrease in postoperative cardiovascular structures, and airway diameters [16]. respiratory complications [31]. However, tumor shrinkage They are most useful for determining the precise level and can affect the accuracy of a histological diagnosis and cause extent of tracheobronchial or cardiovascular compression, diagnostic confusion. There is considerable controversy over and this information is essential for formulating the anes- the role of pretreatment. It has been reported that tissue diag- thetic plan. nosis was not affected if biopsies were taken within 72 h of MR imaging is not used routinely. However, it is useful in starting treatment [28]. Hack et al. found that a clear diagno- the diagnosis of neurogenic and vascular lesions, especially sis was made in 95% of children considered high risk who when the use of contrast material is contraindicated. were given steroids prior to diagnosis [29]. Ferrari et al. Transthoracic echocardiography can be considered if there believe that pretreatment affects accuracy of histological is any suspicion
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mediastinoscopic Esophagectomy with Lymph Node Dissection Using a Bilateral Transcervical and Transhiatal Pneumomediastinal Approach
    Tokairin et al. Mini-invasive Surg 2020;4:32 Mini-invasive Surgery DOI: 10.20517/2574-1225.2020.23 Technical Note Open Access Mediastinoscopic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection using a bilateral transcervical and transhiatal pneumomediastinal approach Yutaka Tokairin1,2, Yasuaki Nakajima2, Kenro Kawad2, Akihiro Hoshin2, Takuya Okada2, Toshihiro Matsui2, Kazuya Yamaguchi2, Kagami Nagai2, Yusuke Kinugasa2 1Department of Surgery, Toshima Hospital Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Hospitals Corporation, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan. 2Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan. Correspondence to: Dr. Yutaka Tokairin, Department of Surgery, Toshima Hospital Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Hospitals Corporation, 33-1 Sakaecho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan. E-mail: [email protected] How to cite this article: Tokairin Y, Nakajima Y, Kawad K, Hoshin A, Okada T, Matsui T, Yamaguchi K, Nagai K, Kinugasa Y. Mediastinoscopic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection using a bilateral transcervical and transhiatal pneumomediastinal approach. Mini-invasive Surg 2020;4:32. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1225.2020.23 Received: 17 Feb 2020 First Decision: 17 Mar 2020 Revised: 24 Mar 2020 Accepted: 1 Apr 2020 Published: 16 May 2020 Science Editor: Itasu Ninomiya Copy Editor: Jing-Wen Zhang Production Editor: Tian Zhang Abstract We developed a method for mediastinoscopic esophagectomy via a bilateral transcervical and transhiatal approach under pneumomediastinum as a less-invasive radical operation. The right recurrent nerve is first identified using an open approach, and the right cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes and part of the right recurrent nerve lymph nodes are dissected, after which pneumomediastinum is initiated.
    [Show full text]
  • Vocal Cord Dysfunction JAMES DECKERT, MD, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St
    Vocal Cord Dysfunction JAMES DECKERT, MD, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri LINDA DECKERT, MA, CCC-SLP, Special School District of St. Louis County, Town & Country, Missouri Vocal cord dysfunction involves inappropriate vocal cord motion that produces partial airway obstruction. Patients may present with respiratory distress that is often mistakenly diagnosed as asthma. Exercise, psychological conditions, airborne irritants, rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or use of certain medications may trigger vocal cord dysfunction. The differential diagnosis includes asthma, angioedema, vocal cord tumors, and vocal cord paralysis. Pulmo- nary function testing with a flow-volume loop and flexible laryngoscopy are valuable diagnostic tests for confirming vocal cord dysfunction. Treatment of acute episodes includes reassurance, breathing instruction, and use of a helium and oxygen mixture (heliox). Long-term manage- ment strategies include treatment for symptom triggers and speech therapy. (Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(2):156-159, 160. Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Family Physicians.) ▲ Patient information: ocal cord dysfunction is a syn- been previously diagnosed with asthma.8 A handout on vocal cord drome in which inappropriate Most patients with vocal cord dysfunction dysfunction, written by the authors of this article, is vocal cord motion produces par- have intermittent and relatively mild symp- provided on page 160. tial airway obstruction, leading toms, although some patients may have pro- toV subjective respiratory distress. When a per- longed and severe symptoms. son breathes normally, the vocal cords move Laryngospasm, a subtype of vocal cord away from the midline during inspiration and dysfunction, is a brief involuntary spasm of only slightly toward the midline during expi- the vocal cords that often produces aphonia ration.1 However, in patients with vocal cord and acute respiratory distress.
    [Show full text]
  • Airway Obstruction After Biopsy by Cervical Mediastinoscopy in a Patient with a Mediastinal Mass -A Case Report
    Korean J Anesthesiol 2012 July 63(1): 65-67 Case Report http://dx.doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2012.63.1.65 Airway obstruction after biopsy by cervical mediastinoscopy in a patient with a mediastinal mass -A case report- Yong-Cheol Lee2, Sang-Jin Park1, and In-seong Kim1 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, 1College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 2School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea Biopsy, using mediastinoscopy is commonly employed for accurate histologic diagnosis of a mediastinal mass. However, since the mass is not removed during the procedure, it may cause compression of vital structures such as major airways, the heart, the pulmonary artery, and the superior vena cava after surgery. We observed a case of a 66-year-old man with a mediastinal mass that caused severe airway obstruction during recovery from anesthesia following mediastinoscopic biopsy, probably caused by upper airway edema which seemed to originate from compression of the superior vena cava. Therefore, we suggest that unexpected airway obstruction in a patient with a mediastinal mass can be due to superior vena cava compression. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2012; 63: 65-67) Key Words: Airway obstruction, Mediastinoscopy, Superior vena cava. Biopsies, using mediastinoscopy are commonly utilized Case Report to decide on the treatment of mediastinal masses. However, since the mass is not removed during the biopsy, it may cause A 66-year-old man visited the hospital with a one month compression of vital structures after the procedure [1]. The history of chest discomfort and sporadic swelling in the face superior vena cava has an especially low intravascular pressure and arms in the morning.
    [Show full text]
  • NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
    NCCN.org/patients/surveyPlease complete our online survey at NCCN Guidelines for Patients® Version 1.2016 Lung Cancer NON–SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER Presented with support from: Available online at NCCN.org/patients Ü NCCN Guidelines for Patients® Version 1.2016 Lung Cancer NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER Learning that you have cancer can be overwhelming. The goal of this book is to help you get the best cancer treatment. It explains which cancer tests and treatments are recommended by experts of non-small cell lung cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of 27 of the world’s leading cancer centers. Experts from NCCN have written treatment guidelines for doctors who treat lung cancer. These treatment guidelines suggest what the best practice is for cancer care. The information in this patient book is based on the guidelines written for doctors. This book focuses on the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Key points of the book are summarized in the related NCCN Quick Guide™. NCCN also offers patient resources on lung cancer screening as well as other cancer types. Visit NCCN.org/patients for the full library of patient books, summaries, and other patient and caregiver resources. ® NCCN Guidelines for Patients i Lung Cancer – Non-Small Cell, Version 1.2016 Endorsers and sponsors Endorsed and sponsored in part by LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE LUNG CANCER RESEARCH COUNCIL Lung Cancer Alliance is proud to collaborate with National Comprehensive As an organization that seeks to increase public awareness and Cancer Network to sponsor and endorse these NCCN Guidelines for understanding about lung cancer and support programs for screening and Patients®: Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer.
    [Show full text]
  • Update in Anaesthesia
    Update in Anaesthesia Pulmonary Function Tests and Assessment for Lung Resection David Portch*, Bruce McCormick *Correspondence Email: [email protected] INTRODUCTION Summary respectively. There are 2400 lobectomies and 500 The aim of this article is to describe the tests available This article describes the for the assessment of patients presenting for lung pneumonectomies performed in the UK each year, steps taken to evaluate resection. The individual tests are explained and we with in-hospital mortality 2-4% for lobectomy and patients’ fitness for lung 4 describe how patients may progress through a series of 6-8% for pneumonectomy. resection surgery. Examples tests to identify those amenable to lung resection. Lung resection is most frequently performed to treat are used to demonstrate interpretation of these tests. Pulmonary function testing is a vital part of the non-small cell lung cancer. This major surgery places It is vital to use these tests in assessment process for thoracic surgery. However, large metabolic demands on patients, increasing conjunction with a thorough for other types of surgery there is no evidence postoperative oxygen consumption by up to 50%. history and examination that spirometry is more effective than history and Patients presenting for lung resection are often high in order to achieve an examination in predicting postoperative pulmonary risk due to a combination of their age (median age accurate assessment of each complications in patients with known chronic lung is 70 years)5 and co-morbidities. Since non-surgical patient’s level of function. conditions. Furthermore specific spirometric values mortality approaches 100%, a thorough assessment of Much of this assessment (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Diagnostic Direct Laryngoscopy, Bronchoscopy & Esophagoscopy
    Post-Operative Instruction Sheet Diagnostic Direct Laryngoscopy, Bronchoscopy & Esophagoscopy Direct Laryngoscopy: Examination of the voice box or larynx (pronounced “lair-inks”) under general anesthesia. An instrument called a laryngoscope is carefully placed into the mouth and used to visualize the larynx and surrounding structures. Bronchoscopy: Examination of the windpipe below the voice box in the neck and chest under general anesthesia. A long narrow telescope is passed through the larynx and used to carefully inspect the structures of the trachea and bronchi. Esophagoscopy: Examination of the swallowing pipe in the neck and chest under general anesthesia. An instrument called an esophagoscope is passed into the esophagus (just behind the larynx and trachea) and used to visualize the mucus membranes and surrounding structures of the esophagus. Frequently a small biopsy is taken to evaluate for signs of esophageal inflammation (esophagitis). What to Expect: Diagnostic airway endoscopy procedures generally take about 45 minutes to complete. Usually the procedure is well-tolerated and the child is back-to-normal the next day. Mild throat or tongue discomfort may persist for a few days after the procedure and is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Warning Signs: Contact the office immediately at (603) 650-4399 if any of the following develop: • Worsening harsh, high-pitched noisy-breathing (stridor) • Labored breathing with chest retractions or flaring of the nostrils • Bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails (cyanosis) • Persistent fever above 102°F that does not respond to Tylenol or Motrin • Excessive coughing or respiratory distress during feeding • Coughing or throwing up bright red blood • Excessive drowsiness or unresponsiveness Diet: Resume baseline diet (no special postoperative diet restrictions).
    [Show full text]
  • Efficacy of Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy in the Diagnosis of Inhalation Injuries
    ORIGINAL ARTICLE Efficacy of Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy in the Diagnosis of Inhalation Injuries Thomas Muehlberger, MD; Dario Kunar, MD; Andrew Munster, MD; Marion Couch, MD, PhD Background: Asignificantproportionofburnpatientswith Results: Six (55%) of 11 patients had clinical findings and inhalation injuries incur difficulties with airway protection, symptoms that indicated, under traditional criteria, endo- dysphagia, and aspiration. In assessing the need for intu- tracheal intubation for airway protection. Visualization of bation in burn patients, the efficacy of fiberoptic laryngos- the upper airway with fiberoptic laryngoscopy obviated the copy was compared with clinical findings and the findings need for endotracheal intubation in all 11 patients. These of diagnostic tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis, mea- patients also failed to evidence an increased risk of aspira- surement of carboxyhemoglobin levels, pulmonary func- tion or other swallowing dysfunction. tion tests, and radiography of the lateral aspect of the neck. Conclusions: In comparison with other diagnostic cri- Objective: To determine if these patients were at risk teria, fiberoptic laryngoscopy allows differentiation of for aspiration or dysphagia, barium-enhanced fluoro- those patients with inhalation injuries who, while at scopic swallowing studies were performed. risk for upper airway obstruction, do not require intu- bation. These patients may be safely observed in a moni- Design: Prospective study. tored setting with serial fiberoptic examinations, thus avoiding the possible complications associated with in- Settings: Burn intensive care unit in an academic ter- tubation of an airway with a compromised mucosalized tiary referral center. surface. In these patients, swallowing abnormalities do not manifest. Main Outcome Measures: Need for endotracheal in- tubation and potential for aspiration.
    [Show full text]
  • Alternative – Universal Extended Video Mediastinoscopy with Distending, Narrow Blades Extended Video Mediastinoscopy with Distending, Tapered Blade System
    THOR 19 2.0 11/2020-E Alternative – Universal Extended video mediastinoscopy with distending, narrow blades Extended video mediastinoscopy with distending, tapered blade system By creating visibility and space, video mediastinoscopy allows the precise display and dissection of mediastinal structures and is therefore valuable for lymph node staging. Mediastinal staging as well as extended or complex endoscopic interventions, including video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA), can be performed with the aid of a distending video mediastinoscope system. KARL STORZ offers an atraumatic, easy-to-use, compact blade system with a holding arm device and an integrated irrigation and suction channel for this purpose. Two adjustment wheels in the handle allow distal distension of the blades and height adjustment in parallel. Combined with a matching HOPKINS® wide angle telescope, this autoclavable blade system provides the operating surgeon with an optimal overview of the working area. In conjunction with a holding arm with KSLOCK, bimanual work is also possible. The corresponding DCI® camera head IMAGE1 S™ D1 is operated via the modular KARL STORZ IMAGE1 S™ camera platform. Consequently, the system is likely to experience a renaissance in the coming years. We also offer instruments and other accessories that are compatible with the system. © KARL STORZ 96082019 THOR 19 2.0 11/2020 EW-E 2 Components of the KARL STORZ video mediastinoscopy system for extended mediastinoscopy Monitor 27" FULL HD Monitor TM220 Camera System IMAGE1 S CONNECT®
    [Show full text]
  • Consider a Minor Surgery As a Major Surgery and Order Preoperative Tests Accordingly (I.E
    ROUTINE PREOPERATIVE LAB TEST GUIDELINES For adult patients (≥ 16 years) undergoing elective surgery TESTS WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF SURGERY CLINICAL JUDGEMENT IS REQUIRED EXCLUSIONS are valid, provided there has been no interim change as additional tests may be appropriate for patients with this guideline does not apply to patients in the patient’s condition. complex or uncommon surgical or medical conditions. undergoing cardiac surgery or cesarean section. MINOR SURGERY MAJOR SURGERY Associated with an expected blood loss of Associated with an expected blood loss of >500mL, significant fluid shifts and typically, at least one night in <500mL, minimal fluid shifts and is typically hospital*. Includes laparoscopic surgery (except cholecystectomy and tubal ligation); open resection of organs; done on an ambulatory basis (day surgery/ large joint replacements; mastectomy with reconstruction; and spine, thoracic, vascular, or intracranial surgery. same day discharge)*. It includes cataract * If the surgery is typically ambulatory but the patient has a medical or social reason for overnight admission (i.e. OSA, no support surgery; breast surgery without reconstruction; at home), still consider the surgery minor in determining which lab tests to order. laparoscopic cholecystectomy and tubal ligation; and most cutaneous, superficial, All Major Age: 16-49 years old Age: 50+ years old endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures. or Order • add ECG for patients with DM, HTN, Renal, • add ECG + + – DO NOT ORDER PREOP TESTS CBC Cardiovascular or severe Respiratory disease. + + – • add Na , K , Cl , TCO2 including: chest x-rays, Na , K , Cl , TCO , + + – 2 Na K Cl TCO & Cr/ eGFR serum glucose, CBC, ECG, INR, urinalysis, • add , , , 2 for patients with • add Cr/ eGFR renal, liver or thyroid function tests in DM; HTN; Malnutrition; BMI > 40; Renal, Liver or asymptomatic** patients.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents 1
    GENERAL THORACIC SURGERY DATABASE v.2.3 TRAINING MANUAL August 2017 Table of Contents 1. Demographics ................................................................................................................................................................. 2 2. Follow Up ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 3. Admission ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10 4. Pre-Operative Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................. 14 5. Diagnosis (Category of Disease) ................................................................................................................................... 48 6. Procedure ..................................................................................................................................................................... 70 7. Post-Operative Events ................................................................................................................................................ 111 8. Discharge .................................................................................................................................................................... 135 9. Quality Measures ......................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Laryngectomy
    The Head+Neck Center John U. Coniglio, MD, LLC 1065 Senator Keating Blvd. Suite 240 Rochester, NY 14618 Office Hours: 8-4 Monday-Friday t 585.256.3550 f 585.256.3554 www.RochesterHNC.com Laryngectomy SINUS Voice change, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, ear or ENDOCRINE HEAD AND NECK CANCER throat pain and a lump in the throat, smoking and alcohol use are all VOICE DISORDERS SALIVARY GLANDS indications for further evaluation. Smoking and alcohol can contribute TONSILS AND ADENOIDS to these symptoms. A direct laryngoscopy – an exam of larynx (voice EARS PEDIATRICS box), with biopsy – will help determine if a laryngectomy is indicated. SNORING / SLEEP APNEA Laryngectomy may involve partial or total removal of one or more or both vocal cords. Alteration of voice will occur with either total or partial laryngectomy. Postoperative rehabilitation is usually successful in helping the patient recover a voice that can be understood. The degree of alteration in voice depends on the extent of the disease. Partial or total laryngectomy has been a highly successful method to remove cancer of the larynx. The extent of the tumor invasion, and therefore the extent of surgery, determines the way you will communicate following surgery. The choice of surgery over other forms of treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy is determined by the site of the tumor. It is quite likely that there has been spread of the tumor to the neck; a neck or lymph node dissection may also be recommended. Complete neck dissection (exploration of the neck tissues) is performed in order to remove known or suspected lymph nodes containing cancer that has spread from the primary tumor site.
    [Show full text]
  • Mediastinoscopy: a Clinical Evaluation of 400 Consecutive Cases
    Thorax: first published as 10.1136/thx.24.5.585 on 1 September 1969. Downloaded from Thorax (1969), 24, 585. Mediastinoscopy: A clinical evaluation of 400 consecutive cases C. L. SARIN1 AND H. C. NOHL-OSER From the Thoracic Surgical Unit, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Middlesex Mediastinoscopy was carried out in 400 cases, including 296 of bronchogenic carcinoma. At the time of presentation the new growth had already spread to involve the mediastinal lymph nodes in slightly more than 50% of these. The incidence of involvement was 76% in oat-cell and 35% in squamous-cell carcinoma. Non-resectability at thoracotomy was encountered in seven out of 120 patients. We advocate this procedure in every case of bronchogenic carcinoma which is considered operable on other counts. In patients in whom the mediastinal lymph nodes are invaded by growth we prefer radical radiotherapy to surgery, as the long-term survival of the two methods is comparable. This procedure may be the only source of positive histological proof of diagnosis, not only in carcinoma but in other types of intrathoracic disease. We believe that this procedure reduces the number of unnecessary exploratory thoracotomies. Carlens (1959) introduced diagnostic exploration sible. Biopsy in such cases can be obtained from tissues inside the thoracic inlet. in the of the superior mediastinum. The space explored just Bleeding, copyright. is part of the superior mediastinum which is presence of incipient or developed superior vena caval of the obstruction, or dense fibrosis of the pre-tracheal situated around tihe intrathoracic part fascia, can make the procedure difficult or impossible.
    [Show full text]