Manabu Nakanoboh

Laser surgery for allergic and hypertrophic rhinitis.

Laser surgery, which is one type of surgical treatment for allergic and hypertrophic rhinitis, was investigated basically and clinically. The basic investigation showed morphological changes in the nasal mucosa before and after laser surgery. Before laser surgery, hyperplasia of the mucous epithelium, thickening of the basement membrane, edema of the lamina propria mucosa, eosinophilic infiltration, and enlargement of the nasal glands were noted. After laser surgery, the nasal mucosa was covered with 1) epithelium that was squamatized or cuboidal and/or 2) columnar epithelium that was stratified. Granulation-like tissue or cicatricial tissue was found in the lamina propria mucosa. Clinically, we performed laser surgery in 204 cases. Regarding the short-term results, laser surgery was effective in 87%. In the long term, the short-term results persisted in 81% of cases treated for sneezing, 78% for nasal discharge, and 76% for nasal obstruction. From these results, we concluded that laser surgery was a useful surgical treatment for allergic and hypertrophic rhinitis.

Laryngeal closure at the level of the false cord for the treatment of aspiration.

A new procedure for aspiration which closes the larynx at the level of the false cords is reported. This method is not harmful to the vocal folds and maintains arytenoid movement, thus preserving phonatory function. With the advance of the operative technique for aspiration and swallowing rehabilitation, patients who have recovered from aspiration can be helped. Our procedure can be recommended for such cases.

Carcinoma of the larynx: role of laser surgery

68 cases of glottic carcinomas (T1 53 and T2 15 cases) treated with CO2 laser or KTP/532 laser April 1982 through March 1992 were reviewed. The patients were followed up from 13 to 130 months (mean 60 months). The 3-year determinate survival rate was 100% and 5-year determinate survival rate was 100% for T1 and 80% for T2. The voice conservation rate was 97% for T1a, 83% for T1b, and 80% for T2 and vocal function was satisfactorily preserved for daily life. The results led to the following conclusions: (1) Glottic T1 carcinomas can be treated by laser surgery alone. (2) Lesions involving the anterior commissure can be treated by laser excision and vaporization. (3) Laser surgery followed by external radiation therapy for glottic T2 carcinomas improves the voice conservation rate.

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Head and Neck Lesions; Review of 461 cases.

Ectasia of the jugular system is unusual in children. We present here a pediatric case with internal jugular vein phlebectasia, and an adult case with a venous aneurysm. These two ectasias were observed as nonpulsatile, elongated or round neck masses that enlarges with the Valsalva maneuver or speaking. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and angiography have all been used in the diagnosis of ectasia. However, CT with a contrast agent make it possible to obtain a clear diagnosis, and allows the detection of thrombus formation.In our adult case, a thrombus in the aneurysm was suggested. After CT with a contrast agent, angiography was useful to detect the thrombosis and its connection with the internal jugular vein. Surgical resection of the jugular aneurysm was undertaken to avoid the risk of embolization in this case. In our pediatric case, the phlebectasia has been examined regularly because the lesion was stable in size, and there was no thrombus formation. We recommend surgical resection only if the lesion forms a thrombus, increases in size, or causes cosmetic deformity.

Laser application for hypertrophic rhinitis

The CO2 and KTP/532 lasers have been used in the treatment of an allergic and hypertrophic rhinitis for the past several years. As we know, the laser enables a surgeon to perform the operation with minimum hemorrhage and minimized pain, during and after the procedure. Additionally many of these operations can be performed under local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. The laser is used to irradiate the mucous membranes of the inferior turbinates. Vaporization and cutting is easily done. Post operative management of the local operated area is easy. The advantages of laser surgery over regular surgical techniques are supreme for intranasal operations when performed under local anesthesia.

Endoscopic laser surgery for subglottic and tracheal stenosis

Seventeen patients with subglottic or tracheal stenosis were treated with laser surgery. Six patients had airway compromise caused by malignant tumors. Sixteen patients required emergency endolaryngeal laser surgery, and satisfactory results were achieved in 12 obtaining an adequate lumen for ventilation. Five patients with airway tumors underwent laser surgery to increase the airway lumen, however, only one patient showed excellent results, with a sufficient airway lumen not being obtained in the other. Airway obstructions due to tumors can be treated satisfactorily by laser surgery, although long term postoperative follow up confirmed recurrence of tumor in most cases.