Extra-laryngeal complications of suspension laryngoscopy

Abstract

Summary: Although suspension laryngoscopy is routinely used in laryngeal surgery, there are only few studies on the complications of this procedure. Aim: to evaluate the complications outside the larynx following suspension laryngoscopy and analyze their relation with surgery duration. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven procedures were prospectively analyzed for intervention-related complications. The study included patient preoperative and postoperative assessment, focusing on dental, mucosal and nerve status (hypoglossal and lingual nerves). Results: Most procedures (27/37) were associated to some kind of complication, and mucosal injuries were the most common; temporary nerve lesions were observed in five cases and dental injuries in one case. Statistic significance was found between surgery duration and mucosal injury (lesions smaller than 1 centimeter), showing that longer procedure pose higher risks for these complications. Conclusion: These findings suggest that suspension laryngoscopy is frequently associated with complications outside the larynx. Although these injuries represent a low risk of significant morbidity, they can be avoided if more accurate techniques are used. Keywords: complications, laryngoscopy