Laryngeal Force Sensor: Quantifying Extralaryngeal Complications after Suspension Microlaryngoscopy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Technology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Suspension microlaryngoscopy is crucial for laryngeal surgery.
• Postoperative tongue complications can affect patient outcomes.
• Quantifying surgical forces may reveal risk factors for these complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel sensor for measuring laryngeal force during microlaryngoscopy.
• To investigate the correlation between intraoperative force and the incidence of postoperative tongue complications.
• To identify predictors for tongue-related symptoms and dysphagia after microlaryngoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted at an academic tertiary care center.
• A newly designed laryngeal force sensor was used during suspension microlaryngoscopy procedures.
• Patients completed pre- and postoperative surveys assessing tongue symptoms and swallowing function (Eating Assessment Tool-10).
• Surgeons were blinded to force measurements to prevent bias.

Main Results:

• Twenty of 56 patients (36%) experienced postoperative tongue symptoms; 12 (21%) had abnormal Eating Assessment Tool-10 scores.
• Mean maximum intraoperative force was 164.7 N over a mean suspension time of 34.3 minutes.
• Increased maximum force was a significant predictor for both tongue symptoms (OR, 1.15) and abnormal Eating Assessment Tool-10 scores (OR, 1.03).
• Female sex was also a significant predictor for tongue-related symptoms (30.1%).

Conclusions:

• The developed laryngeal force sensor accurately measures dynamic forces during microlaryngoscopy.
• Elevated intraoperative force is a significant predictor of postoperative tongue complications and dysphagia.
• Female patients may have a higher risk of developing tongue symptoms after this procedure.