TY - JOUR
T1 - Laryngeal electromyography for adult unilateral vocal fold immobility
T2 - A survey of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association
AU - Halum, Stacey L.
AU - Patel, Nalin
AU - Smith, Timothy L.
AU - Jaradeh, Safwan
AU - Toohill, Robert J.
AU - Merati, Albert L.
PY - 2005/6
Y1 - 2005/6
N2 - Objectives: Diagnostic and management strategies for adult unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) vary among otolaryngologists. The aim of this study was to determine the current attitudes and practices regarding laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for the management of adult UVFI within a cohort of subspecialty laryngologists. Methods: A 19-item instrument focused on diagnosis and management of adult UVFI was mailed to active members (n = 249) of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA). The subset of questions related to LEMG is reviewed in this report. Statistical analysis using a χ2 test was performed. Results: The survey response rate was 34% (n = 84), with 8 surveys returned incomplete because of pediatric-limited practices. Of the respondents, 75% (n = 57) rely on LEMG for evaluation of UVFI, whereas 25% (n = 19) do not use LEMG. Of those who use LEMG, 54% place their own electrodes and 44% interpret the LEMG results themselves. Monopolar electrodes are used by 57% (n = 25), bipolar electrodes by 27% (n = 12), and hooked-wire electrodes by 17% (n = 7). Muscles evaluated by LEMG include the thyroarytenoid (100%), cricothyroid (94%), posterior cricoarytenoid (70%), lateral cricoarytenoid (43%), cricopharyngeus (27%), and interarytenoid (17%). The LEMG is performed in an unblinded fashion by most respondents (85%), and many (66%) feel a more accurate result is obtained when clinical information is known. There was no statistically significant difference in use of LEMG, placement of electrodes, and interpretation of LEMG according to percentage of laryngology practice. Conclusions: The survey results demonstrate congruence among ABEA members in the utility of LEMG in the management of adult UVFI. Some variability was noted in the methods by which LEMG is performed and interpreted.
AB - Objectives: Diagnostic and management strategies for adult unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) vary among otolaryngologists. The aim of this study was to determine the current attitudes and practices regarding laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for the management of adult UVFI within a cohort of subspecialty laryngologists. Methods: A 19-item instrument focused on diagnosis and management of adult UVFI was mailed to active members (n = 249) of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA). The subset of questions related to LEMG is reviewed in this report. Statistical analysis using a χ2 test was performed. Results: The survey response rate was 34% (n = 84), with 8 surveys returned incomplete because of pediatric-limited practices. Of the respondents, 75% (n = 57) rely on LEMG for evaluation of UVFI, whereas 25% (n = 19) do not use LEMG. Of those who use LEMG, 54% place their own electrodes and 44% interpret the LEMG results themselves. Monopolar electrodes are used by 57% (n = 25), bipolar electrodes by 27% (n = 12), and hooked-wire electrodes by 17% (n = 7). Muscles evaluated by LEMG include the thyroarytenoid (100%), cricothyroid (94%), posterior cricoarytenoid (70%), lateral cricoarytenoid (43%), cricopharyngeus (27%), and interarytenoid (17%). The LEMG is performed in an unblinded fashion by most respondents (85%), and many (66%) feel a more accurate result is obtained when clinical information is known. There was no statistically significant difference in use of LEMG, placement of electrodes, and interpretation of LEMG according to percentage of laryngology practice. Conclusions: The survey results demonstrate congruence among ABEA members in the utility of LEMG in the management of adult UVFI. Some variability was noted in the methods by which LEMG is performed and interpreted.
KW - Laryngeal electromyography
KW - Vocal fold immobility
KW - Vocal fold paralysis
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U2 - 10.1177/000348940511400602
DO - 10.1177/000348940511400602
M3 - Review article
C2 - 16042098
AN - SCOPUS:20544452615
SN - 0003-4894
VL - 114
SP - 425
EP - 428
JO - Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
JF - Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology
IS - 6
ER -