Our Summary

This research paper is about the effect of neuromuscular blocking drugs on facemask ventilation during general anesthesia. The study aimed to determine if these drugs improve facemask ventilation and if this improvement is related to the angle of the vocal cords.

In the study, doctors used a special type of ventilation and a flexible scope to continuously observe the vocal cords of patients undergoing surgery. They then measured the average amount of air (tidal volume) the patients were breathing and the angle of their vocal cords before and after giving them neuromuscular blocking drugs.

The study found that these drugs significantly increased both the amount of air patients were breathing and the opening angle of the vocal cords. The increase in the amount of air breathed in was directly linked to the wider opening of the vocal cords.

In simpler terms, the study found that these drugs made it easier for patients to breathe when using a facemask during anesthesia, and this improvement was associated with the drugs causing the vocal cords to open wider.

FAQs

  1. What was the objective of the study on neuromuscular blocking drugs and facemask ventilation during general anesthesia?
  2. How did the neuromuscular blocking drugs affect the patients’ breathing and the angle of their vocal cords?
  3. Is there a direct link between the amount of air patients breathe in and the opening of their vocal cords when under the influence of neuromuscular blocking drugs?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing vocal cord surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as avoiding smoking and not eating or drinking before the surgery. After the surgery, it is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by the doctor, such as resting the voice and avoiding strenuous activities. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended vocal cord surgery include those with vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules or polyps, vocal cord cysts, vocal cord cancer, or other conditions that affect the function of the vocal cords. These conditions can cause issues with voice production, breathing, swallowing, and overall vocal cord function. Surgery may be recommended to correct these issues and improve vocal cord function.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, difficulty breathing, or changes in voice quality. They may undergo tests such as laryngoscopy or vocal cord imaging to diagnose the issue and determine if surgery is necessary.

After vocal cord surgery, a patient will typically have a period of recovery where they may experience temporary hoarseness, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions, which may include voice rest, vocal therapy, and avoiding certain activities that could strain the vocal cords.

Over time, as the vocal cords heal, the patient should experience improvement in their voice quality, breathing, and overall vocal function. They may also undergo follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about vocal cord surgery include:

  1. What specific type of vocal cord surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after vocal cord surgery?
  4. Will I need speech therapy or other follow-up care after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of voice quality and function?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to vocal cord surgery that I should consider?
  7. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery?
  9. Will I need to follow any specific vocal exercises or rehabilitation programs post-surgery?
  10. What can I do to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lee MK, Kim KN, Jeong MA, Kim SY, Oh MS, Kwon BS. Journal: Anaesthesia. 2022 Sep;77(9):1010-1017. doi: 10.1111/anae.15786. Epub 2022 Jun 21. PMID: 35727620