Marco Benazzo

Publications (93) View all

• Source

  Available from: Giulia Bertino

  Article: Electrophysiological patterns of oropharyngeal swallowing in multiple sclerosis.

  E Alfonsi, R Bergamaschi, G Cosentino, M Ponzio, C Montomoli, D A Restivo, F Brighina, S Ravaglia, P Prunetti, G Bertino, M Benazzo, D Fontana, A Moglia
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  ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: We performed an electrophysiological study of swallowing (EPSS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) to describe oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities and to analyze their correlations with dysphagia and with overall neurological impairment. METHODS: Neurological examinations were quantified using the Kurtzke Functional Systems and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Dysphagia was evaluated using the Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire, while fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was used to establish the degree of aspiration and penetration, graded using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS). The EPSS measured the duration of suprahyoid/submental muscle EMG activity (SHEMG-D), the duration of the laryngeal-pharyngeal mechanogram (LPM-D), and the duration of the pause in cricopharyngeal muscle EMG activity (CPEMG-PD); it also measured the interval between onset of the suprahyoid/submental muscle EMG activity (SHEMG) and onset of the laryngeal-pharyngeal mechanogram (I-SHEMG-LPM). RESULTS: 92% of patients showed at least one electrophysiological abnormality. I-SHEMG-LPM correlated positively with the DYMUS questionnaire. I-SHEMG-LPM, SHEMG-D, and DYMUS correlated positively with the PAS. Moderate to severe bladder sphincter dysfunction was associated with a significant reduction, or absence, of CPEMG-PD. CONCLUSION: EPSS improves our understanding of the pathophysiology of dysphagia in MS. SIGNIFICANCE: This investigation could be useful in MS patients with swallowing abnormalities.
  Clinical neurophysiology: official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology 04/2013; · 3.12 Impact Factor
• Article: Thirteen years of Hyoid suspension experience in multilevel OSAHS surgery: the short term results of a bicentric study

  P. Canzi, A. Berardi, C. Tinelli, F. Montevecchi, F. Pagella, C. Vicini, M. Benazzo
  International Journal of Otolaryngology 03/2013; 2013(ID 263043):6 pages.
• Source

  Available from: Giulia Bertino

  Article: Flap reconstruction of the hypopharynx: a defect orientated approach.

  L Putten, R Spasiano, R Bree, G Bertino, C René Leemans, M Benazzo
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  ABSTRACT: The present retrospective analysis evaluated the outcomes of different flap reconstructions for several hypopharyngeal defects in 136 patients who underwent hypopharyngeal reconstruction with a free or pedicled flap after excision of pharyngeal or laryngeal carcinoma.Functional and oncological outcome were the main measures. Nine patients had a type I-a hypopharyngeal defect (partial with larynx preserved), 33 type I-b (partial without larynx preserved), 85 type II (circumferential), 5 type III (extensive superior) and 4 vertical hemipharyngolaryngectomy. The flaps used to reconstruct these defects were pectoralis major (n = 34), free radial forearm (n = 25), jejunum (n = 72), pedicled latissimus dorsi (n = 2), sternocleidomastoid (n = 1), lateral thigh (n = 1) and deltopectoral (n = 1). Twelve defects (9%) needed a secondary flap reconstruction. Surgical and medical complications were seen in 29% and 8% of patients, respectively; 18% of patients developed a fistula. No difference in complication rate or admission days was found for pre-operative versus no previous radiotherapy, type of defect or free versus pedicled flap. After 12 months follow-up, 38% of patients had a tracheo-oesophageal voice prosthesis, in 82% a fully oral diet was obtained and the average body weight gain was 0.9 kg. Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 35% and 49%, respectively, while local and regional control rates were 65% and 91%, respectively. Considering these results, a defect orientated approach may be helpful for deciding which flap should be used for reconstruction of the hypopharynx. An algorithm is proposed with similar functional and oncological outcomes for the different groups. The choice of flap should be based on expected morbidity and functional outcome.
  Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica: organo ufficiale della Società italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale 10/2012; 32(5):288-296. · 0.86 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Giulia Bertino

  Article: Advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx: functional results after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with flap reconstruction.

  F Mura, G Bertino, A Occhini, N Mevio, D Scelsi, M Benazzo
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  ABSTRACT: Surgical treatment of advanced cancers of the hypopharynx inevitably impairs swallowing, respiration and phonation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional results after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy (CPL) and flap reconstruction, in order to offer decisional guidelines for the choice of the most effective reconstructive method. We performed a retrospective analysis on the medical records of patients submitted to reconstructive surgery after CPL from July 1991 to November 2011. 75% of the 94 patients underwent reconstruction with a free flap (group A), while 25% underwent reconstruction with a pedicled flap (group B); 80% of patients in group A and none in group B were discharged with a free diet; 14% of patients in group A and 26% in group B were unable to resume oral feeding and were discharged with NG-tube or PEG. None of the patients acquired a satisfactory oesophageal voice; 17% of patients in group A and 7% in group B underwent voice restoration with tracheo-oesophageal voice-prosthesis. In conclusion, free flaps should be considered the first choice for reconstruction of the hypopharynx after CPL because of the better functional results obtained. Pedicled flaps represent a valid alternative in patients with contraindications to microvascular surgery.
  Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica: organo ufficiale della Società italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale 04/2012; 32(3):154-7. · 0.86 Impact Factor
• Article: Adenoid assessment in paediatric patients: the role of flexible nasal endoscopy.

  F Pagella, A Pusateri, F Chu, F Cairello, M Benazzo, E Matti, G L Marseglia
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  ABSTRACT: Adenoid hypertrophy is the most common cause of nasal obstruction in paediatric patients. Over the years, various methods to assess the adenoid size were proposed such as the posterior rhinoscopy and the radiological examination of the nasopharynx. Nasal endoscopy was introduced for children in the 80's, and nowadays this is a known and diffuse method in routine practice. The purpose of this article is to describe the personal experience in the assessment of the adenoid size in children, with a particular regard to the flexible nasal endoscopy, and to analyse the literature reports. The personal technique is described in performing nasal endoscopy in paediatric patients, reporting advantages and possible disadvantages of the procedure. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 6036 children since 1999 to 2010. In most cases children fully collaborated to complete the exam. No major or minor complications (such as nose bleedings or other traumatic injuries) were observed. No topical intranasal decongestant, local or general anaesthesia were used in our series. In our opinion, nasal endoscopy in children is a reliable, safe, accurate, easily tolerated and dynamic diagnostic method to assess the adenoid size.
  International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology 10/2011; 24(4 Suppl):49-54. · 2.99 Impact Factor