Work

Venolaryngeal Obstruction Syndrome (VLOS): Characterizing Airway Obstruction in Massive Thyroid Goiters

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Characterize the presentation of chronic airway obstruction for patients presenting with massive thyroid goiters. METHODS: Demographic data acquisition was undertaken on 5 patients who presented with a compressive goiter and had pre-operative severe airway obstruction secondary to supraglottic and laryngeal edema. Each patient had a resolution of severe airway obstruction post-thyroidectomy. RESULTS: In all, 5 patients were diagnosed with severe airway obstruction due to chronic obstruction by a thyroid goiter. Several airway management interventions were pursued during definitive surgery (conventional or videolaryngoscopic intubation and a hybrid endoscopic approach incorporating the Seldinger technique). Successful thyroidectomy led to rapid resolution of laryngeal edema. CONCLUSION: Venolaryngeal obstruction syndrome is proposed as a term to describe the laryngeal findings in compressive goiters. The pathophysiological sequence resulting in chronic airway obstruction may have similar mechanisms to expanding neck hematomas after thyroid surgery.

Source: Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology

DOI: 10.1177/00034894251315361

Authors: Evan C. Compton, Christopher M. Johnson, Gregory N. Postma, David J. Terris

Institution: Augusta University

Language: English

Topic: Airway Management and Intubation Techniques

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150