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  • Transoral holmium YAG laser resection of the superior thyroid cornu: a novel approach in the management of superior thyroid cornu syndrome

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Ear, nose and throat
Transoral holmium YAG laser resection of the superior thyroid cornu: a novel approach in the management of superior thyroid cornu syndrome
  1. Alex Teasdale1,
  2. Simon Morris2 and
  3. Heikki Whittet1
  1. 1ENT, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Swansea, UK
  2. 2Morriston Hospital, Carmarthen, UK
  1. Correspondence to Mr Alex Teasdale; alex.teasdale2{at}wales.nhs.uk

Abstract

This case report details a pioneering approach to the treatment of superior thyroid cornu syndrome (STCS), a condition characterised by dysphagia and globus sensation due to anatomical variations in the thyroid cartilage, often leading to significant patient discomfort and misdiagnosis.

A male patient in his 50s, presenting with a persistent sensation of a lump in his throat and difficulty swallowing without associated pain or systemic symptoms, underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup that included flexible nasoendoscopy, MRI, contrast swallow, and CT scans, revealing a medially displaced superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage. Traditional surgical interventions offered limited precision and potential for soft tissue trauma.

This report introduces the use of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser for transoral resection of the affected cartilage, a technique more commonly associated with urological and salivary stone treatments. This innovative application resulted in successful symptom resolution without significant complications, highlighting the Ho:YAG laser’s efficacy and safety for STCS treatment and encouraging further exploration of its use in otolaryngology.

  • Anatomic Variation
  • Dentistry and oral medicine
  • Ear, nose and throat/otolaryngology
  • Lasers
  • Head and neck surgery

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2024-262291

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms and critical revision for important intellectual content: AT and SM. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: AT, SM and HW. HW is the guarantor.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.