Laryngeal Physiology for the Surgeon and Clinician

Laryngeal Physiology for the Surgeon and Clinician, Second Edition facilitates a sound understanding of the three principal functional priorities of the larynx: protection, respiration, and phonation. Working on the basis that a sound understanding of these functional priorities is essential to the management of the myriad diseases besetting this complex organ, Dr. Sasaki explores these three functional categories in terms of phylogeny, functional morphology, and neuromuscular reflexes. The book features numerous illustrations and tables and most chapters are preceded by focused case presentations introducing relevant clinical descriptions. Uniquely and invaluably, Sasaki has included original experimental data from the Yale Larynx Laboratory in order to support physiologic performance important to the understanding of clinical behavior.

The second edition systematically explores biomechanical measures of neurophysiologic events substantially augmenting relevance to clinical experience, while presenting newly recognized evidence of a functioning laryngeal motor plexus, an understanding potentially contributing to discoveries of physiologic compensatory behavior.

In Dr. Sasaki's own words, the book "does not contain all the answers to challenges encountered in clinical practice, nor will its perusal endow the reader with the necessary capability to justify new operative procedures or rehabilitation strategies. While it does present a selective point of view, it does not intend to exclude competing perspectives generated by systematic inquiry. Rather, it is meant to serve as a guide for the serious trainee and as a reference manual for those discerning Head and Neck Surgeons, Speech Language Pathologists, Anesthesiologists and Deglutologists who would seek to extend the boundaries of our knowledge in laryngeal physiology."

Almost all of Dr. Sasaki's career has been dedicated to stretching those boundaries himself, and the extent to which he has succeeded is reflected in his standing in the community, through the numerous awards he and his laboratory have attained, and through the content of this second edition: an outstanding contribution to the laryngology literature.

Reviews

"Laryngeal Physiology for the Surgeon and Clinician, Second Edition represents Clarence Sasaki’s updated version of an already classic text in the field of laryngology. The book opens with a review of the phylogeny, structure, function, and innervation of the larynx. Subsequent chapters systematically describe laryngeal neurophysiology in the context of the organ’s principal functional priorities: protection, respiration, and phonation. Chapters are supplemented by relevant clinical scenarios, illustrations, as well as original research performed at his Yale Larynx Laboratory over the past 40 years. The influence of anesthesia, hypoxia, core body temperature, tracheotomy, and respiratory factors on laryngeal neurophysiology are discussed in great detail. This book conveys Clarence Sasaki’s genuine fascination with the larynx and documents his lifelong investigation of its neurophysiology as both a clinician and a scientist. He challenges his reader to deeply understand the complex neurophysiology of the larynx in a way that can impact how we care for our patients under a variety of circumstances. While the subject matter may seem esoteric to some, the author clearly disclaims that this text is intended for the “serious trainee” and as a reference manual for the “discerning” head and neck surgeons, speech language pathologists, and anesthesiologists. This book is sure to remain a classic and represents a distinct perspective in the field of laryngology."
—Michael Z. Lerner, MD, in Annals of Otology, in Rhinology & Laryngology (November 2016)

"This second edition is a short (110 pages), succinct and concise book. I don’t usually like reading physiology textbooks, but I found this one very interesting. It is written in a manner which is easy to read and digest. It’s also written in such a way that makes the reader want to continue reading.
It consists of 13 chapters. The first few chapters are suitable for anyone with an interest in the larynx and concentrates on history and function of the larynx. It then progresses onto neurophysiology and neuromuscular elements of the larynx which is probably more targeted toward laryngologists. The final chapter on laryngeal paralysis is excellent and of particular interest to thyroid and head and neck surgeons alike.
Almost all of the chapters start with one or two clinical cases and then progress to explain the physiology behind what has been exhibited in the case. The evidence behind it is backed up by studies that the authors have performed e.g. the pressure effects on glottic closing force on Yorkshire pigs following nerve section."
—Omar Mulla, MBBS, MRCS, DOHNA, FRCS (ORL-HNS), ENT Specialist Trainee Doncaster Royal Infirmary, in ENT & Audiology News (January 2020)

Preface
Introduction
Foreword by Marvin P. Fried, MD, FACS
Foreword by William Rosenblatt, MD
Foreword by Reza Shaker, MD

Chapter 1. Phylogeny and Function

Chapter 2. Structure and Function

Chapter 3. Innervation of the Larynx

Chapter 4. Neurophysiology of Protective Function: Influence of Anesthesia and Level of Consciousness

Chapter 5. Neurophysiology of Protective Function: Influence of Respiratory Phase and Proprioceptor Control

Chapter 6. Neurophysiology of Protective Function: Influence of Hypoxia and Hypercapnia

Chapter 7. Neurophysiology of Protective Function: Influence of Core Body Temperature

Chapter 8. Evidence for a Laryngeal Motor Plexus

Chapter 9. Neurophysiology of Respiratory Function

Chapter 10. Phonatory Function

Chapter 11. Neuromuscular Basis for Ventricular Phonation

Chapter 12. Tracheotomy and Laryngeal Function

Chapter 13. Laryngeal Paralysis

Postscript
Glossary: Commonly Used Electrophysiological Terms
Index