Acta otorrinolaringológica española
-
Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp · Nov 1998
Case Reports[Subdural empyema as a complication of sinusitis. Association with Streptococcus milleri].
Intracranial complications of sinusitis now are unusual and subdural empyema is even more infrequent. Furthermore, subdural empyema usually is related to sinus infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus milleri, an anaerobic organism. Although clinical suspicion is fundamental, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are essential for discovering these complications. ⋯ We report two cases of subdural empyema secondary to sinusitis in persons without impaired immunity. Streptococcus milleri was isolated in one of them. A review of the literature disclosed that this is the most frequently involved organism, so the empirical selection of antibiotics targeted this organism.
-
Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp · Jun 1998
Case Reports[Cricoid calcification in the study of esophageal foreign bodies].
Lateral radiography of the neck is performed for the study of radio-opaque esophageal foreign bodies that are not visualized by indirect laryngoscopy. This projection may reveal a calcified linear image behind the cricoid cartilage due to calcification of the posterior lamina. In such cases, esophagoscopy and/or computed tomography must be performed to determine whether the image is due to an anatomic variant or a true foreign body.
-
Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp · Jun 1998
[Laryngeal mask anesthesia technique in adenoidectomy procedures with or without tonsillectomy].
Our experience with laryngeal airway mask in 241 children is reported: 168 adenoidectomies, 47 adenotonsillectomies and 26 tonsillectomies. In every case the device was easy to insert and blood did not enter the upper airway. The technical facility was similar to that of orotracheal intubation surgery. ⋯ Anesthesiological resultant parameters were within the range of safety. Otherwise, the presence of the laryngeal mask, with its hypopharyngeal cuff, presented no relevant complications for visual and instrumental access to the surgical field. This allows the surgeon to completely eliminate adenotonsillary tissue and to perform effective hemostasis.
-
Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp · Mar 1998
Comparative Study[Laparoscopic feeding gastrostomy: an alternative to the nasogastric tube].
Dysphagia is common in head and neck cancer and feeding becomes difficult. Nasogastric tubes cannot by placed in some patients and are poorly tolerated in others. However, endoscopic laparotomy techniques have advanced to a point in which they allow feeding gastrostomies to be used, which are non-aggressive, well-tolerated and a satisfactory alternative for patients with contraindications for upper endoscopy.
-
Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp · Mar 1998
Letter Case Reports[Facial paralysis after non-otologic surgery under general anesthesia].
Peripheral facial palsy is rare after non-otological surgery under general anesthesia. The condition generally is attributed to damage produced by endotracheal intubation maneuvers in patients with anatomic variants of the facial nerve. We report three cases of facial palsy which occurred after abdominal surgery. ⋯ The diversity of these factors suggests that other mechanisms of production aside from damage produced by endotracheal intubation should be considered. The use of nitrous oxide increases middle ear pressure and could produce focal nerve compression. This does not invalidate earlier hypotheses, but does clarify pathophysiological concepts of this condition.