Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2014
Comparative StudyWater Uptake Performance of Hygroscopic Heat and Moisture Exchangers after 24-Hour Tracheostoma Application.
After total laryngectomy, patients suffer from pulmonary complaints due to the shortcut of the upper airways that results in decreased warming and humidification of inspired air. Laryngectomized patients are advised to use a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) to optimize the inspired air. According to manufacturers' guidelines, these medical devices should be replaced every 24 hours. The aim of this study is to determine whether HMEs still function after 24-hour tracheostoma application. ⋯ The water uptake capacity of hygroscopic HEMs is clinically acceptable although no longer optimal after 24-hour tracheostoma application. From a functional point of view, the guideline for daily device replacement is therefore justified.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2014
Comparative StudyComparison of Long-term Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients.
To compare long-term quality-of-life outcomes in vestibular schwannoma patients managed with observation, microsurgery, or stereotactic radiation. ⋯ Long-term (>5 years) quality-of-life outcomes measured by the PANQOL in vestibular schwannoma patients show no significant differences between stereotactic radiation, observation, and microsurgical intervention. Studies are needed to fully evaluate very-long-term QOL for patients with vestibular schwannoma.