Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Dec 2000
Meta AnalysisA meta-analysis of dexamethasone use with tonsillectomy.
To determine the quantitative impact of intravenous dexamethasone on recovery after tonsillectomy using established principles for meta-analysis. ⋯ Perioperative dexamethasone administration had a positive impact on recovery from tonsillectomy.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2000
Penetrating neck trauma in children: an urban hospital's experience.
As the incidence of violent crime increases in our society, the rate of penetrating head and neck trauma in children also rises. The methods of management of pediatric penetrating neck wounds are addressed. ⋯ Penetrating neck trauma in children may lead to potentially life-threatening injuries. Selective management of penetrating head and neck injuries in children can be a safe and effective policy in an experienced trauma center.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2000
Comparative StudyUse of plain radiography and computed tomography to identify fish bone foreign bodies.
Fish bones are the most common aerodigestive foreign bodies in adults. Radiographic studies, often ordered for diagnosis, have questionable utility. ⋯ Plain radiography poorly visualizes fish bone foreign bodies in soft tissue; visibility varied with fish species, location, and orientation. CT is the test of choice to radiographically diagnose fish bone impactions.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Sep 2000
Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree: predictive factors for complications.
We reviewed the records of 504 patients admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center during a 10-year period for treatment of aspiration of a foreign body into the tracheobronchial tree. All underwent rigid fiberoptic bronchoscopy for removal of the foreign body. Complications occurred in 42 patients (8%) and were classified as intraoperative (7 patients), postoperative (25 patients), and failure to retrieve the foreign body by bronchoscopy (9 patients). ⋯ The most important variables that were of value in predicting the occurrence of complications were the history of previous bronchoscopy, the duration of the procedure, and the type of foreign body. Age, sex, delay in diagnosis and treatment, and intraoperative use of corticosteroids, while important, had no predictive value. Detailed results with guidelines for prevention and management are presented.