Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · May 2012
Anteriorly based inferior turbinate flap for endoscopic skull base reconstruction.
In the absence of the nasal septal flap, there is limited ability to reconstruct the anterior skull base because of the paucity of alternative intranasal vascularized flaps. In this article, the authors describe the anteriorly pedicled inferior turbinate flap (AITF) as a method for endoscopic reconstruction of anterior skull base defects. ⋯ The AITF is well tolerated and is associated with good outcomes. Its length and angle of rotation allow reconstruction of skull base defects in the posterior frontal sinus wall and cribriform plate, especially when traditional reconstruction techniques are not possible.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · May 2012
Stratifying the risk of venous thromboembolism in otolaryngology.
The consequences of perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) are devastating; identifying patients at risk is an essential step in reducing morbidity and mortality. The utility of perioperative VTE risk assessment in otolaryngology is unknown. This study was designed to risk-stratify a diverse population of otolaryngology patients for VTE events. ⋯ The Caprini risk assessment model effectively risk-stratifies otolaryngology patients for 30-day VTE events and allows otolaryngologists to identify patient subgroups who have a higher risk of VTE in the absence of chemoprophylaxis.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Apr 2012
Comparative StudyDifferential diagnosis of primary nasopharyngeal lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma focusing on CT, MRI, and PET/CT.
No study has done a comparative analysis of radiologic imaging findings between primary nasopharyngeal lymphoma (PNL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The purpose of this study was to analyze computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images and to evaluate the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) of positron emission tomography (PET)/CT between PNL and NPC, knowing the imaging features that distinguish PNL from NPC. ⋯ If the images present a bulky, symmetric nasopharyngeal mass with marked homogeneity, a high degree of enhancement, and a higher Waldeyer ring involvement combined with no invasion into the deep structure, PNL should be considered over NPC.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2012
Comparative StudyColor Doppler ultrasound: effective monitoring of the buried free flap in facial reanimation.
The gracilis muscle free flap has become a reliable means for smile reanimation for patients with facial paralysis. Because it is a buried flap, it presents a postoperative monitoring challenge. We sought to evaluate our experience with color Doppler ultrasound in the monitoring of gracilis free flap viability in the immediate postoperative setting. ⋯ Color Doppler ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive method that can be performed serially to evaluate a buried free flap. We have had success in verifying normal arterial and venous flow through the pedicle using this method of monitoring of the gracilis muscle free flap during facial reanimation, and in 3 instances, it eliminated the need for wound exploration to verify appropriate muscle perfusion.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2012
Comparative StudyPrevalence, characteristics, and management of swallowing disorders following cerebellopontine angle surgery.
To describe swallowing disorders encountered after cerebellopontine angle surgery and to explore variables associated with increased incidence of postoperative dysphagia. ⋯ Oral and pharyngeal swallowing deficits are commonly encountered after cerebellopontine angle surgery. Consultation with the speech-language pathologist appears most critical for any individuals demonstrating postoperative cranial nerve dysfunction, particularly for those with evidence of facial nerve weakness. Early consultation may help to manage short- and long-term functional difficulties.