International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Jun 2009
Clinical observations of postoperative delirium after surgery for oral carcinoma.
The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of postoperative delirium and to determine appropriate postoperative management for its prevention. The authors analysed 132 cases of primary surgery for oral carcinoma and observed 24 (18%) cases of postoperative delirium. Univariate analysis revealed that significant risk factors for postoperative delirium were older age, male gender, extensive surgery and morphine pain control. ⋯ There was a trend for postoperative delirium to be associated with extensive surgery. In those who had delirium, blood tests revealed that alkaline phosphatase, total protein, sodium, chlorine, red blood cell count, haemoglobin and haematocrit were significantly diminished after surgery. These results indicate that general condition is closely related to the onset of postoperative delirium, and suggest that appropriate postoperative management can reduce the incidence of this complication.
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Jun 2009
Gold weight implants in the management of paralytic lagophthalmos.
Lagophthalmos secondary to facial nerve damage can lead to corneal exposure and eventually blindness. Appropriate management depends on the severity and likely duration of recovery. Upper eyelid gold implants play an important role in the medium and long term management of this condition. ⋯ The mean weight of the implant was 0.95 g. There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. One implant (6%) was extruded and one patient (6%) had residual lagophthalmos and required a heavier implant. 15 of the 16 patients were satisfied with the outcome and all had adequate lid closure at last follow up.