The Laryngoscope
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Tonsillectomy is among the most commonly performed procedures. As with any surgery, head and neck surgeons must be aware of possible complications and their potential affects. At our smell and taste center, we have been referred several patients in a 6-month period with the complaint of taste distortion after tonsillectomy. We report in this article a patient that complains of taste distortion after a right tonsillectomy for unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy. ⋯ Taste distortion (including, phantogeusia and dysgeusia) after tonsillectomy is rarely reported as a complication but has a significant impact on quality of life. This article examines the taste distortion presence as a complication after tonsillectomy to make head and neck surgeons aware of this serious complication and the pathophysiology of taste distortion.
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Immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated hypersensitivity to fungi has been postulated to explain allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Not all patients suspected to have AFS demonstrate systemic evidence of allergy. Locally produced IgE might explain those patients with no systemic evidence of allergy but clinical features of AFS. The aim was to determine whether fungal-specific IgE could be demonstrated in sinus mucin in patients with eosinophilic mucin rhino-sinusitis. ⋯ This is the first study to show that fungal-specific IgE may be demonstrated in sinus mucin. It was significantly associated with systemic fungal allergy and may play a role in a minority of fungal sinusitis patients in the absence of systemic fungal allergy.
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To determine the acute and subacute cochlear effects of sublethal total body irradiation. ⋯ Radiation can affect the cochlea in the acute phase at the mid to high frequencies; further prediction for long-term effects requires longer follow-ups.
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The objective of this study was to assess the intracochlear position and the extent of trauma to cochlear structures using a new prototype electrode carrier (Flex EAS). Special emphasis was placed on the practicality for combined electric and acoustic stimulation of the auditory system. ⋯ The new electrode prototype provides very good mechanical properties for safe and atraumatic implantation. All criteria for the use in hearing-preservation cochlear implantation for electric and acoustic stimulation were fulfilled. Surgical measures to prevent basal trauma appear to be very important.