The Laryngoscope
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To characterize the structure and microbial content of biofilms found on tracheostomy tubes. To determine the correlation between the patients' clinical condition and biofilm content. ⋯ Biofilms were present on tracheostomy tubes in greater than 90% of tracheostomy tubes collected as early as 7 days after insertion in both the inpatients and outpatients. Although a variety of bacteria were identified in the biofilm, they often appeared as discrete microcolonies that appeared to be monospecies biofilm on confocal microscopy. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the number of colony forming units found and frequency of inner cannula change.
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Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by a history of recent oropharyngeal infection, clinical or radiological evidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis, and isolation of anaerobic pathogens, mainly Fusobacterium necrophorum. It was once called the forgotten disease because of its rarity, but it may not be that uncommon after all. This review aims to provide physicians with an update on the etiology, management, and prognosis of Lemierre's syndrome. ⋯ Lemierre's syndrome may not be as rare as previously thought. This apparent increase in the incidence may be due to antibiotic resistance or changes in antibiotic prescription patterns. Successful management rests on the awareness of the condition, a high index of suspicion, and a multidisciplinary team approach.
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Temporal bone meningoencephalic herniation is a rare condition with potentially dangerous complications. The aim of this study is to analyze the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and postoperative outcome of 133 cases of surgically confirmed temporal bone meningoencephalic herniations. A review of the literature is also presented. ⋯ Temporal bone meningoencephalic herniations are potentially life threatening, and surgery must take place expeditiously. The choice of the most appropriate surgical approach must be based on the localization and size of the herniated tissue, preoperative auditory function, the presence of active infection, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, and concomitant pathology.
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To understand the various methods available to reconstruct total laryngopharyngectomy defects and to understand which, and to what degree, various factors influence the surgeon in choosing a particular reconstructive method. ⋯ Our study sought to examine what motivates surgeons from several specialties to choose one reconstructive method over another for laryngopharyngeal defects. Otolaryngologists were more likely to consider voice and swallowing function in contrast to plastic surgeons, who more frequently included cosmesis as a factor. However, when physicians were asked to rank the importance of each of the eight factors from most to least important in influencing their reconstructive option, there was no statistical difference between plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists with respect to each factor. Further research is necessary to provide an evidence base for which reconstructive method offers the optimal functional restoration.