The Laryngoscope
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The purpose of our study was to identify the number of attempts required to attain competency in performing flexible laryngoscopy. ⋯ Our results suggest that it takes six attempts on average for a novice to become competent in performing flexible laryngoscopy. This finding has implications for residency programs because it indicates the learning curve can be overcome in the laboratory rather than with patients. Laryngoscope, 2010.
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Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) used in anterior cervical spinal procedures causes an inflammatory response resulting in upper-airway obstruction between postoperative days 2 to 7. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of complications associated with use of BMP. ⋯ The use of BMP in anterior cervical spinal procedures results in acute airway obstruction due to an extensive soft-tissue inflammatory reaction that is most likely to occur 2 to 7 days after surgery. The increased incidence of unplanned intubations and tracheotomies demonstrates the risk associated with BMP in cervical spinal procedures.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the regional recurrence rate of node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and selective neck dissection (SND) followed by observation, radiation, or concurrent chemoradiation. ⋯ SND after TORS resection of primary OPSCC enables the use of selective and deintensified adjuvant therapy to reduce regional recurrence rates.
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Most otoplasty techniques are variations of suturing and sculpting concepts. Thick cartilage and its tricky everlasting reshaping is a difficult task in suture techniques. It is more difficult to predict and control the final result in cartilage sculpting techniques. Animal studies demonstrated temperature-dependent cartilage stress relaxation during laser application resulting in stable shape changes. The aim of this study was to describe a novel surgical technique of carbon dioxide laser-assisted cartilage reshaping (CO(2) LACR) otoplasty and to show its outcome. ⋯ The present technique of CO(2) LACR otoplasty resulted in endurance of auricular appearance and symmetry, with good to satisfactory outcome to patient/parent.
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Comparative Study
Smoker's nose: structural and functional characteristics.
The effects of smoking on endonasal geometry and airflow remain largely unknown. Our study examined the relationship between smoking status and objective measures of nasal cavity dimensions, nasal congestion, and nasal airflow, using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). ⋯ We have clearly demonstrated that smokers exhibit lower MCA and NCV, achieve lower PNIF values, and have a less-compliant nasal mucosa than nonsmokers. Our results are unique, and provide evidence that smoking has adverse effects on the nasal airway, possibly due to mucosal inflammation. This might have further implications because altered nasal function could compromise the lower airways.