The Journal of laryngology and otology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Pilot comparison between potassium titanyl phosphate laser and bipolar radiofrequency in paediatric tonsillectomy.
To compare the advantages and disadvantages of potassium titanyl phosphate laser with those of bipolar radiofrequency techniques, in paediatric tonsillectomy. ⋯ Both the potassium titanyl phosphate and the bipolar radiofrequency techniques were safe and easy to use for tonsillectomy, with reduced operative time, blood loss and complication rates and better post-operative general patient condition. Potassium titanyl phosphate laser resulted in reduced operative bleeding and immediate post-operative pain, compared with the bipolar radiofrequency technique. However, potassium titanyl phosphate laser required slightly more operative time and caused more late post-operative pain than the bipolar radiofrequency technique. The low rate of recorded complications showed that both techniques cause little damage to the tonsillar bed during dissection, thus minimising complications.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Coblation tonsillectomy: a prospective, double-blind, randomised, clinical and histopathological comparison with dissection-ligation, monopolar electrocautery and laser tonsillectomies.
Coblation tonsillectomy is a relatively recently introduced surgical technique which attempts to bridge the gap between 'hot' and 'cold' tonsillectomy methods. ⋯ In adult patients, coblation tonsillectomy offers some significant advantages in terms of post-operative pain and healing, compared with other tonsillectomy techniques.
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Generally, epiglottic cysts have been treated by the puncture technique or surgical resection. However, these techniques can result in accidental injury to the cyst wall. As a result, the contents of the cyst may spread throughout the larynx, trachea and pharyngeal cavity. ⋯ To enable this, we have developed a special device to facilitate suturing of the vocal fold epithelium, utilising a knot-pusher. This suturing technique allows complete removal of epiglottic cysts. Our technique allows optimal prevention of cyst rupture and spread of contents.
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To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients with post-tonsillectomy taste distortions, and to show that post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia may originate in the caudal part of the soft palate. ⋯ Dysgeusia constitutes a rare but significant complication of tonsillectomy. Damage to the lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve innervating the posterior tongue is thought to be a major cause of this complication. However, damage to the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the soft palate should also be considered as a cause of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Further studies are needed to assess whether post-operative haemorrhage could indicate heightened risk of dysgeusia.
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Analysis of eye movements is essential for investigating vestibular disturbances. Video-oculography, although expensive, is a valuable and sensitive tool that allows accurate estimation of eye movements. We describe a simple and inexpensive method of recording as well as analysing eye movements using a commercially available miniature digital video surveillance camera and an MP4 digital media recorder.