Arch Otolaryngol
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Children who suffer from primary immunodeficiencies have long been thought to be subject to infections of the ears, nose, and throat due to unusual or resistant organisms. A retrospective chart review was undertaken at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1989 to determine the types and frequency of infections of the ears, nose, and throat, and the bacteriologic findings from cultures of the sinuses, ears, and head and neck abscesses, when obtained. ⋯ We conclude from this study that children with primary immunodeficiencies who require hospitalization frequently have an infection of the ears, nose, and throat, and that the infection is usually caused by community acquired bacteria. Empiric treatment may therefore be directed to common organisms causing these infections.
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The volume of experience in the surgical repair of cleft lip and palate deformities is limited in many areas of the United States. This deficit in experience exists not only for those in resident training programs but also for those who practice at universities or are in private practice. Physicians are performing too few operations to maintain their surgical skills in cleft lip and palate surgery. ⋯ Physicians from the United States can gain surgical experience in other countries through groups like the Medical Group Mission Christian Medical and Dental Society. Surgical experience is available in Central and South America, India, China, and Africa through similar organizations. The complexity of providing service to under-privileged people through organizations such as the Medical Group Mission Christian Medical and Dental Society is described.
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We describe our experience with nine patients with head and neck pain of malignant origin who were treated with continuous low-dose intrathecal morphine via a lumbar catheter and implantable subcutaneous drug delivery pump. All patients had failed prior attempts at oral narcotic pain control due to either poor pain control or intolerable side effects. ⋯ We conclude that intrathecal administration of morphine is a safe and effective means of pain control. This method deserves serious consideration in patients with intractable pain secondary to head and neck malignancy.
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Microvascular free tissue transfer techniques offer great versatility in the selection of tissue for reconstruction of head and neck defects. The system of flaps based on the subscapular artery and vein provides the widest array of composite free flaps. The possible flaps that can be harvested based on this single vascular pedicle include the scapular and parascapular skin flaps, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, and the lateral scapular bone flap. ⋯ We report the use of the combined latissimus dorsi-scapular free flap in six patients to reconstruct massive composite defects of the oral cavity, midface, and scalp. There was one flap failure, which was successfully reconstructed with the contralateral latissimus dorsi-scapular flap. The anatomy of this flap is reviewed, and the indications for its application are discussed.
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Lhermitte's sign is a rare complication of head and neck irradiation involving the delivery of dose to the cervical spinal cord. Although uncommon, symptoms of lightning-like electric sensations spreading into both arms, down the dorsal spine, and into both legs on neck flexion following head and neck irradiation, causes great concern in both the patient and the physician. This spontaneously reversible phenomenon is important for the otolaryngologist and radiation oncologist to recognize and discuss. A particularly severe and protracted case of Lhermitte's sign involving a patient recently completing a radical course of radiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is described in detail, including a review of the literature surrounding the cause and management of this condition.