Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Apr 1996
Review Case ReportsAtlanto-axial subluxation and cervical osteomyelitis: two unusual complications of adenoidectomy.
Grisel's syndrome (atlanto-axial subluxation) and cervical osteomyelitis are two unusual complications of adenoidectomy. We present two patients; one with atlanto-axial subluxation following uncomplicated tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and one with cervical osteomyelitis following uncomplicated adenoidectomy. Both patients presented with persistent postoperative neck pain. ⋯ Flexible nasopharyngoscopy and computed tomography of the cervical spine also aided in diagnosis and treatment planning. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis is good. Neurologic sequelae were prevented in both of our patients.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Apr 1996
ReviewSubglottic air pressure: a key component of swallowing efficiency.
The relationship between tracheostomy and swallowing dysfunction has been long recognized. Often this dysfunction is manifested by aspiration, for which a number of etiologic factors may be responsible. Disruption of glottic closure has been previously demonstrated in association with the presence of an indwelling tracheostomy tube. ⋯ Measurement of subglottic pressure through an indwelling tracheostomy tube during swallowing demonstrated pressure peaks occurring concomitant with swallowing and laryngeal elevation. This presentation will review the evidence supporting the role of subglottic pressure rise in swallowing efficiency. Current investigational activity will be reviewed, and new areas for study will be suggested.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Apr 1996
Comparative StudyPostoperative care following single-stage laryngotracheoplasty.
Single-stage laryngotracheoplasty (SSLTP) provides a method of correcting mild-to-moderate laryngotracheal stenosis while avoiding the risks of prolonged laryngeal stenting. Pediatric patients are orally intubated for 5 to 7 days postoperatively to ensure an adequate airway while edema resolves and healing begins. During this period, continuous neuromuscular blockade has been advocated in infants and young children to avoid endotracheal tube trauma to the fresh graft and potentially life-threatening accidental decannulation. ⋯ As a group, these patients had less postoperative pulmonary atelectasis prior to extubation (p < .05) and were extubated sooner than patients receiving continuous neuromuscular blockade (p<.05) without compromising the surgical success of the procedure. Intermittent paralysis permitted for more accurate assessment of pain control and protected against accidental drug accumulation. Although self-extubation did not occur, diligent nursing care with adequate sedation and analgesia is necessary to avoid the risk of accidental extubation.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Apr 1996
Case ReportsTotal tracheobronchial thrombosis due to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used for neonatal respiratory failure that is potentially reversible but unresponsive to conventional management. Because of the anticoagulation necessary for maintaining the extracorporeal circuit, hemorrhagic complications occur in up to one third of patients. ⋯ The airway was successfully managed with repeated bronchoscopic pulmonary toilet. Our experience and review of the literature provide a summary of ECMO-related complications likely to present to the otolaryngologist, and management strategies are discussed.