Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Jan 2009
ReviewMalpractice litigation involving iatrogenic surgical vocal fold paralysis: a closed-claims review with recommendations for prevention and management.
We describe the nature of malpractice claims filed involving surgical iatrogenic vocal fold paralysis, review surgical literature for recommendations for prevention of this complication, and suggest management of this complication. ⋯ Vocal fold paralysis is a complication of many different surgical procedures across multiple specialty lines. Closed-claims analysis can offer a unique glimpse on what went wrong and why patients sue. Modification of techniques and incorporation of new technology may significantly reduce this complication. Preoperative written information on potential complications, and early referral to and management by laryngeal specialists, we believe, may significantly reduce malpractice litigation.
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The Eating Assessment Tool is a self-administered, symptom-specific outcome instrument for dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). ⋯ The EAT-10 has displayed excellent internal consistency, test-retest reproducibility, and criterion-based validity. The normative data suggest that an EAT-10 score of 3 or higher is abnormal. The instrument may be utilized to document the initial dysphagia severity and monitor the treatment response in persons with a wide array of swallowing disorders.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyComputerized scoring system for the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration in children.
Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a life-threatening event in children. The gold standard for diagnosis is bronchoscopy, but there is no consensus regarding indications for the procedure. The aim of this study was to formulate a predictive model for assessing the probability of FBA in suspected cases as an aid in the decision to perform diagnostic bronchoscopy. ⋯ In our predictive model, every case of suspected FBA can be assigned a score based on the specific parameters present, which is then entered into a probability formula to determine the likelihood of a positive diagnosis. This model may serve as a useful tool for deciding on the use of bronchoscopy in all children with suspected FBA.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Oct 2008
Comparative StudyDigastric muscle sew-up procedure for the repair of the floor of the mouth following pull-through operation for oral cancers.
We report the digastric muscle sew-up procedure for the repair of the floor of the mouth following the pull-through operation for advanced oral cancers. ⋯ We believe that the digastric muscle sew-up procedure is a simple, safe, and timesaving method for the repair of small to medium-sized defects of the floor of the mouth created by ablative surgery in patients with advanced oral cancers.
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Oct 2008
Comparative StudyMorphometric study on the anatomy of the fetal cricoid cartilage and comparison between its inner diameter and endotracheal tube sizes.
The high incidence of respiratory disorders is one of the main problems in perinatal medical care. With the increased use of intubation, the incidence of laryngeal injury causing stenosis has also increased. The principal constriction point in the infant's larynx is the midcricoid area. We sought to provide detailed morphometric data on the anatomy of the cricoid cartilage and its relationship with growth and body characteristics of fetuses at 5 to 9 months of gestational age. ⋯ The cricoid lumen configuration was elliptic, and its mean area was smaller than that of available endotracheal tubes. This lumen area was most influenced by weight and height.