J Otolaryngol Head N
-
J Otolaryngol Head N · Aug 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyProspective randomized trial to determine whether inhalational anesthetics have any effects on hearing function.
The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of inhalation anesthetics (sevoflurane and isoflurane) on hearing function by using an audiometric test battery. ⋯ It was audiometrically demonstrated that general anesthesia did not affect the hearing function in any of the patients undergoing sinonasal surgery. These findings encourage the use of sevoflurane or isoflurane as a safe agent without any ototoxic effects in otorhinolaryngologic surgery with general anesthesia.
-
J Otolaryngol Head N · Feb 2009
Development of a new visual analogue scale for the assessment of area scars.
Clinical scar assessment lacks standardized methodology and consensus on the most appropriate evaluation instrument. This study empirically evaluated whether area scars could be validly assessed by naive observers with the objective to develop and validate a novel multidimensional visual analogue scale (VAS) for the assessment of area scars. ⋯ Comprehensive VAS analysis demonstrates high reliability in mirroring PC results for multiple dimensions of area scars. These data support our novel multidimensional VAS method as a valid, reliable, simple, and time-efficient instrument for clinical and research use. We introduce the Western Scar Index as a new measurement tool with many potential applications.
-
J Otolaryngol Head N · Feb 2009
Postoperative respiratory complications of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in older children: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on clinical outcome.
To determine the prevalence and type of respiratory complications after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in otherwise healthy children with a completed preoperative polysomnography evaluation. ⋯ The most important predictors of postsurgical respiratory morbidity were young age, obesity, and the initial severity of OSAS. Surgical therapy yielded significant improvements in quality of life for children with OSAS, and the amelioration was not linked to the occurrence of postoperative respiratory complications.
-
J Otolaryngol Head N · Feb 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialProspective, double-blind, randomized trial evaluating patient satisfaction, bleeding, and wound healing using biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (NasoPore) as a middle meatal spacer in functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
To compare NasoPore (Stryker Canada, Hamilton, ON, Canada) and a traditional middle meatal spacer (MMS) composed of Merocel ((Medtronic Xomed, Mississauga, ON, Canada) placed in a vinyl glove finger in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with regard to postoperative bleeding, wound healing, and patient comfort. ⋯ The absorbable pack did not significantly reduce the risk of bleeding or patient discomfort compared with a traditional nonabsorbable MMS and was associated with significantly slower mucosal healing initially, an effect that disappeared after 3 months postoperatively. There was no significant patient preference for either pack.
-
J Otolaryngol Head N · Feb 2009
Series of congenital vallecular cysts: a rare yet potentially fatal cause of upper airway obstruction and failure to thrive in the newborn.
Stridor is a relatively common symptom during the neonatal period. The most probable cause of inspiratory stridor and supralaryngeal airway obstruction in infancy is laryngomalacia. Laryngeal cysts are known to be found in association with supraglottic prolapse and are a rare yet potentially lethal cause of respiratory distress in the newborn. In the absence of more alarming presenting signs, the vallecular cyst, a form of laryngeal cyst, frequently defies diagnosis. We present a series of illustrative cases to raise awareness of vallecular cyst to help reduce the therapeutic delays that are currently encountered clinically. ⋯ The challenge in making an early diagnosis of vallecular cyst, especially when laryngomalacia is comorbid, has been reaffirmed in our case series. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion in combination with careful inspection of the tongue base with direct examination and/or appropriate imaging modalities.