The Journal of otolaryngology
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The most common initial symptoms of the acoustic neuroma are unilateral hearing loss that evolves gradually, tinnitus, and unsteadiness. However, atypical presentations may sometimes occur, more often with a small intracanalicular neuroma or with a large medial neuroma placed in the cerebellopontine angle. ⋯ Patients with these atypical presentations have to undergo a diagnostic evaluation for acoustic neuroma and must be evaluated with BAEPs and then with gadolinium-enhanced MRI.
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Comparative Study
A prospective comparison of octylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and suture for the closure of head and neck incisions.
To compare the tissue adhesive octylcyanoacrylate with subcuticular suture for the closure of head and neck incisions. ⋯ Octylcyanoacrylate was found to be an effective method of skin closure in clean head and neck incisions. The practical advantages of tissue adhesives are reviewed.
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Posterior nasal balloon tamponade using a Foley catheter is a well-known, easy, and quick way to bring an end to a posterior epistaxis in emergency situations. To prevent loosening and displacement of the balloon away from the choana, some metallic devices that may crush or tear the catheter are often used. ⋯ When the clamp is removed, saline can be aspirated from the balloon and the catheter left in place with the nasal packing. Afterward, if needed, the saline can be reinjected to restore the tamponade.
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The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a relatively recent development that fills the gap in airway management between endotracheal intubation and the use of a face mask. The device is inserted blindly into the pharynx, forming a low-pressure seal around the laryngeal inlet permitting gentle positive-pressure ventilation. ⋯ This factor, combined with its ease of insertion, suggested that the laryngeal mask airway might offer some distinct advantages in otolaryngologic paediatric surgery. Our experience in utilizing the laryngeal mask in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and in myringotomies with insertion of ventilating tubes is described, and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed.