The Journal of otolaryngology
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Our purpose was to investigate the effects of surgical alteration of the soft palate by laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) on the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Specifically, is there any change in effective CPAP pressure after LAUP? ⋯ The average, effective CPAP decreased by 4.8 cm H2O after LAUP. In patients who failed LAUP therapy, CPAP was still found to be effective.
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To determine the incidence, extent, and time course of hearing loss following instillation of intratympanic gentamicin using a predetermined fixed protocol for incapacitating unilateral Meniere's disease and to determine whether such loss is associated with any identifiable risk factors. ⋯ Hearing loss is a recognized complication of treatment with intratympanic gentamicin, occurring in approximately 26% of individuals. In those individuals in whom hearing acuity has remained unchanged after the first month interval, significant worsening of hearing is unlikely, and patients can be reassured accordingly.
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Interposition grafts are an important and invaluable technique in free microvascular tissue transfer as they extend the vascular pedicle to allow it to reach undisturbed donor vessels away from the surgical or traumatic site. Autologous vein has been the most commonly used material for interposition grafting, but it has significant disadvantages. Nonautologous grafts are readily available and could certainly remedy most of the autologous graft disadvantages. ⋯ There was a statistically significant difference in vessel patency between PTFE grafts in the vessel repair and free flap models. Our data show that PTFE microvascular grafts are a poor substitute for vein grafts in the vessel repair and free flap animal models. We also found that simple vessel repair is not an acceptable model to study manipulations intended for free tissue transfer.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to demonstrate a wide range of abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses, which are often reported as incidental findings on scans performed for indications other than the evaluation of paranasal sinus pathology. However, the clinical significance of these findings remains undefined. We present a prospective study that determines the prevalence of abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses in a population undergoing MRI scans for suspected intracranial disease. These findings are correlated with clinical data pertaining to nasal and sinus symptoms. ⋯ The assessment of inflammatory sinus pathology remains controversial. Based on the results of this study, incidental abnormalities of the paranasal sinuses detected on MRI scan do not appear to be related to clinical symptoms.