The effect of different nasal irrigation solutions following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency: a prospective randomized study / Efeito de diferentes soluções para irrigação nasal após septoplastia e radiofrequência das conchas nasais: estudo prospectivo e randomizado

Abstract Introduction Nasal irrigation solutions are widely used following endonasal surgery. These irrigation solutions remove infective debris and crusts, reducing the probability of synechia formation, and accelerate mucosal healing. Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of nasal irrigation solutions with different contents following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency. Methods The present study was a prospective, randomized, controlled simple blind study of 120 patients who underwent septoplasty and bilateral concha radiofrequency. Patients were divided into four groups according to the nasal irrigation solution used: tap water, buffered isotonic saline, saline with xylitol, and hypertonic sea water. Patients were examined on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. A saccharine test was applied to determine mucociliary activity preoperatively and on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. Patients were asked about drying and obstruction using a 10 cm visual analog scale. In addition, patients were examined to determine the crusting score. Results There was no significant difference found in the preoperative and 7th and 15th postoperative days' mucociliary clearance times among the four groups. The crusting score was found to be significantly lower in the hypertonic sea water group (p < 0.001). Drying and obstruction on the 7th and 15th postoperative days were found to be significantly more comfortable in the hypertonic sea water group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Hypertonic sea water is the recommended irrigation solution, as it is associated with less crusting, drying, and obstruction in the nose for the postoperative period following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency.

Resumo Introdução Soluções para irrigação nasal são amplamente usadas após cirurgias endonasais. Essas soluções removem os resíduos e crostas, reduzem a probabilidade de formação de sinéquias e aceleram a cicatrização da mucosa. Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os efeitos das soluçoes para irrigaçao nasal com diferentes conteudos apos septoplastia e turbinoplastia com radiofrequencia. Método O presente estudo foi um estudo cego simples, randomizado, controlado e prospectivo de 120 pacientes submetidos a septoplastia e turbinoplastia bilateral com radiofrequencia. Os pacientes foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com a soluçao nasal utilizada: agua da torneira, soluçao salina isotonica tamponada, soluçao salina com xilitol e agua do mar hipertonica. Os pacientes foram examinados no 7° e 15° dias do pos-operatorio. O teste de sacarina foi utilizado para determinar a atividade mucociliar pre-operatoria e no 7° e 15° dias do pos-operatorio. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre a sensaçao de secura e obstruçao nasais utilizando uma escala visual analógica de 10 cm. Alem disso, os pacientes foram examinados para determinar o escore em relaçao a crostas. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa entre o pré-operatório e o sétimo e 15° dias do pós-operatório dos tempos de clearance mucociliar entre os quatro grupos. Verificou-se que o escore em relação a crostas foi significativamente menor no grupo que usou água do mar hipertônica (p < 0,001). As sensações de secura e obstrução nasais no sétimo e 15° dias do pós-operatório mostraram-se significativamente mais confortáveis no grupo água do mar hipertônica (p < 0,001). Conclusão A água de mar hipertônica é a solução de irrigação recomendada, pois está associada a menor incidência de crostas, secura e obstrução nasais no pós-operatório de cirurgia de septoplastia e das conchas nasais com radiofrequência.

The effect of different nasal irrigation solutions following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal irrigation solutions are widely used following endonasal surgery. These irrigation solutions remove infective debris and crusts, reducing the probability of synechia formation, and accelerate mucosal healing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of nasal irrigation solutions with different contents following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency. METHODS: The present study was a prospective, randomized, controlled simple blind study of 120 patients who underwent septoplasty and bilateral concha radiofrequency. Patients were divided into four groups according to the nasal irrigation solution used: tap water, buffered isotonic saline, saline with xylitol, and hypertonic sea water. Patients were examined on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. A saccharine test was applied to determine mucociliary activity preoperatively and on the 7th and 15th postoperative days. Patients were asked about drying and obstruction using a 10cm visual analog scale. In addition, patients were examined to determine the crusting score. RESULTS: There was no significant difference found in the preoperative and 7th and 15th postoperative days' mucociliary clearance times among the four groups. The crusting score was found to be significantly lower in the hypertonic sea water group (p<0.001). Drying and obstruction on the 7th and 15th postoperative days were found to be significantly more comfortable in the hypertonic sea water group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypertonic sea water is the recommended irrigation solution, as it is associated with less crusting, drying, and obstruction in the nose for the postoperative period following septoplasty and concha radiofrequency.

Surgical conditions during FESS; comparison of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil.

To compare dexmedetomidine with remifentanil in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in regards to intra-operative bleeding, anesthetic consumption and post-operative recovery. Randomized, double blind study. Tertiary care medical center. Fifty patients with nasal polyposis who had been scheduled for FESS were randomly divided into two groups. In group D (n = 25), dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg infused intravenous (IV) over 10 min before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous of 0.7 µg/kg/h infusion during operation. In group R (n = 25), 1 µg/kg remifentanil IV bolus, was administered with induction of anesthesia and continued 0.25-0.50 µg/kg/min during operation. Heart rates, mean arterial pressure, end tidal CO2, end tidal sevoflurane were recorded. The amount of bleeding, surgical field condition for bleeding and the time to reach Aldrete recovery score 9-10 were recorded. Postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, shivering, sedation were followed up over 24 h. There was no significant difference between groups according to the amount of bleeding during surgery, assessment of surgical field condition, consumption of sevoflurane, scores of postoperative VAS, rates of nausea and vomiting, shivering, demands of additional analgesic medication (P > 0.05). The time to reach Aldrete recovery score 9-10, sedation scores at the postoperative first hour were significantly higher in group D (P = 0.001). We concluded that in comparison to remifentanil, dexmedetomidine during FESS for controlled hypotension is of limited value as it has no additional benefits in terms of control of hypotension and amount of bleeding in the surgical field and it is associated with higher recovery time and first-hour postoperative sedation scores.

Long-term results of one staged multilevel surgery with tongue suspension surgery or one level palatal surgery for treatment of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy of the one staged multilevel surgery (MLS) with tongue suspension (TBS) surgery or one level palatal surgery for treatment of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital. Thirty-three patients diagnosed as moderate to severe OSA. Patients, with ≥ 50 % retropalopharyngeal obstruction on the Müller maneuver, were treated with palatal surgeries (PS) and patients, with ≥ 50 % retropalopharyngeal obstruction on the Müller maneuver with ≥ 50 % base of the tongue collapse, were treated with palatal surgeries and tongue suspension surgery (TBS). Patients were evaluated with one night polysomnography before the surgery and 24 months after the surgery. Patients completed Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), snoring VAS (visual analog scale) before and 24 months after the surgery. Nine-teen patients with a mean age of 46.1 ± 8.3 underwent palatal surgeries (PS) and 14 patients with a mean age of 41.4 ± 8.9 underwent PS plus TBS. Success rate in TBS+PS group was 57.1 % and in PS group was 42.1 %. In both groups total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025) but there was no statistically significant difference between TBS+PS and PS groups. Supine AHI levels were reduced statistically significant in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.025). There was not any significant difference postoperatively in non-supine AHI levels in both groups (p > 0.025). There were significant postoperative changes in ODI, AVO2, MOS, ESS, Snoring VAS values in PS group (p < 0.025). In TBS+PS group there was a significant difference postoperatively only in ODI values. Treatment of OSA patients with retropalatal or retropalatal and retroglossal obstruction, in a one staged surgery, is a safe and easy procedure. We have achieved favorable long-term outcomes in moderate-severe OSA patients undergoing both palatal surgery and tongue suspension surgery.

Desplazamiento esofágico de un tubo endotraqueal durante la oxigenación nasofaríngea en un neonato con secuencia de Pierre Robin: caso clínico / Esophageal dislodgement of an endotracheal tube during nasopharyngeal oxygenation in a neonate with Pierre-Robin sequence: a case report

La intubación convencional para la asistencia respiratoria en niños con vía aérea dificultosa puede ser un desafío incluso en manos expertas. Los rápidos avances en la atención respiratoria han reducido la incidencia de intubación traqueal dificultosa y por ende las complicaciones. Sin embargo, en algunos pacientes, todavía ocurren complicaciones graves inesperadas. Describimos el caso de un neonato con secuencia de Pierre Robin con vía aérea dificultosa, que presentó una migración del tubo endotraqueal hacia el esófago luego de haberse desprendido del conector del tubo. Deseamos compartir esta experiencia ya que, de acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, esta complicación no ha sido comunicada anteriormente en neonatos.

Conventional intubation for pulmonary management in children with a difficult airway may be very challenging even in skilled hands. Rapid advancements in respiratory care have reduced the incidence of difficult tracheal intubation and the incidence of complications have decreased accordingly. However, serious unexpected complications still occur in some patients today. Herein, we describe a syndromic newborn infant with a difficult airway who experienced migration of the endotracheal tube into the esophagus after displacement of the tube connector. We would like to share our experience and contribute to the literature with the presentation of this undesired event. To the best of our knowledge, no such complication has been reported in the neonatal literature before.

Esophageal dislodgement of an endotracheal tube during nasopharyngeal oxygenation in a neonate with Pierre-Robin sequence: a case report.

Conventional intubation for pulmonary management in children with a difficult airway may be very challenging even in skilled hands. Rapid advancements in respiratory care have reduced the incidence of difficult tracheal intubation and the incidence of complications have decreased accordingly. However, serious unexpected complications still occur in some patients today. Herein, we describe a syndromic newborn infant with a difficult airway who experienced migration of the endotracheal tube into the esophagus after displacement of the tube connector. We would like to share our experience and contribute to the literature with the presentation of this undesired event. To the best of our knowledge, no such complication has been reported in the neonatal literature before.

Anterior palatoplasty for selected mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea: preliminary results.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy anterior palatoplasty (AP) technique in treatment of patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Forty-two patients were diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA. Participants were treated with AP for mild or moderate OSA. Patients were evaluated with one night polysomnography before the surgery and 24 months after the surgery. Patients completed Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), snoring VAS (visual analog scale) before and 24 months after the surgery. Forty two patients with a mean age of 39.2 ± 7.6 were included study. Success rate was 57.1%. Total apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025). Non-REM AHI and supine AHI values significantly decreased after 2 years (p < 0.025). The oxygen desaturation index changes significantly decreased after AP (p < 0.025). Snoring VAS values significantly decreased after AP (p < 0.025). ESS scores of patients significantly decreased (p < 0.001). We believe that AP is an effective, inexpensive technique for mild and moderate OSA patients.

Epistaxis in geriatric patients.

AIM: Epistaxis is a common emergency in otolaryngology. The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology, management, and accompanying disorders of epistaxis in geriatric patients by reviewing the literature MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 117 patients 65 years old and older who presented to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology with active epistaxis between 2004 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Records were evaluated for age, sex, accompanying disorders, drug medication, detailed otorhinolaryngological findings, and management of epistaxis. RESULTS: There were 67 women (57.26%) and 50 men (42.74%) with a mean age of 73.51 years (range: 65-90). Ninety-four (80.34%) patients had accompanying disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, sinusitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, nasal polyp, and drug treatment. The bleeding site was anterior in 90 patients (76.92%) and posterior in 16 (13.67%). In 11 patients (9.4%), the bleeding site was not identified. Fifty-seven patients (48.71%) were treated with cauterization, 17 patients (14.52%) with nasal packing, 12 patients (10.25%) with medical treatment, 1 patient (0.85%) with mass excision and nasal packing, and 19 patients (16.23%) with more than 1 treatment method. Six patients (5.12%) were untreated because of the unidentified bleeding point. Bleeding control was performed under local anesthesia in 113 patients (96.58%) and under general anesthesia in 4 patients (3.41%). Twenty-one patients (17.94%) were hospitalized and 3 patients (2.56%) required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Epistaxis is the most common otorhinolaryngological emergency. It must be evaluated carefully to avoid the potential complications resulting from both epistaxis and its associated disorders, especially in geriatric patients.

The comparison of preincisional peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine and tramadol for postoperative pain relief on children following adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effectiveness of preincisional peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine and tramadol for post-operative pain on children following adenotonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized double blind controlled study. METHODS: Seventy-five children aged 3-10 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy were included in study. Patients received injections in peritonsillar fossa of tramadol (2 mg/kg-2 ml), ketamine (0.5 mg/kg-2 ml) or 2 ml serum physiologic. During operation heart rate, oxygen saturation, average mean blood pressures were recorded in every 5 min. Operation, anesthesia and the time that Alderete scores 9-10, patient satisfaction, analgesic requirements were recorded. Postoperatively nausea, vomiting, sedation, dysphagia, bleeding scores were recorded at 0, 10, 30, 60 min and 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24h postoperatively. Pain was evaluated using modified Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (mCHEOPS) at fixed intervals after the procedure (15 min and 1, 4, 12, 16, and 24h postoperatively). RESULTS: The recordings of heart rate, mean arterial pressure, nausea, vomiting, sedation and bleeding scores were similar in all groups (p>0.05). The mCHEOPS scores at 10 min, 30 min, 1h, 8h were significantly lower in both tramadol and ketamine group when compared with control (p<0.05). Use of additional analgesia at 10 min and 18 h were higher in control group than ketamine, tramadol group (p<0.05). Dysphagia scores were significantly lower for both ketamine and tramadol group when compared with control group (p<0.05). mCHEOPS, additional analgesia, dysphagia, patient satisfaction scores were similar in tramadol, ketamine groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preincisional injection of ketamine and tramadol prior to tonsillectomy is safe, effective method and equivalent for post-tonsillectomy pain, patient satisfaction, postoperative nausea, vomiting, dysphagia.

Changes in growth pattern, leptin ghrelin and neuropeptide Y levels after adenotonsillectomy in prepubertal children.

AIM: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether surgical treatment of adenotonsillar hypertrophy has an effect on growth patterns and circulating concentrations of leptin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y, which are all significant in energy balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 20 children who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy due to chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy. The ages ranged from 4.3 to 9.2 years with normal weight. The healthy control subjects consisted of 30 age- and sex-matched children (control group) with ages between 3.2 and 8.1 years. Serum levels of leptin ghrelin and neuropeptide Y were measured in the preoperative period and at the end of the postoperative period, which was 6 months in the study group, serum levels were only measured during the first examination in the control group. RESULTS: When the study group (preoperative) is compared with the control group, it is observed that the leptin and ghrelin levels were higher in the study group and that the neuropeptide Y levels were similar (p=0.01, p=0.005, p=0.19, respectively). When the preoperative and postoperative anthropometric data were compared, it was observed that weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and BMI-standard deviation score (SDS) values increased in the 6th month postoperatively (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.01, p=0.03, respectively). However, the leptin, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y levels were similar (p=0.70, p=0.12, p=0.60, respectively). CONCLUSION: Following adenotonsillectomy, an increase in weight and height occurred in the children. In the postoperative period, dietary and lifestyle suggestions as well as growth monitoring might be useful.

Comparison of scores of application methods of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale: self administered or nurse administered.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of two different application methods (self or nurse administered) on Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores and compare the scores according to their correlations between polysomnographic findings. PROCEDURES: 114 patients agreed to participate by completing the Turkish version of the ESS with 2 different methods of application, but the complete results of polysomnography (PSG) were available for 101 patients. RESULTS: The scores of the nurse-administered ESS were clinically significantly correlated with the apnea-hypoapnea index. Scores of the self-administered ESS were not correlated with any of the demographic and PSG parameters. In the reliability analysis, the scores of the self-administered and the nurse-administered ESS were quite consistent. CONCLUSION AND MESSAGE: We considered that to complete the ESS with the method of nurse administration could change the reliability and sensitivity. In conclusion, the ESS may be a more reliable tool for measuring the severity of excessive daytime sleepiness or obstructive sleep apnea by a change in the administration method.

Unexpected cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea after a spinal anesthesia.

A 47-year-old woman presented with a left-sided watery nasal discharge persisting for 3 weeks after an orthopedic operation using spinal anesthesia. The testing of the nasal fluid for ß-2 transferrin confirmed that the leakage was cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The computed tomographic cisternography revealed a left-sided bone defect in the cribriform plate. Endonasal approach was performed for closing the defect. At 3-month follow-up, CSF rhinorrhea had not recurred. In this report, we present an unexpected CSF rhinorrhea after a spinal anesthesia and discuss the reason of spontaneous leak after spinal anesthesia, as well as discuss current diagnosis and management of CSF rhinorrhea with the composite graft.

Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of the anterior neck and umbilicus in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus of patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the relationship between thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus and polysomnographic findings, and the influence of body mass index (BMI), anthropometric findings, and gender. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients with OSA and 24 non-OSA patients were evaluated with polysomnography for 1 night. Anthropometric parameters and BMI were also investigated. Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of anterior neck and umbilicus was assessed using ultrasound. The thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue adjacent to the submandibular gland, isthmus, hyoid, suprasternal notch, and umbilicus was measured with ultrasound. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly and positively correlated with age (P = .016, r (2) = 0.244), BMI (P < .001, r (2) = 0.416), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P < .001, r (2) = 0.337; hip circumference P = .008, r (2) = 0.269; neck circumference P = .002, r (2) = 0.309). Minimum oxygen saturation was significantly, negatively correlated with age (P = .002, r (2) = -0.310), BMI (P < .001, r (2) = -0.404), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P = .005, r (2) = -0.281, hip circumference P < .001, r (2) = -0.353, neck circumference P = .010, r (2) = -0.261). There were no significant differences between the OSA and non-OSA groups with respect to age (P = .178), gender (P = .189), or ultrasonographic findings for subcutaneous fat tissue thickness adjacent to the submandibular gland (P = .480), thyroid isthmus (P = .311), suprasternal notch (P = .950), umbilicus (P = .691), or hyoid (P = .159). Neck circumference (P = .039) and BMI (P = .014) were significantly higher in the OSA group. CONCLUSION: These indicate that anterior neck and umbilical subcutaneous fat tissue thickness may not contribute to the severity of OSA.

Tongue abscess with actinomycosis.

Actinomycosis of the tongue is uncommon, but without proper treatment, it causes extensive tissue destruction. A mass that may mimic both benign and malignant neoplasms can be seen at clinical presentation and may mislead the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is critical but usually difficult with cultures or imaging. We report a patient who presented with a tumor-like deeply localized primary actinomycosis of the tongue with its magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Three cases of oropharyngeal tularemia in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to attract our colleagues' attention to the oropharyngeal tularemia, which has been an infrequently diagnosed disease in otolaryngology clinics also becoming widespread in Turkey. METHODS: A retrospective review of database of 3 patients was performed to find patients with Tularemia. The medical files, treatment charts, serological and PCR findings and radiological (magnetic resonance imaging), histopathological records of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 3 oropharyngeal tularemia patients. All of them presented with tonsillopharyngitis and cervical lymphadenitis and all were resistant to beta lactam or cephalosporin group antibiotics. Two patients had magnetic resonance imaging findings. All patients had positive serological tests. Strongly positive serological tests led to the diagnosis of tularemia. All patients had positive PCR and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test. All patients responded to systemic streptomycin treatment. CONCLUSION: In the daily practice of an otolaryngologist, it is not usual to diagnose a patient with oropharyngeal tularemia. Tularemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of massive adenotonsillar enlargement and extensive necrotic cervical lymphadenopathy not responding to beta lactam antibiotics as a result of the rising number of tularemia outbreaks outside the classic endemic areas.

Comparison of adenoidectomy methods: examining with digital palpation vs. visualizing the placement of the curette.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of adenoidectomy by defining the remnant volume and localization in nasopharynx, following being satisfied with completeness of removal of the adenoid tissue with digital palpation. METHODS: A prospective study conducted on 99 patients undergoing adenoidectomy+/-tonsillectomy. The main mass of the patient's adenoid tissue was removed with a sharp adenoid curette without visualization and the surgeon was allowed to palpate the adenoid bed and repeat the curettage until satisfied with completeness of removal. Then nasopharynx was visualized with a laryngeal mirror for defining the anatomical localization of the residual adenoid tissue and curettage completed under indirect mirror visualization. The volumes of the adenoid tissue excised at both stages were measured. RESULTS: By blunt curettage and digital palpation, only 20.2% of the patients (20) had no residual adenoid tissue. In patients who had residual adenoid tissue, the proportion of the median percentage of residual adenoid tissue to total adenoid tissue was 19.98% (range 3.22-50%). The anatomical localization of the residual adenoid tissue were, along the torus tubarius on either side of the nasopharynx in 9 (11.4%), on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings in 64 (81%), along the torus tubarius on either side of the nasopharynx+on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings in 5 (6.3%), and on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings+on the posterior wall of nasopharynx in 1 (1.3%) patients. There was no difference found among surgeons in the percentage and the location of the residue left (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Digital palpation is not a dependable technique and visualization of the nasopharynx is crucial for a complete adenoidectomy.

Current concepts and new horizons in conservation laryngeal surgery: an important part of multidisciplinary care.

BACKGROUND: New surgical techniques in conservation laryngeal surgery (CLS) have emerged over the past 20 years and now offer a viable "organ-preservation" approach for patients with laryngeal cancer. We review traditional and new CLS procedures and summarize the functional and oncologic outcomes of CLS in both primary and salvage settings. METHODS: We searched the literature by accessing Medline for articles from 1991 to 2007 on primary or salvage surgery (open and transoral) for laryngeal neoplasms. CONCLUSION: Our review of the literature suggests that proper selection of patients for CLS can yield long-term local control rates equal to or better than those obtained using radiation-based approaches. We believe that CLS should be directly compared with radiation or chemoradiation to further refine the indications for each kind of treatment in cases of primary and recurrent/refractory laryngeal cancer.

Effects of a topical hemostatic agent on an epistaxis model in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS) is a standardized herbal compound consisting of 5 different plant extracts. ABS, as a topical medicinal product, has been approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health for the management of dermal, external postsurgical and postdental surgery bleedings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the hemostatic effect of ABS in an experimental epistaxis model. METHODS: Adult female New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Standardized full-thickness mucosal wounds were created to provide bleeding on the right and left side of the nasal septum of rabbits with a 3-mm surgical punch. To stop bleeding, the wounds were treated with topical ABS on one side and with topical isotonic saline solution as a control on the other side of the nasal septum. Investigators were blinded to treatment. The duration of bleeding was measured in order to compare the hemo-static effect with ABS or topical isotonic saline solution. The wounds were observed for the duration of bleeding in order to compare the hemostatic effect of ABS with isotonic saline solution and acute adverse effects (AEs) for 30 minutes by a researcher blinded to treatment groups. RESULTS: Six rabbits (mean weight, 2.6 kg [range, 2.3-3.1 kg]) were used in this study. Mean (SD) bleeding time in the wounds administered ABS (98 [17] sec) was significantly less than that of the controls (266 [36] sec; P = 0.004). No AEs were observed up to 30 minutes after study initiation. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ABS may be more effective in reducing time to hemostasis when compared with isotonic saline solution in this epistaxis model in rabbits.

Comparing the effectiveness of "plasma knife" tonsillectomy with two well-established tonsillectomy techniques: cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery. A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new device "plasma knife" for tonsillectomy by comparing to two well-established tonsillectomy techniques: cold dissection, and bipolar electrocautery. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study conducted on 110 patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Subjects were randomized to plasma knife (PKT), cold dissection (CDT) and bipolar electrocautery (BET) groups. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were recorded. Pain/discomfort level of patients and healing time of the tonsillar fossae were assessed postoperatively. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Operative time with plasma knife and bipolar electrocautery were associated with a significant decrease in operative time compared to cold dissection (p<0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly decreased with plasma knife, compared to cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery (p<0.05). Less postoperative pain was observed with plasma knife compared to bipolar electrocautery but more postoperative pain was observed with both compared to CDT (p<0.05). Postoperative healing time was longer with plasma knife and bipolar electrocautery, compared to cold dissection (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Plasma knife is a useful and safe device in tonsillectomy. Its use reduces intraoperative blood loss and provides a fast tonsillectomy with acceptable morbidity.