Prevalence of self-reported middle ear disease, hearing loss and vertigo in two adult population-based cohorts over a 20-year period in Greenland.

To estimate the frequencies of self-reported middle ear and hearing complaints and vertigo/dizziness in adult Greenlanders. Furthermore, to examine if there has been a development in the frequency of these complaints within a 20-year period. A structured questionnaire concerning middle ear disease and related neuro-otological symptoms was mailed to 400 randomly selected adult Greenlanders between 18 and 60 years of age in 1995. In 2014, the questions were included for the same age group in the general Greenlandic Health Survey. The questionnaires contained a total of six identical questions. In 1995, 281 participants (70%) replied to the questionnaire. In 2014, 1,639 participants (78%) replied. We found that in 1995 the two youngest age groups (18-29- and 30-39-year-olds) had the highest relative number of ear discharge. Approximately one-third of the participants in these two age groups reported to have had ear discharge, while this was only reported by 17% of the 18-29-year-olds and 16% of the 30-39-year-olds in 2014 (95% CI [0.03, 0.3] and [0.1, 0.3], respectively). The oldest age group indicated the lowest relative number of experiences of ear discharge in both 1995 and 2014 (18% and 17%, respectively). In 1995, 30% in the age group 30-39-year-olds reported hearing loss, whereas only 18% reported hearing loss in 2014 (p < 0.05, 95% CI [-0.003,0.2]). There was no significant difference in reported ear discharge since childhood and otitis media in childhood among the age groups between 1995 and 2014. However, in 1995 significantly more females had experienced ear discharge in the age groups 18-29 and 30-39 year-olds compared to 2014. Females in the age group 18-29 year-olds also showed a significant difference in having experienced otitis media in childhood, where 32% answered "yes" in 1995, and 18% answered "yes" in 2014 (p < 0.05). In 2014, females reported more frequent complaints of vertigo compared to males, 16% and 9%, respectively (p < 0.05). In 1995, there was no significant difference in experienced vertigo between males and females. Ear and hearing health problems and vertigo are reported frequently in the Greenlandic population. Overall, a tendency of less complaints in 2014 compared to 1995 except for vertigo. It is important to follow this trend and increase the prophylactic efforts to reduce common health disabilities like early otitis media in childhood and noise created symptoms even more.

Effects of early childhood otitis media and ventilation tubes on psychosocial wellbeing - A prospective cohort study within the Danish National Birth Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Otitis Media (OM) is one of the most common infections among children in developed countries and may result in temporary conductive hearing loss (HL) if accompanied by middle ear effusion (MEE). Ventilation tube insertion (VTI) is recommended as treatment for recurrent acute OM or chronic MEE with HL. HL may lead to impaired development of psychosocial skills. However, evidence for the developmental consequences of OM and the effect of VTI is inconsistent. The objectives of this study were to investigate 1) whether OM in early childhood is associated with long-term consequences of psychosocial development and 2) if VTI prevents the possible negative consequences of OM. METHODS: This study examined prospectively collected data from 52.877 children registered in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC). Information about previous OM-episodes and VTI was obtained through systematic follow-up interviews at seven years, and The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) containing questions about psychological wellbeing was completed. Five groups were defined based on OM-exposure and the presence of VTI. Baseline characteristics were analysed, and comparison of mean SDQ-scores for the five exposure groups was conducted. Means were adjusted for à priori defined confounding factors. RESULTS: Data from 52,877 children in the DNBC showed an association between OM and poorer SDQ-scores. VTI was associated with an additional increase, i.e. worsening, of the SDQ-score for boys, and only a slight beneficial effect on the girls' outcome. The groups differed in their baseline characteristics in e.g. maternal education, socio-economic status, breastfeeding, and prematurity. CONCLUSION: Significant associations between parent-reported OM in early childhood and later psychosocial health difficulties were found. VTI did not resolve this association.

Morphological evidence of biofilm in chronic obstructive sialadenitis.

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial infection is a common finding in acute sialadenitis and may play a role in the chronicity of the condition. This study investigated if bacterial biofilm is present in submandibular chronic obstructive sialadenitis. METHODS: A descriptive case-control study was conducted that compared 10 histological sections of submandibular glands with chronic obstructive sialadenitis, to 10 histological sections of the healthy part of submandibular glands with pleomorphic adenoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation and confocal laser scanning microscopy visualised evidence of bacterial biofilm. RESULTS: In the chronic obstructive sialadenitis group, 5 out of 10 histological sections showed morphological evidence of bacterial biofilm. In the control group, there was no sign of bacterial biofilm formation. CONCLUSION: Morphological evidence of bacterial biofilm was found in the submandibular gland sections from patients with chronic sialadenitis and suggests a role in the chronicity of submandibular chronic obstructive sialadenitis.

Childhood health as reflected in adult urban and rural samples from medieval Denmark.

This study examines the evidence of three skeletal markers relating to childhood health that leave permanent observable changes in the adult skeleton. Two are well known to paleopathology, namely Harris lines (HL) and linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH). The third skeletal marker is less commonly used; the permanent changes in the temporal bones, induced by chronic or recurrent infectious middle ear disease (IMED) in childhood. A total of 291 adult skeletons from an urban (n = 109) and a rural (n = 182) cemetery, from the Danish medieval period (1050-1536 CE) were included. The markers were examined for their co-occurrence, and differences between the two samples. No statistically significant difference for the three skeletal markers between the two samples was found. A trend was nevertheless apparent, with greater frequencies for all three skeletal markers for the urban population. A statistically significant relationship was found only between IMED and HL. This positive relation was very low (rɸ = 0.307, 0.275) and may be considered non-existent. The lack of co-occurrence is interpreted as if an individual was exposed to conditions that could cause the osteological expression of all three markers this could be a life-threatening health condition, during developing years.

Otitis media with effusion after radiotherapy of the head and neck: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media (OM) and associated hearing problems may be side effects to radiotherapy of the head and neck region and affect patient quality of life. The condition is associated with the tumor location. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review concerning the present knowledge of the risk of OM after radiotherapy of the head and neck. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase was carried out between 1 October 2015 and 6 February 2017. The search strategy followed the PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. RESULTS: Of 597 articles 11 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven were retrospective and four prospective. There were no randomized controlled trials. Eight studies concerned nasopharyngeal cancer. One study concerned cancer of the parotid gland and two studies concerned other locations of head and neck cancer. Meta-analysis could not be done due to heterogeneity between the studies. The incidence of OM varied considerably (range 8-29%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of OM is high after radiotherapy of cancer of the upper head and neck area and the Eustachian tube (ET) irradiation dosage seems associated with development of OM, but the literature is poor. Research is needed to designate patients at risk of developing OM after radiotherapy. Preferably through analysis of dosage relationships between the ET and middle ear, and development of OM. Reporting of OM should be per ear and follow standardized protocols of middle ear assessment before and after radiotherapy. Furthermore, there is a need to find new ways to prevent and treat radiation-induced OME, preferably through randomized controlled trials.

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Childhood Otitis Media.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature regarding the association between breastfeeding and childhood otitis media (OM), with focus on the literature published within the past 5 years. The review comprises original articles and recent reviews. RECENT FINDINGS: The effect of a protective effect of breastfeeding on the risk of OM is still being discussed. Within the past 5 years, 6 reviews and 15 original articles have been published. No randomized controlled trials have been published, and the diversity of exposure and outcome measures in the studies was significant. Also, we provide a summary of the recent literature on cost-benefit of breastfeeding and believed mechanism of protection against OM. Breastfeeding for more than 6 months seems to protect against OM during the first 6 years of life. Exclusive breastfeeding may have a more protective effect than non-exclusive breastfeeding. Introduction of formula feeding before the age of 6 months increased the risk of OM.

Prognostic factors for survival after salvage total laryngectomy following radiotherapy or chemoradiation failure: a 10-year retrospective longitudinal study in eastern Denmark.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aims were to determine the rates of and prognostic factors for overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease-free survival following salvage total laryngectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING: Tertiary medical centres. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 142 patients in eastern Denmark undergoing salvage total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 5-year overall survival, 5-year disease-specific survival, 5-year disease-free survival and prognostic factors for these outcomes. RESULTS: 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease-free survival were 37.7%, 54.9% and 55.3%, respectively. N classification at primary diagnosis, lymph node excision and postoperative complications within 1 year after salvage total laryngectomy were prognostic factors for shorter overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease-free survival. Residual tumour/recurrence was negatively associated with overall survival, close or involved resection margins with disease-specific survival, and second primary cancer was associated with longer disease-specific survival and disease-free survival. Nine per cent of all patients had residual tumour and 33.8% developed a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease-free survival findings are in accordance with previous studies. With the purpose of identifying recurrent tumour, we suggest extra attention being given to patients with higher N classification and need for lymph node excision during salvage total laryngectomy along with use of frozen sections. The high number of patients with recurrence within 1 year after salvage total laryngectomy occurred although thorough and regular follow-up visits were performed.

Does saliva composition affect the formation of sialolithiasis?

OBJECTIVE: Saliva composition may affect sialolithiasis formation; thus, this study compared the salivary inorganic composition of sialolithiasis patients with that of healthy controls, and determined whether salivary inorganic composition changes after sialolithiasis surgery. METHODS: The study included 40 patients with sialolithiasis and 40 matched healthy controls. Patients were examined before and after sialolithiasis surgery; controls were examined once. Flow rate and the inorganic saliva composition in unstimulated whole saliva were assessed. RESULTS: Patients' salivary flow prior to surgery was significantly lower compared to that of healthy controls, but equalised after surgery. Prior to surgery, patients' saliva exhibited higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous compared to that of healthy controls. The concentration of most ions remained high after sialolithiasis surgery. CONCLUSION: Sialolithiasis patients had increased salivary concentrations of the ions that constitute the main inorganic phase of most sialoliths, and this may confer a risk for developing sialolithiasis.

Danish guidelines on management of otitis media in preschool children

"INTRODUCTION: Otitis media is one of the most common diseases in small children. This underlines the importance of optimizing diagnostics and treatment of the condition. Recent literature points toward a stricter approach to diagnosing acute otitis media (AOM). Moreover, ventilating tube treatment for recurrent AOM (RAOM) and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) has become the most frequently performed surgical procedure in pre-school children. Therefore, the Danish Health and Medicines Authority and the Danish Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery deemed it necessary to update the Danish guidelines regarding the diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media and surgical treatment of RAOM and COME. METHODS: The GRADE system (The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used in order to comply with current standards of evidence assessment in formulation of recommendations. An extensive literature search was conducted between July and December 2014. The quality of the existing literature was assessed using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation), AMSTAR (assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews), QUADAS-2 (Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies), Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials and ACROBAT-NRSI (A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies). The working group consisted of otolaryngologists, general practitioners, pediatricians, microbiologists and epidemiologists. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for AOM diagnosis, surgical management for RAOM and COME, including the role of adenoidectomy and treatment of ventilating tube otorrhea, are proposed in the guideline"

Danish guidelines on management of otitis media in preschool children.

INTRODUCTION: Otitis media is one of the most common diseases in small children. This underlines the importance of optimizing diagnostics and treatment of the condition. Recent literature points toward a stricter approach to diagnosing acute otitis media (AOM). Moreover, ventilating tube treatment for recurrent AOM (RAOM) and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) has become the most frequently performed surgical procedure in pre-school children. Therefore, the Danish Health and Medicines Authority and the Danish Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery deemed it necessary to update the Danish guidelines regarding the diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media and surgical treatment of RAOM and COME. METHODS: The GRADE system (The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used in order to comply with current standards of evidence assessment in formulation of recommendations. An extensive literature search was conducted between July and December 2014. The quality of the existing literature was assessed using AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation), AMSTAR (assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews), QUADAS-2 (Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies), Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials and ACROBAT-NRSI (A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-Randomized Studies). The working group consisted of otolaryngologists, general practitioners, pediatricians, microbiologists and epidemiologists. CONCLUSION: Recommendations for AOM diagnosis, surgical management for RAOM and COME, including the role of adenoidectomy and treatment of ventilating tube otorrhea, are proposed in the guideline.

Associations between otitis media and child behavioural and learning difficulties: Results from a Danish cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Findings from studies investigating early childhood episodes of otitis media (OM) and developmental outcomes are inconclusive. This may in part be because large-scale prospective studies controlling for relevant confounding factors are sparse. The present study investigates associations between OM in early childhood and later behavioural and learning difficulties controlling for relevant confounding factors. METHODS: The study applied data from the Aarhus Birth Cohort's 10-12-year-old follow-up (N=7578). Associations between retrospective parent-reported OM (no OM; 1-3 episodes of OM with/without tympanostomy tubes; 4+ OM episodes without tympanostomy tubes and; 4+ OM episodes with tympanostomy tubes) one the one hand, and parent- and teacher-reported scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and parent-reported academic difficulties on the other hand, were investigated. The following variables were controlled for: parental educational level, maternal and paternal school problems, parental post-natal smoking, breastfeeding, and age at which the child started walking. All analyses were stratified by gender. RESULTS: Large differences in background characteristics were observed for the group of children with 4+ OM episodes with tympanostomy tubes compared to the no OM group. After controlling for relevant confounders, negative associations were consistently observed for the group of children with 4+ episodes of OM with tympanostomy tubes compared to the group of children without OM. This was particularly so for girls. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest an association between 4+ episodes of early OM with tympanostomy tubes and behavioural and learning difficulties later in childhood. The large inter-group differences, i.e. impact of residual and unmeasured confounding factors, may in part explain the observed associations and underline the need to include these in future studies.

Tumors of the sublingual gland: a national clinicopathologic study of 29 cases.

Tumors of the salivary glands are a heterogeneous group of diseases most often originating in the major salivary glands. Only a minor proportion of mainly malignant tumors arise in the sublingual gland. Due to the rarity of sublingual gland tumors (SGTs), little is known about the clinicopathologic characteristics, prognostic factors, and clinical course. We present a large national series of histopathologically revised SGTs from the past 35 years in Denmark with clinicopathologic correlation. Twenty nine cases were identified, of which 96.6 % were malignant and 16/28 (57.1 %) were adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC). Patient demography was similar to salivary gland tumors in other locations. All fine needle aspiration cytologies (FNACs) interpreted as benign were from ACCs. Metastatic disease was found in 12.5 % of ACCs at diagnosis with one third of all ACC patients having metastases at the end of follow-up. Stage >II and T-stage >2 were significantly associated with shortened disease-specific survival (DSS) (p = 0.005 and <0.001, respectively), whereas perineural invasion and involved margins was not. No parameters were associated with disease-free survival. In conclusion, the majority of SGTs are malignant, most frequently ACC with a high rate of metastatic spread. The diagnostic value of FNAC in SGTs seems inferior to what is found for other major salivary glands. DSS is determined by stage and T-stage and not by histopathological parameters. International collaboration is warranted to confirm and elaborate these findings in larger materials.

Tumors in the parotid are not relatively more often malignant in children than in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the parotid gland in children are rare and very little data has been published regarding the incidence of these tumors. We present a nationwide survey on this topic. METHODS: Data regarding benign and malignant tumors in the parotid gland in children from January 1st, 1990 to December 31st, 2005 in Denmark was collected retrospectively from nationwide registries. This generated 61 patients for inclusion in this study. RESULTS: 85% of the tumors were benign and the malignant tumors made up the last 15%. The most common of the malignant tumors was the acinic cell carcinoma (n=4) followed by the mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=3) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=2). The overall female-to-male ratio was 1.18, with a ratio of 1.08 and 2.0 in the benign and malignant groups, respectively. At the end of follow-up (August 1st, 2014) two patients had died, one with adenoid cystic carcinoma and one with mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Both patients had perineural invasion and involved resection margins at presentation. The incidence was 0.12 and 0.53 per 100,000 children of the malignant and benign tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pleomorphic adenomas were the predominant neoplasm in the parotid gland in children. The most frequent of the malignant tumors was the acinic cell carcinoma, which is in contrast to previous studies. The proportion of malignant-to-benign parotid gland tumors is in contrast to earlier study reports not higher in children than in adults.

Risk factors for postoperative complications after total laryngectomy following radiotherapy or chemoradiation: a 10-year retrospective longitudinal study in Eastern Denmark.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rates of and risk factors for postoperative complications following total laryngectomy in patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiation. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING: Tertiary medical centres. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 143 patients undergoing total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall postoperative complications and fistula formation. RESULTS: Overall postoperative complications, fistula formation, wound infection, bleeding and wound necrosis within one year after total laryngectomy occurred in 56.6%, 42.3%, 31.0%, 11.3% and 9.2% of patients, respectively. Stenosis of the pharynx/oesophagus and stoma shrinkage within five years after surgery were each seen in 18.2% of cases. In 66.7% of cases, conservative treatment of the fistulas was chosen. Rehospitalisations within five years occurred for 44.8% with a median rate of 1.5 (range 1-11). Smoking status (P = 0.005 and 0.013) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.013 and 0.011) were significant risk factors for both overall postoperative complications and fistula formation in uni- and multivariate analysis. Tumour localisation in the hypopharynx was associated with overall postoperative complications (P = 0.036). Residual tumour or cancer recurrence was associated with late-onset fistulas (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The frequencies of postoperative complications after total laryngectomy were comparable with similar international studies, although fistula formation rate is increasing in Denmark. We suggest optimising treatment of COPD and to further encourage to smoking cessation. We propose that development of fistulas >2 months after surgery prompts immediate biopsies. Additionally, we suggest standardised registration of surgical techniques to identify variables affecting the frequency of postoperative complications.

The risk of acquiring bacterial meningitis following surgery in Denmark, 1996-2009: a nationwide retrospective cohort study with emphasis on ear, nose and throat (ENT) and neurosurgery.

SUMMARY: This paper estimates the risk of bacterial meningitis following surgery between 1996 and 2009 in Denmark. We conducted two retrospective nationwide cohort studies; first by linking notified bacterial meningitis cases to the National Patient Registry to see how many had undergone a surgical procedure; second, we scrutinized notified bacterial meningitis cases to see if the clinician suspected a surgical procedure to be the aetiology. We found that ear, nose and throat surgery had an 11-fold, and neurosurgery a sevenfold, increased risk compared to the reference group in the first 10 days following surgery. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the pathogen most often involved. Operation procedures involving penetration of dura mater was associated with increased risk for post-operative bacterial meningitis. In absolute numbers we found few bacterial meningitis cases after surgery; however, patients undergoing certain surgical procedures are at-risk and should be considered when national vaccination guidelines are revised.

Ten-year retrospective study of head and neck carcinoma in situ: incidence, treatment, and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the management and clinical outcome for patients with primary head and neck carcinoma in situ (CIS) and to estimate the incidence in the referral population. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study from 2000-2009 of patients with head and neck CIS referred for treatment at Rigshospitalet. The referral area was East Denmark and Greenland with a population of 2.4 million. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with primary CIS were identified: 21 oral cavity, 7 pharynx, 25 larynx, 2 nasal cavity/paranasal sinuses. The median annual incidence was 0.24/100,000. Eleven patients (20%) had T-site recurrence. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate and 5-year recurrence-free survival rate were 98% and 74% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The annual incidence of primary head and neck CIS was low and in accordance with previous findings reported in the literature. We recommend that CIS lesions should be treated on T-site and surveilled as T1/T2 head and neck carcinomas.

Mobile, one stage, bilateral ear surgery for chronic otitis media patients in remote areas.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of mobile, one stage, bilateral ear surgery conducted in Greenland, where chronic otitis media with and without suppuration is prevalent. The study aimed to increase the number of operations conducted and to reduce the cost of ear surgery in remote areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was longitudinal and prospective, with a two-year follow up. Seventeen East Greenlandic patients with bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media or chronic otitis media were selected. Their median age was 16 years; 53 per cent were female and 47 per cent male. Hearing was assessed using median air conduction pure tone average gain, and the 'take rate' (i.e. the percentage of total ears with a closed perforation) was evaluated. RESULTS: All patients attended for follow up. Eighty-two per cent had at least one perforation closed, and the overall take rate was 65 per cent of the 34 ears. The median air conduction pure tone average gain after two years was 18 dB and 13 dB for the right and left ears, respectively. Fourteen patients (82 per cent) obtained an air conduction pure tone average hearing level of < or =25 dB in at least one ear. In total, 71 per cent of the patients were satisfied. There were no hearing hazards. CONCLUSIONS: The results of mobile, one stage, bilateral ear surgery conducted in Greenland for long-lasting chronic suppurative otitis media and chronic otitis media were acceptable and safe, and more ears underwent surgery at reduced cost compared with unilateral ear surgery.

[Salivary stones and stenosis. A comprehensive classification]. / Lithiases et sténoses salivaires. Une classification pratique des pathologies non tumorales.

INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy and sialo-MRI enable diagnosis of salivary gland obstructive pathologies, such as lithiasis, stenosis and dilatations. Therefore, a classification of these pathologies is needed, allowing large series comparisons, for better diagnosis and treatment of salivary pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With help from people from the European Sialendoscopy Training Center (ESTC), the results of sialographies, sialoMRI and sialendoscopies, a comprehensive classification of obstructive salivary pathologies is described, based on the absence or presence of lithiasis (L), stenosis (S) and dilatation (D) ("LSD" classification). DISCUSSION: It appears that a classification of salivary gland obstructive pathologies should be described. We hope it will be widely used and of course criticized to be improved and to compare the results of salivary gland diagnostic methods, such as sialography and sialendoscopy and also the results and indications for salivary gland therapeutic methods, such as lithotripsy, sialendoscopy and/or open surgery.

Salivary stones and stenosis. A comprehensive classification.

INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy and sialoMRI enables diagnosis of salivary gland obstructive pathologies, such as lithiasis, stenosis, and dilatations. Therefore, a classification of these pathologies is needed, allowing large series comparisons, for better diagnosis and treatment of salivary pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With help from people from the European Sialendoscopy Training Center (ESTC), the results of sialographies, sialoMRI and sialendoscopies, a comprehensive classification of obstructive salivary pathologies is described, based on the absence or presence of lithiasis (L), stenosis (S), and dilatation (D) ("LSD" classification). DISCUSSION: It appears that a classification of salivary gland obstructive pathologies should be described. We hope it will be widely used and of course criticized to be improved and to compare the results of salivary gland diagnostic methods, such as sialography and sialendoscopy, and also the results and indications for salivary gland therapeutic methods, such as lithotripsy, sialendoscopy, and/or open surgery.

Early post-operative morbidity after superficial parotidectomy: a prospective study concerning pain and resumption of normal activity.

The degree of pain and time to return to work following superficial parotidectomy has not previously been reported. Pain is measured by use of visual analogue scale and the use of analgesics is registered 14 days after superficial parotidectomy. Results showed that pain is generally weak after superficial parotidectomy and can be treated with mild analgesics. Pain is considerably lower than, e.g. after tonsillectomy. Median number of days until total recovery was 12 days (range: 3-70), and median time to return to work was 16 days (range: 3-70). We recommend 2 weeks recreation period after superficial parotidectomy.