A Comparative Study Between Coblation-Assisted Tonsillectomy and Conventional Dissection and Snare Tonsillectomy.

Background Tonsillitis is a vastly prevalent disease, accounting for the majority of outpatient visits. The dissection and snare method has been the predominant approach for tonsillectomy for centuries. Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy offers advantages such as faster healing, shorter surgery duration, minimal blood loss, and fewer postoperative complications. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the distinctions and compare the efficacy of traditional dissection and coblation-assisted tonsillectomy. Materials and methods Patients were divided into two groups: Group I was operated on using the conventional method, and Group II was operated on using the coblation method. Both groups were then assessed for intraoperative time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, and postoperative complications. Results Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy patients had a significantly shorter mean duration for the procedure and significantly lower blood loss in comparison to the conventional method. There were no statistically significant variations in the incidence of postoperative complications. Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy patients experienced considerably higher pain scores on various postoperative days. Conclusion Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy had the added advantage of reduced intraoperative blood loss, shorter surgical time, and faster recovery postoperatively. Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy can be considered an effective alternative to conventional methods. However, it's important to consider factors such as cost-effectiveness and surgeon experience. Further research involving larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods could yield more insightful knowledge of the outcomes of these two tonsillectomy techniques.

Cavernous Hemangioma of the Tongue in an Adult.

Hemangiomas are benign tumors characterized by the proliferation of dilated blood vessels, typically capillaries and veins. They primarily occur in infancy and childhood, with the majority affecting the head and neck region. Oral hemangiomas, though relatively rare, can affect areas such as the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. Despite their benign nature, managing vascular malformations is crucial due to potential functional loss and lifelong aesthetic concerns. This case report involves a 76-year-old woman presenting with a soft reddish-blue mass on the dorsal aspect of her tongue, causing functional impairment. While various treatment options exist for oral vascular malformations, including sclerotherapy and cryosurgery, surgical excision was chosen in this case, considering the patient's age and the associated risks of the condition.

A Rare Presentation of Cysticercosis in the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.

Cysticercosis is a rare condition associated with the development of cysticercus (larval form) of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), within an intermediate host. Accidental ingestion of infectious eggs is most likely the cause of humans becoming intermediate hosts. The most common site for larval cysts is the central nervous system followed by vitreous humor of the eye, striated muscle, and, in rare cases, subcutaneous and other tissues. Isolated muscular involvement with nonspecific symptoms makes this condition challenging to diagnose. We present an unusual case of cysticercus in the sternocleidomastoid muscle diagnosed with ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced scans, which was subsequently treated with surgical excision and a short course of anthelmintics.

Nanocrystalline silver for the treatment of otitis externa.

Objective: To study the efficacy of nanocrystalline silver in treating otitis externa. Methods: This is a retrospective study constituting 50 patients of 18 to 60 years, studied from July 2022 to February 2023, conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary healthcare centre. Clinically diagnosed otitis externa patients were treated with fragmented gel foam coated with nanocrystalline silver gel and the response to this treatment was noted. Results: This study analysed a total of 50 cases of otitis externa in which the majority of patients fell between the age group of 30 to 45 years. Of the 50 patients included in the study, 30 were male and 20 were female. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 50% of the patients followed by staphylococcus aureus in 36% of the patients. Among the 50 patients, 32 responded early to treatment (early responders), 15 were partial responders, and 3 did not respond to treatment (non-responders). Conclusion: Out of 50 patients, 32 responded early to treatment, 15 were partial responders, and 3 did not respond to treatment. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of silver, particularly when used in the nanocrystalline form, have been shown to be highly effective in managing this condition. Further research is warranted to fully explore the potential of nanocrystalline silver in treating otitis externa and other related conditions.