Pediatric cochlear implant explantation and reimplantation over a 32-year period.

OBJECTIVES: Cochlear implantation is indicated for pediatric patients with bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The literature reports large variability in cochlear implant (CI) device survival and rates of explantation and reimplantation. This retrospective chart review summarizes CI survival and rates of explantation and reimplantation in pediatric CI recipients at a Canadian tertiary pediatric hospital over 32 years. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who received a Cochlear Corporation® CI between April 1988 and June 2020 was undertaken. Rates of explantation/reimplantation were collected and categorized based on device type and reason for failure (medical, device, and inconclusive failure). Device survival analysis based on implant model was also completed utilizing Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: 512 CIs were implanted over the 32-year period by four surgeons (77.1%, 18.16%, 4.49%, and 0.20%, respectively). Patient age ranged from seven months to 20.4 years. The overall explantation and reimplantation rate was 3.32% (17/512 implants), with seven as a result of device failure (1.37%), nine events of medical failure (1.76%), and one inconclusive failure (0.20%). Cumulative CI survival rates at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 98.15%, 96.33%, 95.53%, and 94.39%. CONCLUSION: The overall institutional CI failure, explantation, and reimplantation rates are lower than the average reported rates in the literature.

Experiencia del cuidador familiar ante la muerte del niño con cáncer / Relative caregiver experience facing the death of a child with cancer / Experiência do cuidador familiar ante a morte da criança com câncer

Resumen: En este estudio se trazó como objetivo la descripción de la experiencia del cuidador familiar ante la muerte del niño con cáncer. Para ello, se utilizó como método un estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico descriptivo bajo la perspectiva de Colaizzi, en el que se incluyeron 18 participantes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión de ser padre o madre de un niño con cáncer que haya fallecido en un periodo de 5 meses a 5 años. Se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad hasta lograr saturación teórica. Como resultados, se obtuvieron seis temas que describen la experiencia del cuidador: idealización del niño fallecido, batalla perpetua, vínculo inquebrantable, pérdida de sentido, levantarse y seguir, y lucha espiritual; estos representan la percepción y vivencia de los cuidadores en el duelo. Como conclusiones se consideró que las expresiones de dolor, incertidumbre y vacío son sentimientos y sensaciones descritas por los cuidadores, que hacen parte del proceso de duelo, pero también describen su paso hacia la aceptación y trascendencia, en la que dan importancia al ser espiritual del niño como una forma de creer que sigue junto a ellos.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to describe the relative caregiver's experience when facing the death of a child with cancer. With this purpose, the Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method was used in a qualitative study including 18 participants meeting the inclusion criteria of being parent to a child with cancer who died in a period from 5 months to 5 years. In-depth interviews were performed until reaching theoretical saturation. As a result, 6 topics describing the caregivers experience were found: idealization of the sick child, perpetual battle, unbreakable bond, loss of sense, get up and move on, and spiritual struggle; representing the perception and experience of caregivers in mourning. It was concluded that expressions of pain, uncertainty and emptiness are feelings and sensations described by the caregivers, which are part of the mourning process, but also describe their movement to acceptance and transcendence, where they give importance to the spiritual being of the child as the way to believe cheats still next to them.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a experiência do cuidador familiar ante a morte da criança com câncer. Para isso, foi utilizado como método o estudo qualitativo com abordagem fenomenológica descritiva sob a perspectiva de Colaizzi, no qual foram incluídos 18 participantes que cumpriram com os critérios de inclusão: ser pai ou mãe de criança com câncer que tivessem falecido em um período de 5 meses a 5 anos. Foram realizadas entrevistas a profundidade até conseguir saturação teórica. Como resultados, foram obtidos seis temas que descrevem a experiência do cuidador: idealização da criança falecida, batalha perpétua, vínculo inquebrantável, perda de sentido, seguir adiante e luta espiritual; estes representam a percepção e vivência dos cuidadores no luto. Como conclusões, foi considerado que as expressões de dor, a incerteza e o vazio são sentimentos e sensações que os cuidadores descrevem como parte do processo de luto, mas também como passagem à aceitação e à transcendência, na qual dão importância ao ser espiritual da criança como forma de acreditar que continua junto deles.

Recomendaciones generales para la realización de procedimientos en otorrinolaringología pediátrica en tiempos de COVID-19 / General recommendations for the performance of pediatric otolaryngology procedures in the COVID-19 era

La pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (1) ha desatado una crisis de salud pública global sin precedentes en nuestra historia reciente. Teniendo en cuenta que la población pediátrica, si bien no ha sido afectada con la severidad con que ha ocurrido con los adultos, es considerado un grupo de riesgo por su posibilidad de transmitir y propagar el SARS-CoV-2. En el siguiente documento sugerimos pautas tomadas de diferentes paneles de expertos para la realización de consulta externa, así como procedimientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos durante esta pandemia. Es de recalcar que nos enfrentamos a una situación que cambia rápidamente, razón por la cual se harán actualizaciones periódicas de las recomendaciones acá pautadas en publicaciones subsecuentes, según la etapa en la que estemos entrando.

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has developed a global public health crisis with no precedents in our recent history. The pediatric population has not been affected as much as the adult population although children are considered a risk group given the fact that they could spread the SARS-CoV-2. In the following document recommendations taken from various expert panels are given to otolaryngologist to take in consideration when organizing an outpatient clinic, performing surgical and non surgical procedures during this pandemic. It's important to highlight this is a rapidly evolving situation therefore updates will be done according to the pandemic stage we face.

Krazy Glue® in the ear: A case report of child abuse.

Krazy Glue® or cyanoacrylate glue is an acrylic resin that polymerizes in less than a minute when in contact with moisture or water. We present a case of a one month old referred to our tertiary pediatric otolaryngology clinic from an outside emergency department with a history of application of cyanoacrylate glue in the external ear canals. This report presents the management of this case along with the medical and legal outcomes surrounding this case of child abuse.

Factores de riesgo para la no adherencia al tratamiento, de cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer / Risk factors for non-adherence to treatment of family caregivers of children with cancer

La situación, de los factores de riesgo para la no adherencia a los tratamientos, ha sido abordada por la OMS, como un problema multifactorial. Es así, como en el caso de los niños con cáncer, siendo una enfermedad crónica no transmisible, se hace necesario intervenir a los cuidadores familiares, sobre la toma de conciencia acerca de la importancia de seguir el tratamiento y que el temor no sea un motivo para perder el contacto con el equipo de salud. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo para la no adherencia al tratamiento, de cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer. Método: Estudio de abordaje cuantitativo, descriptivo y corte transversal, en el cual se incluyeron 110 cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer, con edades comprendidas entre 0 y 14 años, con mínimo 3 meses de tratamiento, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Se aplicó la ficha de caracterización de pacientes con enfermedad crónica del grupo "Cuidado de Enfermería al Paciente Crónico y su familia" y el Instrumento para evaluar los Factores que Influyen en la Adherencia a los Tratamientos Farmacológicos y no Farmacológicos en Pacientes con Riesgo de Enfermedad Cardiovascular (tercera Versión). Análisis: se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados El factor socioeconómico, para los cuidadores familiares, se ubicó como elemento de riesgo para la no adherencia a los tratamientos, mientras que el factor relacionado con el proveedor se encontró en el rango de ventaja para adherencia. Conclusiones: Los cuidadores familiares de niños con cáncer, presentaron comportamientos que indican que su adherencia es buena y como factor influyente los relacionados con el equipo de salud.

The situation of the risk factors for the non-adherence to treatments has been tackled by the OMS, like a multifactorial problem. For that, as in the case of children with cancer, being a chronic non-transmissible disease, it´s necessary intervene the family Caregivers, about the awareness relating to the importance of follow the treatment and that fear is not a reason to lose the contact whit the health team. Objective: Determine the risk factors for the no adherence to treatment of family Caregivers of children with cancer. Method: Study of quantitative, descriptive and cross-section approach, in which one were include 110 family Caregivers of children with cancer, with ages between 0 and 14 year, with minimum 3 months of treatment, in the National Institute of Cancerology. The characterization card of patients with chronic disease of the group "Care of Nursing to the Chronic Patient and his family" and the Instrument to evaluate the Factors that Influence the Adherence to Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Patients at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease was applied. (Third Version). Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used. Results: The socioeconomic factor for family caregivers was assign like the risk element for no adherence to treatments, while the factor related to the supplier was found in the range of advantage for adherence. Conclusions: The family Caregivers of children with cancer presented behaviors that indicate that their adherence is good and as an influential factor, the related with the health team

Treatment Effectiveness for Symptoms of Patulous Eustachian Tube: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of currently available medical and surgical interventions for treating symptoms of Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET). DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (January 1948 to July 8, 2015), EMBASE (January 1974 to July 8, 2015), gray literature, hand searches, and cross-reference checking. STUDY SELECTION: Original published reports evaluating an intervention to treat the symptoms of patulous eustachian tube in patients 18 years and older. DATA EXTRACTION: Quality-of-case reviews were assessed with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series Studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search strategy identified 1,104 unique titles; 39 articles with 533 patients are included. The available evidence consists of small case series and case reports. The most common medical treatment was nasal instillation of normal saline. Surgical treatments were categorized as mass loading of the tympanic membrane, eustachian tube plugging, and manipulation of eustachian tube musculature. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence for management of patients with PET is poor in quality and consists predominantly of small case series. Further research is needed to determine the comparative efficacy of the current treatments.

Catéter central de acceso periférico en paciente pediátrico con cáncer: estudio de caso / Central catheter of peripheral access in pediatric patient with cancer: a case study

Introducción: Explorar el empleo del catéter central de acceso periférico para uso mixto (intrahospitalario-ambulatorio) y su efecto sobre la adherencia y el bienestar en el paciente pediátrico con cáncer tratado con quimioterapia en el INC cuando es candidato para inserción de catéter implantable. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de abordaje cualitativo de tipo estudio de caso. Se realizó inserción intrahospitalaria de catéter central de acceso periférico por enfermera. Para el alta del paciente, se ofreció capacitación a este y a su cuidador familiar en el manejo del catéter y en el seguimiento a signos de alarma, además se realizaron curaciones intrahospitalarias cada 72 horas. La experiencia de la vivencia para paciente y cuidador se identificó a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas que se analizaron de forma cualitativa. Se obtuvo, además, información de las historias clínicas y del diario de seguimiento domiciliario llevado por el cuidador familiar. Resultados: Surgieron las categorías de: menos dolor y ansiedad, mayor compromiso, participación activa, compartir responsabilidades. Se observó que el uso mixto del catéter alcanzó 100 días sin la aparición de signos de infección local ni sistémicos. No se reportó abandono del tratamiento. Discusión: La duración del catéter de 100 días, manteniéndose intacto y permeable es comparable con la literatura, que ha reportado estabilidad entre 72 a 113 días. Conclusiones: El uso mixto de catéter central de acceso periférico mostró su utilidad en el manejo intravenoso en el paciente pediátrico con cáncer, favoreciendo su adherencia al tratamiento y bienestar.

Introduction: To explore the use of central catheter of peripheral access for mixed use (inpatient - outpatient) and its effect on adherence and well-being in pediatric patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy in the INC when they are candidates for insertion of implantable catheter. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study of case study type. Hospital insertion of central catheter of peripheral access was performed by nurse and hospital management was given. For the discharge of the patient, training was provided to him or her and the family caregiver in the management of catheter and monitoring for signs of alarm. Also nosocomial cures were made every 72 hours. Semi-structured interviews were also made to the patient and family caregiver, which were analyzed qualitatively giving rise to categories. Also, further information from medical records and home monitoring diary kept by the family caregiver was obtained. Results: The following categories emerged: less pain and anxiety, greater commitment, active participation, sharing responsibilities. It was observed that the combined use of the catheter reached 100 days without the appearance of signs of local infection nor systemic. No treatment discontinuation was reported. Discussion: Catheter duration 100 days, remaining intact and permeable is comparable with the literature, which has reported stable between 72 and 113 days. Conclusions: The mixed use of central catheter of peripheral accesss showed its usefulness in intravenous management in pediatric patients with cancer, promoting adherence to treatment and welfare.

Radiological prevalence of superior and posterior semicircular canal dehiscence in children.

OBJECTIVE: Establishing the prevalence of semicircular canal dehiscence in a pediatric population using temporal bone CT imaging. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of all temporal bone CT scans during a 5-year period (2007-2012). METHODS: CT scan images were reformatted in the plane of the canals and assessed by two independent reviewers with a third to resolve disagreement. Detailed chart review was performed for those found to have dehiscence. Superior and posterior canals were classified as "dehiscent", "possibly dehiscent", "thin" or "normal" for each case. RESULTS: 649 temporal bones were assessed from 334 children (under 18 years of age). The prevalence rate of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) was 1.7% (3.3% of individuals). Posterior canal dehiscence (PCD) was present in 1.2% (2.1% of individuals). There were no cases of bilateral SCD, and one case of bilateral PCD. Age under 3 years was associated with a higher prevalence of thinning but not dehiscence. Congenital inner ear malformation was not related to a higher probability of dehiscence. The superior petrosal sinus was associated with the SCD in three cases (27.3%). Retrospective chart review highlighted possible vestibular symptoms in 3/11 patients with SCD (27.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This forms the largest pediatric study of canal dehiscence to date. This study's prevalence rate is significantly lower than previous reports. The identified association with overlying venous structures may reflect the etiological process involved. The occurrence in children supports the hypothesis of a congenital predisposition for development of canal dehiscence syndrome.

Intelligent glasses, watches and vests oh my! Rethinking the meaning of "harm" in the age of wearable technologies.

The widespread release and adoption of wearable devices will likely accelerate the "hybrid era", already initiated by mobile digital devices, with progressively deeper levels of human-technology co-evolution and increasing blurring of our boundaries with machines. Questions about the potentially harmful nature of information and communication technologies have been asked before, since the introduction of the telephone, the Web, and more recently, mobile phones. Our capacity to answer them now is limited by outdated conceptual approaches to harm, mostly derived from drug evaluation; and by the slow and static nature of traditional research tools. In this article, we propose a re-conceptualizing of the meaning of "harm", which builds on a global effort focused on health, adding flexibility and richness within a context that acknowledges the physical, mental, and social domains in which it can occur.

Esophageal wishbone extraction: not for the chicken-hearted.

OBJECTIVE: Ingestion of foreign bodies in the pediatric population is common and in the majority of cases involves spontaneous passage through the esophagus; however, they can become lodged in spaces of anatomical narrowing. Sharp foreign bodies are of particular concern due to a higher chance of perforation and other complications. The goal of this case report is to describe the safe removal of a chicken wishbone and 3 alternate options in the event that the initial choice was unsuccessful. METHODS: We report the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented to our pediatric tertiary center after unsuccessful endoscopic removal of a chicken wishbone from the esophagus. RESULTS: Radiologically, the wishbone was oriented with the tines pointing up. Endoscopic examination revealed the tips of both tines to be embedded deeply into the lateral walls of the esophageal mucosa. Esophagoscopy and protecting the sharp points of the wishbone were used to successfully extract the intact wishbone. CONCLUSION: Previous techniques have involved cutting the bone; however, in this case, tension was so high that it was felt that cutting the bone would result in perforation. Proper management of such cases requires planning and often multiple strategies.

Fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone: systematic review of management and hearing outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The management options for otologic symptoms (i.e., hearing loss, otorrhea) in patients with fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone (FDTB) include either observation or otologic surgery. The objective of this review is to describe the hearing outcomes in patients with FDTB to compare surgical intervention and conservative management to determine an evidence-based approach to patient management. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1995-April 5, 2013), MEDLINE (January 1948-April 5, 2013), EMBASE (January 1974-April 5, 2013), conference proceedings, and the reference lists of articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies describing interventions or no intervention in patients with FDTB were included. Studies failing to report hearing outcomes were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts, read full-text articles, assessed quality, and extracted data. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seventy-two studies involving 215 patients were included. Thirty-one studies (n = 49 patients), including three case series and 28 case reports, had sufficient information for analysis of hearing outcomes (Level 4 evidence). The surgical intervention showing the best hearing outcomes was canaloplasty, with improvement in 84% of patients (n = 16 patients) and stable hearing thresholds in 18% (n = 3 patients). CONCLUSION: The literature lacks consistent reporting of hearing outcomes after otologic surgery in FDTB. Level 4 evidence suggests that an improvement in hearing thresholds is achievable in most patients when the disease involves the external ear canal. A management algorithm is proposed using the available evidence.

The use of postoperative topical corticosteroids in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Topical intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) are used to control disease symptoms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). The evidence to recommend INCSs as part of the postoperative care is limited. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of INCSs in the postoperative care of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) during the 1st year postoperatively. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1995 to May 2012), MEDLINE (January 1948 to May 2012), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2012), and the reference lists of articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and cohort studies comparing INCSs with placebo or comparing different types of INCSs were included. RESULTS: Eleven studies (n = 945 patients) were RCTs and one prospective cohort study (n = 32 patients). As measured by the standardized mean difference (SMD) INCSs had a beneficial effect on symptom scores (SMD, -1.35; 95% CI, -2.05 to -0.64; p = 0.0002; 3 trials; 137 patients) and polyp score (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, -0.91 to -0.14; p = 0.007; 5 trials; 223 patients). Compared with placebo, the use of INCSs decreased the odds of polyp recurrence (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.51; p = 0.002; 2 trials; 74 patients). Two RCTs (n = 105) and one cohort study (n = 32) reported normal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels postintervention. CONCLUSION: INCS use is a safe therapy in postoperative management of CRSwNP patients. INCS showed significant improvement in polyp score, patients' symptoms and significant decrease in polyp recurrence in the first year postoperatively.

Modified slide tracheoplasty in a newborn with bronchial and carinal stenosis.

Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) is a life-threatening condition that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality particularly when symptomatic presentation occurs in the newborn period. The most challenging form of CTS is long segment congenital tracheal stenosis (LSCTS) with compromise of the carina and main stem bronchi. We report the case of a newborn with severe distal tracheal stenosis with carinal and main stem bronchial involvement who was managed successfully with a modified slide and autologous rib graft tracheoplasty. The patient was discharged from hospital without ventilator support or oxygen requirement at 2 months of age. The details of this case and the description of the surgical procedure are presented and the related literature is reviewed.

Determining the best graft-sealant combination for skull base repair using a soft tissue in vitro porcine model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to compare the absolute breaking strength of various soft tissue skull base (SB) repairs in an in vitro porcine model. METHODS: A burst pressure (BP) testing system was designed using an axial loading force to create increasing hydraulic pressure. Defects measuring 0.5 × 0.5 cm were created in fascia lata samples. Defects were repaired using various grafts (pericranium and 2 different dural substitutes, Alloderm(®) and Durasis(®)) measuring 1.0 × 1.0 cm to cover the deficient area. Grafts were further reinforced onto the fascia background with either fibrin glue (Tisseel(®)) or hydrogel sealant (DuraSeal™). Each combination of graft and sealant was conducted 6 times and tested 24 hours after the repair. RESULTS: The mean BP (±standard deviation [SD]) were as follows: DuraSeal™-Alloderm, 12.5 ± 5.8 mmHg; DuraSeal™-Durasis, 21.8 ± 20.7 mmHg; DuraSeal™-pericranium, 44.7 ± 30.1 mmHg; Tisseel-Alloderm, 30.6 ± 26.3 mmHg; Tisseel-Durasis, 15.8 ± 18.6 mmHg; and Tisseel-pericranium, 95.5 ± 86 mmHg. One-way analysis of variance showed that the strongest type of repair was Tisseel-pericranium when adjusting for the others (p < 0.0001). The difference in mean BP of repair with DuraSeal™ vs Tisseel(®) was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). Comparing sealants, the use of Alloderm(®) or Durasis(®) decreased the strength of the repair in comparison to pericranium (p < 0.0001). Bonferroni analysis showed a significant difference between pericranium and Alloderm(®) (p < 0.05) and between pericranium and Durasis(®) (p < 0.05) but not between Alloderm(®) and Durasis(®) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this model, the strongest type of repair (pressure 6 times higher than normal intracranial pressure) was the combination of Tisseel(®)-pericranium. Our data will help guide surgeons who repair SB defects to choose the best graft and sealant.

Assessment of vocal fold mobility before and after cardiothoracic surgery in children.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of vocal fold immobility (VFI) after cardiothoracic surgery in children and to determine the factors potentially associated with this outcome. METHODS: Flexible laryngoscopy to assess vocal fold mobility was performed before surgery and within 72 hours after extubation in 100 pediatric patients who underwent cardiothoracic procedures. The 2 operating surgeons recorded the surgical technique and their impression of possible injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The presence of laryngeal symptoms, such as stridor, hoarseness, and strength of cry, after extubation was documented. RESULTS: Of 100 children included in this study, 8 had VFI after surgery. Univariate analyses showed that these 8 patients were younger and weighed less than the patients with normal vocal fold movement. Monopolar cautery was used in all patients with VFI. On univariate analysis, factors statistically significantly associated with VFI were circulatory arrest and dissection or ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus, left pulmonary artery, right pulmonary artery, or descending aorta. However, multivariate analyses failed to show these associations. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VFI after cardiothoracic surgery in our population of children was 8.0% (8 of 100). Of several factors found to be potentially associated with VFI on univariate analysis, none were significant on multivariate analysis. This may be a result of the few patients with VFI. A larger multicenter prospective study would be needed to definitively identify factors associated with the outcome of VFI.

Cranial conjoined twins: surgical and anesthetic challenges for a routine procedure: adenoidectomy and examination of ears.

Craniopagus conjoined twins have long been the subject of interest because of the rarity and peculiarity of their juxtaposition. We present the surgical, airway and anesthetic challenges in craniopagus conjoined twins, in which one of the twins underwent adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep breathing disorder. The surgical procedure required a special setting from an anesthetic perspective whereby both children needed anesthesia due to the complex physiology of their brains and cardiovascular systems. As well, we took the opportunity to do bilateral ear examinations of both twins.

Landau-Kleffner syndrome: a rare auditory processing disorder series of cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and treatment of 3 children with an Auditory Processing Disorder with an identifiable neurological cause: Landau-Kleffner syndrome. This classical syndrome is well recognized in pediatric neurology but the diagnosis is less well known to Pediatric Otolaryngology, Speech Language Pathology and Audiology services. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of three patients with Landau-Kleffner syndrome. RESULTS: In all cases, pharmacological intervention led to clinical and electroencephalographic improvement, but all patients had long-term difficulty with understanding sounds in a noisy environment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain was normal in all three patients. Their language disturbance improved over time. Speech language intervention was helpful in addressing communication difficulties arising from the auditory processing/receptive and expressive language disorder. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary assessment is the key for early diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in patients with this syndrome.

Adenoidectomía bajo control visual con técnica de electrocoagulación-succión: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio / Visually controlled suction-cautery adenoidectomy: a prospective study at San Ignacio University Hospital

La adenoidectomía con técnica de electrocoagulación-succión bajo control visual es un procedimiento cada vez más utilizado para el tratamiento de hipertrofia obstructiva de las adenoides, dada su comprobada efectividad en cuanto a la precisión y extensión completa en la remoción del tejidoadenoideo, su baja complejidad técnica, rapidez y seguridad al minimizar riesgos. En este estudio se evalúan diferentes aspectos de esta técnica tales como: el tiempo quirúrgico del procedimiento, el sangrado transoperatorio y la incidencia de complicaciones en las primeras semanas del postoperatorio. Esta técnica quirúrgica es la que utilizamos en la actualidad en el Servicio deOtorrinolaringología del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en Bogotá.

Visually controlled suction-cautery adenoidectomy is the most common technique to perform adenoidectomy in developed countries, due to its proven effectiveness in removing enlarged adenoid tissue, its low technical complexity, and decrease in operating time, trans-operative bleeding and higher safety rate. The present prospective study evaluates different outcomes when using this surgical technique, such as duration of the procedure, intra-operative bleeding and incidence of complications. This technique is the one currently used by the authors at San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogota.