Optimisation of reduction for prolapsed silicone tube after lacrimal intubation.

BACKGROUND: A common complication of bicanalicular intubation is dislocation of the silicone tube. METHODS: Eleven patients with prolapsed silicone tubes who had undergone bicanalicular nasal intubation were injected with a 2 per cent lidocaine solution to infiltrate the lacrimal duct mucosa. A memory wire probe was used to pull a 4-0 suture through the lacrimal passage retrogradely, allowing the suture to grab the silicone tube. Paraffin oil was applied to the contact part of the rope and the silicone tube, then the distal end of the silk thread was removed from the nostril until the tube was pulled into place. RESULTS: The prolapsed silicone tubes were restored by surgery in nine patients, with the drainage tube in the correct position in the eye and the lacrimal duct irrigation unobstructed. CONCLUSION: The optimisations made in this study are considered effective adjustments of reduction surgery for a prolapsed silicone tube.

Outcome of Primary Monocanalicular Stent Placement in Pediatric Down Syndrome Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Obstruction.

PURPOSE: Congenital Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a relatively common problem in children with Down syndrome (DS). Probing and irrigation (PI) with monocanalicular stent intubation may be less successful than in non-DS patients, thus raising some concerns regarding the preferred treatment in this population. We aimed to analyze the surgical outcome of PI along with monocanalicular stent intubation in children with DS compared with non-DS patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Thirty-five eyes of 19 children with DS and 1,472 eyes of 1,001 children without DS underwent PI-monocanalicular stent intubation as a primary treatment for CNLDO. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between 2009 and 2020. The main outcome measure was a surgical success, defined as the resolution of symptoms after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1,020 patients were included, 48% females; mean age of 1.9 ± 1.4 years. The mean follow-up time was 35.0 months. The DS patients group consisted of 19 patients. Higher rates of right nasolacrimal duct obstruction and bilateral obstructions were observed in the DS group (100% vs. 73.2%; p = 0.006, and 84.2% vs. 46.8%; p = 0.001, respectively). Patients with DS had a lower success rate (57.1% vs. 92.4%; p < 0 .0001). The median time to failure was 3.1 months in the DS group, and 5.2 months in the group of patients without DS. The hazard ratio comparing DS to the no-DS outcome was 6.6 (95% CI: 3.2-13.7; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CNLDO in DS is more likely to be bilateral and less likely to resolve after primary monocanalicular stent placement.

Primary Monocanalicular Stent Intubation for Children With Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Surgical Outcome and Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: To determine the risk factors impacting the surgical success of primary monocanalicular stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). METHODS: This is a retrospective interventional case series of patients 18 years and younger treated more than a 12-year period with monocanalicular stent intubation with inferior turbinate fracture for CNLDO by a single surgeon. Patients with dacryocystoceles, dacryocystitis, Down syndrome and previous tear duct surgery were excluded. An intraoperative grading scale of tear duct stenosis, date of stent removal, stent length, and postoperative symptoms were recorded. Surgical success was defined as the complete resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred sixty-nine stents were placed in 1,001 pediatric participants (533 unilateral, 468 bilateral). The mean age at surgery was 1.86 years (0.1-18.07). The mean follow up was 34.99 months (0.43-134.3) with mean in-office stent removal at 3.41 months (0.63-36.9). Early stent loss occurred in 14.8% intubations (217/1,469). The overall success rate was 92.4% (1,357/1,469 eyes). Subjects less than the age of 4 years had a success rate of 92.8% (1,296/1,397) compared with 84.7% (61/72) in children more than 4. In multivariable analysis, bilateral surgery, severe tear duct stenosis, and early stent loss were significantly associated with higher risk of surgical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Severe tear duct stenosis, early stent loss, and bilateral surgery were significant risk factors for surgical failure. While the success rate stratified by age at surgery suggested a lower success after the age of 4. Primary monocanalicular stent intubation is an effective and safe treatment for CNLDO sparing a child the need for multiple staged surgeries.

Deglución post extubación de pacientes críticos con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19 durante la pandemia / Post extubation swallowing in critical patients with and without COVID-19 during the pandemic

Estudios previos han caracterizado la disfagia en pacientes críticos hospitalizados que requieren intubación y ventilación mecánica invasiva. A raíz de la pandemia COVID-19 es necesario conocer las características deglutorias de pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad para su manejo. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características deglutorias de pacientes críticos extubados con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con una muestra a conveniencia de 43 sujetos mayores de 15 años, ingresados al Hospital San Juan de Dios (Santiago, Chile) entre el 01 de junio y el 31 de agosto de 2020, intubados con o sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Del total de sujetos, 22 padecieron de COVID-19 quienes estuvieron significativamente más días intubados que aquellos sin la patología (p=0,002). Inmediatamente posterior a la extubación orotraqueal, más del 90% de la muestra presentó disfagia. No hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS ni asociación significativa en el grado de severidad de la disfagia entre sujetos con y sin COVID-19. Tampoco hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS entre los grupos a los 10 días post-extubación. El nivel FILS a los 10 días aumentó significativamente en aquellos sujetos con COVID-19 (p=0,016) y sin COVID-19 (p=0,004). En la muestra, el nivel FILS y grado de severidad de la disfagia de los pacientes con y sin COVID-19 no mostraron diferencias estadísticas, siendo alto el porcentaje de disfagia en ambos grupos, lo que se podría asociar a la intubación orotraqueal y al tubo orotraqueal. Es necesaria la incorporación del fonoaudiólogo dentro de los equipos de Unidades de Pacientes Críticos para el manejo de los pacientes con COVID-19 y disfagia. Además, se recomienda continuar con más estudios en el área.

Previous research have described the deglutition disorders in critical hospitalised patients who required intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the pandemic context, it is mandatory to study both level and grade of dysphagia in patients suffering from COVID-19. The aim of this study is to analyse the deglutition features of extubated critical patients with and without COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study was performed, considering a convenience sample of 43 patients from 15 years old hospitalised at 'Hospital San Juan de Dios' between June 1st and August 31th 2020, who were intubated, with and without the diagnosis of COVID-19. 22of out 43 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 who were intubated for significantly more days in comparison with those without COVID-19 (p=.002). After the intratracheal extubation, 90% of the sample was diagnosed with dysphagia. There was no significant difference in the FILS score nor significant association in dysphagia severity between patients with and without COVID-19. After 10 days post extubation, there was no significant difference in the FILS score between both groups. The FILS score increased significantly in the COVID-19 (p=.016) and non-COVID-19 (p=.004) patients after 10 days post extubation. Post extubation, there are no statistical differences in the FILS score and dysphagia severity in critical ill patients with and without COVID-19, with a high percentage of dysphagia in both groups which could be associated with intratracheal intubation and endotracheal tubes. The incorporation of speech and language therapists in Critical Care Units is mandatory. Furthermore, it is recommended to perform extra research in the area.

Respiratory pathogens associated with intubated pediatric patients following hematopoietic cell transplant.

BACKGROUND: We describe organisms found in the respiratory tracts of a multicenter cohort of pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with respiratory failure. METHODS: Twelve centers contributed up to 25 pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients requiring mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure to a retrospective database. Positive respiratory pathogens and method of obtaining sample were recorded. Outcomes were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test or chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients in the database, ages 1 month through 21 years, 34.6% had a positive respiratory culture. 105 pathogens were identified in 77 patients; of those, 48.6% were viral, 34.3% bacterial, 16.2% fungal, and 1% parasitic. PICU mortality with a respiratory pathogen was 68.8% compared to 54.9% for those without a respiratory pathogen (P = .045). Those with a positive respiratory pathogen had longer PICU length of stay, 20 days (IQR 14.0, 36.8) vs 15 (IQR 6.5, 32.0), P = .002, and a longer course of mechanical ventilation, 17 days (IQR 10, 29.5) vs 8 (3, 17), P < .0001. Method of pathogen identification, type of pathogen, and the presence of multiple pathogens were not associated with changes in PICU outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter retrospective cohort of intubated pediatric post-HCT patients, there was high variability in the respiratory pathogens identified. Type of pathogen and method of detection did not affect PICU mortality. The presence of any organism leads to increased PICU mortality, longer PICU stay, and increased duration of mechanical ventilation suggesting that early detection and treatment of pathogens may be beneficial in this population.

The prophylactic effect of intravenous magnesium infusion on postoperative sore throat after thyroid surgery. A randomized clinical trial / Efecto profiláctico de la infusión de magnesio en dolor de garganta postoperatorio luego de una tiroidectomía. Un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) varies widely from 14.4 to 100% with maximum severity at 4th to 6th postoperative hour. Nonetheless, it has increasingly become a common clinical problem particularly in thyroid surgery. Although POST usually resolves spontaneously in few days, it is likely to be the most common complaint. OBJECTIVES: Driven by the increased number of patients with post-intubation sore throat following thyroid surgery, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of perioperative magnesium infusion in attenuating POST after thyroidectomy. METHODS AND MATERIAL: 80 female patients undergoing thyroid surgery, were preoperatively randomized into one of 2 groups. The magnesium group received magnesium sulfate (30 mg/kg) in 100 ml of isotonic saline over 15 min before induction of anesthesia, followed by a continuous magnesium sulfate infusion (10 mg/kg/h) for the duration of the operation. The control group received the same volume and rate of isotonic saline. RESULTS: This study showed that perioperative magnesium infusion had significantly reduced the overall incidence and severity of POST. The incidence of POST at rest (patients who recorded non-zero POST score after thyroid surgery) in the control group was 75% while the incidence of POST in magnesium group was 37.5% which is lower and that was highly significance. Higher sedation scores were encoun tered on arrival to PACU in Magnesium group when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that perioperative magnesium sulphate infusion effectively decreased overall POST incidence and severity after thyroidectomy with better hemodynamic stability, albeit higher risk of post operative sedation.

La incidencia reportada de dolor de garganta postoperatorio (POST) varía ampliamente de 14,4 a 100% con severidad máxima en la 4ta a 6ta hora postoperatoria. Sin embargo, se ha convertido cada vez más en un problema clínico común, particularmente en la cirugía de tiroides. Aunque la POST generalmente se resuelve espontáneamente en pocos días, es probable que sea la queja más común. OBJETIVOS: Impulsado por el mayor número de pacientes con dolor de garganta después de la intubación después de la cirugía de tiroides, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de la infusión perioperatoria de magnesio para atenuar la POST después de la tiroidectomía. MÉTODOS Y METERIAL: 80 pacientes mujeres sometidas a cirugía de tiroides, fueron asignadas al azar preoperatoriamente en uno de los 2 grupos. El grupo de magnesio recibió sulfato de magnesio (30 mg/kg) en 100 ml de solución salina isotónica durante 15 minutos antes de la inducción de la anestesia, seguido de una infusión continua de sulfato de magnesio (10 mg/kg/h) durante la operación. El grupo control recibió el mismo volumen y tasa de solución salina isotónica. RESULTADOS: Este estudio mostró que la infusión perioperatoria de magnesio había reducido significativamente la incidencia general y la gravedad de la POST. La incidencia de POST en reposo (pacientes que registraron una puntuación POST distinta de cero después de la cirugía de tiroides) en el grupo de control fue del 75%, mientras que la incidencia de POST en el grupo de magnesio fue del 37,5%, que es menor y de gran importancia. Se encontraron puntajes de sedación más altos al llegar a la UCPA en el grupo Magnesio en comparación con los controles. CONCLUSIONES: Llegamos a la conclusión de que la infusión perioperatoria de sulfato de magnesio disminuyó efectivamente la incidencia general de POST y la gravedad después de la tiroidectomía con una mejor estabilidad hemodinámica, aunque un mayor riesgo de sedación postoperatoria.

Treatment of Laryngeal Granulomas

Abstract Introduction Laryngeal granulomas are benign, recurrent lesions of many causes (reflux, voice abuse, intubation, and idiopathic), which renders its treatment difficult. Objective To describe our experience in the treatment of laryngeal granulomas. Methods From 16 medical records of the patients with laryngeal granulomas seen between 2010 and 2017 in a university hospital, the following data were analyzed: age, gender, vocal and gastroesophageal symptoms, vocal overuse, intubation, treatments, videolaryngoscopy before and after the treatment. Results Gender: female, 10; male, 6. Age: between 20 and 60 years old (11%). Etiology of the granulomas: intubation (9), reflux (4), idiopathic (3). The initial treatments adopted in all cases were: inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 100 μg 12/12 hours (1month), proton pump inhibitor, omeprazole 40 mg/day (2months), and dietary and voice education. After this period, 10 patients (7 postintubation, 3 idiopathic) were submitted to surgery, since no improvements in the symptoms or in the lesions were seen. Of these, two recurred, requiring a second surgery, one of which recurred six times and received botulinum toxin A. Only one patient with granulomas due to laryngopharyngeal reflux presented no improvement in the symptoms nor in the lesion after the pharmacological treatment and had been submitted to microsurgery. All of the other patients with reflux granulomas were successfully treated with the drug treatment, and the longest treatment time for complete remission of the symptoms and of the lesions was 9 months. Conclusions In laryngeal granulomas caused by reflux, treatment with inhaled steroids and proton pump inhibitors proved to be effective, although prolonged. In postintubation and idiopathic granulomas, surgery was the best treatment.

Cultures of Proximal and Distal Segments of Silicone Tubes After Dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of cultures of the proximal and distal segments of silicone tubes after dacryocystorhinostomy. METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone intubation were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were cultures of both distal and proximal stent segments after removal, dye testing, evaluation of the tear meniscus, and notation of the presence or absence of discharge before and after removal. The exclusion criteria included the use of systemic or topical antibiotics within 1 month before tube removal. RESULTS: Forty-six lacrimal systems in 40 patients were included, with 6 patients having bilateral dacryocystorhinostomies. There were no cases of dacryocystitis at the time of or after tube removal. Four (9%) of the dacryocystorhinostomies failed. Forty-one (89%) of the distal tube segments had positive cultures. The distal tube cultures grew 17 (36%) gram-positive bacteria, 21 (45%) gram-negative bacteria, 7 (15%) skin flora, and 2 (4%) fungi (6 distal segments had mixed cultures). Thirteen (28%) of the proximal tube segments had positive cultures. The proximal tube cultures were 5 (38%) gram-negative bacteria, 4 (31%) gram-positive bacteria, 3 (23%) skin flora, and 1 (8%) acid-fast bacteria. Four (31%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew the same organism as the distal tube segment. Nine (69%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew different organisms than the distal segment. Forty-two (91%) of all the proximal tube cultures were either negative or grew different organisms than the distal segment cultures. CONCLUSIONS: The proximal segment of a silicone tube after a dacryocystorhinostomy may be a "privileged" area. There is usually a lack of growth or the growth of different organisms than those present on the distal tube segments. This may be explained by the protective nature of the tear film. The findings may also help to explain the low incidence of dacryocystitis in spite of the growth of virulent organisms on the distal tube segment after a dacryocystorhinostomy.

Childhood Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Complicated by Esophageal Intubation: A Case Report.

Childhood idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (CIPAH) represents a rare disorder of childhood characterized by dyspnea, exercise limitation, and syncope. Common organ-specific pathology includes right ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. The case presented represents a classic case of CIPAH, where death was partially attributable to an unrecognized esophageal intubation, which was placed during emergency transport to an emergency department. The features of CIPAH are presented, along with a discussion related to esophageal intubation and death.

Acute Sterile Canaliculitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A 53-year-old male developed secondary canaliculitis after undergoing nasolacrimal intubation with a silicone stent. Negative cultures, symptoms refractory to antibiotics, and rapid resolution after stent removal suggest an immune reaction as the mechanism of canaliculitis. This case raises awareness of noninfectious hypersensitivity or hypersensitivity-like reactions as a potential acute or subacute complication of nasolacrimal stenting.

Dry eye after Lester Jones tube insertion for epiphora.

Purpose: To report the occurrence of dry eye after Lester Jones tube (LJT) insertion. Methods: Retrospective case series from a single unit. The dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) was carried out using both endoscopic and external approachs; however, insertion of LJT used the same method as either a primary or secondary procedure. Dry eye as an outcome measure was only confirmed after three separate visits using the presence of both patient symptoms and dry eye signs with none preceding tube insertion. Results: Fifty-four patients underwent consecutive LJT insertion over a 5-year period. Mean age was 52.6 (range 25-73 years). The majority were female 39 (72%). Revision surgery was required in 15 (27%) with 3 or more occurring in 6 (11%). In total, 9 patients developed dry eyes (17%). Mean age was 60 (range 47-73) years, 5 females and 4 males. Four of the dry eye individuals had undergone primary LJT insertion and the remaining five received their first LJT 6-24 (mean 15) months post-DCR. Two dry eye patients had previously undergone LASIK and radiotherapy. Conclusion: A risk of dry eye following LJT placement is higher than the literature suggests. This should be considered and counseled, especially in those who have underlying pre-disposing factors. Ease of removal may be a desirable attribute in such cases.

Percepção dos profissionais atuantes nas UTI's quanto à importância de condutas de saúde bucal / Perception of professionals working in ICUS on the importance of oral health conducts

Introdução: a cavidade bucal é constituída de inúmeros microrganismos que favorecem o desenvolvimento de doenças quando o paciente se encontra imunossuprimido. Considerando esse fato, surge o interesse em avaliar as condições bucais de pacientes hospitalizados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Objetivo: este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a percepção dos profissionais atuantes nas UTIs dos principais hospitais da região do Cariri do Ceará, quanto à importância das condutas de saúde bucal, o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a associação da condição bucal e geral dos pacientes internos, analisar a existência de protocolos de higiene bucal para o paciente internado na UTI e justificar se há importância do cirurgião-dentista neste ambiente. Materiais e método: para obtenção de dados, foi realizada uma pesquisa do tipo transversal, na qual o instrumento para avaliação dos entrevistados foi um questionário constituído por 8 questões de múltipla escolha e 7 discursivas, abordando conteúdos relacionados aos objetivos da pesquisa. Resultados: de acordo com a análise de dados, foi observado que: a higienização bucal é realizada com antissépticos, sendo a clorexidina, a substância mais utilizada. A frequência da descontaminação era realizada nos intervalos de 6 e 12 horas. A higienização da língua era realizada por meio do tracionamento e limpeza com gaze, a mucosa não era higienizada. Não foi relatado o uso de saliva artificial e a realização de cursos de capacitações. Considerações finais: foi concluído neste estudo que muitos dos profissionais deixam a desejar na higienização bucal, visando apenas ao quadro de internação do paciente e, que, o dentista ainda não está incluído nas equipes de saúde que atuam diretamente nessas unidades, sendo uma das causas de deficiências nesses cuidados.(AU)

Introduction: The oral cavity consists of several microorganisms that favor the development of diseases when patients are immunosuppressed. Therefore, there is an interest in assessing the oral conditions of patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU). Objective: This study aims to assess the perception of professionals working in ICUs of the main hospitals of Cariri (Ceará, Brazil) on the importance of oral health conducts and the knowledge of professionals about the association of oral and general conditions of inpatients. It also analyzed the existence of oral hygiene protocols for ICU patients and justified whether dentists are important in such environment. Materials and method: The data was obtained with a cross-sectional research in which the instrument for assessing the respondents was a questionnaire consisting of eight multiple choice and seven discursive questions addressing contents related to the objectives of the study. Results: The data analysis showed that oral hygiene is performed with antiseptics, and chlorhexidine is the most used substance. The frequency of decontamination was performed at intervals of 6 and 12 hours. The tongue was cleaned using traction and gauze, and mucosa was not cleaned. The use of artificial saliva and the performance of training courses were not reported. Final considerations: This study concluded that many professionals fall short in oral hygiene, only considering the hospitalization condition of patients. Additionally, dentists are not yet included in the health teams working directly in intensive care units, which is one of the causes of deficiencies in such service.(AU)

Employing bioabsorbable grafts in two-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction of pediatric patient with severe subglottic stenosis and history of airway surgery.

A 16-month old female was referred to our practice for laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) for acquired subglottic stenosis (SGS) diagnosed at 4 weeks of age due to prolonged intubation. She has a history of open thoracic repair of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula that was complicated by a pneumothorax and phrenic nerve paralysis. We performed a variation of an anterior and posterior cricoid split LTR with tracheal stenting in order to avoid risks of pulmonary morbidity from costochondral cartilage harvesting. We report the first LTR to use KLS Martin Resorb-XG bioabsorbable implant (poly-L-lactic acid & poly glycolic acid) as a substitute graft for autologous cartilage in a patient with severe SGS and a history of airway surgeries. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and had a patent trachea on laryngobronchoscopy at 4, 13, and 22 months after surgery.

Tongue necrosis secondary to mucormycosis in a diabetic patient: A first case report in Malaysia.

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection and high mortality that commonly affects patients with the weakened immune system. We present an unusual case of tongue necrosis probably due to the healthcare-associated mucormycosis (HCM) in a diabetic patient. Although cannot be proved with certainty, we surmise that intubation as a risk factor in our case. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination (HPE) of the necrotic tissue specimen. The patient was responded well to lipid complex amphotericin B (250mg) regime after surgery. Subsequent follow up revealed that no signs of recurrence. Early, recognition, diagnosis, prompt treatment and awareness among clinician are representing the most effective way of managing the disease.

Validation of the behavioral pain scale to assess pain intensity in adult, intubated postcardiac surgery patients: A cohort observational study - POL-BPS.

Patients after cardiac surgery experience significant pain, but cannot communicate effectively due to opioid analgesia and sedation. Identification of pain with validated behavioral observation tool in patients with limited abilities to self-report pain improves quality of care and prevents suffering. Aim of this study was to validate Polish version of behavioral pain scale (BPS) in intubated, mechanically ventilated patients sedated with dexmedetomidine and morphine after cardiac surgery.Prospective observational cohort study included postoperative cardiac surgery patients, both sedated with dexmedetomidine and unsedated, observed at rest, during a nociceptive procedure (position change) and 10 minutes after intervention. Pain control was achieved using morphine infusion and nonopioid coanalgesia. Pain intensity evaluation included self-report by patient using numeric rating scale (NRS) and BPS assessments carried out by 2 blinded observers.A total of 708 assessments were performed in 59 patients (mean age 68 years), predominantly men (44/59, 75%). Results showed very good interrater correlation between raters (interrater correlation scores >0.87). Self-report NRS scores were obtained from all patients. Correlation between NRS and BPS was relatively strong during nociceptive procedures in all patients for rater A and rater B (Spearman R > 0.65, P < .001). Both mean NRS and BPS scores were significantly higher during nociceptive procedures as compared to assessments at rest, in both sedated and unsedated patients (P < .001).The results of this observational study show that the Polish translation of BPS can be regarded as a useful and validated tool for pain assessment in adult intubated patients. This instrument can be used in both unsedated and sedated cardiac surgery patients with limited communication abilities.

[Foreign body obstruction in the lacrimal duct after exploration of the duct].

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is used for treating lacrimal duct obstruction and can be performed with an external (EXT) or an endoscopic (END) approach. In this case report a 70-year-old woman suffering from chronic epiphora had earlier been treated with exploration of the lacrimal duct with insertion of a silicone tube. Due to continuous epiphora the patient underwent END DCR revision surgery, where a 4-cm silicone tube was retrieved from the distal part of the lacrimal duct. If EXT DCR was used for revision surgery, most likely the silicone tube in the lacrimal duct would not have been found.

Environmental colonization and onward clonal transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in a medical intensive care unit: the case for environmental hygiene.

Background: In May 2015, we noticed an increase in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). To investigate this, we studied the extent of environmental contamination and subsequent onward clonal transmission of CRAB. Methods: We conducted a one-day point prevalence screening (PPS) of the patients and environment in the MICU. We screened patients using endotracheal tube aspirates and swabs from nares, axillae, groin, rectum, wounds, and exit sites of drains. We collected environmental samples from patients' rooms and environment outside the patients' rooms. CRAB isolates from the PPS and clinical samples over the subsequent one month were studied for genetic relatedness by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Results: We collected 34 samples from seven patients and 244 samples from the environment. On the day of PPS, we identified 8 CRAB carriers: 3 who screened positive and 5 previously known clinical infections. We detected environmental contamination in nearly two-thirds of the rooms housing patients with CRAB. WGS demonstrated genetic clustering of isolates within rooms but not across rooms. We analysed 4 CRAB isolates from clinical samples following the PPS. One genetically-related CRAB was identified in the respiratory sample of a patient with nosocomial pneumonia, who was admitted to the MICU five days after the PPS. Conclusion: The extensive environmental colonization of CRAB by patients highlights the importance of environmental hygiene. The transmission dynamics of CRAB needs further investigation.

Comparison of Nasal Intubations by GlideScope With and Without a Bougie Guide in Patients Who Underwent Maxillofacial Surgeries: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasotracheal intubation is commonly performed to provide a secure airway for the maintenance of general anesthesia in maxillofacial surgeries. Routine nasotracheal intubation is performed under general anesthesia by direct laryngoscopy, frequently with the aid of Magill forceps. This method can be time-consuming and may cause bleeding in the field of view. A gum elastic bougie (GEB) is a cheap, slender, and flexible device that could expedite nasotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a GEB during nasotracheal intubation to facilitate the procedure and reduce the rate of complications. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 110 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II from 15 to 65 years of age were randomized into 2 equal groups. In both groups, a GlideScope and armored tube were used. In the GEB group, GEB was used to facilitate nasal intubation while the nasal intubation was performed without the aid of GEB in the routine group. The difficult intubation (defined as >1 attempt for intubation) was the primary outcome, and the duration of the intubation, the presence of traces of bleeding, the need for a tube replacement, and the usage of Magill forceps were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of bleeding in the GEB group was 1.81% vs 43.63% in the routine group (P < .001). In 5.5% of the GEB group, Magill forceps were used to advance the tube versus 67.3% in the routine group (P < .001). The mean time for intubation in GEB group was 48.63 ± 8.53 vs 55.9 ± 10.76 seconds in the routine group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The GEB is a useful aid to nasotracheal intubation, reducing bleeding, the requirement for Magill forceps and, to a small degree, intubation time. A case exists for its routine use for this purpose.

Incidental discovery of a new and clinically important anatomic variant of the internal thoracic artery in a young male trauma patient.

The internal thoracic artery (ITA) is the largest thoracic wall artery and is clinically important primarily for use in coronary artery bypass grafting. A number of anatomic variants of the ITA have been reported; however, bilateral, aberrant lateral branches of the ITA never have. The importance of this finding lies in the positioning of the artery at a potential chest tube insertion site. Here, we report the identification, on CT scan, of this rare variation in a young male trauma patient.

Effect of left lateral tilt-down position on cecal intubation time: a 2-center, pragmatic, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colonoscopy insertion is technically challenging, time-consuming, and painful, especially for the sigmoid. Several pilot studies indicated that the (left) tilt-down position could facilitate the insertion procedure, but no formal trials have been published to demonstrate its efficacy. We performed this study to verify the benefits of the left lateral tilt-down position (LTDP) on the insertion process. METHODS: This 2-center prospective trial randomized unsedated patients to the LTDP or left lateral horizontal position (LHP) to aid insertion. The primary outcome measure was cecal intubation time (CIT). Secondary outcome measures included decending colon intubation time (DIT), pain score of insertion, acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy for future examinations, difficulty score for insertion, and the adverse event rate of colonoscopy. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight patients were randomized to the LTDP (128) or LHP (130) in 2 centers. The median CIT and DIT were shorter with patients positioned in LTDP than in LHP (CIT, 280.0 vs 339.5 s, P < .001; DIT, 53.0 vs 69.0 s, P < .001, respectively) and patients with high and low body mass index (BMI) benefited more from LTDP than from LHP, as opposed to patients with normal BMI. In addition, colonoscopy insertion in LTDP was less painful (3.4 ± 1.6 vs 4.0 ± 1.7, P = .02) and less difficult (3.1 ± 1.9 vs 3.7 ± 1.4, P < .001), showing a higher tendency to acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy (82.9% vs 73.8%, P = .08). The rates of adverse events were extremely low and did not differ significantly in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: LTDP for colonoscopy insertion can reduce insertion time and pain, and potentially improves patients' acceptance of unsedated colonoscopy. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02842489.).