ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the surgical and audiological outcomes of the Bonebridge transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant among children with congenital aural atresia. METHODS: Six children were recruited and underwent Bonebridge transcutaneous bone conduction implant surgery. The patients' audiometric thresholds for air conduction, bone conduction and sound-field tests were assessed pre-operatively and at six months post-operatively. Patients' satisfaction was assessed at six months post-operatively with the Hearing Device Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: No major complications were reported. Mean aided sound-field thresholds improved post-operatively by more than 30 dB for 0.5-4 kHz (p 0.05). All patients were satisfied (scores were over 90 per cent) with the implant in terms of functional outcome and cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSION: Bonebridge transcutaneous bone conduction implant surgery is safe and effective among children with congenital aural atresia with conductive hearing loss.
Subject(s)
Bone Conduction , Congenital Abnormalities/physiopathology , Congenital Abnormalities/surgery , Ear/abnormalities , Hearing Aids , Hearing Loss, Conductive/therapy , Adolescent , Audiometry , Auditory Threshold , Child , Ear/physiopathology , Ear/surgery , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hearing Loss, Conductive/diagnosis , Hearing Loss, Conductive/etiology , Humans , Male , Patient Satisfaction , Prospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This paper reports on a non-conventional method for the management of facial carbuncles, highlighting its superiority over conventional surgical treatment in terms of cosmetic outcome and shorter duration of wound healing. BACKGROUND: The mainstay of treatment for carbuncles involves the early administration of antibiotics in combination with surgical intervention. The conventional saucerisation, or incision and drainage, under normal circumstances results in moderate to large wounds, which may need secondary surgery such as skin grafting, resulting in a longer duration of wound healing and jeopardising cosmetic outcome. CASE REPORTS: The reported three cases presented with extensive carbuncles over the chin, face and lips region. In addition to early commencement of intravenous antibiotics, the pus was drained, with minimal incision and conservative wound debridement, with the aim of maximal skin conservation. This was followed by thrice-daily irrigation with antibiotic-containing solution for a minimum of 2 consecutive days. The wounds healed within two to four weeks, without major cosmetic compromise. CONCLUSION: The new method showed superior cosmetic outcomes, with a shorter duration of wound healing. Conservative surgical management can be performed under regional anaesthesia, which may reduce morbidity and mortality; patients with facial carbuncles often have higher risks with general anaesthesia.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Carbuncle/therapy , Debridement/methods , Adult , Combined Modality Therapy , Conservative Treatment , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Wound HealingABSTRACT
A 6 years old girl accidentally aspirated a plastic whistle while playing. Computed Tomography of thorax showed foreign body at carina level. Rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia was attempted but unable to extract the whistle through vocal cord. Tracheostomy was later performed and foreign body was removed.