"Endoscopy Salon" for Controlling Respiratory Droplet Spreading During Endoscopic Procedure.

Introduction Preventing droplet dispersal is an important issue for decreasing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission rate; numerous personal protective equipment (PPE) devices have been recently developed for this. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel PPE device to prevent droplet spread during nasal endoscopic and fiber optic laryngoscopic examination and postuse equipment cleaning technique. Methods The "endoscopy salon" was created with a hooded salon hair dryer, plastic sheath, and silicone nipple. Comparison fluorescence dye dispersal from simulating forceful coughing with and without using the "endoscopy salon" was conducted to assess the droplet spread control. The effects of heat produced in the "endoscopy salon" and disinfection cleaning were also evaluated. Results Fluorescent dye droplet spread from a mannequin's mouth without using the "endoscopy salon" to care providers' clothes and the floor surrounding mannequin, whereas no dye droplets spread out when using the "endoscopy salon". The maximal temperature observed in the hair dryer was 56.3°C. During the cleaning process, when a plastic bag was attached to the hair dryer's hood to create a closed system, the temperature increased to 79.8 ± 3.1 °C. These temperatures eliminated four test organism cultures during equipment disinfection. Conclusion This novel "endoscopy salon" device prevented respiratory droplet spread and eliminated infectious organisms during postuse equipment cleaning.

Survival Benefit of Intervention Treatment in Advanced Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The management of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is controversial; thus, proper treatment and prognostic factors should be investigated. OBJECTIVES: To compare the survival outcomes of the intervention and palliative treatment in ATC patients. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary university hospital. The medical record charts were retrieved from November 20, 1987, to December 31, 2016. The final follow-up ended by December 31, 2017. The patients' demographic data, laboratory data, clinical presentation, and treatment modality results were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one records were analyzed with a one-year overall survival rate of 3.5% (median survival time: 77 days); however, 16 cases had insufficient data to classify staging and treatment modalities. Therefore, 105 ATC patients (37 with stage IVa, 39 with stage IVb, and 29 with stage IVc disease) were included with a one-year overall survival rate of 4.0% (median survival time of 82 days). Intervention treatment allowed longer median survival times (p < 0.05) and a better survival rate (p < 0.05). Among the interventional treatment groups, postoperative chemoradiation yielded the longest median survival time (187 days) and the highest survival rate (20%) (p < 0.05). The intervention modality allowed a better median survival time at all stages, particularly in stage IVa (p < 0.05). Unfavorable prognostic factors were adjusted for in a multiple Cox regression model showing that significant factors included age ≥65 years (hazard ratio HR: 2.57), palliative treatment (HR: 1.85), and leukocytosis ≥10,000 cells/mm3 (HR: 2.76). CONCLUSIONS: Intervention treatment provided a better survival outcome in all stages, particularly in stage IVa, with a significantly better median survival time. Among interventional treatments, postoperative chemoradiation led to the longest survival rate, suggesting that this treatment should be considered in ATC patients with resectable tumors and no poor prognostic factors, such as older age and leukocytosis.

An impact of microscopic positive margin on incomplete response after I-131 treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To find an impact of microscopic positive margin on incomplete response after initial I-131 therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent total thyroidectomy and received the first dose of radioiodine during January 2014-February 2018. Patients with grossly incomplete tumor resection or distant metastasis at the time of radioiodine therapy were excluded. Thyroid specimens were re-evaluated by one pathologist who was blinded to clinical information to determine microscopic margin status. Treatment response was evaluated at 6-12 months after therapy and was categorized according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to find an association between microscopic positive margin and incomplete response. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients (78 females; mean age 50.3 years) were enrolled. Ninety-four patients (93.1%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma. Microscopic positive margin was found in 27 patients (26.7%). After the median follow-up time of 10.3 months, incomplete response was observed in 13 patients (48.5%) and 17 patients (23.0%) with positive and negative margins, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between microscopic positive margin and incomplete response after adjusting for tumor size, ETE, and cervical lymph node metastasis with adjusted odds ratio of 3.04 (95% CI 1.05-8.75, p value = 0.04). Moreover, after adding pre-ablative Tg as a covariate in 69 patients with negative TgAb, positive margin had a trend toward being associated with incomplete response with adjusted odds ratio of 3.43 (95% CI 0.73-16.07, p value = 0.118). CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic positive margin was found to be significantly associated with incomplete response after I-131 therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer after adjusting for tumor size, ETE, and cervical lymph node metastasis and also had a trend toward being associated with incomplete response after adjusting for pre-ablative Tg.

Comparison of quality of life between patients undergoing trans-oral endoscopic thyroid surgery and conventional open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy allows obviating scar of the neck that expects to gain quality of life (QOL). However, the benefit of the QOL from this technique has not been adequately investigated, therefore, this study compared the QOL outcomes, including cosmetic outcomes, between thyroidectomy by trans-oral endoscopy and conventional open surgery. METHODS: A study was conducted from January 30, 2017 to November 10, 2018. Thirty-two and 38 patients underwent trans-oral endoscopic thyroid surgery and conventional open surgery, respectively. Their quality of life was evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively using a thyroid surgery-specific questionnaire and a 36-item short-form questionnaire. RESULTS: Trans-oral endoscopic group, patients were younger and presented with smaller thyroid nodules (p < 0.05). Regarding surgical outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the trans-oral endoscopic group (p < 0.05). The quality of life parameters in the trans-oral endoscopic group was significantly better than in the conventional surgery group (p < 0.05). These parameters included reduction of physical activity, psychosocial impairment, the role of physic, and emotion at 2 weeks after surgery; swallowing impairment, psychosocial impairment, the role of physic, social function and mental health 6 weeks after surgery; tingling and feeling of vitality at 12 weeks after surgery. Cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction were significantly better in the trans-oral endoscopic group than in the conventional surgery group at all of our follow up times (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The trans-oral endoscopic approach allows real scarless on the skin with better cosmetic and QOL outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was retrospectively registered at the ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03048539), registered on 4 March 2017.

The Efficacy of a Home Treatment Program Combined With Office-Based Canalith Repositioning Procedure for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of the home treatment program combined with office-based canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) versus office-based CRP alone for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: One hundred six patients with BPPV were randomly assigned to the home treatment program combined with office-based CRP group and the office-based CRP only group. The canalith repositioning procedure was performed in all patients at an out-patient clinic. The patients in the home treatment group were additionally instructed to do the exercise tailored for their affected canal at home every day. The presence of nystagmus was recorded. The symptom of vertigo and its impact on daily life were evaluated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and a visual analog scale (VAS). All outcomes were evaluated at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the initial treatment. A cure was defined as a patient having no nystagmus on the appointment date. RESULTS: The success rate of the home treatment program combined with office-based CRP group and the office-based CRP only group were 100 and 91.67%, respectively (p = 0.043). The nystagmus duration, latency, DHI, and VAS scores decreased significantly from baseline at 1, 2, and 4 weeks for both groups (p < 0.001). No significant side effects were noted in either of the groups. CONCLUSION: The office-based CRP plus home treatment program was more effective than the CRP only group for BPPV. Both groups were effective in reducing the symptom of vertigo and its impact on daily life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.in.th/TCTR20160810001.

The Accuracy of Digital Radiography for Diagnosis of Fishbone Foreign Bodies in the Throat

Abstract Introduction Some patients with a fishbone as a foreign body of difficult diagnosis may require further investigations. Generally, radiography is used as the first choice for finding the fishbone. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of digital radiography for diagnosis of fishbone foreign body in the throat Methods This descriptive experimental study design has three phases. In the first phase, we assessed subject contrast and visibility of fishbone on a homogeneous background; as for the second phase, we evaluated the embedded fishbone in the fresh cadaver's throat. In the last phase, we studied the accuracy of radiography in diagnosing the fishbone foreign body at any site of the cadaver's throat. Results The subject contrast of 15 fishbones ranged from 0.94 to 0.99. All types of fishbone were obvious in the first phase, whereas, in the second phase, visibility of fishbone was varied. The subject contrast and diameter of fishbone did not show statistically significant correlation with visibility (p = 0.09 and p = 0.24, respectively). In the third phase, embedded fishbone in the base of tongue was detected with the highest accuracy (sensitivity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.44-1.00) and specificity of 0.92 (95%CI: 0.65-0.99)); whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation with poorest diagnostic value (sensitivity of 0.00 (95%CI: 0.00-0.56) and specificity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.76-1.00)). Conclusion The digital radiography provides the highest accuracy and benefit to the diagnosis of a fishbone foreign body at the base of the tongue; whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation.

The Accuracy of Digital Radiography for Diagnosis of Fishbone Foreign Bodies in the Throat.

Introduction Some patients with a fishbone as a foreign body of difficult diagnosis may require further investigations. Generally, radiography is used as the first choice for finding the fishbone. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of digital radiography for diagnosis of fishbone foreign body in the throat Methods This descriptive experimental study design has three phases. In the first phase, we assessed subject contrast and visibility of fishbone on a homogeneous background; as for the second phase, we evaluated the embedded fishbone in the fresh cadaver's throat. In the last phase, we studied the accuracy of radiography in diagnosing the fishbone foreign body at any site of the cadaver's throat. Results The subject contrast of 15 fishbones ranged from 0.94 to 0.99. All types of fishbone were obvious in the first phase, whereas, in the second phase, visibility of fishbone was varied. The subject contrast and diameter of fishbone did not show statistically significant correlation with visibility ( p = 0.09 and p = 0.24, respectively). In the third phase, embedded fishbone in the base of tongue was detected with the highest accuracy (sensitivity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.44-1.00) and specificity of 0.92 (95%CI: 0.65-0.99)); whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation with poorest diagnostic value (sensitivity of 0.00 (95%CI: 0.00-0.56) and specificity of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.76-1.00)). Conclusion The digital radiography provides the highest accuracy and benefit to the diagnosis of a fishbone foreign body at the base of the tongue; whereas, the tonsil was of difficult interpretation.

Audiologic Outcomes after Myringotomy with Pressure Equalizing Tube Insertion in Cleft Palate Children with Otitis Media with Effusion.

Objectives: To examine: 1) the audiology outcomes in cleft palate patients with otitis media with effusion (OME) after myringotomy with pressure equalizing tube (PE tube), 2) the extrusion time of the PE tubes, and 3) the recurrence of the disease. Material and Method: Study population were patients with cleft palate who received treatment in a multidisciplinary program "Smart Smile & Speech Project" at Srinagarind Hospital from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009. Retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with OME who had received treatment by myringotomy with PE tube at least one year or more before the time of study. Thirty-six patients (69 ears) were enrolled in the study. The patient's parents or caregiver(s) were contacted by telephone call or mail for a patient's follow-up of hearing evaluation. The audiology outcomes before and after myringotomy with PE tube were compared. Results: The results of the hearing, comparing before and after myringotomy with PE tube at least 1 year, were found improvement in 11 ears (16%). The hearing did not improve in 58 ears (84%) all due to extrusion of the PE tube prior to the time of study (69/69, 100%). Recurrence of the disease was observed in 30 patients (84%). Persistent tympanic membrane perforation with chronic otorrhea was found in 7 ears (10%). Conclusion: After at least 1 year of myringotomy with PE tube, the audiology outcomes in the patients of cleft palate with OME did not improve and additionally a high recurrence rate was observed.

The burden of head and neck cancers in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall burden of disease vis-a-vis head and neck cancers in Thailand, as indicated by visits to healthcare units, admissions for treatment and expenditures at all levels of the healthcare delivery system. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive study was conducted by retrieving and analysing data for the fiscal year 2010 from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and the Social Security Office, Thailand and from in-patient data of the Civil Servants Benefit System from the Comptroller General's Department. RESULTS: In 2010, there were 167,199 visits to outpatient departments (OPDs) and 26,012 admissions to hospital (IPD) for diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers. The most common diagnosis for visits to OPD and admission to IPD was oral cancer (28.2% and 25%, respectively). The mean length of hospital stay was 9 days. About half of admissions took place in the central region. The hospital charges totalled 691 million Baht (US$ 21.8 million), or an average of 26,556 Baht (USS 838) per admission. CONCLUSION: Since a relatively high volume of hospital visits was found, there is an urgent need to train sufficient numbers of specialists in the field of head and neck cancer treatments to provide efficient healthcare.

The treatment of 4-5 year-old patients with cleft lip and cleft palate in Tawanchai Center: follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The highest incidence of cleft lip and cleft palate in Thailand occurs in the Northeast Region. Tawanchai Center was set up 10 years ago to be a specialized medical care center where an interdisciplinary team provides care for cleft lip and cleft palate patients. There has never previously been a study about 4-5 year old patients treated and followed-up by the multidisciplinary team. OBJECTIVE: To study the 4-5 year old patient's with cleft lip and cleft palate who received treatment and follow-up in Tawanchai Center, Srinagarind Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective study was conducted using data from every 4-5 years old cleft lip and cleft palate patients' medical record of the patients who had the continuous multidisciplinary treatment care at Tawanchai Center, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University. The 123 case samples were collected during the 3 months of April-June 2012. The research instrument was a form for general data record and follow-up data record and then the data were analyzed by statistic and percentage. RESULTS: From the 123 cases of the 4-5 years old patients with cleft lip and cleft palate who received treatment at Tawanchai Center Srinagarind Hospital, it was found that 120 cases or 97.56 percent had an operation, 20 cases (16.26 percent) were found where patients came from Khon Kaen Province, 10 cases of each male and female. For this treatment, the majority (108 cases) used government insurance cards. The patients with cleft lip and cleft palate were most common and found to be 74 cases consisted of 44 male and 30 female. The diagnosis and follow-up of cleft lip and cleft palate patients were classified into 18 age ranges, with a total of 2,269 follow-up visits. The most common follow-up was for the 2-3 year old patients, which consisted of 410 times or 18.07 percent which consisted of 220 male and 190 female. Regarding the age range of the patients for the first diagnosis, the highest amount was 38 cases or 30.89 percent of 0-1 month newborn which were 22 males and 16 females. Regarding examination rooms used, the highest number of patients attended the out-patient surgical examination room (969 times, 30.66 percent), of which 526 times were male and 443 times female. The second highest number of patients attended the ENT room, 706 times or 22.33 percent of which 411 times were male and 295 female. The 2 patients with the highest number of follow-up were 87 and 65 times respectively. CONCLUSION: 123 cases of the 4-5 years patients had been continuously treated by the multidisciplinary team at Tawanchai Center Srinagarind Hospital. The highest number of visits was 87 or more than once per month, so it was a good opportunity for such a team to improve the efficiency and for developing the follow-up system and the diagnosis process for a baby with cleft lip and cleft palate before birth by use of ultrasound checking during pregnancy. Such a development was helpful for providing counseling towards mothers and families' preparation in order to give the most suitable age related treatment and full co-operative support to the children with cleft lip-cleft palate and family.

Fractured metallic tracheostomy tube in a child: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy is a common airway procedure for life support. The fracture of the tracheostomy tube is a rare complication. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy whose fractured stainless steel tracheostomy tube dislodged into the tracheobronchial tree. We include a literature review and proposed recommendations for tracheostomy care. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old Thai boy who had a stainless steel tracheostomy tube presented with a complaint of intermittent cough for 2 months. During tracheostomy tube cleaning, his parents found that the inner tube was missing. A chest X-ray revealed a metallic density foreign body in his right main bronchus. He underwent bronchoscopic removal of the inner tracheostomy tube and was discharged without further complications. CONCLUSION: A fractured tracheostomy tube is a rare complication. Appropriate cleaning and scheduled replacement of the tracheostomy tube may prevent this complication.

Bacteriology of granulation tissue in laryngotracheal stenosis patients.

BACKGROUND: The formation of granulation tissue is an important factor promoting recurrence after surgical treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. Bacterial infection was claimed to be the cause. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to identify the bacteriology of granulation tissue in laryngotracheal stenosis patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data was collected prospectively. Granulation tissue found in the site of laryngotracheal stenosis was removed and sent to the microbiologic study to identify the organisms. RESULTS: Twenty-four specimens from 17 patients were included in the present study. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (45.8%) was the most common gram-positive organism and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as Enterobacter species (16.7%) were the most common gram-negative bacteria. Ciprofloxacin may be the oral antibiotic that should be recommended. CONCLUSION: Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as Enterobacter species were the common organisms identified from the granulation tissue in recurrent laryngotracheal stenosis. Oral antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, may have benefit in reducing the formation of this granulation tissue.

Dysphagia after total laryngectomy resulting from hypocalcemia: case report.

Although hypocalcemia is a common postoperative complication of patients who have undergone a total laryngectomy with total thyroidectomy for treatment of laryngeal cancer or cancer of adjacent organs and hypocalcemia can produce the symptom of dysphagia, there has never been a report that hypocalcemia is the cause of dysphagia in these patients. The authors reported two cases who had hypocalcemia after total laryngectomy with total thyroidectomy and presented with sudden and severe dysphagia. However, the symptom of dysphagia was dramatically improved after calcium replacement therapy.