A comparison of symptoms and quality of life between medial flap and coblation turbinator of inferior turbinate reduction in endoscopic septoturbinoplasty: an analysis of 108 cases.

Introduction: The combination of septoplasty and turbinoplasty is a common surgical and accepted intervention to correct the nasal obstruction. The coblation submucosal reduction turbinator is a new surgical device, and it started to be used recently. On the other hand, the medial flap inferior turbinoplasty is not a conservative technique, but it provides a reliable and robust reduction. Objective: This study aims to compare the symptoms as well as health-related quality of life (HQOL) in 55 patients who underwent septoplasty with concomitent medial flap inferior turbinoplasty (group 1), 53 patients who patients underwent septoplasty with concomitent coblation turbinator (group 2). Patients and methods: The authors performed a prospective, randomized study of 108 patients who consulted the otorhinolaryngology department at the university hospital for surgery of septoturbinoplasty. Results: Preoperatively, the two patient groups had quite similar symptoms and health-related quality of life, and the anterior width of the inferior turbinate showed significant differences between the contralateral and deviated sides but not the posterior part. The significant difference (P<0.05) was noted for postoperatively improved symptom scores on visual analogue scale (VAS), nasal obstruction septoplasty effectiveness (NOSE) and better HQOL [Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22)] in all patient groups. In addition, the NOSE and SNOT-22 scores in group 2 had significantly greater improvement than group 1 (P<0.05). Conclusions: Septoturbinoplasty treatment of septum deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy led to less symptoms as well as better HQOL for all two patient groups. Therefore, these techniques were an effective intervention for turbinate reduction, and they are equally efficient in the long term.

Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty with anterior tab flap underlay technique: An analysis of 35 cases.

Introduction: The repair of the tympanic membrane can present a problem, especially in anterior perforation, because the anterior portion was not enough to inadequate contact between tympanic membrane remnant and graft. Various surgical techniques were recommended to achieve an acceptable graft success rate in anterior perforation. Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty with anterior tab flap could provide the better stability of the graft. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the minimally invasive technique for the anterior tympanic membrane perforation closure and investigate the graft success rate of this technique. Patients and methods: We performed a prospective, randomized study of 35 patients who consulted the otorhinolaryngology department at the university hospital for surgery of perforation tympanic membrane repair. Results: The average age was 35.1 ± 11.9 years. The size of the perforation was dominant at small-size and large-size, 51.4%, 34.3%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the Preoperative air conduction of small and large perforations (34.44 8.68 and 49.79 14.54, respectively). Of 35 patients, 31 (88.6%) had closure of their perforations. The mean preoperative ABG was 24.11 ± 10.79 dB, while The mean postoperative ABG was 13.97 ± 10.03 dB (p < 0.05). Approximately 34.3% patients had ABG within 20 dB preoperatively, which increased to 82.9% after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty with anterior tab flap underlay technique is a safe, suitable and effective method for cases with anterior tympanic membrane perforations, and showed improvement in postoperative hearing.

Mapping for Engagement: Setting up a Community Based Participatory Research Project to Reach Underserved Communities at Risk for Hepatitis C in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 1. 07 million people in Vietnam are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To address this epidemic, the South East Asian Research Collaborative in Hepatitis (SEARCH) launched a 600-patient cohort study and two clinical trials, both investigating shortened treatment strategies for chronic HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral drugs. We conducted ethnographic research with a subset of trial participants and found that the majority were aware of HCV infection and its implications and were motivated to seek treatment. However, people who inject drugs (PWID), and other groups at risk for HCV were under-represented, although injecting drug use is associated with high rates of HCV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to engage in dialogues surrounding HCV and other community-prioritized health issues with underserved groups at risk for HCV in Ho Chi Minh City. The project consists of three phases: situation analysis, CBPR implementation, and dissemination. In this paper, we describe the results of the first phase (i.e., the situation analysis) in which we conducted desk research and organized stakeholder mapping meetings with representatives from local non-government and community-based organizations where we used participatory research methods to identify and analyze key stakeholders working with underserved populations. RESULTS: Twenty six institutions or groups working with the key underserved populations were identified. Insights about the challenges and dynamics of underserved communities were also gathered. Two working groups made up of representatives from the NGO and CBO level were formed. DISCUSSION: Using the information provided by local key stakeholders to shape the project has helped us to build solid relationships, give the groups a sense of ownership from the early stages, and made the project more context specific. These steps are not only important preliminary steps for participatory studies but also for other research that takes place within the communities.