Rehabilitation of the laryngectomised patient. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. / Rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello.

Total laryngectomy remains essential treatment for locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma, related to better survival rates. However, it involves changes for the patient, such as the inability to communicate verbally, breathing or aesthetic changes, which affect their quality of life and require comprehensive rehabilitation. This paper was written by the total laryngectomy rehabilitation workgroup of the National Head and Neck and Skull Base working committee of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The purpose of the article is to combine materials, surgical procedures and means towards the comprehensive rehabilitation of total laryngectomy patients, so that they can achieve a good quality of life. This paper is aimed at all health care professionals caring for total laryngectomy patients. It is also aimed at the patients themselves, as well as ENT surgeons. We have considered staffing and material needs, all procedures before, during and after surgery and after hospital discharge. There are also detailed recommendations about types of rehabilitation and follow-up, and the need for recording these events. The comprehensive rehabilitation total laryngectomy patients is very important if we want to improve their quality of life. The recommendations we mention aim to help the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of total laryngectomy patients to help them achieve a good quality of life, as similar as possible to the life they led before surgery.

Survey on the state of otoneurology in Spain.

Otoneurology is a subspecialty of otolaryngology-neurology, which has experienced extraordinary progress in the last 50 years and is currently fully consolidated in our environment. Through this study, prepared by the Otoneurology Commission of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SEORL), we have attempted to design an approach to provide information on what the current situation regarding the exercise in Spain is, trying to determine who practice it and where, what resources are available and what the teaching and scientific productions are. The results obtained are generally satisfactory and reflect the strength of the exercise of otoneurology. The number of centres with otoneurology units is significant and the majority of centres that lack such a unity consider it necessary. However, there are aspects to establish related to minimum requirements for its performance in satisfactory conditions, as well as determining future guidelines to ensure improved teaching and increased scientific production.

Particle repositioning maneuver versus Brandt-Daroff exercise for treatment of unilateral idiopathic BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal: a randomized prospective clinical trial with short- and long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome and probability of recurrence in a series of patients with unilateral idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior canal (PC-BPPV) that were randomly treated by Brandt-Daroff exercise (B-D exercise) or by particle repositioning maneuver (PRM). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients were included in this study if they complained of vertigo and had been diagnosed as having unilateral idiopathic PC-BPPV for at least 1 week before Dix-Hallpike maneuver (DHM), remained for 30 days in the randomly assigned treatment, and had at least 48 months' follow-up. INTERVENTION: Forty-one patients were treated with a single PRM and 40 patients by B-D exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Resolution of benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus on the DHM. The probability of recurrence was also studied. RESULTS: At Day 7, DHM was negative in 80.5% of the PRM-treated patients and in 25% of those treated by B-D exercise (p < 0.001). At Month 1, the differences between both treatment groups remained statistically significant (92.7% in PRM versus 42.5% in the B-D exercise had a negative DHM; p < 0.001). The variable that influenced that DHM became negative was the PRM (RR = 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-9.2; p < 0.001). The number of recurrences in PRM and B-D exercise were 0.56 ± 0.8 and 0.48 ± 0.8, respectively (p = 0.48). The recurrence rate at 48 months was 35.5% (15/41) in B-D exercise and 36.6% (9/31) in the PRM group (p = 0.62). Although the time interval until the first recurrence was similar (p = 0.44), patients included in the PRM group showed a significantly longer time interval between the first and second recurrence (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: PRM is more effective treatment and as safe as B-D exercise in the short term for unilateral and idiopathic PC-BPPV, and although it does not reduce the probability of recurrence in the 4-year follow-up period compared with B-D exercise, it may delay the second recurrence's onset in those patients who had already experienced a single recurrence. Our study supports the use of PRM as the treatment of choice in unilateral and idiopathic PC-BPPV, although exercise may be also considered as an alternative treatment in selected cases.

[Peripheral vertigo classification of the Otoneurology Committee of the Spanish Otorhinolaryngology Society: diagnostic agreement and update (version 2-2011)]. / Clasificación de los vértigos periféricos de la Comisión de Otoneurología de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología: concordancia diagnóstica y actualización (versión 2, año 2011).

INTRODUCTION: In 2008, the Otoneurology committee of the SEORL-PCF published a classification of peripheral vertigo, based on clinical criteria. The objective of this study was to validate this classification through analysing the diagnostic agreement among several medical assessors. METHODS: Seven medical assessors, all with clinical experience, from 6 different hospitals, participated in the study. One of them selected the clinical histories of 50 consecutive patients who had consulted as a result of balance disorders (24 men and 26 women) with an average age of 53.5 years. These clinical histories -without any information that would identify the patient, the diagnosis established and the treatment- were sent to another 6 assessors. Each of these investigators established their own diagnosis, trying to adjust it to the epigraphs of the classification. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients, there was substantial agreement as to the diagnosis (4 or more evaluators indicated the same one) in 31 cases (26 with a positive diagnosis and 5 with a negative one, which could not be included in any epigraph). The kappa index, which measures the level of accordance between 2 or more assessors, was 0.4198 (moderate level of agreement). Unanimity was achieved in only 7 cases (4 BPPV, 2 Ménière's disease and 1 vertigo associated with migraine). CONCLUSIONS: The current classification, with the criteria it includes, allows labelling with an acceptable consensus to only 62% of the patients. Therefore, a modification in the classification is proposed in relation with the probable BPPV epigraph, as well a revision of the entries for vertigo-migraine and vertigo associated with migraine.

Espondilodiscitis cervical secundaria a inserción de prótesis fonatoria / Cervical spondylodiscitis secondary to insertion of voice prosthesis

No disponible

Encuesta sobre la situación de la otoneurología en España / Survey on the state of otoneurology in Spain

La otoneurología es una subespecialidad de la otorrinolaringología-neurología que ha experimentado avances extraordinarios en los últimos 50 años y que en este momento se encuentra plenamente consolidada en nuestro medio. Mediante este trabajo, elaborado por la Comisión de Otoneurología de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología (SEORL), se ha querido hacer una aproximación que aporte información sobre cuál es la situación actual en cuanto a su ejercicio en España, tratando de determinar quién la práctica y dónde, con qué medios se cuenta y cuál es la actividad docente y la producción científica. Los resultados obtenidos, en general, son satisfactorios y reflejan la solidez del ejercicio de la otoneurología. El número de centros que cuentan con Unidad de Otoneurología es significativo, y la mayor parte de centros que carecen de unidad la consideran necesaria. No obstante, quedan por establecer aspectos relacionados con los requerimientos mínimos para su ejercicio en condiciones satisfactorias, así como establecer las directrices futuras que garanticen la mejora en la docencia y el incremento en la producción científica (AU)

Otoneurology is a subspecialty of otolaryngology-neurology, which has experienced extraordinary progress in the last 50 years and is currently fully consolidated in our environment. Through this study, prepared by the Otoneurology Commission of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SEORL), we have attempted to design an approach to provide information on what the current situation regarding the exercise in Spain is, trying to determine who practice it and where, what resources are available and what the teaching and scientific productions are. The results obtained are generally satisfactory and reflect the strength of the exercise of otoneurology. The number of centres with otoneurology units is significant and the majority of centres that lack such a unity consider it necessary. However, there are aspects to establish related to minimum requirements for its performance in satisfactory conditions, as well as determining future guidelines to ensure improved teaching and increased scientific production (AU)

Rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello / Rehabilitation of the laryngectomised patient. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery

La laringectomía total permanece como tratamiento fundamental para el carcinoma de laringe localmente avanzado asociándose a una mayor supervivencia. Sin embargo, supone para el paciente una serie de cambios, como la incapacidad de comunicarse verbalmente, la respiración o el cambio estético, que inciden en su calidad de vida y obligan a su rehabilitación integral. El presente documento ha sido elaborado por el grupo de trabajo de rehabilitación del paciente laringectomizado de la Comisión de Cabeza y Cuello y Base de Cráneo de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello con el objeto de unificar las recomendaciones sobre materiales, técnicas y medidas que aúnen la rehabilitación integral del paciente sometido a una laringectomía total para la mejora de su calidad de vida y está destinado a especialistas en otorrinolaringología, a profesionales relacionados con el cuidado del paciente laringectomizado total y también a los propios pacientes. Las recomendaciones del documento tienen como objetivo mejorar la atención del paciente al cual se le ha realizado una laringectomía total teniendo en cuenta las necesidades de personal y material, las consideraciones sobre los procedimientos necesarios antes de la cirugía, durante el propio acto quirúrgico y tras el alta hospitalaria del paciente. Se dan también recomendaciones específicas sobre los tipos de rehabilitación y seguimiento de la misma, así como la necesidad de llevar un registro de dichas actividades. Las recomendaciones expuestas pretenden ayudar a los profesionales sanitarios relacionados con el tratamiento de los pacientes laringectomizados totales a llevar a cabo la tarea de hacer que la vida de estos pacientes sea lo más parecida posible a la vida que llevaban antes de realizarse una laringectomía total

Total laryngectomy remains essential treatment for locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma, related to better survival rates. However, it involves changes for the patient, such as the inability to communicate verbally, breathing or aesthetic changes, which affect their quality of life and require comprehensive rehabilitation. This paper was written by the total laryngectomy rehabilitation workgroup of the National Head and Neck and Skull Base working committee of the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. The purpose of the article is to combine materials, surgical procedures and means towards the comprehensive rehabilitation of total laryngectomy patients, so that they can achieve a good quality of life. This paper is aimed at all health care professionals caring for total laryngectomy patients. It is also aimed at the patients themselves, as well as ENT surgeons. We have considered staffing and material needs, all procedures before, during and after surgery and after hospital discharge. There are also detailed recommendations about types of rehabilitation and follow-up, and the need for recording these events. The comprehensive rehabilitation total laryngectomy patients is very important if we want to improve their quality of life. The recommendations we mention aim to help the healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of total laryngectomy patients to help them achieve a good quality of life, as similar as possible to the life they led before surgery

Clasificación de los vértigos periféricos de la Comisión de Otoneurología de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología: concordancia diagnóstica y actualización (versión 2, año 2011) / Peripheral vertigo classification of the Otoneurology Committee of the Spanish Otorhinolaryngology Society: diagnostic agreement and update (version 2-2011)

Introducción: La Comisión de Otoneurología de la SEORL-PCF publicó en 2008 una clasificación de los vértigos periféricos, basada en criterios clínicos. El objetivo de este estudio es validar esta clasificación mediante el análisis de la concordancia diagnóstica entre múltiples evaluadores. Métodos: Participaron 7 evaluadores con experiencia clínica en el diagnóstico de afección vestibular, pertenecientes a 6 centros diferentes. Uno de ellos seleccionó las historias clínicas de 50 pacientes consecutivos que consultaron por alteraciones del equilibrio (24 varones y 26 mujeres; edad media: 53,5 años). Estas historias, suprimidos los datos que permitiesen identificar a los pacientes, el diagnóstico establecido y el tratamiento pautado, fueron remitidas a los otros 6 investigadores. Cada uno de ellos estableció un diagnóstico, intentando ajustarlo a los epígrafes de la clasificación. Resultados: De los 50 pacientes, existió una coincidencia sustancial en el diagnóstico (4 o más evaluadores alcanzaron el mismo) en 31 (26 con diagnóstico positivo y 5 negativo: no podía ser incluido en ningún epígrafe). El índice kappa, que mide el nivel de concordancia entre tres o más observadores, fue de 0,4198 (lo que indica un grado de acuerdo moderado). La unanimidad solo se alcanzó en 7 pacientes (4 VPPB, dos enfermedades de Ménière y un vértigo asociado a migraña). Conclusiones: La actual clasificación, con los criterios que incluye, solo permite etiquetar con un consenso aceptable al 62% de los pacientes. Se propone una modificación de la clasificación, incluyendo el epígrafe de VPPB probable, y revisando los de vértigo-migraña y vértigo asociado a migraña(AU)

Introduction: In 2008, the Otoneurology committee of the SEORL-PCF published a classification of peripheral vertigo, based on clinical criteria. The objective of this study was to validate this classification through analysing the diagnostic agreement among several medical assessors. Methods: Seven medical assessors, all with clinical experience, from 6 different hospitals, participated in the study. One of them selected the clinical histories of 50 consecutive patients who had consulted as a result of balance disorders (24 men and 26 women) with an average age of 53.5 years. These clinical histories -without any information that would identify the patient, the diagnosis established and the treatment- were sent to another 6 assessors. Each of these investigators established their own diagnosis, trying to adjust it to the epigraphs of the classification. Results: Of the 50 patients, there was substantial agreement as to the diagnosis (4 or more evaluators indicated the same one) in 31 cases (26 with a positive diagnosis and 5 with a negative one, which could not be included in any epigraph). The kappa index, which measures the level of accordance between 2 or more assessors, was 0.4198 (moderate level of agreement). Unanimity was achieved in only 7 cases (4 BPPV, 2 Ménière's disease and 1 vertigo associated with migraine). Conclusions: The current classification, with the criteria it includes, allows labelling with an acceptable consensus to only 62% of the patients. Therefore, a modification in the classification is proposed in relation with the probable BPPV epigraph, as well a revision of the entries for vertigo-migraine and vertigo associated with migraine(AU)