Platelet-rich fibrin: an autologous biomaterial for healing assistance of pharyngeal repair in total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) application on the pharyngeal repair on decreasing the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 67 patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy, over 2 years in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: PRF group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32). Risk factors for development of PCF as well as the incidence of PCF were studied in both groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding demographic data, medical comorbidities, basal hemoglobin and albumin levels, data related to the tumor (location, grade and TNM staging) and surgical details (preoperative tracheotomy and neck dissection). However, regarding the incidence of PCF, there was a statistically significant difference between groups as shown in Table 2. PCF was detected in 2/35 patients (5.7%) in the PRF group and in 10/32 patients (31.3%) in the control group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: PRF application on the pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy enhances the healing process and consequently decreases the incidence of PCF.

Q-value customized ablation (custom-Q) versus wavefront optimized ablation for primary myopia and myopic astigmatism.

Comparison between treatment with wavefront optimized and custom-Q laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablations. Our study included 400 eyes of 200 patients divided into two equal groups. All patients were treated for myopia and myopic astigmatism with LASIK. The first group was treated with wavefront optimized ablation and the second group with custom-Q ablation. They were examined preoperatively and postoperatively to assess asphericity, image quality, and other classical outcome parameters. The wavefront optimized ablation group comprised 200 eyes with a mean spherical equivalent refraction (SE) of -5.2188 diopters (D) (range: -1.15 to -10.50 D); the mean Q-value changed from 0.30 preoperatively to 0.06 postoperatively. The custom-Q ablation group also comprised 200 eyes with a mean SE of -5.1575 D (range: -1.35 to -9.00 D); the mean Q-value changed from 0.32 preoperatively to 0.03 postoperatively. A statistically significant difference in postoperative change in Q-values (P = 0.02) and in postoperative visual acuity (P = 0.42) between the two groups was noted. There was no difference between the two groups regarding refractive correction. There was a marginally significant change in BSCVA (best spectacle-corrected visual acuity) between the two groups, and less impairment in the corneal asphericity in the custom-Q group.

Combined phacocanaloplasty for open-angle glaucoma and cataract: 12 months results.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate efficacy, safety, and success rates of canaloplasty combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and visually significant cataract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective interventional noncomparative case series carried out in Minia University Hospital from April 2015 to October 2016 on 20 eyes of 18 patients who had visually significant cataract and primary OAG. All the cases had combined phacocanaloplasty. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma medications were collected and compared to postoperative levels, and complications rates were recorded. RESULTS: 20 eyes of 18 patients (5 males and 15 females), with a mean age 57.6 years (range 48-69 years), underwent phacocanaloplasty. Preoperative mean IOP was 25.20 ±1.009 mmHg. Postoperative IOP decreased to a mean of 14.20±0.9, 14.85±0.8, and 15.85±0.7 mmHG at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, with 37% reduction from preoperative IOP level at one year follow-up visit (P=0.0005). The number of antiglaucoma medications dropped from mean of 1.55 preoperatively to 0.35 postoperatively. LogMAR of best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.6950±0.07 preoperatively to 0.3670±0.056, 0.3460±0.056, and 0.03370±0.052 at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P=0.0005). Complications were limited to mild hyphemia (one case), mild corneal edema (one case), and mild inflammatory membrane (one case) that resolved in the first week after surgery. CONCLUSION: Canaloplasty combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation may be a safe and effective procedure to lower IOP in adult patients with OAG and visually significant cataract.