Options in the management of the aging face. An otolaryngology-facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon's perspective.

Our objective is to keep the discussion relevant to internists and primary care providers. The presentation, evaluation, and management of the most common manifestations of the aging face are included. For organization and analytical purposes, the aging face is divided into thirds. Each procedure described addresses one segment of the aging face. Rejuvenation of the brow and eyelids, correction of facial rhytids (wrinkles), and resurfacing of fine-line wrinkles are all covered in this article.

Tinnitus. Current evaluation and management.

Evaluation and management of tinnitus presents a significant challenge to the internist and the otolaryngologist. Tinnitus may be divided into two basic categories: subjective and objective. The importance of a thorough history and physical examination is emphasized in this article. The steps in a complete evaluation and the rationale for referral to an otolaryngologist are outlined. Multidisciplinary care of the tinnitus patient is best coordinated by the otolaryngologist.

Effect of pulse duration on wound healing using a CO2 laser.

The authors investigated wound healing of incisions in the buccal mucosa of a canine model created using a CO2 laser with a short pulse structure (60 micros, 100 micros, and 120 micros) rather than a conventional continuous wave structure in a shuttered mode. The tissue from 10 animals was evaluated histologically and with tensiometry acutely and at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. A Bonferroni-Dunn corrected ANOVA analysis at a 95% significance level was used to compare the effect of pulse duration on histologic morphology and wound tensile strength. The data indicate that shorter laser pulse durations create less lateral thermal injury (P < .009) and wounds with greater tensile strength (P < .005), resulting in earlier wound healing. The results also show that heat, sufficient to damage tissue, was conducted to adjacent tissue during laser pulses of 100 micros and longer. These results demonstrate that surgical CO2 lasers with a short pulse structure of approximately 60 micros or less could offer more prompt wound healing while maintaining the advantages of a 10.6-microm wavelength laser.

Interstitial Nd:YAG photocoagulation for vascular malformations and hemangiomas in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations and cavernous hemangiomas are common in childhood. Although cavernous hemangiomas may resolve spontaneously, aggressive intervention is required when their growth could damage vital adjacent structures, such as the orbit, nose, or tongue. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of interstitial Nd:YAG photocoagulation as an adjunct to intralesional and systemic corticosteroids for treatment of hemangiomas and vascular malformations that had failed to respond to other therapies. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized trial. SETTING: Two referral practices of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in tertiary care, academic medical centers. PATIENTS: Ten consecutive pediatric patients with either hemangioma or vascular malformation of the head and neck. INTERVENTION: Laser photocoagulation with an interstitial technique. The Nd:YAG fiber was introduced into the lesion via a 14-gauge angiocatheter needle, and the laser fiber was advanced as coagulation proceeded within the tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Decrease in the area of the target lesion, amount of energy applied, and number of treatments required to achieve reduction in size. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up demonstrated regression of the lesion in all 10 patients with good cosmetic results. The range of reduction in size was 20% to 98%. No reexpansion of the lesions was noted after a mean follow-up of 13 months. CONCLUSIONS: Interstitial photocoagulation of hemangiomas and vascular malformations is an effective treatment for carefully selected patients. When properly applied, this technique can achieve reduction in the size of these lesions without compromising cosmesis.

Osteoplastic flap for obliteration of the frontal sinus: five years' experience.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the osteoplastic flap (OPF) for the obliteration of the frontal sinus in this current era of endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease. A review of consecutive OPF procedures (n = 43) performed by the senior author (J.A.D.) from 1992 to 1997 was carried out. Data were gathered regarding chief symptom, medical history, previous sinus surgery, endoscopic findings in the office and at surgery, CT scan findings, and follow-up results (mean 19.4 months). Previous endoscopic management of frontal sinus disease had failed in 24% of patients; 97% had eventual resolution of frontal sinusitis with OPF. After OPF, 63% also had improvement or resolution of disease in other paranasal sinuses. Statistically significant, positive correlations (P < 0.05) were noted between the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved pain, as well as the resolution of frontal sinusitis and improved or resolved infections in other paranasal sinuses. In 1998 OPF remains the standard for treating frontal sinus disease refractory to other methods. OPF can decrease the pain associated with frontal sinus infections and has a positive impact on inflammatory disease in other paranasal sinuses.

Incidence of frontal sinusitis following partial middle turbinectomy.

The role of partial middle turbinate resection as an adjunct to endoscopic sinus surgery is controversial. Recent literature suggests that middle turbinate resection may have a detrimental effect on the frontal sinus. A retrospective analysis of 155 consecutive patients undergoing partial middle turbinate resection utilizing the technique of the senior author (J.A.D.) for either sinusitis or nasal obstruction was conducted. The data reveal a low rate of frontal sinusitis following partial middle turbinectomy (10%). None of the patients undergoing partial middle turbinectomy for nasal obstruction developed frontal sinusitis postoperatively. No major complications were encountered. Frontal sinusitis following middle turbinectomy was often associated with preoperative comorbidity such as asthma, nasal polyps, severe disease score on computed tomography, or diseased middle turbinates. The authors conclude that partial middle turbinectomy for treatment of sinusitis and nasal obstruction has a low incidence of postoperative frontal sinusitis. Development of frontal sinusitis may be predictable on the basis of several comorbid factors.