Journal Reviews
Lateral wall augmentation for patulous eustachian tube
The problem more commonly attributed to the eustachian tube is lack of its patency rather than it being unduly patulous. This lesser recognised condition is due to loss of peritubal fat volume resulting in concavity of the lateral wall and...
Laryngeal oedema as a side-effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Imatinib are increasingly being used to treat haematological and solid malignancies. These agents have revolutionised the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia in particular. Although better tolerated than most conventional chemotherapy drugs, multiple side-effects have...
Cystic fibrosis – sinus surgery delays chronic Gram-negative lung infection
This prospective clinical follow-up study is of 106 patients with cystic fibrosis in Copenhagen. Morbidity and mortality in CF are significantly associated with pulmonary colonisation and infection, usually with Gram-negative bacteria. Initially this can be well treated with antibiotics until...
Role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in managing papillary thyroid cancer
Although studies have shown that the presence of lymph nodes metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma does not alter survival, other studies have shown that it increases morbidity and mortality and that the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis at diagnosis...
Classification of maxillofacial pain
The patient that presents with oral and facial pain can prove a diagnostic conundrum. Whilst most often dental causes can explain the origin and help from our maxillofacial colleagues is warranted, it is useful to have a system for approaching...
Deep space neck infections – salivary gland as source is commoner in elderly patients
Whilst deep space neck infections (DNI) can originate from many sources, dental and salivary glands are commonly the culprit. This paper details 44 patients treated for deep space neck infections originating from salivary gland and compares them to a previously...
Pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy
Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy is a serious complication post-surgery, and can lead to prolonged hospitalisation, adding delays in postoperative chemoradiotherapy. This Turkish retrospective study looked at 166 patients who underwent total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer, although it is...
Which technique is better for cholesteatoma surgery?
There continues to be debate over the benefits and limitations of different techniques for cholesteatoma surgery. This retrospective review of 132 cases over a 10 year period with primary cholesteatoma from Turkey tried to establish which technique [canal wall up...
A new modified double-flap technique for cochlear implant surgery
The authors retrospectively assessed 342 implantees with a minimum of five years’ follow-up who had been implanted using a lazy S-shaped post auricular incision with a modified double-flap technique. From the notes, postoperative wound complications and any other adverse events...
Which factors affect music involvement in implanted children’s everyday life?
During the last few years, cochlear implantation research has included music. Processing strategies and rehabilitation teams are now interested in music appreciation by implantees, as speech perception and production are no longer the only issues or targets. The present study...
Does post-meningitic cochlear obliteration affect impedance and charge of the implant?
Implantation in children deafened by meningitis may be very challenging due to obliteration or ossification of the cochlea. This study aimed to assess impedance values and charge consumption in such cases and evaluate if they are affected by the degree...
Does trainee participation in cochlear implant surgery affect operative times?
The role of surgical education is a very sensitive issue in spite of the obvious need and the obligation of doctors to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation. This study is very interesting as it assesses...
