Biomedical subjects

A Parhiscar

Publications and source records attributed to A Parhiscar.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Frontal sinus obliteration with the pericranial flap.

BACKGROUND: Frontal sinus obliteration is often accomplished by autologous grafts such as fat, muscle, or bone. These avascular grafts carry an increased risk of resorption and infection as well as donor site morbidity. Vascular regional flaps may be used to obliterate small sinuses with less morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with the use of the pericranial flap for obliteration of the frontal sinus. METHODS: The records of 10 patients who underwent obliteration of the frontal sinus with the pericranial flap were reviewed. Demographics, indications for frontal sinus obliteration, immediate and late complications, and long-term outcome were recorded. These results were compared with those in the current literature. RESULTS: Ten sinuses were obliterated with the pericranial flap. Indications included frontal sinus mucocele, mucopyocele, frontal sinus osteomyelitis, and frontal sinus fracture. The median follow-up was 3 years. There was 1 short-term complication of persistent headache for 1 month, and there was asymptomatic recurrence of a neofrontal sinus in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: The pericranial flap is a vascularized local flap that is easily harvested. The use of the pericranial flap avoids donor site morbidity associated with free fat or cancellous bone grafts. The pericranial flap arms the head and neck surgeon with an effective alternative to other methods of frontal sinus obliteration.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2001

Deep neck abscess: a retrospective review of 210 cases.

This study was performed to review our experience with deep neck abscesses (DNAs) and compare it to the experiences in the available literature, and to study changing trends within our patient population. We retrospectively studied 210 patients who had DNAs between 1981 and 1998. Peritonsillar abscesses and limited intraoral abscesses were excluded. Demographics, presentation, etiology, site of abscess, associated systemic diseases, bacteriology, radiology, treatment, airway management, and outcome were reviewed. We compared the entire group to those in the available literature and studied changing trends within this patient population. Dental infection (43%) was the most common cause, followed by intravenous drug abuse (12%) and pharyngotonsillitis (6%). The incidences of intravenous drug abuse and mandibular fractures as causes of DNA were 19% and 8%, respectively, during the period 1981 to 1990, but were only 1% each during the period 1991 to 1998. Streptococcus viridans was the most common pathogen (39% of positive cultures), followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (22%) and Staphylococcus aureus (22%). Lateral pharyngeal space abscess was the most common DNA (43%), followed by submandibular space abscess, Ludwig's angina, and retropharyngeal space abscess (28%, 17%, and 12%, respectively). Seventy-five percent of patients with true Ludwig's angina underwent tracheotomy. Nondental infections are no longer a significant etiologic factor in DNA. Streptococcus viridans has replaced S aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci as the most common pathogen. Lateral pharyngeal space abscess was the most common DNA; however, its incidence has progressively decreased over the past decade. Intravenous drug abuse and mandibular fractures are no longer major etiologic factors. Tracheotomy is indicated in patients with Ludwig's angina.

Abscess↗

PubMed2000

BoneSource for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.

Hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) is a calcium phosphate cement whose properties overcome the inherent limitations of previous forms of hydroxyapatite. HAC (BoneSource, Leibinger Corp., Dallas, TX) is prepared as a powder that forms an easily applicable paste which hardens in six to 20 minutes. HAC exhibits excellent biocompatibility, is easily contoured in situ, is highly stable, and allows osteoconduction. The use of calcium phosphate cements (CPC) for reconstruction of craniofacial defects has intrinsic appeal owing to the chemical and physical properties of hydroxyapatite. Difficulty in contouring CPC implants, their lack of compressive strength, and their failure to allow osteoinduction were significant limitations in the use of earlier forms of hydroxyapatite for skeletal reconstruction. HAC offers an excellent reconstructive option for repair of various craniofacial defects.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2000

The role of fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy in the management of the acute airway in angioneurotic edema.

BACKGROUND: Angioneurotic edema of the upper aerodigestive tract (AEUAT) often challenges the otolaryngologist with the decision of surgical intervention versus observation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a logical approach to the evaluation and management of the airway in patients with AEUAT, emphasizing fiberoptic examination (FOE) findings. METHODS: A computer-based retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with AEUAT was performed. The charts were reviewed for demographics, etiology, medical history, presentation, physical examination, imaging studies, intervention, and outcome. Findings on FOE as well as other covariants were statistically compared. RESULTS: Seventy patients with AEUAT were identified. The etiologies consisted of 24 cases of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor use (33%), 10 allergic reactions (17%), 1 hereditary (1.5%), and 35 idiopathic cases (48%). Fourteen patients underwent airway intervention, including 6 tracheotomies and 8 intubations. Of the 14 patients, 5 underwent emergent intervention before fiberoptic examination, 4 had laryngeal edema only, and 5 had both laryngeal and base of tongue edema. No patients with both laryngeal and base of tongue edema were observed. The remaining 52 patients were observed in a monitored setting and required no subsequent intervention. CONCLUSION: FOE is an invaluable tool in the assessment of the compromised airway in patients with angioneurotic edema Laryngeal edema alone is an ominous physical finding. When laryngeal and pharyngeal edema are present together, the physician should consider immediate intervention. Our findings indicate that symptoms, including stridor, hoarseness, and dysphagia, do correlate with disease severity; however, they must be confirmed with fiberoptic visualization. Although sound clinical judgment should always be exercised, we present our results in the management of the acute airway in angioneurotic edema.

Adolescent↗