Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E A Cortez.
The author reviews his approach to the use of phenol for chemical face peeling. A discussion of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care is included. Indications, benefits, and possible complications of the procedure are discussed.
The facial nerve, parotid duct, and external ear canal are at risk from penetrating injuries in the parotid region. The areas of the face supplied by the major branches of the facial nerve should be checked in the emergency department so that repair of a cut nerve can be performed while the distal end is able to be stimulated electronically. The parotid duct can be probed and lacerations repaired. The external ear canal should be repaired and stented to prevent stenosis.
The unique shape of the external ear depends on the underlying cartilaginous framework. Injuries of the external ear are common. In dealing with lacerations, subperichondrial hematomas, perichondritis, burns and frostbite, particular care should be taken to maintain the cartilaginous framework and to prevent infection. In this way cosmetic deformities of the external ear can be prevented.
Dacryocystorhinostomy is used in the effective treatment of epiphora secondary to obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system. Common causes of obstruction include canalicular disruption, lacrimal sac fibrosis, and external and internal nasal trauma. Most techniques of dacryocystorhinostomy attempt to suture the lacrimal sac mucosa to the nasal mucosa. At best this is technically difficult, and the mucosa frequently tears. A technique is presented using an anteriorly based lacrimal sac pedicle flap sutured to the periosteum of the anterior lacrimal crest. The sutured flap is quite strong, and the procedure is technically simpler than others. A brief description of the causes of lacrimal obstruction is given. The Jones primary and secondary dye tests for lacrimal system patency are reviewed.
Unilateral tonsillar enlargement may result from infection, chronic inflammatory response, or neoplasm. Neoplasms that commonly produce a unilaterally enlarged tonsil include lymphomas (lymphocytic and histiocytic types) and squamous cell carcinomas. Rarer tumors include extramedullary plasmacytomas, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, and metastatic neoplasms. Sixteen cases of unilateral tonsillar enlargement owing to causes other than squamous cell carcinoma are reviewed. When examining a patient with unilateral tonsillar enlargement, diagnosis of a neoplastic disease must be considered.