Biomedical subjects

Elie E Rebeiz

Publications and source records attributed to Elie E Rebeiz.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Tracheoesophageal voice restoration following laryngotracheal separation procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal dysfunction leading to incompetence and intractable aspiration can be a life-threatening problem. Laryngotracheal separation (LTS) can be used to prevent aspiration, but results in aphonia. The options for laryngeal speech following LTS are limited. METHODS: We performed tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and insertion of a Blom-Singer valve in 3 patients in an attempt to restore their voice after LTS for chronic aspiration. RESULTS: Two patients had intractable aspiration (5 and 14 years) after full-course radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer, and 1 patient had aspiration after a stroke. In the first patient TEP was done as a secondary procedure, and in the other 2 patients it was done at the time of the LTS. The TEP was successful in providing these patients with phonation ability after their LTS procedure. There was no morbidity from these procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Creation of a TEP after an LTS procedure is relatively simple and relatively safe, and allows for the control of aspiration while maintaining vocal function.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Sinonasal facial pain.

Evaluation of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity in patients with headache and or facial pain must include a thorough medical and social history, with close attention to the pattern and character of the pain, a thorough physical examination that includes a palpation and nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies such as CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The physician must remember that every pain in the face is not caused by sinusitis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2003

Paranasal sinus development: a radiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the development of the paranasal sinuses in a pediatric population by computed tomography scans. STUDY DESIGN: Radiology records at a tertiary care institution were reviewed for the computed tomography scans of the face, orbit, or paranasal sinuses in patients aged 0 to 12 years. METHODS: Computed tomography scans were reviewed by a head and neck radiologist and otolaryngologist for the development of the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses. The size of the pneumatized paranasal sinuses was measured in two planes and graded on a scale of 0 to 3. Ossification of the maxillary crest and vomer, obliteration of the foramen cecum, and development of agger nasi cells, Haller cells, and the superior turbinate were studied. Patients with syndromes, nasal stenosis, choanal atresia, or cystic fibrosis were excluded from the study. RESULTS: In all, 91 computed tomography scans in 66 patients were studied. Serial development could be followed in 16 patients who underwent repeat scans. Patients were divided into six age cohorts based on their age at the time of the scan: 0 to 3 months (10%), 3 to 12 months (13%), 1 to 3 years (13%), 3 to 5 years (20%), 5 to 8 years (29%), and 8 to 12 years (16%). Ethmoid sinuses were the first to fully develop, followed sequentially by maxillary, sphenoid, and frontal sinuses. Each sinus has a rapid rate of development during specified age cohorts. CONCLUSION: The results will aid the physician when correlating the clinical and radiographic findings of pediatric patients aged 0 to 12 years who are being evaluated for sinus disease and potential surgical intervention.

Child↗

PubMed2002

Laser soft palate "stiffening": an alternative to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Habitual snoring is best treated surgically, with uvulopalatophayngoplasty, but the standard "cutting" procedure poses potential morbidity. In this study, a new approach, stiffening of the soft palate with a low energy laser, was studied as a less invasive alternative. Study Design In an in vitro study, five fresh palates of canines were used to see acute thermal effect on the palatal tissue after laser treatment. The same laser irradiation was conducted in three living canines to observe a delayed response of the palate to the laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the use of a non-contact 1.44 microm Nd:YAG laser at 0.1 J and 20 Hz, the mucosa on the marginal area of the soft palate was irradiated for 2-3 minutes. Following Outcome were Measured Acute shrinkage of the soft palate and thermal effect on the mucosa, and delayed stiffening and elevation of the palate after laser irradiation. RESULTS: There was immediate shrinkage of the palate of about 3.0 mm in the in vitro study. In the in vivo study, a delayed palatal stiffening with 6.0-7.0 mm elevated palatal arch was found at 5 weeks. There was no morbidity after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Laser stiffening of soft palate is simple, safe and effective for reduction of length and fluttering of the soft palate in the canine model. Clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its efficacy as an office treatment for snoring.

Animals↗