PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N B Gagnon

Publications and source records attributed to N B Gagnon.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Facial reinnervation after facial paralysis: is it ever too late?

Following Conley's work on facial nerve cross-over surgery in long-standing facial paralysis, we have reviewed five cases of paralysis of 2.5-7 years' duration. All had complete absence of electrical activity on preoperative EMG and ENG studies. In four of the five cases the facial nerve was not severely atrophic and a "cross-over" technique was feasible. Post-operatively, the results were electrically and clinically good to excellent. To foresee the results of facial nerve cross-over surgery, we have found that the degree of atrophy of the affected nerve at the time of reconstructive surgery is a more important factor than the time lapse since the beginning of the paralysis. Those results also seem better in younger patients. Our findings suggest that hypoglossal-facial cross-overs be considered even 3 years after a paralysis, mostly in younger patients, when the nerve is not severely atrophic. In some cases this technique can be complemented by muscular transfers or selected cosmetic surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Snoring: physiopathology, surgical treatment and a modified uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty].

Sleep apnea, now recognized as a specific clinicopathological entity, had received little attention until late 1960 when described by Gastaud. Since that time, following the works of Ikematsu, Guillemineault and Fujita, there has been rapid extension in the knowledge and understanding of sleep problems and associated surgery. Snoring, whether part of the sleep apnea syndrome or alone, may be explained with the help of an aerodynamic model comparing the pharynx to a Starling resistance. The factors nasal obstruction, abnormal mass in the upper respiratory airways and transmural resistance are discussed in the light of this model. To modify some of the above factors, surgical techniques have been described. We feel these conventional techniques do not take into account the normal healing process of inverted double C scars. We have modified the classic technique by sectioning the palatopharyngeus muscle and used Z-plasty to close the surgical defect. This is followed by a limited resection of the soft palate. As a consequence, the soft palate is being brought forward in the healing process and the oropharynx AP diameter is enlarged. This minimal type of resection of the soft palate precludes complications of velopharyngeal incompetency or relative pharyngeal stenosis. We have studied 200 snorers and operated on 90 of them, 25 according to the standard technique and 65 with the modified technique. The modified technique, while limiting the amount of palate to be removed and also the morbidity, is easy to standardize and offers as good results with fewer risks.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Extracranial and intracranial meningiomas.

Meningiomas constitute about 18% of primary intracranial tumors, and they are rarely observed in patients under 30 years of age. In this study, we present the case of a 17-year-old patient who was first seen for a right cervical mass. Further investigation revealed that a meningioma of the posterior cranial fossa had invaded the temporal bone, the infratemporal fossa and the right parapharyngeal region and was at the origin of that cervical mass. This intra- and extracranial meningioma was completely resected in two stages with very satisfactory results. We have reviewed the literature pertaining to the extracranial extensions of meningiomas originating in the posterior fossa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Homografts of the middle ear. Privileged tissue or privileged site.

To explain the survival and behavior of homografts, we have tried, by means of discussion and use of biological models, to resolve a problem with three unknowns, ie, the tympanic membrane, the ossicle, and the middle ear, with the notions of privileged tissue and privileged site. The tympanic membrane survives because of the relative stability of its fibers and the absence of mechanical trauma. Later, the membrane is sheathed by fibrous tissue. The ossicle is not only tolerated by the host but is also invaded and ossified.

Ear Ossicles↗
PubMed1979

Ectopic thyroid tissue--a review of the literature.

With only two cases in 20 years in their service and considering the low incidence of ectopic thyroid gland, the authors present a review of the literature with emphasis on clinical and pathological description and modern medical or surgical management of this entity known as ectopic thyroid gland.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Drawing: a universal language.

The authors insist on the importance of drawing through the centuries to recall ways of life. They try to pinpoint the utility of drawing in this day and age, making perioperative drawing reports concise and clear with a few lines. Basic sketches are explained and illustrated.

Communication↗
PubMed1977

Thrombosis of the lateral sinus.

Four cases of lateral sinus thrombosis have been treated at Notre-Dame Hospital, Montreal, since 1960. A review of the literature of this pathology is reported, and two cases treated in the past three months are presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

[Abnormalities of recovery of the facial nerve].

This paper presents 235 cases of facial palsy. These cases are part of a group of 455 cases and they were chosen because their clinical study and evolution were well documented. Abnormalities of facial nerve recovery are described and the importance of each one with reference to the group is determined. Two cases of particular interest are described, and comments are offered on the incidence of abnormality of recovery according to the type of lesion and to the importance of the electrical dysfunction.

Age Factors↗