Peter Gilbey | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

[Post-tonsillectomy hemostasis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing argon beam coagulation and monopolar electrocoagulation].

BACKGROUND: Argon Beam Coagulation (ABC) enables effective hemostasis and limited penetration depth of the coagulation zone. OBJECTIVE: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compares ABC and monopolar electrocoagulation for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were enrolled into the study. Final hemostasis was achieved using ABC in one fossa and electrocoagulation in the other fossa, with the sides chosen at random. Postoperative bleeding, postoperative pain and the healing of the tonsillar fossa were compared for both methods. RESULTS: No differences in any of the outcome measures were found between the two methods. ABC was felt to be faster and more comfortable than monopolar electrocoagulation. CONCLUSION: ABC is an effective and comfortable method for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis.

Blood Coagulation↗

PubMed2003

Acute edema of the tongue: a life-threatening condition.

Acute macroglossia is rare, but may cause upper airway obstruction requiring emergency intervention. The cause of the problem is often obscure. Edema of the tongue may be due to angioedema or to allergy. We present several cases of acute edema of the tongue, in 3 cases causing life-threatening airway obstruction. Among these, we present the first case of acute enlargement of the tongue due to the ingestion of artichoke.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Histopathology of the uvula and the soft palate in patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To study morphometric and qualitative histopathologic changes of the soft palate and uvula in patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized controlled study. METHODS: The distal soft palate and uvula were excised during uvulopalatopharyngoplasty from 34 male patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Control specimens were retrieved from 7 male cadavers with no related disorders. All specimens underwent routine processing and the mid-sagittal sections were studied. Morphometric analysis of the relative proportions of the tissue constituents was carried out. Also, a qualitative assessment was performed to detect possible pathologic changes. RESULTS: The body mass index of patients was significantly higher from that of control subjects. The area fraction occupied by the tissue constituents of the distal portion of the soft palate and uvula in patients with mild, moderate, and severe obstructive sleep apnea and in control subjects was similar, with small and insignificant differences regarding the contents of glands, muscle, fat, blood vessels, and the epithelium. Only the connective tissue was significantly greater in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea than in those with severe obstructive sleep apnea and control subjects. The qualitative assessment of the specimens disclosed normal tissue architecture without evidence of destruction. Vascular engorgement, fibrosis, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and dilated glandular ducts were observed in a portion of patients and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of the distal soft palate and uvula of patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoes insignificant changes and is independent of the body mass index levels, indicating that the pathologic changes are probably the sequela of airway obstruction rather than its cause.

Adult↗