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Biomedical subjects

R K Mal

Publications and source records attributed to R K Mal.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Dysphagia secondary to osteoid osteoma of the transverse process of the second cervical vertebra.

Dysphagia due to bony lesions of the cervical spine is rare. Almost all reported cases have been secondary to cervical osteophyte formation. We present an unusual case of a 58-year-old male who presented with dysphagia of insidious onset. Investigations revealed osteoid osteoma arising from the transverse process of the second cervical vertebra extending anteriorly in a curvilinear manner. The surgical management of this case is discussed in this report. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of dysphagia secondary to osteoid osteoma of cervical spine.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Dysgeusia related to urinary obstruction from benign prostatic disease: a case control and qualitative study.

Anecdotal reports suggest that dysgeusia may be related to a variety of systemic factors, including bladder outflow obstruction. This is a hospital-based case-controlled study involving 111 patients who were admitted to urological wards for transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic disease with age- and sex-matched control of 137 subjects. We used a semi-structured questionnaire by a trained interviewer at admission (preoperative), at the postoperative period and at follow-up between 4-6 months (median 5 months). Analysis used unpaired t-test and chi(2) test. The incidence of dysgeusia was 22% in the study group and 13% in the control group (P=N.S.). However, strikingly, the dysgeusia in the study group was relieved promptly by relief of urinary obstruction in 100% of cases and did not return within the follow-up period. The mechanism of the dysgeusia associated with dysuria in benign prostatic disease is unknown, but we suggest that the dysgeusia could be from the stress of dysuria or due to a release of an unknown chemical from the urinary tract or an overflow of neural impulse from pontine/cortical micturition centres to the taste centres. An association between dysgeusia and dysuria has not been described before.

Aged↗

Is shoulder impingement syndrome a problem in otolaryngologists?

Shoulder problems are well-documented as an occupational illness. The incidence of occupational shoulder problems is increasing. A postal questionnaire survey was conducted to see if otolaryngologists are more susceptible to shoulder impingement syndrome because of their occupation. Endocrinologists were used as the control group. Among 556 questionnaires sent to otolaryngologists, 367 (64.6%) responses were returned compared with 210 questionnaires sent to endocrinologists, of which 138 (65.7%) responses were returned. A total of 88 (24.0%) of the otolaryngologists had suffered from impingement syndrome compared with 15 (10.9%) of the endocrinologists, which was significantly different. Of those with impingement syndrome, more endocrinologists gave a history of injury or overuse compared with otolaryngologists. There must be another factor, leading to increased incidence of impingement syndrome, which may be because of the continuous flexion, and abduction of their shoulders during examination and operating on patients.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders↗

Diathermy epiglottectomy: endoscopic technique.

Endoscopic epiglottectomy is usually performed using a surgical laser. Epiglottectomy may be indicated for the treatment of benign or malignant lesions and for the relief of airway obstruction caused by a floppy epiglottis. We present four patients who had endoscopic partial epiglottectomy using monopolar diathermy to treat a floppy epiglottis. All the four patients were male in their sixth and seventh decades with snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) due partly or wholly to a floppy epiglottis. Diathermy epiglottectomy is easily carried out using the laryngoscope, laryngeal instruments and curved rotating microdissection monopolar scissors (used in laparoscopic surgery). This was found to be safe and effective with minimal morbidity. It requires no elaborate preparation and could be performed in hospitals that have no laser facilities. It may be performed in conjunction with other procedures e.g. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) if necessary.

Aged↗

Squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a cutaneous horn.

A cutaneous horn is a variably sized, cohesive, keratotic, usually conical lesion associated with a broad spectrum of pathology at their base (benign, premalignant or malignant). Two cases of a squamous cell carcinoma in the face, with a horn formation are presented, highlighting the need for careful management of such lesions due to the high incidence of malignant or premalignant histology. The existing literature is also briefly reviewed.

Aged↗