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Biomedical subjects

R Metson

Publications and source records attributed to R Metson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Endoscopic treatment of sphenoid sinusitis.

Juxtaposed between the posterior nasal cavity and skull base, the diseased sphenoid sinus presents unique challenges when surgical drainage is required. Endoscopic techniques have gained widespread popularity for the treatment of sphenoid sinusitis, yet the efficacy of such treatment remains largely unknown. Thirty-four patients who underwent endoscopic sphenoidotomy were monitored over a period of 6 months to 5 years. Surgery was performed with the superior turbinate used as the key landmark for identification and enlargement of the natural sphenoid ostium. Surgical access was through either a transnasal or transethmoid approach, depending on whether disease was limited to the sphenoid sinus. Prospective analysis of 26 patients with established outcome measures demonstrated a significant reduction in facial pain, nasal drainage, and congestion 6 months after surgery (p < 0.0001). Medication use was also reduced but to a lesser extent (p < 0.05). Endoscopic sphenoidotomy appears to be a safe technique that effectively reduces patient morbidity associated with sphenoid sinusitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Holmium:YAG laser endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized, controlled study.

Although surgical lasers were introduced to the field of otolaryngology more than 20 years ago, their use in rhinologic surgery has remained relatively limited. With the development of the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, a device is now available that offers those features necessary for effective sinus surgery:precise bone ablation, efficient soft tissue coagulation, and fiberoptic transmission. This solid-state laser of 2.1-microns wavelength can be coupled with endoscopic instrumentation for the surgical treatment of sinus disease. This study was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy of the holmium:YAG laser for endoscopic sinus surgery. A microscopic analysis of laser-treated sinus tissue was also performed in an attempt to determine the histologic basis of the observed clinical findings. In a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study, 32 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery using the holmium:YAG laser on one side of the nose and conventional endoscopic instrumentation on the other side. Patients rated symptoms for each side of the nose at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years after surgery. Healing parameters were similarly rated by the surgeon. Until the study was completed, patients were not told which side of the nose had been treated with laser surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 24.6 mL less on the laser-treated side of the nose than on conventionally treated side (P < .001). At 1 week after surgery, there was increased mucosal edema on the laser-treated side (P < .01). Crust formation was greater on the conventionally treated side at 1 week and was greater on the laser-treated side at 1 mouth (P < .01). Improvements in symptoms of pain, congestion, and drainage were equivalent for both treatment modalities (P < .001). Microscopic analysis demonstrated the ability of the holmium:YAG laser to remove tissue in relatively thin layers with ablation depths of 260 +/- 8.2 microns, 286 +/- 9.4 microns, and 341 +/- 20.4 microns per pulse at energy levels of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 J, respectively. A zone of thermal necrosis extending up to 1 mm beyond the site of laser impact was thought to correlate with the increased postoperative edema observed on the laser-treated side. Endoscopic sinus surgery with the holmium:YAG laser is as effective as nonlaser techniques in relieving the symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Laser surgery offers improved intraoperative hemostasis, but it causes increased postoperative tissue edema. The holmium:YAG laser provides the surgeon with an additional tool for the performance of safe, effective sinus surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Endoscopic orbital decompression under local anesthesia.

Orbital decompression for Graves' disease has traditionally been performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Endoscopic instrumentation allows for removal of the medial orbital wall and floor through an intranasal approach with local anesthetic techniques. Twelve endoscopic orbital decompressions were performed on awake patients with uncovered eyes so that vision could be monitored throughout the procedure. Simultaneous lateral decompressions were performed in 11 cases. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Visual acuity remained stable or improved in all cases. Proptosis was reduced an average of 5.5 +/- 1.6 mm. In a comparable series of 29 endoscopic decompressions performed with patients under general anesthesia, proptosis was reduced an average of 4.8 +/- 2.0 mm. Endoscopic orbital decompression with patients under local anesthesia appears to be an effective technique that may provide an additional margin of safety in prevention of injury to the optic nerve.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The health impact of chronic sinusitis in patients seeking otolaryngologic care.

Although chronic sinusitis is an increasingly common diagnosis in the United States, the health burden of this disorder relative to the general population and to other chronic diseases has not been previously evaluated. One hundred fifty-eight patients with chronic sinusitis and no prior surgery underwent cross-sectional evaluation by use of the Medical Outcome Study Short-form 36-Item Health Survey. These patients were all referred for otolaryngologic care, and more than 80% subsequently underwent sinus surgery. Mean scores were compared from the eight subscales of general health assessment with similarly derived data for the United States general population. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen in several domains, including bodily pain, general health, vitality, and social functioning. Comparisons with other chronic diseases revealed significantly lower scores (p < 0.05) in measures of bodily pain and social functioning for sinusitis patients than in patients with congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and back pain. These findings suggest that the national health impact of chronic sinusitis is far greater than is currently appreciated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Techniques for outcomes research in chronic sinusitis.

Accurate assessment of patient outcome after sinus surgery requires the collection of valid and reliable data. Symptom-based surveys were administered in a prospective manner to 104 patients with chronic sinusitis. Test-retest reliability for the Chronic Sinusitis Survey based on duration of symptoms (0.86, P < .0001) was superior to that for a similar survey based on severity of symptoms (0.57, P < .0001). Results of the Chronic Sinusitis Survey also correlated significantly with subscales of a general health assessment in the extent to which chronic sinusitis limits physical activity (0.40, P < .01), interferes with work or other activities (0.36, P < .01), and affects patient perception of bodily pain (0.46, P < .001). The Chronic Sinusitis Survey is an efficient and reliable method to follow health status and health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with chronic sinusitis.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1994

Endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

Endoscopic laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) enables an obstructed lacrimal sac to be opened through an intranasal approach, avoiding the need for a skin incision. The holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet (holmium:YAG) laser is well-suited for this procedure because of its properties of fiberoptic delivery, effective bone cutting, and precise soft-tissue coagulation. Efficient bone ablation is particularly important for primary DCR which requires removal of relatively thick bone along the lateral nasal wall to expose the lacrimal sac. Forty-six endoscopic laser DCRs were performed on 40 patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The surgery successfully relieved lacrimal obstruction in 85% of patients. Endoscopic instrumentation allowed for the rapid identification and correction of intranasal causes of DCR failure, including ethmoid sinus disease and middle turbinate hypertrophy. Endoscopic laser DCR appears to be a safe and effective procedure which should be considered as an alternative to external DCR for the surgical treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Endoscopic orbital decompression.

Exophthalmos from Graves' disease can result in visual disability and cosmetic deformity. Surgical treatment of this disorder is now possible through an intranasal endoscopic approach that allows removal of the medial orbital wall and floor without an external incision. Endoscopic orbital decompression was performed on 22 orbits in 14 patients for treatment of progressive exophthalmos. Local anesthesia was used in five cases. Sixteen procedures involved a concurrent lateral orbital decompression performed through an external approach. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Visual acuity remained stable or improved in all cases. Proptosis was reduced an average of 3.2 +/- 1.1 mm (range 2 to 4.5 mm) by endoscopic decompression alone. When a lateral decompression was also performed, proptosis was reduced by an additional 2.4 mm, for an average improvement of 5.6 +/- 1.7 mm (range 2 to 8 mm). Endoscopic orbital decompression appears to be a safe technique for the treatment of exophthalmos that can be performed effectively with the patient under general or local anesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Holmium:YAG endonasal laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

Previously described techniques of endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy appear to offer several advantages over conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy, including the following: (1) decreased disruption of medial canthal anatomy, (2) enhanced hemostasis, and (3) avoidance of a cutaneous scar. Although good results were achieved, several limitations of early laser-assisted techniques have been noted, including difficulty in removal of the thick bone of the anterior lacrimal crest and inability to obtain specimens of lacrimal sac mucosa for biopsy purposes. In a series of 40 consecutive, primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy procedures, we used the holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser for bone removal and endoscopic sinus surgical instrumentation to obtain lacrimal sac biopsy specimens. Intraoperative hemostasis was excellent and medial canthal scarring was avoided in all patients. The overall long-term ostium patency rate in our series was 82%. Several technical modifications adopted in the latter part of our series, including use of a small drill for supplemental bone removal, extensive removal of lacrimal sac mucosa, and use of a double stent, appeared to enhance this success rate.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Botulinum A toxin for treatment of aberrant facial nerve regeneration.

Twelve patients with involuntary synkinetic eyelid closure were given 40 injections of botulinum A toxin. Temporary improvement in involuntary eyelid closure was observed in all 12 patients. Eleven of the 12 patients desired repeated injections. Dose requirements for this indication were compared with doses used in 697 injections in 112 patients with essential blepharospasm and Meige syndrome. Additionally, dose comparisons were made with 269 injections in 71 patients with hemifacial spasm. Dose requirements needed to treat aberrant regeneration of the facial nerve were substantially less than needed to treat blepharospasm and Meige syndrome. The dose requirement was similar to that in hemifacial spasm treatment. The reason for the differences probably relates to existing muscular denervation associated with hemifacial spasm and aberrant facial nerve regeneration.

Blepharospasm↗
PubMed1992

Videolaryngoscopy in the office--a critical evaluation.

In view of the growing popularity of office videolaryngoscopy, surprisingly little objective data exist as to its influence on clinical practice. We reviewed 150 consecutive laryngeal recordings in an attempt to determine what effect videolaryngoscopy has had on our practice and the patient care provided.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Barium swallow is a predictor of salivary fistula following laryngectomy.

Pharyngocutaneous salivary fistula after laryngectomy is a serious complication that can lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity. A postoperative barium swallow provides the surgeon with information regarding the integrity of the pharyngeal suture line. In an attempt to determine whether this information can be used to predict or prevent salivary fistula, we reviewed the records of 109 patients who underwent total laryngectomy, including 51 who had a barium swallow before they began oral intake. Ten patients (20%) demonstrated a sinus tract originating from the pharyngeal suture line. A clinical salivary fistula developed in all four patients with a sinus tract 2 cm or longer, but in only one of six patients with a tract shorter than 2 cm. Other factors predictive of salivary fistula included tumor stage, previous radiation therapy, and the presence of concurrent postoperative complications. A single fistula developed in the 58 patients not studied with barium. Information provided by postlaryngectomy barium swallow appeared to predict, but not prevent salivary fistula formation.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Endoscopic surgery for lacrimal obstruction.

Intranasal access to the lacrimal drainage system has been greatly enhanced with the advent of endoscopic nasal surgery. This technique has been used for the treatment of recurrent lacrimal obstruction after failed external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in 12 patients. Improved intranasal visualization with the endoscope allowed easy identification and opening of the lacrimal sac, with no need for a skin incision. Obstructing intranasal pathology, including adhesions from previous DCR, an enlarged middle turbinate, and ethmoid sinus disease, was readily identified and corrected. There were no intraoperative complications. Lacrimal obstruction was completely relieved in nine of 12 patients (75%), with a followup of 7 to 25 months. Endoscopic revision DCR should be considered in patients with recurrent epiphora after external DCR.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Magnetic stimulation of the facial nerve.

Intracranial activation of the facial nerve is now possible with the noninvasive techniques of magnetic stimulation. Brief magnetic pulses generated by a coil overlying the parietal scalp elicit compound muscle action potentials of similar shape and amplitude and greater latency than those produced by electroneurography. Mapping studies demonstrate the compound muscle action potentials to be of constant latency and varying amplitude with changing coil location. Maximum compound muscle action potential amplitudes are obtained with the coil center located in a rectangular area superior and posterior to the ear canal. A comparison of large and small diameter coils showed them to be equally effective for painless facial nerve stimulation; however, the smaller coil allowed for a more localized field of activation. Magnetic stimulation has the potential to provide cross-the-lesion testing of facial nerve function.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1991

Preservation of the facial nerve in the management of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma.

Whether to preserve or sacrifice a facial nerve involved with benign neoplasm is one of the most difficult intraoperative decisions confronting the head and neck surgeon. We reviewed 21 cases of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma treated with subtotal excision and facial nerve preservation, followed by postoperative radiation therapy. Of the 17 patients with microscopic residual tumor at completion of surgery, 16 (94%) remain free of recurrence with an average follow-up of 5.9 years. Only one of four patients (25%) with a large postoperative tumor load remains free of disease. Facial nerve function is normal in 20 of 21 patients. Preservation of the facial nerve with postoperative irradiation should be considered as an alternative to nerve sacrifice in selected cases of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1990

Nasopharyngeal mass: a manifestation of inflammatory otologic disease.

A nasopharyngeal mass with cranial neuropathies usually indicates an advanced neoplastic process. We present three patients with these findings and concurrent invasive Pseudomonas otitis in whom repeated nasopharyngeal biopsies were negative for tumor. All of the nasopharyngeal masses resolved following treatment of the otitis. Mechanisms of disease spread from the temporal bone to the nasopharynx are discussed. Clinicians may choose to modify diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the nasopharyngeal mass in patients with concurrent invasive otologic disease.

Aged↗