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Biomedical subjects

S Remmert

Publications and source records attributed to S Remmert.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Coblation tonsillectomy. Results of a pilot study].

BACKGROUND: The introduction of coblation tonsillectomy (CTE) may contribute to reduce the postoperative morbidity in terms of pain, delayed oral intake and bleeding. METHODS: A prospective pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical course by inpatient observation (5 days) and telephone contact 6 months after CTE. The data from 61 patients (aged 44 months-69 years) were analyzed. The patients were grouped into those with surgical care of bleeding (A), non-surgical care of bleeding (B), and no bleeding event (C). RESULTS: The study was terminated early due to major bleeding complications in seven patients (A). Fifteen patients experienced minor (B) and 41 no (C) bleeding episodes. In the interview, 29 patients identified pain, lasting 16.7 (A), 11.6 (B) and 11 (C) days, as the most significant complication of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of CTE was followed by a dramatic increase in major bleeding complications, including late bleeding episodes. Pain following tonsillectomy remains a problem to be solved by further techniques. We will continue to perform the cold dissection technique.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Trends and complications in the management of peritonsillar abscess with emphasis on children].

BACKGROUND: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep neck space infection treated by otolaryngologists affecting predominantly young adults. Children present a challenge owing to the difficulty in obtaining an exact history and adequate physical examination. Particularly for the pediatric age group controversy surrounds the question of optimal treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate bleeding complications following immediate tonsillectomy (TAC) in a pediatric population (<16 years) of age and to compare our management protocol with the current status in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 218 children who had undergone TAC between January 1988 and January 2003 in our clinic were enrolled in a retrospective study. The youngest patient was 18 months, the oldest 15.9 years of age (mean: 14.53; median: 14; STD: 12.11 years). 95 patients were male (43.6%), 123 female (56.4%). Various treatment protocols of the current literature are addressed. RESULTS: Postoperative hemorrhage (all from the opposite side) requiring surgical treatment under general anesthesia occurred in 4 children (1.8%). Repeated hemorrhage did not occur, blood transfusions were not required, there was no case with lethal outcome. Several reports indicate that needle aspiration (NP) or incision and drainage (ID) may suffice for the majority of cases but do not distinguish between different treatments for children and adults. More recently, conscious sedation has become a great support for pediatric treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The initial success rates of NP or ID are both very high (>90%) and the overall recurrence rate is low, particularly in children. Only for selected subgroups, patients may profit from TAC, which was clearly not associated with an increased risk of bleeding in our pediatric population.

Biopsy, Fine-Needle↗
PubMed2005

Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in 15,218 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential risk factors and the incidence of bleeding following adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy requiring surgical treatment under general anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective chart review of 15,218 patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 1988, and September 30, 2001, at our institution (St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg). RESULTS: A total of 229 patients experienced postoperative bleeding (1.5%). Patients of male gender and 70 years of age or older were significantly at risk for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. The incidence of bleeding increased with age. Of the bleeding episodes, 76% occurred on the day of surgery; immediate abscess-tonsillectomy was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is rare and predominantly occurs early after surgery. Male patients, 70 years of age or older, infectious mononucleosis, and a history of recurrent tonsillitis were identified as risk factors for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. Delayed hemorrhage has the potential to be life-threatening.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed2005

Intubation laryngeal mask: atraumatic diagnostic tool in suspension laryngoscopy.

CONCLUSION: The new technique of ILM-guided vocal cord biopsy and APC is safe, cost-effective and non-invasive. It provides excellent airway control, adequate exposure of the vocal cords and effective treatment of laryngeal bleeding. OBJECTIVE: Suspension microlaryngoscopy is a standard diagnostic procedure for vocal cord biopsy. In experienced hands failure of the procedure is extremely rare and may indicate a need for more invasive techniques. The aim of this study was to present a new technique of laryngoscopy/vocal cord biopsy and to review the relevant literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After induction of general anesthesia and preoxygenation an intubation laryngeal mask (ILM) was inserted. A flexible bronchoscope was passed through the ILM and an anterior lesion was identified at the vocal cord. Biopsies were taken with forceps inserted through the instrument's working channel. The procedure was performed using video-endoscopic guidance. Bleeding from the wound surface was adequately treated with argon-plasma coagulation (APC). RESULTS: Identification of the vocal cords was readily accomplished using the ILM. Only four literature reports matched our search criteria; all used the standard laryngeal mask or other instruments such as a laser or did not use the procedure for definitive therapy.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2004

[Aneurysm of the subclavian artery. An unusual cause of dysphagia].

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia may be due to oral, pharyngeal or esophageal dysfunction and poses a frequent problem for the otolaryngologist. Motor disturbances, structural disorders, functional problems, congenital lesions and malignancies have to be excluded in an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach. Currently, vascular diseases play a minor role in the diagnosis of dysphagia. CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old female presented with constant dysphagia and a foreign body feeling in the throat of about 2 months duration. Palpation and ultrasound revealed a tumor situated in the right supraclavicular region. The lesion was identified as a true aneurysm of the subclavian artery by digital subtraction angiography. Successful resection and reconstruction was accomplished using a PTFE graft. DISCUSSION: Aneurysms of the subclavian artery are rare and in most cases related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) or arteriosclerosis. It can be assumed that an increasingly aged population will present with an increasing incidence of diseases related to atherosclerosis. Moreover, the increasing incidence of specific infections may contribute to this phenomenon. This neglected disease should be included in the differential diagnosis when dealing with supraclavicular lesions, foreign body feeling or dysphagia.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses].

BACKGROUND: Angiofibromas commonly arise in the nasopharynx in young male patients. Diagnosis is widely based on radiographic imaging to avoid ill-advised biopsy which may result in brisk bleeding. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence, clinical features and complications that may occur during the process of diagnosis and surgical therapy of angiofibromas outside the nasopharynx. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Case report of a 13-year-old female patient and review of the literature. RESULTS: Our patient received multi-agent chemotherapy elsewhere due to a misdiagnosed angiofibroma. Computed Tomography (CT) revealed a maxillary tumor which was repeatedly biopsied. Hypervascularity was excluded by arteriography and the lesion removed after lateral rhinotomy. The data of 42 patients were analyzed including our own case. 32 patients were male, 10 female. The majority became symptomatic aged 19 years or younger (71.4 %). The maxilla was most commonly affected (38 %), less frequently the ethmoid, nasal cavity or septum, beside others. In 38 patients, symptoms developed within 12 months or less (average: 8.5 months). Epistaxis, nasal obstruction and facial swelling were reported for most patients. Brisk bleeding occurred in 10 patients during tumor removal and resulted from biopsies in 11 of 20 patients. Angiography detected hypervascularity in 3 of 4 patients. There was no case with lethal outcome. CONCLUSION: Extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses should be included in the differential diagnosis of nasal tumors. Compared to nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, more female patients are involved, symptoms develop more quickly but hypervascularity is less common. Signs of questionable hypervascularity in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) should indicate arteriography prior to surgical procedures. Preoperative embolization of hypervascular lesions during arteriography will reduce the risk of brisk bleeding during biopsy or surgical tumor removal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma: etiology, incidence and management.

OBJECTIVE: Angiofibromas in the head and neck area usually arise in the nasopharynx (NA) in adolescent males. They may also occur outside the nasopharynx (ENA) and can therefore be misdiagnosed. An ill-advised biopsy may result in brisk bleeding. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence and clinical features of ENA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the international literature was performed. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with ENAs from 16 different countries were reported in the literature. Two patients had a congenital lesion, the oldest being 78 years old. A total of 48 patients were male (73%). The maxilla was the most commonly affected site (24.6%), with the ethmoid, nasal cavity or septum and other sites being involved less frequently. Symptoms arose in 40 patients within 6 months. Among a wide variety of symptoms, epistaxis with or without nasal obstruction was reported for 18 patients. Brisk bleeding resulting from a total of 23 biopsies occurred in 13 patients, and required blood transfusion in 11. Death was reported for two patients as a result of acute respiratory compromise and endocranial extension. CONCLUSION: ENAs are extremely rare compared to NAs and have to be acknowledged as a different entity. In comparison to patients with NAs, as female adults are affected, the lesion is diagnosed earlier and is less vascularized and the patients are older. Surgical resection is sufficient treatment due to a tendency for local and less aggressive growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Reconstruction after extended partial laryngeal and hypopharyngeal resections. A new method with rib cartilage, chondrosynthesis and free radial transplants].

UNLABELLED: Partial pharyngectomy combined with subtotal laryngectomy results in permanent tracheostomy and long lasting swallowing difficulties in many cases. Based on our prior experimental and clinical studies on laryngeal chondrosynthesis the objectives of this project were to develop a method for reconstruction of up to two thirds of the larynx and one pyriform sinus. METHOD: The resected laryngeal framework is reconstructed with autogenous rib cartilage and stabilized with plates and screws. In addition a piece of cartilage is used as a buttress for apposition by the remaining mobile vocal cord. A free radial forearm flap covers the reconstructed framework and forms the sulcus of the pyriform sinus. RESULTS: Up to now 7 patients have been operated with this technique. The follow up was 35 months on average. None of the patients has a clinically relevant aspiration. All patients have a well understandable voice and one of them--a teacher--could even resume his speech profession. CONCLUSION: In selected patients these techniques enable functional rehabilitation of swallowing, breathing and speech even after extended partial pharyngolaryngectomy.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Single photon emission tomography: scintigraphy in the assessment of mandibular invasion by head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of single photon emission tomography (SPET) in contributing to the initial staging of patients with cancers of the head and neck because information about osseous infiltration of head and neck cancer is of major importance for staging and planning of treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 89 cases with probable tumor infiltration of the mandible by oral/pharyngeal cancer was undertaken by comparing the preoperative SPET as well as CT-scans, if available, with clinical and postoperative histological examinations. RESULTS: For SPET examinations, a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 48% were calculated. The positive predictive value was 65%, and the negative predictive value was 93%. CT scans showed a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 78%. The positive predictive value was 65%, and the negative predictive value was 93%. CONCLUSIONS: SPET is a powerful method to detect infiltration of carcinomas into the head and neck skeleton. Its sensitivity is high and superior to CT scans, although the specificity is small due to a high number of false positive results.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2001

[Transplants from the shoulder-back region].

BACKGROUND: In spacious or multilayered tissue losses and cases of multiple locations of defects, a large amount of tissue with different components such as skin, fatty tissue, and muscle is required for proper reconstruction. A donor area which can meet these demands is the shoulder-back region with the subscapular vessel, which arises from the axillary artery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report our clinical experience with 12 patients in whom we reconstructed defects with transplants from this region. RESULTS: Our anatomic investigation and measurements provided proof of a constant anatomy of the vessels with a length of the vascular pedicle and a vascular diameter suitable for microvascular anastomosis. Based on our clinical experience, the scapular, parascapular, and latissmus dorsi muscle transplants are very suitable for the reconstruction of very large superficial defects or for the augmentation of multilayered defects of the upper aerodigestive tract. CONCLUSIONS: A main advantage of the transplants from the shoulder and back region is the possibility of combining several transplants with a wide variety of tissue combinations with one vascular pedicle for a single-step reconstruction of multiple defects of the oral cavity and the pharynx.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2001

[Lymph node metastasis in head-neck tumors].

BACKGROUND: One of the most important criteria of malignancy of head and neck cancer are the cervical lymph metastases. Being significant for the therapeutical plan is how tumor depending parameters like T-stage, degree of differentiation and tumor localisation will influence the N-stage and therefore the extension of neck dissection. METHOD: To evaluate the pattern of formations of metastases and the success of therapy a retrospective study was performed on 405 patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity (n = 47), the oropharynx (n = 117), the hypopharynx (n = 47) and the larynx (n = 193). RESULTS: By the time of surgery carcinoma of the hypopharynx were most frequently accompanied by cervical metastases (80%), followed by carcinoma of the oropharynx (70%), the oral cavity (52%) and the larynx (26%). Occurrence and extension of regional lymph node metastases correlated well with T-stages and degree of differentiation. After surgical therapy locoregional recurrence could be observed in 5.2% of the patients. Five-year-survival rate was reduced to 50% on patients with positive lymph nodes. The different tumour sites showed preferred patterns of metastatic spread, without complete avoidance of certain levels. CONCLUSION: For the decision on indication and extent of neck dissection the preoperative diagnostic (ultrasound, CT-scan, MRI), localisation of tumour, T-stage, degree of differentiation and the knowledge of typical metastatic spread must be considered.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2001

[Electromyography of the infrahyoid muscles - part 1: normal findings].

BACKGROUND: The infrahyoid muscles (IHM) are very useful as a neurovascular myofascial flap in plastic reconstructive surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract, especially for restoration of the muscular component in larger tongue defects. As a base for further postoperative investigations on the function of transferred IHM this first part of the study describes the physiological function and the electromyographical features of the IHM. METHODS: In 17 patients with cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract the sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles and in additionally eight patients the upper part of the omohyoid muscle were studied electromyographically. Muscular activity was recorded at various movements and maximal voluntary innervation. In ten healthy volunteers the motor unit potentials (MUP) during light voluntary innervation of these muscles were studied. RESULTS: In both muscles we found the steadist and strongest muscular activity at isometric head bending and yaw opening, in the omohyoid muscle also at head rotation. At swallowing and breathing in (2/3) of the cases muscular activity could be recorded. Amplitudes and electromyographic charge pattern in comparison were diminished. Phonation und tongue movements showed no noticable muscular activity. Analysis of the MUP in 10 healthy volunteers showed a mean amplitude of 274 +/- 59 microV and a mean duration of 8.5 +/- 0.6 ms. CONCLUSIONS: The presented study demonstrates that EMG of the IHM are recorded best while head bending, yaw opening and head rotation. Since there is no interchange of nerve fibres between the hypoglossal nerve and the cervical ansa it should be possible to differentiate between original tongue muscles and transferred muscles in electromyographic studies of myofascial flaps after tongue reconstruction.

Deglutition↗
PubMed2001

[Electromyography of the infrahyoid muscles - part 2: pathological findings].

BACKGROUND: The infrahyoid muscles (IHM) can easily be used as a neurovascular myofascial flap for reconstructive surgery in the oral cavity and pharynx and especially for functional tongue reconstruction following tumor ablation. METHODS: In order to detect neurogenic lesions caused by neck pathologies, in particular lymph node metastasis, we studied ten patients (nine patients suffering from tongue carcinoma and one patient after traumatic tongue ablation) by preoperative electromyography of the IHM. These results were compared to ten healthy controls. RESULTS: We found no pathological spontaneous activity with the EMG at rest in any patient. During light voluntary innervation, the motor unit potentials (MUP) were normal in controls and in patients with normal ultrasound, CT scans and histologic examination after neck surgery. When pathologic lymph nodes were found in the neck, the number of polyphasic MUP in the ipsilateral IHM was increased in some cases (n = 6), and normal in others (n = 5). Traumatic or radiogenic lesions clearly resulted in pathological EMG findings (n = 6). Maximal innervation of the IHM was obtained during head bending and jaw opening. We found no difference in the discharge pattern of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Due to their extent lymph node metastasis can lead to neurogenic lesions of the cervical ansa of the IHM. Neurogenic damages are most clearly present after traumatic lesions of the neck (prior operations, radiotherapy). EMG at maximal voluntary contraction instead revealed no lesions. The clinical impact of these demonstrated neurogenic lesions need to be studied by measuring the muscle strength of the IHM.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Electromyography of the infrahyoid muscles - part 3: findings after transposition as a myofascial flap in tongue reconstruction].

BACKGROUND: Due to the preservation of its nerval supply the neurovascular infrahyoid muscle flap in tongue reconstruction enables to prevent atrophy of the musculature. In this study the integrity of the infrahyoid muscles (IHM) after transposition into the oral cavity was examined by means of electromyography. METHODS: 17 patients after partial or complete reconstruction of the tongue with IHM were studied at varied times after surgery. The IHM in the oral cavity was inserted by a concentric needle electrode and activity at rest as well as the discharge pattern at maximal voluntary innervation was evaluated. During light voluntary activity a motor unit potential (MUP) analysis were performed. RESULTS: 13 of 17 patients (76,5 %) in total revealed electromyographic activity in the transfered IHM flaps. Within the first 6 months after surgery 71,5 % of the patients or 77,8 % of the IHM flaps showed activity. After 6 months in 61,5 % of the patients or 64,7 % of the IHM flaps muscular activity was demonstrated. In 84,6 % of the patients or 88,2 % of the flaps we could detect neurogenic lesions at least once. Maximal voluntary contraction showed a discrete activity pattern in 63 %. In 26 % of all cases we found a discrete to reduced interference pattern and in 10 % a reduced interference pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Functioning muscle tissue could be demonstrated in the most IHM flaps, but almost all of the studied muscles showed neurogenic lesions with a loss of motor units due to the traumatic surgery. Maybe bioelectrical stimulation of the Ansa cervicalis with implantable amplifiers will lead to better flap contractility in the future.

Electromyography↗
PubMed2001

A preclinical model for experimental chemotherapy of human head and neck cancer.

We developed a mouse model in a representative human derived head and neck cancer cell line for preclinical studies to evaluate antitumor response, tumor-free survival and host toxicity of alkylating agents, antimetabolites, platinum analogs and taxanes alone or in combination. Ninety athymic NMRI mice were inoculated with human derived oral squamous cell carcinoma cells growing on the hind paw to an average volume of 180 +/- 80 mm3. Animals were stratified according to tumor volume into 10 groups (n=6-10) and treated with ifosfamide (65 mg/kg b.w.), docetaxel (24 mg/kg b.w.), cisplatin (2 mg/kg b.w.), carboplatin (6 or 10 mg/kg b.w.), methotrexate (1 mg/kg b.w.), and fluorouracil (15 mg/kg b.w.) intravenously in single agent or combination (ifosfamide plus docetaxel or ifosfamide plus carboplatin) treatment schedules or controls. Tumor volume was measured 3 times per week for 60 days. The average tumor volume, the overall survival time and the response rates (CR, PR) of the treated animals were compared with the data obtained from untreated controls and statistically evaluated. Untreated tumors showed rapid and exponential tumor growth. Single agent therapies with ifosfamide, cisplatinum, and docetaxel lead to significant tumor regression and improved overall survival. Low dose carboplatin monotherapy induced significant tumor growth delay, but not significant tumor regression. Most impressive tumor-free survival was achieved by combination treatment with ifosfamide and docetaxel. This preclinical study demonstrates an animal model capable of differentiating various chemotherapy regimens.

Animals↗