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Biomedical subjects

T M Levine

Publications and source records attributed to T M Levine.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Laser lingual tonsillectomy.

Diseases of the lingual tonsils are generally overlooked in both clinical practice and medical literature. Infections of the lingual tonsils are usually treated medically, although in patients with symptomatic chronic inflammation or hyperplasia of the lingual tonsils, surgical intervention may be indicated. Eighty-two patients with benign inflammatory problems of the lingual tonsils, who were not improved by medical management, underwent laser lingual tonsillectomy at four different medical centers, between 1984 and 1987. The procedure was tolerated well by all of the patients, with no significant operative complications. Short- and long-term results were satisfactory. Laser surgery is an effective method for the treatment of benign hyperplastic and inflammatory diseases of the lingual tonsils.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Surgical management of aspiration.

Chronic recurrent aspiration can occur in patients suffering from a diverse group of pathologic processes. Many innovative surgical procedures are available to compensate for severe functional deficits. Some of these procedures can be reversed if the patient recovers from his or her underlying disability. An open-minded, eclectic approach is the best way of preventing the disastrous sequelae of chronic aspiration.

Gastroesophageal Reflux↗
PubMed1988

Swallowing disorders following skull base surgery.

The modern otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon has the technical ability to perform a wide range of surgical procedures at the skull base. Associated with some of these operations are swallowing deficits secondary to cranial nerve paralyses or anatomic disturbances. The skull base surgeon must physically and emotionally prepare patients preoperatively for these functional disabilities.

Cranial Nerves↗
PubMed1987

Sublabial transseptal repair of choanal atresia or stenosis.

Bilateral choanal atresia in newborns and infants carries significant morbidity and mortality, therefore, prompt correction is required. The transnasal route is usually preferred in the infant age group. This approach, however, carries significant incidence of restenosis. The transpalatal correction of choanal atresia has been the definitive approach in older children and adults. We are introducing a new procedure for correction of choanal atresia or stenosis that can be used at any age. The sublabial transseptal repair was performed in four infants without complications or restenosis. Two of our patients previously underwent different types of repair with persistent choanal stenosis. The sublabial transseptal approach provides wide exposure to the nasal cavity and the floor leading to the choanae. The operating microscope and various otologic micro-instruments were used in the surgical dissection. Preservation of the anterior inferior cartilaginous septum and the maxillary crest and spine is mandatory in order not to disturb the nasal growth pattern of the nose and premaxilla. The infants were evaluated with a computed tomography (CT) scan, preoperatively. The posterior inferior portion of the vomer is uniformly wide, increasing the degree of stenosis or atresia. Removal of the vomer is an essential part of this procedure in order to open and enlarge the choanae. Both choanae were stented with polyvinyl tubes. Every attempt was made to keep the stents in position for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks. Follow-up has been for 2 to 4 years, and no recurrent choanal stenosis has been experienced.

Choanal Atresia↗
PubMed1986

Surgical aptitude test for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery resident applicants.

The search for a convenient, rapid manual dexterity examination, which could be used at the time of the otolaryngology resident applicant's interview, led us to assess the following areas: purposeful hand direction, depth perception, tactile discrimination, finger pressure coordination, finger visual tracking of moving objects, spatial visualization, finger strength, speed of movements, fine control precision, finger dexterity, steadiness during movement, steadiness without movement, and neatness. With the astronomical increase in applicants to a limited number of positions in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, the application of an accurate, efficient manual dexterity assessment at the time of applicant interview is desirable. Presently, dental school applicants are screened by a series of manual dexterity tests. To develop our screening test, we integrated manual performance tests currently in use by private industry, occupational therapists, and dental school admission committees. Thus, applicants who are able to master fine microsurgical and macrosurgical techniques common in our specialty will be preferentially selected.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMed1986

Mediastinitis occurring as a complication of odontogenic infections.

Mediastinitis occurring from a descending odontogenic infection occurs rarely. The diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make and is often delayed until the patient is in extremis. The physical examination is often nondiagnostic, but may include brawny edema of the neck and chest. CT scanning provides the most accurate diagnostic information. The treatment is always surgical, in combination with appropriate antibiotics. Five patients with mediastinitis secondary to odontogenic infections are presented, and the technique of transcervical drainage of the anterior and posterior mediastinum is reviewed.

Adult↗