Improving heat and moisture exchanger therapy with a hydrogel base adhesive in laryngectomized patients: an open randomized crossover trial

[Abstract] Objective: To assess individual’s preference, symptoms and compliance between habitual use of Provox XtraFlow and the combination of Provox XtraFlow during the day and Provox Luna during the night for heat and moisture exchanger therapy in laryngectomized patients. Methods: Open randomized crossover trial for 25 days. After this first follow-up and a 5 days wash-out period, a treatment switching was performed for another 25 days. Results: A total of 28 subjects, were enrolled. Differences were found (p=0.009) in the incidence of dermatological problems with XtraFlow (46.4%) versus Provox Luna (14.3%), as well as in the need to abandon the use of adhesives (46.4%vs.10.7%; p=0.003). The 60.7% of the patients referred the Provox Luna system as their preference for heat and moisture exchanger therapy. Conclusions: The Provox Luna system is a viable additive to heat and moisture exchanger therapy, especially in the setting of compliance concerns and in subjects who desire dermatological relief overnight

Long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a magnet-based valve voice prosthesis for endoprosthesis leakage treatment.

peer reviewed[en] PURPOSE: Tracheoesophageal speech is considered the gold standard for rehabilitation following total laryngectomy. The main reason of voice prosthesis failure is the endoprosthesis leakage. Provox ActiValve® incorporates a magnet-based valve system to achieve active closure of the valve to treat these leakages, with the drawback of being significantly more expensive. The aim of the study was to compare the Provox Vega® and Provox ActiValve® duration and costs in patients with replacements increase due to endoprosthetic leakage. METHODS: Prospective case-crossover study in laryngectomized patients with Provox Vega® and endoprosthesis leakage to whom a Provox ActiValve® was placed. Survival and possible factors that affect voice prosthesis were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression. Cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish Public National Health System with incremental cost-effectiveness calculation was performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 prostheses were evaluated. The most frequent reason for replacement was the endoprosthesis leakage (N = 129; 83.77%) in both models. The mean duration-time of Provox Vega® was 44.77 ± 2.82 days (CI 95%, 39.18-50.35; median 36 days), and 317.34 ± 116.8 days (CI 95% 86.66-548; median 286 days) for the Provox ActiValve® (p < 0.000). For every replacement not made thanks to the Provox ActiValve® there was saving of 133.97€ CONCLUSIONS: The Provox ActiValve® is a cost-effective solution in patients with increased prosthesis replacements due to endoprosthetic leakage, reducing the number of changes and cost compared to Provox Vega®

COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on the Management of Head and Neck Cancer in the Spanish Healthcare System

Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has represented a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, changing the habits of physicians. A reorganization of healthcare activity has been necessary, limiting surgical activity to essential cases (emergencies and oncology), and improving the distribution of health resources. Objective To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on head and neck cancer surgery management in Spain. Methods A cross-sectional study, through an anonymous and voluntary online survey distributed to 76 Spanish otorhinolaryngology departments. Results A total of 44 centers completed the survey, 65.9% of which were high-volume. A total of 45.5% of them had to stop high-priority surgery and 54.5% of head and neck surgeons were relocated outside their scope of practice. Surgeons reported not feeling safe during their usual practice, with a decrease to a 25% of airway procedures. A total of 29.5% were "forced" to deviate from the "standard of care" due to the epidemiological situation. Conclusions Approximately half of the departments decreased their activity, not treating their patients on a regular basis, and surgeons were reassigned to other tasks. It seems necessary that the head and neck surgeons balance infection risk with patient care. The consequences of the reported delays and changes in daily practice should be evaluated in the future in order to understand the real impact of the pandemic on the survival of head and neck cancer patients

COVID-19; SARS-Cov-2; COVID-19 Testing; Otolaryngology

The SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) disease has caused millions of cases since the pandemic status was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, changing the usual medical and surgical practices. Doctors and nurses represent a significant percentage of the general population infected. Among them, the special risk of infection in otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons (ENT) stands out, due to the proximity to the upper airway and the risk of generation of bioaerosols during procedures./nThe objective of this article is to prepare a document on safe otorhinolaryngological practice during the COVID19 pandemic, based on a compilation of the best evidence adapted to the risk of transmission, according to the combination of the results of the risk indicators established by the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare (MSCBS). This document is the result of the collaboration of the scientific commissions and the COVID-19 committee of the SEORLCCC.La enfermedad por el SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha provocado millones de casos desde que se declarase el estado de pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en marzo de 2020, cambiando las prácticas médicas y quirúrgicas habituales. Los sanitarios representan un importante porcentaje de la población general contagiada. Entre ellos, destaca el especial riesgo de infección en otorrinolaringólogos y cirujanos de cabeza y cuello (ORL), debido a la cercanía a la vía aérea superior y al riesgo de generación de bioaerosoles durante los procedimientos./nEl objetivo de este artículo es la elaboración de un documento de práctica otorrinolaringológica segura durante la pandemia COVID19, basado en una recopilación de la mejor evidencia adaptada al riesgo de transmisión, según la combinación de los resultados de los indicadores de riesgo establecidos por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social (MSCBS). El presente documento es fruto de la colaboración de las comisiones científicas y del comité COVID-19 de la SEORLCCC

ENT practice during the COVID19 pandemic

Introducción: La enfermedad por el SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) ha provocado millones de casos desde que se declarase el estado de pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en marzo de 2020, cambiando las prácticas médicas y quirúrgicas habituales. Los sanitarios representan un importante porcentaje de la población general contagiada. Entre ellos, destaca el especial riesgo de infección en otorrinolaringólogos y cirujanos de cabeza y cuello (ORL), debido a la cercanía a la vía aérea superior y al riesgo de generación de bioaerosoles durante los procedimientos. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es la elaboración de un documento de práctica otorrinolaringológica segura durante la pandemia COVID19. Método: Revisión bibliográfica. Resultados: Recopilación de la mejor evidencia adaptada al riesgo de trans misión, según la combinación de los resultados de los indicadores de riesgo establecidos por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Consumo y Bienestar Social (MSCBS). El presente documento es fruto de la colaboración de las comisiones científicas y del comité COVID-19 de la SEORLCCC.Introduction: The SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) disease has caused millions of cases since the pandemic status was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, changing the usual medical and surgical practices. Doctors and nurses represent a significant percentage of the general population infected. Among them, the special risk of infection in otorhinolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons (ENT) stands out, due to the proximity to the upper airway and the risk of generation of bioaerosols during procedures. Objective: The objective of this article is to prepare a document on safe otorhinolaryngological practice during the COVID19 pandemic. Results: Compilation of the best evidence adapted to the risk of transmission, according to the combination of the results of the risk indicators established by the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare (MSCBS). This document is the result of the collaboration of the scientific commissions and the COVID-19 committee of the SEORLCCC

Is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure a Valid Alternative to Sildenafil in Treating Sexual Dysfunction among OSA Patients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

peer reviewedBackground and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the comparative effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and sildenafil pharmacological therapy in improving sexual function among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and methods: Population: Patients affected by OSA and ED; Intervention: CPAP therapy vs. Comparison: Sildenafil pharmacological therapy; Outcomes: Improvement in erectile function, as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scoring system; Time: A systematic review of the literature from the past 20 years; Study Design: Observational studies comparing erectile function improvements after OSA treatment. Results: A total of eight papers were included in the qualitative summary, involving four hundred fifty-seven patients with ED and OSA. Erectile function improvements were observed in both treatment groups. After sildenafil and CPAP treatment, the mean IIEF-5 domain scores were 37.7 and 27.3, respectively (p < 0.001). Sildenafil 100 mg demonstrated a higher therapeutic impact compared to CPAP treatment. Conclusions: CPAP therapy significantly improved sexual parameters in most studies for OSA patients with ED. The findings suggest that CPAP therapy effectively alleviates erectile dysfunction symptoms, resulting in improved sexual performance in OSA patients. The comparison of the two treatments indicates that sildenafil has a more substantial therapeutic impact on erectile function than CPAP therapy; however, a combined treatment will provide a cumulative effect

Estudio del resultado funcional de la radiofrecuencia de cornetes inferiores en población pediátrica

La rinitis es una patología frecuente en población pediátrica, con una prevalencia del 24%, con una incidencia en aumento en los últimos años. Se trata de una enfermedad infradiagnosticada e infratratada. El tratamiento puede ser tanto médico como quirúrgico. Actualmente está bien establecido el papel del tratamiento médico con medicación tópica nasal, así como medicación oral con fármacos antialérgicos. Sin embargo, existe escasa información y consenso en cuanto al papel de la cirugía en la hipertrofia de cornetes inferiores en población pediátrica. Este proyecto de investigación se ha diseñado con el objetivo de estudiar la evidencia disponible en relación con la cirugía de cornetes en población pediátrica, así como ampliarla en aquellos puntos donde fuera necesario

Is the ultrasonic scalpel recommended in head and neck surgery during the COVID ‐19 pandemic? State‐of‐the‐ art review

International audienceBackgroundGuidelines for ultrasonic devices use are imperative because infectious aerosols arising from airway procedures were a key etiologic factor in prior coronavirus outbreaks. This manuscript aims to summarize the available recommendations and the most relevant concepts about the use of ultrasonic scalpel during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.MethodsLiterature review of manuscripts with patients, animal models, or in vitro studies where the ultrasonic scalpel was used and the plume produced was analyzed in a quantitative and/ or qualitative way.DiscussionActivated devices with tissue produce a biphasic bioaerosol composed (size 68.3‐994 nm) of tissue particles, blood, intact and no viable cells, and carcinogenic or irritant hydrocarbons (benzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, toluene, heptene, and methylpropene).ConclusionIt is imperative to use an active smoke evacuator, to avoid ultrasonic scalpel use in COVID‐19 positive patients and in upper airway surgery, as well as to follow the protection recommendations of the guidelines for management this type of patients

Diamine Oxidase Activity Deficit and Idiopathic Rhinitis: A New Subgroup of Non-Allergic Rhinitis?

Idiopathic rhinitis represents more than 50% of non-allergic rhinitis, a heterogeneous group that involves the symptomatic inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The TRPV1 receptor of unmyelinated C-type neurons appears to be involved in its pathophysiology. Histamine, whose main catabolic enzyme is DAO, is one of the mediators that can activate this receptor. The failure of DAO causes an increase in the level of histamine in the body and, consequently, the activation of TRPV1. The objective was to investigate the existence of a DAO enzyme activity deficit in idiopathic rhinitis and its correlation with symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 116 idiopathic rhinitis patients, and DAO activity, nasal peak inspiratory flow, and rhinitis severity were recorded. The prevalence of a DAO activity deficit was 41.38% (95%CI 0.33–0.50; p = 0.05). The DAO activity in patients with mild rhinitis was 52.93 ± 8.72 HDU/mL, in those with moderate rhinitis it was 120.33 ± 71.63 HDU/mL, and in those with severe rhinitis it was 92.58 ± 27.75 HDU/mL (p = 0.006). The NPIF in patients with a DAO activity deficit was 107.92 ± 34.05 L/min, compared to 72.35 ± 27.16 L/min in patients with normal enzymatic activity (p p < 0.001). Therefore, patients with a DAO deficiency and idiopathic rhinitis could present a milder disease course, because the repeated and continuous activation of TRPV1 led to a partial or total decrease in their response (desensitization). This new theory represents a different perspective for the study of idiopathic rhinitis and its relationship with TRPV1, with the regulation or modulation of the desensitization of TRPV1 being an important therapeutic target for patients with idiopathic rhinitis in the future