Laser, radiofrequency or tympanostomy knife? : Comparison of surgical methods in tympanostomy treatment of young children and predictive value of tympanometry

Objectives: To investigate tympanostomy tube (TT) treatment in young children, with special interest in bloodless surgical methods (laser and radiofrequency), myringosclerosis formation and tympanometric testing.Methods: This prospective study includes 76 children whose 121 ears with middle ear effusion were treated with tympanostomy tubes. Myringotomy was performed with CO2 laser in 37, radiofrequency in 40 and myringotomy knife in 44 ears. The ears were evaluated with otomicroscopy and tympanometry preoperatively and post-operatively every 3-4 months until spontaneous tube extrusion.Results: All tubes extruded spontaneously (mean 12.8 months, range 3-36 months), with no persistent perfora-tions or cholesteatomas. CO2 laser and radiofrequency inserted tympanostomy tubes extruded faster (mean 11 months) compared to incisional myringotomy (mean 15 months, p = 0.002). Myringosclerosis was noted in 25 (21%) ears after treatment. There was a tendency to less myringosclerosis with bloodless techniques, but the difference was not significant. Flat tympanograms on the day of procedure predicted continuation of ventilation problems also after TT treatment (p = 0.003). Ears with preoperative type B tympanogram had significantly more myringosclerosis 21/75 (28%) compared with type A and C tympanograms 4/41 (10%) (p = 0.032).Conclusions: While all myringotomy methods were effective and safe, the traditional incisional myringotomy with a tympanostomy knife is still a good, feasible and cost-effective myringotomy method. No surgical removal of tympanostomy tubes is needed before 3 years of uncomplicated tympanostomy treatment. Tympanometry turned out to be a useful tool in prediction of post TT treatment ventilation problems of the middle ear.Peer reviewe

Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty : Systematic Review of Long-term Outcomes and Proposed Indications

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) aims to improve the function of the Eustachian tube (ET). The objective of this study was to review the long-term outcome of BET and present the process and results of outlining indications for BET by the Finnish Otosurgical Society. The literature review is based on a database search performed in May 2017. The search resulted in 100 individual articles, which were screened for relevance. Five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria (follow-up >= 12 months). Five additional articles (follow-up, 6-11 months) were analyzed to obtain supportive information. The proposed BET indications were constituted in the 2016 annual meeting of the Finnish Otosurgical Society. The workshop included a review of the Eustachian tube physiology, middle ear aeration mechanisms, and BET outcome studies. Thereafter, the members of the Society first voted and then discussed 14 cases in order to conclude whether BET was indicated in each case, and subsequently, a consensus statement on the indications for BET was outlined. The long-term follow-up studies were heterogeneous regarding the Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) definition, patient selection, follow-up duration, additional treatments, and outcome measures. The current, but limited, evidence suggests that BET is effective in the long-term. However, more long-term studies with uniform criteria and outcome measures as well as placebo-controlled studies are needed. The proposed indications for BET by the Finnish Otosurgical Society include chronic bothersome symptoms referring to ETD, ETD-related symptoms when pressure changes rapidly, or recurring serous otitis media. With the current evidence, we suggest treating only adults with BET.Peer reviewe

Lugol's solution and Gentian violet eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in skin wound infections

The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Lugol's solution 5% and Gentian violet 1% against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm in vivo. The bactericidal efficacy for treatment of MRSA-biofilm skin wound infection was tested in a murine model. Luciferase-tagged S. aureus Xen31, a MRSA-strain derived from S. aureus ATCC-3359130, was used for infection. Wounds were made in the skin of mice and infected with MRSA. The mice were treated with Lugol's solution and Gentian violet. Application of the antimicrobial agents started 24 hours post infection and was repeated daily for five-days. The antimicrobial effect on the biofilm bacteria was evaluated by measuring bioluminescence from MRSA daily for seven-days. Lugol's solution and Gentian violet showed a significant reduction in luminescent signals from the first assessment day to all subsequent days (P < .001). Lugol's solution and Gentian violet effectively eradicated MRSA in biofilm in vivo and could be alternatives or in addition to topical antibiotics when MRSA-biofilm wound infection is suspected.publishedVersio

Development of otology specific outcome measure : Ear Outcome Survey-16 (EOS-16)

Purpose: An important outcome measure of patient care is the impact on the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Current ear-specific HRQoL instruments are designed for one diagnosis and emphasize different subdivisions such as symptoms, hearing problems, psychosocial impact, and the need for care. The optimal length of the recall period has not been studied. For these reasons, a new survey is needed that would cover most chronic ear diseases. Methods: A preliminary 24-item survey (EOS-24) was created. Untreated adult patients (included n = 186) with one of seven different chronic otologic conditions from all university hospitals in Finland were recruited to respond to EOS-24 and the 15D general HRQoL instrument. The recruiting otologists evaluated the severity of the disease and the disability caused by it. A control group was recruited. Based on the patients' responses in different diagnosis groups, the items were reduced according to pre-defined criteria. The resulting survey was validated using a thorough statistical analysis. Results: The relevance and necessity of the original 24 items were thoroughly investigated, leading to the exclusion of 8 items and the modification of 1. The remaining 16 items were well-balanced between subdivisions and were useful in all seven diagnosis groups, thus constituting the final instrument, EOS-16. The most suitable recall period was three months. Conclusions: EOS-16 has been created according to the HRQoL survey guidelines with a versatile nationwide patient population. The survey has been validated and can be used for a wide range of chronic ear diseases as a HRQoL instrument. (C) 2021 PLA General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.Peer reviewe

Re-traumatization of torture survivors during treatment in somatic healthcare services: A mapping review and appraisal of literature presenting clinical guidelines and recommendations to prevent re-traumatization

Abstract Rationale The number of torture survivors is on the rise, posing issues for their care in healthcare settings. Even healthcare experts with training in refugee care are unaware of the health difficulties faced by torture survivors. Any medical evaluation or treatment has the potential to re-traumatize torture survivors, thereby reactivating trauma symptoms without applicable guidelines to prevent re-traumatization. Objective Our objective was to identify, characterize, evaluate, and organize current, available evidence presenting existing recommendations and suggestions to prevent re-traumatization during the treatment of torture survivors’ physical diseases in healthcare services. Methods A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted. Gray literature coverage was obtained by searching for publications from relevant associations and healthcare organizations focusing on torture survivors. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and research focusing on somatic healthcare services for adult torture survivors, regardless of study design, were eligible for review. Studies that concentrated on psychiatric departments were excluded. To conduct an overview of the available research and describe the scope and distribution of evidence, a mapping review methodology was used. Results Forty out of 13,111 initial citations met our criteria. There were two guidelines, and text and opinion statements predominated. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias in each primary research study using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for the research design. Conclusions This mapping review identifies triggers that may re-traumatize torture survivors during treatment and makes recommendations for prevention. Only a few studies have considered torture survivors' perspectives on treatment and re-traumatization. According to the findings of the mapping review, healthcare providers should consider survivors’ biopsychosocial situations, cultural sensitivity, and personal attitude changes. They must also identify tortured patients and determine when professional interpreters should be used

Long-term follow-up after ESS and balloon sinuplasty : Comparison of symptom reduction and patient satisfaction

Conclusion This is the first controlled study of balloon sinuplasty's long-term efficacy with the follow-up time over 5 years. The results are in accordance with a previous 2-year-follow-up study. Both techniques retained the efficacy and patient satisfaction on average 6 years after the surgery. Background Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and balloon sinuplasty are considered as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after a failure of conservative therapy. High cost and lack of long-term follow-up studies restrain the use of balloon sinuplasty. Objective The aim of this study was to compare long-term efficacy and satisfaction in CRS patients who had undergone maxillary sinus operation with either balloon sinuplasty or ESS technique. Previous or additional sinonasal operations were exclusion criteria. Materials and methods Study patients were recruited from 208 CRS-patients who underwent either ESS or balloon sinuplasty. Patients with nasal polyposis (gradus >= 2), previous sinonasal surgery, unilateral disease, or immune deficiency were excluded. Altogether 45 patients in the ESS group and 40 patients in the balloon group were included. Of these, 30 and 28, respectively, answered to a phone interview held on average 6 years after primary surgery. Symptom reduction and long-term satisfaction were evaluated by using symptom scores of 19 parameters altogether. Results Both groups experienced improvement in symptoms and were equally satisfied with the operation. The number of patient-reported acute exacerbations was higher among the balloon dilated patients. Also, the reduction of thick nasal discharge was less evident in the balloon sinuplasty group. Four patients in the balloon sinuplasty group underwent revision surgery. There were no revisions in the ESS group.Peer reviewe

Development of otology specific outcome measure: Ear Outcome Survey-16 (EOS-16)

PurposeAn important outcome measure of patient care is the impact on the patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Current ear-specific HRQoL instruments are designed for one diagnosis and emphasize different subdivisions such as symptoms, hearing problems, psychosocial impact, and the need for care. The optimal length of the recall period has not been studied. For these reasons, a new survey is needed that would cover most chronic ear diseases.MethodsA preliminary 24-item survey (EOS-24) was created. Untreated adult patients (included n = 186) with one of seven different chronic otologic conditions from all university hospitals in Finland were recruited to respond to EOS-24 and the 15D general HRQoL instrument. The recruiting otologists evaluated the severity of the disease and the disability caused by it. A control group was recruited. Based on the patients’ responses in different diagnosis groups, the items were reduced according to pre-defined criteria. The resulting survey was validated using a thorough statistical analysis.ResultsThe relevance and necessity of the original 24 items were thoroughly investigated, leading to the exclusion of 8 items and the modification of 1. The remaining 16 items were well-balanced between subdivisions and were useful in all seven diagnosis groups, thus constituting the final instrument, EOS-16. The most suitable recall period was three months.ConclusionsEOS-16 has been created according to the HRQoL survey guidelines with a versatile nationwide patient population. The survey has been validated and can be used for a wide range of chronic ear diseases as a HRQoL instrument.</p

Buegangsdehiscens

Buegangsdehiscens er en tilstand med plagsomme øresymptomer og svimmelhet forårsaket av en defekt i benet mellom det indre øret og midtre skallegrop. Sykdommen er ufarlig, og for mange pasienter er det tilstrekkelig med en god forklaring på symptomene samt råd om mestringsstrategier, balansetrening og eventuelt bruk av hørselstekniske hjelpemidler. Ved uttalte plager kan kirurgisk behandling være aktuelt.publishedVersio

VEGF-B-induced vascular growth leads to metabolic reprogramming and ischemia resistance in the heart

Peer reviewe