Environmental health issues in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A J Gulya.
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Aspartame is a low-calorie food sweetener recently approved by the FDA for general human consumption. One of us (AJG) treated a patient whose symptoms of episodic vertigo and continuous unsteadiness resolved upon ceasing aspartame intake. A literature review revealed that although dizziness has been associated with aspartame intake, no systematic study of the problem exists. As an initial attempt to ascertain the prevalence of aspartame-related dizziness in an otolaryngologic clinic, we elected to study prospectively all patients entering with the complaint of vertigo by means of a standardized questionnaire. Those patients determined to consume aspartame were further studied in a nonblinded manner to see if aspartame intake could be correlated to symptomatology. A cross-over limb was also attempted, but no patient would participate. This presentation details the case history of the propositus patient and the preliminary results of the currently ongoing prospective study.
Carcinomatous neural infiltration and subsequent neural dysfunction are phenomena associated with the facial nerve and parotid gland tumors, particularly adenoid cystic carcinoma. The association of primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (PCSCC) with these phenomena is not as well recognized, especially with respect to the involvement of the trigeminal nerve. By presenting the case history of a man who successively developed facial and trigeminal neural dysfunction after Mohs chemosurgery of a PCSCC, this paper documents histologically the occurrence of such neural invasion, and illustrates the utility of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance scanning in patient management.
The nondeafened guinea pig model was utilized in this study to assess the functional and morphologic effects of cochlear implantation and electrical stimulation. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were recorded prior to and following intrascalar implantation of a 3M-House cochlear electrode (n = 41 ears), as well as after electrical stimulation (n = 23 ears). The experimental population was divided into the following groups according to implantation and stimulation parameters: 200 microA for 3 hours (group I); 200 microA for 24 hours (group II); 400 microA for 3 hours (group III); implanted, but not stimulated (group IV); and nonimplanted, not stimulated ears (group V). Of those cochleae that sustained the trauma of implantation, 32 percent had no detectable ABR to 110 dB SPL clicks, while only 7 percent additionally failed to respond to 130 dB SPL clicks. No significant difference (one-way ANOVA with repeated measures at the 95 percent confidence limit) could be detected when comparing those ears that retained ABRs according to experimental grouping. Morphologic analysis was performed on 29 cochleae. Spiral ganglion "packing densities" were not found to be significantly different among the groups (ANOVA). The status of the organ of Corti was significantly better in groups II and V in comparison to the other groups (Kruskal-Wallis test with pairwise comparisons, p less than 0.05); there was no discernible dose-response relationship. Morphologic and electrophysiologic changes correlated with insertion trauma and infection rather than with electrical stimulation at the levels tested in this study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Perilymph fistulae present a diagnostic dilemma to the clinician. As yet, there is no readily available, widely accepted diagnostic test. Electrocochleography (ECoG), with the advent of extratympanic recording techniques, has become a clinically applicable probe of cochlear function. Clinical ECoG was used to study guinea pigs (n = 35) both before and after surgical fistulization (n = 18) or fistulization and repair (n = 17) of the round window membrane. The animals were killed, and histopathologic examination of the temporal bones was carried out 0, 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. Of the 33 animals that survived surgery, 30 demonstrated ECoG wave-forms. No significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative wave-forms could be detected. Histopathologic study showed rapid healing of the fistulae, with no evidence of hydrops. Although there appeared to be a relatively selective loss of the outer hair cells of the cochlear basal turn, autolysis precluded detailed analysis. ECoG, as performed clinically, does not appear to detect the presence, spontaneous healing, or repair of a round window membrane fistula in the guinea pig.
Independent secretion of vasoactive substances by glomus tumors of the skull base is widely recognized. Surgical removal of these tumors often results in an unexplained prolonged postoperative ileus, even in cases in which the vagus nerve is preserved. There is evidence that these tumors may secrete neuropeptides, such as cholecystokinin, in addition to catecholamines. A retrospective analysis of cases of glomus tumors of the skull base operated on at The Otology Group was carried out to correlate preoperative neuropeptide levels, vagus nerve status at surgery, and duration of postoperative ileus. High circulating levels of cholecystokinin associated with these tumors may be responsible for the unexplained phenomenon of prolonged postoperative ileus. The relevance of neuropeptides to the postoperative management of these patients is discussed. Preventive measures that may avert the potentially lethal complications of aspiration and negative nitrogen balance are described.
Vestibular disorders will often be seen in the company of nonvestibular disorders, rendering the care of the affected patient a multidisciplinary challenge. It is the particular role of the otolaryngologist to provide expertise on the diagnosis and management of vestibular system dysfunction.
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The authors present two cases of dural arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) that developed at the site of previous suboccipital craniectomies. No other cases of delayed postoperative dural AVM's have been reported. Congenital and acquired dural AVM's are discussed, with reference to the similarity between postoperative dural AVM's and traumatic dural AVM's. Embolization is recommended in selected cases where the arterial supply is primarily from the external carotid system.
Lipomas of the intracranial vault are uncommon lesions. Rarely, lipomas of the cerebellopontine angle have been identified. The two cases of cerebellopontine angle lipomas reported herein brings the number of recorded cases to 13.
The VII-XII anastomosis has been employed for more than a decade by The Otology Group, P.C., in the facial reanimation of patients undergoing extirpation of tumors involving the cerebellopontine angle and the skull base. A retrospective review based upon a detailed questionnaire and submitted photographic documentation from 61 patients forms the basis for this review. Details and analysis of the functional results include onset of function, synkinetic activity, corneal irritation and associated ophthalmologic problems, facial tone and symmetry, and volitional mimetic function. From a psychosocial perspective, evaluation was made regarding workplace and home acceptance, self consciousness, adaptation, and overall satisfaction. Because of the nature of its technical performance and reliability, the VII-XII anastomosis is an important technique for the otolaryngologist to be familiar with. Cognizance of the functional and psychologic results with this procedure will ensure optimal (yet realistic) rehabilitation for this patient population.
Advances in microsurgical techniques, with the use of the laser and the ultrasonic suction aspirator, have paved the way for even more aggressive surgical approaches to large skull-base lesions, such as glomus tumors, adenocarcinomas of the temporal bone, and cranial nerve neuromas. Postoperative morbidity of multiple cranial nerve dysfunction has been aggravated in the past by cerebrospinal fluid leakage and/or gastro-intestinal dysfunction. At the Otology Group, P.C., in the course of dealing with more than 86 skull-base tumors, we have developed a standardized, multispecialty approach to such extensive skull-base lesions, including tracheotomy, gastrostomy, "ventriculoatrial" shunt placement, and rotated temporalis muscle flap closure. This article presents cases that illustrate the evolution of the current, "standard skull-base" operative procedure and the rationale for incorporation of the shunt and the muscle flap closure as operative refinements. Their beneficial effects upon postoperative morbidity are detailed.
Within the past quarter of a century, contributions to the surgical literature have steadily reflected an increasing interest in the surgical extirpation of lesions involving the skull base. While optimistic reports demonstrate a variety of operative techniques and clinical experiences, there has been a paucity of discussion regarding the intraoperative and perioperative management of these complex cases. Cognizant of the fact that the care of these patients is of paramount importance, we herein review our rationale and practiced protocol for management of this unique patient population. The removal of lesions that also require the sacrifice of multiple cranial nerves results in significant postoperative morbidity. With the significant cardiopulmonary challenges attendant upon long procedures, these patients require constant multisystem Infection surveillance, wound care, cardiopulmonary support, fluid and nutritional monitoring, vocal and pharyngeal rehabilitation, along with psychological support, manifest in a complicated array of managerial decisions, require an organized approach to optimize patient care.
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Primary adenomatous tumors of the middle ear and mastoid are rare. We recently cared for a man with a far-advanced primary adenocarcinoma of the middle ear and mastoid. Complete tumor removal was accomplished by a modified infratemporal fossa approach and was supplemented with postoperative radiation therapy. The postoperative complications of aspiration pneumonia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through the wound stimulated subsequent incorporation of temporary gastrostomy and CSF shunting into our surgical procedure. Now, 23 months after surgery, the patient is without evidence of recurrent disease. His case illustrates our approach to the management of such extensive temporal bone lesions as well as some of the potential problems which may be encountered.
Recently we had the opportunity of treating a boy from the northeastern region of the United States in whom bilateral facial palsies developed. After obtaining a detailed history and performing a thorough physical examination, the findings suggested Lyme disease. We herein discuss our evaluation and treatment of this child as well as review the otolaryngologic manifestations of this rare disease.