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J P Windfuhr

Publications and source records attributed to J P Windfuhr.

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↗
PubMed2004

Myxoma of the lateral skull base: clinical features and management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features and incidence of true myxomas affecting the lateral skull base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Illustrative case report and review of the relevant literature. Included are all reports of myxomas according to the histopathologic definition of Stout. RESULTS: Despite nine case reports, only four patients matched the histopathologic criteria of a true myxoma growing in the lateral skull base. Facial palsy occurred in three adults with additional otalgia in one and progressive hearing loss (HL) in another patient. Our patient initially presented with signs of recurrent otitis media. The mastoid cavity was involved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of lesions occurring in the lateral skull base should include true myxoma. Correct diagnosis should be based on immunohistopathology to rule out malignant tumors. Radical surgery is the treatment of choice, but surgeons should respect vital structures and esthetic consequences.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Guidelines for inpatient adenoidectomy].

BACKGROUND: Adenoidectomy, with or without tonsillectomy, remains as one of the most common surgical procedures. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not the criteria for adenoidectomy based on an inpatient basis in our hospital have to be revised and to evaluate the incidence of postoperative bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 470 patients who underwent adenoidectomy during 1 year were analyzed in a prospective study. Age <1 year; age >16 years; underlying diseases that put the patient at increased pre-or postoperative cardiopulmonary, metabolic or general risk; >20 minutes driving time between hospital and home, lack of compliance; request of the patients/parents were criteria for adenoidectomy to be performed as an inpatient procedure. Due to the rarity of postoperative bleeding the rate of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage was calculated in a retrospective study on the basis of the data of 8131 patients who had undergone adenoidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients underwent adenoidectomy on an outpatient basis (53%). Two patients required surgical treatment for postoperative bleeding under general anesthesia (0.43%), one of whom was initially scheduled for outpatient surgery. The parents of 17 children initially scheduled for outpatient surgery refused to take responsibility of postoperative care on the day of surgery. These children were admitted. Inpatient observation was scheduled in most cases because of the distance to the hospital (115 patients) or underlying diseases (7 patients). The rate of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage in our retrospective study was 0.23%. There was only one adult with repeated bleeding on the day of surgery and 6 days postoperatively. 15 of 19 episodes of bleeding occurred on the day of surgery, the latest episode 6 days postoperatively. There was no case with lethal outcome. No blood transfusions or major surgical procedures at the neck were required to stop the bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient observation should be considered in patients with underlying general diseases, postoperative bleeding, poor compliance or request of the patients/parents. Age, general risk of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage and distance to the hospital are not criteria significant enough to indicate inpatient observation in patients who undergo adenoidectomy.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed2003

Pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of laryngeal chondrosarcoma.

Chondrosarcomas of the larynx (CS) are uncommon and predominantly affect the cricoid cartilage. In the larynx they have a distinctive biological behaviour and require individual treatment. A retrospective study was made on three cases of CS, all presenting with compromise of the upper respiratory tract. The medical history varied from several weeks to six years. Correct diagnosis required open resection of the lesion in all cases. Due to intra-operative findings, all patients underwent total laryngectomy. CS grow slowly and are therefore frequently diagnosed late in the course of the disease. A subglottic bulging of the mucosa should indicate high-resolution-computed-tomography of the larynx to exclude affection of the laryngeal framework. Correct diagnosis of laryngeal cartilaginous tumours requires a complete examination of the entirely resected tumour. Only extended and de-differentiated CS indicate further radical surgery, the remainder call for conservative surgical management.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Spontaneous defects of the lateral cranial base. 1. Clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy].

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (SCFO) or rhinorrhea originating from laterobasal defects is uncommon. An immediate closure of the defect is mandatory due to the risk of life-threatening meningitis. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and to present two additional case reports with emphasis on diagnostic problems and surgical techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two adults have been treated for SCFO in our clinic. A 62-year-old woman was complaining of pertinent otorrhea after placement of a ventilation tube and conservative treatment of serous otitis for 1 year elsewhere. A 66-year-old male patient had been treated for acute pneumococcal meningitis. He presented with unilateral deafness and vertigo 3 months later. High-Resolution-Computer-Tomography (HRCT) revealed a unilateral defect in the female and a bilateral defect in the male patient. A transmastoidal approach was used to amputate the meningoencephalocele and modified (Mini-Craniotomy) in the second (male) patient. The defect was closed in two layers using allogenic material and fibrin glue. RESULTS: One year after surgery both patients were free of symptoms and defect closure remained stable in HRCT and under microscopic view. CONCLUSIONS: SCFO from tegment defects is an uncommon cause of otorrhea and even rhinorrhea. History and clinical presentation of our patients can be regarded as typical for adults with SCFO. Evaluation of history, HRCT and a high index of suspicion is a prerequisite for correct diagnosis. The approach (transmastoidal, transtemporal, Mini-Craniotomy) to repair leaks of the tegmen should be related to the extent of the defect.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Spontaneous defects of the lateral skull base. 2. Etiology and review of the literature].

BACKGROUND: Isolated cases of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea (SCFO) of temporal bone origin with or without meningo(encephalo)cele have been reported. Diagnosis is predicted on a high index of suspicion. Since meningitis may occur secondary to SCFO, optimal therapy with surgical closure of the defect should immediately be performed. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and type of SCFO in literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the reports on SCFO in the world literature since the first description in 1897 by Escat. Clinical presentation, gender, age and surgical management were aspects of our classification. Not included were patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak following any kind of previous temporal bone surgery, head trauma or rupture of the round window membrane. RESULTS: A total of 241 CSFO in 236 patients were found to accomplish the search criteria. Gender was not found to be a risk factor. Two subtypes of SCFO exist: the majority (161 cases) developing through the tegmen tympani and a smaller number (80 cases) with a translabyrinthine SCFO. The latter group can be regarded as the childhood-type with congenital defects of the otic capsule (Mondini dysplasia) presenting with meningitis in 85% of all cases. Adulthood-type SCFO are typically located in the tegmen tympani area presenting with conductive hearing loss or otorrhea following tube placement in 86% of all cases. Recent literature recommends a combined (transmastoidal and middle fossa) approach for closure of defects in the tegmen. CONCLUSIONS: Copious otorrhea through a perforated tympanic membrane or following placement of a ventilation tube, conductive hearing loss or meningitis without impairment of cochlear or vestibular function should be regarded as warning signs for an existing SCFO in adults. Children usually present with symptoms of inner ear anomalies, meningitis and loss of cochlear-vestibular function. High-resolution computer tomography is the diagnostic procedure of choice. A follow-up of several years to disclose any recurrence of SCFO or occurrence at a different area should be considered in any patient.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorrhea↗
PubMed2002

[Evaluation and surgical approaches to tumors of the parapharyngeal space].

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the parapharyngeal space encompass a wide variety of benign or malignant neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with the history, diagnosis and management of parapharyngeal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study the data of 19 patients who underwent surgical excision between 1995 and 2001 were analyzed with regard to presenting signs and symptoms, histologic diagnosis, imaging technique and surgical approach. 12 patients were female, 7 male. The youngest patient was 17, the oldest 72 years of age (mean: 47). RESULTS: Two thirds of the resected tumors were benign. Eight tumors originated from salivary glands, neurogenic tumors were found in 6 patients, malignant lymphomas in two cases. CT was performed in 16 patients, an additional MRI was indicated in 5 patients due to the superior soft-tissue resolution. In one patient arteriography revealed a paraganglioma. Preoperative localization of the tumor was possible in all cases. The transcervical approach was performed in the majority of cases (7). An intraoral excision (4) in combination with a transcervical approach (3), transcervical-tarnsmandibular (1) or a midfacial degloving (2) was performed less frequently. CONCLUSION: Benign parapharyngeal tumors prevail. In the majority of cases they originate from the salivary glands. CT and MRI are the diagnostic procedure of choice to select the surgical approach with the least morbidity. MRI should be preferred since it provides superior soft-tissue resolution, multiplanar imaging, identification of the vascular structures and no exposition to ionizing radiation. Arteriography should be performed if indicated by MRI findings. Incisional biopsy or fine needle biopsy should be performed only in cases which appear to be unresectable. Intraoral excisions should be indicated only for small tumors. The majority of tumors can be excised using the transcervical approach. Excessive tumor growth or tumors growing close to the skull base may indicate an infratemporal approach or a mandibulotomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

An aberrant artery as a cause of massive bleeding following adenoidectomy.

Bleeding following adenoidectomy is a rare complication of this surgical procedure, and usually occurs in the first post-operative hours. In almost all cases it is related to adenoid remnants. Removal of these remnants under a second general anaesthetic is the treatment of choice. We report a case of massive bleeding three days following adenoidectomy related to the injury of an aberrant ascending pharyngeal artery during adenoidectomy performed elsewhere. Signs of manifest shock necessitated an immediate ligature of the external carotid artery and its individual branches. The post-operative course was uneventful. Two years later the boy underwent tonsillectomy without complications.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed2001

Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery following soft tissue penetration injury.

Aneurysms of the extracranial arteries are in most cases secondary to atherosclerosis but may also be due to degeneration, congenital abnormalities, trauma or unclear etiology. They present either with bulging in the lateral pharyngeal wall or the neck. Therefore, otolaryngologists are often among the first physicians to see the patient. In this report, we present a case of spontaneous oral bleeding that was caused by a pseudoaneurysm following 2 weeks after a soft tissue penetration injury in a child. The facial swelling of the child was initially diagnosed to be mumps by its pediatrician and the fever treated with aspirin. A pseudonaneurysm of the internal carotid artery was identified by arteriography as the source of the abrupt oral bleeding and required immediate surgical treatment including radiological means. Our report should illustrate the importance of careful preoperative evaluation as well as a high index of suspicion especially in children, where evaluation of history is difficult.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2001

Hemorrhage following pediatric tonsillectomy before puberty.

OBJECTIVE: Control of postoperative bleeding, considered as the major complication following tonsillectomy, serves as a landmark for the safety of the operation. There is a constant decrease of the concentration of hemoglobin during childhood with lowest values around 6 years of age with normal values at the beginning of puberty accompanied by a constant decrease of the number of platelets after birth. Dehydration, poor oral intake and airway problems are predominant complications in early childhood. A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate if the incidence of bleeding is associated with certain age groups in pediatric patients. We assessed if there is a questionable higher risk for blood transfusions due to the age-specific lower hemoglobin concentration in children. METHODS: Between January 1988 and August 2000, 2330 patients under 12 years of age underwent tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, in St. Anna Hospital, Duisburg. Group A (age<6 years) consisted of 1467 patients of whom 59.6% were male. Group B (aged 6-12 years) consisted of 863 patients, of whom 48.1% were male. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding from the tonsillar fossae requiring treatment under general anesthesia occurred in group A (1%) and B (2.3%). Bleeding from the adenoidectomy site was treated in group A (0.3%) and B (0.3%). Primary bleeding occurred in the majority of patients in both groups group A (55%) and group B (75%). The latest bleeding was observed 6 days (group A) and 10 days (group B) following surgery, due to statistical analysis the difference was found to be significant (P<0.025). In group A there was one 42-month-old boy who died due to massive bleeding despite ligature of the external carotid artery and blood transfusions. Statistical evaluation shows a significant increase of postoperative bleeding with age (P=0.024). No blood transfusion was required in other patients. CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy can be safely performed in children under 6 years of age with no increased risk of postoperative bleeding or risk of receiving blood transfusion. Rare cases of secondary hemorrhage seem to occur more frequently in younger children and should be treated immediately under general anesthesia to avoid severe complications.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed2001

[Hemorrhage after tonsillectomy. Analysis of 229 cases].

BACKGROUND: In Germany a hospital stay of 6 days following tonsillectomy is recommended. Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhage following tonsillectomy with regard to the safety of a shorter hospital stay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 5474 patients of our clinic who underwent tonsillectomy between 1988 and 1998 were enrolled in our study. Additionally, 65 patients with hemorrhage following tonsillectomy elsewhere were included. RESULTS: Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 145 (2.65%) of our patients, 7 patients underwent recurrent treatment, in 97% suture ligation was sufficient. Primary bleeding (< 24 h) occurred in 79.7% of our patients. A 42-month old boy died at home due to massive bleeding 6 days following surgery. In this particular case, we strictly recommended postpone dismission because the boy had recurrent episodes of bleeding the days before. Postoperative hemorrhage after tonsillectomy performed elsewhere had to be treated in most cases 7-8 days postoperatively. Suture ligation of bleeding vessels was not sufficient in 21% and ligature of the external carotid artery mandatory. In these cases were usually found signs of deep necrosis. CONCLUSION: Due to the risk of life-threatening bleeding tonsillectomy should be performed as an inpatient procedure. The time of hospital stay should be related to the results obtained by self-evaluation and definition of risk factors. Readmission of patients with hemorrhage after dismission should be recommended. The follow-up has to be extended as long as the healing process continues.

Adolescent↗