ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the functional outcomes and complications of stapedotomy with and without vein graft interposition
Design: Retrospective case study
Setting: Tertiary referral hospital
Subjects: Sixty otosclerosis patients [66 ears] that underwent primary stapedotomy surgery and followed up for at least 6 months
Interventions: Stapedotomy with vein graft interposition [n = 36] versus stapedotomy without interposition [n = 30]
Main outcome measures: Mean postoperative 4-frequency [500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz] air-bone gap, postoperative hearing gains for individual frequencies, sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo
Results: The mean postoperative 4-frequency [500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz] air-bone gap with interposition was significantly higher than without interposition [16.4 +/- 9.4 dB versus 10.7 +/- 7.4 dB, respectively]. Analyses of postoperative hearing gains revealed higher gains without interposition in all frequencies, significant for frequencies at 500Hz and 1000Hz in AC, and 4000 Hz in BC thresholds. Although the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo did not differ between groups, sensorineural hearing loss tended to be higher with vein graft interposition
Conclusion: Stapedotomy without interposition required less manipulation, thereby leading to satisfactory results without major complications. Difficulties in performing the vein graft interposition technique requiring more manipulations and skill may be a disadvantage. Prospective randomized studies with larger series comparing different techniques can better evaluate the results
ABSTRACT
To investigate the distribution of microbiologic agents causing cervicovaginitis. We conducted the study between October 2002 and December 2004 in Abant Izzet Baysal University, Duzce School of Medicine Hospital, Turkey. The samples were obtained from the posterior vaginal fornix and cervix by swabs in 828 patients. Direct microscopic examination, culture and enzyme immune assay [EIA] methods were performed in all patients for diagnosis of microbiologic agents. Gardnerella vaginalis [G. vaginalis] were diagnosed in 254 [30.7%] patients, Candida albicans [C. albicans] in 152 [18.4%], Candida glabrata [C. glabrata] in 36 [4.3%], Candida species in 52 [6.3%], Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] in 62 [7.5%], Streptococcus group B in 28 [3.4%], Escherichia coli [E. coli] in 42 [5.1%], Klebsiella species in 24 [2.9%], and Streptococcus group D in 8 [1%] patients in culture. Less frequent enterobacteria in 30 [3.6%] were: Pseudomonas species, Proteus species Enterobacter species, Hafnia alvei and Nonfermenter species. Neisseria gonorrheae [N. gonorrheae] was detected in one patient [0.1%] in culture. The Chlamydia trachomatis [C. trachomatis] antigen was detected by EIA methods in 130 [15.7%] patients and Trichomonas vaginalis [T. vaginalis] was observed in 8 [1%] patients by direct microscopic examination. Performing the etiologic diagnosis of cervicovaginitis is necessary in order to take appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend G. vaginalis, C. albicans and C. trachomatis should be investigated in patients having a diagnosis of cervicovaginitis in our population, since these were detected in a considerable number of cases. Additionally, C. glabrata and T. vaginalis should be kept in mind as possible pathogens