Complications of total laryngectomy

To find out various complications after total laryngectomy, with reference to their presentation, diagnosis, and management. It was a prospective descriptive study. Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery department, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, from 1st July 1999 to 31st June 2001. 25 patients undergoing total laryngectomy for proven carcinoma larynx [Ca larynx] were included in this study. Patients were reviewed after surgery and any complication that occurred was recorded. The presentation, diagnosis, and management of these complications are discussed, along with voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. There were 23 males and 2 females. Age of patients ranged from 40 - 65 years. Complications included wound infection [06], pharyngocutaneous fistula [03], pharyngeal stenosis [03], and nodal metastasis [02]. Wound infection and pharyngocutaneous fistula are most common complications after total laryngectomy. Preoperative radiotherapy and low postoperative haemoglobin level are important risk factors for development of pharyngocutaneous fistula in total laryngectomy patients. Postoperative radiotherapy to the neck reduces the risk of nodal metastasis after total laryngectomy

Clinical study on the use of nozovent in a tertiary care setting

To assess the effectiveness of the Nozovent device in Pakistani subjects at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore from 15 January 2001 to 15 January 2002. Sixty males and 40 females were selected by non probability purposive sampling, from OPD of ENT Department, complaining of nasal obstruction due to various reasons, e.g. vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, congestion during pregnancy and menstruation, common cold, traumatic nose and nasal valve problem. All patients benefited subjectively but the degree of relief varied in individuals. The Nozovent provides a unique method to relieve nasal obstruction with no side effects