Outcomes and Prognosis of Patients Treated by Facial Nerve Decompression via Transmastoid Approach for Traumatic Facial Paralysis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes and prognosis of traumatic facial paralysis in patients treated with facial nerve decompression via transmastoid approach. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed 20 patients who suffered from temporal bone fractures resulting in facial paralysis and received surgical facial nerve decompression treatment via transmastoid approach from 2004 to 2012. RESULTS: In 14 patients, the House-Brackmann grade improved to 1, 2, or 3. The preoperative average House-Brackmann grade of 4.95 improved from 4.95 to the postoperative average House-Brackmann grade of 3.15. Statistically significant improvements were found in all groups whether the operation was performed within two weeks, or from two weeks to four weeks, or after four weeks. CONCLUSION: Postoperative results of facial nerve decompression in traumatic temporal bone fracture can be excellent. Surgeons can expect better outcomes with early diagnosis and lesser nerve damage.

A Case of Intraosseous Hemangioma of the Maxilla Bone / 대한이비인후과학회지

Intraosseous hemangioma is a rare tumor, occurring especially in the maxilla. Because hemangioma is a benign tumor with increased vascularity, some authors call it hamartoma. This tumor originates and expands into bony structures. We experienced a female patient with intraosseous hemangioma of the right maxilla. The tumor was completely removed through a gingivobuccal incision and the feeding vessel was embolized. We report this case regarding the radiologic work-up, differential diagnosis, pathology and treatment with a brief review of the literature.

A Case of Carbon Dioxide Narcosis Following Tracheotomy in Chronic Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Patient / 대한이비인후과학회지

Failure of pulmonary ventilation capacity results in carbon dioxide (CO2) retention. When this produces loss of consciousness, it is called CO2 narcosis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common cause of CO2 retention. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a typical disorder resulting in upper airway obstruction. However, bilateral vocal cord paralysis has been rarely documented in the chronic course of obstructive diseases related to the ear/nose/throat because its symptoms are relatively obvious. A 49-year-old man who complained of hoarseness and dyspnea for several years was diagnosed with bilateral vocal cord paralysis. CO2 narcosis occurred after tracheostomy and laser posterior cordotomy had been applied to relieve dyspnea. Details of the case are provided along with a review of the relevant literature.