Diode Laser for Laryngeal Surgery: a Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction The diode laser has been frequently used in the management of laryngeal disorders. The portability and functional diversity of this tool make it a reasonable alternative to conventional lasers. However, whether diode laser has been applied in transoral laser microsurgery, the ideal parameters, outcomes, and adverse effects remain unclear. Objective The main objective of this systematic review is to provide a reliable evaluation of the use of diode laser in laryngeal diseases, trying to clarify its ideal parameters in the larynx, as well as its outcomes and complications. Data Synthesis We included eleven studies in the final analysis. From the included articles, we collected data on patient and lesion characteristics, treatment (diode laser's parameters used in surgery), and outcomes related to the laser surgery performed. Only two studies were prospective and there were no randomized controlled trials. Most of the evidence suggests that the diode laser can be a useful tool for treatment of different pathologies in the larynx. In this sense, the parameters must be set depending on the goal (vaporization, section, or coagulation) and the clinical problem. Conclusion: The literature lacks studies on the ideal parameters of the diode laser in laryngeal surgery. The available data indicate that diode laser is a useful tool that should be considered in laryngeal surgeries. Thus, large, well-designed studies correlated with diode compared with other lasers are needed to better estimate its effects.

Giant Nasolabial Cyst Treated Using Neumann Incision: Case Report

A nasolabial cyst is an ectodermal development cyst. It presents as a fullness of canine fossa, nasal ala, or vestibule of the nose. It is rare and usually small. Treatment consists of complete surgical excision or transnasal endoscopic marsupialization. Objective: To describe a giant nasolabial cyst case treated using Neumann incision. Case Report: A 37-year-old man was referred to the otolaryngology department with nasal obstruction and nasal deformity. Computed tomography showed a nasal cystic lesion 4 × 4.5 × 5 cm wide. Surgical excision using Neumann incision was performed. Discussion: Neumann incision provides wide access to the nasal cavity and may be useful in nasolabial cyst treatment...

Assessing quality of life of women with urinary incontinence using the Kings Health questionnaire / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em mulheres com incontinência urinária pelo uso do Kings Health questionnaire

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence, as well as its association with other demographic and socioeconomic factors that may influence their perception of quality of life. Methods: A total of 50 patients were submitted to the Kings Health questionnaire and to other independent scales to evaluate severity of urinary incontinence, as well as presence and intensity of urinary symptoms. Results: One third of women considered their health status bad or very bad. Half of the patients referred that urinary incontinence symptoms greatly affected their quality of life. Patients with symptoms of overactive bladder and mixed urinary incontinence presented statistically higher scores of quality of life in the domain ?sleep/mood?. There was no statistical difference between the groups concerning other quality of life domains, sociodemographic factors, and the correlation between bladder problem and general health perception. Conclusions: Most women with urinary incontinence considered their health status from regular to very bad. The sociodemographic factors did not influence the quality of life of the patients studied. The Kings Health questionnaire showed a negative impact of urinary incontinence on patient?s quality of life

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida em mulheres com incontinência urinária; e a associação de outros fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos que poderiam influenciar a percepção de qualidade de vida. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes foram submetidas ao Kings Health questionnaire e a outras duas escalas independentes para avaliar a gravidade da incontinência urinária, a presença e a intensidade dos sintomas urinários. Resultados: 1/3 das mulheres classificou seu estado de saúde como ruim ou muito ruim. Metade das pacientes referiu que os sintomas ligados a incontinência urinária afetaram muito a qualidade de vida. As pacientes com sintomas de bexiga hiperativa e incontinência urinária mista apresentaram escores de qualidade de vida estatisticamente maiores no domínio ?sono e disposição?. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação aos demais domínios de qualidade de vida, a fatores sociodemográficos, e na correlação do problema vesical com a percepção geral da saúde. Conclusões: A maioria das mulheres com incontinência urinária considerou sua saúde variando de regular a muito ruim. Os fatores sociodemográficos não influenciaram a qualidade de vida das pacientes estudadas. O Kings Health questionnaire evidenciou impacto negativo da incontinência urinária na qualidade de vida das pacientes