Objective and Subjective Voice Examination in Turkish Imams.

OBJECTIVE: Imams are professional voice users and they are at high risk of developing voice problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate vocal acoustic parameters and voice handicap index (VHI) scores in Turkish imams and comparing these paramaters with a control group of male nonprofessional voice users. METHODS: A total of 62 active working Turkish imams that never applied to our clinic with voice problems volunteered as subjects for the study and the control group consisted of 47 male nonprofessional voice users. Every participant completed a VHI questionnaire. A voice analysis was performed using computer program Dr.Speech Version 4 in an acoustically treated setting. Mean fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics to noise ratio values were recorded during the phonation and were analyzed. RESULTS: All imams were active working men aged 27-57 and the control group was comprised of male nonprofessional voice users of a similar age group. The measure of mean fundamental frequency, harmonics to noise ratio, jitter and shimmer rates were similar between two groups. In comparison of VHI between the groups no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Even though imams in the study group stated that they experienced voice problems in their professional lives, this did not cause any adverse changes in acoustic and subjective parameters (VHI) compared with control group.

The Effects of Using Bioglue in Nasal Septal Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal septal surgery is one of the most common surgical procedure performed by otolaryngologists. Nasal packs are used for bleeding control, prevention of septal hematoma, replacement of mucoperichondrial flaps, and stabilization of the septum after nasal septal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of albumin-glutaraldehyde-based tissue adhesive (Bioglue), which can be used as an alternative to nasal pack on the nasal septum after experimental nasal septum surgery. METHODS: A total of 16 female Wistar albino rats were randomly separated into the study group (n = 10) and the control group (n = 6). After raising the mucoperichondrial flap on one side of the septum, Bioglue was used to fix the mucoperichondrial flap over the septal cartilage in the study group and nasal packs (Merocel) were used for fixation in the control group. The rats were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks after septoplasty. All the tissue samples were evaluated under light microscope by the same pathologist in respect of foreign-body reaction, degree of inflammation, granulation tissue, fibrosis, cartilage damage, and cilia and goblet cell damage. In the control group, the Merocel packs were removed after 2 days and the groups were compared in terms of hematoma. RESULTS: No hematoma was observed in any group. Septal perforation was determined in all the study group participants and loss of cilia and goblet cells and foreign-body reaction were found in 8 samples of the study group participants and in none of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that Bioglue caused segmental cartilage injury; therefore, it may not suitable for use following septal surgery.

Spectrographic and Electroglottographic Findings of Religious Vocal Performers in Düzce Province of Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the register phenomenon and spectral characteristics of vocal styles used by vocal performers in a Muslim community were investigated. METHODS: Electroglottography was performed on 17 subjects, whereas spectrography was performed on 18 subjects, and 16 of these subjects participated in both parts of the study. RESULTS: We observed that the participants used chest register in voice production and there was no change in this situation related to the increase in frequency. It was found that Western opera singers' formant cluster did not exist in their normal speech and performance voice spectrum. Generally, there were clear energy peaks at the 3- to 4-kHz spectral region in their performance voice, but this peak did not appear in the daily speech voice. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that a bunched F3, F4, and F5 is a critical prerequisite in the production of a calling formant cluster. However, it was observed that in certain cases, this phenomenon was produced only with bunching of F4 and F5 or with an increased F4 energy level. Although an increase in F3 assists in the production of the calling formant cluster, the main source of the calling formant cluster was the decrease in F4 and F5 frequencies, and the main contribution came from F5, which was fairly decreased. Moreover, it was found that a decreased closed quotient value caused a raise in the relative level of calling formant cluster (Lcfc) value. In conclusion, our results indicate that the production of the calling formant cluster is based not only on vocal tract properties but also on glottal settings.

The effect of duration of nasal obstruction on mean platelet volume in patients with marked nasal septal deviation.

Nasal obstruction is a common cause of marked nasal septal deviation. It is related strongly with hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions increase mean platelet volume levels. This study aimed to investigate the effect of age on mean platelet volume in patients with marked nasal septal deviation. We made a retrospective study of patients with marked nasal septal deviation between January 2012 and May 2014. The patients were divided into four groups according to duration of nasal obstruction (less than 10, 10-20, 20-30 and more than 30 years). The groups were compared with each other in terms of mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet count in preoperative hemogram. This study was performed on 356 male and 139 female patients. Mean age was 33.9 ± 12.3 years. It was determined that the platelet count, mean platelet volume did not constitute statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, it was determined that as the duration of nasal obstruction elongated the mean platelet volume value increased and platelet count values decreased. Mean values of platelet distribution width constituted statistically significant difference between all groups (p = 0.026). Patients with marked nasal septum deviation should be subjected to surgery as soon as possible because of the increase in mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width values which are related to increase in the risk of cardiopulmonary complications of nasal obstruction.

[Nasal foreign bodies: an analysis of 130 patients]. / Burunda yabanci cisim: 130 hastanin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate clinical manifestations and treatment protocols in patients with a diagnosis of nasal foreign bodies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 130 patients (72 males, 58 females; mean age 3.65±2.31 years; range 15 month to 72 years) who were diagnosed with nasal foreign bodies and received treatment between November 2008 and July 2013. Age and sex of the patients, type of foreign body, side of presentation, signs and symptoms, management practices, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Most of the patients were children between the ages of 2 and 5 (n=113, 86.9%). The most common foreign bodies were small plastic toys (43.8%), nut, walnut, corn, bean and the other seed grains (29.2%). Foreign bodies were detected in the right nasal passage in 74 patients (56.9%), left nasal passage in 54 patients (41.6%) and both nostrils in two patients (1.5%). Of the patients, 92.3% were admitted to our clinic within 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Nasal foreign bodies are frequent encountered in the emergency setting of ear, nose, and throat diseases. Although they are not life-threatening conditions, they require urgent intervention, as they may lead to several complications in the long-term. Parents and caregivers of children should keep objects which can be put into the nose away and be instructed that they should consult a physician in case of nasal foreign bodies.

Evaluation of middle ear pressure in the early period after adenoidectomy in children with adenoid hypertrophy without otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze the changes in middle ear pressure in the early period after adenoidectomy in children with adenoid hypertrophy without otitis media with effusion. METHODS: This prospective, descriptive study was performed on 64 patients (with normal tympanic membranes and tympanograms) undergoing adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy. All patients were operated by single experienced team using curettage technique. First tympanometry was done on the day before surgery. Tympanometry was repeated on the first-, third-, and seventh-day after the operation. Patients are separated into two groups according to age as patients younger than 6 years (Group A) and patients older than 6 years (Group B). All data were separately evaluated for each ear using Jerger Classification. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients included in the study, 35 were male and 29 were female, and the average age was 91.01 ± 37.4 (35-178) months. Pathological decreases in the middle ear pressures of at least one ear were determined in 48 (75%) patients on the first postoperative day and in 10 (15.6%) patients on the third postoperative day. Middle ear pressures returned to preoperative values by the seventh postoperative day except in two patients. There were statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) among preoperative and first, third, and seventh postoperative day mean middle ear pressure. There were no statistically significant differences between Groups A and B in terms of tympanometry values of both ears obtained preoperatively and on the first, third, and seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSION: In our study, temporary eustachian dysfunction and aural fullness occur in the early period after adenoidectomy and/or adenotonsillectomy. This situation may be due to post-surgery clots and edema in nasopharynx. We consider that tubal orifice can be exposed to surgical trauma as adenoidectomy surgeries are done by curettage technique. There is a need for comparative studies using microdebrider or laser adenoidectomy accompanied by an endoscope.

Pediatric Tracheotomy: A 5-Year Experience in Düzce University Medical Faculty.

OBJECTIVE: Tracheotomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures. Pediatric tracheotomy indications have changed in recent decades. Currently, tracheotomy is performed because of prolonged intubation, upper airway obstruction, neuromuscular, and craniofacial anomalies instead of acute airway infections. This study aims to present our experience regarding indications and complications of tracheotomy in pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 17 pediatric patients who underwent tracheotomy because of prolonged intubation, increased pulmonary secretions, and upper respiratory tract obstruction from June 2010 to June 2015. The patients' age, gender, tracheotomy indications, duration of intubation, complications, and actual clinical condition were recorded. RESULTS: Tracheotomy was performed on 17 pediatric patients in our clinic. Discharged patients were followed with a 3-month routine check. Six patients (35.29%) had died because of a primary disease during follow-up, and one (5.88%) of them was a one-day-old newborn who had anomalies that were incompatible with life. In one patient, emergency tracheotomy was performed because of a tracheal trauma. None of the patients has been decannulated except one (5.88%). One (5.88%) patient had an accidental decannulation, while another had bleeding in the operation field. The total minor complication rate was 11.76%, and no major complication was observed. Two (11.76%) of the discharged patients underwent re-operation for widening of the tracheotomy stoma during their routine visit. CONCLUSION: Currently, tracheotomy in pediatric patients is mostly performed for prolonged intubation and upper respiratory tract obstruction for which intubation is not possible. Tracheotomy enables the discharge of these patients after training their families.

When should automatic Auditory Brainstem Response test be used for newborn hearing screening?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the referral rate and when automatic Auditory Brainstem Response (aABR) should be used for newborn hearing screening. METHODS: The present study enrolled 2933 healthy full-term infants and 176 infants with perinatal risk factors. Hearing screening using Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) was performed in newborns for the first time 5 days after birth except perinatal risk factors infants. The TEOAE was repeated to neonates failing to pass at the 15th day after birth. Neonates failing to pass the second TEOAE, repeated the test again at the 30th day after birth. Neonates failing to pass the third TEOAE were referred for the second stage screening using aABR. In addition, neonates with risk factors were tested with aABR directly. RESULTS: In this research, 85 (2.9%) infants who could not pass the TEOAE and 176 infants exposed to perinatal risk factors, underwent the aABR test. In the aABR, 14 (7.9%) of 176 infants exposed to perinatal risk factors and 10 (11.7%) of 85 infants who could not pass the TEOAE failed to pass. As a result, hearing loss was detected in only 10 (0.34%) of 2933 healthy full-term infants. CONCLUSION: TEOAE should be performed at least twice in healthy full-term infants before aABR, because aABR is to be performed by specially trained personnel and takes a long time. In view of these results, it is our opinion that infants without perinatal risk factors should undergo TEOAE screening test and infants who did not pass control screening tests and have perinatal risk factors should absolutely undergo aABR test. But it should be remembered that TEOAE can cause a problem to miss auditory neuropathy in infants without perinatal risk factors.

Giant myoepithelioma of the soft palate.

Myoepitheliomas are benign salivary gland tumors and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. They are usually located in the parotid gland. The soft palate is very rare affected site. The differential diagnosis of myoepitheliomas should include reactive and neoplastic lesions. The treatment of myoepitheliomas is complete removal of the tumor. Herein, we report a case with giant myoepithelioma of the soft palate, reviewing the related literature.

Topical levobupivacaine efficacy in pain control after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out the efficacy of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge (Merocel Kennedy; Medtronic Xomed, Jacksonville, Florida) sinus pack soaked with levobupivacaine hydrochloride to control postoperative pain and analgesic need following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Forty-one patients who underwent FESS were included in the analysis. Setting A tertiary referral hospital in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent FESS were divided into 2 groups. The PVA sponge sinus packs were soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride (chirocaine 25 mg/10 mL; Abbott, Nycomed Pharma AS, Elverum, Norway) in group I and with 5 mL of saline in group II. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain levels were recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS score, 0-100) at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists status. Postoperative VAS values at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours were significantly lower in group I than in group II (P < .05). Supplemental analgesia amount was significantly lower in group I than in group II (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Using levobupivacaine-soaked PVA sponge sinus packs after FESS is an effective, easy, and quick method to control postoperative pain, and it improves patient comfort and tolerability.

Hearing evaluation in preeclamptic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pathological effects of preeclampsia on hearing levels in pregnant women by pure-tone audiometry and brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs). METHODS: Both ears in 30 preeclamptic patients and 38 women with uncomplicated pregnancy matched by maternal age and gestational age were investigated based on BAEPs and pure-tone audiometry. Hearing thresholds were within the normal ranges in all subjects prior to pregnancy. We compared the results of hearing levels and auditory pathway functions between the two groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in pure-tone audiometry results were found between the two groups (p < 0.05). However, these results were not clinically significant because all pure-tone thresholds were lower than 20 dB (normal hearing abilities). The differences between BAEPs were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that preeclampsia does not markedly affect hearing function unless it causes secondary vascular occlusion of microcirculation related to hearing.

A rhinolith surrounded by a nasal polyp.

Rhinoliths are uncommon mineralized nasal mass in children and adolescents. We reported a case of unilateral rhinolith that presented as a nasal polyp. A 29-year-old woman who had right-sided nasal purulent discharge, nasal obstruction, intermittent epistaxis, and posterior nasal drip for 6 months was admitted to our department. Nasal examination revealed a nasal mass between the inferior turbinate and the nasal septum, presenting as a nasal polyp or a nasal tumor. Paranasal sinus computed tomographic scan confirmed a calcified mass in soft tissue. We removed the rhinolith and the soft tissue that was around it with a transnasal endoscopic approach. Histologic analysis of the soft tissue identified inflammatory nasal polypoid tissue.

Efficacy of topical levobupivacaine in control of postoperative pain after septoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To search the efficacy of using Merocele (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrocloride as a nasal pack in control of postoperative pain after septoplasty. DESIGN: The study was designed as a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Forty-one patients who underwent septoplasty operation were included in the analysis. SETTING: A tertiary referral hospital in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing septoplasty were divided into two groups. At the end of the operation, Merocele packs were placed inside the nasal cavity. In the levobupivacaine group, each Merocele pack was soaked with 5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride (25 mg/10 mL), and in the control group, Merocele packs were soaked with 5 mL of saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative pain levels were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS score, 0-100) at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hours. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference between groups regarding age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and body mass index. Postoperative VAS values at 30 minutes and 1, 2, 8, and 12 hours were significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group compared with the control group (p < .05). The need for supplemental analgesia was significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group compared with the control group (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Postoperative pain after septoplasty owing to nasal packing is an important problem, and using levobupivacaine-soaked Merocele as a nasal pack after septoplasty is an effective method for the control of this pain. It is a very easy, effective, and quick method and it improves patient comfort after septoplasty.

Evaluation and management of antrochoanal polyps.

Antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) are benign polypoid lesions arising from the maxillary antrum and they extend into the choana. They occur more commonly in children and young adults, and they are almost always unilateral. The etiopathogenesis of ACPs is not clear. Nasal obstruction and nasal drainage are the most common presenting symptoms. The differential diagnosis should include the causes of unilateral nasal obstruction. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scans are the main diagnostic techniques, and the treatment of ACPs is always surgical. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and powered instrumentation during FESS for complete removal of ACPs are extremely safe and effective procedures. Physicians should focus on detecting the exact origin and extent of the polyp to prevent recurrence.

Analgesic efficacy of topical tramadol in the control of postoperative pain in children after tonsillectomy.

PURPOSE: Pain control after tonsillectomy is still a controversial issue. Topical approaches have the advantage of pain control with good patient acceptability. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of topical tramadol on postoperative pain and morbidity in children undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study was designed. Forty children aged between 4 and 15 years, ASA I-II, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were randomized into two groups. For patients in Group T (n = 20) swabs soaked with 2 mg/kg tramadol diluted in 10 ml saline were applied to both of their tonsillar fossa for 5 min; in the control group (n = 20) swabs soaked with 10 ml saline were applied. Postoperative pain scores, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, constipation, pain in the throat, painful swallowing, fever, otalgia, trismus, and halitosis were recorded at the first, fifth, thirteenth, seventeenth, twenty-first, and twenty-fourth postoperative hours and the week after tonsillectomy. RESULTS: Pain scores were found to be significantly lower at the 21st hour and on postoperative day seven in the tramadol group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Mean daily pain scores ranged from Day 1: 0.34 (±0.21) to Day 7: 0.11 (±0.08) in the tramadol group and Day 1: 0.53 (±0.14) to Day 7: 0.42 (±0.15) in the control group. There were no significant differences in morbidity between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Topical 5% tramadol with its local anesthetic effect seems to be an easy, safe, and comfortable approach for pain management in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Myringosclerosis after tympanostomy tube insertion: relation with tube retention time and gender.

OBJECTIVE: To determine relationship between myringosclerosis and tube retention time and sex in children with chronic otitis media with effusion who were treated with tympanostomy tube insertion. Also, the relationship between myringosclerosis both sex and initial age of tube insertion were investigated. METHODS: A total of 101 children (195 ears) were reviewed. Ears were divided into four groups according to retention time of tympanostomy tubes. Group I: Retention time of tympanostomy tube less than 6 months. Group II: Retention time of tympanostomy tube from 6 months to 12 months. Group III: Retention time of tympanostomy tube of 12 months or more. Group IV: Myringotomy group without tympanostomy tube insertion. RESULTS: The order of the myringosclerosis rates were as follows from the highest to lowest one; group III (44.1%), group II (42.4%), group I (14.3%), and group IV (7.7%). Myringosclerosis was more common in group I compared with group IV, but the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in myringosclerosis rates between the group II and group III (p>0.05). On the other hand, statistically significant differences were observed in myringosclerosis rates between group I and group II (p<0.05), and between group I and group III (p<0.05); also similar significant differences were present in myringosclerosis rates between group IV and group II (p<0.05), and between group IV and group III (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between preschool age group and school age group. Myringosclerosis was observed in 40% of boys and in 51.2% of girls. CONCLUSION: Myringosclerosis is frequent in patients who underwent tympanostomy tube insertion. The frequency of myringosclerosis is much higher in tympanic membranes with tympanostomy tube insertion than tympanic membranes with myringotomy, and the location of sclerotic plaques does not always correspond to the tympanostomy area. The myringosclerosis rate was increased when the tympanostomy tubes stay on tympanic membrane for a long time. Highest myringosclerosis rates were observed if the extrusion time was 12 months or longer. In our analysis, sex and initial age of tube insertion were not significant factors for the development of myringosclerosis after extrusion of tympanostomy tubes.

Shepard grommet tympanostomy tube complications in children with chronic otitis media with effusion.

The objective of this study was to determine tympanostomy tube complications in children with chronic otitis media with effusion who were treated with Shepard grommet tympanostomy tube insertion. This tube type was selected as it is the most commonly used one in our clinic. The medical records of 162 ears of 87 children (52 male and 35 female) were reviewed retrospectively. The children were between 3 to 16 years old (mean age = 8.1 +/- 3.1). The patients were followed up 6-66 months (mean 23.3 +/- 14.9 months) after tympanostomy tube insertion. We reviewed age, sex, time to tube extrusion and complications. In all patients the indication for surgery was chronic middle ear effusion. Otorrhea occurred in nine ears (5.6%). Granulation tissue was seen in two ears (1.2%). Complications after tympanostomy tube extrusion included myringosclerosis (34.6%), persistent perforation (5.6%), atrophy (23.5%), retraction (16.7%) and medial displacement of tubes (1.2%). The average extrusion time was 8.5 +/- 4.6 months (range 1-24) for Shepard grommet tympanostomy tubes. Complications of tympanostomy tube insertion are common. Myringosclerosis, tympanic membrane atrophy and otorrhea are the most frequently appearing complications. But they are generally insignificant and cosmetic. Consequently, in the majority of these complications there is no need for any management.

Otitis media with effusion: recurrence after tympanostomy tube extrusion.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence rate of recurrence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in children after tympanostomy tube extrusion and the relationship between recurrence and tube retention time was investigated. Also relationship between recurrence rate and initial age of tube insertion was analysed. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series of patients who had tympanostomy tube insertion. METHODS: A total of 91 children (169 ears) were reviewed. Ears of children divided into three groups according to retention time of tympanostomy tubes. Group I: tympanostomy tube retention time less than 6 months. Group II: tympanostomy tube retention time 6 months to 12 months. Group III: tympanostomy tube retention time 12 months or more. RESULTS: OME recurrence rate after tube extrusion was 20.7% in the study. The longer the tympanostomy tube retention time was the lower was the recurrence rate of OME. The comparison of the three groups indicated that recurrence rates were higher in group I (36.54%), than in group II (17.74%) and in group III (9.1%). There were statistically significant differences in recurrence rates between group I and group III, and between group I and II (p<0.05, p<0.05). However, the difference in recurrence rates between group II and group III was statistically not significant (p>0.05). In the preschool age group and school age group, the recurrence rates were 5.5% and 15.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference between these two groups (p>0.05). OME recurrence was observed in 9.9% of males and in 11% of females. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between males and females (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: After extrusion of tympanostomy tube, children should be followed-up regularly for recurrence of OME. The shorter the retention time of tympanostomy tubes was the higher was the recurrence rate. For the treatment of OME the ideal type of tubes should have the lowest complication and recurrence rates. Further studies are needed to ascertain the relationship between the incidence of OME and optimal tympanostomy tubes duration of tube stay in tympanic membrane. Therefore, new studies with larger series are necessary to investigate the correlation between the recurrence rates and different tympanostomy tubes after extrusion of tubes.

The effects of topical levobupivacaine on morbidity in pediatric tonsillectomy patients.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the post-tonsillectomy morbidity by swab soaked with 5 ml levobupivacaine hydroclorur (25 mg/10 ml). STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind prospective randomized controlled clinical study. METHODS: In this randomized double-blind study in group I (30 children, mean age 7.5+/-2.6) we tightly packed swab soaked with 5 ml levobupivacaine hydroclorur (25mg/10 ml) and in group II (21 children, mean age 7.9+/-3.7) we used 5 ml saline swabs into each of the two tonsillar fossae after tonsillectomy for 5 min. We used McGrath's face scale to compare the two groups in respect of pain control. RESULTS: There was statistically significant pain relieving effect in the levobupivacaine group in the first 24h (p<0.05). But after 24h pain relieving effect of levobupivacaine was not significant (p>0.05). We did not see any serious complications for both groups. Postoperative morbidity mean results (nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding, halitosis and ear pain) were not statistically different between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Topical levobupivacaine seems to be a safe and easy medication for postoperative pain control in pediatric tonsillectomy patients.

Auditory evaluation in Parkinsonian patients.

Twenty Parkinson's disease (PD) patients (mean age 69.9 years) and 24 normal individuals' (mean age 63.8) both ears were investigated by brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and pure tone audiometry (PTA). There were no statistically significant age differences between the patients and control subjects. PTA results were significantly elevated for PD patients in 4,000 and 8,000 Hz (P < 0.05). Parkinsonian patients showed significantly increased latencies in wave V and I-V interpeak latencies (P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that PTA and BAEPs could be affected in parkinson disease.