A Non-inferiority Trial: Safety and Efficacy of Topical 1:1000 versus 1:10 000 Epinephrine in Sino-nasal Surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the non-inferiority of topical 1:1000 epinephrine compared to topical 1:10 000 with regard to intraoperative hemodynamic stability, and to determine whether it produced superior visibility conditions. METHODS: A single-blinded, prospective, cross-over non-inferiority trial was performed. Topical 1:1000 or topical 1:10 000 was placed in 1 nasal passage. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and mean arterial pressure) were measured prior to insertion then every minute for 10 minutes. This was repeated in the contralateral nasal passage of the same patient with the alternate concentration. The surgeon graded the visualization of each passage using the Boezaart Scale. The medians of the greatest absolute change in parameters were compared using a Wilcoxon Rank-Signed test and confidence intervals were calculated using a Hodges-Lehman test. The non-inferiority margin was pre-determined at 10 bpm for heart rate and 10 mmHg for blood pressures. A Wilcoxon Rank-Signed test was used to assess superiority in visualization. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled and after exclusions, nineteen were assessed (mean age = 35.63 ± 12.49). Differences in means of greatest absolute change between the 2 concentrations were calculated (heart rate = 2.49 ± 1.20; systolic = -1.51 ± 2.16; diastolic = 2.47 ± 1.47; mean arterial pressure = 0.07 ± 1.83). In analyses of medians, 1:1000 was non-inferior to the 1:10 000. There was a significant difference (-0.58 ± 0.84; P = .012) in visualization in favor of topical 1:1000. CONCLUSION: Topical 1:1000 epinephrine provides no worse intraoperative hemodynamic stability compared to topical 1:10 000 but affords superior visualization and should be used to optimize surgical conditions.

Multidisciplinary Tracheotomy Teams: An Analysis of Patient Outcomes and Resource Allocation.

We sought to establish the effect of introducing a multidisciplinary tracheotomy management team (MDT). Tracheotomies are high-cost interventions with potentially devastating complications. Multidisciplinary teams have been introduced in many hospitals with the aim of reducing complications, however, data supporting them are lacking. There is currently insufficient evidence to conclude MDTs reduce length of hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and there is little information on cost analysis. A chart review identified patients who had a tracheotomy inserted at a major metropolitan teaching hospital with an acute spinal medicine service 2 years before and after the MDT was implemented. The primary outcome was time to decannulation. Other outcomes included tracheotomy complications, the proportion of patients decannulated, length of ICU and hospital stay, and admission cost. Our search identified 174 (78 prior and 96 post-MDT) patients. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference in time to decannulation, the decannulation rate, or the length of hospital or ICU stay. Complication rates were low in both groups. There was an increase in the proportion of patients who received speaking valves and a reduction in cost of admission in a subgroup of patients who did not undergo head and neck surgery. There is insufficient evidence to support the widespread introduction of tracheotomy MDTs. Institutions considering introducing a tracheotomy team should carefully consider their case-mix, volume, and available resources as well as the structure and responsibilities of the team, and the timing of its activities within the working week. The potential benefits of MDTs including teaching of staff, and collaboration of teams should be acknowledged. Given the potentially significant implications for cost to the health system, a randomized trial is needed to guide policy in this area.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Fate of the Neck--A Long-term Multicenter Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Olfactory neuroblastoma and the management of neck disease has posed considerable challenges to the treating physician. The aims of the study were to determine the incidence and factors influencing neck disease and to identify at-risk patients with cervical node-negative disease at presentation. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter case series with retrospective chart review. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: In sum, 113 patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma across 6 tertiary hospitals in Australia and the United States. METHODS: Treatment modalities for the primary site and neck included surgery, radiotherapy, and combined therapy. Treatment outcomes were measured in relation to date of primary treatment, and long-term follow-up was recorded. Disease-free survival was calculated as time for patients to develop delayed neck disease following primary treatment. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients (46 females, 49.7 ± 13.2 years) were identified with a median follow-up of 41.5 months (interquartile range, 58.2); 7.1% of patients presented with primary neck disease, while 8.8% of patients presented with delayed neck disease. Neck disease was present in patients with Hyams grade II (22.2%), III (55.6%), and IV (22.2%) lesions (χ(2) = 5.66, P = .13). Histologic grade was higher in patients with primary neck disease (χ(2) = 16.22, P = .001). Positive surgical margins were associated with a higher risk of delayed neck disease as compared with clear surgical margin (17.9% vs 5%, P = .034). CONCLUSION: Neck metastasis is an important clinical consideration for olfactory neuroblastoma at presentation and in surveillance. Primary treatment of the neck could be considered in select patients. Long-term surveillance of the neck and primary site is essential.

Mastoiditis in a paediatric population: a review of 11 years experience in management.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the experience at Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH) managing children with acute mastoiditis and establishes a robust treatment algorithm. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients admitted to SCH with an ICD-10 coding of "Mastoiditis" from 1 January 1996 through 31 December 2006 inclusive. Criteria assessed included demographic characteristics, clinical features, symptom duration and treatment initiated by the general practitioner. The results of investigations at SCH were reviewed including white blood cell count, microbiology and imaging. The presence of complications was determined and the results of medical and surgical treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-nine episodes of acute mastoiditis were managed in 76 patients. Treatment prior to SCH was commenced by the family practitioner or district hospital doctor in 53/79 patients. The mean duration of community initiated treatment before presentation to SCH was 3.7 days. In 33 episodes a previous history of acute otitis media was noted (42%). In the remaining 46 episodes (58%) mastoiditis was the initial diagnosis. Complications were found in 30 episodes (38%) and 36 episodes (46%) required surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoiditis often develops rapidly but may be treated very effectively. The potential for significant morbidity remains high but excellent outcomes can be expected for those who are managed without delay. Children with acute mastoiditis should be managed in centres where timely and complete medical and surgical treatment is available.

Autologous fat injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Fat injection laryngoplasty has been used at the Sydney Voice Clinic for selected cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis since 1989. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive cases deemed suitable for treatment by this technique are presented in this paper. RESULTS: Mean follow up for this group of patients was 33 months. Over the period of follow up, 39 of the 45 patients achieved normal or near normal voice, with four patients requiring additional surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Fat injection laryngoplasty is a quick, simple, inexpensive and reliable procedure, with few complications and good long-term results in suitable selected cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Laser tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral midline vocal fold fixation.

BACKGROUND: The present retrospective study presents the outcomes of a group of 21 patients with laryngeal obstruction caused by bilateral vocal fold fixation. All of these patients were treated by laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection - a modification of the technique described by Michael and Eugene Rontal in 1994.1 METHODS: Between January 1997 and March 2002 the senior author performed muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection for bilateral vocal fold fixation on 21 patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 2.3 years. The technique was successful in achieving an adequate airway and good voice with no aspiration in every case. CONCLUSIONS: Laser assisted muscle tenotomy and vocal process resection is a proven treatment for bilateral medial vocal fold fixation with the provision of a good airway, good voice and the avoidance of aspiration.