An update on the management of thyroid nodules: rationalising the guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Guidance for the management of thyroid nodules has evolved over time, from initial evaluation based predominantly on clinical grounds to now including the established role of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology in their assessment. There is, however, significant variation in the management of thyroid nodules depending on which national guidelines are followed. In addition, there are certain clinical situations such as pregnancy and paediatric thyroid nodules that have differing evaluation priorities. OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to provide an overview of currently accepted practices for the initial investigation and subsequent management of patients with thyroid nodules for the non-specialist. The review also addresses areas of variance between the systems in common clinical use, as well as newer, evolving technologies, including molecular testing in the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Vocal cord movement: can it be accurately graded?

INTRODUCTION: Flexible nasendoscopy (FNE) is the principal assessment method for vocal cord movement. Because the procedure is inherently subjective it may not be possible for clinicians to grade the degree of vocal cord movement reliably. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and consistency of grading vocal cord movement as viewed via FNE. METHODS: Thirty FNE videos, without sound or clinical information, were assessed by six consultant head and neck surgeons. The surgeons were asked to assess and grade right and left vocal cord movement independently, based on a five-category scale. This process was repeated three times on separate occasions. Agreement and reliability were assessed. RESULTS: Mean overall observed inter-rater agreement was 67.7% (sd 1.9) with the five-category scale, increasing to 91.4% (sd 1.9) when a three-category scale was derived. Mean overall observed intra-rater agreement was 78.3% (sd 9.7) for five categories, increasing to 93.1% (sd 3.3) for three categories. Discriminating vocal cord motion was less reliable using the five-category scale (k = 0.52) than with the three-category scale (k = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates quantitatively that it is challenging to accurately and consistently grade subtle differences in vocal cord movement, as proven by the reduced agreement and reliability when using a five-point scale instead of a three-point scale. The study highlights the need for an objective measure to help in the assessment of vocal cord movement.

An Alternative Lung Isolation Technique in Paediatric Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis.

Lung isolation during the lung lavage of children with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) poses challenges to anaesthesiologists. There is no established technique in the management of lung lavage in children; each described technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. We described a patient (2.5-year-old) with PAP, who has undergone left lung lavage. While his lung was isolated by a Fogarty catheter, lavage was performed via a feeding tube, and the right lung was ventilated with a rigid bronchoscope. We suggested that the technique we used was safe and effective because it enabled direct visualisation of both bronchi entrances, allowing early recognition of any possible catheter dislocations at the bronchus of the lavaged lung, completely eliminating the risk of contralateral lung contamination. This case reports an alternative unilateral lung isolation and lavage technique that may be applicable to other paediatric patients with PAP.

Isolated partial, transient hypoglossal nerve injury following acupuncture.

We report a case of isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve injury following ipsilateral acupuncture for migraines in a 53-year-old lady. The palsy was partial, with no associated dysarthria, and transient. Further examination and imaging was negative. Cranial nerve injuries secondary to acupuncture are not reported in the literature, but are a theoretical risk given the location of the cranial nerves in the neck. Anatomical knowledge is essential in those administering the treatment, and those reviewing patients with possible complications.

Arachidonic acid metabolites and enzyme transcripts in asthma are altered by cigarette smoking.

BACKGROUND: Arachidonic acid metabolites are implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma although only limited information is available on the impact of current smoking history on these metabolites. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of smoking status on urinary, sputum, and plasma eicosanoid concentrations and relevant enzyme transcripts in asthma. METHODS: In 108 smokers and never smokers with asthma and 45 healthy controls [smokers and never smokers], we measured urinary tetranor prostaglandin (PG)D2 (PGDM) and leukotriene (LT)E4 , induced sputum fluid LTB4 , LTE4 , PGD2 , and PGE2 , plasma secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2 ), and 11ß prostaglandin F2α (11ßPGF2α ), and, in a subgroup with severe asthma, airway leukocyte and epithelial cell mRNA expression levels of arachidonic acid metabolic enzymes. RESULTS: Smokers with asthma had higher urinary LTE4 ; 83 (59, 130) vs 59 (40, 90) pg/mg creatinine, P = 0.008, and PGDM; 60 (35, 100) vs 41 (28, 59) ng/mg creatinine, P = 0.012 concentrations, respectively, and lower sputum PGE2 concentrations 80 (46, 157) vs 192 (91, 301) pg/ml, P = 0.001 than never smokers with asthma. Sputum LTB4 (P = 0.013), and plasma 11ßPGF2α (P = 0.032), concentrations, respectively, were increased in smokers with asthma compared with healthy smokers. Asthma-specific and smoking-related increases (>1.5-fold expression) in arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase and gamma-glutamyltransferase transcripts were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Several arachidonic acid metabolites and enzyme transcripts involving both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways are increased in smokers with asthma and differ from never smokers with asthma. Possibly targeting specific lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways that are activated by asthma and cigarette smoking may optimize therapeutic responses.

Comparison of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, our goal was to compare intraoperative and postoperative analgesic effects of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (IVRA) in a group of outpatients who underwent hand surgery. METHODS: This is a double blind randomized study. A total of 45 patients were included, randomized into three groups. Patients in Group I (L) received 3 mg.kg-1 of 2% lidocaine 40 mL; patients in Group II (LL) received 3 mg.kg-1 lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL lornoxicam; patients in Group III (LF) received 3 mg.kg-1 lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL fentanyl. Our primary outcome was fi rst analgesic requirement time at postoperative period. RESULTS: Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA increased the sensory block recovery time without increasing side effects and increased fi rst analgesic requirement time at the postoperative period when compared to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively) and fentanyl added to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). In addition, we also found that fentanyl decreased tourniquet pain (p < 0.01) when compared to lidocaine but showed similar analgesic effect with lornoxicam (p > 0.05) although VAS scores related to tourniquet pain were lower in fentanyl group. Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA was not superior to lidocaine IVRA in decreasing tourniquet pain. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of fentanyl to lidocaine IVRA seems to be superior to lidocaine IVRA and lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA groups in decreasing tourniquet pain at the expense of increasing side effects. However, lornoxicam did not increase side effects while providing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Therefore, lornoxicam could be more appropriate for clinical use.

Comparação de lornoxicam e fentanil adicionados à lidocaína em anestesia regional intravenosa / Comparison of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia / Comparación de lornoxicam y fentanilo adicionados a la lidocaína en la anestesia regional intravenosa

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos analgésicos nos períodos intra e pós-operatório de lornoxicam e fentanil adicionados à lidocaína para anestesia regional intravenosa (ARIV) em um grupo de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de mão. MÉTODOS: Estudo randômico, duplo-cego e controlado. Foram incluídos e randomizados 45 pacientes em três grupos: o Grupo I recebeu 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína a 2% (40 mL); o Grupo II recebeu 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína (38 mL) + 2 mL de lornoxicam; o Grupo III recebeu 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína (38 mL) + 2 mL de fentanil. O desfecho primário avaliado foi o tempo até a primeira necessidade de analgésicos no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Lornoxicam adicionado à lidocaína em ARIV aumentou o tempo de recuperação do bloqueio sensorial sem aumentar os efeitos colaterais, e o tempo até a primeira necessidade de analgésicos no pós-operatório em comparação com lidocaína sozinha (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, respectivamente) e fentanil adicionado à lidocaína (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, respectivamente). Além disso, também descobrimos que fentanil diminuiu a dor ocasionada pelo torniquete (p < 0,01) em comparação com lidocaína, mas mostrou efeito analgésico similar ao de lornoxicam (p > 0,05), embora os escores da escala visual analógica (EVA) relacionados à dor ocasionada pelo torniquete tenham sido menores no grupo fentanil. Lornoxicam adicionado à lidocaína em ARIV não foi superior à lidocaína sozinha para diminuir a dor ocasionada pelo torniquete. CONCLUSÃO: A adição de fentanil à lidocaína em ARIV parece ser superior à lidocaína sozinha e ao lornoxicam adicionado à lidocaína para diminuir a dor ocasionada pelo torniquete, apesar de aumentar os efeitos secundários. No entanto, lornoxicam não aumentou os efeitos secundários e proporcionou analgesia nos períodos tanto intraoperatório quanto pós-operatório. Portanto, lornoxicam pode ser mais adequado para o uso clínico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, our goal was to compare intraoperative and postoperative analgesic effects of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (IVRA) in a group of outpatients who underwent hand surgery. METHODS: This is a double blind randomized study. A total of 45 patients were included, randomized into three groups. Patients in Group I (L) received 3 mg.kg-1 of 2% lidocaine 40 mL; patients in Group II (LL) received 3 mg.kg-1 lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL lornoxicam; patients in Group III (LF) received 3 mg.kg-1 lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL fentanyl. Our primary outcome was first analgesic requirement time at postoperative period. RESULTS: Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA increased the sensory block recovery time without increasing side effects and increased first analgesic requirement time at the postoperative period when compared to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively) and fentanyl added to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). In addition, we also found that fentanyl decreased tourniquet pain (p < 0.01) when compared to lidocaine but showed similar analgesic effect with lornoxicam (p > 0.05) although VAS scores related to tourniquet pain were lower in fentanyl group. Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA was not superior to lidocaine IVRA in decreasing tourniquet pain. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of fentanyl to lidocaine IVRA seems to be superior to lidocaine IVRA and lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA groups in decreasing tourniquet pain at the expense of increasing side effects. However, lornoxicam did not increase side effects while providing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Therefore, lornoxicam could be more appropriate for clinical use.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVO: Comparar los efectos analgésicos en los períodos intra y postoperatorio del lornoxicam y del fentanilo adicionados a la lidocaína para la anestesia regional intravenosa (ARIV), en un grupo de pacientes sometidos a la cirugía de mano. MÉTODOS: Estudio aleatorio, doble ciego y controlado. Fueron incluidos y aleatorizados por el equipo de investigación 45 pacientes en tres grupos: el Grupo I recibió 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína al 2% (40 mL); el Grupo II recibió 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína (38 mL) + 2 mL de lornoxicam; el Grupo III recibió 3 mg.kg-1 de lidocaína (38 mL) + 2 mL de fentanilo. El resultado primario evaluado fue el tiempo hasta la primera necesidad de analgésicos en el postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: El Lornoxicam adicionado a la lidocaína en ARIV aumentó el tiempo de recuperación del bloqueo sensorial, sin aumentar los efectos colaterales y el tiempo hasta la primera necesidad de analgésicos en el postoperatorio en comparación con la lidocaína sola (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, respectivamente) y el fentanilo adicionado a la lidocaína (p < 0,001, p < 0,001, respectivamente). Además de eso, también descubrimos que el fentanilo redujo el dolor ocasionado por el torniquete (p < 0,01) en comparación con la lidocaína, pero mostró un efecto analgésico parecido con el del lornoxicam (p > 0,05), aunque las puntuaciones de la escala visual analógica (EVA) relacionadas con el efecto ocasionado por el torniquete, hayan sido menores en el grupo fentanilo. El Lornoxicam adicionado a la lidocaína en ARIV no fue superior a la lidocaína sola para reducir el dolor ocasionado por el torniquete. CONCLUSIÓN: Podemos decir que la adición del fentanilo a la lidocaína en ARIV parece ser superior a la lidocaína sola y al lornoxicam adicionado a la lidocaína para disminuir el dolor ocasionado por el torniquete, a pesar de aumentar los efectos secundarios. Sin embargo, el lornoxicam no aumentó los efectos secundarios, proporcionando una analgesia en los períodos tanto intraoperatorio como postoperatorio. Por tanto, el lornoxicam puede ser más adecuado para el uso clínico.

Relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin level and sciatic nerve block performance in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to explore the effects of deficiencies in glucose regulation on the onset, regression, and block performance times in a group of patients with diabetes-related foot problems. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with American Society of Anesthetists physical status 2-4 undergoing foot and ankle surgery with a popliteal fossa block were prospectively studied. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on 3 groups according to their HbA1c levels: group 1 (n = 15), HbA1c 5%-6%; group 2 (n = 16), HbA1c 7%-8%; group 3 (n = 17), HbA1c 9%-10%. A standardized local anesthetic mixture containing 10 mL of 2% prilocaine and 10 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine was used in all study groups. The primary outcome of the study was the time for regression of the sensory block. RESULTS: The onset times of sensory and motor blocks in group 3 were significantly longer than those in groups 2 and 1. Motor block regression time differed significantly between groups (P = .04), being longer in group 3 compared with group 1. In group 3, the sensory block regression time and the time of first analgesic use were significantly longer than the times in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: We found that sensory block regression time was longer in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control than in the patients with better glycemic control. Longer block performance time, probably due to reduction in sensory and motor conduction velocity in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control, should be taken into consideration when peripheral nerve blocks are used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Comparison of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, our goal was to compare intraoperative and postoperative analgesic effects of lornoxicam and fentanyl when added to lidocaine Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (IVRA) in a group of outpatients who underwent hand surgery. METHODS: This is a double blind randomized study. A total of 45 patients were included, randomized into three groups. Patients in Group I (L) received 3mg.kg(-1) of 2% lidocaine 40 mL; patients in Group II (LL) received 3mg.kg(-1) lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL lornoxicam; patients in Group III (LF) received 3mg.kg(-1) lidocaine 38 mL + 2 mL fentanyl. Our primary outcome was first analgesic requirement time at postoperative period. RESULTS: Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA increased the sensory block recovery time without increasing side effects and increased first analgesic requirement time at the postoperative period when compared to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively) and fentanyl added to lidocaine IVRA (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). In addition, we also found that fentanyl decreased tourniquet pain (p < 0.01) when compared to lidocaine but showed similar analgesic effect with lornoxicam (p > 0.05) although VAS scores related to tourniquet pain were lower in fentanyl group. Lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA was not superior to lidocaine IVRA in decreasing tourniquet pain. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of fentanyl to lidocaine IVRA seems to be superior to lidocaine IVRA and lornoxicam added to lidocaine IVRA groups in decreasing tourniquet pain at the expense of increasing side effects. However, lornoxicam did not increase side effects while providing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Therefore, lornoxicam could be more appropriate for clinical use.

Characterising and quantifying outcomes in rhinology out-patients: measurements in the 'real world'.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate a practical, computerised database for collection of patient-reported and clinical outcome data, introduced as a means of characterising our patient population and assessing the effect of our interventions. METHODS: A prospectively updated, computerised database was used to detail each patient's coded and structured diagnosis and clinical findings. Response to treatment was recorded using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and changes in graded clinical examination findings. RESULTS: Data for 770 patients were prospectively entered into the database. Patients were grouped diagnostically as follows: rhinitis (20.4 per cent), chronic rhinosinusitis (12.2 per cent), chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (24.7 per cent), anatomical anomaly (22.7 per cent), epistaxis (3.4 per cent) and 'other' (18.4 per cent). Following initial medical intervention, the greatest improvement in the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 score was seen in the chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps group (-11.3), followed by the rhinitis group (-6.1) and the chronic rhinosinusitis group (-5.4). CONCLUSIONS: The tested rhinology database provides a simple, effective and practical tool for integrating the recording of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures during the out-patient visit. It enables characterisation of the patient population, and accurately monitors and records treatment responses.

An evidence based approach to the management of salivary masses.

BACKGROUND: Salivary lumps are common and constitute 13.8% of all lumps assessed at the North Glasgow neck lump clinic. We present our management plan for these conditions. METHOD: Literature search using key words salivary lumps or glands or cancer or sialadenitis or sialalisthiasis in combination with diagnosis, management, investigation, treatment, intervention and surgery was performed in June 2009 using MEDLINE and Pubmed. Data from the North Glasgow neck lump clinic database are also presented. RESULTS: Published literature on management of salivary lumps is level 2/3 evidence. CONCLUSION: The majority of salivary gland swellings can be adequately assessed with ultrasound and ultrasound guided FNA. The majority of patients with salivary gland tumours are likely to benefit from surgical excision. Due to the higher risk of malignancy in submandibular gland tumours surgical excision should be undertaken, unless there is significant co-morbidity.

Columella stabilising suture.

Caudal septal deformities if uncorrected can lead to poor functional and cosmetic outcomes. Adequate fixation of the septum to the maxillary spine is paramount in correcting these deformities. We describe a simple technique for securing the caudal septum to the maxillary spine that stabilises it in all three planes.

Effect of the menstrual cycle on standard achromatic and blue-on-yellow visual field analysis of women with migraine.

BACKGROUND: It has been postulated that migraine and glaucoma may have common vascular causative factors. Significant sex-based differences in the incidence of many important ocular conditions raise the possibility that estrogens may have direct effects on the eye. We performed a study to determine the effect of the menstrual cycle on standard achromatic automated perimetry (SAP) and short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) (blue-on-yellow perimetry) of women with migraine. METHODS: Both eyes of 73 normally menstruating women (31 subjects with migraine and 42 healthy control subjects) were included in the study. Subjects underwent a complete ocular examination including SAP and SWAP in both the follicular phase (12th to 13th day of the cycle) and the luteal phase (1 to 2 days before the onset of bleeding) of two consecutive menstrual cycles.We performed visual field analysis using the Humphrey Field Analyzer II with the full-threshold central 30-2 program. Mean sensitivity was calculated for the superior temporal, inferior temporal, superior nasal and inferior nasal regions separately. RESULTS: Thirteen subjects were lost to follow-up (5 in the migraine group and 8 in the control group), leaving 26 subjects and 34 subjects respectively. There was no significant difference in mean age between the two groups (33.9 years [standard deviation (SD) 3.4 years] vs. 35.1 years [SD 3.3 years]). The mean duration of migraine was 7.6 (SD 3.1) years (range 3-14 years). In both groups, serum estradiol levels were significantly lower (p = 0.001) and serum progesterone levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. In the control group, the mean sensitivity values with SWAP were significantly lower in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (p = 0.04). A similar decrease was observed for the subjects with migraine with both SAP and SWAP (p = 0.01). There was no difference in regional mean sensitivity between the two phases with either perimetric test in the control group. For the subjects with migraine, there was no difference in regional mean sensitivity between the two phases with SAP. However, with SWAP, the mean sensitivity for the nasal visual field locations was significantly lower in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (p = 0.01). INTERPRETATION: Our study provides further evidence of an effect of sex hormones on the visual field of women with migraine. In addition to assessment of intraocular pressure, menstrual cycle phases should be considered in women with migraine at risk for glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Menstrual cycle-dependent changes in visual field analysis of healthy women.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of menstrual cycle phases on the visual field analysis of healthy females. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One randomly selected eye each of 59 healthy normally menstruating women, and of 54 men with no systemic and ocular problems, other than refractive error, were included in the study. Subjects underwent complete ocular examination, and standard achromatic perimetric (SAP) and short-wavelength automated perimetric (SWAP) analysis in both follicular (7th to 10th day of the cycle) and luteal phases (days 3-7 before the menstrual bleeding) of the menstrual cycle. Visual field analysis was performed using a Model 750 Humphrey Field Analyzer II (Humphrey Instruments Inc., San Leandro, Calif., USA) with full-threshold, central 30-2 program. Visual fields were divided into four regions as superior temporal, inferior temporal, superior nasal and inferior nasal, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of female (n = 59) and the male subjects (n = 54) were 34.6 +/- 2.9 and 35.0 +/- 2.7 years, respectively (p = 0.49). SWAP tests demonstrated a significantly decreased mean MS value in the luteal phase (p < 0.05). However, it did not change significantly with SAP tests. Regional MS values of both SAP and SWAP tests were not different in both phases of the menstrual cycle (all p values >0.05). Mean perimetric test durations obtained with both SAP and SWAP were not different throughout the menstrual cycle (both p values >0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinicians should verify menstrual status when evaluating a suspected loss of visual field sensitivity in menstruating women. The findings of the present study suggest that the SWAP test may be more sensitive to determine subtle sex hormone-dependent changes in visual field analysis of healthy women.

Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation--when, why and how to do it. An on-line video tutorial.

KEYPOINTS: Endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery (ESPAL) has recently become the treatment of choice for refractory epistaxis. This paper reviews the background, indications and potential complications of ESPAL. The main focus of this article is an online video tutorial on the anatomy and surgical technique of ESPAL. Web links lead to video clips of operative steps and therefore this paper should be read in front of a computer with access to the Internet. To study the techniques the links detailed below should be followed. (For computers running RealPlayer software the .wmv extension in each of these links should be replaced with the .rm extension.) * Incision, http://nhsgg.org.uk/content/streams/Figure3.wmv * Flap elevation, http://nhsgg.org.uk/content/streams/Figure4.wmv * Pedicle location, http://www.nhsgg.org.uk/content/streams/Figure5.wmv * Clip application, http://www.nhsgg.org.uk/content/streams/Figure6.wmv.