Otorhinolaryngologic Evaluation of Brick Kiln Workers: ENT Findings of Brick Kiln Workers.

Brick kiln workers were evaluated in the field using otorhinolaryngologic and head and neck surgery (ENT) assessments. One-hundred and twenty laborers were assessed. The subjects were divided into three categories according to the work area: before the brick kiln, in the brick kiln, and after the brick kiln. Two evaluations were made, a questionnaire and an ENT examination. If structural changes were observed during the examination, the complication was deemed structural. Seventeen laborers who completed the questionnaire did not participate in the examination. A total of 103 laborers participated in the study: 29 before the brick kiln, 63 in the brick kiln, and 11 after the brick kiln. While general otologic complications were observed in 26 (25.2%) laborers, structural otologic complications were observed in 2 (1.9%). While general nasal complications were observed in 70 (68.0%) laborers, structural nasal complications were observed in 27 (26.2%). Although the general otologic and structural nasal complication rates were higher in the brick kiln group, the general, structural otologic, and nasal complication rates did not reach statistical significance among groups (p > 0.05). Both the general and structural nasal complication rates were significantly higher in laborers who had worked for more than 10 years and did not wear a mask (p < 0.01). We detected prominent nasal pathologies in brick kiln workers in our ENT-based study. These pathologies were much more common in laborers who had worked for over 10 years and did not wear a mask.

The Impact of Systemic and Local Administration of Ascorbic Acid on Traumatic Perforation of Tympanic Membrane and Myringosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, tympanic membranes (TM) harvested from myringotomized rats were analyzed histopathologically to compare the systemic and local effects of ascorbic acid on the development of myringosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar-Albino rats weighing between 350-400 g were included in this study. Under otomicroscopic examination, a standard 2-mm myringotomy incision was made on the posteroinferior quadrant of the TM of both ears. Rats were randomized into five groups as control, topical ascorbic acid 50 mg/kg, systemic ascorbic acid 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg groups, each group containing eight rats. On the 15th day of the study, the rats were decapitated, and bullas of the rats were extracted. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined through light microscopy. Inflammation, distribution width of plaques, edema, and neovascularization were observed on the lamina propria. Thickness of the TM was evaluated under the microscope and scored semiquantitatively. RESULTS: When intergroup comparisons of parameters related to total TM thickness were performed, differences between the control group and topical AA (ascorbic acid) or systemic treatment groups were found to be statistically significant (p<0.005). A statistically significant difference was detected among control, topical and systemic 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid groups for the edematous lamina propria (p=0.003 and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: For the total TM thickness, systemic and topical ascorbic acid use was effective when compared with the control group. It has been concluded that systemic use of higher doses of (200 mg/kg) ascorbic acid is beneficial in the resolution of the edematous lamina propria.

Comparison of effects on voice of diode laser and cold knife microlaryngology techniques for vocal fold polyps.

AIM: To compare the effects on voice of endolaryngeal microsurgery (EMS) with cold instruments and a new method, "diode laser," for vocal fold polyps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with vocal fold polyps suffering from dysphonia who were treated in the Erciyes University Department of Otolaryngology were included in the study. Voice analysis was performed in a soundproof room, holding the microphone 15 cm away from the patients' mouth and by recording a sustained [a] vowel for at least 10 seconds. Fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR) parameters were evaluated in terms of vocal analysis. All patients were asked for to fill in a questionnaire, after being informed about the voice handicap index (VHI). EMS was performed with a diode laser and cold knife on 26 and 25 patients, respectively. Patient follow-up was performed 8 weeks after surgery. Changes in F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR values were measured and recorded. VHI was also completed and reassessed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in each technique's VHI score between the preoperative and postoperative questionnaire (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in VHI scores between two groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in voice analysis values measured preoperatively and at the postoperative controls for both groups (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in voice analysis values between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of vocal polyps, EMS with both diode laser and traditional cold knife is effective.