ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy of using the KTP/532 laser in endoscopic inferior turbinate reduction surgery. BACKGROUND DATA: Potasium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser is a useful tool in endoscopic intranasal operations, due to its outstanding capabilities in hemostasis, tissue penetration, and the maneuverability of its flexible transmission optic fiber. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 124 patients (male/female 73:51, mean age 38.7 +/- 12.3 years) with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis who received endoscopic KTP/532 laser inferior turbinate reduction surgery (7 Watts, continuous mode, 0.6-1-mm spots) were available for follow-up (mean follow-up period, 25.1 +/- 7.3 months). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were interviewed with a questionnaire. RESULTS: The KTP/532 laser was excellent in relieving nose obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy; 87% of patients reported improvement. The outcomes were less promising in reducing post-nasal drip; 12.9% reported only some improvement. Under intranasal endoscopy, the risk of postoperative bleeding and complication was low. CONCLUSION: The findings proved that, with the use of an endoscope, the KTP/532 laser appears to be an excellent alternative for treating hypertrophic inferior turbinate.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Rhinitis/surgery , Turbinates/surgery , Adult , Chronic Disease , Endoscopy/methods , Female , Humans , Hypertrophy/etiology , Hypertrophy/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Nasal Obstruction/etiology , Nasal Obstruction/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Rhinitis/complications , Treatment Outcome , Turbinates/pathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Continuous quality improvement (CQI) is an effort by health care providers to improve the quality of service by continuously exceeding patients' expectations. Patient satisfaction is one of the measures of the quality of care. The aims of this study were to report the patients' evaluation of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and to explore the feasibility in using patient satisfaction data in the CQI program for ESS. METHODS: Eighty-three patients completed a validated patient satisfaction survey (PSS) 1 month after undergoing ESS. Logistic regression models were applied to determine the confounders of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: In general, 72% of patients were very satisfied with the services. Education level and milder disease correlated with higher overall satisfaction levels (P
Subject(s)
Endoscopy/methods , Endoscopy/standards , Patient Satisfaction , Quality of Health Care , Sinusitis/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Chronic Disease , Female , Humans , Length of Stay , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Care , Preoperative Care , Professional Competence , Prospective Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND DATA AND OBJECTIVE: Surgery for recurrent sinusitis with diffuse polyposis is challenging since tortuous sinus anatomy and bleeding tendency can make revision surgery particularly difficult. We report the efficacy in using KTP laser under the assistance of endoscope to perform sinus clear-out procedure for patients with recurrent ethmoid polyposis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with recurrent ethmoid polyposis underwent this procedure between November 1996 and July 2000. All were available for follow-up. Patients all had a KTP sinus clear-out procedure (15-20 W continuous mode, spot size 0.4-0.8 mm, contact or near-contact approaches) assisted by endoscope. Sinus endoscopic findings, CAT scan data, operation records and perioperative courses were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 24.7 +/- 11 months. RESULTS: Surgeries all went smoothly with minimal bleeding incurred. All patients demonstrated significant improvement in their sinonasal symptoms. Two cases (15.4%) had localized recurrent polyps. CONCLUSION: With its excellent capabilities in hemostasis, great intra-nasal maneuverability, and flexible operation modes, KTP laser is an ideal alternative to manage recurrent ethmoid polyposis for selected cases.
