A comparison of cortisporin and ciprofloxacin otic drops as prophylaxis against post-tympanostomy otorrhea.

Myringotomy and tube insertion, a common pediatric surgical procedure, is frequently complicated by purulent otorrhea. Many otolaryngologists routinely use topical antibiotics as prophylaxis against post-tympanostomy otorrhea. The aminoglycosides (neomycin sulfate, tobramycin and gentamicin) contained in commonly used topical antibiotics as well as components of the solutions have been shown to be ototoxic in animal studies. Although little reported evidence of ototoxicity in humans exists, sporadic reports of sensorineural hearing loss linked to topical antibiotic use do exist, and the potential for sensorineural hearing loss must be considered. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of post-tympanostomy otorrhea in a double-blinded randomized trial using either topical Ciprofloxacin, with no reported ototoxicity, or Cortisporin as prophylaxis. One hundred patients (200 ears) between ages 7 months and 11 years with a diagnosis of recurrent otitis media or chronic otitis media undergoing tympanostomy tube insertion were randomized into two equal groups. Three drops of either drop A or B were placed into each ear at the time of tube insertion and then three times daily for 3 days. Patients were examined at 3 weeks and details of otorrhea were obtained. The rate of otorrhea was analyzed using chi-square. The overall rate of otorrhea was 39 ears (19.5%), 17 (17%) ears for the Cortisporin group and 22 (22%) for the Ciprofloxacin group. The difference in rate of otorrhea was not statistically significant (P=0.372, 95% confidence interval equals -6-16%). Our data suggest that topical Cortisporin offers no benefit over Ciprofloxacin for post-operative otorrhea prophylaxis. Therefore we recommend topical quinolone prophylaxis, which should eliminate concerns about ototoxicity, without sacrificing efficacy.

Vocal fold paralysis after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion.

OBJECTIVE: The anterior approach to the cervical spine now serves as the surgical access of choice for cervical spine disease. Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) may follow the procedure as a complication. The authors describe their experience with patients having VFP after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF), with an emphasis on outcome and prognosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent ACDF between January 1987 and February 1998 were reviewed. Further detailed review of the patients with documented VFP after surgery was then performed. RESULTS: Over the given time period 411 ACDFs were performed and 21 patients with this complication were identified (5%). All 21 patients had right-sided approaches. Eighteen patients had right VFP, 2 had left VFP, and 1 had bilateral VFP. Symptoms included hoarseness (18), persistent cough (7), aspiration (13), and dysphagia (7). The patient with bilateral VFP presented with stridor and respiratory distress requiring tracheotomy. The complete records of 17 patients with 18 VFPs were available for review. Fifteen of 18 VFPs (83.3%) had complete resolution within 12 months. One patient had recovery after 15 months. All patients were treated conservatively with speech and swallowing therapy. One patient required Gelfoam injection and another medialization thyroplasty, both for aspiration symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that at least 80% of VFP after ACDF will recover within 12 months of the procedure. The authors recommend regular follow-up and speech therapy for symptomatic patients. Medialization should be considered in patients with aspiration or persistent problems.

Fungal sinusitis: an update.

OBJECTIVE: To review the classification of fungal sinusitis as well as discuss current approaches to diagnosis and management. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE literature search was performed using the index terms sinus infection, fungal, diagnosis, radiology, microbiology, and treatment. The search was restricted to the English language and human subjects. With one exception the references were restricted to the last 10 years. Clinical data from studies performed at our institution were also included. RESULTS: Fungal sinusitis can be divided into four primary categories: (1) acute/fulminant (invasive), (2) chronic/indolent (invasive), (3) fungus ball, and (4) allergic fungal sinusitis. Each subtype has unique immunologic, pathologic, and clinical features. Allergic fungal sinusitis is the most recently described and most common form. The treatment and prognosis of fungal sinusitis varies significantly among the four different categories. CONCLUSION: Recent advances in endoscopy and computed tomography have enhanced the understanding of fungal sinusitis; however, they remain diseases surrounded by controversy. New insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases along with advances in diagnosis and treatment will lead to improved medical therapy.