Somnoplastia: tratamiento del ronquido crónico mediante radiofrecuencia sobre el paladar / Somnoplasty: treatment of chronic snoring by radiofrequency of the soft palate

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la reducción de volumen de tejidos mediante la aplicación de radiofrecuencia sobre el paladar para el tratamiento de la roncopatía crónica. Cincuenta y tres pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Ocho de ellos (15 por ciento) eran pacientes con SAOS de carácter moderado. Todos ellos fueron tratados con multilesiones, liberando alrededor de 2.500 julios/sesión. El 75 por ciento fue sometido a dos sesiones. En cada sesión se liberó la misma cantidad de energía. El seguimiento fue hasta de 29 meses con una media de 20 meses. Se analizó el resultado del ronquido (usando escala visual analógica), así como el dolor post-op y la satisfacción del paciente y de su entorno. Los peores resultados se obtienen en pacientes con SAOS y obesos. El éxito del tratamiento disminuye con el tiempo, sin embargo dada la buena tolerancia y la ausencia de efectos adversos, el procedimiento puede repetirse según la necesidad (AU)

The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of tissue reduction of the palate by means of radiofrequency for the treatment of snoring. Fifty-three patients were evaluated. Eight of them (15%) met criteria for mild OSAS. All of them underwent RF energy treatment with several ablation sites and the mean total energy administered was about 2500 J per treatment session. 40 patients (75%) underwent an additional RF treatment and the energy administered in the second session was the same as in the first one. We evaluated postoperative pain, snoring and the satisfaction of the patient and his enviroment. After a mean follow-up of 20 months no adverse effect was reported. The success diminishes with time as happens other surgical procedures (UPPP or LAUP) but the absence of serious adverse side-effects and the minimal postoperative pain support the use of RF as an effective procedure for reducing snoring (AU)

[Somnoplasty: treatment of chronic snoring using radiofrequency irradiation of the palate]. / Somnoplastia: tratamiento del ronquido crónico mediante radiofrecuencia sobre el paladar.

The goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of tissue reduction of the palate by means of radiofrequency for the treatment of snoring. Fifty-three patients were evaluated. Eight of them (15%) met criteria for mild OSAS. All of them underwent RF energy treatment with several ablation sites and the mean total energy administered was about 2500 J per treatment session. 40 patients (75%) underwent an additional RF treatment and the energy administered in the second session was the same as in the first one. We evaluated postoperative pain, snoring and the satisfaction of the patient and his enviroment. After a mean follow-up of 20 months no adverse effect was reported. The success diminishes with time as happens other surgical procedures (UPPP or LAUP) but the absence of serious adverse side-effects and the minimal postoperative pain support the use of RF as an effective procedure for reducing snoring.

[Extramedullary plasmocytoma of the larynx]. / Plasmocitoma extramedular de laringe.

Extramedullary plasmacytomata (EMP) are rare malignant neoplasms composed of plasma cells, 90 percent of which occur in the neck and head area, but generally representing only 1 percent of tumors of that location. The paper report a case of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx, in a 62-year-old man. We also review the different malignant plasma cell dyscrasias, paying special attention to the EMP, given its predilection for the upper aerodigestive tract.

Middle ear teratoma in a newborn.

Teratomas are tumours that rarely exist in children. Their location in head and neck is, however, an unusual finding. A strange case of middle ear congenital teratoma reaching the cervical area is presented here. In the last 20 years it is only the second case to be published in the English literature. The tumour was revealed by the presence of a peripheral congenital facial palsy.

[Middle ear tumor of neuroendocrine nature]. / Tumor de oído medio de naturaleza neuroendocrina.

Middle ear neuroendocrine neoplasms are rare and of benign behaviour. Diagnosis is difficult since they produce non-specific symptoms. Electron microscopy and immunochemistry are necessary. We present a carcinoid tumor in a 28-year-old man with one side deafness. He underwent tympanoplasty, staying free of recurrences two years and a half later.

Isolated laryngeal leishmaniasis in an immunocompetent patient: successful treatment with surgery.

The localization of Leishmania spp. in the larynx is rare but it has recently been described in patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The normal treatment given is antimonials. We describe a case of isolated leishmaniasis in the larynx which was cured by surgery. Our patient was a 47-year-old man who had suffered visceral leishmaniasis in his childhood with no immunosuppression.

[Reconstructive laryngectomy. Review]. / Laringectomía reconstructiva. Revisión.

The AA. review the history, indications, and the surgical technique of the subtotal reconstructive laryngectomy with crico-hyoide-epiglottopexy, that permits natural breathing and voice maintenance. It is an easy operation, indicated for glottic tumours, that gives good oncologic and functional results. It is recommended that loco-regional and general indications be strictly followed. It is enclosed the results of the 25 patients operated in a total time of 5 years.