[Short term evaluation of a new treatment method for primary snoring: radiofrequency energy]. / Evaluation à court terme d'une nouvelle méthode de traitement du ronflement simple : l'énergie radiofréquencielle.

The usual treatments for primary snoring are uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPPP) and laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty, their morbidity is known, particularly considerable postoperative pain. We have performed a prospective study on a population of 23 patients with primary snoring (respiratory disturbance index =6 +/- 1) to 1) evaluates by means of questionnaires the short term (2 month) efficacy of the application of radiofrequency energy at the level of the soft palate, and 2) assess the morbidity associated with this treatment in this population. In the group of patients receiving treatment at three sites in a maximum of three sessions, the short term satisfaction rate was 75 %. The postoperative pain was of minor importance and the use of major analgesics was necessary in 2 cases only. We conclude that this treatment with radiofrequency energy seems to be an effective treatment for primary snoring at short term. The morbidity, specially the pain seems to be distinctly inferior compared to UPPP or laser treatment. Further prospective studies on a larger number of patients and with a longer follow-up are absolutely necessary to confirm these results.

[Extracranial meningioma. Apropos of 7 cases; pathogenic, diagnostic and therapeutic problems]. / Méningiomes extracrâniens. A propos de sept cas; problèmes pathogéniques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques.

Meningioma is a benign tumor developing in the meningeal layers. Extracranial meningiomas, seven cases of which are reviewed, are often revealed by ENT signs. In the majority of cases they originate from the cranium and histologic diagnosis (particularly of fresh specimens) is often difficult. A CT scan is the examination of choice for assessing possible extension of these tumors. Treatment often involves the combined efforts of a neurosurgical and an otorhinolaryngologic team.

[Laryngeal lesions after prolonged intubation. Anatomo-pathologic study]. / Lésions laryngées après intubation prolongée. Etude anatomo-pathologique.

Laryngeal lesions produced during prolonged intubation were studied in 11 larynxes from consecutive patients dying during intensive care. A constant finding was ulceration of the vocal process, combined in 7 cases with inter- or pre-arytenoidal subglottic ulcerations. Histology failed to reveal signs of lesions of the cricoarytenoid joint or chondritis of the posterior arch of the cricoid cartilage.

[Use of the CO2 laser in the emergency treatment of dyspnea in laryngeal cancer]. / Utilisation du laser CO2 dans le traitement d'urgence des dyspnées des cancers du larynx.

Occlusion of the larynx of neoplastic origin was treated by CO2 laser in seven patients between Marc 1982 and April 1983. Temporary tracheotomy was avoided in all 7 cases but treatment had to be repeated in two patients. Specific anesthetic techniques necessary when using the laser in hypercapneic patients are described, and the advantages, limitations and complications of this therapy are discussed.

[Undifferentiated carcinoma and lymphoma of the thyroid gland. Apropos of a series of 38 cases]. / Carcinomes indifférenciés et lymphomes du corps thyroïde. A propos d'une série de 38 cas.

Twenty-seven patients with undifferentiated carcinoma and eleven with lymphoma of the thyroid are reviewed. Histologic sections of all tumors were re-examined critically. Most tumors were extensive forms spreading beyond the thyroid. Complete macroscopic excision was performed in 18 cases, incomplete excision in 12 patients. Surgery was not carried out in 8 patients, while radiotherapy was given to 27 cases. Local changes decide the prognosis whatever the findings on histology. Undifferentiated carcinomas have a poor local prognosis even after apparently satisfactory macroscopic excision. Effective local control was obtained in all cases of lymphoma treated by surgery and radiotherapy combined.

[Cancer of the oropharynx and oral cavity : results of low dose telecobalt irradiation (author's transl)]. / Bilan de l'irradiation à faible débit par télécobalt dans les cancers de l'oropharynx et de la cavité buccale.

A study has been conducted from August 1977 to compare the results of conventional fractionated irradiation (CFI) and low dose irradiation (LDI) in cancer of the oropharynx and oral cavity. Skin tolerance was perfect and mucusal tolerance satisfactory after LDI whatever the dose, and tumoral and lymph node regression and the 1-year survival rate comparable with those obtained after CFI. A dose of 1.5 Gy/h is suggested for future application, oropharyngeal tumors responding best to this type of irradiation.