Features of ENT Cases in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Greece: A Prospectively Driven Data Collection Study.

Primary healthcare is the pillar of a well-functioning healthcare system. General practitioners (GPs) should have a broad skillset to cope with the various conditions they encounter in everyday practice. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) cases are some of the most common reasons for seeking care. The study aimed to define the frequency and type of ENT disorders seen in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Greece. All patients examined by an ENT specialist in the emergency department setting, within a year, were recorded, as well as all referrals from private practice or primary care facilities. From September to December 2021, data were collected from patients who agreed to complete a two-minute survey, namely, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) questionnaire. During the study year, 4542 cases were documented, from which the most common conditions listed were external otitis (6.9%/314), epistaxis (6.7%/305), and impacted earwax (5.7%/261). The diagnoses that led to hospitalization were 336 and the most common were peritonsillar abscess (16.4%/55), epistaxis (8.0%/27), and facial nerve paralysis (7.4%/25). Referrals from GPs working in the public sector represented more than the half of the total. There was a significant correlation between an increased number of hospital visits and an increased GAD-2 score, in the semester before the current visit (p < 0.001). Referrals to ENT specialists represent around 5% of all cases examined, and about 8% of all visits required hospitalization. Interdisciplinary clinical and research investment into GP training is compulsory to regulate ENT referrals by GPs.

Multimorbidities in Allergic Rhinitis-Current Evidence from Epidemiological Studies, Treatment Trials, and Molecular Data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given that allergic rhinitis (AR) commonly coexists with other diseases, the present narrative review attempts a brief presentation of current theories on multimorbidities in relation to phenotypes, genotypes, age, and treatment responses with the term "multimorbidities" indicating the uncertainty regarding the primary defect, organ, or pathophysiologic mechanism involved. RECENT FINDINGS: Though age-related manifestations allow for the generation of several hypotheses on AR's specific mechanisms, the various theories regarding the initiation or the aggravation of atopic disorders have yet to be proved. Multimorbid AR seems to have a different genetic basis from "stand-alone" AR as well a more severe phenotype. Most studies on the treatment of AR and its multimorbidities focus on allergen immunotherapy, which improves the atopic symptoms and may play a preventive role in the onset of new allergen sensitizations. The use of biological factors may also have a beneficial effect, even though it has currently been approved only for some comorbidities of AR, such as asthma. Employing the use of phenotypes and genotypes concerning multimorbidity broadens current knowledge, but further research is needed to develop diagnostic, stratificational, and predictive algorithms for single and multimorbid allergic diseases (Fig. 1). The real-time data obtained by mobile apps and the new insights on the pathophysiology of AR and its comorbidities will permit both timed preventive measures and better individualized and effective antiallergic treatment. Fig. 1 Current concepts and future trends in diagnosis and management of multimorbid allergic rhinitis.

Validity, reliability, and responsiveness of daily monitoring visual analog scales in MASK-air®.

BACKGROUND: MASK-air® is an app that supports allergic rhinitis patients in disease control. Users register daily allergy symptoms and their impact on activities using visual analog scales (VASs). We aimed to assess the concurrent validity, reliability, and responsiveness of these daily VASs. METHODS: Daily monitoring VAS data were assessed in MASK-air® users with allergic rhinitis. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating daily VAS values with those of the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) VAS, the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) score, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Allergic Specific (WPAI-AS) Questionnaire (work and activity impairment scores). Intra-rater reliability was assessed in users providing multiple daily VASs within the same day. Test-retest reliability was tested in clinically stable users, as defined by the EQ-5D VAS, CARAT, or "VAS Work" (i.e., VAS assessing the impact of allergy on work). Responsiveness was determined in users with two consecutive measurements of EQ-5D-VAS or "VAS Work" indicating clinical change. RESULTS: A total of 17,780 MASK-air® users, with 317,176 VAS days, were assessed. Concurrent validity was moderate-high (Spearman correlation coefficient range: 0.437-0.716). Intra-rater reliability intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged between 0.870 (VAS assessing global allergy symptoms) and 0.937 (VAS assessing allergy symptoms on sleep). Test-retest reliability ICCs ranged between 0.604 and 0.878-"VAS Work" and "VAS asthma" presented the highest ICCs. Moderate/large responsiveness effect sizes were observed-the sleep VAS was associated with lower responsiveness, while the global allergy symptoms VAS demonstrated higher responsiveness. CONCLUSION: In MASK-air®, daily monitoring VASs have high intra-rater reliability and moderate-high validity, reliability, and responsiveness, pointing to a reliable measure of symptom loads.

Review of Rhinitis: Classification, Types, Pathophysiology.

Rhinitis describes a pattern of symptoms as a result of nasal inflammation and/or dysfunction of the nasal mucosa. It is an umbrella entity that includes many different subtypes, several of which escape of complete characterization. Rhinitis is considered as a pathologic condition with considerable morbidity and financial burden on health care systems worldwide. Its economic impact is further emphasized by the fact that it represents a risk factor for other conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and psychological impairment. Rhinitis may be associated with many etiologic triggers such as infections, immediate-type allergic responses, inhaled irritants, medications, hormonal disturbances, and neural system dysfunction. It is basically classified into three major clinical phenotypes: allergic rhinitis (AR), infectious rhinitis, and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis (NAR). However, this subdivision may be considered as an oversimplification because a combined (mixed) phenotype exists in many individuals and different endotypes of rhinitis subgroups are overlapping. Due to the variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms (endotypes) and clinical symptoms (phenotypes), it is difficult to develop clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to review the types of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, providing a thorough analysis of the pathophysiological background, diagnostic approach, and main treatment options.

Precision Medicine in Rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our scope is the presentation of research and clinical progresses in relation to precision medicine that are expected to alter our clinical practice in relation to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Current knowledge on phenotypes and endotypes, biomarkers, and clinical markers for diagnosis, medical and surgical therapy, and prognosis is presented as well as the role of precision medicine in United Airway Disease and SCUAD (severe-uncontrolled chronic upper airway inflammation). RECENT FINDINGS: Current technological progresses, mostly in relation to molecular biology and information technology, have permitted more detailed pathophysiological assessments and multidimensional approaches in airways diseases. Based on the concept of united airways diseases, new classification schemes, called endotypes, have been proposed for CRS. In addition, novel biological treatments that have been introduced for the treatment of asthma show great promise as well for severe uncontrolled cases of CRS with nasal polyps. Central to this approach are new biomarkers that are being examined in relation to complex bio-clinical traits of CRS. As this narrative review of the aforementioned precision medicine initiatives in relation to CRS advances, a modification of current practice is expected not only for severe chronic upper airways diseases in tertiary centers but also for milder and more common cases that are being encountered in the community.

Adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis using mobile technology. The MASK Study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile technology may help to better understand the adherence to treatment. MASK-rhinitis (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) is a patient-centred ICT system. A mobile phone app (the Allergy Diary) central to MASK is available in 22 countries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the adherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis patients using the Allergy Diary App. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out on all users who filled in the Allergy Diary from 1 January 2016 to 1 August 2017. Secondary adherence was assessed by using the modified Medication Possession Ratio (MPR) and the Proportion of days covered (PDC) approach. RESULTS: A total of 12 143 users were registered. A total of 6 949 users reported at least one VAS data recording. Among them, 1 887 users reported ≥7 VAS data. About 1 195 subjects were included in the analysis of adherence. One hundred and thirty-six (11.28%) users were adherent (MPR ≥70% and PDC ≤1.25), 51 (4.23%) were partly adherent (MPR ≥70% and PDC = 1.50) and 176 (14.60%) were switchers. On the other hand, 832 (69.05%) users were non-adherent to medications (MPR <70%). Of those, the largest group was non-adherent to medications and the time interval was increased in 442 (36.68%) users. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adherence to treatment is low. The relative efficacy of continuous vs on-demand treatment for allergic rhinitis symptoms is still a matter of debate. This study shows an approach for measuring retrospective adherence based on a mobile app. This also represents a novel approach for analysing medication-taking behaviour in a real-world setting.

Postoperative day 1 levels of parathyroid as predictor of occurrence and severity of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcaemia is a common and serious complication after thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of first postoperative day parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement in order to predict the presence and severity of postthyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. METHODS: One hundred consecutive cases undergoing total thyroidectomy in a tertiary referral center were prospectively assessed. Preoperative measurements of PTH were compared with postoperative levels in the first morning after surgery. All cases of hypocalcaemia were recorded and evaluated with regard to preoperative and postoperative levels of PTH. RESULTS: A decrease of 56% of PTH levels on the first postoperative day could accurately predict postoperative hypocalcaemia with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. CONCLUSION: Serum PTH levels on the first postoperative day may be used as a reliable predictive marker for calcium supplementation need and even prolonged hospitalization in cases undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Recurrent Desmoid Tumor of the Neck: A Case Report of a Benign Disease with Aggressive Behavior.

We present a case of a desmoid tumor recurrence in a patient with a history of a resected desmoid tumor of the right neck area with free surgical margins six months earlier. The neoplasm was found to invade the parapharyngeal space, and wide excision was performed including most of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the thrombosed internal jugular vein (IJV), and the infiltrated spinal accessory nerve (SAN). The histopathologic findings displayed free microscopic margins, with close margins at the site of the parapharyngeal space extension. After 3 months, there was no sign of tumor recurrence. After 6 months, local tumor recurrence was identified on clinical examination and imaging. The decision of the Oncology Board was further treatment with radiotherapy (RT). Response to treatment was satisfactory, and the patient was on close follow-up for twelve months. Desmoid tumors are very rare benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin with negligible mortality but high morbidity, due to their high recurrence rates, local tissue infiltration, and unpredictable disease course and response to treatment. No universally acceptable treatment protocols have been introduced to date. Appropriate patient counseling and close follow-up are warranted in all cases.

Pediatric Severe Chronic Upper Airway Disease (P-SCUAD).

The term SCUAD (severe chronic upper airway disease) has been previously introduced to describe cases with upper airway disorders and symptoms not adequately controlled despite correct diagnosis and management. It has been so far applied mainly in adults and no specific focus has been given on the pediatric population. When the term SCUAD is considered for children specifically, a series of issues may arise. These issues involve accurate definition, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and socioeconomic implications. These issues seem to clearly differentiate adult from pediatric SCUAD. We attempt to shed light on these issues in an effort to provide directions for future guideline development and research. In this context, P-SCUAD (pediatric severe chronic upper airway disease) is hereby introduced.

Secondary cleft rhinoplasty: impact on self-esteem and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging facial plastic procedures. Although patient satisfaction is the real outcome parameter in rhinoplasty, most authors have studied objective outcomes evaluated by professionals. The purpose of this study was to determine patient satisfaction after rhinoplasty in patients born with a cleft lip compared with outcome assessment by professionals, and to assess the impact of the procedure on appearance-related distress and generic quality of life. METHODS: Patient evaluation of the nose was performed before and 1 year after secondary cleft rhinoplasty (n = 33) using a visual analogue scale for nasal function and shape, and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation. General sinonasal complaints were evaluated using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test. Appearance-related psychological distress was measured using the Derriford Appearance Scale. The Sheehan Disability Scale evaluated quality of life. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated by scoring of preoperative and postoperative photographs by two independent surgeons. RESULTS: One year postoperatively, patients showed significantly higher visual analogue scale scores for nasal shape (p < 0.0001) and function (p = 0.005) and higher Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (p < 0.0001) scores. Correspondingly, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores were lower (p = 0.006). The appearance-related psychological distress was lower (p < 0.0001), and the generic quality of life was increased after rhinoplasty (p = 0.01). No correlation was found between patient outcome evaluation and surgeons' scores. CONCLUSION: There is high patient satisfaction at 12 months after secondary cleft rhinoplasty, resulting in a significant improvement of self-esteem and generic quality of life.

Efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty with the use of CO(2) laser, radiofrequency, and electrocautery.

BACKGROUND: Inferior turbinate surgery is one of the most commonly performed methods for the treatment of rhinitis symptoms, especially nasal obstruction. This is a comparative study of CO2 laser, electrocautery, and radiofrequency turbinoplasty in the treatment of rhinitis symptoms. METHODS: From 1994 to 2011, 3219 patients were enrolled in the study. Two hundred eighty-three patients were lost during follow-.up. Of the remaining 2936 patients, 1066 were managed using the CO2 laser, whereas 664 and 1206 were managed with the use of radiofrequency and electrocautery, respectively. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Patients were asked to evaluate their symptoms with the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, as well as 1 month and 1 year postoperatively. Rhinomanometry was used to objectively evaluate the effect on nasal obstruction. RESULTS: Mean VAS values preoperatively, regarding nasal obstruction, were 7.43 ± 0.96, 7.33 ± 0.87, and 7.64 ± 0.95 in the CO2 laser, radiofrequency, and electrocautery group, respectively. One month postoperatively, the score was significantly improved in all groups (CO2 laser, 3.44 ± 0.99; radiofrequency, 3.26 ± 0.76; electrocautery, 3.19 ± 0.79), which was almost stable in the 1st year of follow-up. Similar results were also observed in the evaluation of sneezing and rhinorrhea. Outcome did not statistically differ between the three methods. CONCLUSION: The CO2 laser, radiofrequency and electrocautery offer excellent postoperative results in turbinoplasty cases under local anesthesia.

Preoperative symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder determine postoperative satisfaction and quality of life in aesthetic rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In patients seeking aesthetic rhinoplasty, a high prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder symptoms has recently been reported. However, the impact of these symptoms on the outcomes after rhinoplasty remains elusive. This large-scale study determines the influence of preoperative body dysmorphic disorder symptoms on patients' postoperative satisfaction and quality of life, using validated questionnaires. METHODS: A 1-year prospective study of 166 adult patients undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty in a tertiary referral center was performed. Severity of body dysmorphic disorder symptoms was assessed by the modified Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Postoperative satisfaction was evaluated using a visual analog scale for patients' appraisal of nasal shape and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation. Generic quality of life was quantified by the Sheehan Disability Scale, whereas the appearance-related disruption of everyday life was measured by the Derriford Appearance Scale-59. RESULTS: Preoperative body dysmorphic disorder symptom scores inversely correlated with postoperative satisfaction at 3 months (visual analog scale nasal shape: rho = -0.43, p < 0.001; Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation: rho = -0.48, p < 0.001) and 12 months (rho = -0.40, p < 0.001; and rho = -0.41, p < 0.001, respectively) after surgery. In addition, body dysmorphic disorder symptom scores positively correlated with Sheehan Disability Scale scores and Derriford Appearance Scale-59 scores at 3 months (rho = 0.43, p < 0.001 and rho = 0.48, p < 0.001, respectively) and 12 months (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001, and rho = 0.48, p < 0.001, respectively) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence of the negative impact of preoperative body dysmorphic disorder symptoms on subjective outcomes after rhinoplasty, hence unveiling a crucial factor in patient dissatisfaction after aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Describe our technique for endoscopic transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy and support its feasibility with our early clinical outcomes. METHODS: Our endoscopic technique comprises an extended inferomedial maxillectomy, mobilization of the pterygopalatine fossa, removal of the pterygoid plates and Eustachian tube to access the posterolateral nasopharynx. Control of the parapharyngeal and petrous segments of the internal carotid artery is the keystone of the approach. RESULTS: Various histopathologies were treated, including epidermoid carcinomas (n = 9), lymphoepithelioma (n = 1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 2), and sarcoma (n = 1). Negative microscopic margins were obtained in 95% (19/20) of patients. No perioperative mortality, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, or cerebrovascular accident was encountered; however, one patient suffered an internal carotid artery (ICA) injury, without permanent sequelae. All but one patient received adjuvant therapy (external and/or stereotactic radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy). Follow-up ranged from 15 to 68 months (mean = 33). Overall survival was 45% (9/20) and local control was 65% (13/20). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transpterygoid nasopharyngectomy for primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal malignancies is feasible and safe in properly selected patients. Preliminary outcomes compare to that of conventional techniques. Endoscopic resections, however, are demanding; they require specialized equipment and a team versed in endoscopic oncologic surgery. Long-term follow-up and reproducibility remain undefined.

High prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder symptoms in patients seeking rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Nasal aesthetic deformities may be associated with significant body image dissatisfaction. The only diagnostic category in the current list of psychiatric disorders that directly addresses these concerns is body dysmorphic disorder. This large-scale study determined the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder and its symptoms in patients seeking rhinoplasty and evaluated the clinical profile of these patients. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-six patients were given questionnaires including demographic characteristics, visual analogue scales for nasal shape, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for body dysmorphic disorder to assess severity of symptoms, a generic quality-of-life questionnaire, and the Derriford Appearance Scale 59, to assess appearance-related disruption of everyday living. Independent observers scored the nasal shape. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of patients showed at least moderate symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. Aesthetic goals (p < 0.001), revision rhinoplasty (p = 0.003), and psychiatric history (p = 0.031) were associated with more severe symptoms. There was no correlation between the objective and subjective scoring of the nasal shape. Yale-Brown scale modified for body dysmorphic disorder scores correlated inversely with the subjective nasal scoring (n = 210, p < 0.001), without relation to the objective deformity of the nose. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms significantly reduced the generic quality of life (n = 160, p < 0.001) and led to significant appearance-related disruption of everyday living (n = 161, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of moderate to severe body dysmorphic disorder symptoms in an aesthetic rhinoplasty population is high. Patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty and with psychiatric history are particularly at risk. Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms significantly reduce the quality of life and cause significant appearance-related disruption of everyday living. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Sputum and nasal lavage lung-specific biomarkers before and after smoking cessation.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effect of smoking cessation on airway inflammation. Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI), Clara Cell protein 16 (CC16), elafin and human defensin beta-2 (HBD-2) protect human airways against inflammation and oxidative stress. In this longitudinal study we aimed to investigate changes in sputum and nasal lavage SLPI, CC16, elafin and HBD-2 levels in healthy smokers after 6 and 12 months of smoking cessation. METHODS: Induced sputum and nasal lavage was obtained from healthy current smokers (n = 76) before smoking cessation, after 6 months of smoking cessation (n = 29), after 1 year of smoking cessation (n = 22) and from 10 healthy never smokers. SLPI, CC16, elafin and HBD-2 levels were measured in sputum and nasal lavage supernatants by commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS: Sputum SLPI and CC-16 levels were increased in healthy smokers before smoking cessation versus never-smokers (p = 0.005 and p = 0.08 respectively). SLPI and CC16 levels did not differ before and 6 months after smoking cessation (p = 0.118 and p = 0.543 respectively), neither before and 1 year after smoking cessation (p = 0.363 and p = 0.470 respectively). Nasal lavage SLPI was decreased 12 months after smoking cessation (p = 0.033). Nasal lavage elafin levels were increased in healthy smokers before smoking cessation versus never-smokers (p = 0.007), but there were no changes 6 months and 1 year after smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Only nasal lavage SLPI decrease after 1 year after smoking cessation. We may speculate that there is an ongoing inflammatory process stimulating the production of counter-regulating proteins in the airways of healthy ex-smokers.

Global airway disease beyond allergy.

Besides the anatomic continuity of the upper and lower airways, inflammation in one part of the airway influences the homeostasis of the other. The mechanisms underlying this interaction have been studied primarily in allergic disease, showing systemic immune activation, induction of inflammation at a distance, and a negative impact of nasal inflammation on bronchial homeostasis. In addition to allergy, other inflammatory conditions of the upper airways are associated with lower airway disease. Rhinosinusitis is frequently associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The impairment of purification, humidification, and warming up of the inspired air by the nose in rhinosinusitis may be responsible in part for bronchial pathology. The resolution of sinonasal inflammation via medical and/or surgical treatment is responsible for the beneficial effect of the treatment on bronchial disease. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of upper and lower airway communication beyond allergic disease.

Long-term results of intranasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy with the use of a surgical microscope.

OBJECTIVE: To address the long-term results of our method that combines intranasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy with the use of surgical microscope. METHODS: The procedure is a modification of the West method. A retrospective series of the long-term results are presented in 105 patients that underwent 118 DCR procedures, over the past 6 years. Selection criteria were mainly acquired idiopathic nasolacrimal duct obstruction. RESULTS: 113 DCR cases (95.8%) were free of symptoms postoperatively (mean follow-up: 24 months). CONCLUSION: Our method when compared with traditional methods is correlated with excellent postoperative long-term results.

Anaphylactic reactions on the beach: a cause for concern?

BACKGROUND: The commonest causes of anaphylaxis include hymenoptera bites, high-risk food, exercise, and jellyfish bites and may often be encountered on the beach. Therefore, millions of visitors at popular touristic locations are exposed to increased risk of anaphylactic reactions every year. At least 35 cases of acute allergic reactions requiring medical attention took place on the beaches of Crete, Greece during the previous summer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of training of lifeguards working on the beaches of the island of Crete, Greece, with regard to emergency management of anaphylaxis as well as to assess the sufficiency of medical equipment that lifeguards possess to treat an anaphylactic reaction. METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared by the authors and administered to 50 lifeguards working on various beaches of Crete. Queries included the definition of anaphylaxis, proper medical treatment, and the existence or not and composition of an emergency kit with regard to the management of acute allergic reactions. RESULTS: Our series consisted of 50 lifeguards, 39 (78%) male and 11 female (22%). Although 41 (80%) lifeguards were aware of an acceptable definition of anaphylaxis, no one knew that epinephrine is the first-choice treatment, and 32 (60%) lifeguards replied that steroids should be used for emergency treatment. Additionally, no one possessed an emergency kit that would qualify for management of acute allergic reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The beach should be considered as a high-risk place for the appearance of anaphylactic reactions. Lifeguards who would be the first trained personnel to encounter this condition should be sufficiently trained and equipped for emergency treatment. Our department is currently introducing a training program to local authorities for the proper training and equipping of lifeguards in the island of Crete.

The cochlear implant programme in Crete: a nine year experience.

The aim of this study was to present data of the cochlear implant programme in Crete. Our series consists of 51 patients, 35 adults and 16 children, in a nine year period. The average age of our patients was 31 years (range from three to 68). The average duration of deafness among our patients was seven years (range from two to 22). Our series included 32 postlingual patients and 19 prelingual patients. The cause of deafness in our series was unknown in approximately 40 per cent of cases. Standard selection criteria and operative techniques were used for all cases. Postoperative programming and rehabilitation were performed according to the individual needs of each patient. Implantation was successful in all patients except one who had to undergo a second operation with good results. No major postoperative complications were noted, while minor complications included temporary facial weakness and undesired stimulation of the facial nerve during implant function in two and three patients, respectively. All patients showed significant improvement in perception and discrimination of sound and speech. Better results have been noted in prelingual patients under the age of six, as well as in postlingual adults with a recent history of deafness. As cochlear implant technology evolves and surgical techniques continue to improve, our department will continue its efforts to provide effective hearing rehabilitation of deaf children and adults in Crete.