Is Superselective Neck Dissection Safer Than Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection for Oral Carcinoma Patients With N0 Neck in Terms of Shoulder Morbidity and Recurrence Rate?

PURPOSE: To estimate the clinical and functional results of patients who underwent distinctive types of neck dissection, with particular emphasis on shoulder function, rate of recurrence, and quality of life in patients with N0 neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 2014 to March 2017 in which 20 adult patients with T1 to T3 lesions of the oral cavity and N0 neck were included. Patients were randomly allocated to group I (n = 10; selective neck dissection) or group II (n = 10; superselective neck dissection). All patients were evaluated objectively for degree of arm abduction and subjectively for quality of life using a questionnaire completed pre- and postoperatively at 6 months. Also, locoregional recurrence was investigated for 2.5 years. Data were scrutinized by applying mean and standard deviation, unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS: Mean values of the Arm Abduction Test and quality-of-life scores were statistically significant (P < .05) for group II compared with group I at all intervals. Data analyzed for locoregional recurrence showed a statistically significant difference between groups (P < .05), with group II having the better outcome. CONCLUSION: The results showed less shoulder morbidity and improved quality of life for superselective neck dissection (group II) compared with selective neck dissection (group I). Furthermore, group II was better for locoregional recurrence, which determines the oncologic safety of the procedure.

A prospective study to assess the levels of interleukin-6 following administration of diclofenac, ketorolac and tramadol after surgical removal of lower third molars.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical removal of impacted third molars involves, trauma to soft and bony tissue and can result in considerable pain, swelling, and trismus. The greater the amount of tissue injury the greater is the amount of inflammation in the perisurgical region. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is both a pro inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is secreted by T cells and macrophages to stimulate the immune response. IL-6 is also an early marker of tissue damage. In addition to NSAIDs, corticosteroids, opioids also have immunomodulatory effects. AIM: To evaluate the changes in serum IL-6 levels following surgical removal of third molars under local anaesthesia after administration of two NSAIDs diclofenac and ketorolac and opioid tramadol post operatively. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar teeth were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group received one of the three analgesics viz diclofenac 50 mg, ketorolac 10 mg and tramadol 50 mg. The mean levels of IL-6 was then estimated by ELISA. RESULTS: The results of our study showed that all three drugs i.e. diclofenac, ketorolac and tramadol have properties which can downregulate the production of IL-6 in response to surgical trauma. CONCLUSION: It is of clinical significance that the suppression of IL-6 values occurs in tramadol group closely following the diclofenac group. Even though the drug ketorolac suppresses the IL-6 levels similar to diclofenac initially but after 7 days tramadol and ketorolac showed similarities in suppression of IL-6 expression which is less compared to diclofenac group.

Fracture of mandibular condyle­to open or not to open: an attempt to settle the controversy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of the open method versus the closed method of treatment for mandibular condylar fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty patients with fractures of the mandibular condylar processes were evaluated. All fractures were displaced, with a degree of deviation between the condylar fragment and the ascending ramus of 10 to 45 degrees (mediolaterally). The patients were randomly divided into two groups, with group 1 receiving open reduction internal fixation and group 2 receiving closed reduction. The follow-up was done over the period of 6 months. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was seen in group 1 compared with group 2 in terms of anatomic reduction of the condyle, shortening of the ascending ramus, occlusal status, and deviation on mouth opening. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant difference was seen in the patients treated with the open method, with improved temporomandibular joint functions and fewer short- and long-term complications compared with those treated with the closed method.

The "Red Line" Conundrum: A Concept Beyond Its Expiry Date?

Introduction George Winter attempted to assess the depth and difficulty of extracting impacted mandibular wisdom molars by describing three imaginary lines drawn on an intra-oral radiograph. Of these lines, the red line is the only one which is measured and great importance is attached to its actual length. Method The authors of this short paper describe the difficulty in drawing this red line accurately through examples. Conclusion The authors believe that Winter's lines and their interpretation are only of historical value and have no place in contemporary texts on oral surgery.

Postcraniofacial trauma multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection treated with intravenous colistin: a rare complication.

Nosocomial meningitis is a rare complication of combined craniofacial and neurosurgical procedures. The increase in meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii has resulted in a significant reduction in available treatment options. We report a case of 52-year-old man who sustained a complex craniofacial trauma, who developed nosocomial MDR infection caused by A. baumannii in the wound. Patient was at significant risk of developing meningitis but, he was successfully treated with intravenous colistin. To conclude, patients with complex maxillofacial trauma are at high risk of MDR A. baumannii meningitis, especially in craniofacial intensive care units, and adequate infection control measures with proper institution of antibiotics, should be used to reduce the risk of this infection.