[Expression of CysLTR-1 and CysLTR-2 in adenoid tissues from children with adenoid hypertrophy].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-1 (CysLTR-1) and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor-2 (CysLTR-2) in the adenoid tissues from children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and to explore the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of AH. METHODS: Sixty children with AH who were treated by adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were classified into two groups: simple AH and AH plus allergic rhinitis (n=30 each). Twenty children who underwent tonsillectomy due to recurrent purulent tonsillitis were selected as the control group. The expression of CysLTR-1 and CysLTR-2 in the excised tonsil and/or adenoid tissues was determined by immunofluorescence histochemical labeling and integrated optical density measurement. RESULTS: The expression of CysLTR-1 and CysLTR-2 in the adenoid and tonsil tissues increased significantly in both the simple AH group and AH plus allergic rhinitis group compared with the control group (P<0.01). The expression of CysLTR-1 and CysLTR-2 in the AH plus allergic rhinitis group increased more significantly compared with the simple AH group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CysLTR-1 and CysLTR-2 are highly expressed in the adenoid tissues from children with AH, suggesting that leukotrienes are involved in the pathogenesis of AH.

[Application of ultracision-harmonic scalpel for tonsillectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of ultracision-harmonic scalpel assisted tonsillectomy by compared with conventional tonsillectomy. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients were randomly divided into ultrasonic scalpel group (group A, 42 cases) and control group (group B, 46 cases). The tonsillectomy in group A was performed with ultracision-harmonic scalpel, and in group B, the tonsillectomy was performed by routine method. The surgical time (complete removal of tonsils), blood loss, and postoperative sore throat situation were recorded. RESULTS: Surgical time in group A [(14.7 ± 4.0) min] was shorter than that in group B [(28.9 ± 7.6) min], t = -10.691, P < 0.05. Blood loss in group A [(3.1 ± 1.1) ml] was less than that in group B [(19.0 ± 5.2) ml], t = -19.544, P < 0.05. Postoperative sore throat was less painful in group A than that in group B in 10 hours after surgery, but much painful than group B 3 days after surgery and most patients lasted longer. There were statistical differences (P < 0.05). The average peel off time for the tunica albuginea was 8 days after the operation by using traditional method, by compared with the ultrasonic scalpel method, average time was 11 days, the difference showed statistical significance (t = 5.115, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional tonsillectomy, ultracision-harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy had shorter operative time, less blood loss and so on, but the sore throat symptoms persisted longer. In addition, the tunica albuginea peeled off later, so avoidance of secondary bleeding caused by improper diet was mandatory.