Pubblicazioni
"Emergency" Cochlear Implantation in Labyrinthitis Ossificans Secondary to Polyarteritis Nodosa: How to Face a Rare Entity.
Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis affecting the small- and medium-sized arteries that may present with hearing impairment. In rare cases, PAN may be associated with progressive labyrinthitis ossificans (LO), an otologic emergency requiring early cochlear implantation (CI) to restore hearing before the complete, irreversible cochlear ossification. We report the first case in the literature of a patient affected by PAN with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss and rapid LO who underwent "emergency" bilateral simultaneous CI. This case report emphasizes the importance of an early audiological evaluation in patients with PAN when LO is suspected. Multidisciplinary approach is mandatory when facing organ-specific manifestations in patients with PAN. Detailed discussion is provided with particular regard to clinical and radiological presentation as well as CI outcomes in such a rare and challenging case. Scopri di piùTransoral robotic tongue base resection in obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome: a preliminary report.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the feasibility, tolerability and efficacy of tongue base management by means of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients suffering from the obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) primarily related to hypertrophy of the tongue base.PROCEDURE: Seventeen patients with OSAHS principally related to tongue base hypertrophy were managed by means of TORS (Intuitive da Vinci(R)). Patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were evaluated.
RESULTS: Ten patients [mean preoperative apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI): 38.3 +/- 23.5 SD] were included in the study. By means of robotic technology, the tongue base and the epiglottis could be managed. The postoperative polysomnographic results were fairly good (mean postoperative AHI: 20.6 +/- 17.3 SD), and the functional results (pain, swallowing and quality of life) are very encouraging; altogether, complications were rare and of minor importance.
CONCLUSIONS: Transoral robotic tongue base management in patients with OSAHS primarily related to tongue base hypertrophy is feasible and well tolerable. These preliminary results are encouraging and worthy of further evaluation.
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Multilevel radiofrequency ablation for snoring and OSAHS patients therapy: long-term outcomes.
Our objective is to evaluate the outcomes of the Radio-Frequency (RF) energy for tissue thermo-ablation therapy in sleep-disordered breathing patients and retrospective evaluation of the RF therapy after a 5-year follow-up period, in terms of snoring and apnea reduction. From June 1999 to June 2009, we enrolled patients suffering from simple snoring and patients with obstructive apnea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). A visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of snoring and was filled out in short- and long-term periods, whereas in OSAHS patients an unattended polysomnography was performed before and after a minimum of 6 months from the last RF therapy treatment session. The presence of post-operative pain was assessed by means of a specific VAS. Results stated that 187/250 patients finished the RF therapy. In the simple snoring group, mean snoring VAS decreased from 7.48 to 3.7 (P < 0.0001). In the post-operative snoring group, mean snoring VAS decreased from 7.6 to 3.6 (P < 0.0001). In the mild-to-moderate grade OSAHS group, AHI decreased from a mean value of 18.1 to a mean value of 12.9 (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, we recorded a mean post-operative pain VAS of one in each group of patients. Our results suggest an important role of RF therapy in the improvement of snoring solution, but not for a significant AHI reduction. Level of evidence 2c.Scopri di più
Transoral robotic surgery of the tongue base in obstructive sleep Apnea-Hypopnea syndrome: anatomic considerations and clinical experience.
The purpose of our work was to describe, through cadaveric dissection, the anatomy of the tongue base with a robotic perspective and to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach in case of tongue base hypertrophy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS).METHODS: Forty-four patients with OSAHS underwent tongue base resection in the last 2 years. Twenty patients with a 10-month minimum follow-up were evaluated. The anatomic details of 3 tongue bases dissected from above are illustrated.
RESULTS: The cadaveric study shows that no constant landmarks are identifiable, with no significant neurovascular structures present in the midline. Clinically, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the tongue base was feasible, with no major complications and satisfaction of the majority of patients. Mean apnea hypopnea index (AHI) improvement was 24.6 ± 22.2 SD, mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) improvement was 5.9 ± 4.4 SD.
CONCLUSION: Tongue base hypertrophy can be safely and effectively managed by TORS in OSAHS. Our midterm data are encouraging and worthy of further evaluation.
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From CT scanning to 3D printing technology: a new method for the preoperative planning of a transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing device.
The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility and utility of 3D printing technology in surgical planning of a transcutaneous bone-conduction hearing device (Bonebridge®) (BB), focusing on the identification of the proper location and placement of the transducer. 3D printed (3DP) models of three human cadaveric temporal bones, previously submitted to CT scan, were created with the representation of a topographic bone thickness map and the sinus pathway on the outer surface. The 3DP model was used to detect the most suitable location for the BB. A 3DP transparent mask that faithfully reproduced the surface of both the temporal bone and the 3DP model was also developed to correctly transfer the designated BB area. The accuracy of the procedure was verified by CT scan: a radiological marker was used to evaluate the degree of correspondence of the transducer site between the 3DP model and the human temporal bone. The BB positioning was successfully performed on all human temporal bones, with no difficulties in finding the proper location of the transducer. A mean error of 0.13 mm was found when the transducer site of the 3DP model was compared to that of the human temporal bone. The employment of 3D printing technology in surgical planning of BB positioning showed feasible results. Further studies will be required to evaluate its clinical applicability.Scopri di più
New frontiers and emerging applications of 3D printing in ENT surgery: a systematic review of the literature.
D printing systems have revolutionised prototyping in the industrial field by lowering production time from days to hours and costs from thousands to just a few dollars. Today, 3D printers are no more confined to prototyping, but are increasingly employed in medical disciplines with fascinating results, even in many aspects of otorhinolaryngology. All publications on ENT surgery, sourced through updated electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and published up to March 2017, were examined according to PRISMA guidelines. Overall, 121 studies fulfilled specific inclusion criteria and were included in our systematic review. Studies were classified according to the specific field of application (otologic, rhinologic, head and neck) and area of interest (surgical and preclinical education, customised surgical planning, tissue engineering and implantable prosthesis). Technological aspects, clinical implications and limits of 3D printing processes are discussed focusing on current benefits and future perspectives.Scopri di più
Awake versus sleep endoscopy: personal experience in 250 OSAHS patients.
Identifying the site of obstruction and the pattern of airway change during sleep are the key points essential to guide surgical treatment decision making for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea-Hypopnoea Syndrome in adults. In this investigation, 250 cases were retrospectively analyzed in order to compare the pharyngolaryngeal endoscopic findings detected in the awake state, with those obtained in drug-induced sedation, by means of the Sleep Endoscopy technique. All endoscopic findings have been classified according to the semi-quantitative NOH staging. The awake and sedation NOH resulted identical in 25% of the cases only, while the discrepancies involved the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal sites, respectively in about 33% and 50% of the patients. The laryngeal obstructive role detected during sedation in almost 33% of the cases was both unforeseen and relevant, with all the consequent implications in the treatment choices particularly for the surgical cases.Scopri di più
Tongue Base Reduction with Thyro-Hyoido-Pexy (TBRTHP) vs. Tongue Base Reduction with Hyo-Epiglottoplasty (TBRHE) in mild-severe OSAHS adult treatment. Preliminary findings from a prospective randomised trial.
In a preliminary prospective randomised study, a series of 5 patients submitted to classic Tongue Base Reduction with Hyo-Epiglottoplasty (TBRHE according to Chabolle et al., 1998) is compared to a series of 7 patients submitted to a modified version of Chabolle's procedure. The changes introduced in the new surgical technique can be summarised as follows: a) lower neck skin incision; b) different neurovascular bundle identification; c) submucosal tongue base muscle resection; d) variation of the caudal hyoid stabilisation, already described by the Authors in 2008 (Tongue Base Reduction with Thyro-Hyoido-Pexy). The objective has been primarily to compare the feasibility, functional effectiveness and overall tolerability of the modified procedure. In this preliminary study Tongue Base Reduction with Thyro-Hyoido-Pexy has proven to be an easy and rapid procedure, with shorter post-operative functional recovery and comparable polysomnographic and neuro-psychological short time results.Scopri di più
Transoral robotic geniohyoidpexy as an additional step of transoral robotic tongue base reduction and supraglottoplasty: feasibility in a cadaver model.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the feasibility of including an additional step of transoral geniohyoidpexy in the transoral robotic tongue base reduction (TBR) and supraglottoplasty (SGP) procedure in order to better reproduce the classic Chabolle operation with expected similar outcomes but possibly with far less invasivity.PROCEDURE: A da Vinci surgical system was used in 2 cadavers. Dissection was carried out via a transoral approach in the same setting of TBR and SGP, after completing the basic tongue base and supraglottic steps.
RESULT: A complete geniohyoidpexy was performed transorally. After identification, the hyoid bone body was rapidly dissected free from the suprahyoid muscles near the midline to the inferior border.
CONCLUSION: A transoral robotic access to the hyoid bone was demonstrated. The procedure proved to be feasible in the same robotic setting of TBR and SGP.
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Sinonasal surgery in Wegener's granulomatosis: is it time to go on?
Scopri di piùThe evolution of the adenoidectomy: analysis of different power-assisted techniques.
Techniques and instruments for adenoidectomy have considerably changed over the years. With the introduction in Otolaryngology of power-assisted instruments for endoscopic sinus surgery, the classic adenoidectomy performed with curette or adenotome has evolved, with an improved patients' outcome and a better satisfaction of the surgeon. The purpose of this article is to describe and critically analyze the literature reports about different methods of power-assisted adenoidectomy. We performed a literature search (Medline) to identify all available reports. We discussed the surgical techniques and reviewed advantages and disadvantages of each method. The techniques can be schematically divided in non-endoscopic, usually performed with a laryngeal mirror, and endoscopic-assisted. The endoscopic control can be obtained either trans-nasally or trans-orally, as well as the microdebrider can be inserted in the nasal cavity or maneuvered through the oral cavity. Some authors reported the usage of the power-assisted instruments in performing the entire adenoidectomy; while, according with other authors, the microdebrider can be used as a step of the surgical procedure, for a combined adenoidectomy. In conclusion, all the methods seem to be safe and effective, and the personal experience of the surgeon should guide the choice of the instruments. However, we personally consider the endoscopic techniques as the most suitable, and among these the Transoral Endonasal-Controlled Combined Adenoidectomy (TECCA) should be considered as the most ergonomic technique to perform a power-assisted adenoidectomy.Scopri di più
The evolution of the adenoidectomy: analysis of different power-assisted techniques.
AIMS: To assess the feasibility of a flexible thulium laser coupled with a novel robotic introducer for head and neck cancers.METHODS:In a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial, 58 patients were evaluated. When indicated, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with laser was performed using an Intuitive da Vinci S System with the Intuitive Surgical® Endo Wrist Introducer, 5Fr to hold and position thulium surgical laser fibers.
RESULTS: Six patients underwent TORS with laser for early supraglottic and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. All approaches were successfully completed without the need for microscopic/open conversion or positive margins to the final pathological study. No intraoperative adverse events occurred and recovery was relatively quick, with no evidence of disease recurrence at the time of reporting, the short observation time notwithstanding.
CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary experience, TORS with laser showed feasible and promising results. Further studies are mandatory to demonstrate thulium laser benefits in surgical and oncological practice.
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Thirteen Years of Hyoid Suspension Experience in Multilevel OSAHS Surgery: The Short-Term Results of a Bicentric Study.
AIMS: To evaluate thirteen years of hyoid suspension experience in multilevel OSAHS surgery, for which hyoidthyroidpexia represented the exclusive hypopharyngeal approach applied.MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1998 to 2011, a bicentric retrospective study was conducted: all adult patients with a diagnosis of OSAHS were enrolled. Specific eligible criteria were established. Pre-/postoperative data concerning ENT and sleep findings were recorded. Recruited subjects were surveilled for a follow-up range from 6 to 18 months.
RESULTS: A total of 590 hyoid suspensions were evaluated, but only 140 patients met the specific inclusion criteria. A success rate of 67% was obtained. No intraoperative adverse events or major complications occurred. Excessive daytime sleepiness was observed in 28% of nonresponders. Despite the homogeneous candidate anatomy, ENT awake findings changed differently after surgery. Statistical analysis revealed multilevel surgery to be more effective when AHI < 30. Postoperative AHI was statistically not influenced by preoperative BMI.
CONCLUSIONS: Hyoid suspension in multilevel treatment is effective when short-term results are considered. The necessity of a more valuable anatomic-based diagnostic approach is crucial to guide the patient selection. Long-term followups and randomized prospective trials with case-control series are needed to increase the level of evidence of this surgery.
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Sudden clinical course of an unusual ENT tumour: clinical pictures of extramedullary plasmacytoma secondary to multiple myeloma.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare monoclonal plasmacytic proliferation involving upper airways in 80% of cases. The heterogeneous pattern of frequency in the head and neck area may result in insidious clinical expressions that are potentially lethal for the patient. The presentation and management of two suggestive clinical photographs characterized by sudden and aggressive EMP development secondary to multiple myeloma are discussed.Scopri di più
Sialendoscopy in juvenile recurrent parotitis: a review of the literature.
Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is the second most frequent salivary gland disease in childhood, defined as a recurrent non-suppurative and non-obstructive parotid inflammation. The recurring attacks actually represent the most dramatic and serious aspect of this pathology, since they significantly influence the quality of life, and there are no recognized therapies to avoid them. In recent years, there are reports of many international experiences related to the management of JRP by sialendoscopy. In this context, several authors have stressed the striking role of sialendoscopy in the prevention of JRP attacks. The objective of the current review is to overview the existing literature with particular regards to diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes after the application of sialendoscopy in patients suffering from JRP.Scopri di più
Clinical outcomes and complications associated with TORS for OSAHS: a benchmark for evaluating an emerging surgical technology in a targeted application for benign disease.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to create benchmarks for evaluating clinical outcomes and complications of transoral robotic surgeries (TORS) in a multicenter setting.METHODS: 243 TORS for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) operations, carried out between 2008 and 2012, were analyzed at 7 different centers. The average hospitalization was 3.5 days. The mean patient age was 50 ± 12 years, the average BMI at the time of the procedure was 28.53 ± 3.87 and the majority of the patients were men (81%).
RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative apnea/hypopnea index was 43.0 ± 22.6 and 17.9 ± 18.4, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 12.34 ± 5.19 and 5.7 ± 3.49, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean pre- and postoperative lowest O2 saturation was 79.5 ± 8.77 and 83.9 ± 6.38%, respectively (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TORS as part of a multilevel approach for the treatment of OSAHS have a reasonable expectation of success with minimal long-term morbidity.
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Cochlear implantation is safe and effective in patients with MYH9-related disease.
BACKGROUND: MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is a rare syndromic disorder deriving from mutations in MYH9, the gene for the heavy chain of non-muscle myosin IIA. Patients present with congenital thrombocytopenia and giant platelets and have a variable risk of developing sensorineural deafness, kidney damage, presenile cataract, and liver abnormalities. Almost all MYH9-RD patients develop the hearing defect, which, in many individuals, progresses to severe to profound deafness with high impact on quality of life. These patients are potential candidates for cochlear implantation (CI), however, no consistent data are available about the risk to benefit ratio of CI in MYH9-RD. The only reported patient who received CI experienced perisurgery complications that have been attributed to concurrent platelet defects and/or MYH9 protein dysfunction.METHODS: By international co-operative study, we report the clinical outcome of 10 patients with MYH9-RD and severe to profound deafness who received a CI at 8 institutions.
RESULTS: Nine patients benefited from CI: in particular, eight of them obtained excellent performances with restoration of a practically normal hearing function and verbal communication abilities. One patient had a slightly worse performance that could be explained by the very long duration of severe deafness before CI. Finally, one patient did not significantly benefit from CI. No adverse events attributable to MYH9-RD syndrome were observed, in particular no perisurgery bleeding complications due to the platelet defects were seen. Patients' perioperative management is described and discussed.
CONCLUSIONS: CI is safe and effective in most patients with MYH9-RD and severe to profound deafness and should be offered to these subjects, possibly as soon as they develop the criteria for candidacy.
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Translabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant for Ménière's disease.
BACKGROUND: Surgical management of Ménière's disease (MD) is recommended in case of medical and intratympanic treatment failures. Translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section has been considered the gold standard for denervation procedures in order to control vertigo attacks, although at the cost of sacrificing residual hearing. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been published with regard to a group of patients submitted to translabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant for MD. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant in a prospective study.METHODS: All adult patients (over 18 years of age) with a diagnosis of intractable unilateral definite MD and useless residual hearing function were enrolled after medical and intratympanic treatment failures. Pre- and postoperative otoneurological evaluation concerned: frequency of vertigo attacks, head impulse test and caloric testing, pure tone average and speech perception audiometry in quiet conditions, tinnitus handicap inventory test, functional level scale and rate of vertigo control, dizziness handicap inventory test, and MD patient-oriented severity index. At least 6 months of follow-up were needed to be enrolled in the study.
RESULTS: Four patients were included in the study. Translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant seemed to considerably improve the disabling effects of MD, achieving a good control of vestibular symptoms (mean pre/postoperative vertigo attacks per month: 16.5/0), resolving hearing loss (mean pre/postoperative pure tone average in the affected ear: 86.2/32.5 dB), improving the tinnitus (mean pre/postoperative tinnitus handicap inventory test: 77.2/6), and finally increasing the overall quality-of-life parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: In our preliminary report, translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant showed encouraging results in order to definitively control both vestibular and cochlear symptoms during the same therapeutic procedure.
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Severe to profound deafness may be associated with MYH9-related disease: report of 4 patients.
MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is a rare genetic syndromic disorder characterised by congenital thrombocytopenia and is associated with the risk of developing progressive sensorineural hearing loss, nephropathy and presenile cataracts during childhood or adult life. All consecutive patients enrolled in the Italian Registry for MYH9-RD with severe to profound deafness were included in a retrospective study. The study population involved 147 Italian patients with MYH9-RD: hearing loss was identified in 52% of cases and only 4 patients (6%) presented severe to profound deafness at a mean age of 33 years. Deafness was associated with mild spontaneous bleeding in all patients and with kidney involvement in 3 cases. Cochlear implantation was carried out in 3 cases with benefit, and no major complications were observed. Diagnosis was performed about 28 years after the first clinical manifestation of MYH9-RD, which was never suspected by an otolaryngologist. The clinical and diagnostic aspects of 4 patients with severe to profound deafness are discussed with a focus on therapeutic implications.Scopri di più
Development of a novel Italian speech-in-noise test using a roving-level adaptive method: adult population-based normative data.
In recent years the increasing development of hearing devices has led to a critical analysis of the standard methods employed to evaluate hearing function. Being too far from reality, conventional investigation of hearing loss based on pure-tone threshold audiometry and on mono/disyllabic word lists, presented in quiet conditions, has been shown to be inadequate. A speech-in-noise test using a roving-level adaptive method employs target and competing signals varying in level in order to reproduce everyday life speaking conditions and explore a more complete sound range. Up to now, only few roving-level adaptive tests have been published in the literature. We conducted a rovinglevel adaptive test in healthy Italian adults to produce new normative data on a language of Latin origin.Scopri di più
Interventional sialendoscopy for radioiodine-induced sialadenitis: quo vadis?
Salivary gland toxicity is a common adverse effect of radioactive iodine (131I) for the treatment of thyroid cancers with a prevalence ranging from 2% to 67% of the 131I exposed population. Recently, sialendoscopy has been introduced as an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic tool for management of patients with radioiodine-induced sialadenitis that is unresponsive to standard medical treatments. The objective of the current review was to assess the impact of this procedure on outcomes in patients suffering from radioiodine sialadenitis. Overall, eight studies were included and 122 patients underwent 264 sialendoscopic procedures. Duct stenosis and mucous plugs were observed in 85.7% of endoscopic findings, supporting the role of ductal obstruction in the pathophysiology of radioiodine sialadenitis. In total, 89.3% of patients experienced complete or partial resolution of sialadenitis recurrences without any major adverse events, and parotidectomy was advocated in only 1 case. However, outcomes mainly concerned subjective reports and only two clinical experiences evaluated objective measurement with dissimilar results. Limited to few studies, xerostomia and obstructive symptoms responded differently after sialendoscopy. The optimal timing of salivary gland videoendoscopy needs to be further analysed in order to define the best management of radioiodine-induced obstructive sialadenitis.Scopri di più
Interventional sialendoscopy for radioiodine-induced sialadenitis: quo vadis?
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventional sialendoscopy alone or combined with outpatient intraductal steroid irrigations in patients with sialadenitis due to Sjögren's syndrome (SS).DESIGN: A pilot therapeutic study.
SETTING: ENT Clinics, Universities of Milan and Pavia.
STUDY POPULATION: We included 22 patients with SS of whom 12 underwent interventional sialendoscopy followed by intraductal steroid irrigations (group A), and 10 interventional sialendoscopy alone (group B).
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Modern management of paediatric obstructive salivary disorders: long-term clinical experience.
Recent technological improvements in head and neck field have changed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for salivary disorders. Diagnosis is now based on colour Doppler ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance (MR) sialography and cone beam 3D computed tomography (CT), and extra- and intracorporeal lithotripsy, interventional sialendscopy and sialendoscopy-assisted surgery are used as minimally invasive, conservative procedures for functional preservation of the affected gland. We evaluated the results of our long-term experience in the management of paediatric obstructive salivary disorders. The study involved a consecutive series of 66 children (38 females) whose obstructive salivary symptoms caused by juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) (n = 32), stones (n = 20), ranula (n = 9) and ductal stenosis (n = 5). 45 patients underwent interventional sialendoscopy for JRP, stones and stenoses, 12 a cycle of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), three sialendoscopy-assisted transoral surgery, one drainage, six marsupialisation, and two suturing of a ranula. Three children underwent combined ESWL and interventional sialendoscopy, and seven a secondary procedure. An overall successful result was obtained in 90.9% of cases. None of the patients underwent traditional invasive sialadenectomy notwithstanding persistence of mild obstructive symptoms in six patients. No major complications were observed. Using a diagnostic work-up based on colour Doppler US, MR sialography and cone beam 3D TC, children with obstructive salivary disorders can be effectively treated in a modern minimally-invasive manner by extracorporeal and intracorporeal lithotripsy, interventional sialendoscopy and sialendoscopy-assisted transoral surgery; this approach guarantees a successful result in most patients, thus avoiding the need for invasive sialadenectomy while functionally preserving the gland.Scopri di più
Effect of sulfur salt-bromine-iodine thermal waters on albumin and IgA concentrations in nasal secretions
In chronic rhinopharyngotubaric phlogoses, the key pathogenic element sustaining phlogosis is a persistent modification of the biological, rheological features of the nasal mucus. For centuries sulphurous thermal waters have proved effective in clinically curing such phlogoses. In order to evaluate the effect of such sulphurous-salty-bromic-iodic thermal waters a randomized, double blind study was undertaken on a sampling of 50 patients. The effect such waters have on secretory IgA (sIgA) and albumin in the nasal secretions was tested against a placebo made of distilled water. Using the method of radial immunodiffusion, the response in the IgAs (mg/l) and albumin (mg/dl) concentrations in the nasal secretions was measured for 25 patients treated with the thermal waters and 25 patients treated with distilled water. The average concentrations were statistically compared using the Student t-test for paired samples. A significant increase (p < 0.0001) was seen in the mean IgAs concentration in the patients treated with the thermal waters. On the other hand, there was a weak, not statistically significant increase in the same data mean for the group treated with distilled water. The average increase in the albumin concentration in the nasal secretions proved significant in both cases although the significance was much more marked in the group treated with the thermal waters (p = 0.001) vs. the placebo group (p = 0.039).Scopri di più
Outcomes of interventional sialendoscopy for obstructive salivary gland disorders: an Italian multicentre study.
Interventional sialendoscopy has become the predominant therapeutic procedure for the management of obstructive salivary disorders, but only a few multicentre studies of large series of patients with a long-term follow-up have been published. This Italian multicentre study involved 1152 patients (553 females; mean age 50 years) who, after at least a clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation, underwent a total of 1342 diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopies, 44.6% of which involved the parotid gland. 12% (n = 138) of patients underwent multiple treatments. The procedure was successful in 1309 cases. In 33 cases (2.4%) the procedure could not be concluded mainly because of complete duct stenosis (21 cases). Salivary stones were the main cause of obstruction (55%), followed by ductal stenosis and anomalies (16%), mucous plugs (14.5%) and sialodochitis (4.7%). Complete therapeutic success was obtained in 92.5% of patients after one or more procedures, and was ineffective in < 8%. Untoward effects (peri and postoperative complications) were observed in 5.4% of cases. Sialendoscopy proved to be an effective, valid and safe procedure in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of non-neoplastic obstructive salivary gland diseases.Scopri di più