Periorbital emphysema as a complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Clinically significant periorbital emphysema is an unusual complication of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). In most instances, it resolves spontaneously without any serious sequelae. Rarely, it can progress rapidly and become severe enough to cause irreversible blindness.

Prone positioning for head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Certain head and neck surgical cases require the patient to be positioned prone. Such positioning carries with it an attendant subset of risks and complications not otherwise encountered in more traditional supine positioning. Gaining awareness of these risks and complications, and developing proactive positioning strategies, will enable the surgical team to position the patient optimally for the procedure and provide for every consideration of patient safety.

Characterization of CD44v3-containing isoforms in head and neck cancer.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating and deadly disease that is only cured 50% of the time. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in HNSCC progression may lead to earlier detection and improved cure rates. CD44 is a ubiquitous transmembrane glycoprotein comprising a family of alternatively spliced isoforms involved in cell migration and cell proliferation.

Parotid surgery using Nd:YAG laser contact tips: clinical assessment of perioperative facial nerve function.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to review 51 consecutive contact Nd:YAG laser parotidectomies to determine perioperative outcomes and complications related to the facial nerve and the use of the laser tips.

Background Data: Parotid surgery is mostly performed with scalpel or scissors, techniques that may put the facial nerve at risk for injury due to brisk bleeding and imprecise dissection. Even though previous experiences with Nd:YAG lasers in surgery had raised concerns of energy dispersion, the contact sapphire tips used in this series allowed accurate precise dissection and hemostasis, limiting complications.

Surgical treatment of parotid tumors in the general community hospital.

We reviewed 51 consecutive parotidectomies done at a general community hospital and gathered data on age and sex of the patients, length of stay in the hospital, perioperative outcome, complications, and surgical pathology. Statistical method included logistic regression and ANOVA to determine relationship and dependence of the variables. There were 24 male and 27 female patients.