The Hidden Enemy: Mal de Débarquement Syndrome and Its Impact on Military Operations.

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a poorly understood vestibular disorder that frequently affects military personnel exposed to motion during transportation and deployment. It is characterized by a persistent sensation of motion often experienced after disembarking from a ship or other mode of transportation. It can significantly affect a service member's balance, coordination, attention, and focus, which can then substantially impact their quality of life, ability to perform their military duties, and overall mission readiness.

Are Computed Tomography Scans Necessary for the Diagnosis of Peritonsillar Abscess?

Background Peritonsillar abscess is one of the most common deep-space infections of the head and neck, accounting for significant healthcare costs in the United States. Contributing to this expenditure is the trend of increased usage of computed tomography (CT), particularly in the emergency department. However, CT can be falsely positive for peritonsillar abscess, prompting unnecessary drainage attempts that yield no purulence.

The Impact on Nasal Septal Anatomy and Physiology Following Le Fort I Osteotomy for Orthognathic Surgery.

Orthognathic surgery utilizing a Le Fort I osteotomy is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct midface and dental occlusal abnormalities. However, the potential sequelae on sinonasal function have had minimal discussion in the literature. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on nasal septum anatomy and physiology following Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary repositioning surgery.

Incidence of Fistula Formation and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Early Versus Standard Cleft Palate Repair.

The goals of cleft palate repair are well-established; however, there does exist difference in practice patterns regarding the most appropriate patient age for palatoplasty. The optimal timing is debated and influenced by cleft type, surgical technique, and the surgeon's training. The objective of this study was to compare the rates of post-operative fistula formation and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in "early" versus "standard" cleft palate repair in a cohort of patients treated at a single craniofacial center.

Estimated versus actual; The accuracy of accounting for blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Purpose: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the mainstay for chronic inflammatory and neoplastic sinonasal process and as a result many modalities have been studied to minimize blood loss and patient morbidity and to maximize intraoperative visualization. However, often conclusions of actual blood loss are based on surgeons' estimations without ever actually assessing the accuracy of these estimations. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of intraoperative blood loss estimates by attending otolaryngology surgeons among patients undergoing ESS.

A Pilot Study Assessing the Incidence of Chronic Sinusitis Following Le Fort I Osteotomy in Maxillofacial Surgery.

Orthognathic surgery utilizing a Le Fort I osteotomy is performed regularly by oral surgeons to correct midface and dental occlusal abnormalities, yet little has been written discussing the impact these operations may have on sinonasal function. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of objective sinonasal inflammation and subjective sinonasal symptoms following the use of Le Fort I osteotomies for maxillary advancement surgery.Thirty-eight subjects who previously underwent Le Fort I osteotomies for purposes of elective orthognathic surgery were enrolled retrospectively to assess for evidence of rhinosinusitis (RS).

Button battery ingestion in children.

Purpose Of Review: As the demand for small electronics continues to grow so does the risk of oesophageal ingestion of button batteries. These small but powerful sources of energy are ubiquitous in every household and when swallowed, especially in small children, have been shown to create significant injury in a short amount of time leading to long-term morbidity and possible death. This review highlights the latest findings regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of ingested button batteries.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome: What every otolaryngologist should know.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) can be expressed in multiple organ systems requiring a variety of specialists, including pediatric otolaryngology. We present the case of a 20-month-old boy with CdLS actively managed by an aerodigestive team consisting of pediatric otolaryngology, pediatric pulmonology, pediatric gastroenterology, with support staff from audiology, speech, and nutrition. His presentation included mixed hearing loss, dysphagia, microaspiration, gastroesophageal reflux, and failure to thrive.

Identifying predictive factors for long-term complications following button battery impactions: A case series and literature review.

Objectives: To complement a case series review of button battery impactions managed at our single military tertiary care center with a thorough literature review of laboratory research and clinical cases to develop a protocol to optimize patient care. Specifically, to identify predictive factors of long-term complications which can be used by the pediatric otolaryngologist to guide patient management after button battery impactions.

Methods: A retrospective review of the Department of Defense's electronic medical record systems was conducted to identify patients with button battery ingestions and then characterize their treatment course.

Third-party certification of dietary supplements: prevalence and concerns.

According to recent studies, over 50% of the general population (and nearly 70% of military personnel) report regular use of dietary supplements (DS). Military personnel may be at greater risk for adverse reactions to DS because of operational environments and stressors (extreme heat, altitude, or sleep deprivation) associated with military deployments and training. As a recent example, the Department of Defense placed a medical hold on all DS containing the ingredient 1,3-dimethylamylamine in response to several fatalities linked to the use of this product.

Case reports: Death of active duty soldiers following ingestion of dietary supplements containing 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA).

Dietary supplements and their associated adverse events are not uncommon in the U.S. military, and selected dietary supplements have been associated with a number of nontraumatic deaths in service members.