Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube for Baro-Challenge-Induced Otologic Symptoms in Military Divers and Aviators: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation (tuboplasty) of the Eustachian tube (BET) in active duty military personnel working in hyper- and hypobaric environments suffering from baro-challenge-induced ETD using functional outcomes.

Methods: Military divers and aviators diagnosed with persistent baro-challenge-induced ETD resulting in disqualification from performing flight and dive duties and who elected for treatment with BET were included for analysis. Posttreatment follow-up assessments were undertaken at 1, 6, and 12 months.

Congenital complete absence of tracheal rings with trifurcate carina: Case report of a rare clinical and endoscopic presentation.

We describe the case of a child with isolated absence of cartilaginous tracheal rings and a trifurcate carina. At 6 months of age, the patient presented to our multidisciplinary airway clinic with stridor and recurrent severe respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. Radiographs showed airway narrowing.

Intracapsular tonsillectomy for keratosis pharyngeous: A pilot study of postoperative recovery and surgical efficacy.

Our objective was to perform a pilot study comparing intracapsular radiofrequency ablation tonsillectomy with subcapsular tonsillectomy in adult patients with keratosis pharyngeous. Patients diagnosed with keratosis pharyngeous between December 2010 and February 2013 were randomized to undergo either intracapsular or subcapsular tonsillectomy using radiofrequency ablation. Postoperative pain scores and amount of pain medication taken were recorded for 2 weeks.

Preventing Complications of Pediatric Tracheostomy Through Standardized Wound Care and Parent Education.

Importance: Pediatric tracheostomy is commonly performed for upper airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Children undergoing tracheostomy typically have multiple chronic medical problems that place them at high risk for readmission and additional complications.

Objective: To determine whether the institution of a postoperative protocol for parent education and wound care with a nurse trained in tracheostomy care decreases the rate of readmission and other complications.