Robotic facelift thyroid surgery.

Techniques for thyroid surgery have advanced dramatically over the past two decades, driven by a better understanding of thyroid physiology, anatomy, and perioperative management strategies. Improvements in surgical technology have permitted surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery associated with less dissection, decreased pain, smaller anterior cervical incisions, and most importantly a faster recovery. The advent of robotic surgical technology has allowed the development of remote access thyroidectomy for select patients who wish to avoid a visible cervical incision completely.

Evaluation of a thyroid nodule.

The thyroid specialist frequently evaluates thyroid nodules because they may represent malignancy. Nodules are typically found on physical examination or incidentally when other imaging studies are performed. Malignant or symptomatic nodules that compress nearby structures warrant surgical excision.

Combined approach technique for the management of large salivary stones.

Objectives/hypothesis: To review our experience with the combined approach, which includes an internal (endoscopic) and open approach for the management of large salivary stones.

Study Design: Retrospective.

Methods: Clinical data was reviewed on patients who underwent combined approach for large salivary stones from July 2005 to August 2008 under an institutional review board approved protocol.

Interventional sialendoscopy for treatment of radioiodine-induced sialadenitis.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to review our experience with sialendoscopy for the management of radioiodine-induced sialadenitis.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients with radioiodine-induced sialadenitis treated with interventional sialendoscopy.

Results: Twelve female patients with a mean age of 46.

Frequency of a dental source for acute maxillary sinusitis.

Objective: To identify radiographic features of odontogenic acute maxillary sinusitis and to determine the frequency of a causative dental infection in patients with radiographic evidence of maxillary sinus fluid.

Study Design: Retrospective review of 101 sinus computed tomography scans with unilateral or bilateral maxillary sinus fluid.

Methods: Each maxillary sinus was graded for extent of fluid, degree of mucosal thickening, and presence of dental pathology.

Endoscopic localization of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries.

Objectives: Understanding the endoscopic locations of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries is important during endoscopic sinus or endoscopic skull base procedures so that these arteries can be avoided. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define the endoscopic locations of the ethmoid arteries.

Methods: Twenty-four cadaver heads were used to identify the endoscopic location of the ethmoid arteries via an external incision.

Management of salivary flow in head and neck cancer patients--a systematic review.

Altered salivary flow is frequently observed as a result of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Decreased salivation or xerostomia consequent to radiation therapy is the most frequently observed complication resulting in patient discomfort, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and dysphagia. Excessive salivary flow or sialorrhea can be equally troublesome to the patient and their caregivers.

Risk factors for recurrent sinus surgery in cystic fibrosis: review of a decade of experience.

Background: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery often require multiple revision procedures. Our objective was to identify risk factors for revision sinus surgery in patients with CF, to better identify this subset of patients who might be better suited for alternative interventions at their initial procedure.

Methods: Patients with CF who presented to our academic tertiary care sinus clinic between 1994 and 2003 were reviewed.

Limits of endoscopic visualization and instrumentation in the frontal sinus.

Background: Endoscopic limitations in the frontal sinus are poorly defined. We set out to define these limits.

Methods: Fifteen cadaveric heads underwent endoscopic frontal sinusotomies (Draf IIA, IIB, III).