International forum of allergy & rhinology
-
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Sep 2013
Physician accountability in iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid leak litigation.
The potentially severe complications resulting from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak makes iatrogenic injury a medicolegal area of concern for otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. The objectives of this analysis were to study legal outcomes as well as medical and nonmedical elements affecting malpractice litigation. ⋯ Although a slight majority of cases were resolved in the defendant's favor, payments made were considerable, averaging approximately $1 million. Strategies to decrease liability and allow patients to make more informed decisions should include clear communication with patients that explicitly states potential risks, such as meningitis, and possible need to undergo additional reparative surgery.
-
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Sep 2013
Acetazolamide for high intracranial pressure cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Acetazolamide has become a standard treatment for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks associated with intracranial hypertension. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acetazolamide at decreasing elevated CSF pressure in this patient population. ⋯ This study provides some of the first direct evidence of decreased intracranial pressure associated with the oral administration of acetazolamide. In combination with the excellent endoscopic repair outcomes noted in a high risk population, this evidence supports the routine use of acetazolamide in patients with high intracranial pressure CSF leaks.
-
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Aug 2013
A prospective study of postoperative symptoms in sinonasal quality-of-life following endoscopic skull-base surgery: dissociations based on specific symptoms.
Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is a minimal access approach to cranial base pathology; however, it significantly disrupts the intranasal mucosa and intranasal structures, the long-term effects of which are still being studied. We prospectively assessed postoperative changes in sinonasal QOL symptoms following ESBS. ⋯ Our study indicates a dissociation between the nasal and visual QOL after ESBS. While nasal QOL transiently decreases, visual QOL progressively improves. These data should not be lumped together for the purposes of statistical analysis.
-
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Jun 2013
ReviewQuality of surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery: a systematic literature review of the effect of total intravenous compared to inhalational anesthesia.
Adequate surgical field visualization is imperative for successful outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The type of anesthetic administered can alter a patient's hemodynamics and impact endoscopic visualization during surgery. We review the current evidence regarding the effect of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) compared to inhalational anesthesia (INA) on visualization of the surgical field during ESS. ⋯ Although several studies reported that TIVA improves surgical conditions in ESS, there are significant limitations. These findings prevent any definite recommendation at this point, emphasizing the need for further high-quality studies.
-
Advances in endoscopic sinus surgery have led to a greater number of in-office procedures away from the traditional operating room setting. Rhinologists acting independently of anesthesiologists must be prepared for potential complications, such as vasovagal response (VVR), that may arise during in-office rhinologic manipulations. In this study, we review our experience with this condition and discuss risk factors and a management algorithm for in-office VVR. ⋯ Although the incidence of VVR during rhinologic procedures is low, rhinologists should be familiar with this condition and be prepared for its management.