Ear, nose, & throat journal
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Multicenter Study
A twin-center study of nasal tip numbness following septorhinoplasty or rhinoplasty.
Nasal tip numbness is a recognized postoperative complication after septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty. We performed a twin-center retrospective study to determine the incidence of short- and long-term (>6 mo) nasal tip numbness after these procedures, and we studied several variables that might have been associated with this complication. Our study group was made up of 65 patients-31 males and 34 females, aged 15 to 67 years (mean: 30.5). ⋯ We did find that there was an association between long-term numbness and the open procedure, but it was not statistically significant. We discuss the possible mechanisms that might cause numbness in cases when the external nasal nerve is not cut. We believe it is important to include a discussion of the risk of nasal tip numbness during preoperative consultations and when seeking informed consent.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effects of chlorhexidine/benzydamine mouth spray on pain and quality of life in acute viral pharyngitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study.
We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate/benzydamine HCl mouth spray for reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with acute viral pharyngitis. Prior to treatment, patients rated the intensity of their pain on a visual analog scale and evaluated their quality of life on the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Patients were then randomized to receive either paracetamol (acetaminophen) plus chlorhexidine/benzydamine or paracetamol plus placebo for 7 days. ⋯ A comparison of self-evaluations revealed that the active treatment group reported less pain on both day 3 (p < 0.001) and day 7 (p = 0.002). Likewise, the chlorhexidine/benzydamine group reported a significantly better quality of life on day 7 (p < 0.001). Chlorhexidine/benzydamine was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Is a head bandage useful after otoplasty? A quasi-randomized controlled study of complications and patient satisfaction.
We conducted a prospective, quasi-randomized, controlled study to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications and the degree of long-term patient satisfaction associated with the use or nonuse of a head bandage following otoplasty (pinnaplasty). Our study population was made up of 84 consecutively presenting patients who had undergone bilateral otoplasty (either an antihelical or conchaplasty procedure) for the correction of prominent ears under general anesthesia from January 2000 through March 2005. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 56 years (median: 13); 69 patients (82%) were aged 19 years and younger. ⋯ Two independent variables were found to influence long-term patient satisfaction only: the presence/absence of any complication and the individual surgeon who performed the procedure. There was no correlation between individual surgeons and complications. We conclude that the use of a head bandage is not necessary or advantageous following otoplasty for the correction of prominent ears, particularly in patients who have undergone cartilage plication.