Acta clinica Croatica
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Acta clinica Croatica · Oct 2022
ReviewTHE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT) IN THE TREATMENT OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER - A SINGLE-INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE.
Head and neck cancers are associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite advancements in treatment in recent decades. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of these diseases is thus of essential importance and is becoming the gold standard. Head and neck tumors also endanger relevant structures of the upper aerodigestive tracts, including bodily functions such as voice, speech, swallowing, and breathing. ⋯ Thus, our study examined not only the roles of head and neck surgeons, oncologists and radiotherapists, but also the importance of the participation of different scientific professions such as anesthesiologists, psychologists, nutritionists, stomatologists, and speech therapists in the work of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Their participation results in a significant improvement of patient quality of life. We also present our experiences in the organization and work of the MDT as part of the Center for Head and Neck Tumors of the Zagreb Clinical Hospital Center.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Oct 2022
ReviewHOW TO OPTIMALLY SEQUENCE AVAILABLE THERAPY LINES IN ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER.
Optimal sequencing of available therapy lines in patients with advanced prostate cancer often poses quite a challenge. The guidelines are sometimes equivocal and clinical trial data are not always applicable to a particular patient. ⋯ This review article will show certain therapeutic options in the treatment of advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and castration resistant prostate cancer: non- metastatic and metastatic. An attempt will be made to clarify the optimal sequencing.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Oct 2022
Clinical TrialCOMPARISON OF HEARING OUTCOMES AFTER STAPES SURGERY DEPENDING ON PROSTHESIS TYPE: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS.
Stapes surgery is generally performed to treat otosclerosis, and there are numerous surgical techniques and prosthesis materials available. Critical evaluation of postoperative hearing outcomes is crucial for identification and further improvement of treatment options. This study is a non-randomized retrospective analysis of hearing threshold levels before and after stapedectomy or stapedotomy in 365 patients during a twenty-year period. ⋯ The results showed air-bone gap reduction <10 dB in 72% patients, 70% of patients, and 76% of patients using Schucknecht's prosthesis, Richard prosthesis, and Causse prosthesis, respectively. The results did not differ significantly between three prothesis types. Choice of prosthesis should be made individually for each patient, but surgeon competency is still the most important outcome variable, regardless of prosthesis type.
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Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is traditionally characterized as a technically difficult procedure with a long learning curve but it is successfully performed worldwide. The aim of this paper was to assess the initial learning curve and clinical outcomes for LRP in our center. We performed a retrospective study including 63 LRP cases, in the course of 22 months, performed by 2 urologists, with no previous LRP experience. ⋯ There were 5 (7.9%) Clavien Dindo grade II complications. Undetectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) was observed in 59 (93.6%) patients, and fifty-five patients (87.3%) were continent. Following a methodical learning approach, LRP can be safely mastered with favorable outcomes.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Oct 2022
IMPACT OF WEARING HEARING AIDS ON COGNITIVE ABILITIES AND SUBJECTIVE TINNITUS IN PATIENTS WITH SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS: A PILOT STUDY.
There is an increased number of people with hearing impairment and decreased cognitive abilities among the elderly population. Due to the fact that the auditory system and central nervous system are connected, pathological changes associated with aging occur on both levels. With the development of hearing aid technology, the quality of life of these patients can be improved. ⋯ Based on the results, we can emphasize the importance of the auditory system as an input source for the central nervous system. The data direct us to improve the rehabilitation strategies for hearing and cognitive abilities in patients. Such an approach results higher quality of life in patients and prevents further cognitive decline.