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SPECT-CT imaging improves surgical efficiency in sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used in clinically lymph node negative, primary cutaneous melanoma. A combination of planer lymposcintigraphy using a radiolabelled colloid detected intra-op by gamma probe, and cutaneous injection of blue dye is used. However, with lymphoscintigraphy spillage...

Argon plasma coagulation for epistaxis in HHT

In this study from the Czech Republic, the authors looked at the effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (a non-contact form of monopolar electrocoagulation) in treating recurrent epistaxis in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The advantage of argon plasma coagulation...

Submental island flap to reconstruct the lower lip

The lips are necessary for oral competence, cosmesis, speech and feeding. Non-melanoma cancers can affect the lips, and the lower lips are about 80% more likely to be affected. A large number of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Treatment...

Cochlear implantation in immunosuppressed patients. Is it feasible?

The effectiveness of cochlear implantation has led to a relaxation of the candidate criteria. Patients who had been rejected in the past may now be accepted and their outcomes are encouraging. However, the acceptance of immunosuppressed patients as cochlear implant...

Measuring the ‘impact’ of preoperative immunonutrition

Using preoperative nutritional supplements as part of ‘enhanced recovery’ in surgical patients is not a new concept. This interesting paper looks at the latest development in optimising patients undergoing head and neck oncological surgery. Immunonutrition (Nestle’s ‘Oral Impact’ in this...

Sinus airflow after FESS using models and fluid dynamics

This is a very interesting study from Australia and New Zealand looking at flow of air into the nose and sinuses after FESS surgery. There is plenty of data regarding computational fluid dynamics for preoperative cases but not much for...

Wisdom teeth and mandibular osteotomies

This is a systemic review and meta-analysis from Italy and Brazil where they try to clarify the role of wisdom teeth and complications in a sagittal split mandibular osteotomy. Whilst, like many other papers, they outline the quality of evidence...

Curettage adenoidectomy impairs eustachian tube function

Adenoidectomy is a common procedure undertaken for obstructive sleep apnoea and nasal obstruction. Curettage is the most common technique but is associated with complications (mucosal trauma, bleeding) that may cause eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). This study analysed changes in middle...