Chuan Hsiang Kao

Comparison of therapeutic results in sudden sensorineural hearing loss with/without additional hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a retrospective review of 465 audiologically controlled cases: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 121–128

Low temperature decreased tension in isolated hypertrophic human nasal mucosa

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low temperature on basal tension in isolated hypertrophic human nasal mucosa with or without α1-agonist stimulation. Methods A tissue bath for isolated nasal mucosa was used. Tension in strips of human turbinate mucosa that were untreated and treated with an α1-adrenoreceptor agonist, methoxamine (10 μM), was recorded continuously in a stepwise manner in temperatures that varied from 37 to 10°C. Results The changes of tension in the human nasal mucosa were found to be temperature-dependent in both untreated and treated tissues, with tension decreasing to 48.6% at 10°C in comparison with 100% at 37°C in the untreated group, the presence of methoxamine (10 μM) had minimal effect. Conclusion Low temperature induced a rapid and reproducible relaxation in isolated hypertrophic human nasal mucosa that was not affected by the presence of the α1-agonist methoxamine (10 μM).

Twisted nose: a new simple classification and surgical algorithm in Asians

The purpose of this study was to present our experiences with correction of twisted nose in Asian patients using a new and simple classification and a surgical algorithm. A classification and standard surgical algorithm was followed to determine treatment strategies for 384 patients with twisted nose between June 2001 and July 2009. A retrospective chart review from the Tri-Service General Hospital archives was performed to collect patients’ data and surgical details. A follow-up self-evaluation survey regarding satisfaction with nasal function and esthetics was distributed to all participants. Preoperative and postoperative standardized photography of the face were evaluated to judge objectively the esthetic outcomes of the surgery. There were 147, 131, and 106 patients in Type I, Type II, and Type III patients, respectively. The percentages of functionally satisfied and very satisfied patients were 95.2, 93.9, and 93.4% in Type I, Type II, and Type III groups, respectively. The percentages of esthetically satisfied or very satisfied patients were 89.1, 88.5, and 87.7% in Type I, Type II, and Type III groups, respectively. There were only 2 patients with type III deviation with residual deviation of dorsum objectively who were satisfied with the results after undergoing a revision rhinoplasty. Aside from residual deviation, the postoperative periods were uneventful and without major complications. We propose a new and simple classification and surgical algorithm to optimally correct twisted nose deformities for Asian patients. The classification and surgical algorithm, which is simple and reproducible especially for beginner, guides surgical decisions that yield consistently satisfactory functional and esthetic results.

A new in vitro method of decongestant assay of nasal mucosa : A preliminary report

Background The calculation of cell planar surface area, successfully used for glomerular mesangial cell–-altered contractility, also is a reasonable methodology to assess nasal mucosal contractility. A simple technique that works particularly well with vasoconstriction-inducing agents has been introduced to test the effects of several drugs on patient turbinate nasal mucosa in vitro. This report will introduce this technique and present some of the initial findings. Methods We tested epinephrine, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine HCl, and methoxamine, respectively, for effectiveness as a vasoconstricting drug. We also tested the effectiveness of verapamil as a vasodilating drug. A piece of nasal mucosa ∼3 × 4 mm in size was mounted with a 27-gauge needle and submersed in a 4-mL muscle bath in a Petri dish at room temperature. The bath consisted of 4 mL of Krebs solution. We recorded the decrease of nasal mucosa planar surface area in response to the application of vasoconstricting agents, as measured using a digital microscope connected to a Pentium III with morphometric software, as the estimated degree of contraction. A photograph of the same mucosa was taken every 3 minutes for a total period of 18 minutes. Results Nasal mucosa that was mounted in a muscle bath in a Petri dish and treated with a small dose of a nasal decongestant was observed to contract. Drug dosage determined the degree of nasal mucosa contraction. Nasal mucosa similarly prepared but treated with a vasodilating agent, such as verapamil, exhibited a relaxation response only when pretreated with a vasoconstricting agent, such as methoxamine. Both vasoconstricting and vasodilating drugs induce dose-related responses in planar surface calculation. Conclusion In this study, drug dosage determined the degree of nasal mucosa contraction. We also found that the rate of contraction and percent of contraction were dose dependent. We believe this new method will prove useful in studying the effects of drugs on nasal blood vessels.