Rosalia Gargano

Analysis of visually guided eye movements in subjects after whiplash injury

OBJECTIVE The aims of present research were to analyze the visually guided eye movements of subjects suffering from the consequences of whiplash injury and the possibility to differentiate patients from feigning subject. We analyzed the role of video-nystagmography for clinical and forensic aspects. METHODS It was a prospective case-control study. Detailed history was taken and patients were thoroughly investigated. Smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements were assessed in 33 patients affected by imbalance following a whiplash injury. A control group of 20 subjects was also evaluated. All tests were executed in neutral neck position and after left and right trunk rotation. RESULTS The t-test, applied to all parameters showed that difference of the parameter between the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The visually guided eye movement evaluation does not seem to offer a clinically relevant method to differentiate patients suffering from the effects of whiplash injury from normal subjects.

Radiosurgery in the treatment of laryngeal abductor paralysis

Abstract Abductor true vocal cord paralysis is a complex condition that requires the surgeon to perform an emergency tracheotomy to eliminate the symptom of dyspnea. Throughout the past 20 years, corrective surgery has reverted to techniques using external or endoscopic techniques. For 5 years now, we have used high frequency radiosurgery by Ellman to treat various ENT conditions in our clinic. The experience we have gained has encouraged us to use this method in endoscopic surgery as well, in the treatment of laryngeal abductor paralysis under suspension microlaryngoscopy. Twelve patients were examined between 1999 and 2002. Diagnosis was performed through flexible fiberoptic videolaryngoscopy. After describing the surgical procedure performed, we underline the advantages of radiosurgery in the treatment of abductor paralysis of the larynx.

Radiosurgery in the treatment of the glottic plane carcinoma

Abstract During the last 20 years, various conservative surgical techniques have been proposed to treat larynx cancer. On the basis of our various experiences and of the ultrastructural data on the tissues treated with radiowaves, we decided to also use radiosurgery in operations under direct microlaryngoscopy. We select 18 patients suffering from epidermoid carcinoma. These patients had been referred to our ENT clinic at the Polichnico of Palermo between 1999 and 2001. The authors describe the surgical procedures used and emphasize the advantages of radiosurgery in the treatment of larynx cancer.