A double-blind randomized trial was conducted among 36 laryngectomees to assess the influence of a buccal bioadhesive slow-release tablet containing miconazole nitrate on the lifetime of the Provox voice prosthesis. All patients colonized with Candida spp and treated with miconazole showed a significant decrease of colonization at the end of the study. Intratracheal phonatory pressures were remarkably higher after 2 months of follow-up in the placebo group. No local or systemic adverse reactions to miconazole were observed during this study. Patient compliance was acceptable according to regular miconazole determination in saliva samples. The device lifetime was significantly higher in patients treated with miconazole even after 1 year of follow-up. The use of a buccal bioadhesive slow-release tablet containing an antimycotic agent proves to be an adequate method of preventing fungal colonization and deterioration of silicone voice prostheses.
The endoscopic approach for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction Probing of the nasolacrimal duct is a common procedure in children with congenital stenosis. Although simple probing of the nasolacrimal duct is successful in a majority of patients, a number of failures occur. In those temporary intubation of the nasolacrimal duct with a silicone drain may solve the problem. We performed silicone intubation in 11 infants under nasal endoscopic control. By this improved visualization of the inferior meatus, the procedure was facilitated. In four children the probe was unable to pierce the nasal mucosa and stayed in the submucosal space. An incision of the nasal mucosa was needed before the probe could be passed into the nasal lumen. We believe that this situation, inability to pierce the nasal mucosa, may explain a number of failures of simple probing. It is therefore advisable, especially if initial probing has failed, to repeat the procedure under endoscopic control.
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