Objective:To describe a low-cost, reproducible phantom model for training medical practitioners in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EA) of a cystic thyroid nodule.

Methods:The model of cyst contents was created using a mixture of coffee powder, cornstarch and water to mimic colloidal contents. This was injected into the finger of a cut surgical glove secured with transparent tape to serve as an inflatable capsule and placed inside a chicken breast. This setup allows practitioners to perform key ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation techniques including spinal needle insertion, cyst aspiration, saline flushing, re-aspiration and ethanol injection.

Results:The phantom model was assembled for PhP 150.30 per unit and took approximately 5 minutes to construct. This model was demonstrated to be a cost-effective and simple method for enabling specialists to practice and enhance their skills in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of a cystic thyroid nodule.

Conclusion:The described phantom model provides an accessible and practical training tool for healthcare providers to gain proficiency in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of a cystic thyroid nodule in a safe and controlled setting prior to actual patient handling.

No abstract available.
Otolaryngology*

No abstract available.
Otolaryngology*

Otolaryngology

This paper presents diagnostic criteria for Meniere's disease jointly formulated by the Classification Committee of the Barany Society, The Japan Society for Equilibrium Research, the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, the Equilibrium Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Korean Balance Society. The classification includes two categories: definite Meniere's disease and probable Meniere's disease. The diagnosis of definite Meniere's disease is based on clinical criteria and requires the observation of an episodic vertigo syndrome associated with low- to medium- frequency sensorineural hearing loss and fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing, tinnitus and/or fullness) in the affected ear. Duration of vertigo episodes is limited to a period between 20 minutes and 12 hours. Probable Meniere's disease is a broader concept defined by episodic vestibular symptoms (vertigo or dizziness) associated with fluctuating aural symptoms occurring in a period from 20 minutes to 24 hours.
Classification ; Diagnosis ; Ear ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Japan ; Meniere Disease ; Neck ; Neurotology ; Otolaryngology ; Tinnitus ; Vertigo

No abstract available.
Korea* ; Otolaryngology*

Humans ; Otolaryngology

Humans ; Otolaryngology

OBJECTIVE: To design and produce a high quality, inexpensive surgical drill using locally available electronics. DESIGN: Descriptive (Instrument Design) SETTING: University based tertiary hospital MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical drill apparatus will use high quality electronics readily available locally which will make it cheaper than the other available units. This prototype unit was designed and tested by the author in collaboration with the Santo Tomas University Hospital Biomedical Engineers. The drill units schematics and specifications where patterned from the RAM Microtorque II drill unit which is produced in the U.S.A. RESULTS: The prototype is a cost effective alternative to the expensive drill units available in the market. It was given a 24 hour durability test which it passed with no loss of power or drilling efficiency proving that it can be used for major surgeries especially in the field of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery. CONCLUSION: The OTODRILL is a cheap alternative and of comparable quality to expensive surgical drills available in the market which can be used in major surgeries in the field of Otolaryngology and other surgical fields. (Author)
SURGERY OTOLARYNGOLOGY

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The statistical analysis is an essential procedure with the aim of ensuring that the results of researches are based on evidences rather than opinions. We evaluated the frequency, adequacy, and validity of the statistical methods used in the otolaryngology journals, identified types of errors in statistical analysis, and suggested the proper usage of the statistical methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 265 articles published in the Korean Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in 1997 were reviewed and evaluated. Each article was evaluated in terms of the adequacy, validity and frequency of statistical usage according to the preformed category. RESULTS: 104 out of 265 articles used analytical statistics, and the commonest statistical methods used in the articles were t-test. ANOVA and x(2)-test were the second and third commonest methods, respectively. In only 36.6% of articles, proper statistical methods were used for their data. Misuse of statistical methods (31.4%) was the most frequent errors found in the articles. 64.6% of the misuses was the adoption of a statistical test inconsistent with data characteristics, 18.8% of them was inappropriate use of parametric methods, and 10.4% of them was the use of x(2)-test when an exact test was needed (3.3%). CONCLUSION: Most of statistical errors found in the journals were misuses of statistical methods related to basic statistics. Closer communication between researchers and statistical analysts, and closer editorial attention to statistical methodology in the review process would improve the validity of articles.
Neck* ; Otolaryngology