The endoscopic technique is an effective method of achieving circumferential tracheal stenosis in the rabbit model. Advantages include simple instrumentation, an endoscopic approach, potential for decreased costs, and more reliable results.

Most patients with clinical evidence of otosclerosis have evidence of otosclerosis on CT that is readily detected in the office setting. Ears with more affected sites have a significantly greater degree of air-bone gap and sensorineural hearing loss.

One mechanism for the cancer-chemopreventive effects of high selenium (Se) intake is hypothesized to be antioxidant protection of DNA. In this work we examine DNA oxidation in whole animals as a function of dietary Se intake and carcinogen administration. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a basal, Torula yeast-based, Se-deficient diet supplemented with 0, 0.15, or 2.0 ppm Se as sodium selenite for 10 wk. They were then injected with 0, 0.1, or 10 mg /kg body weight of the pro-oxidant carcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine. High levels of carcinogen and high levels of selenite intake each increased concentration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in liver DNA. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase I gene expression and enzyme activity were dramatically reduced by dietary Se deficiency but were unaffected by carcinogen administration. There were no significant main or interactive effects of Se or carcinogen on activity or gene expression of the DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine glycosylase I. These results do not support the hypothesis that high Se intake may be cancer-preventive by inhibiting oxidative DNA damage. Rather than inhibiting oxidative DNA damage, these findings suggest that high dietary intake of inorganic Se may promote in vivo DNA oxidation.

Complications of bone-anchored hearing devices occur with both soft tissue and bone. Soft tissue complications are much more common and most often involve irritation of the skin surrounding the implant. Other complications include: skin flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, bleeding or hematoma formation, and persistent pain. Bone complications are classified as either early or late. Early complications are due to failure of osseointegration, while late complications are usually the result of either chronic infection or trauma. Pediatric patients are a unique group of implant patients and are more likely to have complications of both soft tissue and bone. Most complications can be managed in the office with topical therapy and wound care, although revision surgery may be required in extensive skin overgrowth cases. Proper patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and patient hygiene around the implant are the most critical aspects in minimizing complications in patients with osseointegrated implants.

Balloon dilation of the frontal ostia has a posttreatment patency rate comparable to those of other endoscopic revision techniques. Although it may not fully address the frontal sinus disease of all patients, it is a less invasive technique that may be helpful for some patients.