To evaluate the efficacy and patient preferences of ear lobe capillary glycemia (GC) against conventional fingerstick GC, we studied 40 patients (13M/27F; 41.6 +/- 13.5 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Glucose monitoring was accomplished using a digital glucometer and Accu-Chek Softclix Pro lancetator. Tests were carried out during 27 days with grade 2 of penetration (median) on the distal phalange of the right hand's third finger and on the inferior part of the right ear lobe, at the same time and fasting. The comparative analyzes of fingerstick and ear lobe GC did not show statistical significance (p = 0.008). 72.5% of patients reported no pain during the ear lobe test against 15% in fingerstick GC. There was a significant correlation between ear lobe test and low level of pain (p< 0.001). 82.5% of patients preferred the ear lobe test for monitoring. The ear lobe GC was as efficient as traditional fingerstick test. This new method was associated with low level of pain, safety, comfort, and good acceptance for most patients.

It is uncommon to find an iatrogenic foreign body after thoracic surgery. We present a case of migration of a surgical sponge left inadvertently in the mediastinum during a troublesome mediastinoscopy, that migrated into the trachea 6 years later with airway obstruction. The foreign body was extracted through rigid bronchoscopy and the patient had a full recovery.