Stylohamular dissection: a new method for en bloc reaction of malignancies of the infratemporal fossa

This study is a description of the "stylohamular" dissection, a technique for the en bloc resection of the infratemporal fossa. The medial plane of this dissection extends from the styloid process to the hamulus of the pterygoid just lateral to the foramen lacerum, allowing the surgeon to spare the internal carotid artery. The foramen ovale and foramen spinosum are routinely exposed during this procedure. Medially, the pterygoid musculature serves as the margin of the cancer block. Posteriorly, the mastoid tip may be included in this resection. Anteriorly, the lateral pterygoid plate is resected making it the anterior vertical plane of the dissection. Laterally, skin and mandible are the block margins. In the last three years, this approach has been utilized in eight patients with advance malignancies involving the infratemporal fossa. The results are encouraging. Five patients have remained well and free of disease for a maximum of three years postoperatively. Two patients have had recurrence of their tumor from six months to one year postoperatively. Palliation in all patients was excellent. The literature on various infratemporal dissections and their results is reviewed.

Marketing ensures success of maternity care program

The development and effective functioning of a marketing department was a key to the success of a one-day maternity care program. The program reversed a downward trend in obstetrical deliveries.

Effects of surgical stress and corticotrophin on the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones in rabbits

The effect of surgical stress and ACTH injection on the peripheral monodeiodination of thyroxine (T4) was studied in the rabbit. These stimuli resulted in a switch from the peripheral formation of tri-iodothyronine (T3) to reverse T3 in normal rabbits and in rabbits whose thyroidal secretion was suppressed by administration of T4. This is analogous to the situation in man. These changes were not due to alterations in the serum binding capacity for thyroid hormones.

Computer algorithm for electron beam treatment planning

A computer algorithm has been developed for electron beam treatment planning. The method uses a limited amount of stored experimental dose distribution data, performs interpolation, and stores generated beam information on an optimized fan line-depth line grid. Experimental verification of the computer program showed agreement within +/-5% for beam generation and air gap correction.

An efficient patient data entry system for a busy computer

The authors describe an independent minicomputer consisting of a CRT and a cassette unit which was designed to store patient data and interact with the main computer at a convenient time. This system permits the computer to handle data entry and treatment planning functions simultaneously. The layout of the overall system, the function of the program and a time analysis of the system are discussed.

Physical aspects of electron-beam arc therapy

The effect of different parameters on dose distribution in electron-beam arc therapy was studied in order to develop a technique for routine clinical use. A special diaphragm was designed to facilitate telecentric rotation. Dosimetry was performed with an ion chamber, film, and LiF powder in cylindrical polystyrene phantoms and an Alderson Rando phantom. Dose distributions were evaluated with regard to dose homogeneity, and a method of sharpening the dose fall-off near the ends of the arc was proposed. Criteria for selection of isocenter depth and field size were developed. Methods of dose calculation, calibration, and treatment planning are discussed.

Local ablative procedures designed to destroy squamous-cell carcinoma

In a series of experiments in dogs, the bronchial mucosa was either excised or destroyed prior to closure of a bronchial stump following a lobectomy or the reanastomosis of a divided bronchus. The experiments were designed to simulate the clinical situation in which focal areas of squamous-cell carcinoma in situ in the bronchial margin would be managed by local ablation of the mucosa rather than by excision of additional bronchus. The experiments demonstrated that the bronchial mucosa is not necessary for bronchial healing. They also demonstrated that functionally and morphologically normal bronchial epithelium regenerates across the denuded bronchus. The source of this regenerated epithelium appears to be the submucosal glands which remain in the bronchial wall after a variety of local ablative procedures. Since our clinical experience has demonstrated that these submucosal glands frequently contain small foci of squamous-cell carcinoma in situ, we have concluded that either excision or thermal destruction of the bronchial mucosa has very limited clinical application and should be considered only in patients who cannot tolerate excision of more than one lobe of the lung.

The detection and treatment of early lung cancer

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