Carbon dioxide laser and silver halide infrared transmitting fibers for tympanoplasty: an experimental animal model

[Experience of laser myringoplasty in children with juvenile ideopathic arthritis]

Surgeons' dissatisfaction with the surgical treatment for tympanic membrane perforations results leads to the constant improvement of the surgical technique and the emergence of new techniques. Difficulties arise in the surgical treatment of rheumatological patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs due to the high potential risk of postoperative complications. The most promising direction in this cohort of patients can be considered the use of laser exposure techniques under endoscopic control. The experience of performing endoscopic laser myringoplasty in 9 children aged from 6 to 16 years (mean age 10±3 years) with tympanic membrane perforation up to 6 mm in diameter and juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate and tocilizumab is presented. The effectiveness of the studied technique in relation to the closure of perforation of the tympanic membrane was 66.7%. Considering that in children, reconstructive ear surgery is considered less effective than in adults, and the presence of chronic systemic rheumatoid disease and immunosuppressive therapy are risk factors for recurrence of perforation after tympanoplasty, these results can be considered successful. The presented method is promising in this cohort of patients for the restoration of small tympanic membrane defects. However, further research is needed.

The future of lasers in urology

The use of laser applications in urology has undergone significant advances over the past 20 years. Laser technology is now used in a wide variety of procedures, and has become the primary treatment modality or standard of care for many urologic conditions. Despite these advances, a number of challenges still face laser utilization in urologic practice. Recent work has illuminated the potential improvement and further optimization of this field. Improvements in types of lasers, the wavelength of energy used, optical fiber delivery systems, precision of laser application and cost reduction have served to further improve laser technology and extend the potential applications.