[Gold weight implants for lagophthalmos correction in chronic facial nerve paralysis (late results)]

[Clinical and morphological aspects of the use of palpebral implants made of noble metals]

Loading of the upper eyelid with palpebral implants made of noble metals is the modern standard of surgical treatment for paralytic lagophthalmos, and is aimed at increasing the mobility of the upper eyelid and normalizing involuntary blinking movements. This review presents the results of morphological studies, including immunohistochemical studies, reflecting the features of biointegration of palpebral implants in uncomplicated and complicated course of the postoperative period, and describes the modern understanding of the causes and immunopathological processes underlying the development of nonspecific inflammatory response, which is one of the most serious complications that often becomes an indication for implant removal.

[Modern opportunities of lagophthalmos correction]

The main goal in the treatment of lagophthalmos is prevention of serious corneal complications. Based on the results of 2453 surgeries performed in patients with lagophthalmos, a detailed analysis of modern surgical techniques was carried out highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The article describes in detail the most effective methods of static correction of lagophthalmos, their features and indications, and presents the results of using an original palpebral weight implant.

[Nonspecific inflammatory reaction after implantation of palpebral implants]

PURPOSE

To identify the possible cause of an inflammatory reaction to a Russian-manufactured palpebral implant made of gold in the long term after surgery, and to determine the clinical and morphological changes in the tissues of the upper eyelid when the presence of the implant caused the inflammatory reaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of 150 operations with placement of a palpebral implant were analyzed. In 12 cases, a nonspecific inflammatory reaction was revealed within 2 to 4 weeks after the operation, in 7 cases it necessitated explantation, in 5 cases the local long-term use of an ointment with a corticosteroid made it possible to avoid extrusion and explantation. Chemical microanalysis of the palpebral implant and fragments of the removed capsule was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as immunohistochemical (IHC), macro- and microscopic examination of the fragments of connective tissue capsule was carried out after removal of the palpebral implant.

RESULTS

The obtained data confirm the chemical purity of the implant, the absence of abnormal accumulation of metals in the tissues of the eyelid. IHC, macro- and microscopic examination of the presented fragments of the connective tissue capsule revealed signs characteristic of an inflammatory reaction to a foreign body.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to establish the factors and predictors for the development of inflammatory reactions to a foreign body and, in particular, to gold.

[Hyaluronic acid gel implants for correction of pathological conditions of the orbit and eyelids]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of injectable implants made of hyaluronic acid gel (HAG) in ophthalmoplastics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 57 patients (37 patients with lagophthalmos related to acute or chronic facial nerve palsy, endocrine ophthalmopathy; 20 patients with enophthalmos, anophthalmic syndrome). Depending on filler particle size, the patients received either intrapalpebral or intraorbital HAG injection. The biometric measures of palpebral fissure, the position of the eye/implant, and the condition of the cornea were evaluated during the follow-up period (12 months for eyelid and 18 for orbital injection).

RESULTS

In the course of the follow-up, all patients showed reliable reduction of lagophthalmos; additionally, improvement of the condition of the cornea was observed in patients after intrapalpebral injection; patients after intraorbital injection exhibited reduction in enophthalmos, upper orbital palpebral fold retraction and upper eyelid excursion. No serious complications have occurred after the injection.

CONCLUSION

As minimally invasive method of treating various pathologies of the orbit and eyelids, HAG fillers showed good clinical effectiveness and safety.

Otolaryngology in Critical Care

Diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat are prevalent in intensive care settings and often require combined medical and surgical management. Upper airway occlusion can occur as a result of malignant tumor growth, allergic reactions, and bleeding events and may require close monitoring and interventions by intensivists, sometimes necessitating surgical management. With the increased prevalence of immunocompromised patients, aggressive infections of the head and neck likewise require prompt recognition and treatment. In addition, procedure-specific complications of major otolaryngologic procedures can be highly morbid, necessitating vigilant postoperative monitoring. For optimal outcomes, intensivists need a broad understanding of the pathophysiology and management of life-threatening otolaryngologic disease.