No life threatening complications from UPPP

The level of caution is usually high in anesthesising patients with OSA and even more so when these patients undergo airway surgery.

Postop ICU care may even be routine in some centers.

This retrospective review is good evidence to show that the risks aren't all that high and serious complications - the study cites reintubation and pulmonary edema as serious - do not occur post operatively after a UPPP.

While caution is advised, an exaggerated fear is quite unnecessary.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/23504700?dopt=Abstract

posted from Bloggeroid

German NPC Results

Interesting to note that NPC in Europe has a very different profile and outcome from endemic Southeast Asia.
For one there is a much higher Type II WHO (33%) and Type I (19%). Survival is lower (75% 5ysr) and recurrence is high (34%)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/23202863?dopt=Abstract

posted from Bloggeroid

Diet and NPC 2

Lowered risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and intake of plant vitamin, fresh fish, green tea and coffee: a case-control study in taiwan.

More NPC-specific cancer protective diet data available to us now.

In this study: phytocarotenoids, fresh fish (as opposed to salted fish) and coffee are significantly risk lowering.