Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on endodontic pathogens by evaluating the decrease in numbers of Enterococcus faecalis colonies in the canals of extracted human teeth. Background Data: Failure in endodontics is usually related to inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. This is due to the establishment of microorganisms in areas where the instruments and chemical agents used during root canal preparation cannot eliminate them. PDT is a complementary therapeutic method that could be used to eliminate these remaining bacteria. PDT is a process in which radiation acts on a dye that is applied to the target organism, resulting in bacterial death. Materials and Methods: Forty-six uniradicular teeth had their canals contaminated with bacteria and were incubated for 48 h at 35°C. After that, the teeth were divided into a control group (CG) and a test group (TG). The 23 CG teeth did not undergo any intervention, whereas in the TG the teeth received a solution of 0.0125% toluidine blue for 5 min followed by irradiation using a 50-mW diode laser (Ga-Al-As) at a wavelength of 660 nm. Bacterial samples were taken before and after irradiation. In each of the samples, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) was counted. Results: The mean decrease in CFU was 99.9% in the TG, whereas in the CG an increase of 2.6% was observed. Conclusion: PDT was effective as a bactericidal agent in Enterococcus faecalis –contaminated root canals.

Purpose of review: Permanent hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication after total thyroidectomy and it can cause significant morbidity and increased costs. Its incidence varies from 30% to 60%. Recent findings: The surgical technique and the extent of thyroidectomy are related to parathyroid injury and hypoparathyroidism. The glands should be identified in situ, carefully manipulated and preserved, as well as their vascularization. In case of incidental removal, routine autotransplantation is advocated. Low calcium levels, identification of fewer than two parathyroid glands at surgery, reoperation for bleeding, Graves disease and heavier thyroid specimens were considered independent predictors of permanent hypocalcemia. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements allows the early detection of hypocalcemia. Treatment is recommended for patients with symptoms of hypocalcemia or corrected serum calcium < 7.5 mg/dL. Acute hypocalcemia is treated with either oral calcium or an intravenous infusion. The goal is to preserve serum calcium in the low normal or mildly subnormal levels. Hypocalcemia symptoms should be considered a medical emergency. Treatment with PTH has been recently performed for the management of cases not adequately controlled with conventional therapy. Summary: Hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication after total thyroidectomy. Adequate recognition and management decrease its morbidity and costs.

Thyroglossal duct remnants are the most common midline neck masses in childhood but can be found in adults and the elderly. Sistrunk's procedure, with dissection of the tract and removal of the hyoid bone, is accepted as the main operation of choice. Fifty-five patients were treated from January 1994 to November 2000, and these were studied. There were 29 men and 26 women, with a median age of 17 years. Diagnosis was clinical, with 13 cases of fistula and 42 of cyst. Size varied from 1.0 to 4.0 cm, with an average of 2.5 cm. Six patients presented with local abscess. All the patients underwent Sistrunk's procedure. Serum collection occurred in three patients as complication. In one patient papillary carcinoma was identified in the cyst. Total thyroidectomy was not performed. There was only one recurrence, managed with a second operation. We concluded that the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct is clinical. Sistrunk's procedure carries low rates of complications (9.08%) and recurrence (1.82%). Antibiotic therapy is avoidable as a rule and hospital stay is short.