Tragal cartilage augmentation in repair of cleft palate, a new technique and its clinical implications

Background

Cleft palate is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the head and neck worldwide. In addition to the evident feeding and growth problems, patients are involved with and suffer from speech, hearing and dental problems. Many surgical techniques and modifications have been advocated to improve functional outcome and aesthetic results, aiming at normal speech, minimizing growth disturbances, and establishing a competent velopharyngeal sphincter. Despite the variety of techniques described for repair of the clefts, there is still a relatively high incidence of postoperative fistula reaching up to 35%. This is mainly related to type and degree of the defect, and type of surgical repair.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of placement of tragal cartilage free graft between the oral and nasal mucosal layers of the neo-palate in improving success rates, and anatomical and functional outcomes in repair of cleft palate with reduction of the extent of dissection.

Patients and methods

Fourteen patients were managed by our technique, only in large cases minimal von Langenbeck lateral release incisions were made. In all cases a tragal cartilage graft was interpositioned and fixed to the muscle layer of the neo-palate, 2-3 extramucosal trans-muscle sutures were placed for 3-4 weeks if needed, and the patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months during which functional and anatomical assessments were done.

Results

Results, including both anatomical and functional outcomes, were favorable with no gross failures, permanent significant fistula formations (one case with minor non-significant fistula), nor donor site co morbidities.

Conclusion

The use of tragal cartilage free graft to augment the area at the junction between the hard and soft palate appears to be a safe and effective method in repair of cleft palate that reduces the incidence of postoperative palatal fistulae, without donor site comorbidities.     

Medial or medio-lateral graft tympanoplasty for repair of tympanic membrane perforation

Objective

To describe and evaluate the medio-lateral graft tympanoplasty¹ for the reconstruction of anterior or subtotal tympanic membrane (TM) perforation and medial graft tympanoplasty for posterior TM perforation.

Methods

Retrospective study of 200 patients who underwent medio-lateral graft tympanoplasty (100 cases) and medial graft tympanoplasty (100 cases) at community and tertiary care medical centers from 1995 to 2006. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative audiograms. In the medial graft tympanoplasty, the graft is placed entirely medial to the remaining TM and malleus. First, margin of TM perforation is denuded removing ring of squamous tissue. Tympanomeatal flap is elevated. Temporalis fascia is harvested, semidried, and grafted medial to the TM perforation and malleus with Gelfoam packing supporting the graft. In the medio-lateral graft technique, posterior tympanomeatal flap is elevated same as in the medial graft tympanoplasty first. Anterior-medial canal skin is elevated down to the annulus. At the annulus only squamous epithelial layer of TM is elevated up to anterior half of the TM perforation. Temporalis fascia is grafted medial to posterior half of the perforation and lateral to anterior half of the de-epithelialized TM perforation up to the annulus. Anterior canal skin is rotated to cover the fascia graft and TM perforation as a second layer closure. Patients were followed for at least six months. Outcome was considered successful if TM is healed and intact.

Results

There were four failures (96% success rate) in medial graft method for posterior TM perforation due to infection and re-perforation. In the medio-lateral graft tympanoplasty, there were three failures (97% success rate) due to a postoperative infection, anterior blunting and recurrent cholesteatoma.

Conclusion

The medial graft tympanoplasty works well for posterior TM perforation. The medio-lateral graft method is an excellent method for the reconstruction of large anterior or subtotal TM perforation. This new method should help otologic surgeons to improve outcome of tympanoplasty for anterior or subtotal TM perforation.     

Sutureless tympanoplasty using acellular dermis

Objective

A prospective randomized unblinded controlled trial was conducted by comparing acellular dermis with temporalis fascia as graft materials in tympanoplasty (type 1) in terms of operative time, postoperative pain, graft success rate, and audiologic outcome.

Study design

Forty-two patients with (inactive) chronic suppurative otitis media of tubotympanic type were randomized, matched, and divided equally into 2 groups of 21 each. One group underwent tympanoplasty (type 1) via transcanal route using temporalis fascia graft and the other using acellular dermis. Both groups were compared for operative time, postoperative pain, graft success rate, and audiologic improvement in hearing.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in operative time (P < .05) and postoperative pain (P < .05) in the acellular dermis group. However, there was no statistical difference in graft success rate (P > .05) and hearing improvement (P > .05) between both the groups.

Conclusion

Results of tympanoplasty using acellular dermis as graft material are comparable to that using temporalis fascia in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement. However, tympanoplasty using acellular dermis has the advantage of shorter operative time and lesser postoperative pain.     

Surgical and hearing results of the circumferential subannular grafting technique in tympanoplasty: a randomized clinical study

Purpose

Circumferential elevation of the anullus away from its bony seat and extension of the graft onto the anterior bony canal increase the bed of the graft anteriorly but may be associated with anterior blunting, and so, a significant conductive hearing loss may result. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical and audiologic success rates of circumferential subannular grafting with the conventional underlay tympanoplasty.

Materials and Methods

A randomized clinical study was conducted from September 2007 to December 2010 at a tertiary referral center. Thirty-eight patients underwent circumferential subannular grafting (group A), and 25 patients underwent conventional underlay tympanoplasty with extension of the anterior edge of the graft forward against the lateral wall of the Eustachian tube, and therefore, the anterior sharp tympanomeatal angle remained unbroken (group B). All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative audiogram. Blunting and lateralization of the graft were evaluated 6 months after the surgery.

Results

The surgical success rate was 97% in group A and 100% in group B patients. Improvement of the air conduction thresholds in all frequencies and closure of the mean air-bone gap were significant and similar among the 2 groups. There were no cases of significant blunting and tympanic membrane lateralization in the 2 groups.

Conclusion

This study showed underlay tympanoplasty with elevation of the annulus away from the sulcus tympanicus in the anterior sharp tympanomeatal angle and placement of the graft between it and anterior bony canal is not associated with increased risk of blunting and lateralization of the graft, if that sharp angle is adequately restored.     

Butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty outcomes: A single-institution experience and literature review

Purpose

In 1998, Dr. Eavey described the trans-canal inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty technique, also known as cartilage button tympanoplasty. Many retrospective studies have since demonstrated its efficacy and decreased operative time when compared to underlay and overlay tympanoplasty techniques. The butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty approach uses only a cartilage graft to repair tympanic membrane perforations. The aim of this study was to review the literature for studies that examined butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty success rates and outcomes and compare them to outcomes from our cohort.

Clinical advantages of cartilage palisades over temporalis fascia in type I tympanoplasty

Objective

To compare the post-operative outcomes in using temporalis fascia and full thickness broad cartilage palisades as graft in type I tympanoplasty.

Methods

This study, conducted at a tertiary referral institute, included 90 consecutive patients with mucosal type chronic otitis media requiring type I tympanoplasty with a 60/30 distribution of cases with fascia and cartilage palisades, respectively. The fascia group consisted of primary cases in adults and excluded revision cases, near-total or total perforations and pediatric cases. The cartilage group included pediatric, revision cases and near-total or total perforations. The fascia group utilized the underlay technique for grafting, whereas the cartilage group used tragal full thickness broad cartilage palisades with perichondrium attached on one side placed in an underlay or over-underlay manner. Post-operative graft take-up and hearing outcomes were evaluated after 6 months and 1 year with subjective assessment and pure tone audiometry.

Results

The graft take-up rate was 83.3% in the fascia group and 90% in the cartilage palisade group. The mean pure tone air–bone gaps pre- and post-operatively in the fascia group were 30.43 ± 5.75 dB and 17.5 ± 6.94 dB, respectively, whereas for the cartilage group, these values were 29 ± 6.21 dB and 7.33 ± 3.88 dB, respectively.

Conclusion

Cartilage grafting with full thickness palisades is more effective than fascia as graft material, particularly in “difficult” tympanoplasties fraught with higher failure rates otherwise.     

Auricular cartilage: harvest technique and versatility in rhinoplasty

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aims to present an improved technique for auricular cartilage harvest that maximizes graft volume while preserving auricular cosmesis. Also discussed is the versatility of auricular cartilage utilization in rhinoplasty.

Study Design

A retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience.

Methods

All auricular cartilage harvest and rhinoplasty operations performed by the senior author (CSC) from December 2006 through December 2009 cartilage were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-two cases were identified in which the described technique was used to harvest auricular cartilage for the purpose of functional or aesthetic rhinoplasty. There was sufficient tissue harvested in all operations, and no patients required costal cartilage harvest. Pain at the donor site after surgery was minimal and well controlled with oral medication. There were no donor-site complications and no cases of wound infection.

Conclusions

The proposed technique allows for optimal auricular cartilage harvest. By applying this method, the ear retains the preoperative appearance while the surgeon is able to obtain the largest graft possible. Auricular cartilage is a versatile source of grafting material in primary and secondary rhinoplasty.     

Island cartilage vs temporalis fascia in type 1 tympanoplasty: A prospective study

Objective

(1) To compare the results of graft take-up and audiological outcome of temporalis fascia versus island cartilage graft in type 1 tympanoplasty. (2) To compare the rate of postoperative retraction of neotympanum in both.

Transnasal, transfacial, anterior skull base resection of olfactory neuroblastoma

Purpose

Using a transnasal, transfacial, anterior skull base approach, we have removed olfactory neuroblastomas (OFN) obviating the need for a frontal craniotomy. The objectives were to present our surgical approach in achieving clear margins, to assess patient survival, and to recommend eligibility criteria.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was done to identify patients diagnosed with OFN who underwent this surgical approach. Thirteen patients were identified who underwent our pictorially described approach. Postoperative assessment of pathologic margins, patient survival, and limitations of surgical approach was determined.

Results

Of the 13 patients, 12 (92%) had clear postsurgical margins. One patient had residual intracranial disease due to coagulopathy preventing further resection. Twelve patients remain alive with 10 patients remaining disease-free (follow-up ranging from 11 to 64 months). Three patients presented with recurrent disease initially, with 2 having had subsequent repeat local and regional recurrences, respectively; one of whom died recently of the rerecurrent disease. One patient had a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak repaired via the original surgical approach.

Conclusions

Although craniofacial resection remains an accepted approach for surgical treatment of OFN, we have adopted a transnasal, transfacial approach eliminating the need for a frontal craniotomy. This approach allows for adequate exposure of the cribriform plate, dura, and anterior skull base. Our technique minimizes dural defects and prevents many craniotomy-associated complications, including frontal lobe retraction. Long-term follow-up is needed to compare survival using this approach; however, our results to date are quite promising.     

Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty: full thickness and partial thickness tragal graft

IntroductionCartilage is the grafting material of choice for certain disorders of the middle ear. The indications for its routine use remain controversial due to the possible detrimental effect on post-operative hearing.ObjectiveThe present study was carried out to report a personal experience with “tragal cartilage shield” tympanoplasty to compare the results, in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement, of endoscopic cartilage shield technique using either partial thickness or full thickness tragal cartilage for type 1 tympanoplasty and to highlight the tips for single-handed endoscopic ear surgery.MethodsFifty patients with safe chronic suppurative otitis media, assisted at out-patient department from February 2014 to September 2015 were selected. They were randomly allocated into two groups, 25 patients were included in group A where a full thickness tragal cartilage was used and 25 patients included in group B where a partial thickness tragal cartilage was used. Audiometry was performed 2 months after the surgery in all cases and the patients were followed for one year.ResultsOut of the total of 50 patients 39 (78%) had a successful graft take up, amongst these 22 belonged to group A and 17 belonged to the group B. The hearing improvement was similar in both groups.ConclusionThis study reveals that endoscopic tragal cartilage shield tympanoplasty is a reliable technique; with a high degree of graft take and good hearing results, irrespective of the thickness. Furthermore, the tragal cartilage is easily accessible, adaptable, resistant to resorption and single-handed endoscopic ear surgery is minimally invasive, sutureless and provides a panoramic view of the middle ear.     

Inlay “butterfly” cartilage tympanoplasty

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of inlay “butterfly” cartilage tympanoplasty.

Methods

The files of 42 patients (24 were male, 18 were female) who underwent primary or revision inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty in 2005 to 2011 at a tertiary medical center were reviewed. Patients were regularly observed by otoscopy and audiometry.

Results

The mean patient age was 27 years (range, 14–75 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 24 months (range, 3–36 months). The postoperative period was uneventful. The technical (anatomical) success rate was 92% at 1 year. There was a significant decrease in the mean air-bone gap in 32 patients (preoperatively, 49.6 dB; postoperatively, 26.2 dB; P = .006). Results were suboptimal in 3 patients with persistent small perforations of the operated ear.

Conclusion

Inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty appears to be effective in terms of defect closure and improved hearing, comparable with temporalis fascia graft tympanoplasty. Follow-up is necessary for at least 1 year when some perforation may reappear.     

Sound energy absorbance characteristics of cartilage grafts used in type 1 tympanoplasty

Objective

The purpose of this prospective case-control study is to evaluate the sound energy absorbance characteristics of cartilage grafts in patients, who have undergone type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty.

Results of revision tympanoplasty for chronic non-cholesteatomatous otitis media

Objective

To evaluate the success rate for revision tympanoplasty using different graft materials, to compare results of primary and re-tympanoplasty using the same technique and to analyse the effect of potential influencing factors on closure of tympanic membrane (TM) and hearing outcome.

Methods

Study included all patients, who underwent tympanoplasty (n = 617) and re-tympanoplasty (n = 94) for chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma in the period between September 1998 and 2007. The data of all patients on preoperative disease, perforation size and localization, middle ear status, surgical approach, graft material, adjunctive procedures, pre- and postoperative morphological (otomicroscopy) and functional (hearing examination evaluating pure-tone audiogram) results were analyzed. All operations were performed using an underlay technique and either the retroauricular or transcanal approach. The temporal fascia, perichondrium or cartilage-perichondrium composite grafts were used for the reconstruction of TM. Ossiculoplasty was performed as needed. The interrelation between multiple pre-operative parameters and post-operative morphological (closure of the perforation) and functional (hearing level) outcomes was analysed.

Results

Successful closure rates of the TM perforation were 93.6% and 90.2% of the patients in the primary and revision tympanoplasty groups, respectively. Graft take rate and hearing results did not depend on graft material. Structural changes were found more frequently in the re-tympanoplasty group (63.4% comparing to 29.5% of primary cases). Ossiculoplasty was performed more often in revision cases (24.4% comparing to 11.4% of primary cases). Successful hearing (ABG within 20 dB) for primary tympanoplasties was achieved in 81.1%, and for retympanoplasty - in 69.5% of the cases. (p < 0.01). There were no interrelation between any estimated parameters and the graft take rate for either primary or revision tympanoplasty.

Conclusions

There is no evidence of increased risk of graft failure in re-tympanoplasty cases when compared to primary tympanoplasty operations. Hearing results depend on structural changes in the middle ear (ossicular abnormalities and tympanoscerosis) which in revision cases are found more often. No differences were found between fascia, perichondrum or cartilage-perichondrium grafts in terms of graft healing and hearing results.     

Zastosowanie chrząstki w mikrochirurgii ucha środkowego. Wskazania,technika, wyniki

Aim

The use of cartilage in tympanoplasties in the shape of monolytic cartilage–perichondrium autografts or several particles as a cartilage-palisade.

Materials and methods

The retrospective analysis concerned 216 clinical cases. The cartilage palisade technique was performed in 163 tympanoplasties. In 53 cases the tympanoplasty was carried out with the use of the monolytic cartilage–perichondrial composite graft: cartilage-island, cartilage-cork or cartilage-mat.

Results

In the type I and II of tympanoplasty the air bone gap (ABG) <10 dB showed 70% of patients operated with the use of monolytic cartilage–perichondrial composite autografts and 73% using the cartilage-palisade technique.

Conclusions

The usefulness of cartilage in tympanoplasties is much the same in cartilage–palisade technique as well as in monolytic, non-palisade technique.     

Tympanoplasty in children: A review of 91 cases

Objectives

There is a marked diversity in the reported success rates for achieving an intact tympanic membrane following tympanoplasty. Controversy exists about the factors thought to influence surgical outcome. These facts have important implications for the selection of patients who would benefit the most. This study reviews the factors thought to determine the anatomical and functional success of tympanoplasty in children.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study of the anatomical and functional results of 91 tympanoplasties performed in children. Age, gender, size and site of perforation, status of operated and contralateral ear, underlying cause of the perforations, surgical technique, pre-operative and post-operative hearing levels, post-operative follow-up time and post-operative complications were recorded. We divided our population into two groups according to the expected eustachian tube maturity (younger group (N = 24): ≤10 years old, older group (N = 67): >10 years old). All patients were evaluated in terms of anatomical and functional outcome and complications.

Results

Anatomical success was achieved in 85.7% and functional success was 76.9% after a mean follow-up of 25.6 ± 17.1 months. Anatomical success (intact tympanic membrane) was achieved in 83% of younger vs 87% of older patients (p = n.s.). Functional (air bone gap closure) success was 75% in the younger group vs 78% in the older group (p = n.s.). There were no significant differences in post-operative gain at different frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz) between the two groups. A previous adenoidectomy in children older than 10 years seems to be an independent predictor of functional success The incidence of minor and major complications were 29% in patients aged ≤10 and 21% in those older than 10 (p = n.s.). We report 12.9% minor post-operative complications in successful cases: injury to the chorda tympani nerve (5.7%), wound infection (2.9%), otitis externa (2.9%) and transient vertigo (1.4%). Among the 21 reperforations observed, 92.3% occurred before 1 year.

Conclusions

This study shows that tympanoplasty is a valid treatment modality for tympanic membrane perforation in the pediatric population. A tympanic membrane perforation can be closed at any age. There is no age limit below which perforation should not be closed. A previous adenoidectomy in children older than 10 years seems to be an independent predictor of functional success.     

Comparison of temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage grafts in type 1 tympanoplasty in elderly patients

Objective

To investigate the success rates and hearing outcomes of temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage grafts used for type-1 tympanoplasty in the elderly (³65 years)

Comparison between clinical and audiological results of tympanoplasty with double layer graft (modified sandwich fascia) technique and single layer graft (underlay fascia and underlay cartilage) technique

Introduction

Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane, termed a type one tympanoplasty is a tried and tested treatment modality. Overlay or underlay technique of tympanoplasty is common. Sandwich Tympanoplasty is the combined overlay and underlay grafting of tympanic membrane.

Congenital anterior glottic webs with subglottic stenosis: Surgery using perichondrial keels

Four children with severe congenital anterior glottic webs required surgical reconstruction of their laryngeal airway to either avoid a tracheotomy or allow tracheotomy decannulation. The technique of re-establishing a glottic inlet allows both normal respiration, good cough and a satisfactory voice outcome. It utilizes an autogenous graft with perichondrium acting as an overlay keel to minimize glottic web reformation. All children were found to have Shprintzen syndrome.

Objective

The objective of this case series was to document the method of surgically using this perichondrial keel for airway reconstruction. It also examined the subsequent outcome and associated complications that were encountered.

Methods

A prospective analysis of four cases from 2001 to 2008 created a database of information. All cases were classified using the Cohen staging system. They were treated with the same surgical technique using auricular or costal cartilage graft with attached perichondrium, but the postoperative course was tailored to each individual case.

Results

All four children were successfully treated with removal or avoidance of a tracheostomy. All had an associated subglottic stenosis treated, and had no major complication requiring revision tracheotomy. They did not have any respiratory complications, and they produce a satisfactory voice albeit still slightly husky.

Conclusion

All four cases had Shprintzen syndrome, and confirms the need to screen for VCFS in children with an anterior glottic web. Tracheotomy is still the gold standard of treatment in severe congenital anterior glottic webs. The described technique offers another good option to the paediatric airway surgeon in managing this condition.     

Pediatric laryngeal trauma: a case series at a tertiary children's hospital

Background

Pediatric blunt or sharp laryngotracheal injuries are infrequent because of the softer cartilages and the protection of the prominent mandible. These injuries usually occur secondary to striking furniture or via the “clothesline” injury.

Methods

We present five cases of pediatric laryngotracheal injury (thyroid cartilage, true vocal cords, cricoid cartilage, cricotracheal junction, and posterior tracheal wall).

Results

We examined the need for intubation, need for tracheostomy, length of intubation, length of hospital stay, interval until direct laryngoscopy, use of steroids, post-injury swallowing, and post-injury phonation.

Discussion

Three of the five patients were intubated either prior to arrival or upon arrival to the emergency department. Two of the patients underwent direct laryngoscopy on the day of arrival. Three patients received steroids. CT (computed tomography) was not helpful in diagnosis or decision regarding treatment. The patients with thyroid cartilage fracture, cricoid cartilage fracture, cricotracheal separation, and posterior tracheal wall tear required open repair. The tracheal wall injury, cricoid fracture, and cricotracheal separation were repaired with sutures and the thyroid cartilage fracture with a plate and screws. One tracheal stent was placed. Two open repairs were performed within 24 h of injury. The patient with posterior tracheal wall injury experienced persistent dysphagia and dysphonia, which may have been secondary to intraoperative dissection.

Conclusion

Dyspnea was not necessarily indicative of the severity of injury in our patients. CT added little information about the integrity of the larynx not already known by physical examination. Open repair was usually indicated for the blunt neck injuries in our series. Oral intubation proved less difficult than tracheostomy in our patient with cricoid cartilage fracture.     

Modifications of Miccoli minimally invasive thyroidectomy for the low-volume surgeon

Objective

The objective of the study was to describe our experience with modifications of the Miccoli minimally invasive thyroidectomy.

Design

Planned analysis of a prospectively maintained database was undertaken after Institutional Review Board approval.

Methods

Demographic and surgical data were obtained and analyzed with attention to age, sex, pathology, incision lengths, and complications.

Results

From a single-surgeon series of 785 consecutive thyroidectomies, 178 patients were identified who underwent an endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy. A series of modifications of the classic Miccoli technique evolved over a period of 4 years and include presurgical factors (patient marking in holding area, intubation with laryngeal EMG tube using videolaryngoscope, rotation of operating table away from anesthesia), intraoperative principles (use of operative loupes, slave monitor, laryngeal nerve monitoring, and novel instrumentation; identification of the medial cleft and ligation of superior pedicle bundle using ultrasonic technology; avoidance of clips), and postoperative techniques (deep extubation, laryngeal endoscopy, outpatient management, and oral calcium supplementation).

Conclusions

A minimally invasive endoscopic thyroidectomy is possible even in a practice with moderate surgical volumes by using several techniques that facilitate the performance of this procedure. A high success rate and low complication rate can be achieved, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.