Is the Canine Fossa Puncture Approach Really Necessary for the Severely Diseased Maxillary Sinus during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?

Objectives: To evaluate the necessity of canine fossa puncture (CFP) by comparing the symptom scores and postoperative computed tomography (CT) findings between patients with severe maxillary sinus disease who underwent CFP and those who underwent maxillary sinus clearance through a middle meatal antrostomy (MMA). Study Design: A prospective, randomized study. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for each of the CFP and MMA groups. In both groups, all diseased sinuses were addressed in the same manner using the same surgical techniques; the only difference was management of the maxillary sinus. Most of the patients completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test 20 (SNOT‐20) and visual analogue scales (VAS) for the six main symptoms preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The Lund‐Mackay scores for the maxillary sinus and for all sinuses were calculated from the preoperative CT scan and another scan taken 12 months postoperatively. The mucosal thickening as a percentage of the total volume of the maxillary sinus was also evaluated on the postoperative CT scans, and complications related to both procedures were investigated. Results: Twenty‐four patients completed the follow‐up, questionnaires, and postoperative CT scans and were included in the analysis: 11 CFP patients and 13 MMA patients. All of the patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (NP). There were no significantdifferences in polyp extent or Lund‐Mackay score for the maxillary sinus and for all sinuses on the pre‐ and postoperative CT scans between the groups. The volume of mucosal thickening also did not differ significantly between the groups on the postoperative CT scans. The SNOT‐20 and VAS scores improved significantly 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure in both groups. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups except for the VAS for postnasal drip 3 months postoperatively, which was better in the CFP group. Six of 11 patients in the CFP group experienced one or more complications after the procedure, although all of the symptoms resolved spontaneously within 3 months. In the MMA group, three patients had bleeding from the branches of the sphenopalatine artery during widening of the ostium, which was controlled intraoperatively with suction cauterization. Conclusions: We could not find any benefits of the CFP procedure over the conventional MMA method in the present study. Although CFP is a useful method for removing severe mucosal disease that cannot be reached through the MMA, it does not guarantee a better subjective or objective surgical outcome in patients who have accompanying NP.     

Sinusitis in pilots of different aircraft types: is allergic rhinitis a predisposing factor?

BACKGROUND: Despite the high association of allergic rhinitis and acute sinusitis, their exact relationship remains unclear, especially in pilots. The purpose of this study was to analyze the possible relationship of a history of allergic rhinitis with the occurrence of acute sinusitis in Israeli air force pilots. A comparative case series was conducted. METHODS: Events of acute sinusitis were compared between Israeli air force pilots with (n=54) and without (n=82) allergic rhinitis who presented for their annual physical examination. RESULTS: Previous episodes of acute sinusitis were noted in 33% of the pilots with allergic rhinitis and 21% of the control group (p=0.09). A separate analysis of young pilots (<26 years old) yielded corresponding rates of 57% versus 29% (p<0.001). When the groups were divided by type of pilot, the results showed that 54% of the transport pilots, 34% of the fighter pilots, and 13% of the helicopter pilots with rhinitis also suffered from acute sinusitis, as opposed to 28, 15, and 15%, respectively, of the control group. CONCLUSION: Despite careful selection, allergic rhinitis is still a very common disease in pilots and may pose a risk of acute sinusitis. The lower prevalence of acute sinusitis in combat than in transport pilots with rhinitis may be explained by vasoconstriction due to psychological and physiological stress during flight missions.     

Surgical management of elongated styloid process: intraoral or transcervical?

The purpose of this study is to compare the results of surgical approaches in management of elongated styloid process. Eight patients with Eagle’s syndrome due to elongated styloid process were included in this study. All necessary preoperative diagnostic work-ups were done and four of them were operated transorally and four were operated extraorally. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms and postoperative patient satisfaction were investigated. No early or late postoperative complications were encountered in transoral group. One of the patients who was operated transcervically experienced a transient weakness in the marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve which resolved spontaneously within 2 weeks. Complete remission of symptoms was achieved in seven patients at the final follow-up, only one of the patients, who was operated intraorally, had partial remission. Only one of the patients who had unilateral excision of elongated styloid process transcervically complained about the permanent scar. Transoral approach is a safe surgical alternative achieving adequate treatment. The advantages of intraoral approach include less surgical travma, less surgical time and lack of servical scar, with similar outcomes when compared with transcervical approach.     

Chronic respiratory rhinitis: Toward endoscopic diagnosis of nasal allergy? An observational study

ObjectiveThe study objective was to assess the functional, endoscopic and tomodensitometric semiology of a cohort of patients with chronic respiratory rhinitis (CRR). The concept of CRR is based on the anatomical, pathophysiological and semiological individualization of the respiratory nose within the sinonasal organ, in which three noses are distinguished by the parallel study of evolution and development in the “evo-devo” theory of the origins of the nose, anterior base of the skull and middle third of the face.Material and methodA single-center retrospective study included a cohort of 28 patients (16 men and 12 women, aged 19 to 69 years) with CRR. The main objective was to describe symptoms clinically, endoscopically and on CT. The secondary objective was to compare clinical symptomatology and CT data between CRR and a control group of 31 patients with nasal polyposis (NP). The endoscopic semiology of CRR was analyzed consensually on video recordings using a pre-established grid. The DyNaChron self-administered questionnaire was used to compare symptom intensity and deterioration in quality of life. Olfaction was compared using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. CT opacities were compared between CRR and NP on Lund-Mackay sinus score and a specific ethmoid opacities score.ResultsIn CRR, endoscopy found a constant association of inflammatory or edematous signs in the inferior or middle turbinates with signs of hypersecretion. Ethmoid opacities in CRR were discrete and significantly smaller than in NP (P < 0.0001), and were mainly located in the medial compartment in contact with the olfactory cleft (P < 0.0001). Allergological assessment was positive in 17 of the 28 cases of CRR. Chronic nasal dysfunction was similar in CRR and NP, but olfactory impairment was significantly lower in CRR (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe CRR entity clinically resembles atopic central compartment disease. In both entities, endoscopy reveals inflammatory lesions restricted to the nasal cavities without significant ethmoid opacity on CT, an observation which seems to contradict the pathophysiological united airway concept.     

Chronic rhinosinusitis: is the nose really involved?

To determine whether chronic rhinitis usually accompanies chronic sinusitis, and critically examine the concept of chronic rhinosinusitis, paired specimens of nasal septal mucosa and ethmoid sinus mucosa were obtained in a prospective cohort of 42 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. The histopathological degree of inflammation for each specimen was scored using a five-point rating scale. Cell counts for eosinophils and inflammatory cells per high-power field (HPF) were determined. Mean patient age was 40.5 years and mean Lund score was 9.3. The inflammation grade of the septal mucosa was within one point of the ethmoid mucosa in 36 (85.7%) cases, and correlated exactly in 24 patients (57.1%). A statistically significant correlation was found between septal and ethmoid mucosa inflammation grades (p = 0.048). No significant difference in mean non-eosinophilic inflammatory cell count per HPF was noted betmeen ethmoid mucosa and septal mucosa (48.2 versus 54.3 cells/HPF, p = 0.061, power = 0.873). Ethmoid mucosa had a significantly higher mean eosinophil count than septal mucosa (6.6 versus 1.9 cells/HPF, p < 0.001). For combined inflammatoty cell counts, no significant difference in cell counts was noted (54. 7 cells/HPF ethmoid versus 56.1 septal, p = 0.670, power = 0.847). Histopathologic evidence of rhinitis is associated with chronic sinusitis. This supports the concept of rhinosinusitis rather than sinusitis alone. Eosinophils are found in significantly higher numbers in sinus mucosa than in nasal mucosa, suggesting a site-specific role in rhinosinusitis.     

Neck Dissection of Level IIb: Is it Really Necessary?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether resection of level IIb is necessary in elective or therapeutic neck dissections. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Level IIb nodes were analyzed for micrometastases as separate specimens in 160 neck dissections on 148 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. RESULTS: In 106 elective neck dissections (N0 necks) from upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was involved in 4.5% and 33%, respectively. In 54 therapeutic neck dissections (N+ necks) from UADT and skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was involved in 25% and 71%, respectively. Apart from skin/parotid squamous carcinoma primaries, level IIb was never involved unless level IIa was also involved. CONCLUSIONS: Level IIb nodes can be left in situ in UADT primary carcinomas in nontonsillar N0 necks without significantly compromising regional clearance of micrometastases.     

Treatment of cervical paragangliomas: Is surgery the only way?

Purpose

To analyze the results after surgery or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in the treatment of cervical paragangliomas. Against this background, the decision-making algorithm used in the treatment of carotid body tumors (CBTs) and vagal paragangliomas (VPs) was reevaluated relative to the existing literature on the topic.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study between 2000 and 2012. A total of 27 CBTs and nine VPs in 32 patients were treated. Shamblin class I: 59.3% (n = 16); class II: 29.6% (n = 8); class III: 11.1% (n = 3). Treatment modalities were surgery, radiotherapy, or observation. The end points for analysis were long-term tumor control and integrity of the cranial nerves.

Results

21 CBTs and seven VPs underwent surgery; SRT was performed in three CBTs and two VPs. Three CBTs were clinically observed. Permanent nerve paresis followed after surgery for CBTs in five patients (20%) and in all patients with VPs. No impaired cranial nerve function resulted after SRT. The median follow-up period was 4.7 years. The tumor control rate after therapy for CBTs and VPs was 100%. One CBT that received clinical observation showed slow tumor progression.

Conclusions

A surgical procedure should be regarded as the treatment of choice in patients with small CBTs. In larger CBTs, particularly in elderly patients with unimpaired cranial nerves, radical surgery should be regarded critically. As surgery for VPs caused regularly impairment of cranial nerves with functional disturbances of various degrees a comprehensive consultation with the patient is mandatory and nonsurgical strategies should be discussed.     

Endoscopic Endonasal Management of Pseudotumor Cerebri: Is it Effective?

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy and safety of endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration for the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). DESIGN: A prospective study at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with a final diagnosis of IIH from July 2001 to March 2005 were included and subjected to detailed neuro-ophthalmologic examination and endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration. Postoperative visual acuity and the perimetry was compared with the preoperative status, and the results were analyzed using the chi2 test. RESULTS:: Of the 18 patients included in the study, 17 had improvement in vision postoperatively. Fifteen patients had visual deterioration in the other eye as well, and of these, 12 had improvement, obviating the need for surgery on the other side. Complications were minimal and in the form of synechiae in two of the cases. DISCUSSION: A number of procedures have been described for the management of this entity, and each is associated with a significant morbidity; therefore, there was a need for a minimally invasive procedure. The procedure adopted in the series is minimally invasive and is associated with a 94.5% success rate and minimal morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic endonasal optic nerve fenestration is a safe, minimally invasive, and extremely effective procedure for the management of IIH.     

Is packing of the nose up-to-date ?

BACKGROUND: Generally accepted standards regarding the materials which should be used for packing, how long the packing should be left in place or the indications for nasal packing are lacking. Nasal packing is used primarily to control bleeding in endonasal surgery, to stabilize the cartilaginous and bony skeleton and to prevent synechiae or restenosis. For the latter some authors recommend to pack the nose for several days. We want to prove the acceptance according to time, particularly wether there is an increase in discomfort. PATIENTS: Prospective study in 60 patients who underwent septoplasty and submucosal resection of inferior turbinates (n = 30) or endonasal sinus surgery (n = 30, in 15 cases septoplasty was performed too). The nose was packed for 4 or 5 days. Using a visual analog scale (0 - 10) the patient's condition was examined regarding: stuffy nose, headache, sleeping disorders, overall judgement. RESULTS: In two patients the packing had to be removed early (once because of the development of swelling of the lower lid and cheek; once because of lacking acceptance). The average condition of the remaining 58 patients showed no worsening during time for all 4 features. Analyzing the individual, only two patients (3.5 %) showed continuous increasing of complaints. CONCLUSIONS: According to this investigation, nasal packing for 4 or 5 days is well accepted by most of the patients, if you be able to make clear its sense to the patient. Nevertheless, looking for alternative operative techniques or nasal packing materials is mandatory to improve the patient's comfort postoperatively.     

Aural Barotrauma in Submarine Escape: Is Mastoid Pneumatization of Significance?

OBJECTIVE: Submarine escape training is carried out by preselected, healthy young men under strictly controlled conditions regarding exposure to pressure and the rate of pressure change. This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the relations between middle ear characteristics and susceptibility to barotrauma while avoiding possible confounding parameters. We examined a possible association between mastoid pneumatization and middle ear barotrauma (MEB) in submarine escape trainees. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, parallel-group design. METHODS: Sixty-six subjects aged 19 to 28 participated in the study. The escape simulation included pressurization to 30 or 60 feet followed by a buoyant ascent to the surface. Subjects were evaluated for MEB after each ascent. A Schuller's mastoid radiograph was taken for the evaluation of mastoid pneumatization. RESULTS: Fifteen (23%) of the subjects suffered from MEB, and 6 (40%) of them had bilateral involvement. Repeated impedance audiometry after the completion of a successful ascent revealed a significant increase in middle ear compliance. Schuller's radiographs were obtained from 49 (74%) of the subjects. Of these radiographs, 16 (16%) were of ears that had suffered MEB. Mastoid pneumatization for all ears approached a normal Gaussian distribution, with a mean area of 9.58 cm. The mastoid areas and the proportion of ears with mastoid pneumatization at the extremes of the study population did not differ between barotrauma and no-barotrauma ears. CONCLUSION: In a population with no history of recurrent or chronic otitis media and normal tympanic membrane morphology and compliance, the amount of mastoid pneumatization probably represents merely the normal distribution of variation in organ size and is not related to the ability to equalize pressure in the middle ear.     

Otogenic Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis: What Is the Role of Anticoagulation?

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis with surgery and antibiotics is well established. However, the role of anticoagulation remains unstudied. The study reviews the signs, symptoms, radiological evaluation, surgical treatment, and medical management of patients with otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis treated with or without anticoagulation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of nine patients from 1995 to 2001 with sigmoid sinus thrombosis. METHODS: Patients were identified by a review of all medical and radiological records. Signs, symptoms, diagnostic studies, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. In addition, telephone follow-up was performed.RESULTS Nine patients were identified over a 6-year period from 1995 to 2001. Patients had a mean follow-up time of 9 months (range, 1-24 mo). Of the nine patients identified, eight patients (89%) had tympanostomy tube placement, six patients (67%) had canal wall intact mastoidectomy, and one patient (11%) had canal wall down mastoidectomy. Needle aspiration of the sinus was performed in four of nine patients (44%), and incision of the sinus in two of nine (22%). Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics occurred in all patients with a mean duration of 12 days (range, 2-22 d) intravenously and 7 days (range, 0-21 d) orally. Sixty-seven percent of patients (six of nine) were anticoagulated: Five patients received low-molecular-weight heparin, and one patient received heparin-coumadin. No mortality occurred in either the anticoagulated or non-anticoagulated group. One anticoagulated patient did have persistent headaches and otorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery and antibiotic therapy are the cornerstones of the management of otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis. However, the role of anticoagulation remains unclear. Because complications of embolization and persistent sepsis are low in otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis patients treated with or without anticoagulation, withholding anticoagulation in selected patients is reasonable. Serial imaging to monitor for thrombus progression is advisable.     

Surgical resection of cutaneous head and neck lesions: does aspirin use increase hemorrhagic risk?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the antiplatelet agent aspirin increases hemorrhagic risk in patients undergoing surgical resection of cutaneous head and neck lesions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Regional referral center. Patients All cases of cutaneous head and neck lesions surgically resected during a 10-year period were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were incidence of significant postoperative hemorrhage, defined as postoperative hematoma or hemorrhage necessitating surgical reexploration; and total postoperative hemorrhage, defined as any hemorrhage lasting longer than 4 hours despite external pressure, requiring medical review, and resulting in prolongation of the patient's hospital stay or readmission to the hospital. RESULTS: Seven hundred eleven patients (974 cases) were eligible for inclusion, of whom 320 were receiving aspirin therapy at the time of surgery. The incidence of significant postoperative hemorrhage in the aspirin and nonaspirin groups was 5 (1.6%) and 0, respectively (P = .004), and aspirin use was the only risk factor for significant postoperative hemorrhage. The incidence of total postoperative hemorrhage in the aspirin and nonaspirin groups was 7 (2.2%) and 1 (0.1%), respectively (P = .002). At multivariate analysis, aspirin use and local flap reconstruction were independent risk factors for total postoperative hemorrhage. Cases receiving aspirin therapy who also underwent local flap reconstruction were at exponential (124-fold) increased risk of total postoperative hemorrhage compared with cases with neither risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin intake at the time of surgery to resect cutaneous head and neck lesions confers a small but statistically increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage. This risk is particularly pronounced in patients undergoing local flap reconstruction.     

What is the Relationship between the Localization of Maxillary Fungal Balls and Intranasal Anatomic Variations?

Objectives

Although the mechanisms underlying the initiation and maintenance of inflammation in unilateral maxillary fungal balls (FBs) are poorly understood, the relationship between intranasal anatomy and maxillary FB is thought to play an important role. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anatomic variations and FB.

Methods

We enrolled 140 patients who were composed of 56 patients with FB, 56 patients with unilateral chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and 28 patients with no sinus disease. Computed tomography scans were retrospectively analyzed to identify and compare the associated nasal anatomic abnormalities. To measure the volume of the nasal cavity and middle meatus, computed tomography scans were reconstructed into three-dimensional images.

Results

The relatively larger volume of the middle meatus was associated with the localization of the FB in contrast with the CRS. However, the nasal-cavity volume, nasal valve area, and nasal septal deviation were not significantly associated with localization of FB. The mean volumetric and areal measurements such as nasal cavity, middle meatus, and nasal valve in FB-ipsilateral sides were not significantly different from those in contralateral sides as well as other groups.

Conclusion

The middle meatus bears the major part of the inspiratory nasal airflow, and its volume may influence the occurrence of FB.