Postoperative evaluation of olfactory dysfunction in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis – comparison of histopathological and clinical findings

Abstract

Background: Olfactory dysfunction in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is poorly understood.

Objective: To compare olfactory mucosal injury due to eosinophil infiltration in ECRS with postoperative olfactory function.

Methods: Seventeen ECRS patients (ECRS group) and 18 bilateral rhinosinusitis (non-ECRS group) patients were compared. At 3 and 12 months post-endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), all patients were evaluated for subjective symptoms (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and olfactory dysfunction), endoscopic nasal findings, CT score and T&T olfactometer recognition threshold test. The eosinophil count, OMP-positive cells and epithelial erosion in olfactory mucosa collected during ESS were compared with the postoperative olfactory function.

Results: The non-ECRS group showed significant improvement in all clinical findings at 3 and 12 months, but the ECRS group showed worsening of the olfactory dysfunction symptoms and T&T olfactometer recognition threshold at 12 months because of recurrence of sinusitis. The groups differed significantly in the ΔT&T value (i.e. pre-ESS T&T recognition threshold – post-ESS T&T recognition threshold) at both 3 and 12 months, and the degree of olfactory improvement differed. Histologically, the ECRS group showed significantly more eosinophils, fewer OMP-positive cells and greater epithelial erosion than the non-ECRS group.

Conclusions: Eosinophilic inflammation was thought to cause olfactory mucosal injury/dysfunction.     

Optimal duration of macrolide treatment for chronic sinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery

Objective

The objective is to determine the appropriate duration of postoperative macrolide therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis to obtain a favourable outcome with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

The effectiveness of postoperative macrolide treatment was examined in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent ESS, by comparing 3-month (44 patients) and 6-month administration (66 patients) of clarithromycin (CAM) (200 mg/day). Evaluation was made based on subjective symptoms and endoscopic findings at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Seventeen (3-month CAM group) and 22 (6-month CAM group) subjects were able to be followed up to 12 months after surgery. No difference in effectiveness was observed between the groups until 6 months after surgery, but the 6-month treatment group showed significantly higher disappearance rates and significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in the subjective symptoms of rhinorrhea and postnasal drip at 12 months after surgery. The positive finding rate of postnasal drip by endoscopic examination was also significantly lower in the 6-month treatment group at 12 months after surgery. These changes over time indicated gradual deterioration after discontinuation of CAM treatment in the 3-month treatment group, whereas a small improvement was observed after discontinuation in the 6-month treatment group.

Conclusion

The results indicate that chronic sinusitis patients with rhinorrhea or postnasal drip should be treated with macrolides for 6 months after surgery in order to improve the long-term outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery.     

Balanced orbital decompression for graves' ophthalmopathy

Objective/Hypothesis: Surgical management of Graves' ophthalmopathy is an alternative to medical therapy with corticosteroids or external beam radiotherapy. Orbital decompression has commonly been performed via a transantral approach to the medial orbital wall and floor. Although an endoscopic approach to these walls has been described, a balanced approach (incorporating a lateral decompression by an ophthalmology team) is desirable. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Endoscopic medial decompression and extended lateral decompression were accomplished in 18 orbits (11 patients); inferior decompression was performed in 11 of these. Five additional procedures were performed. Results: Exophthalmos improved by a mean of 4.6 mm. All patients who underwent decompression for vision loss had improved vision after surgery. Exposure keratitis improved in six of six orbits. Two of five patients undergoing orbital decompression for vision loss developed postoperative diplopia, which was successfully treated with strabismus surgery or prism glasses. There were no other significant complications. Conclusions: The endoscopic approach to the medial orbital wall is an important component of balanced orbital decompression for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Balancing the decompression and preserving the medial orbital strut between the ethmoid cavity and the orbital floor may minimize the risk of diplopia. Laryngoscope, 108:1648–1653, 1998     

Combined endonasal and orbital approach for annulus of Zinn area decompression in dysthyroid optic neuropathy

BackgroundDysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a serious complication of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) that can cause permanent vision loss from orbital apex syndrome. Urgent management of high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy is recommended, and salvage orbital apex decompression surgery may require in refractory patients ineffective with corticosteroid pulse therapy.PurposeTo evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of combined endoscopic endonasal and orbital approach decompression in the annulus of the Zinn (AZ) area in refractory dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).MethodsIn this retrospective study, patients who underwent combined endoscopic endonasal and orbital approach decompression around the AZ area for the treatment of refractory DON from May 2021 to March 2022 were enrolled. A total of 15 orbital apex were decompressed across 9 patients. The demographic, imaging, and surgical data, as well as preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), proptosis degree and Modified-Chinese-TAO-QOL scores, were collected and assessed. The t-test was used to identify differences between preoperative and postoperative parameters: visual acuity, proptosis and QOL scores.ResultsThe mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.79 ± 0.77 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.21 ± 0.27 LogMAR (P < 0.001) postoperatively. Additionally, proptosis decreased from 22.25 ± 2.01 mm to 18.42 ± 1.85 mm (P < 0.01), with an average decrease of 3.7 mm. The preoperative scores of the visual, psychological, and comprehensive components of QoL were 14.60 ± 9.08, 37.49 ± 6.26 and 26.75 ± 3.70, respectively, which significantly improved postoperatively to 54.18 ± 7.23, 68.78 ± 12.53 and 61.88 ± 9.37, respectively. The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 2 to 11 months, and the median follow-up time was 7 months. There was 1 case of transient postoperative sinusitis and 1 new case of transient diplopia, which was relieved after 3 months.ConclusionCombined endoscopic endonasal and orbital approach adequate decompression for AZ area significantly improves visual acuity and QOL in patients with DON.     

The efficacy of cotton ball packing after endoscopic sinus surgery: A prospective,randomized, controlled trial

ObjectiveThe blocking of airflow into sinonasal cavity may decrease postoperative crusting and the development of adhesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of cotton ball packing in patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsThirty nine patients with chronic rhinosinusitis requiring the same extent of ESS were included. As a part of postoperative care, the patients were instructed to perform a nasal saline irrigation and apply a nasal spray in each nostril, and then informed to put a cotton ball in a one side of nostril, and the other side was kept to be empty as a control. Patients’ subjective symptoms, patients’ pain while receiving sinonasal cavity debridement, time required to perform debridement, and postoperative wound healing were evaluated.ResultsAlthough cotton ball packing resulted in less discomfort for postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, headache, and facial pain than no packing, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. The cotton ball packing was associated with significantly less pain on while performing postoperative debridement, therefore less time was needed to perform debridement. The cotton ball packing appears to improve wound healing within the sinus cavities up to 1 month postoperatively.ConclusionThe use of the cotton ball packing after ESS results in significantly less formation of crusts and adhesions, leading to decreasing pain and time during postoperative debridement and promoting faster wound healing.     

Comparison of intra-operative characteristics and early post-operative outcomes between endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty

Conclusion: In terms of operation time, anesthesia method, and low complication rate, ESS and balloon sinuplasty seemed comparable. The advantages of balloon sinuplasty were shown to be shortness of sick leave, possibility to be performed as an in-office procedure, and lower adhesion formation.

Background: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been considered as a treatment of choice for persistent chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). During the last decade balloon sinuplasty has been introduced as an alternative technique to dilate the ostium. Although balloon sinuplasty is considered relatively safe and efficient, comparative evidence of its putative intra-operative and post-operative advantages remain limited.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective controlled study was to evaluate intra-operative factors and early post-operative outcomes among CRS patients who had undergone maxillary sinus operation with either balloon sinuplasty or ESS technique.

Materials and methods: Data were collected from 208 patients with CRS treated either with ESS or balloon sinuplasty during the years 2008–2010. Intra- and peri-operative factors were collected from patient records of the patients who met the inclusion criteria (n?=?39 in ESS group and n?=?36 in balloon sinuplasty group).

Results: There was no significant difference in operation time and anesthesia method between the two groups. No complications occurred with either technique. All ESS procedures and 67% of the balloon sinuplasty procedures were done in the hospital setting, whereas 33% of the balloon sinuplasty procedures were done in the office setting. The duration of sick leave and the number of patients with adhesions were significantly higher in the ESS group compared to the balloon sinuplasty group.     

Clinical outcome of partial ethmoidectomy for chronic rhinosinusitis

Since its introduction endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been focused on the management of the ethmoids, differentiating between partial and total ethmoidectomy. The classification of the underlying process of ethmoiditis and the selection of the adequate surgical procedure are still open questions. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate a minimally invasive ESS procedure. We present a retrospective analysis of 112 cases of bilateral circumscribed ethmoiditis after partial ethmoidectomy performed by a single surgeon investigated by questionnaires and endoscopic follow-up. A comparison of symptoms and the subjective judgment of the patients before and after surgery showed that postoperative subjective scores of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea improved in up to 90%, with no distinct differences between primary intervention (n=98) and revision (n=14). Ninety percent of all patients considered surgery successful. Signs of active rhinosinusitis were found in less then 20% of patients after partial ethmoidectomy. This demonstrates that partial ethmoidectomy is an effective treatment for CRS affecting only part of the ethmoid.     

Silent sinus syndrome: combined sinus surgery and orbital reconstruction – report of 15 cases

Background: Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is defined as spontaneous, painless enophthalmos, hypoglobus with orbital floor resorption and maxillary sinus collapse on the ipsilateral side. Different methods of orbital floor reconstruction have been proposed.

Aims/objectives: The purpose was to analyse the results of combined endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and reconstruction using orbital floor implant of 15 patients with SSS and to present recent histological findings.

Materials and methods: Retrospective case review of 15 patients with SSS treated in clinic between 2007 and 2017.

Results: Eleven women and four men presented with unilateral, spontaneous enophthalmos. Averaged duration of enophthalmos was 10.7 months. On affected side, mean enophthalmos was 2.6?mm and hypoglobus 2.7?mm. Computed tomography imaging (CT) imaging showed maxillary sinus opacification on the affected side in every case, and the orbital floor was displaced downwards in all cases. In total, 13 patients underwent simultaneous ESS and rebuilding of orbital floor with a titanium implant. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences for pre- and postoperative measure of enophthalmos and hypoglobus.

Conclusion and significance: Implementation of titanium implants is the reliable method of reconstruction that allows good aesthetic result, shorter time of procedure with an excellent long-term outcome and satisfactory patient’s tolerance.     

Endoscopic sinus surgery: its subjective medium-term outcome in chronic rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE: The subjective success of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis has been reported mainly after short-term follow-up studies, but may change with increasing time after surgery. We assessed in a retrospective study the medium-term clinical outcome of ESS as complete ethmoidectomy or pansinus surgery in 208 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The senior author performed the surgeries according to his techniques. We used a questionnaire focusing on nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, nasal dryness/crusts, sneezing, headache, smell, numbness in cheeks and lips, ear pressure, epiphora, and sore throat. Additionally the subjective influence of sinus surgery on asthma, bronchitis and allergic diseases was evaluated. The mean follow-up was 3.1 years. RESULTS: Overall success was reported by 92% of all patients. Forty-one percent of all patients with complete ethmoidectomy and 32% of all patients with pansinus surgery described complete resolution of complaints. No differences in clinical success rates were noted when comparing primary surgery or revision. A favorable effect was also reported for asthma, bronchitis and allergic diseases. CONCLUSION: Improvements for nasal symptoms and coexisting complaints are demonstrated with a mean observation period of more than 3 years. The value of ESS is underlinedfor the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.     

Long-term follow-up after ESS and balloon sinuplasty: Comparison of symptom reduction and patient satisfaction

Conclusion This is the first controlled study of balloon sinuplasty’s long-term efficacy with the follow-up time over 5 years. The results are in accordance with a previous 2-year-follow-up study. Both techniques retained the efficacy and patient satisfaction on average 6 years after the surgery.

Background Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and balloon sinuplasty are considered as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after a failure of conservative therapy. High cost and lack of long-term follow-up studies restrain the use of balloon sinuplasty.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare long-term efficacy and satisfaction in CRS patients who had undergone maxillary sinus operation with either balloon sinuplasty or ESS technique. Previous or additional sinonasal operations were exclusion criteria.

Materials and methods Study patients were recruited from 208 CRS-patients who underwent either ESS or balloon sinuplasty. Patients with nasal polyposis (gradus ≥?2), previous sinonasal surgery, unilateral disease, or immune deficiency were excluded. Altogether 45 patients in the ESS group and 40 patients in the balloon group were included. Of these, 30 and 28, respectively, answered to a phone interview held on average 6 years after primary surgery. Symptom reduction and long-term satisfaction were evaluated by using symptom scores of 19 parameters altogether.

Results Both groups experienced improvement in symptoms and were equally satisfied with the operation. The number of patient-reported acute exacerbations was higher among the balloon dilated patients. Also, the reduction of thick nasal discharge was less evident in the balloon sinuplasty group. Four patients in the balloon sinuplasty group underwent revision surgery. There were no revisions in the ESS group.     

Comparative analysis of the outcome of external and endoscopic frontal sinus surgery in children

Abstract

Background: Both open and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are performed in the case of pediatric frontal rhinosinusitis. However, data from comparative analysis of these surgery types are insufficient.

Objective: Prospective randomized trial for comparison of open and endoscopic surgery outcome in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis.

Material and methods: The cohort included 30 pediatric patients (7–17?years) with open frontal sinus surgery and 34 patients who underwent FESS using DrafIIa. Lund‐Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores, as well as Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20)questionnaire was used for pre- and postoperative assessment.

Results: Open surgery and FESS resulted in a significant improvement in total Lund‐Kennedy, Lund-Mackay, and SNOT-20 scores, being more profound in FESS group. Using FESS significantly reduced surgery duration by 15% as compared to open surgery. In addition, open surgery was associated with a higher rate of scar formation, reduced local sensitivity, as well as local soreness, lacrimation, and psychological discomfort. In regression models FESS was negatively associated with postoperative total Lund‐Kennedy, Lund-Mackay, and SNOT-20 scores.

Conclusion and significance: Generally, FESS resulted in better surgery outcome as compared to open surgery, although both approaches resulted in a significant improvement in chronic rhinosinusitis.     

Impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on otologic symptoms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate improvements in otologic symptoms after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and identify differences in symptoms, if any, between CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyposis.Material and methodsThis is a prospective multi-center observational cohort study. Adults with medically recalcitrant CRS who elected ESS were enrolled in a prospective, multi-center, observational cohort study between March, 2011 and October, 2014. Preoperative evaluation of subjects included assessment of clinical characteristics, measures of disease severity, and quality of life evaluation using the 22-item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Postoperative improvement in otologic symptoms (ear fullness, dizziness, ear pain) scores were evaluated and compared between CRSwNP and CRSsNP subgroups.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-five study patients completed both preoperative and postoperative evaluations, with an average follow-up of 13.9 months after ESS. The prevalence of patients reporting at least one otologic symptom preoperatively (87%) significantly decreased after ESS (63%, P < 0.001). Significant postoperative improvement across all otologic scores was also reported (P < 0.001). Relative mean improvement in otologic symptom severity was similar for both CRSwNP and CRSsNP, except patients with CRSwNP reported significantly greater postoperative improvement in ear fullness compared to CRSsNP (54% vs. 41%, P = 0.039). A total of 61%, 44%, and 43% of patients reported experiencing improvement in “ear fullness”, “dizziness” and “ear pain”, respectively.ConclusionSinus surgery significantly improves otologic symptoms associated with CRS. CRSwNP patients reported slightly greater relief of ear fullness than CRSsNP patients following ESS.     

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in chronic rhinosinusitis patients and the role of endoscopic sinus surgery

ObjectivesLatest literature proposes laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) as the underlying contributory factor for chronic inflammation in both upper and lower airways. In this study, we investigated LPR symptoms and signs of CRS patients and the various factors on their LPR symptoms and signs. We also evaluated the effect of the LPR symptoms and signs of CRS patients after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis from 91 patients who underwent primary ESS. They were assessed for LPR symptoms with Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) before ESS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, Lund–Mackay (LM) scoring system, and Lund-Kennedy (LK) scoring system were evaluated for CRS severity. They had to fulfill SNOT-22, RSI, and RFS at 6 months after surgery.ResultsNasal polyps, smoking, asthma, allergy, LM scores and LK scores didn't have significant correlations with preoperative RSI and RFS (P > .05 for all). RSI had significant correlations with SNOT-22 preoperatively and postoperatively (P < .05 for all). RFS had a significant correlation with postoperative SNOT-22 (P = 0.034). RSI and RFS decreased significantly more after ESS (P < 0.001 for both). Smoking had a significant effect on the postoperative RFS (P = 0.003). Non-smoker showed significantly lower scores of postoperative RFS (P = .0.003).ConclusionOur study suggests that subjective CRS symptoms were related with subjective LPR symptoms and ESS was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of LPR in CRS patients. Especially, smoking was associated with less improvement of laryngoscopic findings after ESS.     

Efficacy of hypertonic (2.3%) sea water in patients with aspirin-induced chronic rhinosinusitis following endoscopic sinus surgery

Background: Aspirin-induced chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a severe progressive persistent disease, usually associated with nasal polyps (NPs).

Aim/objective: To compare effect of hypertonic (2.3% NaCl) sea water and isotonic 0.9% NaCl on symptoms and endoscopic findings in those patients in the period of 1 month after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Material and methods: This prospective, randomized study included 30 patients with aspirin-induced CRS undergoing ESS. Patients were divided into two groups of 15 subjects and one of the two nasal irrigation solutions was administered in each group. Intensity of 5 symptoms (nasal obstruction, nasal discharge/postnasal drip, facial pain/pressure, headache and trouble sleeping) and endoscopic findings were assessed during the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days after the nasal packs removal.

Results: We found significantly lower total symptom score (TSS) during the 7th (p?=?.009), 14th (p?=?.003), 21st (p?<?.001) and the 28th day (p?=?.001), lower total endoscopic score (TES) on the 21st (p?=?.002) and 28th day (p?=?.001), lower nasal obstruction, facial pain/pressure, headache and trouble sleeping, and lower nasal mucosal edema, nasal secretion and nasal crusting in patients treated by hypertonic sea water.

Conclusion and significance: Hypertonic sea water should be recommended douching solution in the early postoperative care of patients with aspirin-induced CRS.     

Trends in complications after functional endoscopic sinus surgery in Japan: A comparison with a previous study (2007–2013vs. 2013–2017)

ObjectiveFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis is considered safe and is widely performed. Techniques and devices for this type of surgery have recently been updated. The purpose of this study was to describe the proportions of complications after FESS (2013–2017) and to compare the results with those from our previous study (2007–2013).MethodsWe obtained data on 70,288 patients who underwent FESS from April 2013 to March 2017 from a Japanese national inpatient database. We classified FESS into four types: single sinus surgery (ESS Type 2), multiple sinus surgery (ESS Type 3), whole sinus surgery (ESS Type 4), and extensive sinus surgery (ESS Type 5). We investigated the proportions of complications after FESS, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, orbital injury, severe hemorrhage, and toxic shock syndrome. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for within-hospital clustering to evaluate the association between the occurrence of overall complications and patient characteristics.ResultsThe proportion of overall complications was 0.50%. The proportions of patients with cranial complications, orbital complications, hemostasis operations, blood transfusion, and toxic shock syndrome were 0.11%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.30%, and 0.03%, respectively. The extent of FESS was not associated with the occurrence of overall complications. The occurrence of overall complications was associated with the severity of comorbidities and the academic hospital status. Asthma and use of a microdebrider were associated with a lower occurrence of overall complications.ConclusionThe proportion of overall complications after FESS in the present study was similar to that reported in our previous study. The extent of FESS and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis were not associated with the occurrence of overall complications.     

Orbital lymphatic malformation showing the symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in children: A report of 2 cases

Orbital lymphatic malformations are benign cystic malformations of the lymphatic system. The present report shows two cases with symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis with proptosis, compressive optic neuropathy, loss of vision and cellulites in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-demarcated intraorbital mass with heterogeneous signal conformable with lymphatic malformation in both cases. A tumor extirpation was performed via lateral orbitotomy in both cases. Postoperatively the symptoms and especially the loss of vision improved completely. Histological analysis of the surgical specimens verified lymphatic malformations of the orbit. Orbital lymphatic malformations can mimic the symptoms of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis. The existence of lymphatic malformation should be considered in every orbital complication of rhinosinusitis in children.     

Middle turbinate resection is unlikely to cause empty nose syndrome in first year postoperatively

PurposeEmpty nose syndrome (ENS) is characterized by nasal dryness, crusting, and paradoxical nasal obstruction most commonly after inferior turbinate resection. ENS has also been reported to occur after middle turbinate resection (MTR), and concern for causing ENS is a possible reason surgeons preserve the MT during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The objective was to determine whether MTR during ESS led to ENS.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective case series of 95 consecutive patients that underwent bilateral subtotal MTR during ESS with either Draf IIB or Draf III frontal sinusotomies, for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps, and frontal sinus inverted papillomas. Demographic data and postoperative Empty Nose Syndrome 6-item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) scores were obtained. Nasal crusting was also documented on last postoperative nasal endoscopy.ResultsPathologies included chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (69), without nasal polyps (12), and inverted papillomas (14). Fifty-six patients underwent subtotal MTRs during ESS with Draf IIB, and 39 with Draf III. Mean follow-up was 19.4 months (range 12–49). Mean postoperative ENS6Q score was 2.1. Only 2.1% had ENS6Q scores ≥ 11, and 6.3% had nasal crusting at last follow-up. None of the patients with ENS6Q scores ≥ 11 had nasal crusting at last follow-up. There were no significant differences in outcomes between ages, genders, surgery types, or pathologies.ConclusionsPatients who underwent bilateral subtotal MTR during ESS were unlikely to develop ENS by at least 1 year postoperatively, based on patients rarely experiencing ENS6Q scores ≥ 11 or persistent nasal crusting.     

Factors that prolong the duration of recovery in acute rhinosinusitis with orbital complications

Background: Regarding prognostic factors of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) with orbital complications, there are few studies including adult cases.

Objectives: The present study aims to delineate prognostic factors of ARS with orbital complications.

Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 21 patients (6 pediatric and 15 adult patients) with ARS with orbital complications. The duration of recovery was defined as the time from initial diagnosis to complete resolution of local findings and all symptoms. Orbital complications due to postoperative cysts or mycosis were excluded.

Results: Twenty-one patients comprised 11 males and 10 females. Chandler’s classification showed group I in 4, group II in 8, and group III in 9. None of six pediatric patients required any surgical intervention, whereas five adult patients (23.8%) underwent surgical intervention. The average period of recovery was 8.1 days. In univariate analysis, the duration of recovery was significantly longer among adult cases (p?<?.01) and cases with Chandler’s groups II–III (p?=?.019). In multivariate analysis, adult patients had a significantly longer duration of recovery than pediatric patients (p?=?.027).

Conclusion and significance: The present study suggested that ARS with orbital complications may have prolonged clinical course in adults.     

Endoscopic sinus surgery for the management of orbital diseases

The indications for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have been widely expanding since its introduction into sinus surgery. ESS has become an ideal method to manage certain orbital diseases and has the advantages of excellent visualization with minimal cosmetic and functional morbidity. In the Department of Otolaryngology of Taichung Veterans General Hospital from 1988 to 2005, 3,136 patients received ESS. Among them, a total of 108 patients received ESS for orbital diseases. These orbital diseases included orbital complications secondary to bacterial rhinosinusitis, fungal rhinosinusitis, skull base osteomyelitis and mucoceles, subperiosteal hematoma, Graves' disease, traumatic optic neuropathy and orbital blowout fracture. Our results showed that ESS is effective in the management of some of these orbital diseases.     

Efficiency of a biodegradable gel containing hyaluronic acid and berberine hydrochloride in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS): A prospective comparative study

PurposeTo evaluate the efficiency of a biodegradable gel containing hyaluronic acid and berberine hydrochloride in endoscopic sinus surgery.MethodsSixty-six chronic rhinosinusitis patients with or without nasal polyps who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were randomly received a biodegradable gel containing hyaluronic acid and berberine hydrochloride or merocel in both middle meatal spacers at the end procedure of ESS. Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES) was used to examine status of nasal cavity on preoperative day and postoperative day 1 to 7. The LKES ratio was calculated as the LKES on postoperative day divided into the LKES on preoperative day. Visual analogue score (VAS) was used to assess patient's status from the first postoperative day to the hospital discharge day. The average VAS during hospital stays was calculated by the sum of VAS in each examination day divided into the number of examined day. The LKES ratio, the average of VAS during hospital stays and length of hospitalized day of the patients were used as clinical outcome indices in early stage after surgery. A general linear model adjusted for confounding factors was used for data analysis.ResultsAdjusted mean of LKES ratio were lower in group used biodegrable gel of hyaruloic acid and berberin hydrochlode (study group) than those in merocele group in the postoperative day 1 to day 7. However, significant difference was found in the adjusted mean of LKES ratio on the postoperative day 2 to 6. Similarly, the adjusted mean of VAS during hospital stays and length of hospitalized day after surgery in study group were significantly decreased as compared with those in merocele group.ConclusionsBiodegradable material containing hyaluronic acid and berberine hydrochloride was more effective than merocel in length of hospital stay, post-operative symptoms, and sinus cavity's status in early stage after ESS.