Short-Term Quality-of-Life Changes after Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery Rated with SNOT-22

Objective Little data exist on short-term quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes, specifically sinonasal measures, after endoscopic pituitary surgery. Design Prospective case series assessed sinonasal QOL before and after the transnasal endoscopic approach to the sella with resection of nasal cavity and sinus tissues. Setting/Participants/Main Outcome Measures A total of 39 adults scheduled to undergo resection for a pituitary mass preoperatively completed the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). Rating various QOL issues, testing repeated postoperatively at 1 month by 37 patients and 3 months by 35 patients, was analyzed (paired Student t test). Results SNOT-22 scores (5-point scale; total: 110) averaged 23.4 preoperatively and 27.6 at 1 month but had significantly improved to 16.2 at 3 months (p = 0.03). Emotional well-being parameters (e.g., sadness, frustration, concentration, productivity, fatigue) significantly improved 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Physiologic parameters (e.g., olfaction, obstruction, postnasal drainage) that had worsened at 1 month (< 0.05) then normalized at 3 months. Conclusion Total ratings for sinonasal QOL shows that SNOT scores were comparable between preoperative and 1-month testing but were improved significantly at 3 months. Individual questions showed marked improvement in emotional well-being and temporary physiologic changes after surgery. Our findings give surgeons information about what patients can expect immediately after transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery.     

Sinonasal outcomes associated with the use of BioGlue® in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

Concerns have been raised in the neurosurgical literature regarding the use of BioGlue®, a tissue sealant initially developed for cardiothoracic surgery, due to reports of an increased incidence of infection, wound breakdown, and CSF fistulae. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of BioGlue® in skull base repair impacts on the sinonasal outcomes and the incidence of post-operative infection following endoscopic pituitary surgery. SNOT-22 questionnaires were completed pre-operatively, and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-operatively by 50 patients. Pre- and post-operative MRI scans were reviewed and assessed for evidence of post-operative sinusitis. Patient records were consulted to ascertain the incidence of post-operative infection. Repeated measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for data analysis. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the mean SNOT-22 scores across the four time intervals (F(1.605, 78.642)?=?9.180, p?=?0.001). This difference was powered by a deterioration at 6 weeks that recovered completely by 12 weeks. The mean SNOT-22 score in the study cohort at 24 weeks was 16.84/110 (range 0–57,?±?2.04) which was lower than the mean pre-operative score and is consistent with mild rhinosinusitis. There were no cases of post-operative meningitis and 1/50 (2%) case of post-operative sinusitis in this cohort. The use of BioGlue® in endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery does not appear to lead to significant sinonasal morbidity. Previous concerns about the use of BioGlue® in transcranial procedures may not apply to extradural application of this tissue sealant in endoscopic transnasal surgery.

     

Quality of life and complications following image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the quality of life (QOL) outcome and incidence of complications following image-guided versus non-image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN: The operative, office, and hospital charts of patients who underwent primary ESS for chronic sinusitis by a single surgeon with (2002-2005) or without (1997-2002) image guidance were reviewed for patient demographics, incidence of complications, and revision procedures. A telephone survey was used to administer the QOL survey to both cohorts. RESULTS: In comparing patients who underwent image-guided (60) versus non-image-guided surgery (179), respectively, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of major intraoperative complications (6.6% vs 5.6%), major postoperative complications (5% vs 3.9%), revision procedures (6.6% vs 7.3%), and postoperative SNOT-20 symptom scores (23.6 vs 23.4). A higher incidence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was noted in the non-image-guided group (0% vs 2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not demonstrate an improvement in the incidence of complications, need for revision procedures, or quality-of-life outcome for patients undergoing primary ESS for chronic sinusitis. The use of image guidance may result in a lower incidence of skull base trauma and cerebrospinal fluid leak. EBM rating: B-2b.     

Quality of Life Following Endoscopic Resection of Skull Base Tumors

The objective of the study is to evaluate patients'' quality of life (QOL) after endoscopic resection of skull base tumors. We estimated the QOL of 41 patients who underwent surgery for removal of skull base tumors via the expanded endonasal approach (EEA). The Anterior Skull Base Surgery Questionnaire (ASBS-Q), a multidimensional, disease-specific instrument containing 36 items was used. The rate of meningitis and cerebrospinal fluid leak was 1.4 and 0%, respectively. There was one case of uniocular visual impairment. The internal consistency of the instrument had a correlation coefficient (α-Cronbach score) of 0.8 to 0.92. Of 41 patients, 30 (75%) reported improvement or no change in overall QOL. Improved scores were reported in the physical function domain and worse scores in the specific symptoms domain. The most significant predictor of poor QOL was female gender, which led to a significant decrease in scores of all domains. Site of surgery, histology, age and comorbidity were not significant predictors of outcome. This paper further validates the use of the ASBS-Q for patients undergoing endoscopic skull base resection. The overall QOL of patients following endoscopic extirpation of skull base tumors is good. Female patients experience a significant decline in QOL compared with males.     

Effect of lung cancer surgery on quality of life

BACKGROUND: Health related quality of life (HRQOL) after surgery is important, although very limited data are available on the QOL after lung cancer surgery. METHODS: The effect of surgery on HRQOL was assessed in a prospective study of 110 patients undergoing potentially curative lung cancer surgery at Papworth Hospital, 30% of whom had borderline lung function as judged by forced expiratory volume in 1 second. All patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 lung cancer module before surgery and again at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: On average, patients had high levels of functioning and low levels of symptoms. Global QOL had deteriorated significantly 1 month after surgery (p = 0.001) but had returned to preoperative levels by 3 months (p = 0.93). Symptoms had worsened significantly at 1 month after surgery but had returned to baseline levels by 6 months. Low values on the preoperative HRQOL scales were not significantly associated with poor surgical outcome. However, patients with low preoperative HRQOL functioning scales and high preoperative symptom scores were more likely to have poor postoperative (6 months) QOL. The only lung function measurement to show a marginally statistically significant association with quality of life at 6 months after surgery was percentage predicted carbon monoxide transfer factor (Tlco). CONCLUSION: Although surgery had short term negative effects on quality of life, by 6 months HRQOL had returned to preoperative values. Patients with low HRQOL functioning scales, high preoperative symptom scores, and preoperative percentage predicted Tlco may be associated with worse postoperative HRQOL.     

Psychiatric distress amplifies symptoms after surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders are associated with increased symptom burden when combined with chronic medical conditions. However, there are no reports of how psychiatric distress influences outcomes with surgical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We hypothesized that subjects with psychiatric distress (somatization, anxiety, and depression) would report more severe long-term sinus symptoms and worse quality of life (QOL) than subjects without psychiatric distress. METHODS: This is a community-based, prospective, observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with CRS presenting for surgery. Patients were interviewed before surgery; CT scans were reviewed, and questionnaires were completed about sinusitis-related symptoms (SNOT-16), general health status and QOL (SF-36), and psychiatric distress (BSI and PHQ). Outcomes were also assessed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients had complete records for analysis. Psychiatric distress was prevalent, with 31% screening positive for somatization, 17% positive for anxiety, and 25% positive for depressive disorders. Subjects with somatization had significantly worse SNOT-16 scores at each time point compared with those without somatization ( P < 0.05). Subjects with depression reported more severe symptoms at 6 and 12 months after surgery than those without depression ( P < 0.05). The presence of somatization preoperatively was also independently associated with worse symptom severity 12-months after surgery, even after adjusting for prior sinus surgery, CT stage, Charlson Index, and deviated septum. In addition, subjects with psychiatric distress reported significantly worse SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores 12-months after surgery than subjects without psychiatric distress. CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric distress is associated with worse reported sinus symptoms and lower QOL throughout surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis. Despite this, subjects with psychiatric distress report a similar degree of improvement in sinus symptoms after surgery compared with those without distress. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Psychiatric distress should be considered in patients with persistent symptoms after surgery. Psychiatric distress should also be considered in efforts to design a chronic sinusitis staging system.     

经尿道等离子双极电刀前列腺剜除术治疗良性前列腺增生

目的:探讨经尿道等离子双极电刀前列腺剜除术治疗良性前列腺增生(BPH)的临床应用。方法:选择单纯BPH有手术指征患者90例,年龄59~83岁,平均71岁,随机分为2组,I组(50例)行经尿道前列腺电切术(TURP),Ⅱ组(40例)行经尿道等离子双极电刀前列腺剜除术(PKEP)。统计每例患者术前前列腺体积、国际前列腺症状(IPSS)评分、生活质量指数(QOL)评分和最大尿流率(Qm ax),手术时间,术中术后有无并发症、输血,术后有无膀胱持续冲洗及术后2周、术后6个月IPSS、QOL评分和Qm ax。结果:I组、II组术前前列腺体积平均为58.9、58.3 g;I组、II组手术时间平均为58.8、93.0 m in;I组患者中2例出现轻度电切综合征(TURS),II组患者术中术后心电监护未发现异常;术后行膀胱持续冲洗分别有3例、1例;术后导尿管拔除后出现急迫性尿失禁分别有4例;90例患者术中、术后均无输血。术前、术后2周、术后6个月IPSS评分I组平均分别为19.7分、11.6分、5.1分,II组平均分别为18.6分、8.4分、4.9分;QOL评分I组平均分别为4.6分、3.3分、1.1分,II组平均分别为4.5分、2.7分、1.1分;Qm ax I组平均分别为6.3、13.0、18.1 m l/s,II组平均分别为6.9、14.2、19.0 m l/s。两组间的手术时间、术后2周IPSS、QOL评分,各组内术前与术后6个月IPSS、QOL评分、Qm ax的差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。两组间术前前列腺体积、术前IPSS、QOL评分和Qm ax、术后6个月IPSS、QOL评分及术后2周、术后6个月Qm ax的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:PKEP可安全、有效、彻底治疗BPH,可作为手术治疗BPH的一种选择。     

Quality of life improves within 30 days of surgery for Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND: The effect of surgery on quality of life (QOL) in the early postoperative period is important in Crohn's disease because of the multiple surgical procedures that patients undergo and the acute QOL benefits that might occur as a result of modifications of medical treatment. Earlier studies of the effect of surgery on QOL have been retrospective and assessed changes 3 to 24 months after surgery. This study prospectively assesses the effect of surgery on QOL in the early postoperative period. STUDY DESIGN: Patients requiring surgical management of sequelae of Crohn's disease were obtained from a prospectively entered database including data on QOL. Preoperative and 30-day postoperative QOL were determined in 82 patients using Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) scores (range from 0 [worst] to 10 [best possible] QOL). Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared using a paired t-test to determine the significance of any change in QOL after surgery. The effect of other variables on change in QOL after surgery was assessed using the t-test or analysis of variance. Multifactor analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of several independent variables. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (41 women) of 142 patients who had had surgery (58%) had complete preoperative and 30-day postoperative scores. The incidence of complications was 23% (11% were major). There was a significant improvement in QOL 30 days after surgery as measured by CGQL (0.6 +/- 0.2 preoperative to 0.7 +/- 0.2 postoperative; mean +/- SD; p < 0.001). The mean preoperative CGQL was 0.56 +/- 0.24 and the mean improvement was 0.11 +/- 0.20 toward a better QOL. Female patients (p < 0.05) and those who did not develop complications within 30 days of surgery (p < 0.05) had a significantly greater improvement in CGQL after surgery than other groups. No other factor was predictive of improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: QOL as measured by CGQL improves early after surgery (30 days postoperatively). Improvement in CGQL is greater in female patients and patients who do not develop complications in the postoperative period. It is not affected by other patient characteristics, nature of disease, indication, or procedure performed. Most patients who undergo surgery for Crohn's disease feel that surgery has helped them and would undergo surgery again.     

Quality of life in patients over 70 years of age after heart valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on valve replacement in patients over 70 years of age have been concerned with early and long-term outcome. Little is known, however, of the quality of life (QOL) of survivors following surgery. METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive patients, mean age 74.0+/-3.1 years, who underwent heart valve replacement were reviewed and questioned as to their physical and social activities before and after surgery and compared with 75 patients aged less than 70 years old who underwent similar procedures during the same time interval. QOL was measured by using the Rosser distress and disability scores. RESULTS: Hospital mortality in the elderly group was the same as in the younger group (9.7% vs 2.7%, p = 0.121). Median 5-year survival was 79% in the elderly group and 92% in the younger group (p = 0.068). Overall morbidity due to valve-related complications was 3.55%/patient-year in the elderly group and 2. 35%/patient-year in the younger group, and freedom from all valve-related complications at 5 years was 76%, and 83%, respectively (p = 0.202). There were significant improvements in the distress and disability scores postoperatively (mean interval: 32. 4+/-20.4 months). The QOL value rose from 0.960 to 0.981 in the elderly group (p = 0.0004), and from 0.975 to 0.984 in the younger group (p = 0.07), suggesting that the magnitude of improvement in the elderly group was superior to that in the younger group. CONCLUSIONS: Heart valve replacement in patients over the age of 70 years was associated with reasonable early and mid-term morbidity. We believe that significant improvements in the symptoms, functional status, and QOL of the patients can be expected.     

Modifications to the Endoscopic Approach for Anterior Skull Base Lesions Improve Postoperative Sinonasal Symptoms

Background/Objective Our institution previously showed that patients experience significant postoperative sinonasal symptoms for the first few months after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal skull base surgery (eTNTS). Since our initial study we have modified our technique, discontinuing routine resection of the middle turbinate, maxillary antrostomies, and nasoseptal flaps. In this study, we analyze whether these technical modifications decrease postoperative sinonasal morbidity after eTNTS. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 93 consecutive patients who underwent eTNTS at a tertiary academic medical center from August 2011 to August 2012. Main Outcome Measures  Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and SNOT-22 scores preoperatively and after surgery. Results Compared with our previous study, our new cohort experienced a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in SNOT scores for the need to blow nose, runny nose, postnasal discharge, thick nasal discharge, wake up at night, reduced concentration, and frustrated/restless/irritable. Within the new cohort, patients who did not have a nasoseptal flap or middle turbinate resection had less worsening and faster improvement of nasal symptom scores after surgery. Conclusions Preserving normal sinonasal physiology during eTNTS by limiting middle turbinate resections, avoiding unnecessary maxillary antrostomies, and reducing the use of nasoseptal flaps when feasible results in less sinonasal morbidity and more rapid recovery during the postoperative period.     

Manipulation after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Following total knee arthroplasty, some patients who fail to achieve >90 degrees of flexion in the early perioperative period may be considered candidates for manipulation of the knee under anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of manipulation following total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen knees in ninety patients underwent manipulation for postoperative flexion of < or =90 degrees at a mean of ten weeks after surgery. Flexion was measured with a goniometer prior to total knee arthroplasty, at the conclusion of the operative procedure, before manipulation, immediately after manipulation, at six months, and at one, three, and five years postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-one (90%) of the ninety patients achieved improvement of ultimate knee flexion following manipulation. The average flexion was 102 degrees prior to total knee arthroplasty, 111 degrees following skin closure, and 70 degrees before manipulation. The average improvement in flexion from the measurement made before manipulation to that recorded at the five-year follow-up was 35 degrees (p < 0.0001, paired t test). There was no significant difference in the mean improvement in flexion when patients who had manipulation within twelve weeks postoperatively were compared with those who had manipulation more than twelve weeks postoperatively. Patients who eventually underwent manipulation had significantly lower preoperative Knee Society pain scores (more pain) than those who had not had manipulation (p = 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation generally increases ultimate flexion following total knee arthroplasty. Patients with severe preoperative pain are more likely to require manipulation.     

Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life after Surgery for Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: To investigate the exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of surgical patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) preoperatively versus 6 months postoperatively.Methods: This prospective observational study included patients with NTM-PD and was conducted at a single center. The intervention was surgical resection plus perioperative and post-discharge physical therapy. The physical function was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). HRQOL was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. The postoperative HRQOL was compared between patients with and without preoperative clinical symptoms.Results: In total, 35 patients were analyzed. The preoperatively symptomatic group had significantly lower preoperative HRQOL than the preoperatively asymptomatic group (p <0.05). Compared with preoperatively, there were significant improvements at 6 months postoperatively in the 6MWT (p <0.01) and HRQOL, mainly in the SF-36 mental component summary (p <0.01). The SF-36 mental component summary in the preoperatively symptomatic group was very significantly improved from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively (p <0.05).Conclusion: The combination of surgical treatment and physical therapy for NTM-PD contributes to improvements in physical function and HRQOL.     

Development of a cancer-specific anterior skull base quality-of-life questionnaire

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to develop a disease-specific, multidimensional quality of life (QOL) assessment instrument for patients undergoing surgical extirpation of anterior skull base tumors. METHODS: This investigation included 35 patients who had been surgically treated for more than 3 months before the study was begun. Relevant QOL questions were generated from a review of the literature and interviews with health professionals, patients, and their caregivers. The initial multidimensional, 80-item questionnaire was reduced to a 35-item questionnaire by using standard psychometric criteria. Six relevant domains were identified using factor analysis: performance, physical function, vitality, pain, specific symptoms, and influence on emotions. The internal consistency of the instrument had a correlation coefficient of 0.8 and a reliability coefficient (test-retest reliability) of 0.9. The validity of the construct was assessed by testing whether the clinical variable of the patient influenced his QOL domain score as hypothesized. Patients older than 60 years of age had significantly poorer scores in the domains of performance and physical function than younger patients. Patients with malignant tumors had significantly poorer scores in the domains of specific symptoms, influence on emotions, physical function, and performance compared with patients with benign tumors. Radiotherapy was associated with poorer scores in the domains of specific symptoms and influence on emotions. Comorbidity was associated with poor physical function scores. Using the final questionnaire, we prospectively evaluated the QOL of 12 additional patients before they underwent surgery and again between 5 and 6 months postoperatively to test the utility and validity of the instrument further. Again, significantly poorer QOL scores were recorded for patients with malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed questionnaire appears to be sufficiently reliable and valid in estimating a patient's QOL after extirpation of anterior skull base tumors. The instrument can be used in face-to-face interviews and via electronic or regular mail.     

Sinonasal quality of life outcomes following laser treatment of epistaxis related to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited vascular disorder which manifests as recurrent, episodic, and potentially debilitating epistaxis. In this study, we aim to (1) characterize baseline sinonasal symptoms for HHT patients and to (2) analyze changes in sinonasal symptoms before and after laser surgical treatment for HHT. We performed a retrospective chart review of sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) scores before and after one or more laser surgical treatments for HHT-related epistaxis between January 1, 2010 and December 1, 2015 at a tertiary academic medical center with an HHT Foundation-approved Center of Excellence. Preoperative and all subsequent postoperative SNOT-22 scores (short-term, <45 days and long-term, ≥45 days) were compared. Twenty consecutive HHT patients underwent 51 laser surgeries for recurrent epistaxis. Mean preoperative, short-term postoperative, and long-term postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 34.6?±?5.4, 33.9?±?5.5, and 18.8?±?4.6, respectively. When analyzing subcategory scores, there was a significant improvement in the rhinologic domain from short-term to long-term postoperatively (13.5 vs. 7.3; p?=?0.004), in the non-rhinologic otolaryngic domain from short-term to long-term postoperatively (2.8 vs. 1.7; p?=?0.014), and in the psychological domain from preoperative and short-term postoperative to long-term postoperatively (12.2 and 10.0 vs. 6.0; p?=?0.015 and 0.01, respectively). Following laser surgery for HHT-related epistaxis, patients’ rhinologic symptoms worsened on the short run postoperatively but improved over time. The main benefit of laser treatment appears to be long-term improvement in psychological factors. This study once again underscores the important role of the otolaryngologist in managing sinonasal manifestations of HHT.     

Quality of life after curative or palliative surgical treatment of pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome measure after treatment of pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to analyse QOL after surgery for resectable pancreatic or periampullary carcinoma. METHODS: Patients with potentially resectable tumours underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 72) or a double-bypass procedure (n = 42). They were asked to complete a questionnaire before laparotomy and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. Fifty-nine patients completed a shortened questionnaire on a weekly basis. RESULTS: There was a temporary decrease in physical and gastrointestinal functioning after pancreaticoduodenectomy. A similar decrease in QOL was observed after double bypass, as well as decreases in mental functioning and overall QOL. Almost all QOL scores returned to preoperative values by about 3 months after surgery, although only briefly so in patients who had a double-bypass procedure. There were no differences between groups in the terminal stages of disease. A rapid decrease on all QOL scales was observed in the last 8 weeks before death. CONCLUSION: Surgery for pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma was not associated with irreversible impairment or protracted recovery of QOL. The relatively long plateau phase after recovery supports the argument for surgical treatment, including surgical palliation in selected patients.     

Endoscopic endonasal pituitary and skull base surgery

Here we describe the procedures of endoscopic pituitary and skull base surgery in our institute. We also review the literature to reveal recent advances in this field. Endonasal approach via the sphenoid ostium was carried out for pituitary lesions without the nasal speculum. Postoperative nasal packing was basically not needed in such cases. For meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and giant pituitary adenomas, which required intra-dural procedures, nasal procedures such as middle nasal conchotomy and posterior ethmoidectomy, and skull base techniques such as optic canal decompression and removal of the planum sphenoidale were carried out to gain a wider operative field. Navigation and ultrasonic Doppler ultrasonography were essential. Angled endoscopes allowed more successful removal of tumors under direct visualization extending into the cavernous sinus and lower clivus. If cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred during operation, the dural opening was covered with a vascularized mucoseptal flap obtained from the nasal septum. Lumbar drainage system to prevent postoperative CSF rhinorrhea was frequently not required. Angled suction tips, single-shaft coagulation tools, and slim and longer holding forceps, all of which were newly designed for endoscopic surgery, were essential for smoother procedures. Endonasal endoscopic pituitary surgery allows less invasive transsphenoidal surgery since no postoperative nasal packing and less dependence on lumbar drainage are needed. Endoscopic pituitary surgery will be more common and become a standard procedure. Endoscopic skull base surgery has enabled more aggressive removal of extrasellar tumors with the aid of nasal and skull base techniques. Postoperative CSF leakage is now under control due to novel methods which have been proposed to close the dural defect in a water-tight manner. Endoscopic skull base surgery is more highly specialized, so needs special techniques and surgical training. Patient selection is also important, which needs collaboration with ear, nose, and throat specialists. As a safe and successful procedure in skull base surgery, this complex procedure should be carried out only in specialized hospitals, which deal with many patients with skull base lesions.     

Clinimetric evaluation of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-16. Student Research Award 1998.

This study describes the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-16 (SNOT-16), a rhinosinusitis-specific health-related quality-of-life instrument, in the University of Washington Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery patient population. The SNOT-16 was completed by 47, 24, and 22 patients at weeks 0, 6, and 12, respectively. In addition, all 47 patients completed the Short-form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) at week 0. Furthermore, an additional cohort of patients from the otology clinic who denied symptoms of rhinosinusitis or previous physician diagnoses of rhinosinusitis were asked to complete the SNOT-16. These scores were subsequently used to determine discriminant validity of the instrument. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89, indicating a high degree of homogeneity of the test items. The SNOT-16 demonstrated excellent discriminant validity, and mean total SNOT-16 scores were significantly correlated with patient-reported overall health, overall bother, and 7 of the 8 SF-36 subscales. The standardized response mean calculated between weeks 0 and 6 was 0.69, indicating moderate sensitivity to change. We conclude that the SNOT-16 is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for measuring rhinosinusitis-specific health-related quality of life.     

Clinimetric evaluation of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-16

This study describes the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Sinonasal Outcome Test-16 (SNOT-16), a rhinosinusitis-specific health-related quality-of-life instrument, in the University of Washington Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery patient population. The SNOT-16 was completed by 47, 24, and 22 patients at weeks 0, 6, and 12, respectively. In addition, all 47 patients completed the Short-form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36) at week 0. Furthermore, an additional cohort of patients from the otology clinic who denied symptoms of rhinosinusitis or previous physician diagnoses of rhinosinusitis were asked to complete the SNOT-16. These scores were subsequently used to determine discriminant validity of the instrument. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89, indicating a high degree of homogeneity of the test items. The SNOT-16 demonstrated excellent discriminant validity, and mean total SNOT-16 scores were significantly correlated with patient-reported overall health, overall bother, and 7 of the 8 SF-36 subscales. The standardized response mean calculated between weeks 0 and 6 was 0.69, indicating moderate sensitivity to change. We conclude that the SNOT-16 is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for measuring rhinosinusitis-specific health-related quality of life. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:702-7.)     

Quality of Life Following Laparoscopic Anterior 90° Versus Nissen Fundoplication: Results from a Multicenter Randomized Trial

Background The short-term clinical outcomes from a multicenter prospective randomized trial of laparoscopic Nissen versus anterior 90° partial fundoplication have been reported previously. These demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the overall outcome following anterior 90° fundoplication. However, the results of postoperative objective tests and specific clinical symptoms are not always consistent with an individual patient’s functional status and general well being following surgery, and quality of life (QOL) is also an important outcome to consider following surgery for reflux. Hence, QOL information was collected in this trial to investigate the hypothesis: improvements in QOL following laparoscopic antireflux surgery are greater after anterior 90° partial fundoplication than after Nissen fundoplication. Methods Patients undergoing a laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux at one of nine university teaching hospitals in six major cities in Australia and New Zealand were randomized to undergo either laparoscopic Nissen or anterior 90° partial fundoplication. Quality of life before and after surgery was assessed using validated questionnaires – the Short Form 36 general health questionnaire (SF36) and an Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ). Patients were asked to complete these questionnaires preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Results One hundred and twelve patients were randomized to undergo a Nissen fundoplication (52) or a 90° anterior fundoplication (60). Patients who underwent anterior fundoplication reported significant improvements in eight of the nine SF36 scales compared to four of the nine following a Nissen fundoplication. The majority of these improvements occurred early in the postoperative period. With respect to the illness behavior data, there were no significant differences between the two procedures. Both groups had a significant improvement in disease conviction scores at all time points compared to their preoperative scores. Conclusions Patients undergoing laparoscopic anterior 90° partial fundoplication reported more QOL improvements in the early postoperative period than patients undergoing a Nissen fundoplication. However, the QOL outcome for both procedures was similar at later follow-up.     

Activities of daily living and quality of life of elderly patients after elective surgery for gastric and colorectal cancers

OBJECTIVE: To establish reliable standards for surgical application to elderly patients 75 years old or older with gastric or colorectal cancer with special reference to the postoperative recovery of activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: ADL and QOL are important outcomes of surgery for the elderly. However, there has been only limited evidence on the natural course of recovery of functional independence. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-three patients 75 years old or older with gastric or colorectal cancer were prospectively examined. Physical conditions, ADL, and QOL were evaluated preoperatively and at the first, third, and sixth postoperative month. RESULTS: The mortality and morbidity rates were 0.4% and 28%, respectively. Twenty-four percent of patients showed a decrease in ADL at 1 month postoperatively, but most patients recovered from this transient reduction, with only 3% showing a decline at the sixth postoperative month (6POM). ADL of these patients was likely to decrease after discharge from the hospital. QOL of the patients showed a recovery to an extent equal to or better than their average preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients 75 years old or older who underwent elective surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer, only a few showed a protracted decline in ADL and most exhibited better QOL after surgery. This indicates that surgical treatment should be considered, whenever needed, for elderly patients 75 years old or older with gastric or colorectal cancer. Estimation of Physical Ability and Surgical Stress is useful for predicting postoperative declines in ADL and protracted disability; this could aid in establishing a directed rehabilitation program for preventing protracted disability in elderly patients.