Cost-effectiveness of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in middle ear or mastoid surgery

OBJECTIVES: Despite the utility of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in reducing the risk of iatrogenic facial nerve injury during neurotologic surgery, its routine use during primary or revision surgery remains controversial. One of the major barriers to its acceptance is cost. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during middle ear or mastoid surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN/METHODS: A simple decision analytic cost-effectiveness model and a societal approach were used to evaluate three cohorts of individuals who received (1) intraoperative facial nerve monitoring for both primary and revision middle ear or mastoid surgeries, or (2) facial nerve monitoring for revision surgeries only, or (3) no monitoring for any middle ear or mastoid surgeries. RESULTS: Our results strongly favored the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in all patients undergoing middle ear or mastoid surgery, adding about $222.73 to $528.00 US dollars to the total cost. The strategy to monitor primary and revision surgeries had the greatest effectiveness and lowest cost, with an average quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of 45.68 at an average cost of $238 US dollars. Facial nerve monitoring in revision patients only had similar QALYs (45.67) and higher costs ($292.1). Finally, the strategy not to monitor had the lowest QALY (45.65) and highest cost ($449.8). The analysis was robust across a wide range of changes in both costs and probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Facial nerve monitoring is cost-effective, and its routine use should be adopted to reduce the risk of iatrogenic facial nerve injury during otologic surgery.     

中耳乳突手术并发面神经麻痹23例临床分析

目的：探讨中耳乳突手术引起面瘫的原因、预防和治疗方法。方法：对１９７６～１９９１年的１０３２例行中耳乳 手术并发面神经麻痹的２３例进行回顾性分析,结果：２３例均匀不完全性周围性面瘫,作面神经减压术１例,治愈６例,好转４例,无效３例,保守治疗１０例,治愈５例,好转３例,无效２例。结论：即发型面瘫在排除麻醉药所致外,就意味着神经损伤,应立即探查神经并减压,迟发型面瘫首选保守治疗,预后较好,１个月后仍无效者,再手术。     

Facial nerve grafting and end-to-end anastomosis in the middle ear - tympanic cavity and mastoid

Sectioned facial nerves can be repaired with grafting or end-to-end anastomosis.ObjectiveTo discuss these repair procedures and what can be expected of them.MethodSeven patients with sectioned facial nerves were included in the study. Four underwent grafting and three were offered end-to-end anastomosis. Facial nerve palsy was iatrogenic in five patients and was caused by bullet wounds in two. Assessment of motor function recovery was based on Janssen's scale.ResultsMean motor recovery was rated at 72.5% for subjects offered grafting and 73.3% for patients submitted to anastomosis.Conclusion1. Grafting and anastomosis are proper solutions to repair sectioned facial nerves; complete recovery is never attained; synkinesis may occur. 2. In principle anastomosis is the procedure of choice, but when there is minimal traction in the facial nerve stump grafting is preferred. 3. Both procedures yielded mean motor recovery rates above 70% (72.5% for grafting and 73.3% for anastomosis).     

中耳手术相关面神经管的解剖观测

目的：为避免中耳手术中对面神经的损伤。方法：对２０ 具（４０ 侧）成人尸头颞骨内面神经进行解剖观察。结果：①面神经裂缺率为３２．５％ （１３／４０）,迷路段、水平段、垂直段分别为５％ （２／４０）、２７．５％ （１１／４０）、７．５％ （３／４０）。②面神经垂直段与后半规管最短距离为０．６２～５．０８（２．４８±０．６３）ｍ ｍ ,鼓沟底水平面神经与鼓索神经最短距离为０～４．６２（２．１２±０．７６）ｍ ｍ ,鼓沟底水平面神经与鼓沟最短距离为２．９６～８．８２（５．８６±１．６２）ｍ ｍ 。③面神经水平段与外半规管最短距离为０～３．０２（１．９２±０．８４）ｍ ｍ ,与蹬骨底板最短距离为０．９２～４．０６（２．１４±０．９０）ｍ ｍ 。结论：熟悉颞骨内面神经解剖,可避免对面神经的损伤,减少和避免面瘫的发生     

Facial nerve paralysis caused by middle ear cholesteatoma and effects of surgical intervention

Conclusions. The clinical and surgical findings of this study indicated advanced cholesteatoma in many patients with facial paralysis. The outcome of facial paralysis was good. Poor outcomes were observed in cases with petrosal cholesteatoma and in those who underwent surgery ≥2 months after the onset of paralysis. Objective. To investigate clinical features of cholesteatoma associated with facial paralysis. Material and methods. Sixteen patients with facial paralysis due to middle ear cholesteatoma were reviewed. After removal of the cholesteatoma lesion, a limited area of the fallopian canal, that in which facial nerve edema or redness was evident, was opened. Incision of the epineural sheath for nerve decompression was not performed. Results. Initial paralysis was incomplete in 11 patients (69%). The onset of paralysis was sudden in 12 patients (75%). Labyrinthine fistulae (n=9; 56%) and bone destruction in the cranial fossa (n=10; 63%) were frequently observed. Six patients (38%) were totally deaf due to labyrinthitis. The outcome of facial paralysis was good in 13 patients (81%). Patients who underwent surgery ≥2 months after the onset of paralysis frequently had a poor outcome. Paralysis was not improved in two cases with petrosal cholesteatoma.     

中耳手术中的面神经定位

目的结合颞骨解剖和面神经手术，明确适用于手术的面神经解剖标志。方法44具颞骨标本面神经解剖，106例周围性面神经麻痹的面神经减压手术。根据面神经周围的固定解剖标志，确定面神经位置。结果①面神经垂直段标志：水平半规管后中1／3交界处垂直线提示面神经后缘；砧骨短角上缘弧度延长线为面神经垂直段前缘；面神经与水平半规管基本在同一深度；②面神经水平段标志：位于砧骨短突之下；在水平半规管隆突前缘向前上呈30。行走；在匙突后方，面神经与匙突平行形成中上鼓室内侧面交界缘；经过匙突面神经向前上行走到膝状神经节；③膝状神经节定位：从镫骨头到匙突等距离延长线为膝状神经节位置；④鼓索神经定位：鼓索从左侧鼓沟的3点或右侧鼓沟的9点出骨管，沿鼓沟向前行走于砧骨长突外侧和锤骨颈内侧；鼓索神经从面神经发出处距离茎乳孔5—8mm；鼓索位于鼓膜紧张部与松弛部交界处。所有手术所见面神经走向符合解剖所见。结论中耳乳突的固定标志是面神经定位的参照物，其中水平半规管的位置最恒定，根据参照物确定面神经位置提高了手术的安全性。     

How effect is educational counseling prior to middle ear surgery for patients with both middle ear diseases and consistent tinnitus?

Abstract

Background: The management of patients with tinnitus who receive middle ear surgery has not been established.

Aims: The aim of this study is (1) how many patients who receive middle ear surgery have tinnitus and (2) how educational counselling and middle ear surgery is effective with consistent tinnitus.

Subjects and methods: Twenty four cases out of 90 cases accounted for 26.7% of the middle ear diseases scheduled for surgery in the past two years. Of the 42 patients with hearing loss in the second year, 14 had consistent and intermittent tinnitus. Among them we have 6 patients complaining consistent tinnitus and we examined the change in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) for patients with tinnitus before and after surgery.

Results: Ten out of 13 cases (about 76.9%) reported that postoperative tinnitus improved. THI score in two cases showed worse.

Conclusions and significance: Two cases showed worse THI in both mixed hearing loss cases with a small hearing improvement. The mechanism of improvement is similar to tinnitus retraining therapy including hearing aid because the increase in external sound input through hearing restoration after surgery to avoid silence.     

Classification of facial nerve aberration in congenital malformation of middle ear: Implications for surgery of hearing restoration

Objectives

Facial nerve aberration is the most troublesome situation in congenital malformations of middle ear. The aim of our study is to investigate its imaging and clinical features as well as relevant choice of surgical techniques for hearing improvement.

Facial nerve mapping and monitoring in lymphatic malformation surgery

Objective

Establish the efficacy of preoperative facial nerve mapping and continuous intraoperative EMG monitoring in protecting the facial nerve during resection of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations.

Methods

Retrospective study in which patients were clinically followed for at least 6 months postoperatively, and long-term outcome was evaluated. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics (i.e., size, stage, location) were recorded. Operative notes revealed surgical techniques, findings, and complications. Preoperative, short-/long-term postoperative facial nerve function was standardized using the House-Brackmann Classification. Mapping was done prior to incision by percutaneously stimulating the facial nerve and its branches and recording the motor responses. Intraoperative monitoring and mapping were accomplished using a four-channel, free-running EMG. Neurophysiologists continuously monitored EMG responses and blindly analyzed intraoperative findings and final EMG interpretations for abnormalities.

Results

Seven patients collectively underwent 8 lymphatic malformation surgeries. Median age was 30 months (2-105 months). Lymphatic malformation diagnosis was recorded in 6/8 surgeries. Facial nerve function was House-Brackmann grade I in 8/8 cases preoperatively. Facial nerve was abnormally elongated in 1/8 cases. EMG monitoring recorded abnormal activity in 4/8 cases—two suggesting facial nerve irritation, and two with possible facial nerve damage. Transient or long-term facial nerve paresis occurred in 1/8 cases (House-Brackmann grade II).

Conclusions

Preoperative facial nerve mapping combined with continuous intraoperative EMG and mapping is a successful method of identifying the facial nerve course and protecting it from injury during resection of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations involving the facial nerve.     

术中面神经肌电监护在腮腺手术中的应用

目的：探讨术中面神经肌电监护在腮腺良性肿瘤中的应用及效果。方法：在20例腮腺良性肿瘤手术中,均采用面神经主干解剖法,应用面神经肌电监护进行术中面神经定位及解剖分离,并对其结果进行分析。结果：20例腮腺良性肿瘤手术平均时间为1．5h,术后面神经功能保全良好,术后随访0．5～3年,无一例复发及涎漏。结论：在腮腺手术中采用面神经监护可以缩短手术时间,减少面神经损伤,值得临床应用。     

Relationship between mastoid pneumatization and middle ear barotrauma in divers

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Previous studies have shown a relationship between eustachian tube function and size of mastoid pneumatization, as well as eustachian tube function and middle ear (ME) barotrauma. The purpose of this study is to investigate a possible relationship between size of mastoid pneumatization and ME barotrauma in sports scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) divers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four sports scuba divers (48 ears), who were fit to dive in the predive and otolaryngologic examination, were included in the study. Size of mastoid pneumatization was measured by simplified rectangular dimension method on a mastoid x-ray taken at Schüller's view. Divers were counseled to refer to the investigators if any symptoms occurred during and/or after diving. All symptomatic ears were examined within 24 hours of diving by the same investigator, who was blinded to the degree of pneumatization. RESULTS: ME barotrauma occurred in 15 ears (31%) of 11 divers (46%) at one time or another. The median degree of pneumatization in ears with barotrauma (22.9 cm2) was significantly smaller than that in unaffected ears (34.1 cm2; (P <.001). Furthermore, findings showed that with increasing degree of pneumatization, there was a decreasing risk of symptomatic barotrauma (P <.001). No barotrauma occurred in ears with a pneumatization greater than 34.7 cm2. However, barotrauma occurred in all 3 ears with a pneumatization degree smaller than 13.6 cm2. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an inverse relationship between size of pneumatization and risk of symptomatic ME barotrauma in sport scuba divers.     

Post operative sensorineural hearing loss after middle ear surgery

Mild Sensorineural hearing loss subsequent to middle ear surgery has till today been an important complication to middle ear surgery inspite of advances in surgical techniques, operative instruments, monitoring devices and better treatment options. Lack of proper knowledge about this problem is because of under reporting of exact magnitude of hearing loss on account of difficulty in measuring hearing threshold of patients in immediate postoperative period as it may lead to post operative infection and discomfort to the patient. In our study of 80 cases carried out at ENT department, Baroda Medical College and S.S.G Hospital, Baroda, we have utilized weber’s lateralisation principle and measured bone conduction thresholds of patients undergoing middle ear surgery for evaluation of postoperative Sensorineural loss as a result of middle ear surgery. Probable causes of post operative hearing loss in a patient undergoing middle ear surgery are, noise due to drills, continuous suction irrigation, vibrations, inner ear injury, manipulation of ossicles and a few unknown reasons.     

Primary papillary adenocarcinoma confined to the middle ear and mastoid

Primary adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor of the middle ear and temporal bone; its most frequent symptoms are hearing loss, otalgia, and facial paralysis. Otoscopic examination of a 27-year-old man revealed purulent discharge in the ear canal, diffuse edema, and hypertrophy of the right tympanic membrane. He presented with a grade III (House-Brachman) facial paralysis and right conductive hearing loss with a history of aural discharge for 6 months, otalgia, and facial weakness for 2 days. Computed tomography of the temporal bone showed an opacity filling the tympanic cavity, antrum, and aditus. Tympanotomy revealed diffuse edema of the middle ear mucosa, and granulation tissue was encountered during mastoidectomy filling the antrum and periantral cells and eroding the fallopian canal at the level of the oval window. After the histopathological examination revealed papillary adenocarcinoma, a subtotal temporal bone resection, facial nerve segmenter resection, and end-to-end anastomosis of the facial with the hypoglossal nerves were performed. The importance of histopathological examination in all cases of chronic otitis media with granulation tissue is stressed. Received: 9 February 2000 / Accepted: 5 September 2000     

中耳胆脂瘤累及面神经迷路段的手术治疗

目的探讨中耳胆脂瘤累及面神经迷路段并发周围性面瘫病例的临床特征,经乳突入路施行迷路段面神经减压术治疗周围性面瘫的效果。方法回顾分析中耳胆脂瘤致周围性面瘫,胆脂瘤累及面神经迷路段患者4例,病史4周～3个月,House-Brackmann(H-B)面神经分级系统评分III～V级,均施行乳突改良根治术和面神经减压术(伴或不伴鼓室成形术)。结果术后随访3～6个月,H-B评分I～II级。结论及时经乳突入路施行迷路段面神经减压术,对治疗中耳胆脂瘤累及面神经迷路段所致周围性面瘫可取得满意效果。     

Epidemiology of middle ear and mastoid cholesteatomas. Study of 1146 cases

Middle ear cholesteatoma is an important and relatively common disorder which may have serious consequences.AimThe purpose was to conduct a retrospective study of the statistics of 1,146 middle ear surgical procedures for middle ear cholesteatoma in adults and children of low income living in distant areas from our city.MethodsFrom 1962 to 1988 there were 1,146 surgeries for unilateral or bilateral cholesteatomas in children and adults, which were reviewed for the following criteria: total number of surgeries, sex, onset of the first symptoms, duration of the disease, the site of perforation, the cholesteatoma site, changes in the ossicular chain, the contralateral ear, bilateral cholesteatomas, the site of residual cholesteatoma, and complications.ResultsResults are shown graphically on a pie chart.ConclusionThe etiology of cholesteatomas remains unknown. Epidemiological and statistical data, surgical reports, and conclusions of experimental studies are welcome, as they may provide support for clarifying the pathogenesis of cholesteatoma. Our results were compared with internationally published papers. We found no published papers on the epidemiology of cholesteatoma in the Brazilian literature.     

中耳手术中面神经监测的应用

目的 评价术中面神经监测在中耳手术中的作用并系统化其监测方法,探讨全身麻醉对神经监测的影响.方法 40例鼓室成形术中应用面神经实时监测,静脉输注罗库溴铵维持50%的肌松程度.根据术中直视下面神经暴露程度,分为面神经暴露组(A组,n=16)和面神经非暴露组(B组,n=24),测定面神经诱发肌电位的电刺激阈值.结果 所有病例均成功诱发面神经肌电位反应,且术后面神经功能均未见异常.50%肌松程度下面神经暴露组电刺激阈值为0.15 mA±0.07mA(0.07～0.25 mA),面神经非暴露组电刺激阈值为0.53 mA±0.21mA(0.20～1.00mA).两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001).结论 中耳手术中面神经监测有助于定位面神经,预警手术操作,避免医源性面神经损伤.定位未暴露的面神经时,可先用0.5mA刺激,再用1.0mA探寻;面神经暴露时,用0.1mA开始刺激.部分神经肌肉阻滞技术可以满足面神经监测的需要.     

Local anaesthesia in middle ear surgery: survey of patients and surgeons

The use of local anaesthesia for middle ear surgery is long established and has many advantages. However, it is only performed by a small number of UK otolaryngologists (20%). This lack of enthusiasm is due to concerns that patients may not tolerate the discomfort during the operation. Therefore, a survey was conducted on patients who had middle ear operations: stapedotomy, myringoplasty, ossiculoplasty and mastoidectomy. The intense sensation of noise during the operation (29.6% of patients) and anxiety (24%) were the most common discomforts, followed by dizziness (14.8$), backache (13.9%), claustrophobia (9.3%) and earache (1.9%). In spite of these discomforts, 89% of patients still preferred local anaesthesia to general anaesthesia for a similar procedure. The author suggests that good patient selection, pre-operative explanation and the use of appropriate sedation are the important factors for local anaesthesia ear procedures to be acceptable to patients.