Use of bacitracin for neurotologic surgery

Wound infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and meningitis are serious potential complications of neurotologic procedures that transgress the posterior cranial fossa dura. A study of 236 patients was made to determine the effect of perioperative intravenous antibiotics and topical bacitracin irrigation on the incidence of these complications. Of the 236 patients, 170 (72%) underwent translabyrinthine resection of acoustic tumors, while 66 (28%) underwent retrolabyrinthine vestibular nerve section. Patients were divided into four groups: those who received no antibiotics, those who received perioperative intravenous antibiotics only, those who received topical bacitracin irrigation only, and those who received a combination of perioperative intravenous antibiotics and topical bacitracin irrigation. There were no untoward effects of either perioperative intravenous antibiotics or topical bacitracin. The results indicate that bacitracin irrigation reduced the incidence of wound infection from 9% to 2% (p<0.05); of cerebrospinal fluid leak from 12% to 5% (p<0.04); and of all targeted complications combined from 22% to 9% (p<0.006). Furthermore, the topical bacitracin irrigation only group showed a statistically significant reduction in wound infections compared to the perioperative intravenous antibiotic only group (p<0.02). The incidence of meningitis was statistically unaffected by any of our treatment protocols.     

Pitfalls in neurotologic diagnosis

Several cases illustrating potential pitfalls in neurotologic diagnosis from the viewpoint of the otologist are presented. The role of auditory brain stem response testing is specifically emphasized in cases with discordant audiologic and radiographic findings. Included are one case of a "false negative" ABR in a patient with an intracanalicular acoustic neuroma, a case of a "false positive" CT scan in a patient with Meniere's disease, and a case of a patient with normal hearing in whom an acoustic neuroma was discovered serendipitously.     

Brainstem audiometry in neurotologic diagnosis.

Brainstem electric response audiometry (BERA) has been found to be a valuable adjunct to the neurotologic diagnosis. Ninety-eight percent of patients with surgically confirmed acoustic neuromas has positive BERA findings. We report six cases that illustrate the value of this technique in examining patients with suspected retrocochlear lesions.     

Prevention of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in neurotologic surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of quick-setting hydroxyapatite cement in eliminating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea following neurotologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing neurotologic surgery in whom the dura was opened. SETTING: All patients were treated as hospital inpatients at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: 25 men and 15 women between the ages of 20 and 72 years (mean age 51 years) underwent neurotologic surgery at the parent institution. INTERVENTION: Various neurotologic procedures were performed for the resection of 25 acoustic tumors, 5 meningiomas, 3 glomus tumors, 2 vestibular nerve sections, 2 chordomas, 1 epidermoid tumor, and 1 meningoencephelocele, and for 2 patients referred to our institution with known CSF leaks following acoustic tumor surgery. A new form of quick-setting hydroxyapatite cement, which that hardens within 3 to 5 minutes was used to seal the air cell tracts of the temporal bone in all cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The presence of CSF rhinorrhea postoperatively. RESULTS: CSF rhinorrhea occurred in 2 patients following acoustic tumor surgery, the first through an occult air cell tract at the margin of the drilled internal auditory canal, and the second via an oval window fistula 1 month after a translabyrinthine approach. CONCLUSIONS: This form of hydroxyapatite cement appears safe, reliable, effective, and economical for the prevention of CSF rhinorrhea following neurotologic surgery. CSF rhinorrhea cannot be eliminated unless our ability to identify all potential air cell tract communications improves.     

The role of dynamic posturography in neurotologic diagnosis

Electronystagmography and rotary vestibulnr testing are of definite but limited value in screening the dizzy patient. Objective identification of a vestibular abnormality is valuable, but there is an additional need to appraise the functional capacity of those suffering central or peripheral disorders causing spatial disorientation or disequilibrium. Records of 175 patients undergoing posturography in the author's practice over a 1-year period were reviewed. Diagnosis was established by conventional neurotologic means including computerized electronystagmography. Abnormal results on posturography were identified by criteria established through the national users group of Equi-Test participants. There were 112 peripheral cases with 50 (45%) abnormal on posturography, in contrast to 53 central patients with 38 (72%) abnormal. Posturography establishes a functional level of balance in certain peripheral and central disorders and provides limited but significant aid to assist in distinguishing between the two.     

False ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint after otologic and neurotologic surgery

Two cases of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TM) after otologic and neurotologic surgery involving an approach through the temporal fossa are reported. The etiology is believed to be that of fibrous contracture within the temporalis muscle, which is incised during the procedure. If the possibility of this rare complication is anticipated, the immediate instigation of prophylactic jaw exercises and forced opening with tongue depressors can significantly limit morbidity. If the condition is allowed to become established, then surgical correction by coronoidectomy may be necessary.     

Diagnostic yield of MRI of the brain and IAC in patients with neurotologic complaints

Objectives

Quantify number of MRI scans obtained in a tertiary neurotology practice and identify likelihood of pathologic findings.

Long-term effects of micronized Alloderm injection for unilateral vocal fold paralysis

OBJECTIVES: Micronized Alloderm (Cymetra) is a relatively new product used for vocal fold augmentation. Previous studies evaluating possible long-term effectiveness of this product have shown mixed results. The objective of this present study is to reassess possible long-term results of Cymetra injection laryngoplasty in patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis who received Cymetra injection laryngoplasty between March 2001 and March 2004. METHODS: Preoperative voice samples and videostroboscopic findings were compared with the most recently available postoperative data to assess efficacy of the procedure. A panel of voice experts analyzed both vocal and vibratory function in these samples. In addition, pre- and postoperative voice-related quality of life measures and patients' self-ratings of voice outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients (7 male, 13 female; 14 with left-sided paralysis, 6 with right-sided paralysis) were identified in the study population. Cymetra injection was performed an average of 45.1 months after onset of vocal fold paralysis (range -216 months), and average follow-up postinjection was 11.2 (range -35) months. Comparing pre- and postoperative measures, voice quality (P < .0001), glottal closure (P < .0001), and degree of vocal fold bowing (P < .0001) were all improved by injection. Quality of life measures and patients' self-perceptions of vocal quality were also improved (P < .01). Fifteen (75%) patients showed long-lasting results. Eight patients showed improvement for more than 12 months after injection. CONCLUSION: Cymetra injection laryngoplasty offers improved vocal and vibratory function to patients with unilateral true vocal fold paralysis. The benefits of such medialization may be longer lasting than previously reported, and further long-term study is warranted.     

Production of diagnostic rules from a neurotologic database with decision trees

A decision tree is an artificial intelligence program that is adaptive and is closely related to a neural network, but can handle missing or nondecisive data in decision-making. Data on patients with Meniere's disease, vestibular schwannoma, traumatic vertigo, sudden deafness, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and vestibular neuritis were retrieved from the database of the otoneurologic expert system ONE for the development and testing of the accuracy of decision trees in the diagnostic workup. Decision trees were constructed separately for each disease. The accuracies of the best decision trees were 94%, 95%, 99%, 99%, 100%, and 100% for the respective diseases. The most important questions concerned the presence of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus; duration of vertigo; frequency of vertigo attacks; severity of rotational vertigo; onset and type of hearing loss; and occurrence of head injury in relation to the timing of onset of vertigo. Meniere's disease was the most difficult to classify correctly. The validity and structure of the decision trees are easily comprehended and can be used outside the expert system.     

The clinical value of a thorough diagnostic evaluation for neurotologic complaints

Purpose

Determine the clinical efficacy of comprehensive neurotologic testing in patients presenting with complaints of hearing loss, tinnitus and/or dizziness.

The early signs and symptoms of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media

The delay in the diagnosis of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media has been explained in a number of ways, including antibiotic suppression, surgical drainage, and a lowered index of clinical suspicion because the problem is relatively rare today. Twelve cases of neurotologic complications of chronic suppurative otitis media were reviewed to determine the early and late findings that should raise the physician's index of suspicion. Purulent, malodorous drainage, headache, and fever were the significant early findings. Altered mental status was a late finding, and usually indicated established intracranial infection. By drawing attention to the early findings, we hope to lower the morbidity and mortality associated with these complications.     

Defect reconstruction and cerebrospinal fluid management in neurotologic skull base tumors with intracranial extension.

Intracranial extension (ICE) is the spread of tumor into the subarachnoid space through dura or along cranial nerve roots. The single-stage removal of the skull base tumor with its ICE has been confounded by cerebrospinal fluid management and defect reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to review a current protocol for managing the cranial base tumor and its ICE as a unit. The ventricular shunting paper of 1987 is retracted. All tumors were managed at a single stage. Defect reconstruction was size dependent. Ninety-eight neurotologic skull base tumors with ICE were managed from 1971 to 1991. The new protocol was initiated in 1987. Results specific to this group are highlighted. For glomus tumors, cerebrospinal fluid leak rates have been dramatically reduced overall from 14.5% to 4%. The leak rates for nonglomus tumors, overall, have improved slightly. Complications are discussed. The development of this surgical approach protocol improves the functional outcome in patients of surgeons who aspire to disease "cure" rather than "control."     

Use of intravenous immunoglobulin to treat chronic bilateral otomastoiditis in the setting of rituximab induced hypogammaglobulinemia

The temporal bone may be affected by a variety of systemic pathology because the disease nature, location, and extent determine the symptoms. Middle ear and mastoid infections may be the initial clinical manifestation of autoimmune and acquired immunodeficiency disorders. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 chimeric antibody, has become increasingly popular as a therapeutic agent for patients with a wide range of autoimmune disorders refractory to standard treatments. Normal levels of immunoglobulin levels are usually maintained during and after rituximab therapy, and clinical trials to date have shown no statistically significant increase of serious infections among patients with autoimmune diseases being treated with rituximab (Cohen SB, Emery P, Greenwald MW, Dougados M, Furie RA, Genovese MC, et al, for the REFLEX Trial Group. Rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial evaluating primary efficacy and safety at 24 weeks. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:2793-2806. Edwards JC, Szczepanski L, Szechinski J, Filipowicz-Sosnowska A, Emery P, Close DR, et al. Efficacy of B-cell-targeted therapy with rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:2572-2581). However, there have been several reports of opportunistic infections associated with rituximab (Kelesidis T, Daikos G, et al. Does rituximab increase the incidence of infectious complications? A narrative review. Int J Infect Dis 2011;15:e2-e16. Teichmann LL, Woenckhaus M, Vogel C, et al. Fatal Pneumocystis pneumonia following rituximab administration for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 2008;47:1256-1257), as well as cases of it accelerating the presentation of hypogammaglobulinemia (Diwakar L, Gorrie S, et al. Does rituximab aggravate pre-existing hypogammaglobulinaemia? J Clin Pathol 2010;63:275-277). Humoral immune defects can cause persistent acute and serous otitis media, with the development of chronic suppurative otitis media refractory to medical and surgical therapy (Sasaki CT, Askenase P, Dwyer J, et al. Chronic ear infection in the immunodeficient patient. Arch Otolaryngol 1981;107:82). Here, we describe the first presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin of chronic bilateral otomastoiditis in the setting of rituximab-induced hypogammaglobulinemia.     

Use of injectable hydroxyapatite in the secondary setting to restore glottic competence after partial laryngectomy with arytenoidectomy

Hydroxyapatite cement is a calcium phosphate putty, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, that solidifies in 20 minutes and gains bone-like stability after 4 to 6 hours. It has been used for craniofacial reconstruction, spinal stabilization, and ossicular reconstruction. This is the first report of use of injectable hydroxyapatite to rebuild soft and hard tissue defects of the larynx after partial laryngeal surgery. Hydroxyapatite was injected in 4 patients to address glottic incompetence after partial laryngectomy. The patients were dependent on tracheotomy and/or gastrostomy tubes. Some had failed prior corrective surgeries. All of the operations were performed endoscopically and gave immediate improvement of glottic incompetence. All 4 patients reported improved symptoms. Three were able to have gastrostomy tubes removed, 1 was decannulated, and 1 had improved voice. In conclusion, hydroxyapatite injection is a technically simple procedure to restore glottic competence that may obviate the need for an open procedure.     

The neurotologic evaluation of vestibular schwannomas. Results of audiological and vestibular testing in 100 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVES: To determine the results and sensitivity of a comprehensive audiological and vestibular work-up in patients presenting with vestibular schwannoma (VS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive cases of VS diagnosed from January 2004 to May 2005 were prospectively studied. The tumour size was classified according to Koos classification and hearing was assessed according to the five-stage classification from the Tokyo consensus. A comprehensive work-up was conducted in all patients, including pure tone and speech audiometry, Brainstem Evoked Audiologic Potentials (BEAP) assessment, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) examination and bithermal caloric testing using videonystagmography, on both sides. BEAP responses were considered as normal or endocochlear when interwave intervals were normal, absent because of poor hearing or retrocochlear when wave 1 to 5 interval > 4.3 ms and/or when this interval was greater than > 0.25 ms between sides, or when no response was recorded when hearing was preserved. VEMP were considered as normal absent or diminished (amplitude < 50%, as compared with contralateral). Caloric responses were considered normal, reduced (reduced by > or = 30%) absent (reduced by > 80%). RESULTS: Fifty-six women and 44 men were examined (mean age 57.8 years). Left and right side were equally affected. Vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss were the main presenting symptom in 21%, 32% and 68% of the cases, respectively. Eighty-two per cent were operated, 17% simply monitored and 1% irradiated. The tumours were Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 14%, 28%, 21% and 37%, respectively. Hearing was class A in 9%, Class B in 34%, Class C in 14% and Class E-D in 43% of the cases. Globally, BEAP showed a retrocochlear pattern in 64% of the cases and no response in 30%. Abnormal responses of VEMP were observed in 94% of the cases. Caloric testing was abnormal in 61% and normal in 11%. Responses could not be analyzed in 28% of patients. Only one patient showed normal responses to the whole work-up (99% sensitivity). This patient had a small intrameatal tumour and actually complained of contralateral symptoms. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a full audiovestibular assessment can help diagnose VS of all sizes. But false-negative results remain possible in small intrameatal tumours (1%). In addition it can give useful postoperative prognostic information.     

Noise exposure in the rural setting

Noise levels of 155 tractors on 36 farms were studied. The range of noise levels at the driver's ear level with radios off and windows closed (if so equipped) was from 78 to 103 dB. Seventy-five percent of tractors without cabs had noise levels in excess of 90 dB, compared to only 18% of tractors with cabs. The use of a radio adds an average of 3.1 dB of noise. When some cab windows are open and the radio is on, an average of 4.2 dB is added to the cab noise. From the results of this study, the authors recommend hearing protection when time on a tractor with a cab approaches 3 to 4 hours and when time on a tractor without a cab approaches 1.5 to 2 hours. Limited use of the radio is also recommended.