Ligation of the sphenopalatine artery in posterior epistaxis. Retrospective study of 50 patients

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery in the treatment of severe posterior epistaxis.MethodsWe have carried out a retrospective study on 50 patients hospitalised with posterior recurrent epistaxis, in whom posterior nasal packing was not effective. All of them underwent surgical treatment, with endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery to control the epistaxis.ResultsOnly seven patients had a new epistaxis after surgery. One of them is being studied for some kind of coagulopathy, another patient was controlled by ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery and it was necessary to ligate the contralateral sphenopalatine artery in a third patient. The other four patients were controlled with posterior nasal packing and discharged two days after surgery, without any complications.ConclusionsWe believe that endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery is a safe technique, with fewer complications than other methods such as posterior packing or embolisation.     

Identification of bleeding sites and microwave thermal ablation of posterior epistaxis

Background: Microwave ablation (MWA) is a relatively new technique which has been used to achieve hemostasis at surgical field. However, few publications have reported MWA for epistaxis.

Objectives: Our objectives were to identify the bleeding sites/points in instances of posterior epistaxis and to evaluate the efficacy of MWA for controlling bleeding.

Material and methods: Patients with posterior epistaxis who met the inclusion criteria were examined and treated endoscopically using MWA. Recurrent bleeding and complications were evaluated at 1 and 3 months after treatment.

Results: Of the 71 patients, the bleeding site/point was identified in 67 patients while 4 patients was unknown. Of the 67 patients with known bleeding sites, the olfactory cleft was in 44 patients, the middle meatus in 5 patients, and the inferior meatus in 18 patients. Only the bleeding point was coagulated in the 67 patients while prophylactic MWA in the 4 patients. No side effects or complications (including recurrent bleeding, crusting, nasal discomfort, and nasal septal perforation) were seen at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions: MWA may effectively control posterior epistaxis with a low cost and without complications.     

Self-assembling RADA16 peptide hydrogel supports hemostasis,synechiae reduction,and wound healing in a sheep model of endoscopic nasal surgery

ObjectivesComplications of endoscopic sinus/nasal turbinate surgery include postoperative hemorrhage, synechiae formation, and poor wound healing. Our primary objectives were to evaluate whether a topical hydrogel based on self-assembling RADA16 peptides: i) reduces bleeding and synechiae formation, and ii) supports wound healing, using a sheep nasal surgery model.MethodsThirty sheep received endoscopic surgery-created bilateral nasal mucosal injuries on the middle turbinate/opposing septum. Injuries were randomly assigned RADA16, Gelatin-thrombin, or no treatment. Outcomes included intra-operative hemostasis, scar tissue/synechiae formation and wound healing at 2 weeks and the 6-week study terminus, and histopathology.ResultsIntra-operative hemostasis time improved with RADA16 and Gelatin-thrombin versus Control wounds (139.7±56.2 s, 145.4±58.1 s, and 224.0±69.9 s, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Two-week synechiae scores (maximum 4 points) were similar in Controls (2.9±1.8 points) and Gelatin-thrombin (3.1±1.6 points) wounds (p > 0.05), but were reduced in RADA16 sites by 91% versus Controls and 92% versus Gelatin-thrombin treatment (0.3±0.6 points; p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Six-week synechiae scores were similar in Control (1.1±1.7 points) and Gelatin-thrombin (1.7±2.0 points) wounds (p > 0.05), but reduced 100% in RADA16-treated wounds. Synechiae occurred in fewer RADA16-treated sites at 2 weeks (20%) versus Gelatin-thrombin (80%) and Controls (75%; p < 0.01) and at 6 weeks (0%, 50% and 35%, respectively; p < 0.01). RADA16 was associated with significantly lower 6-week histopathology scores, driven by reduced submucosal fibrosis and angiogenesis.ConclusionAlthough RADA16 and Gelatin-thrombin similarly accelerated hemostasis in this sheep endoscopic sinus surgery model, only RADA16 reduced postoperative synechiae formation at 2 weeks with an absence of synechiae at 6 weeks. Histology suggested RADA16 enhanced mucosal regeneration.     

Endoscopic ligation of anterior ethmoidal artery in treatment of epistaxis

Arterial ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery may be required in cases of persistent epistaxis and conventional techniques involving open surgery carry a recognized morbidity. We describe an endoscopic, intranasal technique for ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery. This technique was performed in a patient who had a severe epistaxis following nasal trauma. Her epistaxis persisted in spite of anterior and posterior nasal packing. Endoscopy showed the bleeding to originate high and lateral to the middle turbinate. Endoscopic exploration defined the frayed end of the anterior ethmoidal artery. A ligaclip was placed with immediate and persistent arrest of her epistaxis. No further nasal packs or treatment were required.     

下鼻道后穹窿部鼻出血特点及内镜治疗分析

目的探讨下鼻道后穹窿部鼻出血的临床特点及治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2017年1月~2017年6月收治的5例下鼻道后穹窿部鼻出血患者的临床资料,5例患者均为反复、频发、动脉性出血,出血位置隐蔽,常规行前后鼻孔填塞后仍反复间断出血,所有患者均在全麻鼻内镜下行鼻腔探查及电凝止血术。结果5例患者均在术中探及出血点位于下鼻道后穹隆部,通过电凝止血术一次止血成功,随访1~3个月均未复发。结论临床中反复顽固性鼻出血、前后鼻孔填塞无效时,需考虑下鼻道后穹隆部出血,鼻内镜下单极电凝止血疗效肯定。     

Rapid hemostasis: a novel and effective outpatient procedure using microwave ablation to control epistaxis of isolated mucosal bulge lesions

IntroductionRecurrent epistaxis is commonly encountered in the rhinology outpatient clinic. Under endoscopic guidance, both bipolar cautery and monopolar forceps (combined with suction) have been employed to control the bleeding. However, the use of monopolar forceps requires the placement of grounding pads. Most procedures are currently performed in operating rooms.ObjectiveWe investigated outcomes after the use of Microwave Ablation (MWA) to control epistaxis in adults with isolated mucosal bulge lesions. All procedures were performed with patients under local anesthesia in our outpatient clinic.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. We included 83 adults with epistaxis of isolated mucosal bulge lesions. Microwave ablation was performed in the outpatient clinic to control bleeding, after induction of local anesthesia. The primary outcome was successful hemostasis. The secondary outcomes were the rebleeding rates at weeks 1 and 4 and month 6, and complications (crust or synechiae formation, septal perforation, and/or orbit or brain complications).ResultsAll bleeding points were successfully ablated; hemostasis was achieved within 1–2 min. The mean pain score was 1.83 intra-operatively and 0.95 1 h postoperatively. No patient re-bled, and no severe MWA-related complication (septal perforation, synechiae formation, or orbit or brain complication) was recorded to 6 months of follow-up.ConclusionsEndoscopic microwave ablation with patients under local anesthesia is a novel, safe, effective, rapid, well-tolerated, outpatient treatment for adults with epistaxis of isolated mucosal bulge lesions, especially those for whom general anesthesia might be risky, those with electrical implants, and those exhibiting contraindications for arterial embolization.     

Endoscopic cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery in pediatric intractable posterior epistaxis

Objective

To evaluate the rule of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization in posterior intractable epistaxis in pediatric age group as regard technical difficulty, efficacy, and safety in children.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Patients and methods

From March 2008 to February 2011, 7 children (4 male, 3 female) with idiopathic intractable posterior epistaxis, patients’ age ranged from 8 to 14 years (10.7 average). All patients underwent preoperative laboratory investigations to exclude bleeding or coagulation disorders and CT paranasal sinus. All patients underwent endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization (7 procedures for 7 patients, 5 were in the right side and 2 were in the left side).

Results

postoperative evaluation showed no recurrence for epistaxis during the post operative follow up period. Also, no complications were found. The average follow up period was 17.8 months.

Conclusions

Endoscopic cauterization of sphenopalatine artery in pediatric age group was effective and safe technique providing that the surgeon has a good experience regarding pediatric endoscopic sinonasal anatomy. Minimal endoscopic technique in this age group is important to avoid unnecessary operative and postoperative complications. Avoid excessive cauterization to lateral nasal wall in this technique is crucial to avoid unexpected nerve injury or tissue necrosis.     

Doyle silicone splint insertion: endoscopy-assisted versus nasal speculum assisted

IntroductionSeptoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery are very often concurrently performed operations in otolaryngology practice. The most common complication of endoscopic sinus surgery is lateralization of the middle turbinate. In our practice intranasal stenting is done routinely with Doyle silicone splints.ObjectiveRetrospectively, we aimed to review the postoperative period and to document efficacy of endoscopy-assisted Doyle silicone splint application on prevention of middle turbinate lateralization.MethodsPatients who had failed medical therapy and who underwent elective primary endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with septal deviation requiring septoplasty were included to the study. Doyle silicone splints were inserted to all patients at the end of the operation with nasal speculum or with endoscopic assistance. Groups were compared for position of the middle turbinate at the end of the postoperative first month regarding lateralization and for pain score recorded on the second postoperative day.ResultsIn the Doyle silicone splints applied with nasal speculum group, there were 46 patients with a total of 80 operated sides. In the endoscopy assisted group, there were 54 patients with a total of 88 operated sides. At the 1 month follow-up, the mean of middle turbinate position scores was 1.62 in the speculum-assisted group and 1.80 in the endoscopy-assisted group, the difference between two groups was found to be statistically significant. Mean of postoperative second day pain scores were worse in patients with the Doyle silicone splints applied with endoscopic assistance. This difference was found statistically significant.ConclusionIn our study, after concomitant endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty, less middle turbinate lateralization was observed when the Doyle silicone splints were inserted with endoscopic guidance. The surgical techniques or methods of sinus packing as well as nasal packing may have an impact on middle turbinate lateralization after concurrent septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery.     

鼻内镜下蝶腭动脉电凝术治疗严重后段鼻出血

目的 评价鼻内镜下蝶腭动脉电凝术治疗严重后段鼻出血的疗效。方法 对25例后鼻孔填塞治疗无效的鼻出血住院患者,行鼻内镜下蝶腭动脉电凝术,其中24例全身麻醉,1例局部麻醉。25例中有2例患者同时行双侧蝶腭动脉电凝术。结果 术中所有蝶腭动脉均能明确识别,并在出蝶腭孔处将其成功电凝。22例术后未再出血;1例术后6h再次出血,经后鼻孔填塞2d后出血治愈;2例术后当天轻微鼻出血,药物治疗后停止。出院后随访3~6个月,患者均无再次鼻出血,除2例出现轻度鼻腔黏连外无其他并发症。结论 鼻内镜下蝶腭动脉电凝术治疗严重后段鼻出血是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Woodruff’s naso-nasopharyngeal plexus: how important is it in posterior epistaxis?

Disagreement exists over the vessels involved in posterior arterial epistaxis. Woodruff’s plexus, on the lateral nasal wall inferior to the posterior end of the inferior turbinate, is frequently cited in the literature as the main site of posterior expistaxis.^{1 1 WOodruff G.H. (1949) Cardiovascular epistaxis and the nasopharyngeal plexus.} 2 KAluskar S.K. (1996) Endoscopic approach to posterior epistaxis. This research examined the importance of the plexus in two stages: 1. Fifty consecutive adults with idiopathic posterior epistaxes cases were studied (28 men (56%), 22 women (46%), mean age 64 years). The site of bleeding was identified and endoscopically. Thirty-five (70%) bleeds arose from the septum and 12 (24%) from the lateral nasal wall (P < 0.001, Binomial test). Septal bleeds arose with equal frequency from the upper and lower septum (36% and 34%, respectively). In three (6%) cases a bleeding point could not be found despite endoscopy. Only four (8%) bleeds came from the area of Woodruff’s plexus. 2. Woodruff ’s plexus was studied in 16 cadaveric heads by anatomical microdissection. Histological analysis of 2112 H&E sections from six specimens was performed using high and low power light microscopy. This delineated the rich arterial supply to the posterior nasal cavity but revealed the vessels of Woodruff’s plexus to be exclusively venous in nature. Thus the septal vasculature (posterior septal rami of the sphenopalatine artery) is the principal site of posterior epistaxis, an observation that may explain the reported efficacy of septal surgery for epistaxis. The existing literature over-emphasises the importance of Woodruff’s plexus and consequently, we recommend that clinicians examine the posterior septum in close detail as a first step in management.     

Endoscopic intraoperative control of epistaxis in nasal surgery

Objective

: Epistaxis represents a dangerous post-operative complication of nasal surgery. The advances of endoscopic procedures have also brought along the possibility of a surgical solution of nasal bleeding. These procedures include endoscopic cautery of the bleeding points, and more difficult techniques of endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery or the anterior ethmoidal artery. These surgical methods permit avoiding nasal packing, a very annoying procedure for the patient. This study aims to evaluate the advantages of this approach at the end of a nasal surgery to prevent routine nasal packing.

Method

: 133 subjects were operated on by the same surgeon in the Otorhinolaringology Department of University of Foggia (Italy) from March 2006 to March 2007. 17 (12.8%) patients were submitted to septoplasty, 42 (31.5%) to turbinoplasty (in 22 accompanied by septoplasty) and 74 (55.6%) to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for nasal polyposis or nasal tumors.

Results

: Only 16 cases (12%) underwent nasal packing, while in the remaining 117 (88%) endoscopic control of bleeding permitted avoiding packing. In 53 (39.8%) patients only an endoscopic cauterization of bleeding points was performed; in 29 (21.8%) cases a sphenopalatine artery ligation was necessary. Only 2 subjects (1.5%) underwent anterior ethmoidal artery ligation. In the remaining 34 (25.5%) patients no procedure was necessary, due to the apparently scarce bleeding in the endoscopic vision at the end of surgery. In this group of non-packed patients, only 8 (6.8%) needed a post-operative tamponade while in the group of packed patients, 2 (12.5%) cases had a re-bleeding and a revisional surgery was necessary.

Conclusion

: Intra-operative precautional packing is therefore not justified during nasal surgery because of the small percentage of post-operative epistaxis. Intra-operative control of bleeding allowed nasal packing to be avoided in a large percentage of cases.     

Utility of the surgical treatment for severe epistaxis by endoscopic approach of sphenopalatine and ethmoidal arteries

Introduction:To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the treatments used for controlling epistaxis, particularly compared with the surgical endoscopic ligation or cauterization of sphenopalatine (SP) and anterior ethmoid (AE) arteries, a intervention prospective-retrospective study is presented with the aim of assessing the feasibility of these surgical techniques as an alternative to conventional treatments.Patients and methods:184 consecutive patients admitted in the ENT ward between the years 1997 and 2005 were included in the study, and distributed into three groups depending on the last treatment applied to control their bleeding: AP group.- anterior packing (n=98); PP group.- posterior packing (n=66), and ES group.- endoscopic ligation and/or cauterization of SP or AE (n=20).Results:Highly significant differences were found between the groups, not only regarding the efficacy (90% for surgical treatment compared with 41.3% for AP and 63.1% for PP), but also the length of postreatment hospital stay (AP.- 4.92 days; PP.- 6.3 days; ES.- 2.15 days).Discussion and conclusions:the lack of efficacy of conventional treatment and the increasing risk factors that condition nasal bleeding, together with the advance of endoscopic and anesthesic procedures have brought along the possibility of a surgical solution for these patients. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of these techniques as alternative for nasal packing in the treatment of posterior epistaxis, and even its ethical and economical convenience as a substitutive to posterior packing.     

Hemostasis in endoscopic sinus surgery using a specific gelatin-thrombin based agent (FloSeal)

The safety and efficacy of a new hemostatic sealant, based on a gel with collagen derived particles and topical thrombin (FloSeal, Fusion Medical Technologies, Inc. Fremont, CA) were assessed as an alternative to nasal packing for hemostasis in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. In a prospective clinical study of 50 patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic anterior ethmoidectomy, 2 ml FloSeal was used after surgery to stop bleeding. The results were compared to a control group of 50 patients with Merocel packing and showed that intraoperative hemostasis was rapid and equal in both groups. The main advantages of the new hemostatic sealant included a higher degree of comfort during postoperative nasal breathing and absence of complaints due to pressure or pain. There was only one case of postoperative bleeding on the 6th day, which required nasal packing. There were no more cases of stenoses or synechia in the ostiomeatal complex than were found in the Merocel group. No systemic side effects due to FloSeal were observed. This specific hemostatic sealant was shown to be a safe and efficacious alternative method for hemostasis in endoscopic sinus surgery with high patient satisfaction and an easy and fast mode of application.     

Sphenopalatine artery pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic sinus surgery: a case report and literature review

Previously reported cases of iatrogenic sphenopalatine artery (SPA) pseudoaneurysm have occurred only after trans-sphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors or maxillofacial surgery. In this article, the author presents what to the best of her knowledge is the first reported case of an SPA pseudoaneurysm that developed following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The patient was a 76-year-old woman with myelodysplastic syndrome who presented with a 6-month history of unilateral sinus symptoms. She underwent septoplasty and unilateral ESS, which included frontal recess clearance and sphenoidotomy. However, during surgery, severe generalized bleeding was encountered. The bleeding was arrested only after anterior and posterior nasal packing. After two attempts to remove the packing failed, angiography was obtained. It revealed an SPA pseudoaneurysm, which was immediately and successfully embolized. SPA pseudoaneurysm is a rare but significant complication of ESS, and it should be considered in patients with posterior epistaxis after ESS or prolonged posterior nasal packing. The pathogenesis may include intraoperative trauma, infection, pressure necrosis from packing, or a combination of these factors. Optimal management includes either ligation or embolization, depending on anatomic, patient, staff, and resource factors. The author reviews the pertinent anatomy and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention of this rare complication.     

Epistaxis after partial middle turbinectomy: the role of sphenopalatine artery ligation

Purpose

Extensive nasal polyposis could involve the middle turbinate inducing the surgeon to partially remove it. We initiated this retrospective study to evaluate the effect of a partial middle turbinectomy (PMT) on postoperative epistaxis and if sphenopalatine artery ligation (SPAL) could reduce the risk of bleeding in patients without nasal packing.

Material and Methods

Twenty-seven patients with extended bilateral nasal polyposis and submitted to primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with PMT on 40 sides were retrospectively selected. Postoperative bleeding and other complications were evaluated and compared with those of a control group of 27 patients who underwent FESS with middle turbinate preservation on 40 sides. The study group was furthermore divided into 2 groups according to the execution of SPAL. The incidence of postoperative bleeding of both groups and of the 2 parts of the study group was compared using the Fisher exact test.

Results

A SPAL was necessary to stop intraoperative bleeding in 21 (52.5%) sides of the study group patients and in 7 (17.5%) of the control group patients. After surgery, epistaxis occurred in 8 cases (20%) in the PMT group (1 submitted to SPAL) and in 2 (5%) of the control group. The comparison with the Fisher exact test confirmed the major tendency of postoperative bleeding in the study group and in those not submitted to SPAL (P < .05).

Conclusions

Partial middle turbinectomy causes a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding in patients who are not packed during the FESS operation. The execution of SPAL greatly reduces this risk.     

Intranasal microsurgical procedure in epistaxis of the cribriform plate and further interventions using hypotension

For the past 25 years we have been able to control severe epistaxis in all patients by an intranasal procedure. If the source of bleeding in patients with epistaxis from the upper part of the nose cannot be seen during the acute phase, a combined anterior-posterior nasal pack is inserted and left in place for three days. Should bleeding persist or recur after removal of the packing we resect the superior nasal septum to expose the bleeding point in the anterior area of the cribriform plate. Cauterization at this site is not safe because of the risk of CSF rhinorrhea, and it is not always successful, as the main blood supply to the ethmoidal arteries stems from the internal carotid artery. Cauterization of the anterior or posterior ethmoidal arteries within the bony canal of the ethmoidal sinus (after partial ethmoidectomy) is always successful. Ligation or embolization of the carotid arteries is indicated only for tumour patients. Intranasal ethmoidal microsurgery requires much practice and preliminary experience on at least 50 cadavers. In 25 years with an annual load of about 180 ethmoidal sinus surgery cases we have never had serious complications such as cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or persisting optical disturbances in more than 4,000 operations. During 1984 at the Krupp Hospital we used the intranasal microsurgical approach for all patients with septal, ethmoidal sinus and lacrimal duct pathology, for 98% of cases requiring maxillary sinus procedures and for 82% of patients with frontal sinus problems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Quality of life and olfactory outcomes following frontal sinus drill-out procedures

ObjectiveExtensive endoscopic frontal sinus surgery requires drilling of the bone close to the olfactory epithelium and exposing the first olfactory fiber. This study assesses long-term quality of life (QoL) and olfactory outcomes following endoscopic endonasal frontal sinus drill-out procedures.MethodsAll patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal frontal sinus surgery (Draf IIa or Draf III) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without nasal polyp in 2017 at a single tertiary center were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative scores of SNOT-22, odor identification, discrimination, and threshold were noted.ResultsOf the 31 patients included in this study, Draf IIa and Draf III were performed in 12 (38.7 %) and 19 (61.3 %) patients, respectively. A general assessment of QoL changes was carried out by evaluating pre- and postoperative SNOT-22 scores. A statistically significant difference was found between pre- and postoperative SNOT scores (p < 0.001): SNOT scores decreased by 9.13 units postoperatively. Comparing differences in SNOT-22 and olfactory test scores between Draf IIa and Draf III patients, we did not detect any statistically significant difference between the two procedures (p > 0.05). Draf IIa and Draf III did not display a statistically significant difference in SNOT-22 scores (p = 0.484) and did not have a significant effect on differences in pre- and postoperative identification (p = 0.675), discrimination (p = 0.535), and threshold (p = 0.141) scores.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that extensive drill-out procedures have not a negative effect on olfactory functions, including threshold scores, in the long term. Patients who underwent frontal sinus procedures for persistent CRS have a better QoL postoperatively. However, more prospective double-blind studies are needed to support our results.     

Effect of infiltrating nasal packing with local anesthetics in postoperative pain and anxiety following sinonasal surgeries: a systemic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionPacking of the nasal cavity has traditionally been used for postoperative bleeding control and decreasing synechia formation in patients undergoing nasal surgeries. Although absorbable nasal packing has been gaining popularity in the recent years, nonabsorbable nasal packing is still often used in nasal surgeries in various parts of the world. It is known to be associated with pain and discomfort especially upon and during removal, and previous reviews have only evaluated the effects of local anesthetic infiltration of nasal packing in septal surgeries.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of infiltrating nasal packing with local anesthetics in postoperative pain and anxiety following sinonasal surgeriesMaterials and methodsWe searched the PubMed and Embase databases from their earliest record to April 27, 2019, randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials for review, and included only randomized controlled trials for data analysis. We included studies using topical anesthetics-infiltrated nasal packing following sinonasal surgeries and evaluated the effectiveness compared to placebo packing in pain reduction during postoperative follow up, as well as the effectiveness in anxiety reduction.ResultsAmong 15 studies included for review, 9 studies involving 765 participants contributed to the meta-analysis. In terms of pain reduction, our analysis showed significant standard mean differences regarding effectiveness at postoperative 1, 12, 24 h interval for all surgical groups combined, in the sinus surgery group, as well as during nasal packing removal. There was no consistent evidence to support the effectiveness in anxiety reduction.ConclusionsOur study supports anesthetics infiltration of nasal packing as an effective method in managing pain in patients with nasal packing after sinonasal surgeries. However, the level of evidence is low. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish its effectiveness in reducing anxiety. We believe this review is of great clinical significance due to the vast patient population undergoing sinonasal surgeries. Postoperative local hemorrhage remains the greatest concern for ear nose and throat surgeons due to the rich vasculature of the nose and sinuses. Sinonasal packing provides structural support and serves as an important measure for hemostasis and synechia formation. Although absorbable packing has been gaining popularity in the recent years, nonabsorable packing materials are still used in many countries due to lower cost. Infiltration of nasal packing with local anesthetic provides a solution to the discomfort, nasal pressure and nasal pain experienced commonly by the patients as evidenced by our analysis.     

Rupture of the internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm resulting from fungal sinusitis

Although vasculitis due to infection with fungi, including Aspergillus, causes aneurysm formation, reports of internal carotid artery aneurysm formation resulting from fungal sinusitis are few. We report on a patient who experienced massive epistaxis from rupture of an internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm, caused by fungal sinusitis. We treated the aneurysm with endovascular coil embolization, followed by endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the fungal mass. Intraoperative findings included a torn internal carotid artery and exposure of the coil to the sinus. Performing endoscopic sinus surgery before the embolization procedure would have increased the risks of massive intraoperative bleeding and mortality. Even after achieving hemostasis, serious sequelae, such as cerebral infarction, might occur. In this type of case, otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons should collaborate, and an aneurysm should be treated before endoscopic sinus surgery. Although the treatment strategy for fungal internal carotid artery aneurysms is controversial, this case suggested the use of the embolization procedure followed by endoscopic debridement and antifungal therapy to treat a pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery caused by fungal sinusitis.     

The effect of concurrent nasal surgery on the eustachian tube function and myringoplasty outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the Effect of concurrent nasal surgery on the eustachian tube function (ETF) and myringoplasty outcomes for the chronic perforations with coexistent nasal pathology.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 93 patients with perforations who underwent same-day myringoplasty and nasal-septal surgery. Group A exhibited septal deviations (n = 34) and Group B inflammatory sinus disease (n = 59). Groups were compared with respect to pre- and postoperative air-bone gaps (ABGs), graft success rates and ETF (Eustachian tube score [ETS] and seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire [ETDQ-7]) at 6 and 24 months.ResultsGraft success rates were 100.0% in Group A and 98.3% in Group B at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.445). Graft success rates were 85.3% in Group A and 96.6% in Group B at 24 months postoperatively (P = 0.046), the re-perforation rate was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.015). Although the preoperative ETS was similar between two groups, the postoperative ETS in the Group B was significantly higher compared with Group A regardless of at postoperative 6th and 24th months. In addition, difference was significant for the patients with positive Valsalva maneuver among two groups at postoperative 24th months. Also, the improvement in the ETDQ-7 score in the B group was significantly higher than that in the A group at postoperative 6th and 24th months.ConclusionsConcurrent nasal surgery and myringoplasty is feasible. In addition, ESS improves ETF and thus long-term outcomes of myringoplasty for the chronic perforations with inflammatory sinus disease.