Deep learning algorithm for the automated detection and classification of nasal cavity mass in nasal endoscopic images.

Nasal endoscopy is routinely performed to distinguish the pathological types of masses. There is a lack of studies on deep learning algorithms for discriminating a wide range of endoscopic nasal cavity mass lesions. Therefore, we aimed to develop an endoscopic-examination-based deep learning model to detect and classify nasal cavity mass lesions, including nasal polyps (NPs), benign tumors, and malignant tumors. The clinical feasibility of the model was evaluated by comparing the results to those of manual assessment. Biopsy-confirmed nasal endoscopic images were obtained from 17 hospitals in South Korea. Here, 400 images were used for the test set. The training and validation datasets consisted of 149,043 normal nasal cavity, 311,043 NP, 9,271 benign tumor, and 5,323 malignant tumor lesion images. The proposed Xception architecture achieved an overall accuracy of 0.792 with the following class accuracies on the test set: normal = 0.978 ± 0.016, NP = 0.790 ± 0.016, benign = 0.708 ± 0.100, and malignant = 0.698 ± 0.116. With an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.947, the AUC values and F1 score were highest in the order of normal, NP, malignant tumor, and benign tumor classes. The classification performances of the proposed model were comparable with those of manual assessment in the normal and NP classes. The proposed model outperformed manual assessment in the benign and malignant tumor classes (sensitivities of 0.708 ± 0.100 vs. 0.549 ± 0.172, 0.698 ± 0.116 vs. 0.518 ± 0.153, respectively). In urgent (malignant) versus nonurgent binary predictions, the deep learning model achieved superior diagnostic accuracy. The developed model based on endoscopic images achieved satisfactory performance in classifying four classes of nasal cavity mass lesions, namely normal, NP, benign tumor, and malignant tumor. The developed model can therefore be used to screen nasal cavity lesions accurately and rapidly.

Treatment Outcomes of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Multicenter Study by the Korean Sinonasal Tumor and Skull Base Surgery Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the rarity of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), there is ongoing debate about optimal treatment strategies, especially for early-stage or locally advanced cases. Therefore, our study aimed to explore experiences from multiple centers to identify factors that influence the oncological outcomes of ONB. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 195 ONB patients treated at nine tertiary hospitals in South Korea between December 1992 and December 2019. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate oncological outcomes, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze prognostic factors for survival outcomes. Furthermore, we conducted 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching to investigate differences in clinical outcomes according to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: In our cohort, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 78.6%, and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 62.4%. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the modified Kadish (mKadish) stage and Dulguerov T status were significantly associated with DFS, while the mKadish stage and Hyams grade were identified as prognostic factors for OS. The subgroup analyses indicated a trend toward improved 5-year DFS with dural resection in mKadish A and B cases, even though the result was statistically insignificant. Induction chemotherapy did not provide a survival benefit in this study after matching for the mKadish stage and nodal status. CONCLUSION: Clinical staging and pathologic grading are important prognostic factors in ONB. Dural resection in mKadish A and B did not show a significant survival benefit. Similarly, induction chemotherapy also did not show a survival benefit, even after stage matching.

Postrhinoplasty Nasal Radix Cyst Treated with Endoscopic Marsupialization.

Postrhinoplasty nasal radix cyst is a rare late complication, with few cases being reported in the literature. The appropriate treatment for this cyst is surgical removal. To date, an open approach or intracartilagenous incision has been performed in most cases. Herein, we present a case of a 68-year-old man with a bulging mass of radix who visited our clinic. The patient underwent open surgery for the mass, but the mass recurred 2 years after surgery. Although removal using the open approach was planned as in the previous surgery, marsupialization was performed because a connection with the frontal recess was seen on a computed tomography scan. We report a rare case of nasal radix cyst successfully treated with marsupialization without an external scar.

Chemical Burn Injury on the Cornea Following Skin Preparation With Chlorhexidine in Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

This article report discusses a pediatric patient who suffered a corneal chemical burn injury after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery due to skin preparation with chlorhexidine. In this case, inadequate sealing of the eye shield during skin preparation allowed the chlorhexidine-alcohol solution to accumulate at its edge and gradually penetrate, resulting in the corneal injury. Prompt ophthalmological intervention and appropriate eye care treatment led to a gradual improvement in the patient's symptoms. The authors aim to present the case, share the revisions made to our skin preparation policy, and emphasize the importance of cautious antiseptic use to minimize the risk of adverse events. Adverse effects of chlorhexidine, such as hypersensitivity reactions and burns, including corneal damage, are highlighted. Health care providers should exercise caution when selecting and applying antiseptics, considering patient-specific factors, and comprehensive training should be provided to promote adherence to safe antiseptic practices during surgical procedures.

Bilateral Nostril Abrasion in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Micodebrider.

The emergence of microdebrider technology has revolutionized endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Although widely used, it has been associated with complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, ocular and brain injuries, and synechia formation. However, reports on cases of skin abrasion associated with the use of microdebriders in ESS are scarce. We herein present a unique observation of bilateral nostril abrasion after ESS using the microdebrider in a 53-year-old man. The patient underwent ESS and septoplasty for nasal obstruction and polyps. Bilateral nostril erythema and skin abrasion were observed after surgery, which resolved without scarring. Nostril abrasion is attributed to the lever-like use of the microdebrider against the medial aspect of the nostril during the procedure, particularly among inexperienced surgeons. This prompts the need for a cautious approach when using microdebriders in ESS to minimize complications. Increased awareness and precautionary measures can enhance the safety of microdebriders in ESS.

Inflammatory Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in the Korean Population: Distinct Expression of Type 3 Inflammation.

PURPOSE: Cluster analyses on inflammatory markers of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in Asians from multicenter data are lacking. This multicenter study aimed to identify the endotypes of CRS in Koreans and to evaluate the relationship between the endotypes and clinical parameters. METHODS: Nasal tissues were obtained from patients with CRS and controls who underwent surgery. The endotypes of CRS were investigated by measuring interleukin (IL)-5, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase-9, eotaxin-3, eosinophil cationic protein, myeloperoxidase (MPO), human neutrophil elastase (HNE), periostin, transforming growth factor-ß1, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE)-specific IgE. We performed hierarchical cluster analysis and evaluated the phenotype, comorbidities, and Lund-Mackay computed tomography (LM CT) score in each cluster. RESULTS: Five clusters and 3 endotypes were extracted from 244 CRS patients: cluster 1 had no upregulated mediators compared to the other clusters (mild mixed inflammatory CRS); clusters 2, 3, and 4 had higher concentrations of neutrophil-associated mediators including HNE, IL-8, IL-17A, and MPO (T3 CRS); and cluster 5 had higher levels of eosinophil-associated mediators (T2 CRS). SE-specific IgE was undetectable in T3 CRS and had low detectable levels (6.2%) even in T2 CRS. The CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) phenotype and LM CT scores showed no significant differences between T2 and T3 CRS, while the incidence of comorbid asthma was higher in T2 CRS than T3 CRS. In T3 clusters, higher levels of neutrophilic markers were associated with disease severity and CRSwNP phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: In Koreans, there is a distinct T3 CRS endotype showing a high proportion of CRSwNP and severe disease extent, along with T2 CRS.

Arrested Pneumatization of the Sphenoid Sinus.

The sphenoid bone is a complex structure in terms of its embryological origin. At birth, the sphenoid sinus is nonpneumatized. Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is considered a normal anatomic variant but may be mistaken for disease in imaging studies. We report 2 cases of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, a normal variant commonly misdiagnosed as a serious disease of the skull base. A 29-year-old man with a complaint of dizziness visited a local clinic for assessment. Computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) showed a noneroding, nonexpansile, and nonhomogenous lesion in the sphenoid bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a high-signal lesion on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Given these typical findings in the CT of PNS and MRI of the brain, the lesion was diagnosed as arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus. In the second case, a 60-year-old woman with a complaint of headache visited a local clinic for assessment. CT of PNS showed a fibro-osseous lesion (with features of sclerosis and osteolysis) in the skull base. Brain MRI revealed a low-signal lesion on a T1-weighted image containing a high-signal intensity around the sphenoid bone, thereby suggesting internal fat contents. A precise interpretation of CT of PNS and brain MRI is essential to distinguish arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and to help establish a differential diagnosis and avoid needless biopsy.

Body Weight is Inversely Associated with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels after BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination in Young and Middle Aged Adults.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine factors affecting serum levels of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies 2 months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in young and middle aged healthy adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthcare workers who have no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were enrolled at 2 months after second shot of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Antibody immunoglobulin G against the spike protein subunit of SARS-CoV-2 was semi-quantitatively measured using 4 commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Factors affecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies levels were investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-one persons (22 - 54 years, male sex; 19.6%) were enrolled and all participants acquired anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in four diagnostic kits. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were strongly correlated between diagnostic kits; SG Medical and Genscript (r = 0.942), SG Medical and HB Healthcare (r = 0.903), and HB Healthcare and Genscript (r = 0.868). We investigated factors affecting antibody level using SG medical kit. The median inhibition was 93.1%, and 84.0% of participants showed >90.0% inhibition. Systemic adverse event severity had no association with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies level. Antibody level was inversely correlated with weight (-0.312, P = 0.027), body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.303, P = 0.032), and body surface area (r = -0.285, P = 0.044). In multivariate analysis, the upper 50% of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (≥93.1%) was inversely associated with weight (odds ratio [OR]: 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04 - 0.83 in weight ≥55kg) and BMI (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.61 in BMI ≥22 kg/m²). CONCLUSION: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody was inversely correlated with weight and BMI, which may be used as a marker to predict immune response of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in young and middle aged adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05083026.

Bilateral paranasal sinus fungal balls: A retrospective cohort study in 28 patients over a 21-year period.

Paranasal fungal balls are rare entities for which a recent increase in reported cases has been observed. Fungal balls are most commonly unilateral, and there are few bilateral cases in the literature. Here we report the clinical features of bilateral fungal balls in 24 patients treated in our institution over the past 20 years. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 5279 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery performed by a single surgeon from January 1996 to December 2016 at a tertiary care center in order to identify patients diagnosed with fungal balls confirmed histopathologically. Demographic data and radiologic findings of patients with bilateral fungal balls were compared with those who had unilateral fungal balls. Multiple logistic regression test was used to compare demographic information between patients with unilateral and bilateral fungal balls. The most commonly involved sinus in bilateral cases was maxillary (87.5%), followed by ethmoid (37.5%) and sphenoid (33.3%). Of the 24 patients, 19 were female, and patient age ranged from 45 to 83 years, with an average of 65.1 years. Common existing comorbidities were hypertension (45.8%), diabetes (29.2%), cardiac problem (16.7%), cerebral infarction (8.3%), pulmonary tuberculosis (8.3%), and lung cancer (4.2%). The clinically relevant features of patients diagnosed with bilateral fungal balls from our review include advanced age and immunocompromised status compared to those with unilateral fungal balls. These features contribute to the clinical distinction of bilateral fungal ball disease from unilateral fungal balls and invasive fungal sinusitis.

Patient Discomfort After Rhinoplasty With and Without Osteotomy Under Conscious Sedation.

OBJECTIVE: Many rhinoplasty techniques, including dorsum augmentation and tip surgery, could be performed under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. However, as osteotomy is an invasive procedure, it is burdensome for surgeons to perform osteotomy under conscious sedation. As patient ratings of pain and satisfaction when osteotomy is performed under conscious sedation are unknown, this study aimed to determine discomfort of osteotomy performed under conscious sedation. METHODS: Patients who underwent rhinoplasty with conscious sedation were prospectively included in the study. The patients were classified into an osteotomy and a nonosteotomy group. Questionnaires with a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 10 were utilized to assess patient pain and satisfaction. Patients were also asked whether they would choose conscious sedation for future rhinoplasty operations. To evaluate adverse events, cardiopulmonary vital signs and nausea or vomiting were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with a mean age of 32.7 years were included in the study. The mean patients' visual analog scale scores for pain and satisfaction were 3.3±2.0 and 7.2±1.9, respectively. Most of the patients [42, (93%)] stated that they would choose conscious sedation again if they had further operations in the future. No significant adverse effects occurred, and there were no significant differences in patients' ratings of pain and satisfaction between osteotomy and nonosteotomy groups when conscious sedation was used. CONCLUSION: Patients' ratings of pain and satisfaction, and a lack of significant adverse effects, indicated that rhinoplasty can be performed under conscious sedation, even with osteotomy.

The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on sleep apnea in healthy adults: A nationwide study of Korea.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Sleep apnea (SA) causes cardiovascular and metabolic problems, as well as a significant socioeconomic burden. Although several studies have found that SA causes NAFLD, there is no evidence that NAFLD causes SA. The goal of this study was to look at the relationship between NAFLD and SA in realworld data. METHODS: We evaluated 334,334 healthy individuals without comorbidities who underwent National Health checkups in the Republic of Korea from 2009 to 2014. NAFLD was defined by a surrogate marker, the fatty liver index (FLI). The association between FLI and SA was analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: During a median followup of 5.3 years, 1,351 patients (0.4%) were newly diagnosed with SA. Subjects were categorized into quartile groups according to FLI (range: Q1, 0-4.9; Q2, 5.0-12.5; Q3, 12.6-31.0; Q4, >31.0). Subjects with higher FLIs had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of SA than those with lower FLIs (Q1, 119 [0.1%]; Q2, 210 [0.3%]; Q3, 339 [0.4%]; Q4, 683 [0.8%]; P < 0.001). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) revealed that a higher FLI was independently associated with an increased risk of SA (HR between Q4 and Q1, 4.03; 95% confidence interval, 3.22-5.05; P < 0.001). This association remained statistically significant after further adjustment for Body mass index (BMI) (HR between Q4 and Q1, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-2.83; P < 0.001). FLI was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset SA regardless of baseline characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that NAFLD, assessed by FLI, was independently associated with increased risk for SA in the healthy Korean population.

Extracranial Craniopharyngioma Confined to the Sphenoid Sinus.

ABSTRACT: Craniopharyngioma is rare epithelial tumor that develops along the craniopharyngeal duct, and most of these tumors occur in the sellar and suprasellar regions. Although it rarely occurs in the extracranial region, sphenoid solitary lesions were not reported in previous literature. In this study, we report a case of infrasellar craniopharyngioma within the sphenoid sinus without intracranial lesion. A patient with intermittent headache visited a private clinic and presented with sphenoid lesions based on the Magnetic resonance imaging scan results. The mass was completely removed using endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach without any complications and showed characteristic pathologic findings, which lead to the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma.

Lymphoepithelial cyst in the palatine tonsil: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Lymphoepithelial cyst of the oral cavity is very rare. Most intraoral lymphoepithelial cysts are observed in the floor of the mouth and very few cases have been reported of its occurrence in the palatine tonsil. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old healthy woman with no remarkable medical history visited our department with a complaint of frequent tonsillitis. INTERVENTIONS: On endoscopic examination, yellowish mass was observed in the palatine tonsil and removed via an intraoral approach. The mass was completely removed with the left palatine tonsil. DIAGNOSES OUTCOMES: Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining confirmed a Lymphoepithelial cyst. LESSONS: Lymphepithelial cysts of the palatine tonsils are extremely rare and are easily overlooked because there are few reported cases. Therefore, care must be taken when examining the tonsil mass.

Two cases of neurilemmoma in the nasal vestibule: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Neurilemmoma is a benign tumor derived from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. The highest incidence of neurilemmoma occurs in the head and neck region; however, the nose and paranasal sinuses are rarely involved. Less than 4% of these tumors involve the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. To date, only six cases of nasal vestibule neurilemmoma have been reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two patients (a 32-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman) visited our clinic with complaint of a lump in the left nasal vestibule. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining confirmed a neurilemmoma. INTERVENTIONS: The mass was completely removed via an intranasal approach. OUTCOMES AND LESSONS: Neurilemmoma is easy to overlook because it occurs rarely in the nasal vestibule, but neurilemmoma needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Anisakiasis in Palatine Tonsil.

ABSTRACT: Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by ingesting raw or undercooked fish and seafood infected with Anisakis larvae. Anisakis genus is mostly found in the mucosal or submucosal layer of the stomach and intestine. However, the reports of anisakiasis in tonsils are highly uncommon. A 54-year-old woman with clinical features of sore throat and foreign-body sensation for 10 days after eating raw and undercooked fish. A wriggling worm was noted beneath the mucosa of the right palatine tonsil upon endoscopic examination. The worm was immediately removed completely and histological examination revealed anisakiasis. Reports of anisakia-sis in the tonsils are scarce, but it should be considered at the initial physical examination of patients who visit the hospital for sore throat after eating raw fish. We report a case of anisakiasis in the palatine tonsils, which to date has been rarely reported in the literature.

Prevalence and characteristics of tonsillar human papillomavirus infection in tumor-free patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of tonsillar human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in tumor-free patients undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled healthy patients who underwent tonsillectomy for tumor-free tonsillar disease. Their tonsillar HPV infections were evaluated using CLART HPV2, and subsequent p16 immunohistochemistry was performed in patients with positive HPV infection. Moreover, the results of tonsillar HPV infection were analyzed according to sex, age, and indication of tonsillectomy. RESULTS: A total of 362 patients were included. HPV test was positive in 8 patients, with an overall prevalence of 2.2%. All detected HPV types were high-risk, including HPV 16 in six patients, HPV 52 in one patient, and HPV 58 in one patient. P16 was negative in all 8 patients with HPV infection. The prevalence of tonsillar HPV infection in males and females was 2.4% (6/246) and 1.7% (2/116), respectively (P > 0.999), and in pediatric and adult patients, 2.2% (5/228) and 2.2% (3/134), respectively (P > 0.999). The prevalence showed a bimodal peak at 1st and 6th decades, with the prevalence of 2.6% (5/194) and 7.9% (3/38), respectively. The prevalence of tonsillar HPV infection in tonsillitis and non-tonsillitis groups were 0.0% (0/104) and 3.1% (8/258), respectively (P = 0.111). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tonsillar HPV infection in tumor-free patients was low, but all detected HPV infections were high-risk types. Our results support using a 9-valent vaccine which covers all high-risk HPV types found in this study.

Unexpected occult malignancy diagnosed during tonsillectomy surgery for obstructive sleep apnea: A case report.

RATIONALE: Many previous studies have investigated the necessity of routine histopathological analysis of tonsillectomy specimen, and most recent studies have suggested that such an analysis is not justified in asymptomatic patients or those with no risk factors for malignancy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 59-year-old man diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea underwent surgery, including tonsillectomy; a tonsil specimen was sent to the department of pathology. DIAGNOSIS: Although the patient did not exhibit any tonsil-related signs or symptoms, nor did the appearance of the tonsil appear to be pathological, the right tonsil specimen was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, with detection of human papilloma virus 16. INTERVENTIONS: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used to treat the tonsil cancer. OUTCOMES: No recurrence was observed during the 4-year follow-up. LESSONS: In the future, it may be necessary to reinvestigate the necessity of routine histopathological analysis of tonsillectomy specimens in asymptomatic patients, considering the drastically increased rate of detection of human papilloma virus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in these patients.

Isolated stridor without any other sleeping breathing disorder diagnosed using drug-induced sleep endoscopy in a patient with multiple system atrophy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by Parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction or cerebellar ataxia. MSA can be accompanied by stridor caused by laryngeal stenosis secondary to vocal cord dysfunction. PATIENT CONCERN: A 60-year-old woman with MSA, complaining of difficulty in breathing during sleep. Her bed partner reported witnessing grunting-like sounds during sleep. DIAGNOSIS: Isolated stridor without any other sleeping breathing disorder diagnosed using drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in a patient with MSA. INTERVENTIONS: On polysomnography, there was no obstructive sleep apnea. Using DISE, abnormally adducted vocal cords during inspiratory respiration were identified, leading to a diagnosis of stridor. We prescribed positive airway pressure to resolve the stridor. OUTCOME: Our patient was also prescribed continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of nocturnal stridor, and it is improved. LESSONS: In summary, when MSA patients present with nocturnal stridor, it is important to evaluate the exact diagnosis and cause of stridor in patients by confirming the movement of vocal cords using DISE, as well as polysomnography.

Test-retest reliability of drug-induced sleep endoscopy using midazolam.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has been suggested to be a valuable method for determining the obstruction patterns causing sleep-disordered breathing. However, since DISE is not performed throughout the duration of sleep but for less than 1 hour, the reproducibility and reliability of DISE are questionable. Therefore, we aimed to determine the test-retest reliability of DISE using midazolam. METHODS: Thirty-four patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea were prospectively included in this study. The patients underwent 2 separate DISE examinations that were performed at different days using the same drug and technique. For a more accurate comparison, the depth of sleep and examination time were identically controlled. VOTE classification was used to classify the obstruction findings, and the findings of upper airway obstruction were compared between the 2 tests. RESULTS: There were 30 men and four women; the mean age was 45.4 ± 13.1 years. The mean apnea-hypopnea index was 38.3 ± 22.6, and the lowest oxygen saturation was 77.5% ± 12.4%. The lateral wall of the oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis showed very good agreement, and the velum showed good agreement between the first and second DISE examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of DISE is debatable because it observes only a small portion of the total sleep, but this study suggests that DISE is a reliable test because the findings of 2 separate DISE examinations on different days showed a high concordance rate.

Questionable Effect of Crosshatching Incision in Septoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: Crosshatching incision has been considered a useful method for correcting cartilaginous septal deviation. The aim of this study was to determine the utility and limitations of this approach. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 353 patients who underwent septoplasty performed by a senior surgeon between January 2004 and December 2010. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether crosshatching incision was performed (n=151) during septoplasty or not (n=202). All other techniques performed during septoplasty were identical. The parameters of surgical success (improvement of nasal obstruction, correction of deviation, and acoustic rhinometry results and adverse effects were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the parameters of surgical success between the groups (improvement of nasal obstruction, P=0.333; correction of deviation, P=0.608; acoustic rhinometry results P=0.322 for the difference in the minimal cross-sectional area; P=0.919 for difference in volume). Relative to patients who did not undergo the cross-hatching incision, patients with whom the technique was performed showed a significantly higher incidence of saddle nose (0/202 vs. 4/151 cases, P=0.033) and overcorrection (0/202 vs. 5/151 cases, P=0.014). CONCLUSION: Crosshatching incision during septoplasty did not produce better surgical outcomes; however, it caused adverse effects such as saddle nose and overcorrection. Therefore, the use of crosshatching incision should be re-evaluated.