Effect of postoperative systemic prednisolone on short-term and long-term outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A multi-centered randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether postoperative additive systemic steroid administration in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) impacted selected endoscopic, subjective and objective outcome measures. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority multicenter trial of n=106 patients with CRSwNP. All patients underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) followed by topical nasal steroids. Patients were randomized to a systemic steroid or placebo for 1 month. Patients were followed up for 2 years over 9 time points. The primary outcome measures were the differences between groups with respect to the nasal polyp score (NPS) and sinonasal quality of life (SNQoL). Secondary outcome measures included interactions with respect to the Lund-Kennedy score (LKS), sinonasal symptoms, general quality of life (GQoL), 16-item odor identification test scores, recurrence rates, need for revision surgery and mucus biomarker levels. Results: 106 patients were randomized to either the placebo or the systemic steroid group (n=53 per group). Postoperative systemic steroids were not superior to placebo with respect to all primary (p= 0.077) and secondary outcome measures (p>0.05 for all). Reported adverse events were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of postoperative systemic steroids after primary FESS did not confer a benefit over topical steroid nasal spray alone with respect to NPS, SNQOL, LKS, GQOL, sinonasal symptoms, smell scores, recurrence rates, the need for revision surgery or biomarkers over a short-term follow-up of up to 9 months and a long-term follow-up of up to 24 months in CRSwNP patients. Functional endoscopic surgery did, however, show a strong effect on all outcome measures, which remained relatively stable up to the endpoint at 2 years.

[Updated S2k AWMF guideline on obstructive sialadenitis]. / Aktualisierte AWMF-S2k-Leitlinie zur obstruktiven Sialadenitis.

The update of this guideline was an important step to define standards for the use of sialendoscopy and other emerging minimally invasive techniques for the therapy of sialolithiasis and other obstructive salivary gland diseases. The current actualization was necessary to adapt the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms to the current scientific knowledge. In this article they are presented in a shortened version with a focus on conservative therapeutic measures which are especially relevant for daily practice.

Aberrant Expression of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) in Warthin Tumors.

The Warthin tumor represents the second most frequent benign tumor of the parotid gland and is characterized by the presence of oncocytes rich in structurally and functionally altered mitochondria. Next to its role in metabolism, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is also implicated in cellular mitophagy. Immunohistochemistry was carried out on Warthin tumor and normal control (parotid gland with striated ducts) tissues, using anti-GAPDH specific antibodies followed by digital image analysis. Laser capture microdissection was used to isolate the oncocytic tumor cell and normal control striated duct compartments for RNA extraction and qPCR. Warthin tumor oncocytes exhibited a markedly spotted GAPDH staining pattern exhibiting cells with cytoplasmic and nuclear, only nuclear or none GAPDH staining. A significantly lower (p < 0.0001) total GAPDH signal was detected in Warthin tumor oncocytes. Similarly, significantly lower (p < 0.005) GAPDH mRNA levels were seen in oncocytes compared with normal ductal cells. To exclude the possibility of this GAPDH staining pattern being a general feature of oncocytic neoplasms of different organs, we tested a cohort of renal oncocytoma and oncocytic chromophobe carcinoma; none showed this type of staining. The observed progressive GAPDH loss in Warthin tumor oncocytes could be implicated in the pathogenesis of Warthin tumors.

Bruxism-induced parotitis: A retrospective case series analysis.

Objective: A group of patients with recurrent parotitis had clinical symptoms suggesting an obstruction of the glandular duct system, though without any signs of sialoliths or other ductal pathologies. Methods: Clinical and radiological data of five patients with recurrent obstructive parotitis and long-standing definite bruxism were reviewed retrospectively. Ultrasonography, MRI, and sialendoscopy were performed for evaluation of ductal pathologies as the cause of glandular obstruction. Electromyography was used to evaluate the activity of masticatory muscles in all patients. The parotitis was treated with injection of botulinum toxin into the buccinator muscle. Results: Dilatation of the Stensen's duct proximal to the area of the buccinator muscle was shown in radiological examination with no evidence of ductal strictures. Electromyography revealed an abnormal activity of the ipsilateral buccinator muscle. All patients were free of disease after treatment of the buccinator muscle. Discussion: Bruxism should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent parotitis.

Virome Analysis Reveals No Association of Head and Neck Vascular Anomalies with an Active Viral Infection.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Vascular anomalies encompass different vascular malformations [arteriovenous (AVM), lymphatic (LM), venous lymphatic (VLM), venous (VM)] and vascular tumors such as hemangiomas (HA). The pathogenesis of vascular anomalies is still poorly understood. Viral infection was speculated as a possible underlying cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 human vascular anomalies and three human skin control tissues were used for viral analysis. RNA derived from AVM (n=4) and normal skin control (n=3) tissues was evaluated by RNA sequencing. The Virome Capture Sequencing Platform for Vertebrate Viruses (VirCapSeq-VERT) was deployed on 10 tissues with vascular anomalies (2×AVM, 1×HA, 1×LM, 2×VLM, 4×VM). RESULTS: RNA sequencing did not show any correlation of AVM with viral infection. By deploying VirCapSeq-VERT, no consistent viral association was seen in the tested tissues. CONCLUSION: The analysis does not point to the presence of an active viral infection in vascular anomalies. However, transient earlier viral infections, e.g. during pregnancy, cannot be excluded with this approach.

Antero- vs. retrograde nerve dissection in parotidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The retrograde approach (RP) to nerve identification is a method seldom used in parotid surgery. A systematic review comparing this method to the standard anterograde approach (AP) with respect to facial nerve palsy (FNP) does not currently exist. METHODS: In a meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement, eight publications, including one randomized controlled trial, were selected. The primary aim was to compare the temporary and permanent FNP resulting from the two dissection methods. Facial nerve function was graded according to the House-Brackmann Scale. The secondary goal was a comparison of the cut-suture times (CST), the volume of healthy tissue (VHT) dissected, the rates of postoperative hematoma (PH), and postoperative infection (PI). RESULTS: Temporary FNP was noted in 18.2% in the RP group as well as in 34.4% in the AP group. Permanent FNP occurred in 0.9% RPs and 2.4% APs. According to the mixed-effect logistic regression model, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the pooled odds ratio (OR) for either temporary [OR 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-7.21] or permanent FNP (OR 4.31, 95% CI 0.44-42.28). The CST was significantly shorter in the RP group (p = 0.005), with a significantly smaller VHT dissected (p < 0.0001). There were no differences regarding PH and PI. CONCLUSION: The RP is a safe procedure with no significant difference in FNP rates when compared to the AP and, considering the shorter CST and the lesser VHT resected in the RP, it is superior to the AP. Surgeons engaged in parotidectomy should be familiar with both methods of dissection.

Endo-extralaryngeal Laterofixation of the Vocal Folds in Patients with Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral vocal fold paralysis can result in shortness of breath and severe dyspnea which can be life-threatening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent endo-extralaryngeal laterofixation according to Lichtenberger were retrospectively analyzed regarding etiology, symptoms, treatment and complications. RESULTS: In 27 patients, laterofixation of the vocal cord alone was performed. Eight patients underwent laterofixation and additional posterior chordectomy of the opposite vocal cord according to Dennis and Kashima. The time of intervention ranged from 1 day to 38 years after the onset of bilateral vocal cord immobility. The intraoperative course was uneventful in all patients. None of the patients had postoperative aspiration. Postoperative voice function was acceptable in all patients. Complications of suture laterofixation were laryngeal edema, formation of fibrin, and malposition of the suture. CONCLUSION: Laterofixation of the vocal cords according to Lichtenberger is a safe and easy method that can be used as a first-stage treatment of vocal cord paralysis.

Does Microscope Assistance in Cold Steel Tonsillectomy Reduce the Risk of Postoperative Hemorrhage? Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Posttonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) is the most feared complication. Dissection near the tonsillar capsule under microscopic view (TEmic) could be assumed to decrease PTH compared to traditional tonsillectomy (TEtrad). METHODS: In this study, patients were evaluated with respect to the need for surgical control (R/N: return/no return to theater (RTT): the day of surgery [0] or thereafter [1]). The findings at resection site and pain were measured. RESULTS: 869 patients were included (183 TEmic; 686 TEtrad). PTH requiring RTT was not seen in the TEmic group on the day of surgery (R0) while PTH requiring RTT subsequently (R1) was seen in 1.1% of the cases. In the TEmic group, hemorrhages without a need for surgical control were observed in 0.6% (N0) and 3.4% (N1), respectively. The corresponding rates for TEtrad were as follows: R0, 0.3%; R1, 1.7%; N0, 0.6%; and N1, 3.6% (p > 0.05). Postoperative edema and local infection at resection site were proven to be predictive of PTH (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Microscope assistance in tonsillectomy did not statistically have an influence on the PTH even though there was a trend towards lower PTH rate in the TEmic group. Benefit for TEmic was observed in high-volume and long experienced surgeons.

Continuous positive air pressure improves orthonasal olfactory function of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might be affected by olfactory impairment. However, more evidence is needed on the effect that OSA has on the chemical senses (olfaction and gustatory) of these patients, and whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment might help to reverse possible impairment. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with 44 OSA patients (17 female and 27 male, mean age 54 ± 9.9 years) who were diagnosed via polysomnography and eligible for CPAP treatment. Orthonasal olfactory and gustatory function was measured with the extended Sniffin' Sticks test battery and "taste strips," respectively, before and after CPAP treatment. RESULTS: Baseline olfaction was decreased in OSA patients and after CPAP therapy olfactory scores (odor threshold-discrimination-identification score [TDI]: baseline 29.4 ± 4.11 after CPAP 32.3 ± 4.82; p = 0.001; odor threshold [THR]: baseline 5.28 ± 1.69 after CPAP 6.78 ± 2.61; p = 0.000; odor identification [ID]: baseline 12.9 ± 1.95 after CPAP 13.6 ± 1.33; p = 0.013) improved significantly. In contrast, neither baseline taste function in OSA patients nor gustatory function after treatment seemed to be affected. CONCLUSION: Orthonasal olfactory function in patients with OSA improves under CPAP therapy; however, gustatory function is not impaired in OSA patients.

Hyperplasia and the degree and activity of inflammation in chronic recurrent tonsillitis: a histopathological study.

Postoperative haemorrhage following tonsillectomy occurs in 5.98% of all cases with up to 10 deaths reported annually in Germany. When comparing tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT), the same long-term frequency of ENT infections is displayed in children and young adults. However, taking postoperative haemorrhaging into account, TT is more favourable. Chronic tonsillitis is one of the most common indications for TE in the adult population; however, a histopathological characterization may reveal objective criteria and provide a foundation for routinely performing TT in adults too. Three essential parameters hyperplasia (HP), grade of inflammation (GOI) and activity of inflammation (AOI), which are responsible for, and associated with a clinically relevant disease were histopathologically examined in the tonsils of 100 adult patients with chronic recurrent tonsillitis. The parameters were analysed and compared separately in the pharyngeal and basal parts of the tonsils as well as in three sections (upper and lower pole of the tonsil, middle part) as this may influence the indication for TT. The comparison of the basal and pharyngeal portions displayed a significant difference in the GOI and the HP in all three sections: grade 2 HP as well as GOI were more commonly found in the basal than pharyngeal portions (p > 0.001). AOI (grade 2) displayed the same properties in the middle section (p < 0.002), but did not reach statistical significance in the cranial and caudal sections (p = 0.107 and p = 0.186). An overabundance of grade 1 GOI, AOI, and HP was seen in the pharyngeal sections. The results show that two out of three relevant parameters that demonstrate histopathological changes in recurrent inflamed tonsils have a significantly stronger presence in the basal section of the tonsil as opposed to the pharyngeal section. The processes initiated by inflammation next to the surface responsible for a clinically relevant recurrent tonsillitis seem to cause stronger reactions in the deep follicular portion of the tonsils.

Reduction of Radiation Dosage in Visualization of Paranasal Sinuses in Daily Routine.

Background. Preoperative imaging of the nose and paranasal sinus is standard in otorhinolaryngology. Previous studies on phantoms demonstrated the potential for dose reduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by varying the application parameters. Methodology. Based on previous studies, the standard protocol of paranasal sinus imaging by CBCT was altered. One hundred and fifty examinations using the old protocol (01/2010-01/2011, high dosage) and 150 examinations using the new protocol (09/2012-09/2013, low dosage) were evaluated and compared for the visibility of 17 anatomical structures, the Lund-Mackay Score, and technical parameters. Results. Alteration of the protocol resulted in a significant reduction in dosage (6.64 mGy versus 2.88 mGy). Both groups showed the same amount of pathology (Lund-Mackay Score: 4.95 ± 3.79 versus 5.26 ± 5.77; p = 0.558). There was a significant better visibility of the anatomical structures (all visible = 1, nothing visible = 4) (results: 1.25 versus 1.17; p = 0.001) in the low-dosage group. Conclusion. Despite a significant reduction in the applied dosage, reliable visualization of the bony anatomy of the anterior skull base is possible by CBCT. This demonstrates the need for the discussion of the required clinical imaging quality.

Impact of Different Treatment Concepts on Regional Failure in Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer is complex and mostly requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. In general, organ preservation by primary concurrent radiochemotherapy (RCT), or surgery completed by adjuvant radiotherapy are established treatment strategies for these patients. However, it is unclear if primary treatment has an effect on regional tumor control. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the regional control after different treatment concepts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data, including histological and radiological results, of 82 patients with T2-T3 oropharyngeal cancer and N2 neck were retrospectively analyzed. They underwent either RCT with salvage neck dissection (ND) (n=45), or primary transoral surgery with ND and adjuvant RCT (n=37). In all cases, the primary tumor was successfully treated, without evidence of local failure in the follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 11 (13.4%) patients developed regional failure during the follow-up. There were no significant differences in frequency of regional failure (p=0.75), distant metastasis (p=0.35) and overall survival (p=0.22) between treatment groups. However, 5-year disease-free survival was significantly worse (39.0% vs. 57.0%) for patients treated by RCT, with more frequent regional failure detected compared to surgically-treated patients in univariate analysis (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Treatment concept does not seem to affect regional tumor control in advanced oropharyngeal cancer after successful treatment of the primary tumor.

Visualization of anatomy in normal and pathologic middle ears by cone beam CT.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, syn. digital volume tomography = DVT) was introduced into ENT imaging more than 10 years ago. The main focus was on imaging of the paranasal sinuses and traumatology of the mid face. In recent years, it has also been used in imaging of chronic ear diseases (especially in visualizing middle and inner ear implants), but an exact description of the advantages and limitations of visualizing precise anatomy in a relevant number of patients is still missing. The data sets of CBCT imaging of the middle and inner ear of 204 patients were analyzed regarding the visualization of 18 different anatomic structures. A three-step scale (excellent visible, partial visible, not visible) was taken. All analyses were performed by two surgeons experienced in otology and imaging. The indications for imaging were chronic middle ear disease or conductive hearing loss. Previously operated patients were excluded to rule out possible confounders. In dependence of a radiological pathology/opacity of the middle ear, two groups (with and without pathology) were built. Regarding the possibility of excellent visualization, significant differences were only found for small bony structures: incu-stapedial joint (25.8 vs. 63.5 %), long process of incus (42.7 vs. 88.8 %), head of stapes (27.0 vs. 62.6 %), anterior crus of stapes (16.9 vs. 40.9 %) and posterior crus of stapes (19.1 vs. 42.6 %). The other structures (semicircular canals, skull base at mastoid and middle ear, jugular bulb, sinus sigmoideus, facial nerve) could be visualized well in both groups with rates around 85-100 %. Even CBCT shows little limitations in visualization of the small structures of the middle and inner ear. Big bony structures can be visualized in normal as well as in pathologic ears. Overall, due to pathology of middle ear, an additional limitation of evaluation of the ossicular chain exists. In future, studies should focus on comparative evaluation of different diseases and different radiological modalities and be performed by radiologists and otologists together to improve the quality of reports and to answer clinical questions more satisfactorily.

Congenital Unilateral Agenesis of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Congenital unilateral agenesis of the parotid gland is a rare condition with only few cases reported in the literature. A review of 21 cases in the available literature is presented in this article. We report on a further case of a 34-year-old woman with agenesis of the left parotid gland and lipoma of the right cheek. Clinicopathological characteristics of described cases in the literature were discussed.

Treatment of large tracheal defects after resection: Laryngotracheal release and tracheal replacement.

OBJECTIVE: Resection with direct tracheal or laryngotracheal anastomosis is the standard procedure employed for treatment of benign stenosis or occasionally primary or secondary tracheal malignancy. DATA SOURCES: Literature review. RESULTS: A tracheal anastomosis usually heals without complications provided that the ends being joined are adequately supplied with blood, an atraumatic suturing technique is used, and the anastomosis does not become infected. It is especially important that the anastomosis is not subjected to tension. CONCLUSION: Various techniques of laryngeal and tracheal release serve to reduce the tension on the anastomosis by mobilizing and reducing the distance between the two segments to be approximated. These techniques can be used in different combinations depending on situation encountered during surgery. In cases where more than 50% of the tracheal length must be excised, prosthetic replacements, autologous tissue transfer and allografts are required. All present various problems. The use of tissue-engineering techniques utilizing autologous stem cells has opened new perspectives for tracheal replacement. Such procedures are still in an experimental state.

Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Collective International Review.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the head and neck is a well-recognized pathologic entity that rarely occurs in the larynx. Although the 5-year locoregional control rates are high, distant metastasis has a tendency to appear more than 5 years post treatment. Because AdCC of the larynx is uncommon, it is difficult to standardize a treatment protocol. One of the controversial points is the decision whether or not to perform an elective neck dissection on these patients. Because there is contradictory information about this issue, we have critically reviewed the literature from 1912 to 2015 on all reported cases of AdCC of the larynx in order to clarify this issue. During the most recent period of our review (1991-2015) with a more exact diagnosis of the tumor histology, 142 cases were observed of AdCC of the larynx, of which 91 patients had data pertaining to lymph node status. Eleven of the 91 patients (12.1%) had nodal metastasis and, based on this low proportion of patients, routine elective neck dissection is therefore not recommended.

Extent of Salvage Neck Dissection in Advanced Oro- and Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary radiochemotherapy (RCT) is becoming increasingly important in patients with oro- and hypopharyngeal cancer. However, debate exists on the extent of salvage neck dissection (ND) in those patients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the regional control after salvage ND. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical, histological and radiological data, results of 51 patients with oro- or hypopharyngeal cancer and N2 neck who underwent selective ND in case of radiological evidence of residual neck disease, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether 52 metastases were detected in 20 (39.2%) patients by histological examination. They were localized in level II (n=23), III (n=13), IV (n=11) and V (n=5). Regional recurrence occurred in 4 patients (7.8%) in previous dissected neck levels in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Selective ND of suspicious neck levels for residual disease after RCT of oro- and hypopharyngeal cancer seems to be a sufficient treatment.

Oncological and surgical outcome of total laryngectomy in combination with neck dissection in the elderly.

There are controversial data on oncological and surgical outcome after major head and neck cancer surgery in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of elderly cancer patients after total laryngectomy in combination with neck dissection. A total of 58 patients separated into two age groups (28 < 65 vs. 30 ≥ 65 years) with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer who underwent total laryngectomy and neck dissection were enrolled. Comorbidities of both age groups using the Charlson comorbidity index, hospitalization days as well as surgical complications evaluated by the Clavien-Dindo classification were examined. Overall and disease-free survivals of all patients were analyzed. The average follow-up was 2.9 years. Surgical complication rate was significantly increased in elderly (p = 0.04). However, complications could be treated without surgical intervention in most cases without significant extension of hospitalization. Locoregional and distant control did not significantly differ in both age groups. Disease-free and overall survival showed no significant differences for the two age groups by the Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.66 and 0.08, respectively). Total laryngectomy in combination with neck dissection can be considered in elderly patients with satisfactory oncological and surgical outcome.