Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes about the management of dental trauma among ear, nose and throat physicians.

PURPOSE: Ear, nose and throat physicians (ENTp) encounter dental trauma (DT) when patients refer to the emergency department, as well as during operations such as tonsillectomy and suspension laryngoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and knowledge of ENTp about managing DT, and motivation for further education. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional observational survey on a sample of ENTp from 15 different private/public hospitals. A questionnaire of 22 questions was divided into three parts: the level of professional experience and the frequency of encountering DT; specific questions on the management of DT; self-assessment of educational approach and level of knowledge regarding DT. RESULTS: A total of 128 surveys were accomplished and included in the evaluation. A larger percentage (96.9%) of the participants have experienced at least one case in the practice, and one-third (31.3%) have encountered more than ten DT cases. Although the duration of experience significantly affected the total number of correct responses to knowledge and attitudes regarding DT questions (p:0.028), more than half of the participants (44.38%) responded incorrectly to the questions. The majority of participants (97.7%) stated that they had no education on DT, and 90.6% were willing to receive DT training. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study emphasize the deficiency of ENTp' knowledge level about the management of DT. In addition, results demonstrated the enthusiasm of ENTp for further training, which can contribute to the requirement of education for providing appropriate management of DT cases.

Efficacy of Low Mandible Maneuver on Mutational Falsetto.

OBJECTIVES: Mutational falsetto (MF) is a functional voice disorder involving failure to transition from the high-pitched voice of childhood to the lower-pitched voice of adolescence and adulthood. The low mandible maneuver (LMM) is used by professional singers to relax the larynx and expand the resonance space. It relaxes suprahyoid muscles and pushes the larynx backwards, so it can be used as a therapy for MF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 20 MF patients treated by the LMM were analyzed in this study. All of the patients were asked to complete the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) before the first session, and again 2 weeks after the second visit. The Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain (GRBAS) scale scores and fundamental frequency (F0) were analyzed for each patient. RESULTS: All except 1 patient reported that they completed the exercises without difficulty; the patient who did not perform the exercises cited reasons other than their difficulty. Only 2 patients failed to transition from MF to a lower-pitched voice. The GRBAS scale scores (all parameters) differed significantly between the first and second sessions. The VHI-10 score also changed, i.e., self-perceived voice quality was improved significantly, as was the F0. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the LMM is an efficient and rapid technique for treating MF patients and shows high patient compliance.

The Predictive Value of Proportional Evaluation Based on the Metabolic Activity of Cervical Lymph Nodes on PET/CT Imaging in Patients with Larynx Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the proportional values of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for cervical lymph nodes on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for prediction of the presence of metastasis in patients with larynx squamous cell cancer (LSCC). METHODS: This retrospective study involved 43 patients with LSCC. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor and neck dissection within 4 weeks after undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the lymph node SUVmax/primary tumor SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT), lymph node SUVmax/aortic SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA), and lymph node SUVmax/ liver SUVmax (SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL) ratios for diagnosis of lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA, SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL, and SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT rates were significantly higher in metastatic lymph nodes compared to non-metastatic nodes. ROC analysis for metastasis showed that the cut-off thresholds were 3.87 for SUVmaxLN; 1.78 for SUVmaxLN /SUVmaxA; 1.08 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL; and 0.36 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and AUC were 83.7%, 77%, 0.856 for SUVmaxLN; 79.7%, 84%, 1.78 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA; 84.1%, 76%, 0.833 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL; and 53.6%, 76%, 0.666 for SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT, respectively. CONCLUSION: SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxA, SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxL, and SUVmaxLN/SUVmaxPT ratios can be safely used for diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with LSCC.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Hilotherapy for Postoperative Edema, Ecchymosis, and Pain After Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Edema and ecchymosis are among the most important morbidities after rhinoplasty. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of hilotherapy application compared with traditional ice applications after rhinoplasty in terms of periorbital edema, ecchymosis, and pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients (35 women and 25 men) had undergone primary rhinoplasty with the same surgeon. In the postoperative period, 30 patients in the study group received continuous cooling at 15°C using Hilotherm (Hilotherm GmbH, Argenbühl-Eisenharz, Germany), and 30 patients in the control group were treated with conventional cryotherapy with ice packs. Both treatments started within 45 minutes after the end of the surgery and were maintained for 24 hours. For the following 1 week, the patients were examined for edema, ecchymosis, and pain. RESULTS: When the postoperative periorbital region was evaluated for mean edema and mean ecchymosis for 7 days, less edema and less ecchymosis were detected in the Hilotherm group compared with that observed in the ice pack group (P < .001). When the mean pain scores were compared both morning and evening for 7 days, less pain had been recorded with Hilotherm application compared with ice application (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Hilotherapy is a useful method to prevent postoperative edema, ecchymosis, and pain compared with traditional ice application.

Comparison of the Olfactory Functions in Conventional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery to the Balloon Sinuplasty in Frontal Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Balloon sinuplasty is being used worldwide, however the olfactory functions after balloon sinuplasty are underestimated. The authors aimed to study the effects of conventional endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) compared to the balloon sinuplasty on olfactory function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups as ESS and balloon sinuplasty. The olfactory functions of each subject were recorded preoperatively and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively. RESULTS: The initial assessments of olfaction were the same in both groups. After the surgery, the olfactory functions were significantly better in those of ESS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The olfactory function is preserved better in the conventional surgery compared to the balloon catheter dilation of the frontal sinus.

Histopathological Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate and Primary Suturing for Tongue Lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: To enable tongue incisions to be repaired more easily, rapidly, and practically, particularly in pediatric patients by using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) tissue adhesive. METHODS: A single linear incision was made on the midline dorsal part of the tongue. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into the four groups: Group 1 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 5; group 2 (n = 6), OCA healing at day 21; group 3 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 5; group 4 (n = 6), Vicryl healing at day 21. In groups 1 and 2, OCA was applied to the incision site. The incisions of the rats in groups 3 and 4 were closed using Vicryl sutures. Histopathological examination was compared between and within the groups at day 5 and 21. RESULTS: The operation duration was significantly shorter with OCA than with Vicryl sutures(P < 0.001). Regarding the histopathological results, there were no differences between group 1 and group 3 in epithelial regeneration, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, edema, presence of giant cells, fibrin deposition, ulceration, abscess formation, and granulation tissue. However, moderate infiltration of acute inflammatory cells was significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 3. At day 5, the incidence of moderate foreign body residue was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 3. No difference was observed between group 2 and group 4 at day 21 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: OCA is a practical, rapid, and effective method for repairing tongue lacerations. Although infiltration by inflammatory cells and foreign bodies increased in the early period, the long-term results of OCA were indistinguishable from those of suturing.

Costal Cartilage and Costal Perichondrium Sandwich Graft in Septal Perforation Repair.

BACKGROUND: Repair of the septal perforation is a challenging procedure and there are many different surgical techniques. In this study, the authors present a novel method which the authors use costal cartilage and costal perichondrium sandwich graft as an interposition graft with bilateral opposing mucoperichondrial flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (5 females, 9 males) underwent septal perforation repair. All surgeries were performed through an open approach septoplasty technique. The edges of the perforation were incised to excise the mucosa with a thickness of 2 mm. Bilateral mucoperichondrial flaps were raised. Then costal cartilage and costal perichondrium were harvested from the rib. The cartilage was divided into a smaller piece which is 2 mm thick and 1 cm wider than perforation size. The prepared cartilage was wrapped with perichondrium to obtain a sandwich graft. This sandwich graft was placed between the mucoperichondrial flaps, corresponding to the perforation. RESULTS: After 9 months of follow-up, 11 (78%) of the 14 perforations were completely closed. Failure of the repair was observed in 3 patients; 2 of the perforations were medium size and one perforation was large size. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Using costal cartilage and costal perichondrium sandwich graft is a novel and useful technique especially in large septal perforations. Considering that septum surgery has an important role in the etiology of septum perforation, this method provides a good graft source for both perforation closure and simultaneous rhinoplasty surgery.

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on chronic subjective tinnitus.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic Subjective Tinnitus is a very highly prevalent disorder worldwide. There is no definitive treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the auricula for treating tinnitus using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). METHODS: The 60 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups of 20 patients. The first group (A) had one ear stimulated with TENS, and the second group (B) had both ears stimulated. Group C (placebo group) received no electrical or sound stimulation. All group patients received total of 10 sessions with a maximum of 4 days between the sessions. RESULTS: The THI and DASS scores decreased significantly after the treatment (p < 0.05). A significant difference was also observed between the groups after treatment (p < 0.05). While there was no difference between group A and B, it was shown that group C's post-treatment score was significantly higher than those of both groups (p < 0.05.) CONCLUSION: It is important to note that TENS has a therapeutic effect on subjective chronic tinnitus as well as a placebo effect.

Camouflage of the Nasal Dorsum in Thin-Skinned Patients with Diced Cartilage Combined with a New Cross-Linked Hyaluronan (NCH) Gel and Blood: A New Method.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal dorsum irregularities after rhinoplasty are still one of the most common complaints among both surgeons and patients. In this study, we used a new cross-linked hyaluronan (NCH) gel and blood mixture as the stabilisation scaffold. Diced cartilage combined with the NCH gel and blood mixture was used for nasal dorsum camouflage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two thin-skinned patients (29 females and 23 males) underwent primary rhinoplasty including nasal dorsum enhancement with diced cartilage combined with the NCH gel and blood mixture. The cartilage tissue was diced into small pieces; then, 1 cc NCH gel and blood were added into diced cartilage. The mixture was delivered onto the nasal dorsum via dorsal retractor. RESULTS: After 1 year of follow-up, there were no irregularities in the nasal dorsum area observed, nor any displacement or absorbance of the camouflage material. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: The use of diced cartilage combined with the NCH gel and blood is an effective, simple and safe method for nasal dorsum camouflage in thin-skinned patients in rhinoplasty. The NCH gel within the mixed graft also reduces adhesions at the osteotomy lines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of Olfactory Function and Quality of Life With Different Surgical Techniques for Nasal Septum Deviation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nasal functions, nasal resistance, olfactory function, and quality of life in different surgical techniques for nasal septum deviation STUDY DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This prospective controlled study was carried out on patients who underwent septoplasty. Patients participating in the study were divided into 2 groups; group 1: classic septoplasty (n: 25) and group 2: extracorporeal septoplasty (n: 14). The sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), peak nasal flowmetry, and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test were applied to all patients before and 8 weeks after surgery. Surgical outcomes also assessed to evaluate complications 6 months after surgery. RESULT: In total, 39 (27 males, 12 females) patients diagnosed with nasal septum deviation were included in this study. A septoplasty was performed in all patients: 25 of them (18 males, 7 females; mean age = 29.4 [range, 23-50] years) underwent classic septoplasties and 14 (9 males, 5 females; mean age = 31.3 [range, 23-50] years) underwent extracorporeal septoplasties. Airway openness was achieved in all patients. As a result, the SNOT-22 scores, peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter results, and smell function scores showed significant improvements (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: All corrective surgical methods for a septum deviation have positive effects on nasal airflow, quality of life, and olfaction. The rates of complications were not significantly different between 2 treatment groups.