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Background: In endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), surgical landmarks such as the maxillary line (ML) and the axilla of the middle turbinate (MT) guide the surgeon in identifying the lacrimal sac. The primary surgical risk associated with the classical technique, which involves directly opening the lacrimal sac, is the height of the bone drilling on the projection of the lateral wall of the nasal fossa. This poses a significant risk of damaging the orbit, the floor of the frontal sinus, and the anterior skull base. Furthermore, the anatomical variability in size and location of the lacrimal sac poses a risk for difficult and precise surgical identification. Recently, a 'retrograde' technique has been introduced to safely identify and expose the lacrimal sac. The aim of this study is to compare the results of retrograde DCR (rDCR) to a classic technique (clDCR), in terms of clinical recurrence and complications. Methods: A retrospective study on a cohort of 35 patients who underwent DCR at the ENT Department of the Modena University Hospital between January 2010 and October 2022 (18 clDCR and 17 rDCR) was performed. Minimum postoperative follow-up for inclusion was 12 months. We used the Fisher's exact test to compare the two techniques, comparing functional outcomes and clinical recurrence rates. Results: Clinical recurrence of nasolacrimal stenosis in clDCR patients was 50%, compared to 6% in those who underwent rDCR (p-value 0.005). Postoperative surgical complications were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: rDCR is a safe technique and has been shown to be a statistically more effective surgical technique than clDCR in reducing clinical recurrence rates.
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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We aimed to reach an Italian multidisciplinary consensus on some crucial aspects of treatment decision making in CRSwNP, following 2 years of clinical experience in order to support specialists in the management of CRSwNP in clinical practice. We addressed issues relating to therapeutic decision-making and shared criteria for the treatment choice, as well as appropriate timing and criteria for evaluating treatment response, and highlighted the need for repeated multidisciplinary assessments. RECENT FINDINGS: A national survey has been conducted recently to understand how rhinology practice has changed in Italy with the advent of biologics and how this affects patients with uncontrolled, severe CRSwNP. Despite the many published consensus documents, practical recommendations, and protocols on the use of biologics in CRSwNP, heterogenous behaviors in practice are still observed mainly conditioned by the novelty of the topic. The consensus procedure followed a modified Delphi approach. The scientific board included 18 otorhinolaryngologists and 8 allergists, who selected the 4 main topics to be addressed and developed overall 20 statements. Consensus on these statements was sought by a larger group of 48 additional experts, through two rounds of voting, the first web-based, the second in presence with discussion and possible refinement of the statements. The statements reaching an average score ≥ 7 at the second voting round were approved. Five statements were proposed for each of the following topics: baseline evaluation of patients eligible for biologic therapy; choice between different therapeutic options; assessment of the response to biologic treatment; multidisciplinary management. At the first voting round, 19 out of the 20 statements reached a mean score ≥ 7. Following the discussion and a few consequent amendments, at the second round of voting all the 20 statements were approved.
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Produtos Biológicos , Pólipos Nasais , Humanos , Consenso , Itália , Terapia Biológica , Produtos Biológicos/uso terapêutico , Pólipos Nasais/tratamento farmacológico , Doença CrônicaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To describe how the retrotympanic structures could influence the visibility of the round window niche and the round window membrane during cochlear implant surgery, and to investigate if a round window approach is possible even in cases with unfavourable anatomy. METHODS: Video recordings from 37 patients who underwent cochlear implantation were reviewed. The visibility of the round window niche and round window membrane at different timepoints was assessed according to a modified version of the Saint Thomas Hospital classification. The structures that concealed the round window niche and round window membrane were evaluated. RESULTS: After posterior tympanotomy, 54 per cent of cases had limited exposure (classes IIa, IIb and III) of the round window niche. After remodelling the retrotympanum, round window niche visibility significantly increased, with 100 per cent class I and IIa cases. Following remodelling of the round window niche, visibility of more than 50 per cent of the round window membrane surface was achieved in 100 per cent of cases. CONCLUSION: Remodelling the retrotympanum and the round window niche significantly increased exposure of the round window niche and round window membrane respectively, allowing round window insertion in all cases.
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Implante Coclear , Implantes Cocleares , Humanos , Janela da Cóclea/cirurgia , Janela da Cóclea/anatomia & histologia , Ventilação da Orelha Média , Gravação em VídeoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend that the vast majority of patients with severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) should have at least one endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) prior to starting biologics. Because ESS can be performed with a variable extension, the aim of this study would be to evaluate the association between surgical extensiveness, as measured by ACCESS score, and outcomes collected in patients treated with Dupilumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicentric retrospective study; patients affected by CRSwNP who were subjected to Dupilumab therapy and who underwent at least one ESS prior to Dupilumab initiation were included. ACCESS score was assigned to each patient's pre-Dupilumab CT scan. Subjective and objective parameters (SNOT-22, NPS, VAS scores, Sniffin' Sticks) were collected before and during the administration of therapy. Statistical correlations between ACCESS scores and clinical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included; mean time from last previous ESS was 68.6 months, and on average, patients were subjected to 2.2 surgeries. Many correlations with ACCESS scores were demonstrated: better NPS at all timepoints and subjective scores (30-days SNOT-22, VAS nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea) were achieved in patients with low ACCESS score (more extensive ESS). On the other hand, significantly worse VAS loss of smell values were demonstrated in patients with lower ACCESS scores. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab patients subjected to a prior extensive ESS may have reduced size of polyps and improved subjective indicators, together with a decreased chance to recover smell, when compared with patients who underwent a minimal excision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1556-1563, 2024.
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Anticorpos Monoclonais Humanizados , Pólipos Nasais , Rinite , Sinusite , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Rinite/complicações , Rinite/tratamento farmacológico , Rinite/cirurgia , Sinusite/complicações , Sinusite/tratamento farmacológico , Sinusite/cirurgia , Pólipos Nasais/complicações , Pólipos Nasais/tratamento farmacológico , Pólipos Nasais/cirurgia , Doença Crônica , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are rare soft tissue tumors, that account for 3%-5% of primary bone tumors with <2% occurring in the head and neck. The nasal cavity is a highly unusual site of presentation. We reviewed 15 cases of GCT of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. We add 1 case to the literature. The case herein reported, appears to be the second nasal fossa GCT described in the literature and the first documented case with multifocal localization. A case of multifocal GCT of the nasal cavity is described. Although rare in the general population, GCT should be included among the possibilities in the differential diagnosis when evaluating tumors of the head and neck. Management of this particular tumor remains challenging; surgical removal is still the gold standard treatment, preferring a minimally invasive trans-nasal approach to reduce intra and post-operative morbidity. Laryngoscope, 2023.
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Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a disease with a significant impact on quality of life. The overall goal of CRSwNP management, as with other chronic conditions, is to achieve "disease control", and for that reason, a definition of control of disease is pivotal in deciding the best treatment strategy. Although many staging systems have already been developed to evaluate the disease, disease control is not yet to be standardized, and a specific tool that is consistently applied and accepted by all practitioners is still missing in daily clinical practice. To gain an overview of the implementation and limitations of existing guidelines and to shed light on real-life definitions of control and disease severity, we conducted a nationwide survey of otorhinolaryngologists routinely treating CRSwNP to identify unmet clinical needs in Italy. The results showed homogeneous responses regarding the knowledge contained in international guidelines while highlighting the difficulty of their implementation in day-to-day practice. Respondents called attention to the importance of clinical symptoms, giving more weight to the patient's perspective. Among the symptoms to be considered, respondents emphasized nasal obstruction, followed by loss of sense of smell and rhinorrhea. Others also believe that the physician's perspective should be considered, and the inclusion of endoscopy as a measure of control was warranted by many. The need for a specific tool that is able to unequivocally ascertain disease control is increasingly pivotal in this new era of biologics for treating CRSwNP.
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OBJECTIVE: During the past decades, different methods have been described for anterior skull base reconstruction. Regarding larger skull base defects, few investigators have described the use of bone grafts to foster support and prevent frontal lobe sagging, herniation, or falling. The aim of this study is to describe the use of a rib bone graft, which could be an option in these cases due to its rigidity and dimensions. METHODS: We retrospectively collected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data at the last follow-up of 10 patients who underwent multilayer anterior skull base reconstruction, including rib bone graft, for large anterior cranial base defects at 2 tertiary care academic hospitals. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent endoscopic craniectomy for sinonasal malignancies, and the other two underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery for congenital meningoencephalocele. Anterior skull base defects measured on average 3.8 cm ± 0.9 SD antero-posteriorly (range 2.5-5 cm) and 2.3 ± 0.9 SD latero-laterally (range 0.9-4 cm). Multilayer reconstruction was performed in all cases, including a rib bone graft positioned as intracranial extradural layer. No patient experienced thoracic complications during the postoperative period. No side effects related to the bone graft or meningoencephalocele occurrence were reported after a mean follow-up of 8.0 ± 6.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a cortical rib bone graft could be a safe and effective option in skull base reconstruction when managing large defects after cancer removal.
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Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Base do Crânio/diagnóstico por imagem , Base do Crânio/cirurgia , Endoscopia/métodos , Costelas/cirurgiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology. METHODS: Following PRISMA statement recommendations, 338 abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Inclusion criteria were research articles of human patients affected by BFP, either central or peripheral; English, Italian, French or Spanish language; availability of the abstract, while exclusion criteria were topics unrelated to FP, and mention of unilateral or congenital FP. Only full-text articles reporting the diagnostic work-up, the management, and the prognosis of the BFP considered for further specific data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 143 articles were included, resulting a total of 326 patients with a mean age of 36 years. The most common type of the paralysis was peripheral (91.7%), and the autoimmune disease was the most frequent aetiology (31.3%). The mean time of onset after first symptoms was 12 days and most patients presented with a grade higher than III. Associated symptoms in idiopathic BFP were mostly non-specific. The most frequently positive laboratory exams were cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening and peripheral blood smear, and the most performed imaging was MRI. Most patients (74%) underwent exclusive medical treatment, while a minority were selected for a surgical or combined approach. Finally, in more than half of cases a complete bilateral recovery (60.3%) was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: BFP is a disabling condition. If a correct diagnosis is formulated, possibilities to recover are elevated and directly correlated to the administration of an adequate treatment.
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Doenças do Nervo Facial , Paralisia Facial , Humanos , Adulto , Paralisia Facial/etiologia , Paralisia Facial/terapia , Paralisia Facial/diagnóstico , Causalidade , Imageamento por Ressonância MagnéticaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Diffusion of endoscopic techniques for the resection of ethmoid bone malignancies through a transcribriform approach (TA) has raised new challenges regarding reconstruction options to reduce post-operative complications. Although there is consensus on the advantages of vascularized flaps over free grafts for large defects, no standard protocol exists on reconstruction procedures. In addition, although the pedicled nasoseptal flap has been extensively discussed, few studies have been published on extranasal pedicled flaps. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a detailed description of a reconstruction technique for large anterior skull base defects with the pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction. Moreover, patients treated with this approach were retrospectively assessed for post-operative complications. METHODS: A detailed description of the reconstruction procedure as performed in our departments is provided. Pictures depicting the main surgical steps are also included. In addition, preliminary functional results from a retrospective series of patients who underwent a TA and subsequent pericranial flap-based multilayer reconstruction for ethmoid roof malignancies between 2016 and 2022 at two institutional centers are reported. RESULTS: 16 patients were included in the study. Nine patients (56.3%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Two patients had a biochemically-confirmed postoperative CSF leak. Only one of the two patients required surgical revision. During follow-up (mean 13 months), no other early nor delayed complications were observed. CONCLUSION: A standardized surgical technique with pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction for large anterior skull base defects following resection of sinonasal malignancies is proposed, which appears to be a safe choice when endonasal flaps are not available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2942-2947, 2023.
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Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica , Neoplasias da Base do Crânio , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Base do Crânio/cirurgia , Retalhos Cirúrgicos/cirurgia , Endoscopia/métodos , Neoplasias da Base do Crânio/cirurgia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/epidemiologia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/etiologia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/cirurgiaRESUMO
Skull base reconstruction has been a widely debated issue. Both autologous and heterologous materials have been proposed, however the formers are usually preferred due to their optimal healing outcomes and integration. Nevertheless they are still associated with donor-site functional and aesthetic morbidity. The aim of this study is to report a preliminary experience of different sites defects skull base repair with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata graft. Patients who underwent reconstruction of skull base defects with Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata between January 2020 until July 2021 were included in the study. Three patients were finally identified for the study. Patient 1 underwent combined craniotomic-endoscopic surgical access for extended anterior skull base neoplasm with subsequent repair with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 2 underwent endoscopic transphenoidal surgery for sellar-parasellar neoplasm. After tumor debulking the surgical cavity was obliterated with homologous cadaver fascia lata. Patient 3 finally had politrauma with otic capsule-violating fracture with profused CSF leak. An endoscopic obliteration of external and middle ear was performed using homologous cadaver fascia lata with blind sac closure of external auditory canal. No graft displacement or reabsorption was observed in these patients at the last follow-up. Cadaver homologous banked fascia lata has proved safety, efficacy and ductility in reconstruction of different skull base defects. Level of Evidence: Level IV-retrospective cohort study.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the type of maintenance anesthesia on the bleeding conditions of the surgical field and hemodynamic parameters during endoscopic ear surgery (EES), comparing totally intravenous inhalational anesthesia (TIVA) with inhalational anesthesia (IA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifteen consecutive EES cases performed with TIVA between 2019 and 2020 at our Institution were matched to a control group of patients who underwent EES with IA in the same period. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists IV grade, acute otitis before surgery, congenital or acquired coagulopathies, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiaggregant or anticoagulant therapy in the 5 days before the intervention were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Both primary and revision tympanoplasty and stapes surgery were considered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical videos were reviewed to quantify the entity of bleeding according to the Modena Bleeding Score. Hemodynamic parameters during surgery were retrospectively collected. A comparison between the two groups was performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of bleeding were found at any of time point evaluated. The tympanomeatal flap elevation resulted in the bloodiest step in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data do not support a significant difference in bleeding conditions and hemodynamic parameters between EES patients receiving TIVA and those receiving IA. Further studies involving a higher number of patients will improve our understanding on how maintenance anesthesia with TIVA may be beneficial in terms of bleeding control as compared with IA for patients undergoing EES.
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Anestesia por Inalação , Endoscopia , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Anestesia por Inalação/métodos , Endoscopia/efeitos adversos , Endoscopia/métodos , HemorragiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate cholesteatoma's surgical outcomes in patients treated with endoscopic ear surgery (EES) or a combined endoscopic-microscopic approach (cEMA) according to STAM, STAMCO, ChOLE, and EAONO/JOS system (EJS) classifications and staging. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Monocentric study in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: One-hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent EES or cEMA for cholesteatoma between 2010 and 2018 were classified according to the abovementioned classification and staging. Data on cholesteatoma's recurrence and residual rates were collected. Inferential statistical analysis was performed to evaluate surgical outcomes and the prognostic value of classifications and staging. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was significantly lower in cholesteatomas classified in EJS stage 1 (2.6%) and STAM stage 1 (0%). A comparison of the different stages of the disease showed a significantly lower recurrence only for stage 1 versus the superior stages of both classifications. Involvement of mastoid bone was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (odds ratio [OR]: 4.12; p = .031). Attical involvement was associated with a higher risk of residual cholesteatoma (OR: 1.165; p = .046). CONCLUSION: EES or cEMA represents an effective treatment for middle ear cholesteatoma. The STAM classification and the EJS have shown a prognostic value, with STAM 1 and EAONO-JOS 1 stages associated with a better prognosis. Mastoid involvement represents a risk factor for recurrence. Attic localization is associated with residual disease. Localization at difficult access sites did not implicate a higher risk for recurrence or residual. ChOLE classification, Ossicular chain status, and complication status did not provide prognostic information regarding recurrence or residual cholesteatoma.
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Colesteatoma da Orelha Média , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Otológicos , Humanos , Timpanoplastia , Prognóstico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Colesteatoma da Orelha Média/cirurgia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Sinonasal neoplasms are uncommon diseases, characterized by heterogeneous biological behavior, which frequently results in challenges in differential diagnosis and treatment choice. The aim of this review was to examine the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumor initiation and growth, in order to better define diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as well as the prognostic impact of these rare neoplasms. A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria was conducted between September and November 2022. The authors considered the three main histological patterns of sinonasal tumors, namely Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma, and Olfactory Neuroblastoma. In total, 246 articles were eventually included in the analysis. The genetic and epigenetic changes underlying the oncogenic process were discussed, through a qualitative synthesis of the included studies. The identification of a comprehensive model of carcinogenesis for each sinonasal cancer subtype is needed, in order to pave the way toward tailored treatment approaches and improve survival for this rare and challenging group of cancers.
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Adenocarcinoma , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Neoplasias Nasais , Neoplasias dos Seios Paranasais , Seios Paranasais , Humanos , Adenocarcinoma/patologia , Neoplasias Nasais/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Nasais/genética , Neoplasias Nasais/terapia , Neoplasias dos Seios Paranasais/diagnóstico , Neoplasias dos Seios Paranasais/genética , Neoplasias dos Seios Paranasais/terapiaRESUMO
Axial sections from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging without contrast, showing a cone-shaped lesion of the internal auditory canal, extending toward the most lateral part of the cerebello-pontine angle. (A) T1-weighted high-resolution isotropic volume excitation (THRIVE) sequence; (B) T1-weighted sequence; (C) Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence. Laryngoscope, 133:282-286, 2023.
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Orelha Interna , Neuroma Acústico , Humanos , Neuroma Acústico/cirurgia , Neuroma Acústico/patologia , Endoscopia/métodos , Orelha Interna/patologia , Osso Petroso , Cerebelo , Imageamento por Ressonância MagnéticaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Expanded Transcanal Transpromontorial Approach (ExpTTA) is an endomicroscopic technique that allow surgical excision of small and symptomatic neuromas limited to the internal auditory canal (IAC) or minimally invasive the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). ExpTTA is a safer alternative to the exclusive endoscopic technique as it allows a wider surgical field and better management of the auditory porus and CPA. METHODS: We report a retrospective case series of 34 patients who underwent ExpTTA between 2017 and 2022 at the ENT Departments of the University Hospital of Modena, Bologna and Verona. Tumor size was defined according to the Koos staging and hearing function was classified according to the AAOHNS. A clinical evaluation of facial nerve (FN) function was performed using the House and Brackman scale (HBs). RESULTS: Our cohort consists of 34 patients. At time of surgery all patients had a normal preoperative facial function. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients, without intraoperative complications, and FN continuity was preserved in all cases. No major complications were observed. Regarding post-operative FN function, at hospital discharge ten patients had impairment equal or greater than IV grade according to H&Bs. At 6 months after surgery only two patients presented with moderate/severe facial paralysis (grade IV H&Bs) and finally at 12-month follow-up all patients had a satisfactory recovery of nervous function (grade < III H&Bs). CONCLUSIONS: ExpTTA is a safe and effectively technique for treatment of small VS (Koos I, II and selected cases of Koos III) with low postoperative morbidity.
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Orelha Interna , Neuroma Acústico , Humanos , Neuroma Acústico/cirurgia , Neuroma Acústico/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Orelha Interna/cirurgia , Endoscopia/métodos , Nervo Facial/cirurgiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To retrospectively evaluate oncological outcomes in two groups of patients with pT4aN0 glottic SCC treated with total laryngectomy (TL) and neck dissection (ND) who underwent postoperative radiotherapy or exclusive clinical and radiological follow-up. METHODS: It includes patients with pT4N0 glottic SCC who underwent TL and unilateral or bilateral ND with or without PORT. Divided in two comparison groups: the first group underwent adjuvant RT (TL-PORT); the second group referred to clinical and radiological follow-up (TL). RESULTS: PORT was associated with a better OS while no differences were found in terms of DSS. A better local control is achieved when PORT is administered while no differences in terms of regional and distant control rates were found. Bilateral ND positively impacts on the regional control while the PNI negatively impact the regional control. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored PORT protocol might be considered for pT4N0 glottic SCC treated with TL and ND, both considering the ND's extent and presence of PNI.
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Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Neoplasias Laríngeas , Humanos , Neoplasias Laríngeas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Laríngeas/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Laringectomia/métodos , Esvaziamento Cervical/métodos , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/cirurgia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Glote/cirurgia , Glote/patologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologiaRESUMO
This systematic review aims to (a) define what instruments are available to measure quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media (COM) and what is the most commonly selected timing to do so; (b) compare outcomes from different surgical techniques; and (c) describe any reported correlation between subjective and functional results. This review was conducted following the PRISMA statement recommendations. Of the 151 articles screened, 24 were included. Most studies had a prospective design. The mean age at surgery was 44.5 years. A microscopic retroauricular approach was the most common surgical technique. Most articles included both primary and revision surgeries. The most commonly used questionnaire was the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), followed by the Chronic Ear Survey (CES), the Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test 15 (COMOT-15) and the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21). Questionnaires were administered about 12 months after surgery in most studies. Ten studies reported possible associations between hearing results and QoL. QoL assessment after COM surgery variably relies on disease-specific and non-specific questionnaires. Patients are usually evaluated 12 months after surgery, and this appears to be a suitable timing to contrast the possible bias effect of different tympanoplasty techniques associated with different healing times. A comparison between QoL outcomes in different surgical approaches cannot be made, as several influencing factors have not been detailed in the included studies. Few studies have investigated the correlation between subjective and objective outcomes of tympanoplasty for COM so far.
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The Rationale: Foreign body (FB) in the nasal cavities is a frequent cause of otolaryngology emergency consultation that sometimes requires surgical treatment. When there is involvement of the posterolateral wall of the maxillary sinus (MS) and of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF), conventional techniques such as antrostomy and medial endoscopic maxillectomy may not allow sufficient domination of the surgical field. Patient Concerns: We report the case of a woman who suffered from intranasal trauma with epistaxis and pain. Diagnosis: A computed tomography scan revealed a metallic FB at the level of the right posterolateral wall of the MS, PPF, and greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Treatment and Outcome: A minimally invasive transnasal endoscopic prelacrimal approach was chosen for its removal. Take-away Lessons: The postoperative recovery was rapid and without complication.
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INTRODUCTION: Ossiculoplasty is aimed at improving or maintaining the conductive portion of hearing in patients subjected to otologic surgery. However, satisfying hearing is frequently observed after tympanoplasty even in the absence of ossicular chain reconstruction. Aims of this article would be to evaluate hearing outcomes, in terms of pure tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG), in patients subjected to tympanoplasty for middle ear disease whose ossicular chain has not been reconstructed, and then to investigate factors influencing those outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ear surgery from year 2003 to 2021 at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery department of the University Hospital of Modena was performed. Audiometric test results from patients who did not receive any ossicular chain reconstruction were collected and analyzed. SETTING: Tertiary University referral center. RESULTS: The mean patients' follow-up was 34.1 months. Overall, mean PTA-ABG in the study population was 23.5 dB. Integrity of stapes superstructure, malleus handle and malleus head, together with the use of tragal cartilage graft over autologous temporalis fascia to reconstruct the tympanic membrane were found to be significantly associated with better hearing outcomes, as demonstrated by lower PTA-ABG values. Stapes superstructure was found to be associated with more favorable outcomes in multivariate analysis, net of confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Good hearing performance can be obtained in patients subjected to middle ear surgery, even if the ossicular chain is not reconstructed. Presence of ossicular chain remnants and the use of a rigid material for tympanic membrane reconstruction are the factors that seem to most favorably influence hearing outcomes after surgery for middle ear disease.