The Long Term Results of Hyaluronic Acid/Dextranomer Injection Laryngoplasty in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to present the long-term functional outcomes of injection laryngoplasty (IL) with hyaluronic acid/dextranomer (HA/D) in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). METHODS: A total of 40 patients who underwent HA/D injection for UVFP were enrolled. The acoustic analysis of the voice was evaluated with jitter percentage, shimmer percentage, maximum phonation time, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and fundamental frequency. The psychosocial effect of the voice was determined using the Voice Handicap Index-10. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing was performed and 2 scales were used for quantification: a modified penetration-aspiration scale and a dysphagia score. All measurements were performed at preoperative day and postoperative months 1, 6, and 24. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed for all of the evaluated parameters except the maximum phonation time for postoperative months 1, 6, and 24 (P < .05). In the evaluation of the maximum phonation time, although there was a significant improvement for the postoperative months 1 and 6, no significant difference was observed between the postoperative 24th month and the preoperative value. CONCLUSIONS: HA/D injection laryngoplasty is an effective method both in the short- and long-term to improve voice and swallowing functions in patients with UVFP.

Effect of the povidone iodine, hypertonic alkaline solution and saline nasal lavage on nasopharyngeal viral load in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the in vivo activity of nasal irrigation (NI) with saline, NI with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) 1%, NI with a mix of hypertonic alkaline and PVP-I 1% against Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). DESIGN: This study was a prospective randomised clinical trial. SETTING: A multicenter study involving tertiary care centres. PARTICIPANTS: The study included adult outpatients whose qualitative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests in nasopharyngeal swabs were positive. One hundred twenty patients were divided into four equal groups. Standard COVID-19 treatment was given to Group 1, NI containing saline was added to patients' treatment in Group 2, NI containing 1% PVP-I solution was added to patients' treatment in Group 3, and NI containing 1% PVP-I solution and the hypertonic alkaline solution was added to patients' treatment in Group 4. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: On the first day of diagnosis (Day 0), nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken, on the third and fifth days the nasopharyngeal viral load (NVL) reduction in quantitative RT-PCR test was calculated. RESULTS: Between the zeroth to third days and zeroth to fifth days, the NVL reduction was significant in all groups (p < .05). In paired comparisons of groups, the NVL decrease in Group 4 in the first 3 days was significantly lower than all groups (p < .05). The NVL decrease in Groups 3 and 4 in the first 5 days were significantly lower than Group 1 (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the use of NI of 1% PVP-I and the hypertonic alkaline solution mixture was more effective in reducing NVL.

Development of an Animal Model for Type II Sulcus (Sulcus Vergeture).

OBJECTIVES: To develop a reproducible experimental animal model for sulcus vergeture in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental animal study. MATERIAL METHOD: We evaluated three methods of inducing sulcus in twelve New Zealand white rabbits to produce a sulcus model. Experimental groups comprised: group 1 (n = 4) underwent submucosal injury following endolaryngeal epithelial incision; group 2 (n = 4) received submucosal injury via thyrotomy; group 3 (n = 4) received submucosal injury via thyrotomy, followed with horizontal mucosal lateralization suture. Right vocal folds of the rabbits underwent surgery to produce sulcus vocalis and left vocal folds were used for the comparison. In the sixth week after the procedure, the rabbits were sacrificed and the larynxes were harvested and analyzed histopathologically. RESULTS: No animals in group 1 or 2 developed sulcus vocalis. Sulcus formation was observed in all rabbits in group 3, under endoscopic examination and microscopic sulcus formation was demonstrated for the first, second, and third rabbits. An epithelial depression area was seen at the glandular ductal opening zone for the fourth rabbit, but it could also be accepted as a sulcus formation. CONCLUSION: We successfully developed a reproducible survival model for sulcus using a submucosal injury via thyrotomy, followed with a horizontal mucosal lateralization suture. This model provides the groundwork for future research into the applicability of new approaches for sulcus management.

The Comparison of Narrow Band Imaging, White Light Laryngoscopy and Videolaryngostroboscopy in the Evaluation of Benign Vocal Fold Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was comparing the diagnostic role of the white light (WL) endoscopy, video laryngostroboscopy (VLS), and narrow-band imaging (NBI) in the evaluation of the benign vocal fold lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2018 to June 2019, a total of 118 cases were enrolled in this study. Ninety-eight patients were suspected with vocal fold nodules, cysts, polyps, and sulcus vocalis and 20 patients without a history of dysphonia. Each patient was examined by WL, VLS, and NBI endoscopy. Recorded images and videos were analyzed and scored by three otorhinolaryngologists who had at least 3 years of experience in phoniatrics field. The evaluation results were compared between the methods and the physicians. RESULTS: A total of 118 cases were grouped by their confirmed diagnosis, vocal fold nodules (n = 28), vocal fold cyst (n = 24), vocal fold polyp (n = 9), and sulcus vocalis (n = 37). When the correct diagnosis rates of the physicians were compared, the statistical significance was found between the physicians in the WL and VLS method (P= 0.014, P= 0.027). No statistically significant difference was found among physicians in NBI method (P = 0.368). The difference between the diagnostic methods was found to be statistically significant in reaching the accurate diagnosis for benign vocal fold lesions (P< 0.001). While the difference between NBI-WL and VLS-WL was statistically significant (P< 0.001 and P< 0.001). The difference between NBI-VLS was not statistically significant while evaluating the vocal fold nodules, cysts, and sulcus vocalis separately (P= 0.102, P = 0.026, P = 0.157). Otherwise, it was statistically significant (P= 0.002) while evaluating total benign lesions in the study. The difference between NBI-VLS combination and VLS, NBI-VLS combination and VLS-WL combination were statistically significant (P< 0.001 and P= 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that NBI assessments have similar accuracy and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to VLS and have a higher value than WL endoscopy in reaching the diagnosis for benign vocal fold lesions. Therefore, NBI can be accepted as a promising approach to identify benign laryngeal lesions due to its optical properties.

Functional Outcomes of the Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Patients Who Underwent Partial Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid injection on dysphagia, aspiration, and voice problems in patients with persistent functional problems despite appropriate rehabilitation after partial laryngectomy. METHODS: Seventeen patients who underwent hyaluronic acid injection due to persistent swallowing, aspiration, and voice problems after partial laryngectomy surgery were included in the study. The hyaluronic acid injection was performed after 2 years of follow-up after partial laryngectomy surgery. Evaluation of swallowing was performed through a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and was quantified using two scales: a dysphagia score and a modified penetration-aspiration scale. Voice Handicap Index-10 was used for the determination of the psychosocial handicapping effects of the voice. Jitter percent, shimmer percent, fundamental frequency, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and maximum phonation time were evaluated for the acoustic analysis of the voice. All measurements were performed at preoperative day and postoperative months 1, 6, and 24. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed for all of the evaluated parameters except the harmonics-to-noise ratio for postoperative months 1 and 6 (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative sixth month and the preoperative value of the harmonics-to-noise ratio. A statistically significant improvement was observed between the postoperative 24th month and preoperatively for jitter percent, shimmer percent, fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, dysphagia, and penetration aspiration score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical rehabilitation should be considered along with conservative treatments to improve swallowing and voice function after partial laryngectomy. Hyaluronic acid injection may be an effective method both in the short and long term for the surgical rehabilitation of persisting functional problems that may occur following partial laryngectomies.

Effects of hypertonic alkaline nasal irrigation on COVID-19.

Objective: The causative agent of COVID-19 is a novel member of coronaviridaes, SARS-CoV-2. It has been reported that the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is responsible of infectivity. The S protein is demonstrated to be inactivated under environmental condition, such as hypertonicity and alkaline pH. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of hypertonic alkaline nasal irrigation (HANI) on SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Sixty patients divided into two groups. The patients in Group 1 used hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and the patients in Group 2 used HCQ and HANI. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected at the beginning, on 3rd and 7th day of the PCR test positivity. The nasopharyngeal viral load (NVL) changes analyzed with quantitative PCR. Results: NVL decrease in weekly period was statistically significant for both groups, when the difference between NVL day 0 and 3rd in Group 1 and NVL difference between day 0 and 3rd in Group 2 were compared. The difference between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of NVL change was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We demonstrated a significant decrease in nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 load with HANI solution and suggest that HANI may be promising modality for the COVID-19 treatment. Level of evidence: IB.

The Use of Three-Dimensional Printed Technology for Mandibular Reconstruction in a Rare Case of Giant Odontogenic Myxofibroma.

ABSTRACT: Odontogenic myxofibroma is a benign odontogenic tumor of mesenchymal tissue that generally originates from the mandible. It is an extremely rare tumor accounting for approximately 2% of all odontogenic tumors. In this report, the authors presented a giant right mandibular mass that extends to the angle of the mandible and displacing the tongue laterally caused significant malocclusion, pain, and impaired oral intake. The tumoral involvement of the mandibula required a partial mandibulectomy with the resection of right mandibular ramus, body, and bilateral parasymphysis. Right mandibular condyle was preserved. The mandibular defect was reconstructed with a fibula free flap. Three-dimensional printed maxillofacial bone model of the patient was used as contour modeling and guide. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis as odontogenic myxofibroma.The purpose of the report is to present a very rare case of odontogenic myxofibroma and its general characteristics, radiological features, differential diagnosis, surgical management, and the use of three-dimensional printing technology in the field of mandibular reconstruction.

Decellularization of Trachea With Combined Techniques for Tissue-Engineered Trachea Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to shorten the decellularization time of trachea by using combination of physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques. METHODS: Approximately 3.5-cm-long tracheal segments from 42 New Zealand rabbits (3.5±0.5 kg) were separated into seven groups according to decellularization protocols. After decellularization, cellular regions, matrix and strength and endurance of the scaffold were followed up. RESULTS: DNA content in all groups was measured under 50 ng/mg and there was no significant difference for the glycosaminoglycan content between group 3 (lyophilization+deoxycholic acid+de-oxyribonuclease method) and control group (P=0.46). None of the decellularized groups was different than the normal trachea in tensile stress values (P>0.05). Glucose consumption and lactic acid levels measured from supernatants of all decellularized groups were close to group with cells only (76 mg/dL and 53 mg/L). CONCLUSION: Using combination methods may reduce exposure to chemicals, prevent the excessive influence of the matrix, and shorten the decellularization time.

Diagnosis and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: Use of empirical lansoprazole.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of empirical medical treatment in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease by scoring the findings and symptoms. Hence, 122 patients were examined at the voice laboratory with a laryngovideostroboscopic device, and all results were recorded for further evaluation. Patients were treated with lansoprazole twice a day. All patients were evaluated before and during the treatment period at the first and third months. The reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) records were correlated and statistically tested to confirm a diagnosis of LPR. The results revealed a significant improvement in the findings and symptoms due to this treatment modality and showed that RFS and RSI were correlated with LPR disease, which can help confirm its diagnosis. Findings and symptom scores before and after the treatment were compared. The differences were statistically significant, which strengthens the reliability of the score indices that were used. This study shows that RFS, RSI, and empirical treatment may be a useful, practical method of diagnosing and following up on LPR. We concluded that it is more efficient to score symptoms and findings together, instead of monitoring pH for 24 hours, in patients with potential LPR.

Effect of Turbinate Intervention on Nasal Functions in Septorhinoplasty Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of inferior turbinate reduction on nasal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty (SRP) operation were included in the study and assigned into 2 groups as group I who received inferior turbinate reduction during SRP operation consisted of 17 patients and the group II who consisted of 15 patients without inferior turbinate reduction. For 2 groups before and after surgery, visual analogue score and findings of the acoustic rhinometry were recorded both before and after decongestion of the nasal mucosa. RESULTS: Postoperative mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores revealed a statistically significant reduction compared with preoperative values on right and left side of the nasal cavity, both before and after topical decongestion in group I (P < 0.005). Also in group II, the differences of VAS scores for both sides before and after topical decongestion were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, the increase of the volume measurements at the level of pyriform sinüs (VOL2) value on the right side of the nasal cavity before and after decongestion and volume measurements at the level of the nasal valve (VOL1) values on both sides after topical decongestion were found to be statistically significant in group I. When the VAS scores and acoustic rhinometry measurements of group I and group II patients were compared the difference, for before and after topical decongestion, postoperative mean MCA1 (minimal cross-sectional area at the level of the nasal valve) values for left side and right side of nasal cavity were higher in group I than group II and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, in the SRP operations, turbinoplasty should be implemented by taking into account the function as well as aesthetic concern. Similar results were obtained in other studies that were carried on.

Effect of Spreader Graft on Nasal Functions in Septorhinoplasty Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to investigate the effect of spreader grafts on nasal function in septorhinoplasty (SRP). METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted. Thirty patients who underwent SRP operation between October 2011 and January 2013 were divided into 2 equal groups randomly. Fifteen patients underwent SRP surgery without spreader graft technique (Group I) and 15 patients underwent SRP surgery with spreader grafts (Group II). Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included visual analog score (VAS) and acoustic rhinometry test. RESULTS: Visual analog scores and acoustic rhinometry measurements of Group I and Group II patients were compared. Statistically significant difference was found for VAS scores of both the sides of the nasal cavity (both before and after topical decongestion) (P < 0.05), except for the VAS on the right side of the nasal cavity before decongestion (P > 0.05). On acoustic rhinometry test the difference was statistically significant for minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and volumetric values (VOL)-MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2 values on the left side of the nasal cavity (both before and after topical decongestion) (P < 0.05) but not on the right side of the nasal cavity (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Performing spreader graft technique in SRP surgery can prevent the narrowing of the internal nasal valve area after surgery and maintain adequate airway for respiration.

Evaluation of life quality, self-confidence and sexual functions in patients with total and partial laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: In this study patients who have undergone partial (PL) or total laryngectomy (TL) were evaluated for life quality, self-esteem and sexual dysfunctions. METHODS: 108 patients who received TL or PL without tracheostoma were included in this study. During patient interview, sociodemographical data form, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Life Questionnaire Core 30 Items, Cancer and Head and Neck module-35 Items (EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35) were filled and patients were also asked to fill in Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) forms. RESULTS: Depression and anxiety scores and points taken from RSES were significantly different between TL and PL patients (p=0.045, p=0.041 and p=0.006 respectively). Although the difference was not significant in ASEX (p=0.174), the average scores of sexuality subunit (QL-35 59-60) of EORTC QLQ-H&N35 module were significantly different in these patients (p<0.001). Besides, it was shown that 90.3% of TL patients and 63.9% of PL patients have experienced negative effects in sexual functions. CONCLUSION: TL patients were more often observed to have problems regarding depression, anxiety, self-esteem and sexual functions and it is concluded that they may need psychosocial support more than PL patients.

The importance of voice analysis in evaluating the effectiveness of reflux treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of reflux treatment in voice disorders in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) patients using acoustic analyses and the relationship between scoring systems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 84 LPR patients (18 males, 66 females; mean age 43.1±11.3 years; range 18 to 73 years) were evaluated using reflux symptom index (RSI), reflux findings score (RFS), videolaryngostroboscopic examination, and acoustic analysis with Dr. Speech 4 before LPR treatment and at the first and third months after treatment. RESULTS: Maximum phonation time, fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, and shimmer scores did not show any statistically significant alteration at the posttreatment period according to pretreatment scores (p>0.05). However, the alteration in Harmonics-to-Noise ratio and Signals-to-Noise ratio scores were statistically significant (p=0.017 and p=0.003, respectively). Reflux symptom index results showed significant positive correlation with F0 at the pretreatment, and at posttreatment first and third month evaluations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient [rho]=0.246, p=0.024; rho=0.300, p=0.006; rho=0.305, p=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: The relationship between the parameters of acoustic analysis and RSI and RFS values seems to be controversial for diagnosis and follow-up of LPR patients, requiring further investigations.

Isolated middle ear meningioma.

Meningiomas are slowly progressive, benign tumors that originate from meningothelial cells. Extracranial meningiomas, especially isolated middle ear meningiomas, are very rare. In this article, we report a rare secretory type primary middle ear meningioma which was histopathologically confirmed in a 46-year-old female patient who presented with otological and neurootological symptoms.

Helicobacter pylori in lacrimal secretions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Helicobacter pylori in human lacrimal and nasal secretions. Eighty patients with complaints of dyspepsia who had undergone endoscopies and gastric antrum biopsies were included in the study. A total of five specimens, including 2 lacrimal secretion samples, 2 nasal mucosal swab samples, and 1 gastric antrum biopsy, were collected from each patient and investigated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods consisting of the urease enzyme coding gene GlmM (UreC) and the H pylori-specific 16S rRNA coding gene. The Reflux Symptom Index and ophthalmologic complaints of the patients were recorded. The detected positivity rates of the H pylori 16S rRNA coding gene in gastric biopsies and nasal mucous and lacrimal secretions were 55, 11.2, and 20%, respectively. The patients were grouped as gastric-antrum-biopsy-negative (Group I [n = 36]) and -positive (Group II [n = 44). In Group II, H pylori positivity in the lacrimal and nasal mucous secretions was 36.3 and 18%, respectively. A comparison between the groups in terms of H pylori presence in nasal mucous and lacrimal secretions yielded statistically significant differences (p = 0.0001, p = 0.003). The simultaneous presence of H pylori in nasal mucous and lacrimal secretions was 13.6% in Group II. H pylori positivity in nasal mucous and lacrimal secretions had a positive moderate correlation (r = 0.40; p = 0.0003). The present study is the first report on the presence of H pylori in lacrimal secretions through nested PCR, which suggested the presence of a number of mechanisms for H pylori transmission to lacrimal secretions.

Human olfactory stem cells for injured facial nerve reconstruction in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to show the efficacy of olfactory stem cells for injured facial nerve reconstruction in a rat model. METHODS: Olfactory stem cells were isolated from the olfactory mucosa of human participants. A 2-mm excision was performed on the right facial nerve of all rats. Reconstruction was performed with a conduit in group 1 (n = 9); a conduit and phosphate-buffered saline in group 2 (n = 9); and a conduit and labeled olfactory stem cell in group 3 (n = 9). Rats were followed for whisker movements and electroneuronography (ENoG) analyses. RESULTS: The whisker-movement scores for group 3 were significantly different from other groups (p < .001). ENoG showed that the amplitude values for group 3 were significantly different from group 1 and group 2 (p = .030; p < .001). Group 3 showed marked olfactory stem cell under a fluorescence microscope. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that olfactory stem cells may be used as a potent cellular therapy for accelerating the regeneration of peripheral nerve injuries. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2011-E2020, 2016.

Cochlear functions in children with familial Mediterranean fever: any role of the severity of the disease?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the cochlear functions of children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) with healthy controls and to determine their cochlear functions according to their disease severity. METHODS: Seventy-three children with FMF and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. All the patients and controls were evaluated by audiologic evaluation, including high-frequency pure-tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests (DPOAE). The disease severity was evaluated by scoring systems adapted from those used by Pras et al. and with severity scoring systems from the Sheba Medical Center. RESULTS: High-frequency pure-tone audiometry and DPOAE levels were normal in both patients and controls. Significant differences in the hearing levels of FMF patients were not found, according to both adapted severity scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear functions in children with FMF had been evaluated by previous studies, but in our study we evaluated hearing functions according to both controls and disease severity. As a unique study comparing cochlear functions according to severity scores, no significant differences were shown between the groups and controls.

Effects of Open Technique Rhinoplasty on Mimicry: Electroneurographic Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of open technique rhinoplasty on facial nerve terminal branches more concerned with mimicry via electroneurography (ENoG). METHODS: Twenty patients ages between 24 and 36 years were included in the study. Five nasal mimicry muscles were used to evaluate axonal loss of the facial nerve: bilateral transverse nasal, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and procerus muscles of all patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperative third month by ENoG. The patients that have abnormalities regarding the amplitude and latency at third month were reevaluated at sixth month postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean latencies of the facial nerve were calculated to be increased for all muscles at third postoperative month, but this increase was significant only for left LLSAN (P = 0.002). Amplitudes of the facial nerve decreased in all of the groups, but this decrease was not significant (P > 0.05). Two patients with exceptionally long latency facial nerve response of transverse nasal muscle and 11 muscle recordings with abnormal low amplitudes of the facial nerve at the third month was reevaluated at sixth postoperative month and the values were improved. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that facial nerve integrity is minimally affected after rhinoplasty, yet all affected muscles were recovered on the long term.

In vivo tissue-engineered allogenic trachea transplantation in rabbits: a preliminary report.

Conventional tracheal reconstruction techniques are not successful at restoring functional units in situations with extensive damage involving more than half the length of the trachea. For the first time, we investigated in vivo tissue-engineered trachea regeneration from a decellularized cadaveric trachea matrix with seeded adult adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and investigated the integration of the matrix into the recipient tracheal side. For the procedure, 1.8-cm grafts were prepared from 3.5-cm tracheas of three donor rabbits. Then, tracheal grafts were rendered nonimmunogenic using a decellularization technique. MSCs isolated from recipient rabbit adipose tissue were cultured and marked before being seeded in the decellularized matrix. A total of 1.8 cm of the recipient tracheas was replaced with either a decellularized tracheal matrix (group 1) or tracheal matrix-seeded MSCs (group 2). Rabbits survived 17 ± 2 days in the first group, and the causes of death were separation in the anastomosis region, airway obstruction, and infection. In the second group, animals were sacrificed on the 30th, 60th, and 90th days of follow-up. Histopathological analysis revealed the integration of MSCs seeded-decellularized cadaveric tracheas to the recipient tracheal sides and increased angiogenesis. The MSCs were traced by fluorescence microscopy in the ciliated epithelium, under the epithelium, and in the cartilage of the integrated new trachea. Tracheas generated by autologous cells and tissue-engineering techniques will be a great source for the treatment of life-threatening tracheal injuries after the completion of related studies.

A new persistent suture technique for correction of caudal septal dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Caudal septal dislocation is both a functional and an aesthetic problem. The caudal septum that causes nasal obstruction displaces the right or left of columella. Despite the various maneuvers currently available for treatment, this issue is still controversial. We describe a new technique that uses a nonabsorbable suture material to keep the septum in the midline in mild and moderate caudal septal dislocations and can be used in addition to other current techniques. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A full-length (lengthways) pocket is opened between the medial cruras, and the dislocated caudal septum is placed in it and then fixed to the soft tissue in the region of columella under the skin by a nonabsorbable suture. It is used as a complementary technique for both the swinging door and the Goldman technique. DISCUSSION: This technique prevents redeviation in the same direction, especially in the superior portion of the caudal end, due to the memory of cartilage tissue. It will therefore reduce revision rates.