Endoscopic approach to geniculate ganglion: a multicentric experience.

PURPOSE: A variety of lesions could arise from the GG area, or extend into this region from adjacent sites. The management of perigeniculate lesions includes observation, surgery, and radiation, according to the nature, the size of the lesion, and the accompanying symptoms. Preliminary experiences on the exclusive transcanal endoscopic approach to the GG area have shown safety and feasibility avoiding of any postauricular incision, or brain manipulation. The experience from two referral centers on patients treated for a GG lesion with a totally endoscopic approach is herein reported. METHODS: Data about patients who underwent exclusive endoscopic approach to the GG area at the Otolaryngology Departments of the University Hospitals of Modena and Bologna between May 2017 and February 2022 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The total number of patients included in our study was 11. 10 patients (91%) had progressive unilateral facial paralysis and 1 patient (11%) presented with chronic otorrhea. The mean largest diameter of the treated lesions was of 8 mm. The resection was extended to the fundus of the IAC in 2 patients (expanded approach). The remaining 9 patients (82%) underwent partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP). No major complications occurred. Facial nerve outcomes were good in all patients and the mean ABG worsened from 12 dB pre-operatively to 22 dB post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusively endoscopic approach to GG lesions represents a viable alternative to traditional microscopic approaches and may be included in the armamentarium of ear surgeons.

Patterns and timing of recovery from facial nerve palsy after nerve-sparing parotid surgery: the role of neuromuscular retraining.

OBJECTIVES: Among the complications of parotid surgery, facial palsy is frequent and burdened by high functional and social impact for the patient. There are few data on the efficacy of facial neuromuscular retraining (FNR) in patients with facial palsy after parotid surgery, and no data exist on its impact in timing and extent of recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing FN sparing parotid surgery and suffering from postoperative facial palsy. Among 400 patients undergoing surgery between July 2016 and May 2023, those with the preservation of the FN and onset of facial palsy were selected. Nerve function was evaluated during 2 years follow up using the House-Brackman (H&Bs) and Sunnybrook scales (SBs). RESULTS: A total of 46 patients undergoing partial or total parotidectomy were included. At discharge 18 patients (39,1%) had IV to VI grade paralysis according to the H&Bs and the mean SBs value was 54. At 2 and 6 months after surgery, the average value of Sunnybrook increased to 76.5 and 95.4 respectively. After 12 months no patients with IV to VI grade paralysis were represent in our cohort. Two years after surgery, only five patients (10.9%) had persistent grade II paralysis according to HBs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the efficacy of FNR in the rehabilitation of facial paralysis after nerve-sparing parotidectomy. The greater functional improvement is achieved within the first 6 months of rehabilitation. A significant improvement is detected still after 18 months, supporting the importance of long rehabilitation for patients without complete recovery after the first year.

[An atypical medial canthal mass: a case of lacrimal sac inverted papilloma with literature review]. / Atypische Schwellung des medialen Augenwinkels: Fallbericht von einem invertierten Papillom des Tränenapparats und Literaturrecherche.

BACKGROUND: Lacrimal sac localization of an Inverted Papilloma is extremely rare and no risk factors are reported in literature. HISTORY: A chemical trauma was followed by a painless, growing mass in the medial canthal area associated with epiphora. FINDINGS: Rhinoendoscopy, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance showed a well-defined mass in left lacrimal fossa extended to the nasolacrimal duct. TREATMENT: An endoscopic resection and a dacryocystorhinostomy were performed. CONCLUSION: The aim of the present study is to show an atypical presentation of a well-known tumor along with a suspicious risk factor and to lead otolaryngologists to consider an inverted papilloma of the lacrimal system among lesions causing lateral nasal swelling.

Exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty with autologous material: step-by-step procedure and functional results.

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical procedure of exclusive endoscopic ossiculoplasty (EEO) with autologous grafts and evaluate audiological results, focusing on the advantages or drawbacks compared to the corresponding microscopic technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive adult and pediatric patients affected by chronic otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma who underwent EEO was conducted. Only autologous ossiculoplasty was included in the study. The procedure was performed by experienced surgeons of our institution between November 2014 and September 2019. Hearing outcomes were evaluated using postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and success rates in different subgroups of patients and different types of ossiculoplasty (OPL) were analyzed. Our results were finally compared with the existing literature regarding both microscopic and endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction. RESULTS: In total, 74 endoscopic ossicular chain repair procedures performed within the study period met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 were pediatric patients (28%) and 53 were adults (72%). Surgical reconstruction procedures included 43 partial ossicular reconstructions (POR) and 31 total ossicular reconstructions (TOR). The postoperative ABG improved significantly compared to preoperative measurements, and the mean ABG closure was 7.85 dB HL (p = 0.00064). No statistically significant differences in audiological outcomes between TOR/POR techniques and pediatric/adult groups were found in our study cohort, with p values of 0.10 and 0.88, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: At present, EEO can be considered a valid surgical option for re-establishing a functioning ossicular chain with acceptable hearing restoration in children and adults. Further reports in wider case series are required to confirm these results.

Vestibular schwannoma removal through expanded transcanal transpromontorial approach: a multicentric experience.

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.

Tumors of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses: Promoting Factors and Molecular Mechanisms-A Systematic Review.

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.

Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Targets of Primitive Tracheal Tumors: Focus on Tumors Derived by Salivary Glands and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Primary tracheal tumors are rare, constituting approximately 0.1-0.4% of malignant diseases. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) account for about two-thirds of these tumors. Despite most primary tracheal cancers being eligible for surgery and/or radiotherapy, unresectable, recurrent and metastatic tumors may require systemic treatments. Unfortunately, the poor response to available chemotherapy as well as the lack of other real therapeutic alternatives affects the quality of life and outcome of patients suffering from more advanced disease. In this condition, target therapy against driver mutations could constitute an alternative to chemotherapy, and may help in disease control. The past two decades have seen extraordinary progress in developing novel target treatment options, shifting the treatment paradigm for several cancers such as lung cancer. The improvement of knowledge regarding the genetic and biological alterations, of major primary tracheal tumors, has opened up new treatment perspectives, suggesting the possible role of biological targeted therapies for the treatment of these rare tumors. The purpose of this review is to outline the state of knowledge regarding the molecular biology, and the preliminary data on target treatments of the main primary tracheal tumors, focusing on salivary-gland-derived cancers and squamous cell carcinoma.

Different inflammatory blood markers correlate with specific outcomes in incident HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory blood markers have been associated with oncological outcomes in several cancers, but evidence for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is scanty. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the association between five different inflammatory blood markers and several oncological outcomes. METHODS: This multi-centre retrospective analysis included 925 consecutive patients with primary HPV-negative HNSCC (median age: 68 years) diagnosed between April 2004 and June 2018, whose pre-treatment blood parameters were available. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammatory marker (SIM), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated; their associations with local, regional, and distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was calculated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 53 months. All five indexes were significantly associated with OS; the highest accuracy in predicting patients' survival was found for SIM (10-year OS = 53.2% for SIM < 1.40 and 40.9% for SIM ≥ 2.46; c-index = 0.569) and LMR (10-year OS = 60.4% for LMR ≥ 3.76 and 40.5% for LMR < 2.92; c-index = 0.568). While LMR showed the strongest association with local failure (HR = 2.16; 95% CI:1.22-3.84), PLR showed the strongest association with regional (HR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.24-3.15) and distant failure (HR = 1.67; 95% CI:1.08-2.58). CONCLUSION: Different inflammatory blood markers may be useful to identify patients at risk of local, regional, or distant recurrences who may benefit from treatment intensification or intensive surveillance programs.

Endoscopic treatment of paediatric subglottic stenosis and cyst (with video).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe step by step the endoscopic treatment of acquired subglottic stenosis (SGS) in an infant and to show the endoscopic results one month after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case presentation with instructional video. SETTING: University Hospital of Verona, Italy. METHODS: We present the case of a 6-month-old ex-26-week preterm female infant who required prolonged intubation in the neonatal period. She referred to our hospital for persistent inspiratory and expiratory stridor, and laboured breathing. The endoscopic dynamic examination of upper airway revealed the presence of type 3 laryngomalacia and subglottic stenosis grade III according to Myers-Cotton classification. An endoscopic balloon laryngoplasty was planned. Two laryngeal dilatations were performed. The endoscopic exploration after the first dilatation showed the presence of a subglottic cyst on the anterior surface of the subglottis. The treatment of subglottic cyst consisted of marsupialization of the cyst with cold microinstruments, and subsequent suction of its content. RESULTS: An endoscopic check-up was carried out one month after surgery. The examination of the upper airway under spontaneous respiration didn't show significant subglottic stenosis. A very small subglottic cyst under the anterior commissure was observed. However, no more balloon dilatations or marsupialization of the cyst were performed in order to avoid the formation of synechiae. CONCLUSION: Treatment of SGS must be planned according to the extent of the stenosis and the history of the patient. Endoscopic procedures, such as balloon dilatation and cyst marsupialization, are best chosen for patients with isolated SGS without prior treatment failure.

Decompression of the geniculate ganglion and labyrinthine segments of the facial nerve through a middle cranial fossa approach using an ultrasonic surgical system: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of a novel, alternative method for bone tissue management in facial nerve decompression by a middle cranial fossa approach. Several applications of Piezosurgery technology have been described, and the technique has recently been extended to otologic surgery. The piezoelectric device is a bone dissector which, using micro-vibration, preserves the anatomic integrity of soft tissue thanks to a selective action on mineralized tissue. METHODS: An anatomic dissection study was conducted on fresh-frozen adult cadaveric heads. Facial nerve decompression was performed by a middle cranial fossa approach in all specimens using the piezoelectric device under a surgical 3D exoscope visualization. After the procedures, the temporal bones were examined for evidence of any injury to the facial nerve or the cochleovestibular organs. RESULTS: In all cases, it was possible to perform a safe dissection of the greater petrosal superficial nerve, the geniculate ganglion, and the labyrinthine tract of the facial nerve. No cases of semicircular canal, cochlea, or nerve damage were observed. All of the dissections were carried out with the ultrasonic device without the necessity to replace it with an otological drill. CONCLUSION: From this preliminary study, surgical decompression of the facial nerve via the middle cranial fossa approach using Piezosurgery seems to be a safe and feasible procedure. Further cadaveric training is recommended before intraoperative use, and a wider case series is required to make a comparison with conventional devices.

Frequency reallocation based on cochlear place frequencies in cochlear implants: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate speech perception outcomes after a frequency reallocation performed through the creation of an anatomically based map obtained with Otoplan®, a tablet-based software that allows the cochlear duct length to be calculated starting from CT images. METHODS: Ten postlingually deafened patients who underwent cochlear implantation with MED-EL company devices from 2015 to 2019 in the Tertiary referral center University Hospital of Verona have been included in a retrospective study. The postoperative CT scans were evaluated with Otoplan®; the position of the intracochlear electrodes was obtained, an anatomical mapping was carried out and then it was submitted to the patients. All patients underwent pure tonal and speech audiometry before and after the reallocation and the audiological results were processed considering the Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT), the Speech Awareness Threshold (SAT) and the Pure Tone Average (PTA). The differences in the PTA, SAT and SRT values before and after the reallocation were determined. The results were statistically processed using the software Stata with a significance value of α < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean values of SRT (61.25 dB versus 51.25 dB) and SAT (49 dB versus 41 dB) were significantly lower (p: 0.02 and p: 0.04, respectively) after the reallocation. No significant difference was found between PTA values (41.5 dB versus 39.25 dB; p: 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results demonstrate better speech discrimination and rapid adaptation in implanted postlingually deaf patients after anatomic mapping and subsequent frequency reallocation.

Prosthetic voice rehabilitation after laryngoesophagectomy: surgical and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: Quality of Life (QoL) after extensive head and neck resections is of paramount importance, especially after pharyngolaryngectomy or pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy where complex digestive tract reconstruction is required (with gastric pull-up or colon transposition). Tracheodigestive puncture (TDP) is the only vocal restoration option in this group of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative complications, vocal outcomes, voice-related and swallowing-related QoL after secondary TDP in this cohort of patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the tertiary referral center of Verona Hospital between June 2014 and June 2020. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical data were assessed. Speech objective and subjective evaluation was performed. QoL was assessed with Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaires. RESULTS: Seven patients met the inclusion criteria, but two had died before questionnaires were administered. No intraoperative complications were noted after TDP surgery. There were delayed complications in four cases (57.1%) and all were treated with restoration. Intelligible voice was restored in all patients. Maximum phonation time and maximal voice intensity recorded were 5.42 ± 3.27 s and 65.20 ± 5.45 dB, respectively. Acceptable average VHI-10 and MDADI scores were obtained in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary TDP performed after gastric pull-up or colon transposition reconstructions are feasible and effective procedures. An intelligible voice was restored in all patients, with satisfactory patient-perceived voice-related and dysphagia-related quality-of-life outcomes.

Primary mucosal melanoma of the larynx: systematic review of the literature and qualitative synthesis.

PURPOSE: Primary mucosal melanoma of the larynx (PLM) is a rare entity among head and neck cancers. Due to its rarity, clear protocols of management are not available. A deeper knowledge of the clinical and biological behaviour of PLM is strongly needed. METHODS: According to PRISMA process, we searched through electronic databases case reports, case series and review articles providing relevant clinical data. The survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves, using disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as endpoints. RESULTS: 1074 articles were initially screened, of which 37 studies describing 44 PLM cases were selected and included in the analysis. Mean age was 59.7 years with a mean follow-up time of 25.4 months. The most common symptom at presentation was hoarseness (52%), while the most involved laryngeal subsite was supraglottic region (62%). Most patients presented with an advanced stage. Tumour (T) and node (N) status at presentation did not influence OS nor DFS, whereas distant metastases (M) status resulted significantly associated with the reduction of OS and DFS time (Mantel-Cox: p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The laryngeal subsite and the type of surgery performed did not significantly impact on OS and DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for PLM remains debated. Surgery with safe margins is recommended due to the high rates of local recurrence. Systemic therapy is advised for metastatic disease. However, the prognosis remains poor even after radical resection or targeted therapy.

Molecular Mechanisms and Physiological Changes behind Benign Tracheal and Subglottic Stenosis in Adults.

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a complex and heterogeneous disease whose pathogenesis remains unclear. LTS is considered to be the result of aberrant wound-healing process that leads to fibrotic scarring, originating from different aetiology. Although iatrogenic aetiology is the main cause of subglottic or tracheal stenosis, also autoimmune and infectious diseases may be involved in causing LTS. Furthermore, fibrotic obstruction in the anatomic region under the glottis can also be diagnosed without apparent aetiology after a comprehensive workup; in this case, the pathological process is called idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). So far, the laryngotracheal scar resulting from airway injury due to different diseases was considered as inert tissue requiring surgical removal to restore airway patency. However, this assumption has recently been revised by regarding the tracheal scarring process as a fibroinflammatory event due to immunological alteration, similar to other fibrotic diseases. Recent acquisitions suggest that different factors, such as growth factors, cytokines, altered fibroblast function and genetic susceptibility, can all interact in a complex way leading to aberrant and fibrotic wound healing after an insult that acts as a trigger. However, also physiological derangement due to LTS could play a role in promoting dysregulated response to laryngo-tracheal mucosal injury, through biomechanical stress and mechanotransduction activation. The aim of this narrative review is to present the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding molecular mechanisms, as well as mechanical and physio-pathological features behind LTS.

Salvage neck dissection for isolated neck recurrences in head and neck tumors: Intra and postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current evidence regarding complications after salvage neck dissection (ND) for isolated regional recurrences (IRRs) in head and neck cancers is poor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and differences in complication rates of salvage ND after primary surgery, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or combined treatments. METHODS: This was a multicentric retrospective study on 64 patients who underwent salvage ND for IRR in three Italian institutes between 2008 and May 2020. RESULTS: Complications were detected in 7 of the 34 patients (20.8%) and surgeons described difficult dissection in 20 patients (58.82%). Accidental vascular ligations or nervous injury during surgery were never detected. None of the variables analyzed were statistically significant in predicting the risk of complications, disease-free survival, or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: IRR represents a rare entity among total relapses. The incidence of complications after salvage ND for IRR is higher than after primary surgery but at an acceptable rate in experienced hands. However, an adequate balance between functional and oncological outcomes is mandatory.

The risk of recurrence in surgically treated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: a conditional probability approach.

BACKGROUND: Over 50% of patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) experience locoregional recurrence, which is associated with poor outcome. In the course of follow-up for patients surviving primary surgery for HNSCC, one might ask: What is the probability of recurrence in one year considering that the cancer has not yet recurred to date? MATERIALS AND METHODS: To answer this question, 979 patients surgically treated for HNSCC (i.e. cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx) between March 2004 and June 2018 were enrolled in a multicenter retrospective cohort study, followed up for death and recurrence over a 5 year period. The conditional probability of recurrence in 12 months - i.e. the probability of recurrence in the next 12 months given that, to date, the patient has not recurred - was derived from the cumulative incidence function (Aalen-Johansen method). RESULTS: Overall, the probability of recurrence was the highest during the first (17.3%) and the second years (9.6%) after surgery, declining thereafter to less than 5.0% a year thereafter. The probability of recurrence was significantly higher for stage III-IV HNSCCs than for stage I-II HNSCCs in the first year after surgery (20.4% versus 10.0%; p < 0.01), but not thereafter. This difference was most pronounced for oral cavity cancers. No significant differences were observed across different tumor sites. CONCLUSION: This dynamic evaluation of recurrence risk in patients surgically treated for HNSCC provides helpful and clinically meaningful information, which can be useful to patients in planning their future life, and to clinicians in tailoring post-treatment surveillance according to a more personalized risk stratification.

Advanced lung cancer inflammation index and its prognostic value in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a multicentre study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of pre-treatment advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in patients with HPV-negative HNSCC undergoing up-front surgical treatment. METHODS: The present multi-centre, retrospective study was performed in a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent upfront surgery with or without adjuvant (chemo)-radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients were stratified by ALI, and survival outcomes were compared between groups. In addition, the prognostic value of ALI was compared with two other indices, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic inflammatory index (SIM). RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria (151 male and 72 female). Overall and progression-free survival were significantly predicted by ALI < 20.4 (HR 3.23, CI 1.51-6.90 for PFS and HR 3.41, CI 1.47-7.91 for OS). Similarly, PNI < 40.5 (HR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.31-4.51 for PFS and HR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.19-4.82 for OS) and SIM > 2.5 (HR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.23-5.10 for PFS and HR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.19-5.67 for OS) were found to be significant predictors. Among the three indices, ALI < 20.4 identified the patients with the worst 5-year outcomes. Moreover, patients with a combination of low PNI and low ALI resulted to be a better predictor of progression (HR = 5.26, 95% CI: 2.01-13.73) and death (HR = 5.68, 95% CI: 1.92-16.79) than low ALI and low PNI considered alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of pre-treatment ALI, an easily measurable inflammatory/nutritional index, in daily clinical practice to improve prognostic stratification in surgically treated HPV-negative HNSCC.

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with the blind technique: 10 years' experience.

PROPOSE: The aim of the present article is to propose an alternative technique to the traditional secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy, describing the procedure step-by-step, analyzing the complications and long-term results. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent secondary TEP with the blind technique using a rigid hysterometer. The main steps in this technique are described and illustrated. Patient demographics and surgical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study. In all but one case, risk factors that could hinder rigid esophagoscopy were identified (37.5% neopharyngeal/esophageal post-surgical issues, 81.3% prior radiotherapy, 21.9% cervical arthrosis, and 12.5% prior coloplasty or gastric transposition). No intra- or postoperative surgical complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The blind technique offers an alternative method to perform a secondary TEP safely and efficiently in patients with unfavorable anatomical or clinical conditions, lowering the risk of procedure-related complications.

COVID-19 and ear endoscopy in otologic practices.

PURPOSE: Otolaryngologists have had to postpone the majority of surgical procedures in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Airborne transmission, beyond the projection of droplets from upper airways, expose healthcare workers to a risk of viral infection. Aerosol generating procedures (AGP) increase the risk of viral transmission to staff within the operating room. METHODS: Surgery of middle ear and mastoid is also considered an AGP, particularly mastoidectomy performed using a high-speed drill. The authors report their experience in endoscopic ear surgery as an alternative technique to reduce AGP in otologic procedures. RESULTS: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is a reliable technique used to manage many otologic conditions. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach may reduce the risk of viral transmission to operating room staff by reducing the need for mastoidectomy.

Subcochlear canaliculus patterns in the pediatric and adult population: radiological findings and surgical implications.

INTRODUCTION: The pneumatization of the different regions of the temporal bone is strictly related to the age and the degree of development of the mastoid and the middle ear. Petrous apex pneumatization is the last step of the development of the petrous bone system. The subcochlear canaliculus is an anatomical cavity, originating in the space between the fustis and the finiculus, and connecting the round window area to the petrous apex. The aim of the present article is analyzing the trend of development of the subcochlear canaliculus pneumatization, classified through CT scan examination, in different age subgroups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent temporal bone CT scans between 2014 and 2019. Pediatric and adult patients were included and divided into different age subgroups. The subcochlear canaliculus was examined through coronal view scans at the level of the round window niche and classified into 3 different groups (A, B and C) according to the degree of pneumatization. RESULTS: A total of 270 Petrous bone CT scans was analyzed. The percentage of type A subcochlear canaliculus was significantly higher in the pediatric population if compared to the adult population (p = 0.001326). As far as type B subcochlear canaliculus is concerned, the difference between children and adults was not statistically significant (p = 0.2378). On the other hand, type C subcochlear canaliculus was predominant in the adult population (p = 0.000256). CONCLUSIONS: There is a constant increase in pneumatization of the subcochlear canaliculus from 0 to 19 years and then a progressive decrease. This discovery has relevant surgical implications and has to be borne in mind in particular for cholesteatoma surgery and cochlear implantation surgery in the age groups in which the subcochlear canaliculus is highly pneumatized.