Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Concentrated Growth Factor on Viability of Ultra-Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Although rhinoplastic surgery has progressed considerably in recent years, nasal dorsal irregularities still cause postoperative distress for both surgeons and patients. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure the association between two biologic graft adjuncts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated growth factor (CGF), and ultra-diced cartilage viability in an animal model. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This study was designed as a randomized in-vivo study using a rabbit model. Fourteen rabbits were utilized in this investigation. The ultra-diced cartilage was obtained from auricular cartilage. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The graft biologic adjunct is the predictor variable. There were three treatment groups: graft mixed with PRP or CGF or untreated (control). The grafts were placed in three separate pockets opened on the same rabbit. Grafts were harvested 3 months after insertion for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variable was histopathological and regenerative scores obtained from multiple histopathological parameters indicating the viability of the cartilage. Histopathological score parameters were chondrocyte loss, inflammation, fibrosis, cartilage fragmentation, and calcified area formations in the lacunae. Regenerative score parameters were peripheral cell proliferation in the cartilage tissue, vascularization in the connective tissue, proteoglycan increase in the matrix, and the amount of connective tissue. COVARIATES: The variables were age, sex, and weight. ANALYSES: Statistical analysis employed the analysis of variance test, with a significance level of P < .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 14 rabbits and 42 samples. The histopathologic scores were 11.93 (±2.49), 8.78 (±2.19), and 6.85 (±1.46) for the control, PRP, and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P < .0275) and CGF (P < .0001) groups compared to the control group. The regenerative scores were 6.21 (±0.97), 8.85 (±1.70), and 12.07 (±1.26) for the control, PRP and CGF groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the PRP (P < .0159) and CGF (P < .0001) groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: This is the first study investigating the ultra-diced cartilage graft in an experimental animal model. Histopathological examination has shown that mixing ultra-diced cartilage with CGF or PRP increases viability by reducing the histopathological score and increasing the regenerative score.

Tranexamic Acid and Rhinoplasty: How Do Different Administration Routes Affect Effectiveness?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intravenous, oral and local application of tranexamic acid in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, prospective study. We included 146 patients who underwent rhinoplasty at the Bezmialem Vakif University Medical Faculty Otorhinolaryngology Clinic between April 2021 and April 2022. The patients were divided into four groups: Group 1 (intravenous TXA), Group 2 (oral TXA), Group 3 (topical TXA), and Group 4 (control). Operation time was recorded. Bleeding volume was measured in the suction chamber and nasopharyngeal pack. Postoperative edema and ecchymosis were evaluated using a scale at the end of the operation, on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mean operation time (p = 0.894). There was a statistically significant lower mean intraoperative bleeding level in Group 2 from the other groups (p = 0.020). Group 3 had significantly lower scores for postoperative edema than the other groups at the end of the operation, on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days (p < 0.05), and significantly lower scores for postoperative ecchymosis at the end of the operation (p = 0.013) and on the 3rd day (p = 0.024). Although group 3 had a lower score than the other groups in the ecchymosis measurements on the 1st, and 7th days, no statistically significant results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Local application of tranexamic acid is founded more beneficial for reducing postoperative edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty than intravenous and/or oral applications in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Total Lower Lateral Cartilage Reconstruction in Multiple Revision Rhinoplasty Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate a novel surgical technique of total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction using costal cartilage grafts in multiple revision rhinoplasty cases. METHOD: Total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction technique was utilized in 24 patients who underwent open technique septorhinoplasty between 2019 and 2023. Fourteen of the patients were female, and 10 were male. In this technique, we performed total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction in multiple revision cases where the support of both medial and lateral crura was poor. In cases where only the medial crus or only the lateral crus support was inadequate, we performed reconstruction only for the poorly supported portion. A new lower lateral cartilage was created with grafts obtained from the costal cartilage. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 23. The mean follow-up time of the patients was between 6 and 18 months. No complications were observed due to this technique. Satisfactory results were obtained in the postoperative period after surgery. CONCLUSION: Multiple revision rhinoplasties present significant difficulties due to complicated nasal anatomy and weakened lower lateral cartilages. We have shown that successful results can be achieved in these complex cases with total lower lateral cartilage reconstruction using costal cartilage grafts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Evaluation of Triglyceride-Glucose Index Elevation as a Biomarker and Risk Factor in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance is associated with increased levels of IGF-1. IGF-1 has been shown to increase the risk of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is a marker of insulin resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the TyG index and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two tertiary care academic hospitals. METHODS: The study included 53 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (Group 1) and 48 healthy volunteers (Group 2). Laryngeal cancer patients were divided into two groups according to their stage. Stages I and II were named Group 1A, and Stages III and IV were called Group 1B. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting Triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The effect of the TyG index on laryngeal cancer was investigated on the parameters of sex, age, body mass index, and stage of the disease. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, and BMI between the groups. The TyG index of group 1 (4.75 ± 0.33) was significantly higher than that of group 2 (4.59 ± 0.15). The TyG index value of group 1B (4.84 ± 0.31) was significantly higher than both group 1A (4.61 ± 0.32) and group 2 (4.59 ± 0.15). There was no significant difference between the TyG index values of group 1A (4.61 ± 0.32) and group 2 (4.59 ± 0.15). CONCLUSION: The TyG index may be a promising laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma biomarker. People with a higher TyG index may have a higher incidence of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and a higher risk of progression.

Supratip suture and skin scoring technique in the patient with thick skin in rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate a new surgical technique to achieve ideal nasal tip rotation and projection with nasal supratip angle in patients with thick skin. METHOD: Supratip suture and skin scoring technique was used in 24 patients who underwent open technique septorhinoplasty operation between the years 2019 and 2022. In this technique the nose skin was thinned with scissors. Scoring and supratip sutures were applied to the skin. Kenacort (Triamcinolone 8 mg) was injected into the supratip area without closing the skin. Fourteen of the patients were female and 10 were male. RESULT: The mean age of the patients was 22. The mean follow-up time of the patients was between 6 and 18 months. No complications were observed due to this technique. Satisfactory results were obtained in the postoperative period after surgery. CONCLUSION: A new surgical approach has been proposed to create the desired dimensions with nasal tip rotation and projection and supratip angle in patients with thick skin using the supratip suture and skin scoring technique.

Effect of allergic rhinitis on the outcomes of diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: Studies on patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction have suggested the presence of comorbid allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to investigate the role of allergic rhinitis in the long-term surgical failure of diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 patients undergoing diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy between 2013 and 2017 were included in the study. In the consultation and follow-up, a skin prick test, endoscopic nasal examination, and nasal symptom scoring were performed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients participated in the follow-up. The nasolacrimal obstruction complaints were completely resolved in 112 patients (81.8%). Of these, eight (7.1%) had positive skin prick tests. The preoperative complaints continued postoperatively in 25 (18.2%) patients. Nasal endoscopy revealed synechiae in one of these patients, whereas no anatomic deformities were observed in the other 24 patients. Of the 25 patients, 21 (84%) had positive skin prick tests. Those patients had signs of allergic rhinitis on endoscopic examination and high nasal symptom scores. There were significant differences in skin prick test results and nasal symptom scores between the two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis may affect the success of dacryocystorhinostomy in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. To increase the chances of surgical success, besides choosing the appropriate surgical procedure, it may be useful to treat allergic rhinitis pre- and postoperatively.

Are the oxidative stress levels in the tumor center and tumor boundary different from those in healthy tissue?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress levels in the tumor center, tumor edge, and healthy tissue. METHODS: This study included a total of 53 patients with head and neck cancer. Samples of 5 × 5 × 5 mm were collected from the tumor center, tumor edge, and the healthy tissue. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were evaluated. (1) Oxidative stress values in the center and edge of all tumors and in healthy tissues were compared according to localization. (2) Tumors were divided into two groups as malignant (Group 1 [n = 28]: Laryngeal and tongue squamous cell cancers) and benign (Group 2 [n = 25]: Pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumors). The groups were compared according to the localization of the tissues. RESULTS: The TOS value in the tumor edge was significantly higher than those in the tumor center and the healthy tissue. The TAS value in tissue located in the tumor edge was significantly higher than in the healthy tissue. The OSI value in the tumor edge was significantly higher than those in the tumor center and the healthy tissue. In all three localizations (tumor center, tumor edge, and healthy tissue), TOS and OSI values in Group 1 were significantly higher than Group 2. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress values in the tumor edge are significantly higher than the center of the tumor and healthy tissue. In malignant tumors, oxidative stress values are significantly higher in all localizations compared to benign tumors.

A feasibility study in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring: Nasopharyngeal stent.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to create a new choice of treatment with nasopharyngeal stent in isolated retro palatal obstruction and snoring for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included five patients with mild OSAS and snoring. Nasopharyngeal stents were applied in these patients with drug-induced sedation endoscopy. RESULTS: With the nasopharyngeal stents, we aimed to prevent the soft palate to fall backwards while sleeping, especially at supine position in order to prevent the occurrence of apnea and hypopnea, providing a way for the airway to remain open as well as a support behind the soft palate and thus prevent snoring based on the vibration created by draught. CONCLUSION: We suggest a new alternative treatment approach to devices that need to be continuously used such as CPAP or intraoral devices or surgical methods that have many unwanted discomforts for the patients.

Use of topical fluorescein in the diagnosis and localization of perilymphatic fistula.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this video presentation is to demonstrate the effect of intraoperative dilute topical fluorescein in perilympatic fistula diagnosis and localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Explorative tympanotomy was performed for the diagnosis, localization and repair of the fistula in the patient who had a pre-diagnosis of perilymphatic fistula. Topical fluorescein was applied intraoperatively to localize the defect. RESULT: A clear change of color was distinguished from yellow to green leading to diagnosis of the perilymphatic fistula and also showed the origin of the fistula. CONCLUSION: Topical application of dilute fluorescein is a convenient and effective tool in the diagnosis and localization of perilymphatic fistula.

Use of Mesna in the treatment of ossicular chain fixation related to tympanosclerosis; prospective, clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Mesna is a thiol compound effective in the connective tissue, which is used for its chemical dissector, mucolytic, mucosal damage preventive and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate Mesna's effects in easy dissection in type 4 tympanosclerosis cases and in the prevention of formation of new sclerotic plaques. METHODS: 11 patients were included in the study. All patients were in the Wielinga Kerr type 4 class of tympanosclerosis. All patients were administered a 100% concentration of Mesna in the middle ear during tympanosclerosis surgery. All patients underwent audiological evaluation before and 20 months after the operation. Air-conduction thresholds, bone-conduction thresholds and air-bone difference were statistically compared. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up for a mean 20.48 ± 2.37 months. The mean preoperative air-conduction threshold of the patients was 58.09 ± 9.73 dB and the mean postoperative air-conduction threshold was 34.63 ± 15.46 dB and there was a significant difference. The mean preoperative bone-conduction threshold of the patients was 16.27 ± 5.47 dB and the mean postoperative bone-conduction threshold was 14.72 ± 6.11 dB and there was a significant difference. The mean preoperative air-bone gap of the patients was 41.81 ± 10.51, and the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 19.90 ± 12.48, and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Mesna prevented hearing loss related to type 4 tympanosclerosis and prevented the formation of new sclerotic structures in our follow-up period. We believe that this effect is due to the chemical dissector and antioxidant effects of Mesna.

A new approach to vocal cord leukoplakia and evaluation of proton pump inhibitor treatment.

PURPOSE: Our aim is identify a new approach to vocal cord leukoplakia treatment and detect to efficiency of proton pump inhibitors. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized experimental clinical trial. METHODS: A 'First Assessment Scale' was prepared. This scale included the lesion's and the patient's characteristics. Using this scale, 24 patients included to the study. 20 mg rabeprazole twice daily was applied to all patients. At the end of 3rd month, a 'Second Assessment Scale' was used and two groups created. In group 1, 19 patients were accepted to responsive for the therapy and received the same therapy. The group 2 was included five patients that accepted unresponsive to treatment and directed to surgery. All patients received the same treatment additionally 3 months. At the end of 6th month, the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) and the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) values evaluated and comparisons were made. RESULTS: The RSI and RFS values were significantly decreased in all patients. The Red values were significantly decreased with treatment in group 1, but the Green and Blue values were not. In group 2, the RGB values were not showed the significant differences. In conclusion, seven patients (29,2%) showed complete lesion regression, 12 patients (50%) showed partial lesion regression and five patients (20,8%) showed no response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The proton pump inhibitor treatment may be beneficial for the selected patients. The scales that we prepared were useful for lesion assesment.

Tracheoesophageal Puncture Site Closure With Butterfly Cartilage Graft.

A tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis is very effective for improving speech after total laryngectomy. Although it is generally a safe method, it may be necessary to close the tracheoesophageal fistula due to complications such as prosthesis-related cellulitis, granulation tissue formation, tracheoesophageal fistula necrosis, or salivary leakage around the prosthesis. Surgical and non-surgical methods for closure have been described. In this article, a method for closing the tracheoesophageal fistula with a butterfly cartilage graft is described. The butterfly cartilage technique is safe and efficient in terms of anatomical closure of the fistula. This study shows that the method can be easily applied, with low morbidity, using an auto-graft material with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Volume and Physiology of Nasal Cavity After Septhorhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors aimed to compare the nasal physiology and nasal cavity volume with three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) 1 year after the operation with the values before the operation to investigate the possible narrowing and loss of function in the nasal cavity after septorhinoplasty (SRP) operation. METHODS: Of 415 patients who had a primary SRP operation, 28 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Nasal cavity volumes of patients with postoperative CTs were measured three-dimensionally after a mean 13 months, and objective rhinologic measurements (rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF]) and subjective assessment methods (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]) were performed. RESULTS: The mean postoperative VAS and PNIF values of the patients were significantly higher than the mean preoperative values. The mean postoperative NOSE value of the patients was significantly lower than the mean preoperative values. Although the mean MCA-1 and MCA-2 levels of the patients increased postoperatively, the increase was not significant. Although the postoperative mean values of VOL-1 and VOL-2 increased compared with the preoperative values, the increase was not significant. In the CT measurements of the patients, the nasal cavity volumes were significantly higher than the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: Nasal cavity volumes in patients undergoing SRP were compared with 3D-CT for the first time in the literature, and a significant increase in nasal volume was observed in the postoperative first year. This finding suggests that the correction of intranasal problems leads to an increase in the nasal volume in SRP operations, although nasal osteotomy is performed.

Adjunctive Use of the Dermocartilaginous Ligament for Dorsal Irregularities in Primary Rhinoplasty.

Nasal dorsal irregularity is a common postrhinoplasty complication in spite of meticulous smoothing. Utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament in 2 different fashions for different purposes was described before. A novel utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament as a flattened and pedicled flap from the cephalic attachment for nasal dorsal irregularities was presented in this article. This surgical technique was applied in 11 cases. Eight of them had thin skin, 2 had skin with medium thickness, and 1 had thick skin. They were followed on an average for 27 months (between 6 and 37 months). All of the patients had satisfactory esthetic results, and there was no apparent irregularities observed over the nasal dorsum. No complications such as infection or hematoma occurred during the early or late follow-up periods. Instead of discarding the dermocartilaginous ligament, it can be used adjunctively to conceal the nasal dorsal irregularities to attain a smoother dorsal nasal surface by increasing soft tissue cushion over the osseocartilaginous dorsum. Transposing of the dermocartilaginous ligament also relieves dynamic drooping of the nasal tip, shortening of the upper lip, and undesirable gingival display.

Conchal contractility after inferior turbinate hypertrophy treatment:A prospective, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of these two methods (Nasal corticosteroids (NCS) and radiofrequency (RF) application) on conchal contractility utilizing objective rhinologic measurement parameters. METHODS: 82 patients were presented with the complaint of nasal obstruction and diagnosed with inferior turbinate hypertrophy and were included in the study. Patients in Group 1 received NCS for 12weeks. Patients in Group 2 were administered RF to their inferior turbinates. Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry tests with and without decongestant were performed. RESULTS: In the evaluation of the contractility difference of rhinometry parameters, there was not a significant difference among pre and postoperative acoustic rhinometric parameters in Group 1. Whereas in Group 2, postoperative contractility difference was significantly decreased compared to preoperative values. In the evaluation of the contractility difference of rhinomanometric parameters, no significant difference was found between pre and postoperative values in Group 1. However, postoperative contractility difference was significantly decreased compared to preoperative values in Group 2 in terms. CONCLUSION: Because the RF procedure produces fibrosis in the vascular tissues, inferior turbinates do not have a shrinking response to decongestant administration. Administration of NCS administration maintains the contractility function compared to RF application.

Effect of Submucosal Mesna Application on Mucoperichondrial Elevation in Septoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: It was revealed that the thiol compound named mesna chemically softens the connective tissue with submucosal injection, and facilitates the endoscopic submucosal dissection. The authors aimed to investigate the effect of mesna injection on mucoperichondrial elevation during septoplasty operation. METHODS: This study was planned as a patient-control study and performed. Fifty-six patients who had septoplasty operation were divided into 2 groups that are submucosal mesna (group 1) and submucosal saline (group 2) applied ones. In both groups, the measurement was initiated by a timer during the start of septal incision and elevation processes. After bilateral subperichondrial and subperiostal elevation were finished, timer was stopped and time was recorded. After that, mucosal integrity was reviewed and mucosal damage status was recorded. The difficulty of mucoperichondrial elevation for the surgeon was recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Twenty-five (44.7%) of the patients who participated in our study were females while 31 (55.3%) were males. The average elevation periods were 201.4 ±â€Š74.3 seconds in group 1 and 260.2 ±â€Š84.1 seconds in group 2. In mesna applied patients, elevation period was statistically and significantly shorter (P = 0.009). Impairment in mucosal integrity was observed as 33.3% in group 1 and 58.8% in group 2. In mesna applied patients, significantly less impairment in mucosal integrity was observed (P = 0.031). The average mucoperichondrial elevation difficulty for the surgeon is observed as 4.83 ±â€Š2.47 in group 1 and 6.5 ±â€Š1.9 in group 2. Mesna applied patients were defined as significantly easier patients for the surgeon (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Submucosal mesna application is an approach that provides a convenient, fast, and effective mucoperichondrial elevation in septoplasty and protects the mucosal integrity.

Effect of the premedication with oral clonidine on surgical comfort in patients undergoing fess due to advanced nasal polyposis: A randomized double blind clinical trial.

OBJECTiVE: The objective of this randomized double blind study was to evaluate effect of the premedication with oral clonidine on blood pressure, cleaning of surgical site and bleeding in the ESS performed due to advanced NP. METHODS: A total of 52 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) due to Kennedy grade 4 nasal polyposis (NP) were included. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n=26) received 0.2mg oral clonodine one hour before the operation in addition to standard anesthesia procedure. Group 2 (n=26) was administered standard anesthesia procedure alone. The amount of bleeding during surgery, cleaning of surgical site and surgeon's satisfaction were evaluated in comparison between the groups. RESULTS: The amount of bleeding and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower in the Group 1 compared to the Group 2. The cleaning of surgical site was found to be significantly better and surgeon's satisfaction significantly higher in the Group 1 than in the Group 2. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures during surgery were significantly lower in the Group 1 compared to the Group 2. CONCLUSION: Premedication with oral clonidine provides a clearer view of surgical site, reduces the amount of bleeding and significantly increases surgeon's satisfaction during the operation in FESS performed due to NP. Premedication with oral clonidine is a safe, inexpensive and effective methods in order to increase the surgical success and comfort and reduce complications in the FESS surgery.

Can Oxidative Stress Parameters Be Used as Biomarkers for the Discrimination of Malignant Head and Neck Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: In this study the authors have investigated oxidative stress parameters in sera and tissues, and evaluated their significance for the differentiation of malignant and benign tumors. METHODS: The study included 104 patients who were operated for head and neck tumors, and 45 healthy volunteers. Group 1 (n = 56) consisted of patients with malignant, Group 2 (n = 48) consisted of patients with benign tumors, and Group 3 (n = 45) was the control group. While both tissue and plasma samples were collected from groups 1 and 2, only plasma samples were collected from Group 3. Plasma and tissue levels of oxidative status were determined by using an automated measurement method. RESULTS: Serum analysis revealed that total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values of Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Groups 2 and 3, and total antioxidant status (TAS) values of Group 1 were significantly lower than those of Groups 2 and 3. TAS values of Group 2 were lower than those of Group 3, but the difference was not statistically significant. Biochemical tissue analysis revealed that TOS and OSI values of Group 1 were significantly higher than those of Group 2, while TAS values of Group 1 were significantly lower than those of Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference between the total oxidative stress parameters of malignant and benign head and neck tumors. The authors think that total oxidative stress parameters can be used as a practical, cheap, and easy method for discriminating malignant tumors from benign tumors.

Does systemic steroid deficiency affect inner ear functions?

PURPOSE: Today corticosteroids are employed for the treatment of various inner ear disorders. In this study we have investigated probable changes in hearing functions resulting from a deficiency of systemic steroid secretions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four healthy female rats were used in our study, allocated into three groups (medical adrenalectomy, medical adrenalectomy+dexamethasone, no treatment). Audiological evaluations were conducted at the beginning of the study and on days 7, 14 and 21. Blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study and blood corticosterone levels were determined. RESULTS: While there were no significant differences between the basal, 7th, 14th and 21st day DPOAE values of group 1, their ABR threshold values showed significant increases. In group 2, there were no significant differences between the basal, 7th, 14th and 21st day DPOAE values. ABR thresholds of group 2 showed significant increases on days 7 and 14 as compared to their basal values, but there were no significant differences between the 21st day and basal ABR threshold values. There were no significant differences between the basal cortisol levels of the three groups. The mean cortisol level of group 1 on day 21 was found to be significantly lower than those of groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrated that there were no significant changes in DPOAE values with the cessation of cortisol secretion, while there was a progressive increase in ABR thresholds, which could be overcome with cortisone replacement.

Schwannoma of the Cervical Vagus with Intrathoracic Extension.

Schwannomas are the rare benign tumors of the neck. Patients developing from the brachial plexus and cervical truncus and extending to the posterior mediastinum have been reported, but for the first time the following case report describes the extension of a vagal origin schwannoma from the anterior and middle mediastinum and its extraction with thoracotomy without sternotomy.