The combined endonasal and transoral approach for the management of skull base and nasopharyngeal pathology: a case series.

The posterior skull base and the nasopharynx have historically represented technically difficult regions to approach surgically given their central anatomical locations. Through continued improvements in endoscopic instrumentation and technology, the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) has introduced a new array of surgical options in the management of pathology involving these anatomically complex areas. Similarly, the transoral robotic surgical (TORS) approach was introduced as a minimally invasive surgical option to approach tongue base, nasopharyngeal, parapharyngeal, and laryngeal lesions. Although both the EEA and the TORS approach have been extensively described as viable surgical options in managing nasopharyngeal and centrally located head and neck pathology, both endonasal and transoral techniques have inherent limitations. Given these limitations, several institutions have published feasibility studies with the combined EEA and TORS approaches for a variety of skull base and nasopharyngeal pathologies. In this article, the authors present their clinical experience with the combined endonasal and transoral approach through a case series presentation, and discuss advantages and limitations of this approach for surgical management of the middle and posterior skull base and nasopharynx. In addition, a presentation is included of a unique, simultaneous endonasal and transoral dissection of the nasopharynx through an innovative intraoperative setup.

Endoscopic skull base reconstruction: a review and clinical case series of 152 vascularized flaps used for surgical skull base defects in the setting of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Endoscopic skull base surgery continues to rapidly evolve, requiring comparable advances in reconstructive techniques. While smaller skull base defects with low intraoperative CSF flow have been successfully managed with a variety of avascular and/or noncellular techniques, larger defects with high CSF flow require more robust repairs often in the form of vascularized flaps, which confer excellent success rates in this setting. Despite these successful outcomes, a paucity of data describing specific patient and operative characteristics and their effects on repair exist. Therefore, a retrospective, consecutive chart review was performed on patients who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction with a vascularized flap in the setting of intraoperative CSF leaks. In this series, 151 patients with a mean age of 51 years underwent 152 vascularized flap skull base reconstructions for an array of benign and malignant pathologies. These vascularized flaps included 144 nasoseptal flaps, 6 endoscopic-assisted pericranial flaps, 1 facial artery buccinator flap, and 1 inferior turbinate flap that were used throughout all regions of the skull base. Perioperative (< 3 months) and postoperative (> 3 months) flap complications were assessed and revealed 3 perioperative flap defects (2.0%) defined as a visualized defect within the substrate of the flap and a total of 5 perioperative CSF leaks (3.3%). No patient experienced flap death/complete flap loss in the cohort. Assessed postoperative flap complications included 1 case (0.7%) of mucocele formation, 8 cases (5.3%) of prolonged skull base crusting, and 2 cases (1.3%) of donor-site complication, specifically septal perforation secondary to nasoseptal flap harvest. Among the 152 cases identified, 37 patients received radiation therapy while 114 patients did not undergo radiation therapy as part of the treatment profile. No significant association was found between perioperative complication rates and radiation therapy (p = 0.634). However, a significant association was found between postoperative complication rates and radiation therapy, primarily accounted for by an increased risk for prolonged (> 6 months) skull base crusting (p = 0.025). It is clear that larger skull base defects with high intraoperative CSF flow require thoughtful approach and strong consideration for vascularized repair.

Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to Intraconal Orbital Tumors: Outcomes and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: Lesions involving the intraconal space of the orbit are rare and challenging to manage. Operative techniques and outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) to tumors in the medial intraconal space (MIS) remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: We present our experience with a wide range of isolated intraconal pathology managed via an EEA. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases (2014-2021) performed by a single skull base team in which the EEA was employed for the management of an intraconal orbital lesion. RESULTS: Twenty patients (13 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 59 years (range, 40-89 years) were included. All lesions were isolated to the MIS, pathology addressed included: cavernous hemangioma (6), schwannoma (4), lymphoma (4), inflammatory pseudotumor (2), chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (2), and metastatic disease (2). Either a biopsy (10/20) or a complete resection (10/20) was performed. In all cases, the MIS was accessed via an endonasal corridor between the medial and inferior rectus muscles. Retraction and safe, intra-orbital dissection of the lesion was performed using a two-surgeon, multi-handed technique. Gross total resection of benign lesions was achieved in 90% (9/10) of cases; a pathologic diagnosis was achieved in 100% (10/10) of biopsy cases. No orbital reconstruction was required. Visual acuity returned to normal in 80% (8/10) of planned resection cases and postoperative diplopia resolved by 3 months in 90%. Mean follow-up was 15 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the EEA is safe and effective for accessing lesions in the MIS. This technique affords very favorable outcomes with minimal postoperative morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:47-55, 2024.

Sinonasal Symptom Correlation With the Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS).

BACKGROUND: Commonly used endoscopic nasal polyp grading scales have been shown to correlate poorly with symptom scores and quality of life metrics. The recently described Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS) is a grading system that more accurately characterizes polyp recurrence in postoperative sinus cavities by describing incremental recurrence in relation to the surgically opened sinus cavities. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if the POPS correlated with sinonasal symptoms. METHODS: CRSwNP patients were prospectively administered SNOT-22 questionnaires and graded according to the POPS starting at their 1-month postoperative appointments. Total POPS scores (sum of each side) and Max POPS score (larger value of left and right) were correlated with SNOT-22 total scores and subdomains using Kendall correlation testing. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients were enrolled in the study. Both Total POPS or Max POPS were significantly correlated to the SNOT-22 total score (P < .001, P < .001), Rhinologic (P < .001, P < .001), Extra-Nasal Rhinologic (P < .001, P < .001), Ear/Facial (P < .001, P < .001), and Psychologic (P = .028, P = .017) subdomains. Kendall's tau indicated strong correlation (≥0.3) with Rhinologic subdomain, moderate correlation (.21-.29) with Extra-Nasal Rhinologic and Ear/Facial subdomains, and weak correlation (.1-.19) with Psychologic subdomain. CONCLUSION: Previous endoscopic nasal polyp grading scales poorly correlate with symptoms and patient reported outcome measures. The new POPS moderately correlates with the total SNOT-22 score and strongly correlates with the Rhinologic subdomain, indicating that it may have good potential as a tool to evaluate postoperative CRSwNP patients.

Current otolaryngologic applications of the novel self-assembling RADA-16 peptide matrix.

A novel bioresorbable agent on the market is PuraGel® (3-D Matrix, Tokyo, Japan), a RADA-16 product that acts as a synthetic hemostatic and space-filling gel that promotes wound healing and prevents adhesion formation. Given the reported benefits of accelerated wound healing and scar tissue prevention, there are multiple otolaryngologic applications where RADA-16 might improve outcomes. Our study highlights current utilization and associated post-operative complications with this product.

Improving the Accuracy of Maxillary Sinus Balloon Dilation Using Virtual Reality Navigation: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: The ability to reliably and accurately cannulate the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus during balloon sinus dilation (BSD) has been criticized. Conventional computed tomography (CT)-guided navigation systems are helpful when dilating other sinuses, but they fail to provide meaningful feedback to guide accurate dilation of the maxillary sinus. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the potential impact of a new navigation system with virtual reality (VR) functionality on successful BSD of the maxillary sinus. METHODS: Using the established methodology, a cadaveric evaluation of the accuracy of maxillary BSD with a VR-equipped navigation system and balloon was undertaken. The natural ostium was landmarked on CT images with a beacon, and a VR intrasinus camera view was used to guide balloon dilation by a team of 2 rhinologists. Following the procedure, uncinectomies were performed to directly assess the accuracy of dilation. Standardized video clips with a 30° endoscopic view of the area were reviewed by 3 blinded rhinologists from different institutions who were not part of the procedures. Dilation of the natural ostium was scored as "successful," "unsuccessful," or "unsure." RESULTS: Sixteen maxillary BSDs were completed in 8 cadavers using VR navigation. The medial wall of the maxillary sinus showing the natural ostium as well as any accessory ostia were readily visualized and labeled with a beacon in all cases using the 3D virtual rendering feature. Dilations were scored using a standardized rubric. Any "unsure" responses from the reviewers were categorized as "unsuccessful" for analysis purposes. The accuracy rate for dilation of the maxillary sinus natural ostium was 77%. Despite the use of cadaveric tissues, a fair interrater agreement (kappa 0.21) was achieved. CONCLUSION: Using VR navigation appears to improve the accuracy of cannulating the natural ostium during maxillary BSD, which could lead to better outcomes. Further study in live subjects is warranted.

Frontal Sinus Anatomy Variations in Race and Sex Using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification.

Objective: To identify frontal sinus anatomical variations grouped by patient sex, race, and presence of chronic rhinosinusitis with frontal sinus involvement (CRFS) using the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) system. Methods: A retrospective review from 2015 to 2020 was performed of consecutive adult patients with computed tomography sinus imaging. Prevalence of frontal sinus cells using the IFAC system was recorded. Comparisons were made between patient race, sex, and CRFS groups. Results: A total of 184 patients (368 sides) were included, 90 (48.9%) of which had CRFS. The racial distribution was 50 white (27.2%), 50 black (27.2%), 45 Hispanic/Latino (24.5%), and 39 Asian (21.2%) patients. The supra agger cell was most prevalent in the white population (P = 0.009), and supraorbital ethmoid cells were more prevalent in the Asian population (P = 0.017). Patients with frontal sinus disease were more likely to have a supraorbital ethmoid cell (P = 0.024). Overall, CRFS was more prevalent in the Asian population (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Significant differences in frontal sinus anatomy and disease exist between patient race and sex. Supraorbital ethmoid cells are associated with the development of CRFS. These patterns in frontal sinus anatomy should be noted prior to frontal sinus surgery to improve surgical awareness and outcomes.

Fascia Lata: Another Workhorse for Complex Skull Base Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Multiple methods exist for skull base reconstruction of defects created by expanded endonasal approaches. While the nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been well established as the workhorse of mucosal reconstruction in complex skull base defects in multi-layered closures, a variety of options exist for the inner layer of multilayer reconstruction, including fascia lata (FL). OBJECTIVE: To present our experience and outcomes in utilizing FL in multiple ways to reconstruct a wide variety of complex skull base defects. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed from May 2017 to February 2022 to identify 50 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic skull base reconstruction using FL. RESULTS: FL was employed for reconstruction in 50 patients included in the study: 37 undergoing primary expanded endonasal skull base surgery and 13 revision cases. A wide range of complex pathology was treated, with meningioma and craniopharyngioma being the two most common. FL was utilized as a "button" graft (34/50, 68.0%), free graft inlay/onlay (13/50, 26.0%), and as a button graft combined with onlay (3/50, 6.0%). Expanded surgery defects addressed included tuberculum sella/sphenoid planum (36/50, 72.0%), clivus (6/50, 12.0%), and cribriform/planum (8/50, 16.0%). Successful reconstruction with fascia lata was accomplished in 46/50 cases (92%), with only 4 cases (8%) requiring revision for post-op CSF leak. Donor-site complications were rare with only 1 case (2.0%) of post-op seroma. CONCLUSION: FL, usually with NSF, offers a versatile option for the reconstruction of challenging defects with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity. FL is emerging as a workhorse for reconstruction of the inner layer of complex skull base defects.

Free Tissue Transfer for Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: A Novel Approach in the Endoscopic Era.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a challenging complication of radiation therapy (RT). Severe cases often require surgical intervention through a multi-modal approach. With the evolution in endoscopic surgery and advances in skull base reconstruction, there is an increasing role for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT). We describe an endoscopic-assisted approach for the management of ORN of the skull base using fascia lata for MFTT. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2021, a review of all cases in which fascia lata MFTT was utilized for skull base ORN was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes with long-term follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Five patients were identified. Mean duration to onset of ORN was 17 months following RT. A trial of antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), and/or limited debridement was attempted without success. Refractory pain and progressive osteomyelitis were unifying symptoms. All patients underwent endoscopic debridement of the affected region of ORN prior to MFTT. Vascularized fascia lata was inset through a combined endonasal and transoral corridor. There was improvement in chronic pain in the postop setting with no patients requiring continued antibiotics or HBO therapy. Mean post-op follow-up was 23 months. CONCLUSIONS: With continued evolution in endoscopic, minimally invasive approaches, there is an expanding indication for early surgical management in refractory ORN. Fascia lata MFTT is a novel and effective strategy for the management of ORN of the skull base and upper cervical spine with excellent postoperative outcomes and limited patient morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:562-568, 2023.

Systematic review of olfactory outcomes after nasoseptal flap harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery: Does using cold steel or olfactory strip preservation matter?

BACKGROUND: Several studies have described techniques aimed at mitigating olfactory dysfunction after nasoseptal flap (NSF) harvest for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). No consensus exists as to whether popular methods including using cold steel (CS) versus electrocautery (EC) or septal olfactory strip (SOS) preservation offer an advantage. This systematic review was performed to examine the impact of these two technical variations of NSF harvest on postoperative olfactory outcomes. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles reporting olfactory outcomes in ESBS cases employing an NSF. Original articles focusing on technique variations of the NSF and reporting at least one objective olfactory measure were included. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 610 patients were included. Various, olfactory testing outcomes were reported, and postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. Three studies, including a randomized controlled trial, compared the use of CS and EC for the superior incision of the NSF. No significant difference was found in objective olfactory function (p > 0.05) when comparing these techniques. Five studies comprising 504 patients reported results from SOS-sparing. SOS-sparing technique in NSF harvest demonstrated smell preservation in the postoperative setting when compared with preoperative measures (p > 0.05); however, no direct comparison to non-SOS-sparing techniques was made. CONCLUSION: The use of CS as opposed to EC for the superior NSF incision does not appear to confer an advantage in preserving postoperative olfactory function (grade B evidence). SOS preservation may be associated with better olfactory outcomes in NSF harvest (grade C evidence).

Modified Transpterygoid Approach to Sphenoid Meningoencephaloceles: A Shorter Run for a Longer Slide.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and meningoencephaloceles originating in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus can be challenging. The traditional transpterygoid approach through the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is time consuming and places important structures at risk, which can lead to significant morbidity. We report a multi-institutional experience using a simplified, endoscopic modified transpterygoid approach (MTPA), which spares the PPF contents in the management of lateral sphenoid sinus meningoencephaloceles and CSF leaks. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-Institutional, Retrospective Case Series. METHODS: Patients with lateral sphenoid recess CSF leaks and meningoencephaloceles between 2014 and 2020 who underwent the MTPA at two academic medical centers were identified. Repair techniques and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent the MTPA for management. Skull base reconstruction was performed using a free mucosal graft (24/33, 72.7%), nasoseptal flap (4/33, 12.1%), bone grafts (3/33, 9.1%), and abdominal fat grafts (2/33, 6.1%). Lumbar drains and perioperative intracranial pressure measurements were routinely employed. Postoperative complications were uncommon and included three patients (9.7%) with temporary V2 anesthesia, one patient (3.2%) with prolonged V2 anesthesia, and one patient (3.2%) with subjective dry eye, all of which resolved at 9 months postoperatively. There were no recurrent CSF leaks resulting in a 100% success rate. Average follow-up was 13 months. CONCLUSION: The MTPA reduces morbidity and greatly simplifies access to the lateral sphenoid sinus for the management of CSF leaks and meningoencephaloceles, without compromising exposure. This technique avoids the need for extensive PPF dissection and should be considered for the management of benign lesions involving the lateral sphenoid sinus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2224-2230, 2021.

Simplifying Access to the Lateral Sphenoid Recess: A Modification of the Transpterygoid Approach.

BACKGROUND: Meningoencephaloceles originating in the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus can be difficult to access. Historically, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach was advocated, which carries additional morbidity given the dissection of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) contents to provide a direct line approach to the defect. Given our increased facility with angled endoscopes and instrumentation, we now approach this region in a less invasive manner. METHODS: We describe the endoscopic modified transpterygoid approach (MTPA), a quicker approach to the lateral sphenoid recess which preserves the PPF contents through a single nostril corridor. RESULTS: In the MTPA, the face of the sphenoid and anterior junction of the pterygoid plates are removed, allowing for mobilization of the PPF contents with the periosteum intact. Angled instrumentation is then used to resect the meningoencephalocele and repair the skull base defect in the lateral recess. If increased exposure is needed, this can be gained by sacrificing the sphenopalatine artery and even the vidian nerve, although this is rarely required. CONCLUSIONS: The MTPA obviates the need for PPF dissection and simplifies access to the lateral sphenoid recess while minimizing postoperative morbidity. This approach should be considered for accessing meningoencephaloceles and other benign lesions in this challenging location.

Streamlining care in cystic fibrosis: survey of otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, and patient experiences.

BACKGROUND: Care coordination for cystic fibrosis (CF) is essential. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare otolaryngologists' and pulmonlogists' understanding of long-term chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) management; and (2) query patient perceptions of otolaryngologic care and CRS. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2018 to patients with CF or their caregivers, otolaryngologists, and pulmonologists. Statistical analysis was performed comparing specialists. Descriptive statistics were computed for patient/caregiver-reported data. RESULTS: Respondents included 126 otolaryngologists, 115 pulmonologists, and 186 patients with CF or their caregivers. Pulmonologists had greater experience caring for CF patients compared with otolaryngologists (66.7% vs 43.2% with 13+ years of experience, respectively), but more otolaryngologists cared for both adult and pediatric CF patients (39.2% vs 10.4%, respectively). Significantly more otolaryngologists advocated for establishing otolaryngologic care at time of CF diagnosis (64.8%) compared with pulmonologists (14.4%, p < 0.001), of whom 60.4% recommended otolaryngologist referral when sinonasal symptoms affect quality of life. More otolaryngologists perceived sinus surgery as beneficial for pulmonary function (74.5% vs 57.7%, p = 0.009); 60.8% of patients first sought otolaryngologic care in infancy or childhood (<13 years). Median number of sinus surgeries was 3 (interquartile range, 2-5). The most common perceived benefits of surgery according to patients/caregivers included improved breathing (31.2%) and improved sinonasal symptoms (23.7%). Top patients/caregiver otolaryngologic priorities included symptom/infection control (49.0%) and care coordination (15.0%). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight variable patient/caregiver experiences, and suggest that otolaryngologist and pulmonologist perceptions of CF otolaryngologic care also differ in some respects requiring improved interspecialty coordination/education.

Image quality and dose reduction in sinus computed tomography using iterative reconstruction: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns about radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) imaging have renewed interest in iterative reconstruction (IR), a technique which has the potential to produce images with less noise at lower radiation doses than traditional filtered back projection (FBP). This study aimed to assess whether application of IR could provide comparable quality sinus CT images to FBP at lower kilovolt (kV) and milliamp (mA) settings, and to establish optimal scan settings for sinus imaging. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: 30 sinus CT scans were performed on 5 cadaver heads at two kV setting and three mA settings. Each scan was reconstructed using FBP and 3 IR settings, yielding a total of 120 images series. Each image set was blinded and randomly reviewed by 3 rhinologists and 2 neuroradiologists. Using a 5-point Likert scale, 16 anatomical landmarks, were graded with respect to image quality. Data were assessed with respect to dose and IR settings using statistical analysis. RESULTS: Higher kV and mAs settings produced significantly higher quality images for structure identification across all 16 landmarks; however, the suitability for surgery did not increase in a linear fashion and plateaued by a total radiation dose of 0.1201 mSv. IR algorithm did not provide a benefit in the overall score of scans at a fixed kV and mAs. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of structures in sinus CT imaging significantly correlate with the kV and mA and overall dose of radiation; however, IR did not provide additional benefit in the image quality.

Carotid artery and lower cranial nerve exposure with increasing surgical complexity to the parapharyngeal space.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the extent of carotid artery exposure attained, including the identification of the external carotid branches and lower cranial nerves in five sequential external approaches to the parapharyngeal space, and to provide an anatomical algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomical study. METHODS: Six latex-injected adult cadaver heads were dissected in five consecutive approaches: transcervical approach with submandibular gland removal, posterior extension of the transcervical approach, transcervical approach with parotidectomy, parotidectomy with lateral mandibulotomy, and parotidectomy with mandibulectomy. The degree of carotid artery exposure attained, external carotid branches, and lower cranial nerves visualized was documented. RESULTS: The transcervical approach exposed 1.5 cm (Standard Deviation (SD) 0.5) of internal carotid artery (ICA) and 1.25 cm (SD 0.25) of external carotid artery (ECA). The superior thyroid and facial arteries and cranial nerve XII and XI were identified. The posterior extension exposed 2.9 cm (SD 0.7) of ICA and 2.7 cm (SD 1.0) of ECA. Occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries were visualized. The transparotid approach exposed 4.0 cm (SD 1.1) of ICA and 3.98 cm (SD 1.8) of ECA. Lateral mandibulotomy exposed the internal maxillary artery, cranial nerve X, the sympathetic trunk, and 4.6 cm (SD 2.4) of ICA. Mandibulectomy allowed for complete ECA exposure, cranial nerve IX, lingual nerve, and 6.9 cm (SD 1.3) of ICA. CONCLUSION: Approaches for the parapharyngeal space must be based on anatomic and biological patient factors. This study provides a guide for the skull base surgeon for an extended approach based on the desired anatomic exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:585-591, 2017.

The impact of total immunoglobulin E levels on outcomes of maximal medical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels on outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who received maximal medical therapy (MMT). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent MMT for CRS were assigned to three different cohorts based on their IgE levels: low IgE (<25 IU), moderate (>25 to <149 IU), and high (≥150 IU). The primary outcome evaluated was MMT failure with a surgical recommendation within each IgE cohort. Secondary outcomes included changes in pre- and post-MMT scores for the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index, Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and computed tomography-based Lund-Mackay evaluation. The cohorts were substratified based on the presence of nasal polyps and nasal allergies. RESULTS: No significant difference was found when MMT failure was compared between the cohorts in terms of quality of life. When substratified based on the presence of nasal polyps and nasal allergies, there was no significant difference between the cohorts. In the high-IgE cohort, all patients regardless of presence of nasal polyps and nasal allergic disease, frequently failed MMT and were recommended for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, IgE levels did not seem to have a significant effect on the quality of life or outcomes of MMT in the patients with CRS. However, the presence of nasal allergies regardless of IgE levels seemed to result in more frequent recommendations for surgery after MMT. In the patients with higher-IgE levels (≥150 IU), MMT seemed to fail at high rates with or without the presence of polyps or allergic disease.

Transfacial and Craniofacial Approaches for Resection of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies.

Malignancies of the paranasal sinuses and ventral skull base present unique challenges to physicians. A transfacial or craniofacial approach allows for wide, possibly en bloc, resection and is ideal for tumors that involve surrounding soft tissue, the palate, the orbit, anterolateral frontal sinus, and lateral dura. Transfacial approaches include a lateral rhinotomy often combined with a medial, subtotal, or total maxillectomy. Reconstruction is most commonly performed with a pericranial flap to separate the intranasal and intracranial compartments. These approaches have evolved and been refined but now are usually reserved for advanced tumors not amenable to endoscopic resection.

Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Malignancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The use of endoscopic approaches for sinonasal malignancy resection has increased, but survival data are limited secondary to disease rarity and new surgical technique. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic endonasal resection of sinonasal malignancy. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PubMed Central, NCBI Bookshelf, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, National Guideline Clearinghouse. REVIEW METHODS: PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines were followed. MeSH terms were "endoscopic" AND ("esthesioneuroblastoma" OR "sinonasal adenocarcinoma" OR "squamous cell carcinoma" OR "sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma"). For studies in which individual-level data were available, results were obtained by direct pooling. For studies in which only summary Kaplan-Meier curves were available, numerical data were extracted, traced, and aggregated by fitting a Weibull model. RESULTS: Of 320 studies identified, 35 case series were included (n = 952 patients), with 15 studies analyzed via aggregate modeling and 20 studies analyzed via direct pooling. Two- and 5-year survival rates for patients in aggregate modeling were 87.5% and 72.3%, respectively (mean follow-up: 32.9 months). Two- and 5-year survival for patients in direct pooling were 85.8% and 83.5%, respectively (mean follow-up: 43.0 ± 19.5 months). Significant overall survival difference was found between low- and high-grade cancers (P = .015) but not between low- and high-stage cancers (P = .79). CONCLUSION: Overall 2- and 5-year survival rates are comparable and sometimes greater than those from open craniofacial resection. Survival rates significantly differ by cancer grade but not stage. Journals and investigators should be encouraged to publish retrospective and prospective case series with staged survival updates based on established guidelines.

Using the Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Approach to Access Aneurysms Arising from AICA, PICA, and Vertebral Artery: An Anatomical Study.

Objective To explore the use of the endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EEA) for clipping anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms. Design Anatomical study. Participants Fifteen adult cadavers. Main Outcome Measures Length of artery exposed and distance from the nasal ala to the arteries. Results The length of the right and left VA exposed were 1.7 ± 0.6 cm and 1.6 ± 0.6 cm, respectively. The distance to the right VA was 11.1 ± 0.9 cm and to the left was 11.1 ± 0.8 cm. Right and left AICA were exposed for an average length of 1.1 ± 0.3 cm and 0.8 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. The distance to the right AICA was 10.3 ± 0.8 cm and to the left was 10.3 ± 0.8 cm. The right PICA was exposed for a length of 0.5 ± 0.2 cm at a distance of 10.9 ± 0.5 cm. The left PICA was exposed for a length of 0.5 ± 0.2 cm at a distance of 11.1 ± 0.9 cm. Conclusion The EEA can provide direct access to AICA, PICA, and VA, making it a potential alternative to the traditional approaches for the clipping of aneurysms arising from those arteries.