Percutaneous rhinolift procedure for droopy tip.

OBJECTIVE: Droopy tip may lead to functional impairment due to nasal valve insufficiency. There are several techniques available in order to correct under rotated tip, including sutures, resection and grafting. The major drawback of these standart procedures is the correction of nasal cartilage framework rather than droopy skin envelope. In this study, we demonstrated the long-term results of percutaneous rhinolift procedure which aids in the correction of cartilage framework position and droopy skin at the same time, in patients who had isolated nasal tip ptosis. METHODS: Seventeen patients with nasal tip ptosis who underwent rhinolift procedure under local anesthesia, between September 2016 and February 2017, included in the study. Nasal obstruction was evaluated by Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the procedure, and 1st month and 3rd month after the procedure. Long-term follow-up scores were also analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between preoperative NOSE scores and 1st, 3rd month and long-term follow-up scores (p < 0.001). When we analyzed the VAS scores of patients, there was significant difference between preoperative scores and 1st month, 3rd month and long-term follow-up scores (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Suspension sutures have been used to hang and lift the ptotic tissues of nasal tip. In this study, we found that rhinolift procedure is an effective method for droopy nasal tip cases especially with excess skin volume who cannot undergo a major invasive surgical operation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is a conservative and cheap method which does not require general anesthesia.

The Effects of Empiric Antireflux Treatment on Laryngopharyngeal and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of empiric lansoprazol therapy on laryngopharyngeal (LPR) and gastroesophageal (GOR) reflux symptoms and laryngological findings. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with suspected LPR related symptoms were prospectively analyzed in this study. Following eleven symptoms were asked to patients using LPR symptom questionnaire; sore throat, throat burning, throat clearing, globus sensation, cough, halitosis, dysphonia, dysphagia, postnasal dripping, vocal fatigue and sputum. GOR symptoms were evaluated with the Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (FSSG) questionnaire consist of twelve symptoms. Posterior larynx, arytenoids and interarytenoid area were evaluated with a 70° endoscope. Erythema, edema and nodularity were graded separately using 4 point severity scale to examine laryngeal signs. All patients were treated using 30 mg lansoprazole once daily for four weeks. After the end of medication, symptoms and laryngoscopic signs were evaluated again with the same method. The pretreatment and posttreatment values were compared with statistical analyses. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in LPR symptom scores and total scores of FSSG. The severity of nodularity in the posterior larynx, arytenoids and interarytenoid area was improved after treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in erythema on each area larynx. Edema in the posterior larynx and interarytenoid area was improved but there was no change on the edema of arytenoids. CONCLUSION: A short period of empiric antireflux treatment has a significant improving effect on all LPR symptoms and most of GOR symptoms. However, it was insufficient on laryngeal signs. Further research is needed to investigate longer times of treatment for the complete resolution of symptoms and signs.

Evaluation of nasal mucociliary activity in patients with chronic renal failure.

The ability of respiratory mucosal surfaces to eliminate foreign particles and pathogens and to keep mucosal surfaces moist and fresh depends on mucociliary activity. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is an irreversible medical condition that may result in important extrarenal systemic consequences, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory system abnormalities. Although there are studies describing nasal manifestations of CRF, data are lacking concerning the effects of the condition on nasal mucosa. The goal of the current study was to evaluate nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) time in patients with CRF. This prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary referral center included 32 non-diabetic end-stage CRF patients and 30 control individuals. The control group consisted of voluntary participants who had been referred to our clinic for symptoms other than rhinological diseases. The mean NMC times in CRF patients and control individuals were 12.51 ± 3.74 min (range 7-22 min) and 8.97 ± 1.83 min (range 6-13 min), respectively. The mean NMC time in patients with CRF was significantly longer than that in control individuals (p < 0.001). Clinicians must keep in mind that NMC time in CRF patients is prolonged and must follow-up these patients more closely for sinonasal and middle ear infections.

Clinical evaluation of inner ear changes as result of chronic otitis media and its surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate whether chronic otitis media (COM) may cause inner ear damages or middle ear surgery may improve this damage with regard to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus and dizziness-related disability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was performed on a series of 65 patients (41 males, 24 females; mean age 26.4±12.6; range 11 to 62 years) who were diagnosed with COM and were scheduled for surgical intervention at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. Patients were divided into two subgroups as tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy group according to the surgical procedure. Standard patient work-up included otomicroscopy, pure tone audiometry and completion of the Turkish translation of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before surgery and eight weeks after surgery. RESULTS: We found higher bone conduction thresholds in the group of patients with mastoidectomy preoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean preoperative and postoperative THI and DHI scores between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that a successful surgery results in improved tinnitus and vertigo symptoms in patients with COM.

Efficacy of multimodality approach to sudden hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether addition of intratympanic steroid (ITS) to systemic steroid and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is effective in the treatment of sudden hearing loss (SHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and October 2011, 58 patients diagnosed with SHL were enrolled in the study. Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females; mean age 45.3±21 years; range 24 to 66 years) who received systemic steroid and HBO composed group 1, while 38 patients (19 males, 19 females; mean age 41.6±16 years; range 25 to 61 years) who received ITS in addition to systemic steroid and HBO composed group 2. RESULTS: Post-treatment hearing improvement was statistically significant in both groups in terms of the mean pure tone according to the Siegel's criteria (p<0.05). Treatment was successful at 55% of patients in group 1 and 63% in group 2. Despite increased success rate with the addition of ITS, it did not indicate statistical significance (p>0.05). However, there was a strong statistically significant difference in terms of profound hearing loss over 90 dB (p<0.05). None of six patients (0%) with profound hearing loss in group 1 benefited treatment, while addition of ITS to the treatment yielded success in six of 12 patients with profound hearing loss (50%) in group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Addition of ITS to systemic steroid and HBO treatment may yield better results in patients with SHL. However, ITS injection seems beneficial for patients with profound SHL.

Is septoplasty effective on habitual snoring in patients with nasal obstruction?

We aimed to find out whether snoring relieve with nasal surgery in patients with nasal obstruction. Sixty-four patients who underwent septoplasty under general anesthesia with complaint of nasal obstruction and snoring at Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital were enrolled in the study. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination. Septal deviation was graded as mild, moderate and severe with endoscopy. Variables examined included age, sex, body mass index. All patients also completed the questionnaires, including Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Snore Symptom Inventory (SSI) before and after septoplasty. NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI scores showed statistically significant improvement after nasal surgery (p < 0.01) but we could not find any statistically significant association between septal deviation grading and improvement in scores of NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI (p > 0.05). Added to this, the association between body mass index (BMI) and improvement in scores of NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that septoplasty is effective on the subjective parameters of nasal obstruction in habitual snorers irrespective of the nasal septal deviation and severity of BMI.

Clinical outcome parameters for necrotizing otitis externa.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the duration of time elapsed between the onset of symptoms for necrotizing external otitis (NEO) and admission to hospital that may play a role in patient outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fourteen consecutive male patients with NEO with no improvement from the previous course of antibiotherapy and with findings of osteomyelitis on temporal bone CT, MRI, and positive detection of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate on temporal bone, admitted as inpatients between 2008 and 2012. INTERVENTION(S): Medical treatment of NEO and surgical debridement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patients were divided into 2 groups according to median time elapsed between onset of symptoms and hospitalization (<30 d or >30 d). HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, pain intensity, radiologic grade, improvement since diagnosis, and total time to cure were compared according to the groups. The relationships between the laboratory data were analyzed to determine the parameters associated with time to recovery. RESULTS: Otalgia was significantly worse in patients who were admitted to hospital greater than 30 days after symptom onset (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.002). Blood glucose increased related to delayed admission time (p < 0.001). CRP results were independently elevated from the admission time (p < 0.112). There was a statistically significant difference between groups according to ESR levels and recovery time (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.004 and p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between HbA1c levels and recovery time in Group 1 and between ESR levels and recovery time in Group 2 (r = 0.872, p = 0.044; r = 0.630, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data worsen later than 30 days in NEO.

Mean platelet volume levels in children with adenoid hypertrophy.

Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is a common disorder in children, resulting in chronic nasal congestion. This chronic congestion should be evaluated carefully because it can lead to chronic upper airway obstruction. Many authors have suggested that increased nasal resistance to respiration may cause disturbances in the pulmonary ventilation and carry the risk of cardiopulmonary diseases. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet function and is positively associated with indicators of platelet activity. Mean platelet volume is an indicator of larger and more reactive platelets and has been shown to be increased in patients with vascular disease, including peripheral, pulmonary, and coronary artery disease. Recently, MPV levels have also been shown to be increased in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea, and marked nasal septal deviation. Moreover, increased MPV has also been shown to have a prognostic role in cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether MPV is higher in patients with AH and whether higher MPV levels can be reduced by adenoidectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate MPV in patients with AH. Our results suggest that MPV, a determinant of platelet activation, is elevated in patients with AH and adenoidectomy is an effective therapeutic measure in such patients. Increased platelet activation may be related to an increase of cardiopulmonary risk in patients with AH.

Role of nasal packing in surgical outcome for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze the differences between biodegradable and nondegradable nasal dressings with regard to their effects on wound healing in the short and medium term and on surgical outcomes in the long term, after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, partly blinded, controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 56 patients undergoing bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis were enrolled and randomized to receive biodegradable (Nasopore; Stryker, Hamilton, ON, Canada) on one side and nondegradable packing (Merocel; Medtronic Xomed, Minneapolis, MN) on the opposite side. Postoperative morbidities (pain, bleeding, facial edema, nasal blockage) related to dressings were assessed on postoperative day 6. Wound healing (edema, crusting, secretions, synechia, granulation tissue formation, and percentage re-epithelialization) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months using modified Lund-Kennedy scores. Long-term assessment at 12 months was done using validated Lund-Kennedy scores. RESULTS: Morbidities related to nondegradable packing were significantly higher than with degradable packing (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P<.01). Pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were significantly less with absorbable packing. No statistically significant difference was found between sinonasal cavities packed with biodegradable or nondegradable materials with regard to healing scores and percentage of re-epithelialization at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and surgical outcomes at 1 year (P>.05). However, healing at 6 months was correlated with the preoperative Lund-Mackay radiology and surgery scores (Spearman's rho correlation test, P<.05 and P<.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: No significant healing or surgical outcome differences were found between biodegradable and nondegradable packing. However pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were lower with biodegradable packing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Association of COL1A1 polymorphism in Turkish patients with otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of COL1A1 gene polymorphism in the etiology of otosclerosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheric blood samples are obtained from 28 patients diagnosed with otosclerosis and 50 control subjects. DNA's of all samples are isolated and amplified by using the PCR technique. The products are restricted by appropriate enzymes and the allele distributions were compared. RESULTS: SS (homozygous normal), Ss (heterozygous mutant) and ss (homozygous mutant) alleles of the otosclerotic and control subjects were significantly different from each other. CONCLUSION: Otosclerosis is a disease with progressive hearing loss. There are viral, hormonal, immunologic and genetic hypothesis of etiology. In this study, we concluded that the polymorphism seen in the COL1A1 gene resulting in production of excessive type 1 collagen, could play a role in the pathogenesis of otosclerosis.

Role of allergy in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this prospective study is to investigate the correlation between allergen sensitivity and radiographic evaluation of adenoidal obstruction and tonsil size. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 82 children with upper airway obstructive symptoms were evaluated for their tonsil size. All patients underwent digital lateral soft tissue radiographs. Assessment of nasopharyngeal obstruction in radiographs was done according to the Cohen and Konak method. Skin prick tests with multitest applicator including 14 allergens were carried out to investigate their allergic background. RESULTS: All children reacted positive to at least one of the 14 allergens tested. We found a statistically significant correlation between tonsil size and skin prick tests (P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the adenoid size and skin prick test results (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the degree of nasopharyngeal obstruction caused by adenoid hypertrophy does not increase with the degree of positivity to specific allergens in skin prick tests, allergic sensitivity may play an important role in children with tonsillar hypertrophy.

Choanal fungus ball mimicking a tumour.

We report the first case of an isolated choanal fungus ball in a 28-year-old man with a previous history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, who was treated with radiotherapy 14 years ago. The initial diagnosis was a recurrent tumour or a secondary neoplasm. Histopathological examination confirmed a fungal infection. There are no previous reports of a fungus ball located at the posterior choanal region. Although it has been reported that bacteriology of sinonasal region would be different in irradiated patients, there is no study reporting fungal infections in irradiated patients in English literature. In this report, the clinical presentation, relevant radiologic findings and management of sinonasal fungus ball and its relationship with previous radiotherapy were discussed with the literature knowledge.

Effect of type I tympanoplasty on the quality of life of children.

OBJECTIVES: Quality-of-life issues related to chronic otitis media (COM) include physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, hearing loss, speech symptoms, social symptoms, and parents' emotional symptoms. In this study we evaluated the effects of tympanoplasty on the quality of life of pediatric patients. METHODS: In a questionnaire-based outcome study, we reviewed 56 of 78 pediatric patients with COM who were treated with type I tympanoplasty at our institution between December 2008 and February 2010. All patients were asked to fill out the COM-5 questionnaire with their parents, before operation and 6 months after operation. Preoperative and postoperative total ear scores, preoperative and postoperative ear scores with an intact tympanic membrane, preoperative and postoperative ear scores with a perforated tympanic membrane, and preoperative and postoperative audiological results were assessed. RESULTS: After type I tympanoplasty, 45 patients (80.3%) had successful closure of the tympanic membrane, but 11 patients (19.7%) had unsuccessful closure of the tympanic membrane. There was a significant decrease in physical suffering, hearing loss, emotional distress, activity limitations, and caregiver's concerns scores in patients with intact tympanic membranes after operation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Children with COM had a significant increase in their quality of life after successful tympanoplasty. Our results also suggested that tympanoplasty was successful in pediatric patients with COM.

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy: Does it correlate with obstructive symptoms in children?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to determine the correlation of clinical symptoms of UAO (upper airway obstruction) with radiographic evaluation of adenoidal obstruction and tonsil size in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and to evaluate the usefulness of lateral neck radiography. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Haydarpasa Numune Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study analyses 95 children with one or more of the symptoms of UAO. Clinical symptoms were assessed by a standardized questionnaire evaluating the severity of symptoms. All patients underwent otolaryngologic examination and their tonsil sizes were graded. 74 of 95 patients underwent digital lateral soft tissue radiographs. Assessment of nasopharyngeal obstruction in radiographs was done according to four different methods. RESULTS: We did not find statistically siginificant correlation between symptom scores and radiologic measurements according to Johanneson (r=0.072, p=0.544, p>0.05) and Crepeau (r=0.034, p=0.773, p>0.05). The correlations between OSA score and Cohen and Konak's method and AN ratio were weak and not statistically siginificant (p=0.133, r=0.176; p=0.290, r=0.125 respectively; p>0.05). But, we found a statistically siginificant correlation between the tonsil grade and symptom scores (r=0.216, p=0.036, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results have demonstrated that radiologic measurements of the nasopharyngeal obstruction do not correlate with clinical symptoms of UAO, but clinical assessment of tonsil size does.

Comparative outcomes of using fibrin glue in septoplasty and its effect on mucociliary activity.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the efficacy of fibrin glue to prevent complications and nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) after septoplasty compared with a nonabsorbable packing requiring removal (polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] sponge). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial with planned data collection. SETTING: The study was conducted at Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. METHODS: A total of 44 patients, who had septoplasty operations, were included in the study. We evaluated postoperative pain, sleep disturbance on the night of surgery, bleeding, septal hematoma, synechia, infection, and MCC values in the fibrin glue and PVA sponge groups. RESULTS: The pain scores in the fibrin glue group were significantly lower than in the PVA sponge group (P < 0.01). A statistically significant difference was noted in the number of patients who had mild bleeding in favor of the fibrin glue group (P < 0.05). In the fibrin glue group, 95.7 percent of patients reported that they had normal sleep; in the PVA sponge group, only 23.8 percent of patients reported normal sleep (P < 0.01). In the fibrin glue group, a significant decrease was noted in postoperative MCC values compared with preoperative values (P < 0.01). However, in the PVA sponge group, a significant increase was noted in postoperative clearance values compared with preoperative values (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our series of patients, we have seen no gross complications from fibrin glue usage. Fibrin glue can be readily used in septoplasty; it requires no special treatment, has an adequate hemostatic effect, and appears to promote the regeneration of mucociliary activity of the injured mucosa postoperatively.

Does adenoid hypertrophy really have effect on tympanometry?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to determine the correlation between the radiographic measurements of adenoid size and tympanometric findings. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Haydarpasa Numune Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine five consecutive children complaining of one or more of the symptoms of upper airway obstruction (UAO) (presence of snoring, mouth breathing or difficulty in breathing during sleep, obstructive breathing or apnea during sleep) were included in the study. Symptom severity was assessed by a standardized questionnaire. All patients underwent digital lateral soft tissue radiographs. Assessment of nasopharyngeal obstruction in radiographs was done according to four different methods. Tympanometry was used to evaluate the middle ear. RESULTS: Of 190 ears, 79 were type A, 49 were type B and 62 were type C tympanograms. The symptom severity of 14 patients was graded as mild, 56 patients as moderate and 25 patients as severe. There was no statistically significant difference between UAO symptom severity groups and tympanogram types (p>0,05). Each one of the four methods of radiologic measurements of the adenoid enlargement showed no statistically significant difference between the tympanogram types (p>0,05). CONCLUSION: The adenoid hypertrophy in both means of radiologic measurements and symptom severity does not correlate with the changes in tympanograms. These findings do not support the hypothesis that adenoidal size plays a major role in the etiopathogenesis of middle ear effusion (MEE).