Transoral Robotic Approach to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Changes in Paradigm of Surgery.

PPS space tumors are extremely rare, accounting for 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. Trans-oral, Trans-cervical, Trans-parotid, Trans-cervical-trans-mandibular, and infratemporal are various surgical approaches that have been described for PPS tumors. Of late, with the advent of robotic surgery, Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for PPS tumors is being increasingly advocated with promising results. To establish both efficacy and safety of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Five cases of pleomorphic adenoma of parapharyngeal space with sizes varying between 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm were evaluated and removed using Trans oral robotic approach using the Da Vinci system. Three were removed in toto and two in piecemeal fashion. There was capsule breach in 2 cases, no major complication was reported in any of the cases. Transoral Robotic Approach for PPS tumors can provide the much-required bridge between Transcervical and Trans mandibular Oral Approach. It provides a better direct approach. Carefully selected patients with well encapsulated tumors are more amenable to this approach.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Interleukin Levels in Allergic Rhinitis: A Case-Control Study.

Various studies have shown a positive co-relation between Vitamin D deficiency and severity of Allergic Rhinitis (AR) based on subjective symptoms. AR is also associated with serum eosinophilia and raised levels of various interleukins (IL)-particularly IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. To compare serum Vitamin D levels, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels, and eosinophilia in AR patients with healthy controls and co-relate disease severity using Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) score in patients with Vitamin D deficiency. 30 patients and 30 healthy controls were recruited. 10 ml blood sample was drawn from each patient and healthy control. It was then processed to evaluate absolute eosinophil count, serum levels of Vitamin D, and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. 93.33% of patients with AR and 70% of healthy controls had decreased Vitamin D levels (below 25 ng/ml). The mean Vitamin D levels was 10.50 ± 2.34 ng/ml and 17.54 ± 2.84 ng/ml in the patient and control group, respectively (p = 0.001). But there was no significant co-relation between SNOT-22 score and Vitamin D level, and between interleukin levels in patient and control group. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Allergic Rhinitis and therefore, checking Vitamin D levels in patients with AR can be considered as routine practice in outpatient clinics. However, co-relation between severity of Allergic Rhinitis and Vitamin D levels and the proven therapeutic role of Vitamin D in Allergic Rhinitis is still debatable and thus, requires large sample size randomised controlled trials.

The Long-Term Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Quality of Life in Persistent (Perennial) Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

Vitamin D is one of the thoroughly studied risk factors in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). Low serum level of vitamin D is well documented in the urban population of India. The supplementation policy of vitamin D is not uniform among practitioners. The study aims to assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency on AR & long-term quality of life in perennial AR patients with low vitamin D levels after its supplementation in the urban population. The policy for evaluation of serum level of vitamin D & its supplementation in deficit patients in AR is not uniform in our hospital. The data was extracted from the hospital records & the patients came to OPD in the year 2018-2019. Inclusion criteria were the clinical diagnosis (ARIA guideline) of the perennial form of AR where vitamin D assessment was performed before prescribing treatment & the patients received a complete course of vitamin D as per the recommendation followed in our Institute. The patients received oral antihistaminic & topical steroids based nasal spray and were clubbed together as a control group whereas, in the study group, the patients were pooled together who received vitamin D supplementation along with oral antihistaminic & topical steroids based nasal spray. Pre-treatment & post-treatment (at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months) SNOT-22 scores were obtained from the records. The data were analyzed statistically using repeated measures ANOVA test. The study showed a significant decrease in the SNOT-22 score in both Groups in comparison to pre-treatment scores, but post-treatment group comparison was not found statistically significant at each point of comparison. The scores were found on the lower side in the study group at the initial two evaluation points whereas it was higher at the third point of evaluation. This study showed the additional therapeutic effect of vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct in the treatment of perennial AR patients but the effectiveness of the treatment does not last forever so maintenance therapy is required especially in areas following the Indian lifestyle.