The Influence of Endodontic Lesions on The Clinical Evolution of Odontogenic Sinusitis-A Cohort Study.

Endodontic disease with formation of periapical lesions (PALs) is one of the most common causes of chronic odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). It requires close collaboration between otolaryngologists and dentists, but the best sequence of management is still unknown. The aim of the present study is to clarify how radiological characteristics of teeth with PALs and previous root-canal treatment (RCT) influence the clinical evolution of the disease and to define the predictive value of its radiological and endoscopic features in determining the need for further surgical intervention. A total of 68 symptomatic patients with ODS with PALs were included in the study. The evaluation was performed by an otolaryngologist and a dentist based on a medical interview, nasal endoscopy, cold pulp testing and tomography images. Patients were prospectively followed for at least 12 months, during which nasal steroids, saline irrigations and RCT were administered. The criteria of disease improvement were: decrease of symptoms, healed sinonasal mucosa in endoscopy and radiological resolution of periapical radiolucency and sinus inflammation. Results showed that 9 (13%) patients improved after conservative treatment and 59 (87%) required further surgical intervention. Patients who improved after medical treatment and RCT were younger (p = 0.043) and had a greater distance from the top of the periapical lesion to the maxillary sinus' floor (p = 0.003). When expansion of PALs and bone destruction toward the maxillary sinus was observed on radiological imaging (p = 0.041), and when more than one tooth root was affected (p = 0.004), patients were more likely to require surgical intervention. In conclusion, the more roots that are affected and the closer the top of the PAL is to the maxillary sinus' floor, the greater the possibility of medical treatment and RCT failure. When the bone destruction extends into the maxillary sinus, patients eventually require both tooth extraction and FESS in order to resolve ODS completely.

Do Symptoms Correlate with the Signs in Odontogenic Sinusitis with Periapical Lesions?

INTRODUCTION: Endodontic pathology is one of the most common causes of odontogenic sinusitis, and its evaluation is challenging. Omission of periapical lesions in diagnostic process leads to recurrent sinusitis after cessation of medical therapy. METHODS: Sixty-one symptomatic patients presented with odontogenic sinusitis with periapical lesions of teeth adjacent to the maxillary sinus were included in the study. Symptoms evaluated with SNOT-22 and OHIP-14 questionnaires were compared to signs during endoscopic and radiological evaluation. RESULTS: Coexistence of odontogenic sinusitis with nasal polyps significantly decreases the quality of life, especially concerning the emotional domain (p = 0.047). Patency of ostiomeatal corresponds well with the severity of sinonasal symptoms reported with SNOT-22 (p = 0.051). Extent of maxillary sinus opacifications scored with Zinreich scale correlates positively with the presence of discharge (p = 0.001) and edema (p = 0.072) in the endoscopic Lund-Kennedy scale. Among 67 teeth with periapical lesions, 73.1% had undergone previous root canal treatment, but in 47.8% of cases, it was defined as incomplete. Endodontic status did not affect the severity of patient's complaints. CONCLUSION: In case of odontogenic sinusitis of endodontic origin, endoscopic signs correlate better than radiological with the self-reported symptoms. In order to better evaluate the severity of the disease and possible need of surgical intervention, both otolaryngologists and dental specialists should focus on extent of inflammatory lesions in the maxillary sinus.

Occurrence of IL-1, IL-10, CD25, CD40, and CD69 in the tissue of palatine tonsils.

Introduction: Palatine tonsil disease often coexists with dermatological diseases. Correct diagnosis of inflammation of the palatine tonsil tissue and removal of the diseased palatine tonsils results in remission of the disease. Aim: To determine similarities and differences in the immunohistochemistry profile of the palatine tonsil tissue between tonsillitis and hypertrophy, including location of the immunohistochemistry reactions in specific histological sites. Material and methods: A prospective analysis of 50 palatine tonsils that had undergone tonsillectomy due to tonsillitis (30 cases) and hypertrophy (20 cases) was performed. The collected material underwent immunohistochemistry staining for: IL-1, IL-10, CD25, CD40, and CD69, and subsequently phenotypic expression of the obtained results was performed including their histological location. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the tonsillitis and hypertrophy groups were found for almost all IHC reactions in the epithelium covering the tonsils for CD-25, CD-69, IL-1, IL-10. Furthermore, significant differences between these groups were found for IL-10 reaction in the subepithelial inflammatory infiltrate and follicular centres of lymphatic follicles as well as for CD-69 reaction between the follicles. When all the locations were summarized, significant (p < 0.05) differences were found for all IHC reactions except for CD-40. Conclusions: The investigated markers and cytokines: CD25 and CD69, and IL-1 and IL-10 are more abundant in tonsillitis than in hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils.

A rare combination of tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by sinonasal glomangiopericytoma and coexisting parathyroid adenoma: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare, acquired disease of renal phosphate wasting and disturbed vitamin D homeostasis as a result of the action of a phosphaturic protein - FGF-23, produced by a neoplasm. Although the clinical and biochemical profile of the syndrome is characteristic, it remains underreported and unrecognized by clinicians. Hyperparathyroidism is rarely associated with oncogenic osteomalacia, but it should be considered because of potentially life-threatening hypophosphatemia caused by both conditions. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 42-year-old woman admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology of the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw for the endoscopic resection of hormonally active glomangiopericytoma extending into the anterior skull base. She presented with a 5-year history of musculoskeletal pain and progressive weakness of the extremities which finally led her to become bedridden. After the excision of the tumor her symptoms and laboratory results gradually improved except increasing PTH serum levels. Further examination revealed a parathyroid proliferative tumor, which was surgically removed. The patient walked without aids at follow-up 16 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This case is unusual because of tumor-induced osteomalacia and parathyroid adenoma occurring concomitantly. Further investigations of FGF-23 and PTH interplay should be conducted to elucidate the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism and tumorigenesis in some cases of TIO. By presenting this case, we wanted to remind clinicians of a rare and misdiagnosed paraneoplastic syndrome and highlight the importance of monitoring PTH concentrations during the follow-up of patients with TIO.

Clinical characteristics of odontogenic sinusitis with periapical lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Although the symptoms and radiographic signs may mimic rhinogenic sinusitis, odontogenic sinusitis (OS) with periapical lesions (PALs) is fundamentally an endodontic infection. It is considered to be one of the main causes of OS, especially when presented unilaterally. Despite this routine dental examination is not performed and periapical infection frequently remains undiagnosed by otolaryngologists and radiologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study covered a group of 61 patients with symptomatic OS with PAL. Assessment of quality of life was done using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) and Oral Health-Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Temporal and etiological relationship between the dental cause and sinonasal complication was established among the otolaryngologist and dental specialist based on the clinical symptoms, nasal endoscopy described according to the modified Lund-MacKay scale, computed tomography (CT) scans measured and scored in compliance with Lund- Kennedy, Zinreich and Estrela scales. RESULTS: Out of 61 patients, 28 (46%) were women and 33 (54%) men. Group median age 49.1 years, ranged from 22.8 to 78.9 years. Total OHIP-14 score was 12.7 ± 11.3, with the highest value obtained in domains describing physical pain (mean 2.9 ± 2.4, median 3) in which the highest score was obtained in item 3 - painful aching in mouth and/or teeth - scored ≥2 by 52.5% of participants. Concerning dental symptoms 11.5% of patients were asymptomatic. Total SNOT-22 score was 40.7 ± 21.1, with the highest value in domains describing nasal symptoms. 23% of patients reported mild, 44.3% moderate and 32.7% severe symptoms. In the endoscopic evaluation 86.8% of cases presented discharge, 73.8% mucosal edema. In 11.5% of cases the polypoid tissues was observed in nasal cavities. The first molar tooth was the most frequently affected with an incidence of 42.6%, followed by the second molar (27.9%). In 33 (48.5%) of cases the inflammatory process caused the discontinuity of the sinus floor, which in 51.5% coexisted with total maxillary sinus opacification. 10 teeth (14.7%) had the periapical lesions with a diameter exceeding 8 mm. In case of the multi-rooted teeth, PALs were usually encountered at more than one root (57.4%). Maxillary and ethmoid sinus were affected in 54% of cases and additional frontal sinus involvement in 32.8%. In 69.6% patients, ostiomeatal complex was obstructed. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent sinonasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip and nose congestion along with dental pain may suggest endodontic nature of OS, especially after previous root-canal treatment. The bigger the PAL is in diameter and the closer to the maxillary sinus, the greater effect on its mucosal involvement and obstruction of ostiomeatal complex is observed. PALs around molar or premolar tooth apexes with coexistence of unilateral sinus opacifications should be noticed and mentioned by radiologists and evaluated by dental specialists in order to refer the patient to further treatment.

The impact of intraoperative antiseptic nasal irrigation during endoscopic sinus surgery on early postoperative results.

The main objective of the study was to determine the validity of intraoperative antiseptic treatment during endoscopic sinus surgery and the impact of such a treatment on the postoperative outcomes. Fifty-five patients with chronic sinusitis, qualified for surgical treatment were enrolled into the trial. It was designed as a prospective, randomized, blinded study. The surgical procedures were performed on both sides, in the same scope. In the next stage, after opening, one side was flushed with saline solution, and the other side with octenidine solution. The analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative crusting measured using the Lund-Kennedy scale between the test and the control group. Intraoperative lavage of the paranasal sinuses in both control and study group showed an effect on decreasing the total number of positive postoperative cultures relative to preoperative ones. Study showed a beneficial effect of the intervention consisting in rinsing with Octenisept on the reduction of crusting in the postoperative assessment.

The effect of odontogenic sinusitis with periapical lesions on quality of life.

<b> Introduction:</b> Usually the symptoms presented in odontogenic sinusitis do not differ from chronic sinusitis of other origin. However, odontogenic sinusitis is considered as an independent disease which requires specific diagnostic approach and treatment. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study is to define the main symptoms of odontogenic rhinosinusitis with periapical lesions and its impact on the quality of life. </br></br> <b>Material and methods:</b> The SNOT-22 and OHIP-14 questionnaires were distributed among 26 symptomatic patients suffering from odontogenic sinusitis with periapical lesions in the teeth that remain in close contact with the maxillary sinus floor. Data was collected by means of an interview and standard examination performed by an otolaryngologist and a maxillofacial surgeon. The symptoms were also objectified using nasal endoscopy and radiological studies. The acquired data was statistically analyzed. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> The total OHIP-14 score was 14.7 ± 11.3, whereas the total SNOT-22 score was 44.6 ± 18.8. Women scored significantly higher in the total SNOT-22 score as well as domains concerning nasal symptoms, quality of sleep, and emotional symptoms. The answers given in similar items were comparable between both questionnaires. </br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> Properly diagnosed odontogenic sinusitis (OS) with periapical lesions (PAL) will improve the quality of health-care and spare the patients inadequate procedures. Standard examination should include a unified and validated question-naire concerning both sinonasal and oral symptoms. Painful aching in the mouth and discomfort during eating might help to identify the OS with PAL during a medical interview and help both ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialists and dentists to establish proper patient-oriented diagnosis and treatment.

Tonsillectomy in own material.

<b>Introduction:</b> Tonsillectomy belongs to the most frequently performed surgical treatments; however, the necessity of its performance is questioned. Therefore, there are many attempts to unify and define the indications for the procedure. <br><b>Aim:</b> The main objective of the current dissertation was an analysis of the clinical symptoms occurring in patients qualified for tonsillectomy, as well as a comparison of those with a histopathological image of the removed tonsils in a repeatedly carried out, unified pathomorphological examination. The secondary objective was the designation of the demographic profile, existing comorbidities, and complications in the form of postoperative bleeding in patients after tonsillectomy in own material. <br><b>Material and method:</b> A retrospective analysis of 301 procedures of palatine tonsil removal was performed, which were completed in the years 2017-2019 at the Department of Otolaryngology with Division of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland. The indications were defined on the grounds of data from the anamnesis. Based on unified criteria, the removed material was divided into 2 groups: with the signs of Chronic Tonsillitis (CT) as well as Tonsillar Hyperthrophy (TH). <br><b>Results:</b> The average size of tonsils was the greatest in a group of patients under 35 years of age, and smallest in the group over 51 years of age. As patients aged, the reduction in size of the palatal tonsils was observed. In the examined group, the histopathological diagnosis in the form of HT was found in 165 patients (54.8%), while CT in 136 (45.2%). It was proven that the larger the tonsils in the clinical picture, the more often the histopathological image responded to HT. Among clinical symptoms reported by patients qualified for tonsillectomy, the following were observed: recurring tonsil inflammation in 211 (70.1%), snoring and sleep apnea in 47 (15.6%), as well as sleep apnea in 33 (11%) patients. Primary bleeding occurred in 10 patients (3.34%), and secondary in 8 patients (2.66%). The most common comorbidities were cardiovascular burdens. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> For most cases, clinical symptoms were confirmed by adequate features of removed material in histopathological examination. The most common histopathological diagnosis was tonsillar hyperthrophy.

Endoscopic medial maxillectomy in patients treated at the Otorhinolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Clinic of Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw in the years 2008-2018.

<b>Introduction:</b> Endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) refers to surgical resection of the medial wall of the maxillary antrum. The primary indications for EMM are recalcitrant maxillary sinusitis, ablation of malignant and specific benign diagnoses such as Schneiderian Papilloma. Maxillectomy is potentially complicated by injuries to the orbital contents, lacrimal apparatus, optic nerve, ethmoidal arteries that may be accompanied by brisk bleeding. <br><b>Aim:</b> The purpose of this paper is to conduct a retrospective analysis of patients treated with EMM surgery at the Otorhinolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Clinic of Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw in the years 2008-2018. <br><b>Material and methods:</b> The retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent EMM treated at the the Otorhinolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Clinic of Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw in the years 2008-2018. The research included 18 patients aged 15-94; 8 women and 10 men. <br><b>Results:</b> Out of 18 patients, 8 had been operated before EMM. 16 of them presented with histological examinations, though 5 of which were not confirmed with postoperative histological result. The most common indication for the operation was inverted papilloma. <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Endoscopic surgical approach is effective and precious way to manage tumors which involve the neighboring structures especially medial maxillary sinus. EMM itself is a safe surgical method in managing maxillary sinus disorders and is favored for its decreased invasiveness and avoidance of the deformity of face.

A six-month analysis of frontal sinus drainage pathway in patients with frontal sinusitis after balloon sinuplasty.

BACKGROUND: The balloon catheter has been used for a decade to dilate paranasal sinus outflow tracts. The question is: how wide and how durable is the dilation of drainage pathways in patients in long-term observations after this procedure? OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to observe the changes occurring in the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) in patients with frontal sinusitis at least 6 months after surgery using balloon catheters in an isolated procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed and measured the FSDP width on computed tomography (CT) of 23 images before and after the use of balloon catheters. We also assessed mucosal changes using Zinreich's scale, and symptom improvements with the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the width of the FSDP was found before and after sinuplasty in the study group (p ≤ .0016). On average, the FSDP increased by 24.1%. Clinically meaningful and statistically significant (p ≤ .0002) symptom improvement as indicated by the mean SNOT-20 score was observed. Mucosal changes were also statistically significant (p ≤ .0018) after surgery. CONCLUSION: The findings at least 6 months after follow-up indicated that the use of balloon catheters in an isolated procedure allowed durable modeling of FSDP and was associated with radiological and clinical improvements.

Educational utility of advanced three-dimensional virtual imaging in evaluating the anatomical configuration of the frontal recess.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery represents a cornerstone in the professional development of otorhinolaryngology trainees. Mastery of these surgical skills requires an understanding of paranasal sinus and skull-base anatomy. The frontal sinus is associated with a wide range of variation and complex anatomical configuration, and thus represents an important challenge for all trainees performing endoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS: Forty-five otorhinolaryngology trainees and 20 medical school students from 5 academic institutions were enrolled and randomized into 1 of 2 groups. Each subject underwent learning of frontal recess anatomy with both traditional 2-dimensional (2D) learning methods using a standard Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewing software (RadiAnt Dicom Viewer Version 1.9.16) and 3-dimensional (3D) learning utilizing a novel preoperative virtual planning software (Scopis Building Blocks), with one half learning with the 2D method first and the other half learning with the 3D method first. Four questionnaires that included a total of 20 items were scored for subjects' self-assessment on knowledge of frontal recess and frontal sinus drainage pathway anatomy following each learned modality. A 2-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used in the statistical analysis comparing the 2 groups. RESULTS: Most trainees (89%) believed that the virtual 3D planning software significantly improved their understanding of the spatial orientation of the frontal sinus drainage pathway. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of virtual 3D planning surgical software may help augment trainees' understanding and spatial orientation of the frontal recess and sinus anatomy. The potential increase in trainee proficiency and comprehension theoretically may translate to improved surgical skill and patient outcomes and in reduced surgical time.

The International Classification of the radiological Complexity (ICC) of frontal recess and frontal sinus.

BACKGROUND: The frontal sinus is considered the most challenging sinus to address surgically. There are no current classifications of the degree of surgical complexity of different frontal sinus configurations. The aim of this study is to develop a classification system of the degree of complexity of frontal recess surgery based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: Authors were asked to submit a classification system. These were circulated to all authors. Selection of the final 3 classifications was based on a majority consensus. These classifications were compared further for time-taken, ease-of-use, and interrater agreement. These were assessed by the authors on 10 CT scans representing a range of anticipated surgical difficulty. RESULTS: Out of 3 compared classifications, classification A was the quickest to score (1.44 minutes vs 1.57 minutes and 2.25 minutes), subjectively easiest (3.23 vs 4.07 and 5 on a visual analogue scale [VAS]), and had a moderate interrater agreement (0.52 vs 0.42 and 0.79). In addition, the grading of complexity was as good whether measurements were taken on the CT scans or whether size of the frontal ostium was visually estimated. CONCLUSION: We propose a fast, easy classification to anticipate the complexity of surgery in the frontal sinus and recess, for patients undergoing primary surgery.

The International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and Classification of the Extent of Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery (EFSS).

The frontal recess and frontal sinus anatomy can vary from simple to complex. The variations in the anatomy of the frontal recess and frontal sinus are considerable but almost all variations can be classified if the various cell patterns are analyzed. This consensus document was developed to improve the ability of the surgeon to understand these possible variations, plan the surgery, and communicate these complexities when teaching or reporting outcomes. Once the surgeon understands the anatomical pattern of the frontal sinus and recess cells, the extent of surgery can be planned. This document presents a classification of the extent of surgery based on the anatomical classification.

Minimally invasive transnasal approach for primary ectopic meningioma of the paranasal sinuses.

Endoscopic sinus surgery is a standard procedure in the treatment of various pathologies such as chronic sinusitis or some types of neoplasms. The transnasal approach to tumours of paranasal sinuses is favourable due to functional and aesthetic reasons. We report a rare case of a large primary ectopic meningioma of the paranasal sinuses in a 48-year-old woman referred to the Otolaryngology Clinic due to the incidental finding of a pathologic mass visualised on the orthopantomography picture. After diagnosis, the patient was successfully treated with radical transnasal surgery performed under endoscopic vision. In a 1-year follow-up there were no signs of tumour recurrence.

Evaluation of fully biodegradable nasal packings in functional endoscopic sinus surgery ­ a multi-centre study.

THE AIM: This work was to compare an innovative solution, i.e. a fully biodegradable nasal packing Nasopore®, with a traditional one, in the aftercare of patients subjected to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective, blinded study with sequential enrollment conducted at three study centres. One of the investigators evaluated during surgery the level of bleeding in each of the nasal cavities and at the end of surgery he applied the test packing, the biodegradable dressing Nasopore®, to one randomly chosen nasal cavity, and a control packing to the other one. The other investigator removed during aftercare the control packing and conducted the follow-up. During the control visits (24-48 hours, 10 and 30 days post-op.) the subjects evaluated their headache, pain in the nose, pressure in the forehead as well as their nasal obstruction. RESULTS: A total of 39 women and 44 men at the age of 47 years on average (min. 19, max. 82) were qualified for the study. The largest differences between different types of nasal dressings were observed with regard to reduction of nasal obstruction in the fist 10 days after surgery (P<0.005). In relation to the pain in the area of the head and nose as well the pressure in the forehead on every visit, better outcomes were observed for the test dressing. Statistical difference (P<0.05) was observed on the fist follow-up visit for the headache and pressure in the forehead as well as on the fist and second visit for the pain in the nose. CONCLUSION: The fully biodegradable nasal dressing Nasopore® may constitute significant improvement and facilitation of aftercare in functional endoscopic sinus surgery while increasing the patients' satisfaction and lowering the postoperative discomfort.

Clinical evaluation of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty in the Eustachian tube dysfunction.

The development of minimally invasive procedures such as the balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is an alternative to the grommet tympanum membrane. BET is applied in the cases where, after elimination of all factors influencing the ET and middle ear functioning, no sufficient improvement is observed. The aim of this study was to present the therapeutic benefits of the BET method in the treatment of ETD caused by disorders in the middle ear ventilation. The BET procedure was offered to four patients (3 men and 1 woman) after subjective, physical, otorhinolaryngological and audiometric examinations including pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and pressure-swallow test. As the method was novel, preinterventional CT angiography of the carotid arteries was performed in all patients. Any complications were noticed during and after the procedure (bleeding or damage of regional mucosa) in any patients. Our clinical studies assessed the feasibility and safety of the BET during a short-term period--only a 6-week observation. Although patients revealed a significant improvement of ET score, longer long-term studies are necessary to determine whether this method will demonstrate lasting benefits and safety in the treatment of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction. In other investigations, improvement was found to be time dependent.

[The application of KTP laser in otolaryngology - 3 years experience]. / Zastosowanie lasera KTP w otolaryngologii - 3 lata doswiadczen

INTRODUCTION: The KTP laser is popularly called the green laser is a type of Nd: YAG laser zawdzieczajacy its name from the additional element of KTP crystal which is a wavelength of 532 nm. AIM: The aim of this paper is to present our 3-year experience in the application of KTP laser in otolaryngology. MATERIAL: In the Department of Otolaryngology, CSK MON Military Medical Institute in Warsaw from 2008, performed 211 operations using the green laser. The study group was 89 women and 122 men aged 12 to 94 years (mean age 53.2 years). METHODS: The surgery was performed 15-watt KTP Aura laser. All guestrooms are fibers with a diameter of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mm, and guides for inserting the fiber ends are not. Results: In 3-year period have made a 211 KTP laser surgery including the nasal cavity, mouth, larynx and trachea, and the outer ear. In the procedure adopted one day 76 people, and at least 111 patients stayed in hospital for 4 days. RESULTS: In our material patients after UPPP tonsillectomy and operations, in addition to a negligible bleeding during surgery, rarely also had late bleeding (5%). In our clinic konchoplastyki performed based on the so-called. technique of "cross-hatching". The laryngeal endoscopic surgery is used micromanipulator, if we are to remove a large tumor of the larynx much better to use the guide laryngeal. CONCLUSIONS: The KTP laser is an important tool in the operational procedures in otolaryngology in large part due to the high activity and its complexity hemostatycznemu assistant. Become familiar with the operation of the laser and improvement of surgical techniques allows patients to propose a modern surgical procedures. Improves the possibility of radical treatment of tumors of the larynx endoscopic method.

Use of CMC foam sinus dressing in FESS.

Aim is to determine the efficacy and pain level associated with the use of dissolvable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) foam dressing in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in adult patients. In the present prospective study, 60 patients with bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis were included. All patients underwent bilateral FESS. Thirty patients had both nasal cavities packed with dissolvable CMC foam (CMCF) and another 30 patients had their nasal cavities packed with routine nasal packing (RNP) in latex glove fingers. The haemostatic effect of the CMCF was assessed during the recovery period, and pain levels were recorded by the patients on a visual analogue scale 24 h after surgery. The prevalence of postoperative middle meatal synechia formation was assessed 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. Four (13.3%) of the patients packed with CMCF had primary postoperative bleeding during the recovery period and required additional dressing. Bleeding appeared in two (6.7%) patients packed with RNP. The mean level of pain was 0.962 (range 0-4) for patients packed with CMCF but was 5.5 (range 3-9) for patients packed with RNP. Four (6.7%) of 26 CMCF patients and 10 (35.7%) of 28 RNP patients developed a synechia in the middle meatus. We found that dissolvable CMC foam dressing is associated with very low levels of localised pain and with low levels of postoperative bleeding and synechia formation.

[Taste perception in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps treated with oral glucocorticosteroid therapy]. / Percepcja smaku u chorych z przewleklym zapaleniem zatok przynosowych z polipami nosa leczonych doustna glikokortykosteroidoterapia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is observed in 1-4% persons during rhinoscopy. While the occurrence of their problems is connected with smell sense, still not enough attention is paid to the malfunctioning of their taste sense. AIM: The purpose of this study was estimation of taste sense functioning in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, treated with oral glucocorticosteroid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 82 persons. The 31 of them were patients of Otolaryngology Department of Warsaw Military Institute with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps' diagnosis, who were treated with systemic--oral glucocorticosteroid for three weeks. There were 51 healthy people as a control group. Both prior to the treatment and one month after it was finished, all patients had the taste examination. The taste functioning was examined with two methods: the gustometry by Bornstein and impulse bipolar electrogustometry method. Subjective nasal patency was noted based on analogical scale. The smell function was assessed with the Elsberg-Levy olfactometry in Pruszewicz's modification. RESULTS: Before treatment the taste disturbances were observed, depending on kind of taste, in 6-16 cases (19.4-51.6%) in gustometry and for 10 patients (32.26%) in electrogustometry. Before treatment the taste examination results in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps' cases were statistically significantly different than in the control group. After treatment with glucocorticosteroid the taste disturbances were observed, depending on kind of taste, in 0-9 cases (0-29%) in gustometry and for 4 patients (12.9%). in electrogustometry. Statistically, glucocorticosteroid therapy also decreased the smell threshold and was effective in restoration of the nose patency. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically, therapy with glucocorticosteroid significantly improved both the taste and smell perception in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

[Endoscopic sinus balloon catherisation--evolution or revolution in treatment of rhinosinusitis? Our experience and literature review]. / Cewnikowanie endoskopowe zatok--ewolucja czy rewolucja w leczeniu zapalen zatok przynosowych? Doswiadczenia wlasne i przeglad literatury.

Sinus ostium patency is a key point in treatment of rhinosinusitis. Thanks to minimally invasive set of tools dilation of ostium without tissue removal is possible that was demonstrated in large multicenter studies. The aim of our study is to present endoscopic balloon dilatation of sinuses technique under fluoroscopy and asses efficacy and safety in surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis based on own experience (10 cases) and literature data. We concluded that endoscopic balloon dilation of sinus procedure is much more safe than previous techniques and increases postoperative patients comfort.