Peroperative Cooling in Rhinoplasty: Does it Differ?

The main causes of ecchymosis and edema are osteotomy (bone manipulation), dissection of subcutaneous tissue, and skin manipulation in the rhinoplasty procedure. Eyelid edema following surgery can potentially affect visual acuity, particularly during the initial twenty-four hours after the procedure. These may also delay the patient's return to their normal social life therefore hampering their quality of life. Various surgical and medical methods have been reported to address these issues. This study aimed to compare the effects of using cold saline (0-4 °C) versus room temperature saline (20-25 °C) irrigation throughout the surgery on postoperative edema, ecchymosis, and pain. Fifty patients who underwent open-approach primary rhinoplasty between August 2022 and August 2023 at a tertiary academic center were included. Fifty patients were randomly divided into two groups depending on using cold saline (0-4 °C) (group 1) or room temperature saline (20-25 °C) (group 2) during surgical site irrigation. Patients were assessed for pain, edema, and bruising using a VAS (Visual Analog Scale) on the second and seventh postoperative days. Visual analog score (VAS) was used for subjective outcome analyses. Each patient scored the severity of their periorbital ecchymosis on day two and seven. Periorbital ecchymosis was also evaluated on the second and seventh postoperative days using the SPREE (Surgeon Periorbital Rating of Edema and Ecchymosis) scale. On the second postoperative day, the VAS pain score in group 1, where cold water was used, was found to be statistically and significantly different from the control group (group 2) (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups when comparing the VAS pain scores on the seventh postoperative day. Regarding the VAS ecchymosis score on the seventh postoperative day, there was a statistically significant difference favoring group 1 (p < 0.05). The SPREE scale data also indicated that group 1 had significantly lower scores on the seventh day (p < 0.05). While the SPREE scores on the second day were lower in group 1 than in group 2, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.061). The findings from our study show that cold saline irrigation may contribute to intraoperative hemostasis by inducing local vasoconstriction. We observed that intraoperative bleeding decreased with the use of cold saline. This approach has the potential to improve patient satisfaction and overall quality of life by reducing postoperative ecchymosis without significantly increasing the cost of the surgical procedure.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Comparison of Electroacoustic and Subjective Voice Quality in Type 3 and 4 Transoral Laser Cordectomy for Early-Stage Glottic Carcinoma.

One of the main issues in early-stage glottic carcinoma management is the voice quality following different types of treatment modalities. In type 3 and 4 transoral laser cordectomies, the voice outcomes can show significant differences due to the extent of the vocal muscle resection. This study aims to compare the voice quality in patients who underwent type 3 and 4 laser cordectomy for early-stage glottic carcinoma. A total of 30 patients who underwent type 3 (15 patients) and type 4 (15 patients) laser cordectomy for T1a glottic carcinoma between May 2018 and 2020 were included in this retrospective comparative study. Electroacoustic voice analysis and Voice Handicap Index-10 were performed in the postoperative twelfth month and the outcomes were compared between two laser cordectomy groups. The mean age of all patients was 48.6 ± 4.2 years. Noise-to-harmonic ratio, jitter, shimmer, pitch perturbation quotient and amplitude perturbation quotient values were significantly different between two groups (p < 0.05). Fundamental frequency and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). This study reports significantly better results for type 3 against type 4 laser cordectomy by means of objective voice analysis outcomes, except fundamental frequency. On the other hand, self-reported subjective analysis showed very similar results for both groups. Further studies combining data with multiple objective and subjective analyses with larger patient series and longer follow-up are warranted.

Orbital abscess a rare complication after bichectomy surgery.

Bichectomy is the partial removal of the Bichat's fat pad for the aim of smoothing the facial contour. The complications of bichectomy include soft tissue infections, hematoma, facial paralysis (especially buccal branch paralysis), stenon canal injuries and related complications such as sialocele and sialoadenitis, however these are not common complications in clinical practice. Here we report a case of a 29-year-old white female with a right sided orbital abscess following bichectomy. Right sided orbital abscess and orbital cellulitis was managed with endoscopic decompression and drainage. The patient healed completely with no sequela. The frequency of major complications leading to moridity after bichectomy is rare in the literature. This is the first reported intraorbital complication of bichectomy.

The potential applicability of facial nerve monitoring as a navigation tool in parotid gland surgery

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the stimulation amplitude and the distance to the facial nerve. Methods: This study was designed as a prospective clinical study. A total of 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in all patients with intraoperative facial monitoring. Measurements were made on the main trunk and major branches. Stimulation was started at 1 mA and incrementally increased to 2 and 3mA's. The shortest distance creating a robust response (>100mV) was recorded. Results: At 1 mA, 2 mA and 3 mA stimulation intensity, the average distance between the tip of the stimulation probe and the main trunk was 2.20±0.76 mm (range 1-3 mm), 3.80±0.95 mm (range 2-5 mm), 4.80±1.05 mm (range 3-7 mm) respectively. The stimulus intensity was inversely proportional in respect to the distance between the nerve and the tip of the stimulus probe (P < .00). The same relation was present in the facial nerve major branch measurements (P < .00). Conclusion: The proportional stimulation amplitude and distance to the facial nerve is thought to be a reliable auxillary method to assist the surgeon by facilitating the estimation of the distance to the facial nerve during extracapsular dissection and minimally invasive cases where the facial nerve isn't routinely dissected. Level of evidence: Level 3.

The use of chimeric-superthin anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of laryngopharyngoesophagectomy defects of hypopharyngeal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Due to 3D defects after resection of hypopharyngeal cancers, free flaps have become as first option for reconstruction and the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) has been chosen frequently for soft tissue defects. Chimerization of the skin island of the ALT is also possible which can result in reconstruction of multiple defects simultaneously and monitorization of buried flaps. However, ALT can be bulky in some patients. The superthin ALT is well established by some authors especially for extremities but there is no study about the use of this modification in pharyngoesophageal defects. We present our experience of using chimeric-superthin ALT for pharyngoesophageal reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, six patients (one female and five male) underwent hypopharyngeal tumor resection and experienced chimeric-superthin ALT flap reconstructions. Patients' ages were ranged between 53 and 71 (mean: 64) years old. The type of tumor was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for all patients. Three patients had total and three patients had 75% of pharyngoesophageal defects. Defect size was between 10 × 7 cm and 12 × 8.5 cm (mean: 87.08 cm2 ). All flaps were harvested as 5 mm thickness with two skin perforators. All flaps were divided into two individual skin islands as chimeric fashion. One of the skin islands was used for esophageal reconstruction and the other was used for both flap monitorization and tensionless closure of anterior neck skin. RESULTS: Total flap size was between 18 × 9 cm and 21 × 11 cm (mean: 200 cm2 ). In two patients, anastomoses were performed to pectoral branch of thoracoacromial vessels. Neck vessels were chosen as recipient for remaining patients. Wound dehiscence occurred in two patients between the neck skin and monitor island and was re-sutured without any problems. There was no partial or total flap necrosis and all flaps survived. The follow up period was between 4 and 9 months (mean: 5.6). All patients had a successful functional outcome as swallowing. CONCLUSION: The superthin-chimeric ALT flap is a useful option when classical ALT is bulky in defects of hypopharyngeal cancer.

The potential applicability of facial nerve monitoring as a navigation tool in parotid gland surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the stimulation amplitude and the distance to the facial nerve. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective clinical study. A total of 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in all patients with intraoperative facial monitoring. Measurements were made on the main trunk and major branches. Stimulation was started at 1 mA and incrementally increased to 2 and 3 mA's. The shortest distance creating a robust response (>100 mV) was recorded. RESULTS: At 1 mA, 2 mA and 3 mA stimulation intensity, the average distance between the tip of the stimulation probe and the main trunk was 2.20 ± 0.76 mm (range 1-3 mm), 3.80 ± 0.95 mm (range 2-5 mm), 4.80 ± 1.05 mm (range 3-7 mm) respectively. The stimulus intensity was inversely proportional in respect to the distance between the nerve and the tip of the stimulus probe (P < .00). The same relation was present in the facial nerve major branch measurements (P < .00). CONCLUSION: The proportional stimulation amplitude and distance to the facial nerve is thought to be a reliable auxillary method to assist the surgeon by facilitating the estimation of the distance to the facial nerve during extracapsular dissection and minimally invasive cases where the facial nerve isn't routinely dissected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

The Effect of Mild Hypocapnia on Postoperative Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Ecchymosis and edema are the most common complications in patients following rhinoplasty in the early postoperative period. Vasoconstriction created by hypocarbia may have a positive effect on postoperative ecchymosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mild hypocapnia induced in rhinoplasty on the severity of periorbital ecchymosis. METHODS: The study was carried out retrospectively in the digital photographs (control group and study group) of 31 participants who underwent open technical rhinoplasty between January and March 2019. During the operation, partial carbon dioxide pressure in the study group was kept in the range of 32 to 38 mmHg and in the control group between 42 and 46 mmHg and this was confirmed by arterial blood gas measurements taken during the operation. Measuring the brightness and shadows of digital photos Digital color meter was used in MacOS X as a computer software. RESULTS: The mean ratio of periorbital ecchymosis to forehead brightness was 0.84 ± 0.05 in the study group and 0.81 ± 0.03 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the study and control groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: This study investigates the potential role of hypocapnia on postoperative ecchymosis during rhinoplasty. The severity of ecchymosis was less in the patients with induced mild hypocapnia regarding both subjective and objective evaluations, but this difference didn't reach statistical significance compared to the normocapnic control group.

A Comparative Study: Platelet-Rich Fibrin Packing as an Alternative to the Absorbable Gelatine in Tympanoplasty.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate platelet-rich fibrin's potential role as packing material in both the middle ear and external auditory canal. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients undergoing transcanal endoscopic type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty were included in this controlled prospective clinical study. Patients were randomly assigned to platelet-rich fibrin (n=14) or absorbable gelatine (n=15) groups. Preoperative and postoperative pure-tone audiometry results, graft healing rates, tympanometry values, and Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores were compared. RESULTS: No significant postoperative complications were observed and the graft intake rate was 100% in both groups. Mean air-bone gap gain was 9.82 ± 4 dB HL in the postoperative first month and 10.08 ± 4.91 dB HL in the sixth postoperative month in the platelet-rich fibrin group. There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative air-bone gap gains of the groups in the first (P=.537) and sixth month (P=.723) controls. There was no statistically significant difference in compliance (P = .453) between groups. The physical benefit scores of the Glasgow Benefit Inventory were significantly higher in the platelet-rich fibrin group (P=.01). There was no difference in general and social benefit scores (P > .05). CONCLUSION: As a middle and external auditory canal packing agent, platelet-rich fibrin was as successful as absorbable gelatine in transcanal endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty with similar functional results and graft healing rate.

Delayed Reconstruction with Full-Thickness Skin Grafts Following Defect Size Reduction in Head and Neck Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.

Different treatment modalities have been applied for nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) of the head and neck area. One of the most important points after surgical treatment is the selection of appropriate reconstruction methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the use of both defect size reduction with sutures and secondary healing with delayed reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts in NMSC patients. In total, 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients with NMSC were operated. Defect size was measured both after excision and just before repair, and the approximate defect area was calculated with ImageJ software. Reconstruction was performed after 14 days in all patients in the second session, using free skin grafts. There were 18 (42.8%) male and 24 (57.2%) female patients. The mean age was 70.5 (45-82) years. The mean follow-up period was 40.3 (16-68) months. The mean defect area measured after excision was 8.44 ± 1.91 cm2. After 14 days of delay, the mean defect area was 5.51 ± 1.28 cm2 (34.8% reduction) (p < 0.05). Defect-reduction methods applied during the first session, together with proper interval prior to placement of graft, have been shown to be beneficial and acceptable methods, providing an advantage in reconstruction with free skin graft.

En Bloc Resection of Supraglottic Carcinomas with Transoral Laser Microsurgery.

Objective: Complete en bloc supraglottic tumor excision with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) can be achieved with good postoperative outcomes. We report surgical feasibility and the postsurgical outcomes of en bloc resection of supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC) with TLM. Methods: Seventeen patients who underwent TLM for supraglottic laryngeal cancer were included in the study. Demographic and pathological data, clinic and follow-up outcomes of the patients were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Type 1 TLM was performed in three patients, type 2a in one patient, type 3b in 12 patients, and type 4b in one patient. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all of the cases. Re-excision or any adjuvant treatment for positive resection margins was not required in any of the cases. Eight patients received adjuvant radiotherapy due to lymph node metastasis. Mean follow-up time was 33.8±15.7 months (range: 10-65 months). None of the patients had recurrence or distant metastasis. Conclusion: The transoral approach with the use of CO2 laser and microscopy offers complete tumor excision for treating supraglottic LSCC. The three-dimensional structure of the supraglottis can be achieved with adequate exposure. En bloc resection is possible with safe margins.

Long-term swallowing outcomes of radiotherapy and transoral laser microsurgery for T1 glottic cancer treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Both CO2 transoral laser microsurgery (CO2 TOLMS) and radiotherapy (RT) are standard of care in early glottic carcinoma. However, previous studies focus on voice outcomes rather than swallowing outcomes. This study aimed to compare the late post-treatment effects of CO2 TOLMS and RT treatment on swallowing function in T1 glottic carcinoma. METHODS: Forty patients (20 CO2 TOLMS and 20 RT) with T1 glottic cancer between May 2015 and January 2019 were included. Certain types of foods triggering dysphagia, any difficulties in bolus control, need to clean the throat, the sensation of lumping in the throat, choking, cough and xerostomia were questioned. Also, functional oral intake scale (FOIS), functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS), Eating Assessment Tool-10 test (EAT-10) and flexible fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) findings were assessed. RESULTS: CO2 TOLMS patients performed significantly better than the RT group regarding penetration and aspiration with 10 and 20 mL water according to the Penetration and Aspiration Scale (P < .05). The mean EAT-10 Score was found 0 in the CO2 TOLMS group, and 3.20 ± 3.24 in the RT group (P < .05) (lower score indicates a better outcome). According to the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Scale for vallecula, there was no statistically significant difference in vallecular residue between the groups (P > .05). A significantly lesser residue in piriform sinus was detected in the CO2 TOLMS group compared to the RT group with 5 mL and 10 mL water, 5 mL and 20 mL honey consistency food and yogurt according to Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Scale (P < .05). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that in the long term, CO2 TOLMS is more advantageous regarding swallowing function in the treatment of T1 glottic cancer.

Transoral Laser Surgery for Early Glottic Carcinoma: A Single Surgeon Experience of 101 Consecutive Cases.

PURPOSE: Investigate the clinical and oncological results of early-stage glottic laryngeal carcinoma patients performed by a single surgeon. METHODS: This study was carried out at a tertiary academic center. A total of 101 patients were included (92 males [91.1%], 9 females [8.9%]). Mean age was 62.98 ± 10.2 years (range 33-87). Recurrence, disease-free survival, overall survival, laryngeal preservation rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Tumor stage was Tis (carcinoma in situ) in 11 patients (10.9%), T1a in 66 patients (65.3%), T1b in 12 patients (11.9%), and T2 in 12 patients (11.9%). Postoperative pathology was squamous cell carcinoma in 69 patients (68.3%), carcinoma in situ in 26 patients (25.7%), and high-grade dysplasia in 6 patients (5.9%). Five patients (5.0%) underwent type 1, 7 (6.9%) type 2, 45 (44.6%) type 3, 24 (23.8%) type 4, 6 (5.9%) type 5a, 8 (7.9%) type 5c, 4 (4.0%) type 5d, and 2 (2.0%) type 6 cordectomy. Median follow-up time was 30 months (range 14-66). There were 5 recurrences (5.0%). Three-year disease-free survival was 94.4%. Three-year disease-free survival for stage I and II patients was 94.9 and 91.7%, respectively. Overall survival was 93.8%. Only 1 patient died related to cardiovascular disease. Disease-specific survival was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this is a large case series with good oncological outcomes presented with the perspective of a single surgeon. The data of the study is in accordance with the previous reports.

A Case with Thyroid Cartilage Fracture after Sneezing.

Non-traumatic laryngeal injuries are unusual occasions. In the medical literature we found only six reports of cases that had laryngeal injury after sneezing. We report a case of a 34-year-old man diagnosed with thyroid cartilage fracture after a strong sneeze. In physical examination, edema and hematoma were seen in the right vocal cord and the right band. Computed tomography scan revealed an anterior thyroid cartilage fracture without separation. Antibiotics and steroids were administered. This is a very rare entity and the seventh case reported in the literature. Ear Nose Throat specialist should be aware of this situation.

Orbital complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis: A single institution report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common infections of childhood. Rhinosinusitis usually limits itself in the pediatric age group, however orbital and intracranial complications may arise in some of the patients. The purpose of the study was to retrospectively analyse the previous treatments and outcomes in pediatric rhinosinusitis patients with orbital complications. METHODS: The effect and prognosis of medical treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery are reported in this study. Twenty-five pediatric patients diagnosed with complicated rhinosinusitis between January 2008 - February 2016 were included in the study. Orbital complications, examination findings, radiological imaging and blood counts were retrospectively collected from patient files. The duration of hospitalization, source of the infection, complications, previous medical and surgical treatments were also retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Average age of the patients were 8.84 ± 4.02 years (range: 1-16 years). The mean length of stay in hospital was 6.72 ± 3.28 days. Hospitalization in surgically treated group was higher than primarily medically treated group. However this difference could not reach to a statistically significant level (p > 0.05). Mean hospitalization time was found 5.21 ± 2.51 and 8.43 ± 2.87 days in patients diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis and subperiosteal abscess respectively. Hospitalization in patients with subperiosteal abscess was higher than preseptal cellulitis and a statistically significant difference was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality of orbital complications which are the most common complications of pediatric rhinosinusitis, could significantly be reduced by using appropriate treatment methods and an early diagnosis. Conservative therapy is an effective method for patients with preseptal cellulitis and most cases of orbital cellulitis in children.

Procalcitonin Levels in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare procalcitonin levels of patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) along with healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 67 subjects were included. Twenty-two CRSwNP patients were included in group A, 25 CRSsNP patients in group B, and the control group (group C) consisted of 20 healthy subjects. Procalcitonin level was assessed after CRSwNP or CRSsNP diagnosis. Healthy individuals scheduled for septorhinoplasty constituted the control group. Nasal polyposis was graded according to the Meltzer Clinical Scoring System. RESULTS: The mean procalcitonin levels of patients of groups A, B and C were 0.042±0.020 µg/L, 0.031±0.016 µg/L and 0.031±0.010 µg/L, respectively. Mean procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (p=0.05 and p=0.032). However, mean procalcitonin levels were not significantly different between group B and group C (p=0.962). Four patients (18%) had grade 1, three had (13.6%) grade 2, eight had (36.4%) grade 3, and seven had (31.8%) grade 4 polyposis. Mean procalcitonin levels for grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 polyposis were 0.045±0.030 µg/L, 0.037±0.006 µg/L, 0.041±0.021 µg/L and 0.043±0.019 µg/L, respectively. No statistical significance was present regarding the mean procalcitonin levels of polyposis grades (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Procalcitonin, which is an important inflammatory marker especially in sepsis and systemic inflammation, was significantly elevated in CRSwNP patients compared to CRSsNP patients and healthy controls. This may support the presence of chronic mucosal inflammation in CRSwNP patients. However, procalcitonin is an indirect marker of inflammation and further studies with larger patient groups are warranted.

Comparative outcomes of extracapsular dissection and superficial parotidectomy.

Background: Retrospective analysis of extracapsular dissection (ECD) and superficial parotidectomy (SP).Aims/objectives: Comparing the outcomes of ECD and SP in surgery of benign parotid masses.Material and methods: Total of 136 patients included in the study. The inclusion criteria were pathologically proven benign FNA biopsy, lack of deep lobe invasion and single tumour diameter lower than 4 cm, absence of radiologically and clinically malignant lesion and facial paralysis at the time of diagnosis.Objectives: Drain volumes and seroma presence, clinical evaluation of face nerve function; signs of infective complications were collected from patients' clinic chart. Complications and recurrence rates were obtained from follow-up forms.Results: The mean follow-up period was 42.53 ± 14.88 months. In SP group, three patients with disease recurrence were found, 8 (10.2%) had early facial nerve paralysis (grade 2 and 3) and 11 (14.1%) had Frey's syndrome. No postoperative complication, early facial paralysis and recurrence were observed in ECD group.Conclusion and significance: ECD procedure was found to be as successful as SP in the selected patient group in approach to the pathologically proven and single benign parotid masses with similar recurrence and lower complication rates compared to the SP.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Nasal Skin Thickness in Rhinoplasty.

The study hypothesized the potential positive effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in postoperative rhinoplasty patients, such as better wound healing, less dead space, and less edema. The authors assessed PRF for nasal dorsum camouflage and studied its potential effects on nasal dorsal skin in rhinoplasty. Thirty-eight patients who underwent open approach primary rhinoplasty were categorized into two groups: nasal dorsal PRF group and control group. PRF membrane was used for nasal dorsum camouflage and laid over the bony dorsum and cartilage framework of the supratip area. Skin and subcutaneous soft tissue thickness were measured by linear superficial tissue ultrasound at the pre- and postoperative first week and the third month in both groups. Mean skin thickness over the supratip area was significantly higher in the control group in the first-week control. There were no significant differences in both first-week and third-month controls' nasal dorsum mean skin thickness measurements between the two groups. Regarding PRF complications, we encountered no complications in either group, including scarring, hematoma, infection, skin discoloration, and acne. The authors present the application of PRF membrane over the bony dorsum and cartilage framework of the supratip area. They observed its positive effect on postoperative edema, especially in the early postoperative period. Long-term investigations have to be performed to evaluate its potential effect on the rhinoplasty procedure. This was a level of evidence 3 study.

Evaluation of the Effect of Various Radiotherapy Modalities on Swallowing Function in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Cancer.

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of curative 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radio-chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) modalities on swallowing function in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer. Ten patients receiving 3D conformal radiotherapy and 10 patients receiving curative radiotherapy with IMRT, who were admitted for malignancy control for nasopharyngeal cancer, were included in the study. Swallowing functions were determined by flexible fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation. Premature spillage, retention pooling, penetration, aspiration, and reflex cough were evaluated. No statistically significant difference was found between patients receiving 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT regarding the scores of premature spillage, retention pooling, penetration, and aspiration with 3, 5, and 10 mL water and 5 mL yoghurt and fish crackers (P > .05). Velopharyngeal insufficiency or delayed onset of swallowing reflex was not found in any of the patients (P > .05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the symptoms regarding subjective evaluation of swallowing (P > .05). Swallowing function did not differ among patients receiving IMRT and 3D conformal radiotherapy. Further studies with a larger sample size are warranted in order to verify the results.

Transcutaneous Suture Tip Plasty: The Technique and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Radical resections and invasive techniques have been mostly replaced with more conservative techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the objective and the subjective functional and aesthetic outcomes of transcutaneous suture tip plasty. METHODS: A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Patients were treated with transcutaneous suture tip plasty. Functional results were assessed with pre- and postoperative 6-month Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and acoustic rhinometry. The pre- and postoperative 6-month mean values of first minimal cross-sectional area (MCA1), second minimal cross-sectional area (MCA2), the distance from the tip of the probe to the first minimal cross-sectional area, the distance from the tip of the probe to the second minimal cross sectional area, nasal volume 1, and nasal volume 2 were measured. Facial analysis was made with the Rhinobase software, designed for facial analysis. RESULTS: The mean pre- and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were 25.55 ± 6.64 and 15.70 ± 8.11, respectively (P < .05). The mean pre- and postoperative nasolabial angles were 82.26º ± 5.69º and 101.47º ± 7.70º, respectively (P < .05). The mean pre- and postoperative nasofrontal angles were 144.30º ± 3.81º and 138.25º ± 3.26º, respectively (P < .05). The mean pre- and postoperative nasal length was 54.22 ± 4.62 mm and 49.95 ± 2.75 mm, respectively (P < .05). The mean pre- and postoperative tip projection was 25.77 ± 3.64 mm and 28.40 ± 2.97 mm, respectively (P < .05). Only postoperative MCA2 values on the right and left side were significantly different from preoperative MCA2 values (P < .05). None of the remaining postoperative acoustic rhinometry scores significantly differed from preoperative scores. Two patients (10%) required revision at around 1 month after surgery due to suture loosening and breakage. CONCLUSIONS: Especially in the era of minimal invasive surgery, transcutaneous suspension tip plasty is promising, with rapid and reliable functional and cosmetic results. Further studies with longer follow-up durations are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of this technique.

The Joint Tip Graft: A Joint Support for Rim, Facet and Infratip Lobule in Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The authors of this study have developed a novel graft called the 'The Joint Tip Graft' which adds support to the lateral crus, camouflages the tip grafts, supports the facet and adds volume to the nasal tip as a single graft. The aim of this study was to define and introduce the tripod graft. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty at a tertiary academic center were included. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups according to the grafts used: group 1: Joint tip graft was additionally used, and group 2: Joint tip graft was not used. All patients were photographed by a photographer who is familiar with medical photography. Preoperative and postoperative sixth month photographs were taken for analysis. The brightest point of the infratip lobule and the darkest point of the facets were selected and analyzed with computer software. The luminance ratio of facet to infratip lobule was calculated to overcome light and head position differences. RESULTS: Mean infratip luminance scores were 112.20 ± 5.72 and 109.73 ± 7.13 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean facet luminance scores were 101.33 ± 4.91 and 89.27 ± 5.11 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). Facet/infratip luminance ratios were calculated for each group. Mean facet/infratip luminance ratios were 0.90 ± 0.01 and 0.82 ± 0.16 for groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The joint tip graft is a novel graft that is easy to harvest and apply. It spans both of the alar cartilages, supports the facet area and creates a smooth gradual light shadow transition. Additionally, it acts as a camouflage over the tip grafts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .