IL-13 and IL-13-induced periostin levels are specifically decreased in patients following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 (T2) inflammation plays a pathogenic role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on T2 inflammation are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare T2 inflammatory biomarkers from middle meatal (MM) mucus for distinguishing patients with CRS from CRS-free patients, identifying major phenotypes (CRS without nasal polyps [CRSsNP] and CRS with nasal polyps [CRSwNP]), assessing endotypic change, and establishing cross-sectional and longitudinal outcomes in patients undergoing ESS. METHODS: MM mucus samples were collected from patients with CRSsNP and patients with CRSwNP before and 6 to 12 months after ESS and compared with samples from CRS-free control patients. T2 biomarkers were evaluated both continuously and using threshold-based definitions of T2 endotype to identify relationships with patient-reported (based on the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcomes Test and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patient-Reported Outcomes Measure) and clinician-reported (radiographic and endoscopic) severity. Linear mixed models were developed to analyze clinical variables associated with T2 biomarker levels. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients with CRS (89 with CRSsNP and 65 with CRSwNP) were enrolled, with a mean interval of 9 months between ESS and follow-up. An analysis of pre-ESS MM mucus samples revealed elevated levels of T2 mediators in patients with CRSwNP versus in patients with CRSsNP and CRS-free controls. Temporally stable correlations between levels of IL-13 and IL-5, levels of periostin and complement 5a, and levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eotaxin-3 were observed. On this basis and on the basis of pathologic significance, levels of IL-13, periostin and ECP were further analyzed. After ESS, levels of IL-13 and periostin decreased significantly, whereas ECP levels remained unchanged. Across pre- and post-ESS evaluation, the T2 endotype was associated with radiographic severity but did not predict outcomes. CRSwNP status and African American race were associated with higher levels of IL-13 and periostin, whereas ECP level was higher in patients undergoing extensive surgery. CONCLUSION: ESS decreased levels of IL-13 and periostin in the middle meatus. T2 inflammation after ESS was correlated with patient- and clinician-reported severity across phenotypes. Pre-ESS T2 inflammation did not predict post-ESS outcomes.

Frailty does not worsen postoperative outcomes in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive malignancy frequently requiring surgical resection and adjuvant treatment. Frailty is a metric that attempts to estimate a patient's ability to tolerate the physiologic stress of treatment. There is limited work describing frailty in patients with sinonasal cancer. We sought to determine the impact of frailty on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for sinonasal SCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of patients undergoing surgical resection of sinonasal SCC at two tertiary medical centers were queried. Demographic, treatment, and survival data were recorded. Frailty was calculated using validated indexes, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcomes included medical and surgical complications, readmission, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: 38 patients were included. There were 23 (60.5 %) men and 15 (39.5 %) women with an average age of 59.6 ± 12.1 years. MFI-5 was 0.76 ± 0.54 and CCI was 5.71 ± 2.64. No significant association was noted between frailty measures and postoperative outcomes including 30-day medical complications, 30-day surgical complications, any 30-day complication, and readmission. Increased ASA was noted to be predictive of increased length of stay (Incidence Rate Ratio: 1.80, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.83, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between frailty metrics and worsening surgical or medical postoperative outcomes. This suggests that frailty metrics may not be as relevant for sinonasal surgery even for advanced pathologies, given the more limited physiologic impact of minimally invasive surgery.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies are elevated and functionally active in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Polyps from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) contain increased levels of autoreactive antibodies, B cells and fibrin deposition. Anti-phospholipid antibodies (APA) are autoantibodies known to cause thrombosis but have not been implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). OBJECTIVE: To compare APA levels (anti-cardiolipin, anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (anti-PE), and anti-ß2 -glycoprotein (anti-B2GP)) in nasal polyp (NP) tissue with tissue from control and CRS without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) patients, we tested whether NP antibodies affect coagulation, and correlate APAs with anti-dsDNA IgG and markers of coagulation. METHODS: Patient specimens were assayed for APA IgG, anti-dsDNA IgG and thrombin-anti-thrombin (TaT) complex by ELISA. Antibodies from a subset of specimens were tested for modified activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measured on an optical-mechanical coagulometer. RESULTS: Anti-cardiolipin IgG in NP was 5-fold higher than control tissue (p < .0001). NP antibodies prolonged aPTT compared to control tissue antibodies at 400 µg/mL (36.7 s vs. 33.8 s, p = .024) and 600 µg/mL (40.9 s vs. 34.7 s, p = .0037). Anti-PE IgG antibodies were increased in NP (p = .027), but anti-B2GP IgG was not significantly higher (p = .084). All APAs correlated with anti-dsDNA IgG levels, which were also elevated (R = .77, .71 and .54, respectively, for anti-cardiolipin, anti-PE, and anti-B2GP; all p < .001), but only anti-cardiolipin (R = .50, p = .0185) and anti-PE (R = 0.45, p = .037) correlated with TaT complex levels. CONCLUSIONS: APA IgG antibodies are increased in NP and correlate with autoreactive tissue antibodies. NP antibodies have in vitro anti-coagulant activity similar to those observed in anti-phospholipid syndrome, suggesting that they may have pro-coagulant effects in polyp tissue.

Pediatric pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric pituitary adenomas are a rare medical entity that makes up a small portion of intracranial tumors in children and adolescents. Although benign, the majority of these lesions are secreting functional tumors with the potential for physiological sequela that can profoundly affect a child's development. FOCUS OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the medical and surgical management of these tumors with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, surgical approach, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to treat these tumors. The management of pituitary tumors requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, endocrinologists, and neuroanesthesiologists as well as neurocritical care specialists to deliver comprehensive care.

Pediatric craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngioma has historically been recognized to be a formidable pathology primarily due to its proximity to critical neurovascular structures and the challenging surgical corridors that surgeons have tried to reach this lesion. FOCUS OF REVIEW: In this work, we review the medical and surgical management of these tumors with a focus on clinical presentation, diagnostic identification, surgical approach, and associated adjuvant therapies. We will also discuss our current treatment paradigm using endoscopic, open, and combined approaches to craniopharyngiomas. The management of craniopharyngiomas requires a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, endocrinologists, and neuroanesthesiologists as well as neurocritical care specialists to deliver the most comprehensive and safest surgical resection with minimal postoperative morbidity.

Cadaveric and Computed Tomography Analysis of the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap.

BACKGROUND: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) flap has been successful in repairing anterior nasal septal perforations and has been presumed to be axially based on AEA branches coursing through or around the cribriform plate (CP). However, limited evidence supports the flap's axial supply. The purposes of this cadaveric and computed tomography (CT) study were to assess the arterial anatomy from the CP to the septum, and to determine AEA flap length to predict ideal flap base width. METHODS: Ten fresh latex-injected cadavers were utilized for endoscopic dissection to identify arteries traversing the CPs on each side. First, arterial trajectories along the dorsal septum were recorded. Measurements were then made bilaterally along the septum from the middle turbinate (MT) axilla to the nasal branch of the AEA (NBAEA) traversing the CP. Additionally, 100 sinus CTs were reviewed to measure AEA flap lengths bilaterally. RESULTS: From 10 cadavers, 20 sides were utilized for measurements. In all cadavers, the AEA septal branches coursed diagonally or horizontally along the dorsal septum, and never directly vertically. The mean distance from the MT axilla to the NBAEA was 1.24 ± 1.93 cm (range = 1-1.5 cm). Based on CTs, the mean AEA flap length was 6.40 ± 0.60 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the non-vertical courses of AEA septal branches, the AEA flap is more likely a random transposition flap than an axial flap. Average AEA flap length ranged from 6.0 to 7.0 cm. Assuming 3:1 length:width ratios, AEA flap base widths should be about 2.0-2.3 cm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:2100-2104, 2024.

Using Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray Response as a Screening Tool in the Diagnostic Workup of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea.

OBJECTIVES: Unilateral clear thin rhinorrhea (UCTR) can be concerning for a nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Beta-2 transferrin electrophoresis has been the gold standard for initial non-invasive confirmatory testing for CSF rhinorrhea, but there can be issues with fluid collection and testing errors. Ipratropium bromide nasal spray (IBNS) is highly effective at reducing rhinitis-related rhinorrhea, and should presumably not resolve CSF rhinorrhea. This study assessed whether different clinical features and IBNS response helped predict presence or absence of CSF rhinorrhea. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted where all patients with UCTR had nasal fluid tested for beta-2 transferrin, and were prescribed 0.06% IBNS. Patients were diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea or other rhinologic conditions. Clinical variables like IBNS response (rhinorrhea reduction), positional worsening, salty taste, postoperative state, female gender, and body-mass index were assessed for their ability to predict CSF rhinorrhea. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values and odds ratios were calculated for all clinical variables. RESULTS: Twenty patients had CSF rhinorrhea, and 53 had non-CSF etiologies. Amongst clinical variables assessed for predicting CSF absence or presence, significant associations were shown for IBNS response (OR = 844.66, p = 0.001), positional rhinorrhea worsening (OR = 8.22, p = 0.049), and body-mass index ≥30 (OR = 2.92, p = 0.048). IBNS response demonstrated 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and 100% positive and 91% negative predictive values for predicting CSF rhinorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with UCTR, 0.06% IBNS response is an excellent screening tool for excluding CSF rhinorrhea, and should be considered in the diagnostic workup of CSF rhinorrhea. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 134:56-61, 2024.

Multi-institutional Analysis of Endoscopic Sellar Surgical Volumes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to quantify trends in operative volumes and complications of endoscopic sellar surgery before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis. SETTING: TriNetX database analysis. METHODS: All adults undergoing neuroendoscopy for resection of pituitary tumor (Current Procedural Terminology code 62165) with diagnosis of benign/malignant neoplasm of pituitary gland (D35.2/C75.1) or benign/malignant neoplasm of craniopharyngeal duct (D35.3/C75.2) were included using the TriNetX database for 2 years before (pre-COVID group) and 2 years after (post-COVID group) February 17, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1238 patients in the pre-COVID group and 1186 patients in the post-COVID group were compared. Age, gender, and race were statistically similar between the groups (P > .05). Surgical volume decreased by 6% in the post-COVID group. In 2020 Q2, operative volume decreased by 19%, and in 2021 Q4 (peak COVID-19 caseload in the United States), operative volumes decreased by 29% compared to 2 years prior. Postoperative complications including meningitis (P = .49), cerebrospinal fluid leak (P = .36), visual field deficits (P = .07), postoperative pneumonia or respiratory failure (P = .42), and 30-day readmission rates (P = .89) were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, endoscopic sellar surgery may continue to fluctuate with increased COVID-19 outbreaks. Patient outcomes do not appear to be worsened by decreased operative volumes or delays in nonurgent surgeries.

Impact of Frailty on Postoperative Outcomes in Extended Endonasal Skull Base Surgery for Suprasellar Pathologies.

OBJECTIVE: Frailty metrics estimate a patient's ability to tolerate physiologic stress and there are limited frailty data in patients undergoing expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) for suprasellar pathologies. Elevated frailty metrics have been associated with increased perioperative complications in patients undergoing craniotomies. We sought to examine this potential relationship in EEA. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Two tertiary academic skull base centers. METHODS: Cases of patients undergoing EEA for suprasellar pathologies were reviewed. Demographic, treatment, survival, and postoperative outcomes data were recorded. Frailty was calculated using validated indexes, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5), and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Primary outcomes included 30-day medical and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 88 patients were included, with 59 (67%) female patients and a mean age of 54 ± 15 years. The most common pathologies included 53 meningiomas (60.2%) and 21 craniopharyngiomas (23.9%). Most patients were ASA class 3 (54.5%) with mean mFI-5 0.82 ± 1.01 and CCI 4.18 ± 2.42. There was no association between increased frailty and 30-day medical or surgical outcomes (including postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak), prolonged length of hospital stay, or mortality (all P > .05). Higher mFI-5 was associated with an increased risk for 30-day readmission (odds ratio: 2.35, 95% confidence Interval: 1.10-5.64, P = .04). CONCLUSION: Despite the patient population being notably frail, we only identified an increased risk for 30-day readmission and observed no links with deteriorating surgical, medical, or mortality outcomes. This implies that conventional frailty metrics may not effectively align with EEA outcomes.

The Utility of a "Second-Look" Debridement Following Endonasal Skull Base Surgery in the Pediatric Population.

Background Sinonasal debridement is typically performed in the weeks following endonasal skull base surgery (ESBS). In the pediatric population, this second-look procedure may require general anesthesia; however, there is currently little evidence assessing the benefit of this practice. Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients (age <18 years) undergoing a planned second-look debridement under general anesthesia following ESBS. Intraoperative findings, interventions performed, and perioperative complications were reviewed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify associations between intraoperative findings and clinical factors. Results We reviewed 69 cases of second-look debridements (age mean 8.6 ± 4.2 years, range: 2-18 years), occurring a mean of 18.3 ± 10.3 days following ESBS. All abnormal findings were noted in patients age ≤12 years. Synechiae were noted in 8.7% of cases, bacterial rhinosinusitis in 2.9%, and failed reconstruction with cerebrospinal fluid leak in 4.5% (two cases of flap malposition and one case of flap necrosis). All failed reconstructions were noted following expanded endonasal cases for craniopharyngioma, and in each case, a revision reconstruction was performed during the second-look surgery. Synechiae were not significantly associated with younger age, revision cases, or cases with reconstructive flaps. There were no perioperative complications. Conclusion Second-look debridement under general anesthesia may be useful in the identification and intervention of sinonasal pathology following endoscopic skull base surgery, particularly in children ≤12 years old or those with pedicled flap reconstructions. Larger controlled studies are warranted to validate this practice and refine indications and timing of this second procedure.

Endoscopic Repair of Anterior Skull Base Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks is Successful in Frail Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical frailty estimates a patient's ability to withstand the physiologic stress of an intervention. There is limited data regarding the impact of frailty on endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing CSF leak repair at two tertiary academic skull base programs were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, treatment, and postoperative outcomes data were recorded. Frailty was calculated using validated indices, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the Modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5). Outcomes included 30-day medical and surgical complications and readmission. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were included with 128 (69.2%) female patients and average age of 54 ± 14 years. The average body mass index was 34.6 ± 8.5. The most common identified etiology was idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in 64 patients (34.6%). A total of 125 patients (68%) underwent perioperative lumbar drain placement (primarily to measure intracranial pressures and diagnose IIH). Most patients were ASA class 3 (48.6%) with mean CCI 2.14 ± 2.23 and mFI-5 0.97 ± 0.90. Three patients had postoperative CSF leaks, with an overall repair success rate of 98.4%. There was no association between increased frailty and 30-day medical outcomes, surgical outcomes, or readmission (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic CSF leak repair in a frail population, including lumbar drain placement and bed rest, was not associated with an increased rate of complications. Previous data suggests increased complications in open craniotomy procedures in patients with significant comorbidities. This study suggests that the endoscopic approach to CSF leak repair is well tolerated in the frail population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 134:2713-2717, 2024.

Craniopharyngioma surgery for rhinologists.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors that that present with loss of pituitary function in most cases. They present in a bimodal age distribution and the most common treatment paradigms include gross total resection or subtotal resection followed by radiation. Endoscopic transnasal access to intradural tumors has become increasingly common due to improvements in equipment, increased familiarity with the surgical corridor and anatomy, and reconstruction techniques. As such, rhinologists play an increasingly important role in the management of craniopharyngiomas. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent years have highlighted our growing experience with pediatric endonasal skull base surgery. Prior concerns including sphenoid pneumatization, midfacial growth restrictions, and intercarotid space limitations have been studied more extensively. It has been found that there are no increased complications with lack of sphenoid pneumatization, no changes to midfacial growth with endonasal techniques, and the inter-carotid distance is stable after around age 5. Advances in surgical and skull base reconstruction techniques and intraoperative monitoring have reduced the risks of complications from surgery. SUMMARY: Rhinologists play an important role in craniopharyngioma surgery. The approach to and reconstruction after tumor removal are vital portions of the procedure that allow for resection and prevent postsurgical complications.

A National Cancer Database Analysis of Sinonasal Malignant Myoepithelial Carcinoma Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is a rare salivary gland tumor that can occur in the sinonasal cavity with poor outcomes. There are limited data on sinonasal outcomes to guide management. We sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to better define treatment outcomes in MECA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the NCDB from 2004 to 2016 for patients with MECA of the sinonasal cavity. Patient demographic, treatment, and survival information were extracted from the database. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to assess overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included. The average age was 60.7 ± 18.2 years and male patients represented 47.4% of the cohort. Most patients were White (n = 26, 68.4%) and the majority of patients had either private insurance (n = 20, 52.6%) or Medicare (n = 15, 39.5%). The primary site of most tumors was nasal cavity (n = 19, 50%), followed by maxillary sinus (n = 16, 42.1%). Most tumors were >4 cm (n = 17, 44.7%). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year OS was 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.7%-99.8%), 63.6% (95% CI: 49.4%-82%), and 46.4% (95% CI: 31%-69.5%), respectively. The median survival for the overall cohort was 85.8 months. Medicare insurance was associated with a decreased OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.2; 95% CI: 2.88-23.4, P < .001). Patients who underwent surgery had a significant survival benefit (HR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.21, P < .001). DISCUSSION: MECA of the sinonasal cavity is a rare tumor with poorly understood behavior. Data from the NCDB suggests that it is a relatively aggressive tumor with surgical management associated with better outcomes. This analysis is limited by the small sample size and further research into optimal treatment regimens is needed.

Systematic review of errors on beta-2 transferrin gel electrophoresis testing of rhinorrhea and otorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Beta-2 transferrin (B2-Tf) gel electrophoresis (GE) is the preferred non-invasive diagnostic modality for confirming cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in body fluids. While B2-Tf GE testing is highly sensitive and specific for CSF, false-positive (FP) and false-negative (FN) results can lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Several series have demonstrated potential causes of false B2-Tf GE results, but few studies have reported reasons for these errors. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe sources of B2-Tf GE errors. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching OVID, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for B2-Tf GE studies. After applying exclusion criteria, original research studies directly addressing erroneous B2-Tf GE results underwent qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Of the 243 abstracts screened, 71 underwent full-text review and 18 studies reporting B2-Tf GE errors were included for analysis. There were 15 potential FPs, 12 actual FPs, 12 potential FNs, 19 actual FNs, and 14 indeterminate results. There were also 246 potentially indeterminate results from in vitro studies. Reasons for B2-Tf GE errors included serum transferrin alterations (n = 17; all potential), infection related (n = 13; 9 potential), orbital or salivary contamination (n = 2; 1 potential), and collection related (n = 255; 246 potential). There were 31 false or indeterminate results with unspecified reasons. There were no reported errors due to laboratory processing. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple potential or actual reasons for false or indeterminate results have been reported for B2-Tf GE testing of rhinorrhea and otorrhea. Future studies should explore reasons for B2-Tf testing errors and how these may affect clinical decision making.

Image-Guided Surgical Device Failures in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A MAUDE Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Image-guided surgery (IGS) devices have become widely used for anatomic localization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). However, there are no studies that analyze the post-market complications associated with IGS device use during FESS. The objective of this study was to better characterize post-market complications associated with the use of IGS devices during sinus surgery. METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for event reports associated with neurological stereotaxic devices utilized in IGS between the dates of January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Medical device reports that were analyzed for this study pertained strictly to FESS. RESULTS: There were 1873 reports involving IGS devices for FESS included in this study. Fifty-five reports involved adverse events to patients (2.9%) and 1818 (97.1%) involved device malfunctions. Of the adverse events to patients, the most common included cerebrospinal fluid leakage (45.6%), tissue damage (12.7%), and nervous system injury (3.6%). The most commonly reported device malfunction was imprecision (21.1%). CONCLUSION: IGS devices are widely utilized in FESS. Of the medical device reports between 2016 and 2020, less than 3% resulted in adverse events. Further studies of the infrequent post-market complications of IGS devices used in FESS can help guide surgeons on the risks of their clinical use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4-Retrospective database survey without controls Laryngoscope, 133:1310-1314, 2023.

Carcinosarcoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: Review of the national cancer database.

Background: Carcinosarcomas are rare, aggressive malignancies that can arise in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. There are limited outcome data available. Accordingly, we sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to characterize patient demographics and outcomes. Method: A retrospective analysis of the NCDB from 2004 to 2016 for patients with sinonasal carcinosarcoma was conducted. Results: Thirty patients were included. The patients were predominantly male (n = 20), white (n = 23), and privately insured (n = 15), with an average age of 62.4 years. The nasal cavity was the most common subsite (n = 14), followed by the maxillary sinus (n = 8). Most patient were treated with surgery followed by radiation (n = 23), with the remaining undergoing surgery alone (n = 4), radiation alone (n = 2), or no treatment (n = 1). One-third (n = 10) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The 1- and 5-year overall survival (OS) in the cohort were 79.2% and 43.3%, respectively. Univariate log-rank testing showed OS varied based on intervention (P < 0.029), sex (P < 0.042), and age (P < 0.025), while on multivariate analysis none of these factors independently predicted OS. Conclusions: We describe the demographics and presenting features of a national cohort of sinonasal carcinosarcoma patients. Future research is needed to identify predictors of overall survival, and to assess the optimal roles for radiation and systemic chemotherapy.

The Impact of Delay in Treatment on Survival in Surgically Managed Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma.

Background Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, and multimodal therapy is the standard of care. We sought to characterize treatment delays in SNUC managed with surgery and adjuvant radiation and to determine the impact on survival using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients with SNUC between 2004 and 2016 in the NCDB. The intervals of diagnosis to surgery (DTS), surgery to radiation (SRT), and radiation duration (RTD) were examined. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed to identify the variables with the greatest impact on survival. The association between treatment delay and overall survival (OS) was then assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Of 173 patients who met inclusion criteria, 65.9% were male, average age at diagnosis was 56.6 years, and 5-year OS was 48.1%. Median durations of DTS, SRT, and RTD were 18, 43, and 46 days, respectively. Predictors of treatment delay included Black race, government insurance excluding Medicare/Medicaid, and positive margins. RPA-derived optimal thresholds were 29, 28, and 38 days for DTS, SRT and RTD, respectively. On multivariate analysis, positive margins (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28-10.2) and DTS less than 29 days (HR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.23-4.73) were associated with worse OS. Conclusion Our results likely reflect the aggressive nature of the disease with surgeons taking more invasive disease to the operating room more quickly. Median treatment intervals described may serve as relevant national benchmarks.

Pediatric Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: A Retrospective Review Over 11 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To show the safety and efficacy of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for skull base surgery in pediatric patients through descriptive analysis of cases over an 11-year period. METHODS: The study comprised 94 patients undergoing EEA for skull base surgery, between January 2007 and June 2018, at 2 tertiary pediatric hospitals. Descriptive statistics are presented regarding the presentation, intraoperative details, and complications. RESULTS: Over the study period, 130 surgeries were performed in 94 patients: 94 primary surgeries and 36 reoperations. The mean patient age was 13.8 years and 48.9% of patients were female. Presenting signs/symptoms included endocrinopathies (56.4%), vision abnormalities (37.2%), and cranial nerve deficits (20.2%). EEA alone was used in 95.7% of primary surgeries and 91.7% of reoperations. Diseases treated included craniopharyngioma (18.1%), pituitary adenoma (17.0%), Rathke cleft cyst (13.8%), chordoma (9.6%), osteosarcoma (5.3%), juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (4.3%), skull base fracture (4.3%), and encephalocele (3.2%). A lumbar drain was used in 20.2% of primary surgeries and 25% of reoperations. A nasoseptal flap was used in 36.2% of primary surgeries and 25% of reoperations. Postoperative complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak (12.8%), sinusitis (7.4%), bacterial meningitis (3.2%), and carotid artery injury in 1 reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: EEA for anterior cranial base disease is safe and efficacious in pediatric patients and can be used to treat many of the rare and heterogenous diseases that arise in this anatomic location. Management strategies and rates of sinonasal and intracranial complications including cerebrospinal fluid leak rate are similar to those reported in adult cohorts.

Cadaveric analysis of autonomic nerve fiber density in posterior nasal, posterolateral nasal, and anterior ethmoid nerves.

KEY POINTS: Autonomic nerve densities were equivalent in posterior nasal (PNN), posterolateral nasal (PLNN), and anterior ethmoid nerves (AEN). Rhinitis studies should explore the utility of PLNN and/or AEN transection over PNN alone.

Microdebrider complications in sinus surgery: Analysis of the openFDA database.

Objective: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a commonly performed otolaryngologic procedure that often uses the microdebrider device for tissue removal. Given the ubiquitous nature of the instrument, we sought to better define the patterns of device failure using the postmarket surveillance openFDA database. Methods: The openFDA database was queried for all microdebrider-related adverse events from January 1, 2000 to November 1, 2020. Descriptive information on the nature of device failure and any associated patient injury was compiled. Reports not directly related to device failure were excluded from the analysis. Results: A total of 641 events were included in the analysis. The most common device failure was overheating (n = 348, 54.3%), followed by material separation (n = 173, 27%), and inconsistent device activation (n = 52, 8.1%). Of the reported events, the vast majority did not result in patient harm (n = 579, 90.3%). On review of the remaining cases, only 24 events (3.7%) resulted in true harm to the patient, defined as a temporary or permanent injury or >30 min of additional anesthesia time. Of these cases, the need to reschedule surgical cases (n = 5, 0.8%), retained foreign body (n = 5, 0.8%), and thermal tissue injury (n = 3,0.5%) were the most common. Five patients suffered an injury due to surgeon error unrelated to device malfunction (n = 5, 0.8%). Conclusions: Microdebrider device failures are extremely rare. When they do occur, less than 10% result in patient harm. In cases of patient harm related to microdebrider failure, preoperative testing of the device before use could prevent many of the reported malfunctions.