Endoscopic endonasal approach to the vidian nerve and its relation to the surrounding structures: an anatomic cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the neurovascular structures and their relevant anatomy with the endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach on fresh human cadavers. In addition, the relationship between the vidian nerve, ICA and surrounding structures were investigated METHODS: This study was carried out at an otolaryngology department of a tertiary medical center between June 2014 and June 2015. Ten fresh human cadavers were included in this study. Pterygopalatine fossa was explored via an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. Same surgical dissection procedures were performed on all cadavers: maxillary antrostomy, anterior and posterior ethmoidectomy, sphenoidotomy, transpterygoid pterygopalatine fossa and vidian canal dissection. RESULTS: Mean distance between the anterior nasal spine and ethmoidal crest was 60.35 ± 1.31 mm (range 59-64 mm). Mean distance between the sphenopalatine foramen and superior border of choana was 18.30 ± 1.38 mm (range 17-22 mm). Mean distance between the vidian canal and sphenopalatine foramen was 6.30 ± 0.47 mm (range 5.5-7 mm). Mean distance between the vidian canal and anterior nasal spine was 64.6 ± 1.71 mm (range 62-67 mm). Foramen rotundum was located superior lateral to the vidian canal in all specimens. Mean distance between foramen rotundum and vidian canal was 9.45 ± 0.60 mm (range 8.5-10.5 mm). Course of the greater palatine nerve was always medial to the descending palatine artery. The mean length of the vidian nerve from the petrous ICA to the point the nerve exits the vidian canal (vidian canal length) was 17.90 ± 1.59 mm (range 16-20 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The distances between the vidian canal and surrounding neurovascular structures would help the skull base surgeon in this narrow and complex area.

Cavernous Sinus and Parasellar Region: An Endoscopic Endonasal Anatomic Cadaver Dissection.

The aim of this study was to investigate the neurovascular structures of the cavernous sinus with the endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach on fresh human cadavers. Additionally, the course of internal carotid artery (ICA) and relevant anatomy was thoroughly investigated to refine the anatomical landmarks, exposure difficulties, potential complications, and limitations using the endonasal endoscopic technique. This study was carried out at an otolaryngology department of a tertiary medical center between June 2014 and June 2015. The surgical dissection was performed on 10 fresh human cadaver specimens using paranasal sinus and skull base endoscopic instruments. Cavernous sinuses and parasellar area were explored via an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. Dehiscence was present in 5 (25%) cavernous ICAs. Projection of the cavernous ICA on the whole lateral sphenoid wall was prominent in 6 (%30) sphenoid sinuses. Anterior curve was prominent in 12 (60%) cavernous ICAs, whereas posterior was prominent in 7 (35%). Mean distance between the lateral wall of eustachian tube orifice and petrous ICA was 19.50 ± 1.05 mm (range 18-22 mm). Cranial nerves of the cavernous sinus showed no variation. Control of the ICA is critical during the endonasal endoscopic approach to the cavernous sinus and skull base. The vidian nerve is a reliable and important landmark to the petrous ICA in the transpterygoid approach. Dissection of the eustachian tube and its relation to the ICA has to be kept in mind during nasopharyngeal surgery.

Outcome of In Situ Septoplasty and Extracorporeal Subtotal Septal Reconstruction in Crooked Noses: A Randomized Self-Controlled Study.

IMPORTANCE: Severe dorsal deviations in crooked noses are treated by either in situ septoplasty with asymmetric spreader grafts (ISS) or extracorporeal subtotal septal reconstruction (ECS). To our knowledge, except one retrospective study, there is no other that compares the objective and subjective results of these two treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the aesthetic and functional outcomes of ECS and ISS in crooked noses. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was carried out on 40 patients (ISS in 20 patients and ECS in 20 patients) who underwent external rhinoplasty surgery due to crooked noses between May 2014 and January 2016. While performing rhinoplasty on the patients, the decision of whether to use the ECS or ISS technique was randomized in a sequential fashion. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Surgical outcomes were assessed and compared using the anthropometric measurement of photographs with Rhinobase software. Subjective assessments of nasal obstruction and aesthetic satisfaction were evaluated with a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between rhinion deviation angle, supratip deviation angle (SDA) and tip deviation angle pre- and postoperatively in the ECS group, whereas in the ISS group, except SDA, all other postoperative angles were significantly improved from preoperative values (p = 0.218). The nasal tip projection in the ECS and ISS groups was 29.48, 31.5 preoperatively and 29.78, 31.26 postoperatively. The mean postoperative nasal tip projection value (p > 0.005) did not change significantly compared to the preoperative value in both groups. The mean postoperative value of nasolabial (p = 0.226) angle did not change significantly compared to the mean preoperative one in the ECS group. However, in the ISS group, the mean postoperative value of nasolabial (p = 0.001) angle significantly improved compared to the mean preoperative value. There was significant improvement in both groups, while improvements in both functional and aesthetic outcomes were much higher in the extracorporeal group. None of the patients had postoperative nasal obstruction that required revision surgery. One patient underwent revision rhinoplasty due to an irregularity on the nasal dorsum in the ECS group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This is the first study that compares subjective and objective aesthetic and functional outcomes of crooked nose surgery according to two common septoplasty techniques in a randomized self-controlled fashion. This study was effective in both objectively and subjectively comparing the functional and aesthetic aspect of the patients submitted to two common different techniques of treatment of nasal deviations in crooked nose patients. 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 .

Double nasoseptal flap technique for endonasal pituitary surgery.

Endoscopic endonasal approach has been successfully used for the management of pituitary tumors; however, the loss of septal mucosa especially around sphenoethmoidal recess and posterior nasal septum might be a disadvantage of this technique. The aim of this study is to describe a variation of the endonasal approach, "double nasoseptal flap" technique in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, and to evaluate its outcomes. The technique depends on fully harvested bigger nasoseptal flap on one side and smaller on the other. Thirty patients were included. Functional results were assessed by preoperative and postoperative first month visual analogue scale (VAS), and morphology was evaluated by achieving intact septum from the sphenoid ostium to the columella. Sphenoid sinusitis, the presence of synechia and crusting in the sphenoethmoidal recess was also assessed. Mean VAS was 71 and 67 mm preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively (p > 0.01). There were no septal perforations, synechia, and sphenoid sinusitis postoperatively. Three patients had (10 %) crusts on sphenoethmoidal recess on first month postoperatively. Double nasoseptal flap technique has advantages, such as wider exposure during surgery; prepared flaps could be used if needed, better morphological and functional outcomes postoperatively. The technique is safe without any perforations and minimal crusting.

Assessing the rhinoplasty outcome: inter-rater variability of aesthetic perception in the light of objective facial analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the success of rhinoplasty by evaluating the inter-rater variability in the light of primary indication as functional or cosmetic. Subjective aesthetic perception was compared with objective facial analysis. 45 rhinoplasty patients were included in the study. 25 had cosmetic plus functional reasons with septal deviation (group 1) and 20 had pure cosmetic reasons without septal deviation (group 2). Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, four individuals (patient, surgeon, 2 independent surgeons) rated the aesthetic appearance of the nose with visual analogue scale. Facial photogrammetric analysis was applied. The patient's aesthetic perception score was significantly correlated with the two independent surgeons (p < 0.05) whereas not with the primary surgeons. Regarding the objective parameters, patient's aesthetic perception was significantly correlated with the dorsal alignment in both groups (p < 0.05). General satisfaction score was significantly correlated with the nasal breathing as well as with the aesthetic perception scores in both groups. This correlation was higher for aesthetic perception in group 1 and nasal breathing in group 2. Inter-rater variability of outcome perception was higher in cosmetic patients. Nasal dorsal alignment was the only objective parameter which was correlated with the patient's perception. Patient's perception of outcome has better represented the objective photogrammetric analysis rather than the primary surgeons. An interesting finding was the more significant correlation of general satisfaction with aesthetic perception in the functional group whereas nasal breathing in the cosmetic group.

The influence of the lateral pharyngeal wall anatomy on snoring and sleep apnoea.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the variations of the lateral pharyngeal wall anatomy on physical examination and to assess the clinical importance of the examination of the lateral pharyngeal wall on the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey, between May 2010 and April 2011. The patients were divided into four equal groups: Group 1--snoring without apnoea (age 20-40); Group 2--snoring without apnoea (age 40-60); Group 3--apnoea-hypopnoea index < 5/hr; Group 4: apnoea-hypopnoea index > 30/hr. Calibrated oropharynx pictures were taken. Distance between palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches, height of palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches, uvula width, uvula length and distance between tonsils were measured. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients in the study, 44 (55%) were men. Mean distance between palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches were 1.55 ± 0.34 cm and 2.70 ± 0.43 cm respectively. Mean height of palatopharyngeal and palatoglossal arches were 0.60 ± 0.21 cm and 1.37 ± 0.36 cm respectively (p > 0.05). Mean uvula width and uvula length were 0.80 ± 0.12cm and 1.25 ± 0.27 cm respectively (p > 0.05). Mean distance between tonsils was 2.24 ± 0.56 cm (p > 0.05). Distance between palatopharyngeal arches was significantly different between groups 3 and 4 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Palatopharyngeal arch anatomy was found to be significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome severity, especially in patients with normal or small tonsil size. Patients with the palatopharyngeal arches, which narrow the oropharyngeal inlet more than the tonsils, should further be investigated with polysomnography.

Collision tumors of the paranasal region: presentation of two cases.

Collision tumors in the paranasal region are extremely rare with limited literature data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of associations of squamous cell carcinoma-esthesioneuroblastoma and lymphoma-hemangiopericytoma in the paranasal region. Preoperatively, radiological and clinical findings should be evaluated carefully for the diagnosis and two or more biopsy specimens should be taken from different morphological parts of the lesions. Adjuvant therapy should be planned according to two different histologies and special importance should be given to the tumor which indicates the prognosis of the patient. A multidisciplinary approach is required for the management of synchronous malignancies.

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: effect of visual education.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) although it is known that adherence to therapy is limited. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of visual education on CPAP adherence and to identify the factors affecting adherence. METHODS: Out of 133 consecutive newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSAS patients, 66 were informed about OSAS and CPAP therapy and received visual education by videotape (video group), whereas only information was given to 67 of them (control group). The patients were followed up in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. RESULTS: After 6-month follow-up, adherence rate to CPAP therapy was 71.2% in the video group and 56.7% in the control group (p = 0.08). OSAS symptoms, such as witnessed apnea, morning headache, night sweating, dry mouth, and Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), were ameliorated more significantly in the video group (p < 0.05). In order to assess predictors of adherence, 85 patients using CPAP effectively were compared to 48 nonadherent patients; significant improvement in OSAS symptoms and ESS was observed in the adherent patients (p < 0.05). ESS was negatively correlated with the duration of CPAP use (r = -0.524, p < 0.0001). Adverse effects such as mask intolerance, choking, noise, and nasal congestion were related to poorer adherence (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that adherence rate to CPAP therapy might be improved by visual education although the difference was not significant. Besides, patients with better adherence to CPAP treatment report the greatest improvement in OSAS symptoms and daytime sleepiness, and adverse effects are significantly related to poorer adherence.

The clinical value of the novel cauterization procedure for the inferior turbinate artery during turbinate surgery.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the novel cauterization procedure of the inferior turbinate artery, which may be performed with any kind of inferior turbinate procedures in reducing the intra and the post-operative bleeding in partial inferior turbinectomy. A prospective controlled study was conducted in a referral center. Sixty patients (38M, 22F) who underwent partial turbinectomy were included. In 20 patients, partial turbinectomy was performed with the cauterization in one nasal cavity and the other one without it. The remaining 40 patients were divided into two groups which comprised cauterization positive and negative patients and are assessed in terms of post-operative bleeding. The area of the cauterization was 1 cm(2) field which is 1 cm anterior to the posterior attachment of the inferior turbinate on the lateral nasal wall, very close to the inferior turbinate, where the pulsating vessel is most commonly seen. Mean operation time, mean intra-operative blood loss and post-operative bleeding incidence are the main outcome measures. Post-operative bleeding was seen in three patients (15%) in the cauterization negative group. No patient had post-operative bleeding in the cauterization positive group. Mean operation time and mean intra-operative bleeding amount were significantly lower in the cauterization positive side. Cauterization of the inferior turbinate artery on the lateral nasal wall is a safe and effective method which may also be performed with any kind of inferior turbinate procedures to reduce both the operation time and intra and post-operative bleeding.

[Mucormycosis: retrospective evaluation of 12 cases]. / Mukormikoz: 12 olgunun retrospektif degerlendirilmesi.

Mucormycosis is a rare and often fatal invasive fungal infection. Disseminated or pulmonary forms are common in patients with immune deficiency while rhinocerebral form is common in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the adult mucormycosis cases which were followed up in our hospital between 2007-2010. The cases were evaluated in terms of demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, laboratory, clinical and treatment results. A total of 12 mucormycosis cases (6 were male; age range: 18-74 years; mean age: 50.83 ± 18.27 years) were evaluated. Ten of the 12 cases had definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal infection according to EORTC/MSG (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group) criteria whereas two had possible mucormycosis. Six cases had rhinoorbital, four had rhinocerabral, one had pulmonary and one had rhinocerebral and pulmonary mucormycosis. Fever (n= 10; 83%), edema in face (n= 8; 67%) and eyes (n= 6; 50%) were the most common symptoms and findings. Mycologic culture was performed in ten cases and was found positive in five cases (four cases had Rhizopus spp. one case had Mucor). In two cases direct microscopy revealed mycelium but culture did not yield any pathogen. Two cases had concomitant Aspergillus spp. growth. Overall mortality rate was determined as 50% (6/12). All of the cases received antifungal therapy (liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole or itraconazole), however, surgical intervention was applied to five cases. Mean duration of antifungal treatment was 60.8 ± 47.4 days. Mortality rate was lower in cases who received concomitant surgical therapy, but the difference was not found statistically significant (2/5 vs. 4/7, p> 0.05). Hematologic diseases (n= 6) and diabetes mellitus (n= 3) were the most common underlying diseases in mucormycosis cases. Voriconazole prophylaxis applied to three cases with hematologic diseases was detected as a risk factor. Development of mucormycosis in those cases who were under voriconazole prophylaxis, deserves attention. Since this is the largest 3-years series of adult mucormycosis cases reported from a single center and includes the first cases treated with posaconazole, the results of this evaluation may aid to the management of patients with mucormycosis.

[Primary buccal extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma as a rare tumor of head and neck region]. / Bas-boyun bölgesinin nadir bir tümörü olarak primer bukkal ekstraskeletal Ewing sarkomu.

Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is a mesenchymal malign soft tissue tumor which generally affects the lower extremities and paravertebral region and is very rarely seen in the head and neck area. Early diagnosis and chemotherapy and radiotherapy program combines with surgical excision would be the appropriate treatment modality. In this article we present a case of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma which arise from the buccal area as an unusual localization together with information from the literature. In the physical examination of a 23-year old male patient who admitted to our clinic with a complaint of painless mass on his cheek which had been increasingly growing for approximately three months, a painless semi-mobile mass of approximately 5 x 3 cm in size with regular borders and elastic consistency was found within buccal soft tissue in the left maxillary area. The mass was excised under general anesthesia. No local recurrences or findings of distant metastases were observed during the 11-month postoperative follow-up.

Gastroesophageal reflux with children requiring adenotonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to determine the incidence of reflux in children older than 3 years requiring adenotonsillectomy and relationship between GER and diagnostic tests. METHODS: Forty-four patients, who were listed for adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy at Pediatric Ear Nose Throat department due to severe hypertrophy, were evaluated for accompanying GER (Group 1). GER was diagnosed as having at least one positive GER test result (including esophagitis or pH monitoring). Twenty children without reflux symptoms were used as healthy control group (Group 2) and LPR was held. RESULTS: Reflux was detected in 32 children requiring adenotonsillectomy (72.7%). LPR score was negative in all patients in Group 2. There was no correlation between pH monitoring and histopathological evaluation of esophagus. There was a correlation between the LPR score and histological esophagitis in the proximal esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: GER was high in patients with adenotonsillary hypertrophy. LPR score and the history of patients are as effective as invasive techniques like pH monitorization and endoscopy in determining GER disease.

Blood supply of the inferior turbinate and its clinical applications.

One of the most effective treatments of inferior turbinate (IT) hypertrophy is surgical reduction. Bleeding from the IT branch of the posterior lateral nasal artery (ITB) may interfere with the outcome of IT surgery. The aim of this study is to define the anatomic localization of the ITB and its variations and to investigate its clinical importance. Anatomic relations of the ITB were determined by microdissecting 20 adult, sagittally cross-sectioned head specimens. Branching characteristics of the ITB and its anatomical relations were evaluated. The most consistent two markers to define the ITB on the lateral nasal wall were the posterior attachment of the IT (PAIT) and the posterior attachment of the middle turbinate (PAMT). Mean horizontal distances of the ITB from the PAIT and the PAMT were 7.2 mm ± 2.8 mm (2.5-11.8 mm) and 8.2 mm ± 2.8 mm (4-14.6 mm), respectively. ITB was the only major artery that supplied the IT in 85% of the specimens, and, in 15%, there was more than one artery. ITB was located lateral to the IT in 95% and medial to the IT in 5%. The ITB coursed on the lateral nasal wall, vertically between the middle and ITs and always anterior to the PAIT. All the variations of blood supply to the IT were within a one square centimeter area, ∼1-cm anterior to the PAIT. Successful cauterization of this particular area may be an alternative cauterization site in IT surgery.

Diplopia secondary to septal infiltration anesthesia: two cases.

We describe two temporary diplopia cases secondary to local septal infiltration anesthesia during septoplasty operation. Both of the diplopia cases resolved without any treatment. Although diplopia was not refractory in our cases, when injecting anesthetics, special care must be taken to avoid injection either into the artery or to the vein.

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.

Comparison between Rescue Flap and Double Flap Technique.

Objectives Endoscopic techniques in pituitary surgery lead to inevitable mucosal loss of the sphenoethmoidal recess and posterior nasal septum in the nasal cavity. There is no other comparative study between primary reconstruction of septal perforation and secondary healing in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative patient morbidity with or without posterior septal perforation in endonasal pituitary surgery by comparing two commonly used techniques: rescue and double nasoseptal flaps. Design Prospectively randomized study. Setting Tertiary academic center. Participants Sixty patients underwent endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures Functional results (breathing) using visual analog scale (VAS), sphenoid sinusitis, presence of synechia, perforation in the posterior septum, and crusting in the sphenoethmoidal recess were assessed. Results Pre- and postoperative mean VAS scores were 71.67 ± 11.47 and 67.67 ± 9.71 mm in the intact septum group and 77.67 ± 14.06 and 62.67 ± 10.48 mm in the posterior septal perforation group. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative VAS values in all groups. There was significant worsening in both groups; worsening in VAS values was much higher in the posterior septal perforation group. In the posterior septal perforation group, much more crusting was seen. Conclusions This is the first study to compare the postoperative patient morbidity in endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery with and without a posterior septal perforation. Reconstruction of the posterior septum along with less mucosal loss yields better postoperative nasal symptom score.

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 Effect of Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Skull Base Surgery on Cochlear Function.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal skull base surgery (ETSS) has become a standard approach in the treatment of sellar and clival lesions, such as pituitary adenoma and chordoma. Due to the close proximity of the clivus and the sella turcica to the inner ear, it is thought that bone drilling in the surgery may have effects on hearing. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of bone drilling in ETSS procedure on cochlear function. This study was performed on 18 patients who underwent ETSS procedure between December 2016 and May 2017. The study was designed as a prospective study. All of the data were prospectively collected. These included demographic data, date of surgery, type of surgery, preoperative pure-tone audiometry, and preoperative and postoperative distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements. Of the DPOAE measurements of the patients who were operated for pituitary adenoma, there was a statistically significant difference between the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz ( p < 0.05). Additionally, there were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative SNR measurements of six patients who were selected for clivus chordoma. When the preoperative and postoperative tonal audiometric tests of the patients were compared, no statistically significant difference was found ( p > 0.05). In conclusion, it is found that bone drilling in ETSS procedure has a negative effect on cochlear function in the early period. This is the first study to evaluate the degree of noise-induced cochlear damage in patients who were gone under ETSS procedure.

A Rare Orbital Complication of Sinusitis in a Pregnant Patient: Orbital Inflammatory Granulation.

Development of orbital inflammatory granulation in pregnant patients as an orbital complication of acute sinusitis is extremely rare. Herein, we describe the case of a patient with a complication of acute sinusitis that mimicked orbital tumors. The patient presented with left orbital protrusion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pansinusitis with a well-defined mass lesion in the extraconal space of the left orbit. Endoscopic endonasal sphenoethmoidectomy and orbital decompression were performed. Histopatological examination revealed acute inflammatory granulation tissue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe orbital inflammatory granulation in a pregnant patient as an orbital complication of sinusitis.