Surgical management of nasal stenosis following chemoradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Nasal stenosis is a rare but significant complication of chemoradiation treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It can cause distressing obstructive symptoms for the patient and potentially interfere with monitoring for recurrence. Quality-of-life indicators are known to be very poor in this group of patients; however, there is very little evidence in the literature as to management of this complication. METHODS: This paper presents an endoscopic day-case surgical procedure to address total posterior nasal stenosis, as conducted in three patients, which involves division of adhesions and removal of the posterior septum and posterior inferior turbinates, without the need for packing or stenting. RESULTS: In this series, there was resolution of obstructive symptoms and no recurrence of stenosis during follow up (up to 20 months). CONCLUSION: This endoscopic procedure performed to manage total nasal stenosis differs from those previously described in the literature, as post-operative stenting or packing is not required, and removal of the posterior aspect of the septum is performed routinely.

Aetiology and pathology of otitis media with effusion in adult life.

OBJECTIVES: To gather and analyse information concerning the aetiology and pathology of otitis media with effusion in adults. METHOD: A review of the English language literature from 1970 to the present was conducted. RESULTS: The available evidence suggests that otitis media with effusion in adult life is best viewed as a syndrome with a number of causes, including: infiltration of the eustachian tube by nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other local malignancies; changes in the middle ear and eustachian tube induced by radiotherapy; and systemic disease. CONCLUSION: There is now a body of evidence specifically related to the aetiology and pathology of otitis media with effusion in adult life. However, further research is required to fill in the gaps in our knowledge and understanding of this condition.

Incidence of neoplasia in patients with clinically suspicious nasal lesions and the value of computed tomography imaging in diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus as to whether all routine bilateral polypectomy specimens should be sent for formal histopathological diagnosis to exclude underlying neoplastic pathology. This study assessed the necessity for histopathological investigation as routine practice in cases of bilateral and unilateral nasal lesions by estimating the incidence of unexpected pathologies. It also evaluated the ability of computed tomography to predict histopathological diagnosis in patients with unilateral nasal lesions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 98 patients undergoing nasal polypectomy over a 12-month period. RESULTS: Five of 23 patients with a unilateral lesion on nasendoscopy had inverted papillomas on histopathological examination. None of the 75 patients with clinically bilateral lesions on nasendoscopy showed evidence of neoplasia on histopathological examination. Patients with inverted papillomas had significantly lower total Lund-Mackay scores than those with bilateral polyps. Asymmetry scores of inverted papilloma patients were significantly higher compared to both bilateral and unilateral polyps patients. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that histopathological diagnosis is only necessary in unilateral lesion patients as no unexpected histopathological diagnoses were made in bilateral lesion patients. Computed tomography imaging may have a role in predicting histopathological diagnosis by demonstrating asymmetry and less overall sinus opacification in patients with neoplastic lesions.

Postoperative nasal debridement following functional endoscopic sinus surgery, a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a significant health problem, and the optimal postoperative treatment regime for patients post functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been a topic debated for years. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To systematically review and critically evaluate the evidence relating to postoperative debridement of the nasal cavity following functional endoscopic sinus surgery to guide best practice. SEARCH STRATEGY: A search of the following databases was performed: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials. Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed. The following key words were used: Postoperative, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, sinus surgery, debridement, follow-up, from 1970 to 2013. EVALUATION METHOD: Two independent reviewers assessed the relevant articles using the consort guidance on systematic reviews Moher et al. BMJ 2010; 340: c869. RESULTS: The best evidence available was 1B, with six Randomsied control trial (RCTs) identified. Four studies compared debridement against no debridement, and two looked at the frequency of the debridement. Cumulatively, results for 337 patients were included. Visual analogue scores were used in all studies. None of the results at the long-term follow-up showed any difference in sino-nasal outcome test scores or objective endoscopic scores. Four of the six studies demonstrated some benefit in symptom scores but only one in the long term. Two papers demonstrated the debridement group suffered more pain in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is no clear evidence for frequent postoperative debridement. Further well-designed RCTs are required to establish clear benefit, optimal frequency, extent and timing of debridement.

Bilateral acute mastoiditis and subperiosteal abscesses in a child managed by simultaneous bilateral mastoid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of bilateral acute mastoiditis and subperiosteal abscesses successfully managed with simultaneous surgery. METHOD: A case report and literature review are presented. RESULTS: A two-year-old boy presented with fever, otalgia, otorrhoea and bilateral protruding ears. He was treated for 72 hours with intravenous antibiotics but failed to improve. Computed tomography confirmed bilateral mastoid abscesses with destruction of the mastoid cortex. Bilateral drainage of the subperiosteal abscesses and bilateral cortical mastoidectomies were carried out. Post-operatively, he recovered well, and free field audiometry showed a normal hearing threshold of 20 dB across all test frequencies. CONCLUSION: This is only the second reported case of bilateral mastoiditis and subperiosteal abscesses. This case illustrates the use of bilateral cortical mastoidectomy in the successful management of this condition following failed antibiotic therapy, and highlights important management considerations.

The impact of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), on patient health status as assessed by the Glasgow benefit inventory.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of Endonasal DCR on the health status of patients, using a validated outcomes measure, the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. METHOD: Postal questionnaire with telephone follow up of patients undergoing Endonasal DCR in two institutions in Scotland. The same surgical technique is used in both centres. Patients were identified from prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. All adult patients, a minimum of twelve months post-intervention, were included. RESULTS: Ninety two of 123 patients (75%) completed the questionnaire, the mean age was 59 years and the sex ratio m:f was 1:1.8. The mean overall GBI for this intervention was + 32.7 (95% confidence intervals 27.8 - 37.6). The patients were grouped according to the indication for intervention: Obstruction of lacrimal system GBI + 32.7 (26.3-37.1), mucoecele + 40.1 (28.7-51.4), dacryocystitis + 19.4 (10.0-28.9). CONCLUSION: The GBI provides a measure of the effect of an ORL intervention on the health of a patient. Endonasal DCR scores highly when compared with a number of other rhinological procedures including rhinoplasty (GBI + 20), endoscopic sinus surgery (GBI + 23), and septal surgery (mean ranges from + 6 to + 24). Endonasal DCR is a successful intervention with demonstrable health benefits to the patient.

Leishmaniasis presenting to the otolaryngologist: a rare but important cause of persistent hoarseness.

OBJECTIVE: We report a rare UK case of laryngeal leishmaniasis, mimicking laryngeal candidiasis, associated with long term steroid inhaler use. METHODS: Case report and review of the world literature concerning leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Laryngeal leishmaniasis is a protozoal infection which is rare in the Western world. It is becoming more common, however, with increased foreign travel. The disease can be difficult to diagnose histologically, and diagnosis is often delayed because of its rarity. It can mimic malignant laryngeal disease, and patients may therefore be subjected to significant and inappropriate treatment interventions. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of leishmaniasis should be considered if initial treatment for persistent hoarseness is ineffective, particularly in a patient who is at low risk of malignancy.

What are the occlusal outcomes for unilateral cleft lip and palate patients? A national project in the UK.

AIM: This national project assessed the orthodontic outcome for unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients in the UK. METHOD: Six consecutively treated fixed appliance cases where orthognathic surgery was not undertaken were assessed using the peer assessment rating (PAR) index on orthodontic study models. These cases were submitted by NHS consultant orthodontists undertaking treatment on patients with cleft lip and/or palate. SETTING: UK NHS consultant-led hospital service. RESULTS: The mean reduction in PAR score was 69% + or - 22. The mean start PAR score was 41 + or - 11. The mean end of treatment PAR was 12 + or - 9. The proportion of cases where the score was worse or no different was 7.5%. CONCLUSION: The mean percentage PAR reduction compares well with other national projects looking at outcome from patients treated in the hospital service. The mean PAR reduction could be used as a benchmark for outcome in UCLP orthodontic treatments in future audit projects and the annual consultant appraisal process.

Centralization of services: standard setting and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To test specific standards set in the newly established cleft lip and palate service in three regions of the U.K. The standards relate to record collection and outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PATIENTS: Records of 31 children, 5 years of age, who were born in 1997 with complete unilateral clefts of lip and palate and were treated by surgeons in three regions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Record collection standards were measured by collecting dental study models. Outcomes were measured with the 5-Year-Old Index. RESULTS: Of the 31 subjects, 52% had excellent and good outcomes. The 31 cases represented 62% of the total records collected. CONCLUSIONS: The three regions examined fell short of the standards set, but the outcomes were improved compared with previous national outcomes. The failings in record collection need to be rectified. This study provides baseline data for further development of cleft services within three regions.

A comparison of three methods of repairing the hard palate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare growth, speech, and nasal symmetry outcomes of three methods of hard palate repair. PATIENTS: Consecutive available records of children born with unilateral bony complete cleft lip and palate over the period 1972 to 1992. INTERVENTIONS: Identical management of lip, nose, alveolus, and soft palate. Hard palate repair by Cuthbert Veau (CV) from 1972 to 1981, von Langenbeck (vL) from 1982 to 1989, or medial Langenbeck (ML) from 1989 to 1991. OUTCOME MEASURES: For growth: GOSLON yardstick or 5-year model index. For speech: articulation test. Nasal anemometry. For nasal symmetry: Coghlan computer-based assessment. All these measures were developed during the period of data collection but not for this project. RESULTS: There was a strong trend toward more favorable anteroposterior maxillary growth with the change from CV to vL to ML techniques. This fell short of statistical significance because of the small sample size. There was a significant reduction in cleft-related articulation faults (p =.01) considered to be related to improved arch form. In the absence of improved rates of velopharyngeal insufficiency or nasal symmetry, increased surgical experience was discounted as a significant contribution to improved growth and articulation outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced periosteal undermining and residual exposed palatal shelf from CV to vL to ML improved incisor relationships and articulation.

A new index for assessing surgical outcome in unilateral cleft lip and palate subjects aged five: reproducibility and validity.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the reproducibility, reliability, and predictive validity of a previously developed index by the authors for assessing surgical outcome in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) children aged 5. METHODS: Sixty randomly selected study models of 5- to 6-year-old complete UCLP subjects were obtained and the index was used to assess their surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Assessment of these study models using the new index demonstrated excellent intra-examiner agreement. The inter-examiner agreement was shown to be good. The corresponding longitudinal models at 16 to 18 years of 54 of the initial 5- to 6-year-old sample were also acquired. These subjects had undergone orthodontic treatment but not orthognathic surgery. The need for osteotomy amongst these models was assessed. Between 13% and 18% (depending on examiner) of 5-year-olds' models were scored in the groups likely to require orthognathic surgery. In the corresponding 16- to 18-year-olds' models, 9% were assessed as likely to benefit from an osteotomy. However, on an individual basis, it was not possible to predict future growth from study models at age 5. CONCLUSIONS: This study has provided a reliable and reproducible index for assessing the outcome of surgery in UCLP subjects earlier than indices already available. True validation of the index was not possible but it appears that it relies on face validity.

Study models of 5 year old children as predictors of surgical outcome in unilateral cleft lip and palate.

This study examined features of dental occlusion in patients born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The intention was to develop a 'Goslon type' index for 5 year old children. The Goslon ranking system was used on longitudinal study models taken at 5 and 10 years of age of the same patients. All patients had UCLP and this had been repaired using a Millard type lip repair and a Veau Wardill or Von Langenbeck palatal closure. There was good intra-examiner agreement for ascribing 5 and 10 year old models to one of five categories (excellent-very poor). Inter-examiner agreement on both sets of models was at worst moderate. Two of the examiners identified up to 93 per cent of 5 year old models which either remained in the same category or deteriorated by 10 years of age. At worse the results demonstrated 70 per cent of cases of 5 years of age remained in the same category or deteriorated by 10 years of age. Consensus agreement has produced five categories of outcome for these 5 year old models. This new index is to be subjected to further validation. This study has therefore provided, for the first time, a mechanism for assessing the results of CLP surgery earlier than indices already available.

Facial growth in patients with unilateral clefts of the lip and palate: a two-center study.

Two groups of 10-year-old patients with complete unilateral clefts of the lip and palate were examined in this study. Two centers; Bristol, U.K. and Oslo, Norway, who had different treatment regimens were used. The groups comprised 40 patients from Oslo and 32 from Bristol. The groups were matched, in proportion to the size of the groups, for age, sex, and presence of Simonart's bands. In Oslo, a Millard lip repaired was performed at 3 months of age with a von Langenbeck palatal repair at 18 months, no presurgical orthopedics was employed and there was no primary nasal correction. The Bristol center also repaired the lip at 3 months with a Millard type repair but also performed a radical nasal correction at the same time. The palate was repaired at 6 months with a Veau repair, and presurgical orthopedics using a pinned arch orthopedic plate was carried out. In addition, the volume of primary repairs per surgeon was much higher in Oslo, and a much stricter treatment protocol was used compared with Bristol. Lateral cephalograms obtained within 1 year of the child's tenth birthday were digitized, and the craniofacial morphology of the two groups was compared. Significant differences in maxillary growth and soft tissue profile were noted with a much more retruded mid-face and flatter nasiolabial angle in the Bristol group. The main factors for the better results in Oslo are suggested to be the absence of presurgical orthopedics, no radical nasal correction, the high volume of operations performed per surgeon, and the stricter protocol.

The Goslon yardstick applied to a consecutive series of patients with unilateral clefts of the lip and palate.

First described in 1987, the Goslon yardstick has been used since as a reliable and reproducible means of measuring dental arch relationships and, therefore, the quality of facial growth. The dental study models of a group of 32 consecutively treated patients with unilateral clefts of lip and palate, from the Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, U.K., were analyzed using the Goslon yardstick. More than 50% of the sample were in the unfavorable Goslon groups IV and V. Because of these results, we at Frenchay Hospital now base our related surgical procedures on the early vomerine closure of the anterior hard palate without nasal or alveolar repair at 3 months, followed by primary hard and soft palate closure at 6 months.