A Novel Classification System for Oral Cavity Mucormycosis: a Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Rhino-oculo-cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) is a well-known complication post-COVID-19 infection. The extension of this disease into the oral cavity is a grey area with no proper protocol for management of the same in the existing literature. Based on our experience in the management of oral extension, this study aims to propose a protocol to treat these cases. Aim: To derive a classification for the surgeon from retrospectively collected data of 53 operated cases of oral Mucormycosis. Settings and Design: Hospital record-based cross-sectional study; evaluation of the previously treated 53 cases of oral extension of post-COVID-19 Rhino-oculo-cerebral Mucormycosis in the duration between May 2021 to August 2021. Follow-up for a period of 1 year. Methods and Material: Based on the preoperative data, 4 parameters were taken -Tooth tenderness, Tooth mobility, Palatal perforation, and Radiological findings. A clinical-radiological classification system was derived based on the intraoperative data from the OT notes and the preoperative findings corresponding to the 4 parameters. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 20 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Totally 220 cases of ROCM were recorded in our institute. Of this, 53 patients were treated for ROCM extending into the oral cavity. In 27 patients, we were able to achieve primary closure. In 26 patients, there was oro-antral communication after removal of the palate. Based on this data, we derived a protocol that may be used by the treating surgeon to manage oral cavity cases of ROCM, so that aggressive tissue resection may be avoided unnecessarily. Conclusion: This protocol will help the treating surgeon to have a clearer outlook on treating this disease.

Comparison of the Novel Two-Hand Technique Using the Saraj Endocath with the Traditional Three-Hand Technique in Transnasal Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery: An Innovation for the Future.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic surgery has become the preferred treatment of sellar lesions because of its minimally invasive nature. Visualization is frequently obscured as a result of the frequent contact of the lens with blood and tissue debris. We seek to alleviate these problems and increase the efficiency and safety of neuroendoscopic surgery by introducing a new device (Saraj Endocath) combining the major function of suction with the endoscope. METHODS: A total of 75 patients with pituitary macroadenoma who were eligible for transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic excision were included in the study between January 2020 and January 2023. Forty-one patients were operated on by the traditional 3-hand technique and 34 patients were operated on using the Saraj Endocath. The duration of surgery, in-out frequency of the endoscope, number of wipes needed to clean the endoscopic lens, and outcomes were assessed. A questionnaire regarding assistance, ergonomics, and instrument handling compared the Saraj Endocath procedure with the traditional technique. RESULTS: The 3-hand technique was converted into the 2-hand technique. The mean operative time using the novel technique with the Saraj Endocath was reduced significantly compared with the traditional technique. The mean number of in-out movements of the endoscope and the number of wipes per hour decreased significantly using the Saraj Endocath. There was no dependency on the assistant's expertise and skills. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Saraj Endocath can effectively reduce the mean operative time by decreasing the frequency of in-out movement and wiping off the lens of the endoscope. It reduces fatigue, avoids clustering of instruments and hands, and minimizes the dependency on assistants.

Posterior fossa giant adenoid cystic carcinoma with skull base invasion mimicking glomus jugulare: A case report and review of literature.

The author describes a rare case of giant adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) mimicking large paraganglioma with lower cranial nerve palsy. A 60-year-old female presented with a progressive increase in postauricular swelling with unilateral hearing loss, facial deviation, difficulty in swallowing, and hoarseness of voice. MRI brain showed highly vascular infiltrating and osteolytic mass suggestive of large glomus jugulare versus sarcoma. It was completely engulfing the jugular foramen and lower cranial nerves with bony erosion of the jugular foramen and occipital condyle. The whole mastoid was filled with the tumor. On digital subtraction angiography the majority of blood supply was from the occipital branch of the external carotid artery and vertebral artery. The patient underwent percutaneous embolization followed by external carotid ligation and resection of the mass. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathology was suggestive of mixed ACCs. The patient received radiotherapy. After 1 year of follow up no recurrence or distant metastasis was noted.

OTOPLAN-Based Study of Intracochlear Electrode Position Through Cochleostomy and Round Window in Transcanal Veria Technique.

To study the postoperative visualisation of the electrode array insertion angle through transcanal Veria approach in both round window and cochleostomy techniques. Retrospective study. Tertiary care centre. 26 subjects aged 2-15 years implanted with a MED-EL STANDARD electrode array (31.5 mm) through Veria technique were selected. 16 had the electrode insertion through the round window, 10 through anteroinferior cochleostomy. DICOM files of postoperative computer tomography (CT) scans were collected and analysed using the OTOPLAN 3.0 software. Examined parameters were cochlear duct length, average angle of insertion depth. Pearson's Correlation Test was utilized for statistical analysis. Average cochlear duct length was 38.12 mm, ranging from 34.2 to 43 mm. Average angle of insertion depth was 666 degrees through round window insertion and 670 degrees through cochleostomy insertion. Pearson's correlation showed no significant difference in average angle of insertion depth between subjects with cochleostomy and round window insertion. Detailed study on the OTOPLAN software has established that there remains no difference between round window insertion or cochleostomy insertion when it comes to electrode array position and placement in the scala tympani. It is feasible to perform round window insertion and cochleostomy insertion through transcanal Veria approach as this technique provides good visualisation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03228-5.

Is Gelfoam Necessary for Middle Ear Surgery: A Comparative Study of the Results of Tympanoplasty With and Without Gelfoam in the Middle Ear.

Absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) has been used for many years in middle ear surgeries. It not only provides support to the graft and ossicular reconstruction materials but also helps in haemostasis and aeration of the middle ear. Although gelfoam is generally well tolerated but fibrosis and granulations in the mesotympanum have been attributed to its usage in some studies. This study was conducted to compare the results of middle ear surgeries with and without gel foam in terms of both objective and subjective improvements of symptoms. To study the outcome of tympanoplasty with and without gel foam in the middle war by measuring following attributes (for measuring outcomes) at an intervals of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months after surgery. (a) Graft take up rate as evaluated by otoscopy. (b) Pre and post-operative hearing levels as measured on Pure Tone Audiogram. (c) Subjective improvement in symptoms of ear discharge, heaviness in ears, hearing loss and tinnitus. Study design-prospective clinical study. patients undergoing tympanoplasty type 1 between August 2018 to July 2019 were included in the study. Group A (n = 36) consisted of patients who underwent tympanoplasty with gel foam in the middle ear and Group B (n = 36) consisted of patients who underwent tympanoplasty without any gel foam inside the middle ear. The uptake of graft after tympanoplasty was almost similar in the patients using gelfoam (89%) and those without gelfoam (84%) at the end of 6 months. The improvement in the subjective symptoms of ear discharge and hearing loss at 6 weeks following the surgery was better in patients without gelfoam whereas, at the end of 6 months the improvement in these symptoms was similar in both the groups. The improvement in hearing 6 months following tympanoplasty as assessed by pure tone audiometry and was found to be the same in both the groups. Tympanoplasty can be performed safely without using any gelfoam in the ear. This not only makes patients comfortable early but also avoids any gelfoam induced fibrosis or granulations in the middle ear.

Modifying Ways to Perform ICU Tracheostomies in COVID-19 Patients: Approach to a Safe and Secure Method.

Background This study outlines the unique modifications to surgical tracheostomy procedure to combat the extraordinary situation the world has found itself in due to COVID 19 pandemic. We explain the modifications employed to the operative setup, anesthetic considerations and surgical procedure to enable us to provide timely and safe tracheostomy to the COVID ICU patients requiring it, while simultaneously maximally protecting our surgical personnel from the deadly exposure. Methods- We conducted 55 surgical tracheostomies in severely sick ICU patients with the modifications deemed fit to achieve safe procedure for both the patient and the operating team. We analyzed the hospital record data of these patients and the surgical teams COVID 19 status to assesss the efficacy of our procedural modifications. Discussion- The COVID 19 pandemic has thrown the entire medical fraternity into a dilemma as to how to provide the best possible care to the patients while protecting ourselves from its grip. Severely sick COVID patients often require tracheostomy for improved prognosis. We performed bedside open surgical tracheostomy and induced transient apnoea periprocedur along with carinal intubation. By making these simple and cost effective modifications to the procedure, we have ensured that patients get tracheostomised as and when required but not at the cost of the health and lives of our health care workers.

Awareness of an Primitive Art for Treating Otological Diseases in Present Covid-19 Scenario: Need of the Hour.

In current scenario of Covid-19 pandemic spread of virus via aerosol generating procedures has become a special concern in otorhinolaryngology community. Motive of this study is to spread awareness of an ancient forgotten method of performing mastoidectomy through which risk of virus infection can be greatly reduced among otologic surgeons. Retrospective Observational study. Three patients of chronic otitis media with complication were operatively intervened with combined approach of otorhinolaryngology and neurosurgeons. Mastoidectomies were performed without drilling. Instruments used were small, medium and large size gouge, chisel and hammer, curettes, kerrison punches and other microscopic ear instruments. All three patients recovered well without any residual disease or cavity problems. Referring ancient practices like above in this COVID era may prove an important tool in addressing surgical urgencies while combating transmission risks at the same time. One should be vigilant and versatile in surgical techniques in order to serve the needy and save the saviours simultaneously.

Importance of TORCH Profile in Hearing Impaired Paediatric Population Planned for Cochlear Implant: A Study From an Eastern India Tertiary Care Centre.

TORCH group of infections are one of the most common causes of bilateral profound hearing loss in a developing country like ours. Seroprevalance is quite high in eastern part of our country. Screening for TORCH infections in children's with profound hearing loss has significant prognostic, planning and policy forming implications. To evaluate the seroprevalance of TORCH infections in prospective cochlear implant children and its significance. Ours is a retrospective study conducted from 2017 to 2018 on 50 children with bilateral profound hearing loss attending the Department of ENT at AIIMS, Patna. Thorough clinical and audiological assessment of the patients was done using objective tests like OAE (otoacoustic emission), ABR (auditory brainstem response) and subjective tests like BOA(behavioural audiometry) and PTA (puretone audiometry) wherever feasible. Blood samples were collected and serotesting was done using ELISA for Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) (TORCH). We found that IgM was negative for all patients. Seroprevalance for IgG was 16.3% for toxoplasma, 74.4% for rubella, 69.8% for CMV and 20.9% for HSV. All the children had bilateral severe to profound loss on ABR and bilateral REFER on OAE. As prevalence of TORCH infection is quite common in India and is an established risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss with multisystem involvement screening for the same will help in early identification and in decision making for cochlear implantation thus improving the prognosis and also aid in policy making.

Post Earthquake Equilibrium Disturbance: A Study After Nepal-India Earthquake 2015.

Nepal and adjoining areas of India suffered a series of massive earthquakes in April-May 2015. This was followed by a remarkable increase in the patient presenting with vague dizziness like features which could not be attributed to any defined variant of vestibular disorder. Extensive search of literature revealed only scarce information about ambiguous post-earthquake vestibular symptoms and their management. We performed a detailed epidemiological analysis of these patients to analyse the presentation, underlying mechanism and optimal management. The results were scrutinised in light of existing international literature. We observed that earthquake precipitated a psychological stress like event that provoked features of disequilibrium and the neuroanatomical basis of the proposition was explored. We renounce the hypothesis of Secondary BPPV precipitated by earthquake leading to symptoms. The results were interpreted from the perspective of Indian scenario and its utility in post-earthquake disaster management in our country has been highlighted.

Round Window Insertion in Veria Technique of Cochlear Implantation: An Essential Modification.

Cochlear implants have been done using various surgical approaches. The classical posterior tympanotomy approach has been practiced by majority of surgeons worldwide. An alternative approach is the transcanal Veria approach. This is non mastoidectomy approach where the electrode is threaded via a transcanal tunnel into the cochleostomy site. Majority of "Veria" surgeons are inserting the cochlear electrodes via a cochleostomy. This article focuses on round window insertion of cochlear electrode which has been proven to be a "softer "technique of electrode insertions and finds its role in preservation of residual hearing. Out of 115 cochlear implants done at AIIMS Patna between May 2014-May 2018, using the Veria approach, 52 patients have now been done using the round window insertion. Veria approach is a non-mastoidectomy technique where a special perforator is used to drill a trans canal tunnel which lodges the cochlear electrodes. All kind of implants were used and round window insertion was possible with different kind of electrodes. Out of 52 implants, 24 were MEDEL Sonata with straight electrode and flex soft electrode, 21 were Advanced Bionics Precurved 1 J electrode, 2 were (CI 24 REST) Cochlear devices standard straight array and 5 were Neurelec standard straight array devices. Insertion was uneventful in all the cases and intra op telemetry results were satisfactory post insertion. Round window insertion has now become routine for cochlear implants especially in cases where we have to preserve residual hearing. Veria approach earlier was considered to be only a "cochleostomy" approach but our successful insertion via the round window using the Veria technique is a landmark modification and alleviates any such limitation which was associated with this technique before.

Assessment of functionality of vocal cords using ultrasound before and after thyroid surgery: An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The preservation of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is an essential part of thyroid surgery. The various methods to test the normal functionality of vocal cords (VCs) include direct visualisation under the fiber bronchoscope, indirect laryngoscopy, laryngeal muscles electromyography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to assess the usefulness of ultrasound (USG) in the examination of VC morphology and movement. METHODS: After Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) clearance, 65 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II patients between the age group 18 and 60 years scheduled for thyroid surgery were enrolled in this observational study. All patients underwent USG examination before, immediately after and 2 days after thyroidectomy. The vocal fold (VF) displacement velocity (VFDV) was recorded and analysed. If any VF disorder was detected, the patients underwent two additional examinations: 2 and 3 months after thyroidectomy. All the findings were correlated with those of video rhinolaryngoscope (VRL). RESULTS: The visualisation rate of the VCs with USG was 96.9% whereas with VRL was 100%. Two patients had preoperative VC palsy that was picked up by USG and confirmed by VRL. The sensitivity and specificity of USG as a tool to detect paralysis were 100% CI = (0.34, 1.00) and 93.44% CI = (0.84, 0.97), respectively. CONCLUSION: USG examination can prove to be a good, noninvasive, cheap alternative to VRL in examination for functionality of VCs perioperatively.

Our Experience of Treating Wide Spectrum of External Ear Canal Atresia of Different Etiologies in Pediatric Patients.

External auditory canal atresia (EACA) is a common otologic condition. Etiology can vary from congenital to acquired causes. It causes considerable difficulty to the patient. Bilateral ear canal atresia in children can lead to speech delays due to hearing impairment caused by this condition. Though easily diagnosed it is one of the most difficult conditions to treat. Acquired conditions can affect any age group. Restenosis following treatment is very common. This article focuses on the treatment of EACA due to different etiologies and emphasizes on special points of surgical treatment and follow up. Five cases of external auditory canal atresia was treated between 2014 and 2016. Two of them were congenital cases and three were acquired. One congenital atresia patient had pinna abnormalities in the form of one sided anotia and other side microtia. Another patient of congenital ear canal atresia had congenital cholesteatoma. Acquired atresia was due to osteoma, external trauma and surgical trauma following a condylectomy surgery. All the patients were treated surgically. A wide meatoplasty with split thickness skin graft lining the canal/cavity was done to avoid restenosis. Merocel wicks were used in all cases. Removal of localized granulations on follow up helped keep the canal patent especially in congenital EACA. All patients had significant hearing improvement following surgery. Child with bilateral atresia and pinna anomaly has now achieved normal hearing and speech milestones. She does not use any hearing aid. None of the patients developed restenosis of their reconstructed ear canal. One of the patient developed granulations around the meatoplasty edges which was cauterized using silver nitrate. External auditory canal atresia surgery is a difficult surgery keeping in view the distorted anatomy and the propensity of restenosis of the newly constructed ear canal. Hearing restoration in the operated ear is all the more challenging. Meticulous planning with close discussion with patients and their caregivers regarding multiple surgeries has to be done. Using skin graft, doing a wide meatoplasty, using merocel wicks for ear canal dressing are few important aspects of this surgery which can give satisfactory results in long term.

Ultrasonography Guided Excision of Isolated Cysticercosis of the Temporalis Muscle Causing Intractable Headache: A Rare Case Report.

Cysticercosis cellulosae is a systemic parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of pork tapeworm, Taenia solium which involve humans as either a definitive or secondary hosts. The central nervous system is the most important primary site of involvement. Cases of cysticercosis presenting as an isolated muscle mass is an extremely rare entity and demands documentation. We report an extremely unusual case of isolated cysticercosis of the temporalis muscle causing intractable headache which presented a diagnostic challenge. The condition was surgically treated by ultrasonography guided excision of the cysticercosis swelling in the temporalis muscle. We also emphasize on the role of proper imaging modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of such unique cases.

Minimally Invasive Technique for Repairing CSF Leaks Due to Defects of Posterior Table of Frontal Sinus.

Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from the frontoethmoid and sphenoid region can be easily dealt with endoscopic approaches, but CSF rhinorrhea due to frontal sinus fractures are difficult to treat solely by the nasal endoscopic approach and may require external repair. The technique described targets defects of the posterior table of the frontal sinus where conventional osteoplastic approach of obliteration is usually done. This technique is minimally invasive and involves repair using an endoscope via a frontal trephine. Methods We have treated five cases of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea with this technique, and the mean follow-up is 1 year (range: 10-14 months). The frontal sinus is opened by making a small stab incision (frontal trephine), and the defect site is localized by visualization via endoscope through the trephine. The repair is then performed with fat, bone graft, and fibrin glue. Results Closure of the defect was achieved in a single stage in all the patients, and none of them had a recurrence of leak in the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion This is a good technique for superiorly and laterally placed posterior table defects of the frontal sinus with minimal morbidity and excellent closure rates.

S-shaped tracheostoma in pediatric tracheostomy using three-dimensional sigma-plasty--a novel technique to possibly reduce procedure related complications.

OBJECTIVES: We have designed a technique of tracheostomy in pediatric patients with S-shaped incision on the tracheal wall which we think, provides a larger cross-sectional area of stoma and facilitates easier insertion of tracheostomy tube and thus helped in reducing early and late complications associated with it in our series. TECHNIQUE: The trachea was exposed in midline by a vertical skin incision. In order to make S-shaped tracheostoma, second tracheal ring was identified. The conventional vertical incision was made in second tracheal ring and then extended at both its ends laterally in the inter-cartilaginous space parallel to the tracheal cartilage in the opposite direction to make the incision S-shaped. The trachea was dilated with tracheal dilator and appropriate size of tracheostomy tube was then placed into the trachea. RESULTS: S-shaped tracheostomy was performed in 40 children with mean age of 6.36 years (age range is 2-12) required for airway maintenance or prolonged ventilatory support. The incidence of early complications was quite less in our patients (ranged from 0 to 5%). There was no incidence of excessive intra-operative bleeding or injury to surrounding structures causing subcutaneous emphysema or vocal cord palsy. One patient developing pneumothorax after the procedure was managed conservatively. There was no incidence of tracheo-esophageal fistula, suprastomal collapse or difficulty in decannulation on 9 months of follow up related to our technique. However, one of the patients developed early trachietis and cutaneous peristomal granulomas and 2 patients developed late trachietis which was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: S-shaped tracheoplasty, a new pediatric tracheotomy technique has resulted in a quantifiable reduction in the risk of the early and late complications in our series. Hence, we feel that this new technique is a better alternative to existing methods but larger randomized controlled studies are required before universal adoption of this technique.

Frontal sinus mucocele with orbital complications: Management by varied surgical approaches.

A mucocele of a para-nasal sinus is an accumulation of mucoid secretion and desqua-mated epithelium within the sinus with distension of its walls and is regarded as a cyst like expansile and destructive lesion. If the cyst invades the adjacent orbit and continues to expand within the orbital cavity, the mass may mimic the behavior of many benign growths primary in the orbit. The frontal sinus is most commonly involved, whereas sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary mucoceles are rare. Floor of frontal sinus is shared with the superior orbital wall which explains the early displacement of orbit in enlarging frontal mucoceles. Frontal sinus mucoceles are prone to recurrences if not managed adequately. Here, we are evaluating different approaches used to manage various stages of frontal mucoceles which presented to us with orbital complications. Three cases of frontal sinus mucocele are discussed which presented to our OPD with different clinical symptoms and all cases were managed by different surgical approaches according to their severity. We also concluded that it is prudent to collaborate with the neurosurgeons for adequate management of such complex mucoceles by a craniotomy approach.