Endoscopic-Assisted Cochlear Implantation in Far Advanced Otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of cochlear implantation (CI) in case of far advanced otosclerosis and to evaluate the value of using intraoperative otoendoscopy to facilitate the identification of the round window membrane and the scala tympani without the need to remove the posterior canal wall or to perform a subtotal petrosectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-series study. SETTING: Tertiary academic CI center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on patients with far advanced otosclerosis who underwent endoscopic-assisted CI between January 2010 and June 2020 at the same CI center. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in the study. Ten patients had undergone a previous stapedotomy. Electrode insertion in the scala tympani was successfully accomplished in all cases included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in pure-tone average and speech discrimination scores in all cases of the study group (p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pure-tone average or speech discrimination scores between cases with and without cochlear ossification or between cases with and without a previous stapedotomy (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic-assisted CI is an effective option for hearing restoration in patients with far advanced otosclerosis. Otoendoscopy can facilitate visualization and access to the scala tympani without the need to remove the posterior canal wall or to perform a subtotal petrosectomy.

Development of a Predictive Model for Persistent Dizziness Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In an era of vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery where functional preservation is increasingly emphasized, persistent postoperative dizziness is a relatively understudied functional outcome. The primary objective was to develop a predictive model to identify patients at risk for developing persistent postoperative dizziness after VS resection. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent VS surgery at our institution with a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up. Demographic, tumor-specific, preoperative, and immediate postoperative features were collected as predictors. The primary outcome was self-reported dizziness at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Binary and multiclass machine learning classification models were developed using these features. RESULTS: A total of 1,137 cases were used for modeling. The median age was 67 years, and 54% were female. Median tumor size was 2 cm, and the most common approach was suboccipital (85%). Overall, 63% of patients did not report postoperative dizziness at any timepoint; 11% at 3-month follow-up; 9% at 6-months; and 17% at 12-months. Both binary and multiclass models achieved high performance with AUCs of 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. Features important to model predictions were preoperative headache, need for physical therapy on discharge, vitamin D deficiency, and systemic comorbidities. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the feasibility of a machine learning approach to predict persistent dizziness following vestibular schwannoma surgery with high accuracy. These models could be used to provide quantitative estimates of risk, helping counsel patients on what to expect after surgery and manage patients proactively in the postoperative setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:3534-3539, 2023.

A refashioned foley catheter: novel cost-effective available stent in pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) mandates stenting in certain situations. This study presents a novel commercially available and cost-effective stent, a refashioned foley catheter. METHODS: This prospective clinical study was performed on pediatric cases with LTS up to 8 years. The study was performed in a tertiary referral center. The selection of the proper foley catheter size for age was explained. The atraumatic insertion maneuver of the stent was also shown in detail in different situations of LTS. The endoscopic removal of the stent was also described. The mean follow-up was 6.45 ± 1.3 months. RESULTS: The study included 31 cases using the refashioned foley catheter stents. The study included 17 males and 14 females with a mean age of 3.45 ± 1.09. Subglottic stenosis was the most common cause of LTR in the study (74.2%) cases. The mean duration of stenting was 40.5 ± 3.7 days. Decannulation was achieved in 96.8% of cases. No stent complications were encountered like stent migration, excess granulation tissue, intractable aspiration, or pressure necrosis. CONCLUSION: The refashioned foley catheter is a novel, available, and inexpensive stent that can be utilized for LTR cases for pediatric LTS. The newly described stent is soft, pliable with atraumatic insertion and easy endoscopic removal with minimal complications.

Traumatic facial nerve paralysis dilemma. Decision making and the novel role of endoscope.

Objective: The management of traumatic facial nerve paralysis (FNP) has remained a controversial issue with conflicting findings arguing between surgical decompression and conservative management. However, recent advances in endoscopic surgery may consolidate the management plan for this condition. Methods: This prospective clinical study included patients with posttraumatic FNP at a tertiary referral center. Patients were categorized in two main groups: surgical and conservative. Indications for surgery included patients with immediate and complete FNP, no improvement in facial function on medical treatment, with electroneurography showing >90% degeneration or electromyography showing fibrillation potential. Patients who did not satisfy this criterion received the conservative approach. The transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) or endoscopic assisted transmastoid approach was performed for facial nerve decompression in the surgical group. Outcome: The main outcome was facial function improvement, assessed using the House Brackmann grading scale (HBGS) 6 months after surgery, and hearing state assessed using the air bone gap (ABG). Results: The study included 38 patients, of whom 15 underwent had surgical decompression and 23 underwent conservative therapy. A significant improvement in facial nerve function from a mean of 4.66 ± 0.97 to 1.71 ± 0.69 (P = 0.001) and ABG from a median of 30 (10-40) to 20 (10-25) (P = 0.002) was observed. Conclusion: Decision-making in cases of traumatic FNP is critical. The geniculate ganglion and tympanic segment were the most commonly affected areas in FNP cases. The TEA represents the most direct and least invasive approach for this area.

Role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in management of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse in OSA.

INTRODUCTION: Non-response to palatal surgery for OSA is a problem. Residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse is the proposed mechanism of failure. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in non-responders to primary palatal surgery with residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that was conducted on patients who underwent transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18-years, OSA proved by the polysomnography with apnea hypopnea index >15, lateral wall collapse at the level of hypopharynx as proved by drug-induced sleep endoscopy and had a previous tonsillectomy or previous palatal surgery for OSA. Exclusion criteria were those with no history of tonsillectomy or any other surgery for OSA and those with a missed followup. Data of included patients were collected and included gender, age, polysomnographic data like the apnea hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation and the calculated preoperative Epworth sleepiness scale. The early outcome included symptom improvement as measured by Epworth sleepiness scale score and lateral pharyngeal wall evaluation by nasopharyngoscopic examination in the first postoperative month. Late outcome measurement was performed by the 6-month postoperative polysomnography. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. RESULTS: The study included 37 patients with a mean age of (40.43 ±â€¯6.51). The study included 26 men and 11 women. There was a statistically significant improvement of apnea hypopnea index from 37.8 ±â€¯9.93 to 9.9 ±â€¯2.55. In addition, a statistically significant improvement of lowest oxygen saturation from 78.9 ±â€¯3.39 to 83.3 ±â€¯3.31 was encountered. The patients improved clinically, and this improvement was measured by statistically significant improvement of Epworth sleepiness scale score and snoring visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION: Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty widens the retropalatal airway and has a great role in the management of the vertical palate phenotype. In addition, it can have a role in the management of lateral walls, especially lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse.

Minimally Invasive Single-Point Stabilization of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures.

Objective: This study aimed to present a minimally invasive surgical management of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures with reduction and single-point stabilization over the frontozygomatic buttress. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on cases of ZMC fractures. The inclusion criteria were displaced tetrapod zygomatic factures, asymmetry of the facial bones, and unilateral lesion. The exclusion criteria were extensive skin or soft tissue loss, comminuted inferior orbital rim, limited ocular mobility, and enophthalmos. Surgical management included reduction and single-point stabilization over the zygomaticofrontal suture with miniplates and screws. The outcome measure was correction of the clinical deformity with less scarring and low postoperative morbidity. The late outcome was maintenance of a stable fixed reduced zygoma over the follow-up period. Results: Forty-five patients were included in the study with a mean age of 30 ± 5.56 years. The study included 40 men and 5 women. Motor vehicle accident was the most common cause of fracture (62.2%). They were managed via lateral eyebrow approach with single-point stabilization over the frontozygomatic suture after reduction. Preoperative and postoperative and radiologic images were available. All cases had optimum correction of the clinical deformity. Postoperative stability was excellent in the follow-up period, which had a mean of 18.5 ± 7.81 months. Conclusion: There is an increased interest in minimally invasive procedures, and concerns about scarring have increased. Therefore, single-point stabilization over the frontozygomatic suture provides good support to the reduced ZMC with low morbidity.

Role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in management of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse in OSA / Papel da faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino no tratamento do colapso da parede lateral da faringe na AOS

Abstract Introduction Non-response to palatal surgery for OSA is a problem. Residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse is the proposed mechanism of failure. Objective This study aims to evaluate the role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in non-responders to primary palatal surgery with residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse. Methods This is a retrospective study that was conducted on patients who underwent transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18-years, OSA proved by the polysomnography with apnea hypopnea index >15, lateral wall collapse at the level of hypopharynx as proved by drug-induced sleep endoscopy and had a previous tonsillectomy or previous palatal surgery for OSA. Exclusion criteria were those with no history of tonsillectomy or any other surgery for OSA and those with a missed followup. Data of included patients were collected and included gender, age, polysomnographic data like the apnea hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation and the calculated preoperative Epworth sleepiness scale. The early outcome included symptom improvement as measured by Epworth sleepiness scale score and lateral pharyngeal wall evaluation by nasopharyngoscopic examination in the first postoperative month. Late outcome measurement was performed by the 6-month postoperative polysomnography. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results The study included 37 patients with a mean age of (40.43 ± 6.51). The study included 26 men and 11 women. There was a statistically significant improvement of apnea hypopnea index from 37.8 ± 9.93 to 9.9 ± 2.55. In addition, a statistically significant improvement of lowest oxygen saturation from 78.9 ± 3.39 to 83.3 ± 3.31 was encountered. The patients improved clinically, and this improvement was measured by statistically significant improvement of Epworth sleepiness scale score and snoring visual analogue scale. Conclusion Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty widens the retropalatal airway and has a great role in the management of the vertical palate phenotype. In addition, it can have a role in the management of lateral walls, especially lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse.

Resumo Introdução A ausência de resposta à cirurgia palatina para AOS é um problema. O colapso residual da parede lateral da hipofaringe é um mecanismo de falha proposto. Objetivo Avaliar o papel da faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino em pacientes que não responderam à cirurgia palatina primária com colapso residual da parede lateral da hipofaringe. Método Estudo retrospectivo que será feito em casos que receberam faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino para parede lateral da hipofaringe residual. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade maior que 18 anos, AOS comprovada por polissonografia com índice de apneia e hipopneia > 15, colapso da parede lateral ao nível da hipofaringe comprovado por endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas e submetidos a amigdalectomia ou cirurgia palatina anterior para AOS. Os critérios de exclusão foram pacientes sem histórico de amigdalectomia ou qualquer outra cirurgia para AOS e aqueles com perda de seguimento. Os dados dos pacientes incluídos foram coletados e incluíram sexo, idade, dados polissonográficos, como índice de apneia e hipopneia, dessaturação de oxigênio e a escala de sonolência de Epworth calculada no pré‐operatório. O desfecho inicial incluiu melhoria dos sintomas medida pelo escore da escala de sonolência de Epworth e avaliação da parede lateral da faringe por exame nasofaringoscópico no primeiro mês do pós‐operatório. A medida do desfecho tardio foi feita pela polissonografia pós‐operatória de 6 meses. Os dados foram analisados no programa SPSS. Resultados O estudo incluiu 37 pacientes com média de 40,43 ± 6,51 anos. O estudo incluiu 26 homens e 11 mulheres. Houve uma melhoria estatisticamente significante do índice de apneia e hiponeia de 37,8 ± 9,93 para 9,9 ± 2,55. Além disso, foi encontrada uma melhoria estatisticamente significante da menor saturação de oxigênio de 78,9 ± 3,39 para 83,3 ± 3,31. Os pacientes melhoraram clinicamente e essa melhoria foi medida pela melhoria estatisticamente significante no escore da escala de sonolência de Epworth e na escala escala visual analógica do ronco. Conclusão A faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino alarga a via aérea retropalatina e tem um papel importante no manejo do fenótipo do palato vertical. Além disso, ela pode ter um papel no manejo das paredes laterais, especialmente no colapso da parede lateral da hipofaringe.

What Is the Role of the Endoscope in the Sinus Preservation Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures?

PURPOSE: The management of frontal sinus fractures has remained controversial. The present study investigated the role of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in a sinus preservation treatment protocol and described the ideal approach for each frontal sinus fracture type. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of patients with multiple frontal sinus fracture types. Patient demographic data, including age, gender, and cause of the fracture, were recorded. Four main management methods were proposed. Group A underwent observation only, group B underwent reduction and fixation of the anterior table, group C underwent endoscopic management of the frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT), and group D underwent cranialization with an assessment of FSOT. The outcome measurements were the correction of the clinical deformity, which was determined by comparison of the preoperative and postoperative images, and the patent frontal sinus drainage, which was measured on the postoperative radiologic sagittal and coronal views of the frontal recess. The long-term outcomes were confirmed by the absence of long-term complications on postoperative follow-up examinations. Statistical analysis and comparisons were performed using SPSS software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (52 men, 8 women; mean age, 29.5 ± 8 years) were included in the present study. Of the 60 patients, 20 were in group A, 20 in group B, 16 in group C, and 4 in group D. All 60 patients had undergone correction of the deformity and had a patent FSOT postoperatively. No long-term complications were encountered in the follow-up period (median, 24 months; range, 12 to 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic evaluation of the FSOT is of great importance in the surgical management of frontal fractures, because it allows for sinus preservation. The outcomes achieved in the present study were the result of selecting the right management plan for each fracture type.