Polysomnographic Findings Versus Degree of Obstruction During Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy and Muller's Maneuver.

PURPOSE: To investigate associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during Muller's Maneuver (MM) and Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. Adult patients newly diagnosed with OSAS in a tertiary sleep center were included consecutively and evaluated by polysomnography and MM. They then underwent DISE in an operating room. The associations between polysomnographic findings and the severity of upper airway obstructions during MM and DISE were assessed. Also, the degree and pattern of obstructions were compared using a modified VOTE questionnaire. RESULTS: 145 patients (mean age 41.5 ± 10.1 years) were enrolled. There were no associations between Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), mean and lowest O2 saturation, and body mass index on the one hand, and obstruction degree in MM and DISE (p > 0.05). However, a significant positive correlation was observed between RDI and total VOTE scores in DISE and MM (r = 0.179, p = 0.031 and r = 0.221, p = 0.008 respectively). There were no differences between MM and DISE in diagnosing the degree of obstruction in the velum area (p = 0.687) and the epiglottis (p = 0.50). However, a significant difference was observed between the two techniques in the oropharynx lateral wall (p < 0.001) and tongue base (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Although there was no association between polysomnographic findings and the severity of obstruction in MM and DISE for the separate levels of the upper airway, obstruction severity may be assessed more accurately by total VOTE score, which is representative of RDI severity.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with and without modified thyrohyoid suspension for obstructive sleep apnea treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the efficacy of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + Tongue Base Radiofrequency (TB-RF) and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension techniques + TB-RF which aimed to suspend base of tongue muscles anteriorly toward thyroid cartilage. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 48 cases of confirmed OSA between Jan, 2019 and Aug, 2022. We divided patients into two groups. One group underwent Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension + TB-RF technique, and another one underwent Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + TB-RF. Then, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), mean and lowest O2 saturation, Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Stanford Subjective Snoring Scale (SSSS), and T90 indexes were evaluated before and after each surgery. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age was 39.4 ± 11.17 years. Of the 48 patients, 79.1% (n = 33) were male and 20.9% (n = 15) were female. AHI and SSSS in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension group were significantly better than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group (P-value; 0.010). Though, there was no significant difference in terms of mean saturation, lowest desaturation, ESS, DSST, and T90 scores. The success rate in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty groups, according to the Sher criteria: a minimum of 50% reduction with a final AHI less than 20, were 75% (18/24) and 41.7% (10/24), respectively. It was significantly higher in the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty + modified thyrohyoid suspension group (P-value: 0.021). CONCLUSION: The addition of modified thyrohyoid suspension technique to Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty have better surgical outcomes and more success rate than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in OSA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT: IRCT20190602043791N2. https://en.irct.ir/trial/53365 .

Sleep Medicine Evaluation in the Annual Patient Management Problem (PMP) Exam for Otolaryngology Residents.

The sleep medicine has not been previously included in the patient management problem (PMP) exam for otolaryngology residents at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The aim of this study, is to evaluate the results of this first implementation. This was a cross-sectional study. The examinees included all 62 residents from the 1st to 4th years of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences otolaryngology department. The resident scores obtained in this exam were evaluated and compared by residency year. The overall participant score was low for this part of the PMP. There was no score difference between years 1 and 3, but there was a significant positive change in year 4 (p = 0.007). This score pattern was not evident in other parts of the exam. Otolaryngology residents have insufficient knowledge toward the sleep medicine. The reasons for such scoring patterns may be due to the structure of sleep medicine training within the department which may lead to undesirable consequences.

Is Cartilage Thickness Important in Cartilage Tympanoplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cartilage is used as a grafting material for tympanoplasty. The rigidity of the cartilage is the main concern. There are debates regarding slicing the cartilage when it is used as a graft. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the hearing results of full vs. partial-thickness cartilages in patients undergoing cartilage tympanoplasty. We systematically searched google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, Scopus, and gray literature including the references of the selected studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to 6 May 2020. The search syntax for identifying studies was: ((Cartilage) AND (tympanoplasty) AND (thickness)). The literature search found 1047 articles. After eliminating duplicates, 908 studies remained; from these, we excluded observational studies, reviews, case reports, and non-randomized trials, and 12 studies remained. Finally, only 5 articles were included for analysis. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for the post-operative gap was -0.87 95% CI: (-1.66, -0.08) (I2 = 87.1%, p < 0.001). The pooled SMD of the reduction in gap in the full-thickness group was 2.84, 95% CI (1.39-4.3), I2 = 93.2%, p < 0.001). The pooled SMD of the reduction in gap in the partial-thickness group was 4.02, 95% CI (1.97-6.02), I2 = 95.3%, p < 0.001). The pooled results of this systematic review showed that partial-thickness cartilage graft has better hearing outcomes than full-thickness in patients undergoing cartilage tympanoplasty.

Factors related to successful closed nasal bone reduction: a longitudinal cohort study.

Fracture of the nasal bone is the most common facial fracture because the nose is the most protruding part of the facial skeleton. Standard treatment is nasal reduction, which may cause patients significant pain and stress. Closed nasal reduction may be unsuccessful because of old fractures, despite physical examination being compatible with a new fracture. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the success of closed nasal reduction. A total of 80 patients with isolated nasal bone fractures who opted for closed reduction under local anaesthesia were included. Demographic features, days from trauma, and findings of physical examination and lateral nasal X-rays were assessed. Significant nasal bone movement with significant improvement in the deformity was considered a successful reduction. An absence of, or minimal, nasal bone movement was considered unsuccessful. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 28.4 (11.5) the youngest being 15. A total of 56 patients had successful nasal reduction. Younger age (p = 0.021), absence of periorbital ecchymosis (p = 0.042), and no fracture line on lateral nasal X-ray (p = 0.000), were associated with unsuccessful reduction. Although lateral nasal X-ray is not considered a good instrument for diagnosis of a nasal fracture, this study has shown that the absence of a fracture line on a lateral nasal X-ray can be a predictor for unsuccessful reduction in patients older than 15 years.

Effect of Otolaryngology Residency Program Training on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Practice.

According to the importance of management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by otolaryngologists, this study was designed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practice of junior and senior residents of otolaryngology and evaluate the effect of current residency training program on choosing the first lines of treatment. A total of 110 residents of otolaryngology were selected. Our study tools were obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes (OSAKA and OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaires. The participants were classified as junior and senior. Senior residents had significantly higher total knowledge score for OSAKA based on independent t test (12.73 Vs. 10.52). No significant difference was observed for OSAKA-KIDS (11.31 Vs. 10.69). The most frequent choice for the first line was CPAP (63.8%) and weight loss (41.5%) among junior and senior residents, respectively. Although the knowledge of otolaryngology residents increased during their program, the choice of first line treatment in obstructive sleep apnea was different between junior and senior residents. We found a need for further multidisciplinary education for residents especially in the management of sleep apnea particularly toward CPAP usage and this syndrome in pediatrics.

Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms Referral to Otolaryngologists in Iranian Residency Entrance Examination Volunteers: The Effect of Source of Education and Level of Knowledge.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has various complications for individuals' health. This study aimed to evaluate the factors for referring obstructive sleep apnea patients to otolaryngologists in Iranian residency entrance examination volunteers. This cross-sectional study recruited volunteer participants from the Iranian Residency Entrance Examination on March 2, 2018. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA)/the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes in Children (OSAKA-KIDS) Questionnaires were distributed among residents attending exam preparation. Number of years working as a physician, number of adult and pediatric patients visited during the academic rank in residency examination, and the main specialty during general physician education in which they get familiar with obstructive sleep apnea were documented. The effect of the mentioned variables evaluated on patient referral preference specialty. Of the 95 volunteers, 57.9% were female; mean age was 29.6 ± 3.3 years. The overall knowledge score of the OSAKA questionnaire was 9.85 ± 3.9 and for the OSAKA-KIDS questionnaire was 9.2 ± 4.9. In patients under 18 years of age, the most frequent referrals were from otolaryngology specialists (51.2%). The only factor which had positive significant effect on adult patient referral preference was source of obstructive sleep apnea knowledge during general physician taring (p < 0.001). Given the low awareness about OSA in candidates for the residency entrance exam and the high importance of this treatable disease, the need for comprehensive training courses during residency is warranted and the adequacy of sleep apnea education through all involved specialty during general physician education should be improved.

Evaluation of Patients with Delayed Endolymphatic Hydrops by Videonystagmography, Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials, and Electrocochleography.

INTRODUCTION: The categorization of delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) based on the ear which produces vertigo may sometimes cause misdiagnosis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was investigating the vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), electrocochleography (ECoG), and videonystagmography (VNG) in cases with DEH to determine the ear that originates symptoms. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 34 patients - 20 males and 14 females - with profound unilateral sensorineural deafness and vertigo attacks were recruited and evaluated by the ECoG, VNG, and VEMPs tests. RESULTS: The average age was around 43; the summating potential/action potential was abnormal in 29.4% of patients in their normal auditive ear. In 32.4, 17.6, and 50% of cases with a deaf ear, absent, normal, and abnormal VEMPs results were sequentially observed, respectively. In normal-hearing ears, absent, normal, and abnormal VEMPs were observed in 23.5, 50, and 26.5%, respectively. In the normal-hearing ear, the distribution of abnormal VEMPs was 26.5%, and in the deaf ear, this parameter was abnormal in 50% of the opposite ear (p value = 0.00021). In the VNG test, among patients with a normal-hearing ear, results in 27 and 7 patients were sequentially normal and hypofunction. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The probability of a hypofunction VNG test in a normal-hearing ear might be greater when the VEMPs results of the contralateral deaf ear are normal. In patients with a normal-hearing ear, the distribution of abnormal VEMPs in the contralateral deaf ear is greater, although the intact side may also manifest abnormality in VEMPs tests. The initial evaluation should begin in a deaf ear as well as for the normal-hearing ear ere utilizing ablation surgery.

Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of long-acting betamethasone and dexamethasone as injections in the treatment of idiopathic sudden hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of long-acting betamethasone, and its comparison with Dexamethasone as an intratympanic injection in the treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients who do not respond to systemic steroids and poor prognosis patients were enrolled in this study. The patients divided randomly into two groups: 1- Dexamethasone and 2- Long acting betamethasone. Dexamethasone (0.4 ml/mg) or long-acting betamethasone (0.1 ml/mg) was slowly injected (0.4 to 0.6 cc) into the superior-anterior area of the tympanic membrane as 6 injections twice a week for a total of 3 weeks. Right after the treatment and one, two and six months after completion of treatment, an audiometry was performed and compared with the pre-injection values. RESULTS: Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) showed improvements in both groups immediately after treatment and in the follow-up period, compared to baseline. Speech Discrimination Score (SDS) also improved in both groups directly after treatment and at one-month follow-up. The hearing improvement in the Dexamethasone group was clinically better than in the Beta group, but due to the non-parametric data, it was not possible to analyze the hearing improvement process in the variable group. CONCLUSION: According to the results obtained in this study, intratympanic corticosteroid injection in the treatment of patients with SSNHL has positive and promising results on improving hearing level.

Assessing the abilities of senior otolaryngology residents and graduated otolaryngologists in recognizing skull base elements in axial CT scan: proposing a new method for differentiating superior orbital fissure and optic canal.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of recognizing some important elements of the skull base in axial CT-scan cuts, including the optic canal (OC), superior orbital fissure (SOF), vidian canal (VC), foramen rotundum (FR), jugular foramen (JF) and hypoglossal canal (HC). METHODS: In this study, 25 otolaryngology residents and 25 recently graduated otolaryngologists were evaluated in terms of their recognition of skull base elements, using 30 axial CT-scan cuts. Two months later, the exam related to skull base CT scans was taken in groups after a brief anatomy courses for otolaryngology residents. RESULTS: The percentage of correct answers from otolaryngology residents regarding OC, SOF, VC, FR, JF, and HC in the first exam were 74 ± 26, 47 ± 34, 65 ± 30, 41 ± 38, 58 ± 26, and 68 ± 32, respectively. The correct answer for each element was similar between groups, and the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). p value for the differences observed regarding the percentage of correct answers for the second exam between trained otolaryngology residents and recent otolaryngology graduates regarding OC and JF was no significant (p > 0.05) but significant for the other elements with better result in trained otolaryngology residents and most for SOF (p > 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the ability of recognition for the mentioned elements in axial CT-scan cuts was low among otolaryngology residents and graduated otolaryngologists. The proposed novel method for distinguishing SOF from OC had a powerful and long-lasting effect on trainee.

Voice Component Relationships with High Reflux Symptom Index Scores in Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) scores based on the perceptual and analytical parameters in primary MTD patients with no reflux. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen participants, that is, sixty patients with normal voices and fifty-eight patients with primary MTD were recruited in this study. The diagnosis of primary MTD was made by perceptual voice analysis, neck palpation, video-laryngoscopic examination, and exclusion of other etiologies. Acoustic analysis and the GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain) scale were evaluated for all participants. The V-RQOL and RSI questionnaires were then given to all participants. RESULTS: This study included 118 participants of 29 males (48.3%) and 31 females (51.7%) in the normal group. MTD group also included 27 males (46.6%) and 31 (53.4%) female patients. Mean (SD) RSI and V-RQOL scores were 12.35 (3.84) and 11.09 (2.20) for the normal group, and 22.87 (6.97) and 22.89 (7.94) for the MTD group (P = .000). In the MTD group, V-RQOL had a positive correlation with jitter for /i/ and /u/, Noise to Harmonic Ratio (NHR) for /i/, /a/, and /u/, and Grade, Roughness, and Strain of GRBAS scale (P < .05). In addition, RSI had a positive correlation with Strain in the MTD group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: MTD patients in the absence of laryngopharyngeal reflux findings may have high RSI scores. Hence, patients with high RSI scores and disproportionate acoustic and perceptual analysis would require a thorough evaluation of MTD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1573-E1579, 2021.

Assessment of Surgeon Judgment during Resection of Laryngeal Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery as a conservative tool plays a peculiar role in the management of head and neck cancer. Numerous patients who were candidates for transoral laryngeal microsurgery have forced us to eliminate frozen-section evaluation of surgical margins and use a magnified view of the larynx. The present study evaluated surgeon-judged negative margins with permanent microscopic pathologic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the permanent pathologic margins of the resected laryngeal specimen which were considered negative by judgment of surgeons. Patients consisted of 61 pathologic proven T1-T2 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases. In all patients, tumor resection was performed via a transoral route with CO2 laser, and no residual laryngeal tumor was observed according to judgment of the surgeon. The patients with positive margin (s) underwent another resection. Patients were followed up for 18 months for tumor recurrence. RESULTS: The obtained results demonstrated that pathologic margins were reported in 6 patients, with the deep margin being the most common positive margin. During the 18-month follow-up, 8 cases of recurrence were detected. CONCLUSION: Judgment of the surgeon was in agreement with permanent pathologic evaluation in transoral laryngeal laser resection at the early stages of laryngeal SCC in most cases. Nevertheless, it is suggested that further direct studies be conducted to evaluate the frozen section on oncologic outcomes in transoral laser surgery for laryngeal cancer.

Giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.

INTRODUCTION: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare mesenchymal tumors representing <5% of all tumors of the pleura. Literature reveals only two case series and a few solitary reports. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old male presented to our hospital after experiencing exertional dyspnea. A chest CT revealed a giant heterogeneous mass. CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy demonstrated SFTP. The well-circumscribed, encapsulated resected mass was measured to be 30 cm × 21 cm × 15 cm and weighed 6900 g. DISCUSSION: SFTP are a rare pathology of the pleural cavity, which most of the time develop from submesothelial fibroblasts of the visceral pleura. Due to their non-characteristic clinical picture, SFTP are usually diagnosed in the later stages of the development. A significant issue in the management of giant SFTP is radical resection of the tumor to relieve compression of the lung parenchyma and other mediastinal structures. CONCLUSION: SFTP are rare neoplasms that fortunately are benign 80% of the time. Only a few cases of giant SFTP that cover almost the entire pleural space are described in the literature. This report represents one of the largest resected SFTP reports in the literature.

Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy vs Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy.

BACKGROUND: The stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) is a procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids . At first SH seemed to be a good alternative for the Milligan Morgan (MM) hemorrhoidectomy and preliminary results in early 2000 confirmed it. However, further studies and evaluation of long-term results showed poorer outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the results of these 2 surgical procedures in terms of recovery, improvement of symptoms and incidence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted from April 2008 to August 2010. A total of 80 patients were divided into 2 groups of 40 each. In the SH group, there were 24 males (60%) and 16 females (40%) with a mean age of 48 ± 12.5 yrs. In the MM group, there were 30 males (75%) and 10 females (25%) with a mean age of 50.6 ± 17.3 yrs. Patients with grade 3 and 4 prolapsed hemorrhoids were entered in the study. Data were entered using SPSS software and analyzed using t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The two groups had no significant difference in terms of age or sex. Duration of surgery was 35 ± 7 minutes in the SH and 23.6 ± 13.5 minutes in the MM group. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Post-operative pain and complete pain relief was slightly lower in the MM group (not significant). Hospital stay was significantly longer in the MM group (P = 0.003). Return to work was similar in both groups. Three patients in the SH group (7.5%) and 2 in the MM group (5%) had hemorrhoid recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are efficient treatment methods for grade III and IV hemorrhoids and are associated with greater than 95% recovery rate. Overall, outcomes are the same in both techniques. Lower postoperative pain was the only advantage of SH over MM technique.

Capsulorhexis: Pearls and pitfalls.

A critical step in phacoemulsification (as well as extracapsular cataract extraction) is making a window in anterior capsule wall (i.e. anterior capsulotomy). Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis (CCC) has become recognized as the standard method of anterior capsulectomy. Techniques employed for CCC have undergone sustained evolution. The present review evaluates elementary principles of CCC. Management of CCC in the presence of small pupil and pseudoexfoliation syndrome is discussed. Main differences of pediatric CCC from its adult-style counterpart and finally several techniques of rescue of an extending capsulorhexis are also reviewed.