Stenotrophomonas skull base osteomyelitis presenting as necrotizing otitis externa: Unmasking by CT and MRI-case report and review.

Necrotizing or malignant otitis externa in patients presenting with mild clinical findings can pose as a tip of the iceberg; computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unveils the clinical-imaging discrepancy and unmasks the presence of skull-base osteomyelitis (SBO). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common causative pathogen of SBO, followed by fungal and other rare bacterial organisms. This report presents a rare case in an elderly diabetic patient, where the pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated. There have been no previous reported cases in the literature of SBO caused by this pathogen. The hallmark of SBO on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is soft tissue inflammatory changes under the central skull base with associated bone erosion. This may result in the peculiar appearance of the "Ovoid Gap" sign. SBO can be due to nonotogenic sources, namely: sinogenic, rhinogenic, pharnygogenic, or odontogenic infections. Low threshold for imaging is advised in immunosuppressed and elderly diabetic patients.

Frozen section is not cost beneficial for the assessment of margins in oral cancer.

BACKGROUND: Routine use of frozen section (FS) is a costly procedure and sparsely available in resource poor countries. A proper cost benefit analysis may help to reduce its routine use and would empower surgeons to perform oral cancer surgeries without having FS facility. FS is performed to identify microscopic spread beyond gross disease that cannot be assessed clinically. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to determine the cost benefit analysis of FS in the assessment of margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 1311 consecutive patients who were operated between January 2012 and October 2013. The gross and microscopic margin status of each patient was extracted from the patient's chart. The cost estimates were performed to calculate the financial burden of FS as well as expenses incurred on adjuvant treatment resulting from inadequate margins. RESULT: Microscopic spread changed the gross margin status in 5.2% (65/1237) patients. Of this entire cohort of 1237 patients, FS helped 29 (2.3%) patients to achieve tumor free margin, and it changed the adjuvant treatment plan in 9 (0.7%) patients. The cost of FS for each patient was INR 11052. The cost-benefit ratio of FS was 12:1. Gross examination alone could have identified majority of the inadequate margins. CONCLUSION: Frozen section for assessment of margin status bears poor cost-benefit ratio. Meticulous gross examination of the entire surgical specimen is sufficient to identify majority of inadequate margins.

Gingivobuccal mucosal cancers: resection to reconstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oral cancer is rapidly emerging as a major health problem across the globe. The Southeast Asian subcontinent has a high incidence of oral cancer and gingivobuccal complex forms the commonest subsite. The habit of chewing smokeless tobacco and areca nut are mainly responsible for this site predilection. The majority of literature and guidelines stem from the western world and there is ambiguity about tumor behavior among various continents. Thus, it is imperative to do this review for improving our understanding about this specific subsite, its behavior, treatment and outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Gingivobuccal mucosal cancers (GBCs) usually present as large lesions with early mandibular involvement and cervical node metastasis. Level I nodes are often the first echelon. Surgical resection of the mandible is often en bloc with primary GBCs. A marginal or segmental mandibular resection is based on paramandibular soft tissue involvement. Microvascular free tissue reconstruction is ideal. Prognostic factors include tumor depth greater than 4  mm, skin involvement, nodal metastases and extra capsular spread. SUMMARY: Early mandibular involvement and neck node metastases need to be considered in treatment planning. Appropriate reconstruction is key to early recovery and good quality of life.

Factors influencing morbidity after surgical management of malignant thyroid disease.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a retrospective study of cases from 2005 to 2010 at an academic tertiary care center to analyze the factors that influence morbidity in surgical management of thyroid malignancy. METHODS: The rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and hypoparathyroidism (HPT) were analyzed in the entire cohort. The comparison groups were 1) primary surgery versus revision; 2) total thyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy combined with neck node dissection; and 3) two groups defined by surgical technique according to the RLN approach: group 1, in which the RLN was identified inferiorly in the tracheoesophageal groove, and group 2, in which the RLN was identified near the cricothyroid joint point of entry. RESULTS: We reviewed 308 patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. Thirty-six (11.7%) had temporary HPT, and 8 (2.6%) had permanent HPT. Of a total of 586 RLNs at risk, 16 (2.7%) had temporary damage and 2 (0.3%) had permanent damage. The incidences of temporary RLN injury significantly differed between the primary-surgery and revision-surgery groups (2.5% versus 15.6%; p = 0.001), and also between the groups with total thyroidectomy and thyroidectomy with neck dissection (1.2% versus 7.8%; p = 0.027). The incidences of temporary HPT were significantly different between the groups with primary surgery and revision surgery (6.6% versus 31.3%; p = 0.001), between the groups with total thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy with neck dissection (4.7% versus 15.6%; p = 0.009), and between group 1 and group 2 (surgical technique in terms of RLN approach; 8.2% versus 17.9%; p = 0.011). Permanent HPT and permanent RLN injury both occurred rarely in this cohort, with no significant differences among comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a higher incidence of temporary RLN injury and teniporary HPT in revision surgery cases and in total thyroidectomy with neck dissection. Temporary HPT was significantly more common when the RLN was identified near the cricothyroid joint.

Efficacy of targeted middle meatal antibiotics and endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infection remains a significant comorbidity of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) delayed healing, synechia formation, etc. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative infection after ESS in patients receiving conventional postoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis versus a synthetic bioabsorbable antibiotic-soaked nasal sponge used in the middle meatus (MM) in lieu of oral antibiotics. METHODS: A prospective randomized multicenter trial included 321 chronic rhinosinusitis patients undergoing minimally invasive ESS who received either 1 week of oral antibiotics and a saline-soaked bioabsorbable MM sponge (control group) or no oral antibiotics and the placement of a bacitracin-soaked bioabsorbable sponge in the MM (study group). Evaluations performed at baseline, 3-weeks, and 3-months postoperatively included the 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and nasal endoscopic examination. RESULTS: The 3-week postoperative infection rate was not significantly different between the study (n = 165) and control groups (n = 156): 5.4% versus 3.8%; p > 0.05. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two patient groups on evaluation of MM granulations, synechia, middle turbinate lateralization, or sponge retention. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic-soaked synthetic bioabsorbable MM sponges show equivalent efficacy in controlling post ESS infections compared with conventional postoperative oral antibiotics. Topical antibiotic delivery to the MM via bioabsorbable sponges may reduce the need for postoperative systemic antibiotics and provide a cost-effective alternative that eliminates the issues of antibiotic side effects, drug-drug interactions, and medication compliance in the postoperative setting.

Positron-emission tomography pitfalls related to oral prosthesis.

This case report describes false-positive positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings related to oral prostheses and its implications in cancer surveillance. In head and neck cancer management, F18-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is widely accepted for evaluating treatment response and detecting recurrence. Interpretation of FDG PET/CT images in this setting is often challenging due to various prostheses and reconstruction methods. Following surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus, a 61-year-old female had a FDG PET/CT scan on a 7-month follow-up that showed high FDG uptake along the resection site. Clinical examination showed no signs of inflammation or recurrence. Repeat FDG PET/CT without the prosthesis was normal. The PET/CT attenuation-corrected images demonstrated high FDG uptake (standardized uptake value: 11.6) along the resection site corresponding to contrast-enhanced CT images of the lesion. PET/CT nonattenuation-corrected images also confirmed increased activity. Repeat PET/CT without the prosthesis was normal. FDG is not tumor specific; it can accumulate in inflammation, infection, and post-therapy settings. Metallic and high-density prostheses show radial artifacts on CT and falsely elevated FDG uptake on PET/ CT in adjacent areas. Salivary pooling may concentrate FDG. The presence of oral prostheses has not been described as a cause of this high level of activity. PET/CT images that demonstrate intense activity corresponding to dense structures should be viewed with caution. A detailed history and physical exam as well as knowledge of artifacts are pertinent for the managing physician. Laryngoscope, 2012.

Functional swallowing outcomes following transoral robotic surgery vs primary chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced-stage oropharynx and supraglottis cancers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate functional swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery vs primary chemoradiotherapy for the management of advanced-stage oropharynx and supraglottis cancers. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized clinical trial. SETTING: Academic research. PATIENTS: We studied 40 patients with stage III or stage IVA oropharynx and supraglottis squamous cell carcinoma. Group 1 comprised 20 patients who received transoral robotic surgery with adjuvant therapy, while group 2 comprised 20 patients whose disease was managed by primary chemoradiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients completed the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) before treatment and then at follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months. The MDADI scores were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The median follow-up period for both groups was 14 months (range, 12-16 months). When comparing the median MDADI scores between group 1 and group 2, we found no statistically significant differences before treatment or at the 3-month follow-up visit. However, this difference was significant at the posttreatment visits at 6 months (P = .004) and 12 months (P = .006), where group 1 had better swallowing MDADI scores. We also found significant differences in swallowing MDADI scores between the groups at the 6-month posttreatment visit for patients with T1, T2, and T3 disease and at the 12-month follow-up visit for patients with T2 and T3 disease, where group 1 had significantly better MDADI scores. Comparing tumor subsites, group 1 fared significantly better at the follow-up visits at 6 months (P = .02) and 12 months (P = .04) for patients with primary tumor at the tonsil. Compared with group 2, group 1 patients having base of tongue cancers exhibited significantly better swallowing MDADI scores at the 6-month follow-up visit (P = .02), and group 1 patients having lateral oropharynx disease had significantly better swallowing MDADI scores at the 12-month follow-up visit (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Advanced-stage oropharynx and supraglottis cancers managed by transoral robotic surgery with adjuvant therapy resulted in significantly better swallowing MDADI outcomes at the follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months compared with tumors treated by primary chemoradiotherapy.

Oral cancer: review of current management strategies.

BACKGROUND: India has one of the highest incidences of oral cancer and accounts for about 30% of all new cases annually. A high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use has led to an increasing incidence, which in combination with delayed presentation has made oral cancer a major health problem in India. Limited access to cancer care, relative lack of trained healthcare providers and financial resources are some of the challenges to the management of oral cancer in India despite improvements in diagnostic techniques and management strategies. METHODS: We reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, pre-malignancy, tumour progression, management of the primary site, mandible, neck lymph node metastases, reconstruction options and screening of oral cancer. The parameters evaluated were overall survival, disease-free survival, recurrence and loco-regional control. RESULTS: Nine studies on surgical intervention were reviewed. There were 23 studies on the management of chemotherapy and 30 trials analysing radiotherapy as an intervention. CONCLUSION: India has one of the highest incidences of oral cancer and delayed stage presentation is common. Surgery remains the treatment of choice and adjuvant treatment is recommended in high-risk patients. Elective neck dissection is warranted in clinically lymph node-negative neck for patients with thick tumours, imaging-suspected lymph nodes and those who may not have a reliable follow-up. Functional outcomes and treatment-related morbidity needs to be considered, and reconstruction with free tissue transfer provides the best results.

Our experience with split electrode array implant for obliterated cochlea.

UNLABELLED: To study the outcomes of split electrode array cochlear implantation in ossified cochlea using the CAP scoring system. Retrospective case study. Tertiary referral center. Six cochleae in three adult and three pediatric patients with ossification. INTERVENTION(S): All Patients underwent cochlear implantation with a split electrode array system. Major outcome parameter(s): Number of electrodes inserted during surgery, number of functioning electrodes on follow-up and auditory performance evaluation using the CAP score-Category of Auditory Perception [TSC Revised Version, based on Nottingham CI Program, 1995]. Six patients (three children and three adults) had insertion of split electrode array system. The mean number of electrodes inserted were 18.3 (range 15-21) and functioning electrodes at follow-up were mean of 14.3 (range 7-21). Auditory performance was measured using CAP score at 1 year post implant follow up, mean score in children was six and that in adult was eight. One pt had facial nerve twitching which was corrected by switching off the concerned electrode. No complications in sort of facial palsy or vestibular disorder were observed. Patients of ossified cochlea having profound deafness do well with split electrode array cochlear implantation as evaluated with CAP scoring system. The split electrode array results in more number of electrodes within the cochlear lumen. Retro graded apical array insertion has less chances of facial nerve stimulation as it is placed away from the nerve.

Management of early nasal polyposis using a steroid-impregnated nasal dressing.

BACKGROUND: Oral corticosteroids are the mainstay of medical management of sinonasal polyposis. However, systemic steroid-related side effects can be significant in both the short-term and long-term. Topical targeted steroids in optimal concentrations to the affected mucosa present an attractive alternative. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of steroid impregnated absorbable nasal dressing with oral steroids in the management of early nasal polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS: A total of 21 symptomatic patients with nasal polyposis presenting with endoscopic findings of early polyposis received triamcinolone-impregnated (20 mg/mL) nasal dressing (Nasopore; Stryker Canada). A control group of 20 similar patients were treated with a short course of oral steroids. Evaluation was based on Sinonasal Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ-11) and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) score at baseline, 4-week, and 8-week follow-up intervals. RESULTS: At baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks mean SNAQ scores were 18.42, 8.76, and 9.42 in the study group and 19.35, 7.15, and 7.60 in the control group, respectively. Mean POSE scores were 12.14, 5.04, and 6.04 in the study group and 13.52, 5.01, and 5.52 in the control group, respectively. No significant difference was found between the groups at 4 and 8 weeks in either SNAQ (p = 0.129, p = 0.235) or POSE (p = 0.803, p = 0.795) scores. CONCLUSION: Triamcinolone-impregnated absorbable nasal dressing is comparable to oral steroids in the management of early nasal polyposis after sinus surgery.

Cochlear stenting: how I do it.

Post-meningitis cases with profound sensorineural hearing loss are known to have progressive labyrinthine ossification; such cases need to be implanted early. In our region, often a substantial amount of time is spent procuring the necessary finances for a cochlear implant; therefore, here we describe our technique of maintaining cochlear lumen patency in post-meningitis cases with early ossification, for a complete functional electrode insertion at a later date. This is a descriptive case study of a patient having post-meningitis profound deafness, with imaging studies showing early cochlear ossification, who was rehabilitated with a cochlear implant. At a tertiary referral centre, a 1-year-old child with post-meningitis bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss was rehabilitated with cochlear implantation. The left cochlea with early ossification was stented with a customised sterile electrode to prevent scalar occlusion; 3 months later the stent was replaced with a commercial Nucleus Contour Advance implant. A complete insertion of the functional electrode array replaced the stent. Categories of auditory performance (CAP) were used to assess the outcome in our case. The pre-operative CAP score was 1 (detects environmental sounds) and the score at 15 months post implant was 6 (understands some spoken words). In post-meningitis cases with progressive cochlear ossification, stenting the cochlear lumen prevents scalar occlusion and ensures a complete insertion of a functional electrode at a later date.

Incudostapedial joint arthroplasty using temporalis fascia/perichondrium ties.

Incudostapedial joint dislocation is the most frequently found ossicular chain defect. In these cases reconstitution of joint capsule is important in maintaining joint integrity. But reconstruction of dislocated incudostapedial joint is a challenging procedure as this joint is devoid of any muscular or soft tissue support. Here we describe a technique designed to reposition the incudostapedial joint in its anatomical position using temporalis fascia or perichondrium. Data have been collected and analyzed from 42 patients with incudostapedial joint discontinuity. The fascial ties used for reconstruction of joint capsule ensure a dynamic union of the repositioned incus with stapes, leading to a significant improvement in conductive hearing loss.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma-our experience at a referral hospital.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare, highly vascular locally invasive tumor with a strong tendency to bleed. It usually occurs in young adolescent males. This is a retrospective study of 53 patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. All the cases were treated surgically by different conventional approaches depending upon the extent of the mass. Transpalatal approach was used in 32 cases, lateral rhinotomy in 13 cases and a combination of transpalatine + lateral rhinotomy + caldwel-luc in 8 cases. There is no recurrence in 49 cases till date. However, recurrence was noted in four cases within six months. Three out of four patients with recurrence had to undergo repeat surgery for the removal of angiofibroma within six months while the remaining one was referred to radiotherapy as the mass was invading the cavernous sinus. The various clinical presentation and treatment modalities are discussed.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with conventional instruments: results and advantages over external dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study is to evaluate the Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with conventional instruments, its results and advantage over external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: The study group comprised of 127 patients who underwent consecutive endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. The cases operated by one team were included in the study to make the uniform analysis and its result. There were 48 males and 79 female in this study and male female ratio was 1:1.6. The mean age of the patient was 37 years (range from 16 years to 58 years). There were wide variety of cases like epiphora, lacrimal sac abscess, lacrimal sac fistula, acute dacryocystitis and road vehicular accident. All the patients had undergone non-laser, non-powered conventional instruments surgery under local anesthesia. The lighted probe was not used in any case for sac identification. The free flow of saline through newly created stoma during sac syringing was considered as successful criteria. The stent was used in two cases of road vehicular accident and in remaining 125 cases no stent was used. There were 66 cases of epiphora, 30 cases of lacrimal sac abscess, 26 cases of acute dacryocystitis, 3 cases of lacrimal fistula and 2 case of road traffic accident with multiple fractures. The average follow up period was 17 months (maximum follow up 3 years and minimum 4 months.) RESULTS: The success rate was 96 %. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic DCR with conventional instruments is safe with very high success rate without any complications. It can be done in acute cases and very much suited for lacrimal sac abscess and lacrimal sac fistula.

External vs. internal osteotomy in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of study is to compare the external osteotomy vs. internal osteotomy in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. METHODS: The study group comprised of 45 patients that had undergone rhinoplasty surgery. The 25 patients had undergone internal / endonasal continuous lateral osteotomy and 20 patients had undergone external / percutaneous perforating digital osteotomy. The internal osteotomy was done high to low to high using 4 mm. curved guarded osteotome. The external osteotomy was done by 2 mm sharp osteotome. The scoring system of Kara and Gokalan was followed for edema and ecchymosis. CONCLUSION: External osteotomy is an easy approach to carryout and makes fracture with high precision along preset lines. The bone stump is stable. The damage to the nasal mucosa is much less. There is reduced bleeding, reduced edema and reduced ecchymosis around eyes. The cutaneous scar at the entry site of osteotome is invisible.

Foreign body in tracheobronchial tree.

Inhalation of foreign body into the tracheobronchial tree is a medical emergency sometimes resulting into sudden death. The current mortality rate due to foreign body inhalation ranges from 0% to 1.8%. Children with or without positive history of aspiration were examined and diagnosis was made on the basis of history, clinical findings, radiological evaluation and strong index of suspicion. A review of 30 cases of suspected foreign body aspiration revealed, children between 6 months were found to be very vulnerable to aspiration. Majority of children were boys. 80% of the patients had positive history of inhalation. Only 50% of the patients presented immediately i.e. within 24 hours after aspiration. Common symptoms were cough and respiratory distress. Decreased air entry was the significant clinical sign (50%). Obstructive emphysema and mediastinal shift were found in the majority of cases (50%). Rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia and patient ventilating using a jet ventilator is a very safe and effective technique.