Quality of Life in Symptomatic Septal Perforation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of septal perforation (SP) on quality of life (QoL). SP is compared to the general population and patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22). METHODS: Prospective single-center study in a referral Rhinology Unit from January 2014 to March 2023. RESULTS: A total of 392 patients were included in three groups: controls (n = 141), CRSwNP (n = 118), and SP (n = 133). The mean score of the SNOT-22 was significantly higher in the CRSwNP group (42.4, SD = 24.4) and SP (46.5, SD = 22) compared to the control group (6.2, SD = 8.4). Scores by either items or domains were significantly higher in the CRSwNP and SP groups compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in the mean SNOT-22 between the CRSwNP and SP groups (p = 0.26; 95% CI -1.68-9.99). Domain-specific analysis of overall SNOT-22 scores revealed that patients with SP experienced higher levels of disturbances in sleep, function, and psychological domains (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: SP produces a negative impact on QoL similar to CRSwNP. Moreover, sleep, psychological, and function domains are significantly worse in SP. Etiology and area of SP influence nasal and emotion domain, though more studies on SP using SNOT-22 and specific questionnaires are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Laryngoscope, 2024.

Blue laser for the exclusive endoscopic transcanal approach to middle ear paraganglioma.

BACKGROUND: The management of glomus tympanicum tumours can be challenging. Blue laser coagulation may improve bleeding control thus facilitating an endoscopic transcanal excision. The objective of this presentation is to illustrate the authors' experience using this novel tool. METHODS: Case report of a patient that underwent exclusive endoscopic transcanal blue laser surgery of a class A2 glomus tympanicum tumour in a tertiary referral center. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence of the safety and efficacy of endoscopic blue laser surgery, for the minimally invasive treatment of early-stage glomus tympanicum tumours.