The Use of a Unilateral Curved Spreader Graft in the Management of Crooked Nose Deformity.

AIM OF WORK: The aim of this study is to present a new technique of using spreader grafts in the correction of crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective case series study conducted on 18 patients with crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose. All of the patients were managed by open septorhinoplasty. During surgery, a curved spreader graft was harvested from the nasal septum and placed on the convex side of the C-shaped deviation of the dorsal part of the nasal septum. Objective measurements of the angles of external nasal deviation (END) and the internal nasal valve (INV) angles were performed before and 6 months after the surgery. Subjective assessment of aesthetic satisfaction by the visual analog scale and nasal function by the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale was also performed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study and completed the minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months. Objectively, there was highly significant ( P < 0.00001) improvement of the END angle and INV angle. Subjectively, there was also highly significant ( P < 0.00001) improvement of both the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score and the visual analog scale score for aesthetic satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a curved unilateral spreader graft over the convexity of the deviated nasal dorsum can correct the END, improve the collapsed INV on both sides, and consequently achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reconstruction of Posterior Meatal Wall after Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy

Abstract Introduction Canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy has many drawbacks, including chronic otorrhea not responding to medications, granulations, dizziness on exposure to cold or hot water, and tendency of debris accumulation in the mastoid cavity, demanding periodic cleaning. Many of these problems can be solved by reconstruction of the posterior meatal wall (PMW). Objectives To assess the results of PMW reconstruction after CWD mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma using titanium mesh and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) mixed with bone pate. Methods This study was conducted with 20 patients that have atticoantral chronic suppurative otitis media. All cases were subjected to CWD mastoid surgery with complete elimination of the disease and reconstruction of the PMW by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate. All patients were exposed to a full preoperative evaluation and full postoperative assessment of the complications, the appearance of the external auditory canal contour, and the hearing gain expressed by the change of the air bone gap postoperatively. Results The PMW reconstructed by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate showed a smooth contour. During the follow-up of 12 to 36 months, the postoperative appearance of the external auditory canal contour was found to be smooth without hidden pouches, irregularities or stenosis in all cases. No granulation, foreign body reaction, or extrusion and/or displacement of the titanium mesh were registered. No facial palsy or recurrent cholesteatoma was reported. Conclusion The surgical reconstruction of the PMW using PRP, bone pate and titanium mesh after CWD mastoidectomy appears to be reliable without considerable complications, giving a smooth appearance to the PMW.

The Role of the Level of Interleukin-33 in the Therapeutic Outcomes of Immunotherapy in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract Introduction Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects up to 40% of the population and results in nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, and clear rhinorrhea. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the clinical symptoms and in the level of serum interleukin (IL)-33 before and after pollen immunotherapy (IT) in patients with AR. Methods The total symptomscore and the levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IL-33 were determined in the serum of 10 non-allergic healthy controls and 45 patients with AR who were equally divided into 3 groups: GI (patients did not receive IT), GII (patients had received IT for 6 months) and GIII (patients had received IT for 2 years). Results There was a significantly higher concentration of IgE and IL-33 in the serum of patients with AR than in that of non-allergic patients. Furthermore, serum level of IL-33 decreased significantly after pollen IT. But, there was no significant reduction in the serum level of IL-33 between GII and GIII patients. Conclusion Our results show a clinical improvement associated with a decrease in serum level of IL-33 after pollen IT.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reconstruction of Posterior Meatal Wall after Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy.

Introduction Canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy has many drawbacks, including chronic otorrhea not responding to medications, granulations, dizziness on exposure to cold or hot water, and tendency of debris accumulation in the mastoid cavity, demanding periodic cleaning. Many of these problems can be solved by reconstruction of the posterior meatal wall (PMW). Objectives To assess the results of PMW reconstruction after CWD mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma using titanium mesh and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) mixed with bone pate. Methods This study was conducted with 20 patients that have atticoantral chronic suppurative otitis media. All cases were subjected to CWD mastoid surgery with complete elimination of the disease and reconstruction of the PMW by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate. All patients were exposed to a full preoperative evaluation and full postoperative assessment of the complications, the appearance of the external auditory canal contour, and the hearing gain expressed by the change of the air bone gap postoperatively. Results The PMW reconstructed by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate showed a smooth contour. During the follow-up of 12 to 36 months, the postoperative appearance of the external auditory canal contour was found to be smooth without hidden pouches, irregularities or stenosis in all cases. No granulation, foreign body reaction, or extrusion and/or displacement of the titanium mesh were registered. No facial palsy or recurrent cholesteatoma was reported. Conclusion The surgical reconstruction of the PMW using PRP, bone pate and titanium mesh after CWD mastoidectomy appears to be reliable without considerable complications, giving a smooth appearance to the PMW.

Bioglass reconstruction of posterior meatal wall after canal wall down mastoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy has many drawbacks including chronic otorrhea, granulations, dizziness on exposure to cold or hot water and tendency of debris accumulation in the mastoid cavity demanding periodic cleaning. Many of these problems can be solved by reconstruction of the posterior meatal wall (PMW). OBJECTIVES: To assess the results of PMW reconstruction after CWD mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma using bioactive glass (BAG) that is fabricated and built up intraoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was applied on 20 patients had atticoantral chronic suppurative otitis media. All cases were subjected to CWD mastoid surgery with complete elimination of the disease and reconstruction of the PMW by BAG that was prepared and built up intraoperatively. All patients were exposed to full preoperative evaluation and full postoperative assessment of complications, appearance of the external auditory canal contour, and the hearing gain expressed by the change of the air bone gap postoperatively. RESULTS: During a follow up of 12 to 36 months, postoperative appearance of external auditory canal contour was found smooth without hidden pouches, irregularities nor stenosis in all cases. No registered granulation, foreign body reaction, nor extrusion and/or displacement of the BAG material. No reported facial palsy or recurrent cholesteatoma. Significant hearing improvement was statistically reported (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: Surgical reconstruction of the PMW using BAG that operatively fashioned immediately after CWD mastoidectomy appears to be reliable without considerable complications giving smooth appearance of the PMW and improving the hearing.

Comparison between laser- and diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy for bilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis.

IMPORTANCE: A reliable procedure is needed to solve the problem of difficult airway in patients with bilateral vocal cord paralysis without adversely affecting patient "voice quality." OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of laser-assisted posterior cordotomy with diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy for bilateral vocal cord paralysis in regard to dyspnea severity, voice quality, and aspiration. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial at a university medical center. SETTING: Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients randomly categorized into 2 groups; group A was treated with laser-assisted posterior cordotomy and group B was treated with diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy. INTERVENTION: Laser-assisted posterior cordotomy for group A and diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy for group B. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Dyspnea severity, voice quality, and aspiration. RESULTS: A significant difference (P < .05) was found between group A and group B at all postoperative comparisons in dyspnea, whereas no significant difference (P ≥ .05) was detected at all postoperative comparisons in voice quality. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Laser-assisted posterior cordotomy can be considered as a reliable and superior procedure compared with diathermy-assisted posterior cordotomy in the treatment of bilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: ISRCTN08093874.

Immunological markers in allergic rhinitis patients treated with date palm immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is regulated by the local production and release of several cytokines. Allergen specific immunotherapy (IT) has been widely used for many years as a specific treatment of allergic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the changes in clinical and immunological markers before and after Phoenix dactylifera IT in AR patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total symptom score and levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), albumin, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, and IL-13 were measured in the serum and nasal samples of thirty non-atopic healthy controls and thirty patients with allergic rhinitis before and after 15 months of IT. RESULTS: We found significantly higher concentrations of serum TNF-α and nasal TNF-α and IL-13, and significantly lower concentration of nasal IL-10, in allergic patients than in non-allergic. Moreover, serum and nasal IL-10 increased significantly after IT. However, there was neither a significant reduction in total IgE nor a significant increase in IFN-γ at the end of IT. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a clinical improvement associated with a decline in some inflammation parameters after IT. Moreover, date palm IT induced a significant increase in serum and nasal IL-10 levels.