Evaluating the Effect of Infraorbital Region Taping Procedure on Patient Anxiety, Satisfaction, Edema, and Ecchymosis Level on Primary Septorhinoplasty.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of infraorbital region taping on patients' postoperative edema and ecchymosis, satisfaction levels, and anxiety during follow-up. METHODS: A total of 64 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty were included in this randomized controlled prospective study. According to the randomization list, the taping group's (TG) infraorbital region was taped with adhesive strips. Others were included in the control group and were classified as the nontaping group. Two blinded physicians evaluated the degree of edema and ecchymosis according to the photographs of patients taken on the first, second, fifth, and seventh postoperative days. Patient's appearance satisfaction was evaluated for ecchymosis levels. State anxiety inventory (STAI-S) and trait anxiety inventory (STAI-T) were used to measure preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels of patients. RESULTS: The degree of ecchymosis and edema were not significantly different except on the first day in the TG (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively). Significant increment was found in the TG on first, second, and fifth days based on the satisfaction levels of patients for their appearance (P = 0.05, P = 0.03, P = 0.04, respectively). Preoperative STAI-S and STAI-T were similar for the groups (P = 0.78, P = 0.17, respectively). However, postoperative STAI-S of the TG were significantly lower compared with those of the nontaping group except seventh day (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Infraorbital taping did not decrease the edema and ecchymosis except on the first postoperative day. However, it had a significant ameliorating effect on patients' anxiety and satisfaction levels.

Effectiveness of caudal septal extension graft application in endonasal septoplasty / Eficácia da aplicação de enxerto de extensão septal caudal em septoplastia endonasal

Abstract Introduction Septal deviation is a common disease seen in daily otorhinolaryngology practice and septoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Caudal septum deviation is also a challenging pathology for ear, nose, and throat specialists. Many techniques are defined for caudal septal deviation. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of caudal septal extension graft (CSEG) application in patients who underwent endonasal septoplasty for a short and deviated nasal septum. Methods Forty patients with nasal septal deviation, short nasal septum, and weak nasal tip support who underwent endonasal septoplasty with or without CSEG placement between August 2012 and June 2013 were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent endonasal septoplasty with CSEG placement. The rest of the group, who rejected auricular or costal cartilage harvest for CSEG placement, underwent only endonasal septoplasty without any additional intervention. Using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires, pre- and post-operative acoustic rhinometer measurements were evaluated to assess the effect of CESG placement on nasal obstruction. Results In the control group, preoperative and postoperative minimal cross-sectional areas (MCA1) were 0.44 ± 0.10 cm2 and 0.60 ± 0.11 cm2, respectively (p < 0.001). In the study group, pre- and postoperative MCA1 values were 0.45 ± 0.16 cm2 and 0.67 ± 0.16 cm2, respectively (p < 0.01). In the control group, the nasal cavity volume (VOL1) value was 1.71 ± 0.21 mL preoperatively and 1.94 ± 0.17 mL postoperatively (p < 0.001). In the study group, pre- and postoperative VOL1s were 1.72 ± 0.15 mL and 1.97 ± 0.12 mL, respectively (p < 0.001). Statistical analysis of postoperative MCA1 and VOL1 values in the study and the control groups could not detect any significant intergroup difference (p = 0.093 and 0.432, respectively). In the study group, mean nasolabial angles were 78.15 ± 4.26º and 90.70 ± 2.38º, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion Endonasal septoplasty with CESG placement is an effective surgical procedure with minimal complication rate for subjects who have a deviated, short nasal septum and weak nasal tip support.

Resumo Introdução Desvio septal é doença comum no cotidiano da prática otorrinolaringológica e a septoplastia é procedimento cirúrgico comum. Desvio caudal do septo nasal é também uma condição desafiadora para os otorrinolaringologistas. São muitas as técnicas definidas para desvio caudal do septo nasal. Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação de enxerto de extensão septal caudal (EESC) em pacientes que passaram por septoplastia endonasal devido a septo nasal curto e com desvio. Método Foram recrutados para o estudo 40 pacientes com desvio de septo nasal, septo nasal curto e fraca sustentação da ponta do nariz, tratados com septoplastia endonasal com ou sem a aplicação de EESC, entre agosto de 2012 e junho de 2013. Ao todo, 20 pacientes foram tratados com septoplastia endonasal com aplicação de EESC. O restante do grupo, que rejeitou coleta de cartilagem auricular ou costal para a aplicação de EESC, foi tratado apenas com septoplastia endonasal. Com a aplicação dos questionários Nose (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, Avaliação dos Sintomas de Obstrução Nasal) e ROE (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation, Avaliação dos Desfechos da Rinoplastia), as mensurações pré e pós-operatórias com o rinômetro acústico foram obtidas com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da aplicação de EESC na obstrução nasal. Resultados No grupo controle, as áreas de secção transversal mínima (ASTM1) antes e depois da operação foram 0,44 ± 0,10 cm2 e 0,60 ± 0,11 cm2, respectivamente (p < 0,001). No grupo de estudo, os valores antes e depois da operação para ASTM1 foram 0,45 ± 0,16 cm2 e 0,67 ± 0,16 cm2, respectivamente (p < 0,01). No grupo controle, o valor para os volumes da cavidade nasal (VOL1) foi 1,71 ± 0,21 mL no pré-operatório e 1,94 ± 0,17 mL no pós-operatório (p < 0,001). No grupo de estudo, os VOL1 antes e depois da operação foram 1,72 ± 0,15 mL e 1,97 ± 0,12 mL, respectivamente (p < 0,001). A análise estatística dos valores pós-operatórios para ASTM1 e VOL1 nos grupos de estudo e controle não permitiu a detecção de qualquer diferença intergrupos (p = 0,093 e 0,432, respectivamente). No grupo de estudo e no grupo controle, os ângulos nasolabiais médios foram 78,15 ± 4,26º e 90,70 ± 2,38º, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Conclusão A septoplastia endonasal com aplicação de EESC é um procedimento cirúrgico efetivo, com mínimo percentual de complicações para pacientes que se apresentam com septo nasal curto e com desvio e com fraca sustentação da ponta do nariz.

Effectiveness of caudal septal extension graft application in endonasal septoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Septal deviation is a common disease seen in daily otorhinolaryngology practice and septoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Caudal septum deviation is also a challenging pathology for ear, nose, and throat specialists. Many techniques are defined for caudal septal deviation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of caudal septal extension graft (CSEG) application in patients who underwent endonasal septoplasty for a short and deviated nasal septum. METHODS: Forty patients with nasal septal deviation, short nasal septum, and weak nasal tip support who underwent endonasal septoplasty with or without CSEG placement between August 2012 and June 2013 were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent endonasal septoplasty with CSEG placement. The rest of the group, who rejected auricular or costal cartilage harvest for CSEG placement, underwent only endonasal septoplasty without any additional intervention. Using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires, pre- and post-operative acoustic rhinometer measurements were evaluated to assess the effect of CESG placement on nasal obstruction. RESULTS: In the control group, preoperative and postoperative minimal cross-sectional areas (MCA1) were 0.44±0.10cm2 and 0.60±0.11cm2, respectively (p<0.001). In the study group, pre- and postoperative MCA1 values were 0.45±0.16cm2 and 0.67±0.16cm2, respectively (p<0.01). In the control group, the nasal cavity volume (VOL1) value was 1.71±0.21mL preoperatively and 1.94±0.17mL postoperatively (p<0.001). In the study group, pre- and postoperative VOL1s were 1.72±0.15mL and 1.97±0.12mL, respectively (p<0.001). Statistical analysis of postoperative MCA1 and VOL1 values in the study and the control groups could not detect any significant intergroup difference (p=0.093 and 0.432, respectively). In the study group, mean nasolabial angles were 78.15±4.26° and 90.70±2.38°, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Endonasal septoplasty with CESG placement is an effective surgical procedure with minimal complication rate for subjects who have a deviated, short nasal septum and weak nasal tip support.

The effects of nasal base stabilization techniques on nasal tip rigidity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the degree of nasal tip rigidity from different techniques for increasing nasal tip projection. METHODS: Retrospective records of patients who had undergone rhinoplasty were reviewed at the tertiary referral center. 81 patients who had undergone suturing of the medial crura to the extension graft or to the long septum were selected. In group A, fixation was performed at the same level compared to before surgery. In group B, tip grafting was performed to gain 3 mm or more in projection after fixation as done in group A. In group C, the same tip projection was provided by advancing the medial crura on the caudal septum or extension graft. Patients were evaluated with a visual analog scale, based on the rigidity of the nasal tip (0=very flexible, 10=very rigid). RESULTS: When the preoperative and postoperative VAS scores of all groups were compared, postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (p<0.001). The postoperative scores of group C were higher than those of the other groups. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between groups A and B with regard to the postoperative scores (p=0.389). However, in group C, the increase between preoperative and postoperative scores was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Advancing the medial crura on the caudal septum and suturing to gain 3 mm or more of tip projection may result in a more rigid nasal tip. Patients should be informed preoperatively of this potential result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Does helicobacter pylori have a role in the etiology of adenoid hypertrophy?

To investigate whether there is any association between nasopharyngeal reflux and adenoid hypertrophy in children by using 24-h pH monitoring with dual probe and to determine whether Helicobacter pylori simply colonises in adenoid tissue or it is present there temporarily due to extraesophageal reflux. A prospective study at a tertiary referral center. Thirty-two patients who underwent adenoidectomy, aged ranged between 4 and 13 were included. All children with adenoid hypertrophy underwent 24-h pH monitoring with a dual probe. Proximal probe was placed in the nasopharynx. The presence of nasopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux were investigated by 24-h pH monitoring. The presence of H. pylori was investigated in adenoidectomy samples by HP-fast test. Of the 32 patients who underwent adenoidectomy, 5 had nasopharyngeal reflux positivity while 27 patients did not show nasopharyngeal reflux positivity with pH monitorisation. Helicobacter pylori could not be detected in 5 nasopharyngeal reflux positive children while 3 of 27 nasopharyngeal reflux negative children showed H. pylori positivity, one of them in the mucosa and others in the core. This study demonstrated the high incidence of nasopharyngeal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux in adenoid hypertrophy and the possible colonisation of H. pylori in the adenoid tissue. This may change the assesment of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy in near future. However, more placebo controlled and double blind studies and larger series are still needed to support this hypothesis.

Oblique split technique in septal reconstruction.

The septum is considered to be the most important anatomical structure in providing nasal support. Because of a variety of potential etiologies nasal septum could be severely deformed or even diminished. Autogenous cartilage has generally been considered the gold standard grafting material in reconstructive septal surgery for creating the infrastructure of the nose. In the restructuring of the nasal skeleton autogenous cartilage can be harvested from the auricle or the rib. For the major septal problems requiring a large volume of tissues with severe structural defects costal cartilage is considered the best graft material. Apart from its advantages, warping has been the main problem with costal cartilage grafting. Oblique split method, provides straight costal cartilage grafts of varying thicknesses without the risk of warping. Segmental reconstruction of the L-strut with oblique split method, composed of dorsal and caudal struts, enables fine adjustment of height of the reconstructed septum.

The oblique split method: a novel technique for carving costal cartilage grafts.

IMPORTANCE: Autogenous rib cartilage is widely used in the septorhinoplasty cases with major structural grafting requirements. However, there is a risk of warping over time. OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel method for carving costal cartilage grafts to obtain straight grafts of varying thicknesses and to eliminate the risk of warping. DESIGN: Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 43 consecutive patients underwent septorhinoplasty using autogenous costal cartilage grafts carved by the oblique split method (OSM). SETTING: The Ankara Training and Research Referral Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 43 patients with saddle nose deformity and revisional rhinoplasty with a depleted source. All patients were followed-up for a period ranging from 12 to 37 months (mean, 19.2 months) after surgery. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent open or closed septorhinoplasty. Autogenous costal cartilage was carved with the OSM to obtain grafts suitable for use as columellar strut, dorsal onlay, L-strut, lateral crural strut, caudal extension, and tip or speader grafts in selected cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were evaluated by inspection, palpation, and photographic documentation before surgery. Inspection, palpation, and photographic documentation were carried out every 6 months and 12 months after surgery and once a year thereafter. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction in terms of form and function was achieved in 41 patients (95%). Two patients required reoperation for further tip projection (n=1) and alar batten graft displacement (n=1). No complication was observed as a result of graft warping, resorption, or fracture. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The OSM provides straight costal cartilage grafts of varying thicknesses without the risk of warping. Because they strictly preserve their straight form, the grafts may safely be modified into rectangular shape or carved asymmetrically and/or have their edges beveled. Current data from this study suggest that the OSM offers a flexible and reliable reconstructive option for the rhinoplasty surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Sneezing and runny nose: should allergy testing be routinely performed?

The need for routine determination of rhinitis subtypes by allergy testing and the relevance between symptoms and allergy were evaluated. A retrospective study at a tertiary hospital, ENT clinic. One hundred and twenty-seven adult patients with sneezing and runny nose for at least 6 months for the last two consecutive years were included. The age range was 16-60. Allergy testing was only positive in 43.4% of the patients. Excluding mixed rhinitis, persistent sneezing and runny nose were mostly related to anatomical deformities, mainly septal deviation followed by vasomotor rhinitis. Persistent sneezing and runny nose may be caused by different etiologies other than allergy. Determination of rhinitis subtypes is important for accurate treatment of patients with these symptoms. Taking appropriate medical history and performing a good physical exam with objective allergy testing are highly recommended.

Antioxidant role of selenium in rats with experimental acute otitis media.

The aim of this prospective experimental animal study was to determine whether selenium had a protective effect on oxidative stress in rats with acute otitis media, by measuring the alterations of antioxidant parameters and lipid peroxidation on days 4 and 10 after inoculation into the middle ear. Streptococcus pneumoniae was inoculated into the middle ear cavities of 32 rats in animal laboratory of a tertiary medical center. Group 1 served as the control group and the animals were administered 1.5 ml/day saline. Group 2 received 0.2 mg/kg/day oral selenium for 10 days. The blood samples of each group were obtained on post-inoculation days 4 and 10. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, albumin, total sulphydryl, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were investigated. Day 10 level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in group 2 was lower than the day 4 level of the same substance in the control group. Although glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels significantly decreased starting from 4th day until 10th day in group 1, their levels increased in group 2. Day 10 levels of albumin and total sulphydryl in group 1 were significantly higher than day 4 levels in group 2. We found that selenium supplementation for 10 days decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels when compared to the control group. We believe that selenium supplementation may be beneficial to prevent the clinical sequelae and recurrence of otitis media.

Is there a relationship between serum levels of vitamin a, vitamin e, copper and zinc and otitis media with effusion in children?

The aim of this study is to determine whether the serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, copper and zinc have a role in the development of otitis media with effusion (OME) in childhood. This prospective study was conducted between February 2010 and February 2011 at a tertiary Otorhinolaryngoloy Clinic. There were 113 subjects and subdivided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 44 patients who underwent adenoidectomy with ventilation tube placement due to OME. Group 2 consisted of 43 patients underwent adenoidectomy alone and group 3,called control group, included 26 healthy children. Serum values of vitamin A, vitamin E, copper and zinc were measured preoperatively. Comparison of the patient groups showed that group 1 patients had significantly lower serum zinc levels than group 2 patients (p = 0.002), although differences between both patients groups and controls were not significant. We found that the differences among the three groups in terms of serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and copper were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The results of this study showed that serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and copper may not play a role on development of OME. We postulated that high serum zinc status may have the preventive effect in the predisposition to OME which may related to adenoid hyperplasia.

Inferior turbinate composite graft for repair of nasal septal perforation.

BACKGROUND: Repair of nasal septal perforations is one of the most challenging procedures in nasal surgery. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to determine the efficacy of using an inferior turbinate composite graft (ITCG) for the repair of nasal septal perforation. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011, 27 consecutive patients with nasal septal perforation underwent endoscopy-assisted, endonasal septal perforation repair by using an ITCG alone or in combination with bipedicled mucosal advancement flap. RESULTS: Complete closure of the perforation was achieved in 24 of 27 (88.8%) patients, and incomplete closure was observed in 2 patients with medium-sized perforation and 1 patient with large perforation. CONCLUSION: The ITCG technique provides three-layer repair of the defect under no tension in closure of small perforations located anteriorly, posterior perforations with mucosal atrophy, or previous unsuccessful surgical repair. In graft-depleted revision rhinoplasty cases with small-sized septal perforations, this technique provides a simple solution with autogenous grafts. In cases involving larger perforations, the ITCG technique can easily be combined with bipedicled flap and allows for more options to solve a challenging problem. Current data from this prospective study suggest that this surgical technique may be used in the repair of nasal septal perforation.

Ototoxic effect of topical oxiconazole and terbinafine in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ototoxic effects of topically applied oxiconazole and terbinafine by means of auditory brainstem responses in rats. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was performed in 36 mature male Wistar albino rats. The study was conducted on four groups of rats: 10 rats received 1% oxiconazole cream, 10 rats received 1% terbinafine cream, 8 rats had gentamicin solution (40 mg/mL), and 8 rats had saline solution. A total perforation was created on the left tympanic membrane. The agents used in the study were administered to the left middle ears of the animals twice daily through a transcanal route, in doses of 0.1 cc, for 10 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Auditory brainstem response thresholds were obtained before the treatment and 7 days after termination of the application. RESULTS: The differences in pre- and posttreatment thresholds for all stimuli (click, 1000 Hz, 4000 Hz) in auditory brainstem responses were statistically significant in the oxiconazole, terbinafine, and gentamicin groups (p < .0125). When the saline and gentamicin groups were compared to the other groups, auditory brainstem response threshold findings for all stimuli after the treatment showed statistically significant differences (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Oxiconazole and terbinafine showed ototoxic effects reflected by elevated auditory brainstem response thresholds at the speech frequencies after being topically applied to the middle ear of rats. Further studies are needed to determine whether these auditory brainstem response threshold shifts are permanent.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of topical ciprofloxacin and prednisolone in the prevention of myringosclerosis.

An antibacterial drug, ciprofloxacin, has been reported to modulate the inflammatory and immune responses on monocytes. Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin in the prevention of myringosclerosis that is created by myringotomy in rats and to compare it with prednisolone. In this study, 24 healthy Sprague-Dawley type rats of age 3-4 months and 250-300 g weight were used. Rats have been divided into three random groups. Topical ciprofloxacin was administered to the rats in the first group and topical prednisolone was administered to the rats in the third group; no medication was applied to their opposite ears and they were determined as control group. Prednisolone was administered to one ear of the rats and ciprofloxacin was administered to their opposite sides in the second group. After bilateral myringotomies the treatments were applied for 20 days as five drops two times a day. Otomicroscopic examination was made on the 10th day and reperforations were made when necessary. Rats were killed on the 21st day and temporal bone dissections were done. When we evaluate in terms of myringosclerosis and tympanic membrane thickness, in the first group, myringosclerosis and thickness have been observed in two of seven ears (28.6%) where ciprofloxacin was administered and in five of the seven ears (71.4%) where no treatment was applied. In the second group where prednisolone and ciprofloxacin were compared, myringosclerosis and thickness have been observed in six of the ten ears (60.0%) where prednisolone was administered and in four of the ten ears (40.0%) where ciprofloxacin was administered. In the third group, myringosclerosis and thickness have been observed in three of seven ears (42.9%) where prednisolone was administered and in four of the seven ears (57.1%) where no treatment was applied. All histopathological evaluations were made by one pathologist in a blinded manner. In our study, the effect of the ciprofloxacin and prednisolone was similar in preventing the experimental myringosclerosis and TM thickness in rats. When compared with the control groups, this preventive effect was more obvious in the ciprofloxacin treatment group than that of prednisolone.

Is there any relationship between the frontal cell and the Agger nasi cell and the localization of the anterior ethmoid artery?

OBJECTIVES: In this article, we examined the effect of the presence or absence of a frontal cell or an Agger nasi cell on the localization of the anterior ethmoid artery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Coronal paranasal sinus computed tomography scans on 110 sides of 61 patients (35 males, 26 females; mean age 35.6 ± 12.7 years; range 15 to 72 years) who underwent surgery for septal deviation, concha bullosa, antrochoanal polyp between September 2006 and February 2008 were retrospectively evaluated and the anterior ethmoid foramen localization was measured according to the anterior nasal spine. The correlations of these measurements with the presence and absence of a frontal cell and an Agger nasi cell were investigated. RESULTS: The measurement of the anterior ethmoidal foramen according to anterior nasal spine was 18.2 ± 8.8 mm in the absence of an Agger nasi cell and was 20.3 ± 6.6 mm in the presence of an Agger nasi cell. This distance was measured as 20.0 ± 7.3 mm when the frontal cell was not determined. This measurement was 20.2 ± 6.5 mm in the presence of a frontal cell. According to the frontal cell types the results of the measurements were 20.5 ± 5.9 mm, 18.9 ± 8 mm, 20.6 ± 7.3 mm, for type 1, type 2 and type 3, respectively. Our results revealed that there were no significant relationship between the presence or absence of a frontal cell and an Agger nasi cell and the localization of the anterior ethmoidal foramen. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the presence or absence of these cells does not affect localization of the anterior ethmoid artery.

The effects of repetitious topical use of mitomycin C on antrostomy patency in maxillary antrostomy created rabbit model.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of the topical use of mitomycin C (MMC) intraoperatively in single dose and intra-postoperatively in two doses on the narrowing of antrostomy in maxillary rabbit sinus antrostomies created experimentally. And also to determine the local and systemic side effects of topical MMC. With this objective, 0.6 mg/ml MMC was used to the first group at single dose and to the second group intraoperatively and on third day postoperatively in two doses topically for 5 min. After 8 weeks, although the mean area of antrostomy was larger than that in the control side in the first group, which received single dose MMC, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.287). The second group received two doses, and the antrostomy areas were found to be significantly larger than the controls (p = 0.05). Overall, the sides that received MMC were significantly larger (p = 0.029). From the point of histopathological examination of the tissue, it was seen that two-dose MMC increased the edema indicating inflammation and antrostomy resolved with normal respiratory tract epithelium. It was shown by measuring the blood values that nephrotoxic and myelosupressant effect of MMC occurring in systemic use did not occur with single or double dose topical use. Our results demonstrate that even if the number of cases was low, two doses of topical MMC usage prevent the narrowing of antrostomy while single dose MMC does not. And two-dose topical MMC usage does not have local and systemic side effects.

A novel method for internal nasal valve reconstruction: H-graft technique.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel method for internal nasal valve reconstruction that enables lateralization of the superior segment of upper lateral cartilages (ULC) from the septum to a greater extent than the spreader graft method with lateral wall support. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study set at a tertiary medical center. METHODS: The study group was composed of 19 consecutive patients with pure internal nasal valve dysfunction who underwent surgery with the presented technique. All patients completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) tests preoperatively and at 12th month postoperative control to compare functional and aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Based upon pre- and postoperative calculations made using NOSE scores, there was significant improvement regarding nasal blockage or congestion, troubled breathing and sleeping, and air through nose during exercise, respectively (P < .05). There were no aesthetic changes encountered by the patient when pre- and postoperative ROE scores were compared (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The H shape of the graft not only improves the graft stability on dorsal septum but also has the advantage of combining the spreader and the splay effects. Current data from this prospective study suggest that this technique may be used in the surgical treatment of internal nasal valve dysfunction.

Role of nasopharyngeal reflux in the etiology of otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate nasopharyngeal reflux in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) using 24-hour dual-probe pH monitoring and to determine whether nasopharyngeal reflux has a role in the etiology of OME. METHODS: The study was performed in 20 children with OME and adenoid hypertrophy (± tonsillar hypertrophy) and in 20 controls who had adenoid hypertrophy (± tonsillar hypertrophy) without any ear problems. All subjects underwent 24-hour pH monitoring with a dual probe. The proximal probe was placed in the nasopharynx in this procedure. RESULTS: In the study group, 25% (5 of 20) of the patients were found to have nasopharyngeal reflux and 30% (6 of 20) of them were found to have esophageal reflux. On the other hand, nasopharyngeal reflux was detected in 3 (15%) of 20 children in the control group, whereas esophageal reflux was detected in 3 (15%) of them. When the groups were compared for the incidence of nasopharyngeal reflux and esophageal reflux, the difference was not found to be statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We detected higher nasopharyngeal and esophageal reflux rates in the OME group, although the difference between the groups studied was not statistically significant. This issue must be addressed in new studies performed in larger series.

[An unusual localization of fungiform papilloma].

In this article, we presented a 54-year-old male who was admitted with complaints of nasal obstruction with snoring and mouth breathing for one year. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed a mass arising from the inferior nasal concha on the left side. After computed tomography evaluation, endoscopic examination and incisional biopsy, the mass was removed en bloc endoscopically. The histopathological analysis resulted in a diagnosis of a fungiform papilloma. Fungiform papillomas arise almost exclusively on the nasal septum, while inverted papillomas predominantly affect the lateral nasal wall. To our knowledge, no previous report of fungiform papilloma involving the inferior concha has been published in the English literature.

A unique case of a postrhinoplasty epidermoid cyst.

The first case of a postrhinoplasty cyst lined with unusual stratified squamous epithelium, unlike the other published mucous ones, is described in this article. There are two different theories accounting for this complication: namely mucosal herniation and the free graft theory. Although the cyst was very close to the marginal rim incision, there was no connection between the cyst and vestibuler skin. Thus the free graft theory is more logical than the herniation theory to explain the development of this cyst.

First-choice treatment in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea: single-stage, multilevel, temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction or nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of single-stage, multilevel, temperature-controlled radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (TCRFTVR) for the soft palate and base of the tongue with that of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in primary treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. DESIGN: A prospective nonrandomized clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Data from 47 patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea treated between January 1, 2003, and October 31, 2006, were reviewed. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-six patients underwent TCRFTVR and 21 underwent nasal CPAP as a primary treatment modality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and 12-month posttreatment measurements using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and polysomnography were compared. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the groups were not significantly different. Both methods showed meaningful results for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and polysomnography variables 12 months after treatment compared with baseline measurements. The results were not significantly different in the posttreatment intergroup comparisons. Treatment success rates were 52.4% for nasal CPAP and 53.8% for TCRFTVR (P = .92). CONCLUSION: Similar comparison results with nasal CPAP in objective and subjective variables make single-stage, multilevel TCRFTVR a good alternative in primary treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.