Prospective Study of Sinonasal Outcome Following Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

Background: Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) requires wide sinonasal dissection to achieve adequate visualisation of anatomical landmarks. This can also result in nasal sequelae like crusting, nasal discharge, and anosmia. Aim: To use the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT) 22 questionnaire to study the postoperative sinonasal morbidity and its recovery in patients who have undergone EES. Materials and Method: Prospective study conducted from November 2017 to May 2018. SNOT-22 questionnaire was administered on patients operated between before EES and then re-administered during outpatient visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6-12 months following surgery. Results: Results of 46 patients were analyzed. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.8 months. The mean preoperative SNOT-22 score was 2.69 ± 4.95. SNOT-22 score at 1 month was 5.52 ± 6.77, at 3 months follow-up was 0.39 ± 1.02, and after 6 months was 0.30 ± 1.00. In 32 patients with a nasoseptal flap, mean preoperative score was 3.34 ± 5.68 (P = 0.18), one month following surgery it was 6.68 ± 6.88 and at 3 and 6 months following surgery it was 0.56 ± 1.19 and 0.38 ± 1.15. The mean preoperative nasal domain score was 1.022 (±2.13), the postoperative 1 month score was 2.3 ± 3.7, at 3 months following surgery was 0.22 ± 0.82 and after 6 months of surgery was 0.28 ± 0.96. Conclusion: Patients undergoing EES experienced transient worsening of SNOT 22 scores in the first month following surgery and recovered within 3 months of surgery. The improvement was sustained in follow-up visits beyond 6 months of surgery.

Evidence-Based Nutritional Interventions in Wound Care.

BACKGROUND: The role of nutritional intervention in wound care has been a topic of controversy. Although the efficacy of macronutrient supplementation has been well described, there is a paucity of evidence and no official recommendation regarding the use of vitamins and minerals to optimize wound healing. This is the first review of vitamin and mineral wound intervention that systematically summarizes the literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and distills the evidence by wound type. METHODS: In this comprehensive review, the authors outline the nutrients and delivery methods used in the identified studies, analyze reported treatment outcomes, summarize nutrient effectiveness, and propose evidence-based conclusions to improve wound healing outcomes and enhance the consistency of nutritional intervention in wound care. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies with a combined total of 2339 patients investigated the use of oral, topical, or intravenous vitamin and/or mineral supplementation for treatment of the following wound types: burn wounds (n = 3), pressure ulcers (n = 7), diabetic ulcers (n = 4), venous ulcers (n = 7), digital ulcers (n = 1), skin incisions (n = 9), hypertrophic scars (n = 4), and sinonasal wounds (n = 1). Improved outcomes were reported in patients with burn wounds receiving vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, and E and zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium, selenium, and zinc; patients with pressure ulcers receiving vitamin C and zinc; patients with diabetic ulcers receiving vitamin A, B9, D, and E; patients with venous ulcers receiving zinc; and patients with hypertrophic scars receiving vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high-level data provided in this review, the use of specific nutritional interventions may improve the outcome of certain wound types. Further investigation is warranted to draw definitive conclusions.

Computed tomography based analysis of the lamina papyracea variations and morphology of the orbit concerning endoscopic surgical approaches / Análise tomográfica das variações da lâmina papirácea e da morfologia orbital em abordagens cirúrgicas endoscópicas

Abstract Introduction: Radiologic evaluation is mandatory to assess the type of endoscopic approach concerning sinonasal pathology and reconstruction of fractured defects before any treatment modalities are instituted related to medial wall of the orbit. Objective: The goal was to provide improved understanding of the lamina papyracea variations and the relationship with the orbital morphometry. Methods: This retrospective study was performed using computed tomography scans of 200 orbits and results were compared with respect to age, sex, laterality and LP variations. Results: Lamina papyracea variations were categorized as type A, 80.5% (161/200); type B, 16% (32/200); type C, 3.5% (7/200). For medial wall the anterior and posterior lamina papyracea heights and angles were found as 17.14 mm, 147.88º and 9.6 mm, 152.72º, respectively. Also, the length of the lamina papyracea, the mean area of the orbital floor, medial wall, lamina papyracea and orbital entrance were 33.3 mm, 7.2 cm2, 6.89 cm2, 4.51 cm2 and 12.46 cm2 respectively. The orbital height and width were measured as 35.9 mm and 39.2 mm respectively. The mean orbital cavity depth was 46.3 mm from optic foramen to the orbital entrance and the orbital volume was 19.29 cm3. We analyzed the morphometric measurements tending to increase with aging and greater in men and the relationship of them with lamina papyracea types. Conclusion: Precise knowledge of the lamina papyracea anatomy using computed tomography is essential for safer and more effective surgery and preforming the dimensions of an implant. In this way, the postoperative complications can be decreased and the best outcome can be provided.

Resumo Introdução: A avaliação radiológica é mandatória para avaliar o tipo de abordagem endoscópica no tratamento cirúrgico de doença nasossinusal e na reconstrução de fraturas antes de quaisquer modalidades de tratamento relacionadas à parede medial orbital. Objetivo: O objetivo foi proporcionar uma melhor compreensão das variações da lâmina papirácea e a relação com a morfometria orbital. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado por meio de tomografia computadorizada de 200 órbitas, e os resultados foram comparados em relação à idade, sexo, lateralidade e variações da lâmina pairácea. Resultados: As variações da lâmina papirácea foram categorizadas como tipo A, 80,5% (161/200); tipo B, 16% (32/200); tipo C, 3,5% (7/200). Para a parede medial, as medidas das alturas anteriores e posteriores da lâmina papirácea e ângulos foram de 17,14 mm, 147,88º e 9,6 mm, 152,72º, respectivamente. Além disso, as medidas do seu comprimento da, da área média do assoalho orbital, e da parede medial, lâmina papyracea e entrada orbital foram: 33,3 mm, 7,2 cm2, 6,89 cm2, 4,51 cm2 e 12,46 cm2, respectivamente. As medidas da altura e da largura orbitais foram 35,9 mm e 39,2 mm, respectivamente. A profundidade média da cavidade orbital foi de 46,3 mm, do forame óptico até a entrada orbital, e o volume orbital foi de 19,29 cm3. Analisamos as medidas morfométricas com tendência a aumentar com o envelhecimento e nos indivíduos do sexo masculino, e a relação das mesmas com os tipos de lâmina. Conclusões: O conhecimento preciso da anatomia da lâmina papirácea por meio de tomografia computadorizada é essencial para uma cirurgia mais segura e eficaz, além de permitir pré-moldar as dimensões do implante. Assim, as complicações pós-operatórias podem ser minimizadas, obtendo-se melhores resultados.

Computed tomography based analysis of the lamina papyracea variations and morphology of the orbit concerning endoscopic surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Radiologic evaluation is mandatory to assess the type of endoscopic approach concerning sinonasal pathology and reconstruction of fractured defects before any treatment modalities are instituted related to medial wall of the orbit. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to provide improved understanding of the lamina papyracea variations and the relationship with the orbital morphometry. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed using computed tomography scans of 200 orbits and results were compared with respect to age, sex, laterality and LP variations. RESULTS: Lamina papyracea variations were categorized as type A, 80.5% (161/200); type B, 16% (32/200); type C, 3.5% (7/200). For medial wall the anterior and posterior lamina papyracea heights and angles were found as 17.14mm, 147.88° and 9.6mm, 152.72°, respectively. Also, the length of the lamina papyracea, the mean area of the orbital floor, medial wall, lamina papyracea and orbital entrance were 33.3mm, 7.2cm2, 6.89cm2, 4.51cm2 and 12.46cm2 respectively. The orbital height and width were measured as 35.9mm and 39.2mm respectively. The mean orbital cavity depth was 46.3mm from optic foramen to the orbital entrance and the orbital volume was 19.29cm3. We analyzed the morphometric measurements tending to increase with aging and greater in men and the relationship of them with lamina papyracea types. CONCLUSION: Precise knowledge of the lamina papyracea anatomy using computed tomography is essential for safer and more effective surgery and preforming the dimensions of an implant. In this way, the postoperative complications can be decreased and the best outcome can be provided.

The Utility of Polyether-Ether-Ketone Implants Adjacent to Sinus Cavities After Craniofacial Trauma.

PURPOSE: Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) implants have become increasingly popular for use in reconstructive procedures. It is imperative to understand the consequences of using this biomaterial in anatomic sites that can pose a risk of infection. Specifically, the use of PEEK in paranasal sinus cavity reconstruction is not well documented. This study examined postoperative complications, namely surgical site infection and implant loss, in patients who underwent paranasal sinus cavity reconstruction using PEEK implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a single-center case series. Patients who underwent craniomaxillofacial reconstruction with a custom-made PEEK implant in intimate contact with a functional paranasal sinus from June 2013 to May 2017 were included. Baseline characteristics and preoperative and postoperative variables were collected by retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Eight patients were included in this study. Average patient age was 45.75 ± 19.36 years. Average follow-up duration was 300 ± 263 days. Mean operative time for PEEK implantation was 214.13 ± 66.03 minutes. Implant size ranged from 5 to nearly 100 cm2. No patients were diagnosed with acute or chronic sinusitis postoperatively. One patient underwent explantation of his PEEK implant secondary to breakdown of overlying skin that separated from the site of the frontal sinus because of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Literature review indicates that this is the largest case series reported to date documenting the use of PEEK implants in reconstruction of the region of the paranasal sinuses. Specific biologic, or alloplastic, barriers outside the formation of native scar tissue or regional fasciocutaneous tissues at the sites of reconstruction were not used in these reconstructions, although consideration for placement of these barriers can be at the discretion of the operative surgeon. The authors conclude that PEEK implants can be used in complex craniomaxillofacial reconstructive procedures to achieve near anatomic reconstruction not easily attainable through conventional means. Defects that involve the paranasal sinus cavities with a functional ostium or obliterated sinus cavity can be reconstructed with PEEK implants without increasing the risk of infection and need for explantation. Long-term follow-up and continued outcome results of this treatment modality will be necessary to verify its clinical usefulness in the future.

Caracterización epidemiológica, clínica y tomográfica de pacientes con afecciones no traumáticas de los senos paranasales / Clinical, epidemological and tomographic characterization of patients with non traumatic disorders of the paranasal sinuses

Se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva y transversal de 132 pacientes con afecciones no traumáticas de los senos paranasales, atendidos en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero del 2013 hasta diciembre del 2015, a fin de caracterizarles según variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y tomográficas de interés. En la serie predominaron los afectados de 39-58 años de edad (42,4 por ciento), el hábito de fumar (62,1 por ciento) y las infecciones dentarias (59,1 por ciento) como los principales factores de riesgo, así como los procesos inflamatorios sinusales (62,1 por ciento) que afectaron preferentemente el seno maxilar. Se halló coincidencia entre el diagnóstico definitivo y los signos tomográficos en 66 pacientes, con un coeficiente de Kappa de 0,80.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional investigation of 132 patients with non traumatic disorders of the paranasal sinuses, assisted in the Otolaryngology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January, 2013 to December, 2015, in order to characterize them according to clinical, epidemiological and tomographic variables of interest. In the series there was a prevalence of the affected patients aged 39-58 (42.4 percent), the smoking habit (62.1 percent) and dental infections (59.1 percent) as the main risk factors, as well as the sinusal inflammatory processes (62.1 percent) that preferably affected the maxillary sinus. There was a coincidence between the definitive diagnosis and the tomographic signs in 66 patients, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.80.

Analysis of factors related to failure in the pressure test: a six-year experience in Taiwan.

INTRODUCTION: The Republic of China Navy instituted the pressure test as one of the selection tools for diving troops and submarine crews. We analyzed factors associated with failure in the pressure test. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study designed to investigate pressure test failure in Navy recruits between January 2010 and August 2015. The recruits received pressurization in a hyperbaric chamber to a simulated depth of 112 feet of seawater (fsw) at a rate of 25 fsw/minute. Data describing trainee demographics, disease history, causes and depth of failure, as well as type of injury, were extracted from case notes and facility databases for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 3,608 trial cohorts, there were 435 failures, with an overall failure rate of 12.06%. About 95% of these failure trials were within a simulated depth of 60 fsw. Fifty-seven (57) failures did not record causes of failure. Among the other 378 failures, the most commonly identified causes were ear barotrauma (365 trials, 96.56%) and sinus barotrauma (10 trials, 2.65%). Statistical analysis revealed that recent upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, and cigarette smoking were all significantly associated with higher incidence of middle ear barotrauma. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that pressure testing to a depth of 60 fsw is effective in disqualifying personnel entering diving and submarine service. Recent infection of the upper respiratory tract, allergic rhinitis and cigarette smoking are risk factors for middle ear barotrauma, resulting in failure of the pressure test.

Combined External-Endoscopic Endonasal Assisted Removal of a Nail Gun.

Management of penetrating trauma to the paranasal sinuses with retained foreign bodies represents a challenge due to the proximity to vital neurovascular structures. The authors report the successful treatment of a patient with a work-related nail gun injury, carried out by means of a combined endoscopic endonasal external assisted procedure.A transnasal endoscopic approach was planned to minimize inadvertent movements of the nail during surgery and in case necessary to repair the orbit or skull base. No major bleeding or neurovascular complication was observed after surgery and a computed tomography scan was performed after surgery confirming the complete removal of the nail and with no damage of the orbit nor the skull base.

Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Spontaneous and Traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Review and Local Experience.

This article presents an overview of endoscopic endonasal repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. In recent years, endoscopic repair has become the standard of care for managing this condition, because it gradually replaces the traditional open transcranial approach. Discussion includes the etiologic classification of CSF rhinorrhea, management paradigm for each category, diagnosis algorithm, comprehensive description of the surgical technique, and an updated review of the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of this procedure. In addition, the authors present their experience, including 2 surgical videos demonstrating endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea in 2 distinct clinical scenarios.

[Trauma of the midface]. / Traumatologie des Mittelgesichts.

Fractures of the midface pose a serious medical problem as for their complexity, frequency and their socio-economic impact. Interdisciplinary approaches and up-to-date diagnostic and surgical techniques provide favorable results in the majority of cases though. Traffic accidents are the leading cause and male adults in their thirties are affected most often. Treatment algorithms for nasal bone fractures, maxillary and zygoma fractures are widely agreed upon whereas trauma to the frontal sinus and the orbital apex are matter of current debate. Advances in endoscopic surgery and limitations of evidence based gain of knowledge are matters that are focused on in the corresponding chapter. As for the fractures of the frontal sinus a strong tendency towards minimized approaches can be seen. Obliteration and cranialisation seem to decrease in numbers.Some critical remarks in terms of high dose methylprednisolone therapy for traumatic optic nerve injury seem to be appropriate.Intraoperative cone beam radiographs and preshaped titanium mesh implants for orbital reconstruction are new techniques and essential aspects in midface traumatology. Fractures of the anterior skull base with cerebrospinal fluid leaks show very promising results in endonasal endoscopic repair.

Failure pressures of three rhinologic dural repairs in a porcine ex vivo model.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to determine the failure pressures of 3 commonly performed repair techniques of 5-mm dural defects in a controlled setting. METHODS: This was a pig dura ex vivo study. A testing apparatus was fabricated to study failure pressures of 3 different repairs in a porcine model. Five-millimeter (5-mm) dural defects were created and plugged with autologous mucosa/Tisseel (MT) (Baxter International Inc.), fat graft (FG), and bath plug (BP) techniques. Saline solution was infused at 30 mL/hour to apply unidirectional pressure to the repair until failure occurred. Five dural repairs were performed for each arm of the trial, for a total of 15 trials. RESULTS: The mean failure pressure of the MT repair was 4.3 ± 1.9 cmH2 O, of the FG repair was 10.9 ± 4.2 cmH2 O, and of the BP repair was 20.7 ± 2.2 cmH2 O. Differences among mean failure pressures were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The BP repair showed significantly higher tolerances for pressure than the other 2 repairs. The BP repair was the only technique that withstood adult physiologic supine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.

Osteointegration of a bisphenol-a-glycidyl-dimethacrylate composite and its use in anterior skull base defects: an experimental study in an experimental design model of cerebrospinal fluid leak.

OBJECT: Promising clinical results were reported in watertight closure of anterior skull base defects (ASBDs) with bisphenol-a-glycidyl-dimethacrylate (bis-GMA)-based materials to prevent the cerebrospinal fluid leaks. However, interrelation of these materials with surrounding bones in histologic level, referred to as the osteointegration, has not been reported in the anterior skull base. In addition, an illustrative case with an ASBD that was repaired using a bis-GMA composite has been presented. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups: control and sham groups consisted of 2 and 6 rabbits, respectively. The "skull base defect" group (n = 6) underwent a unifrontal craniectomy and an iatrogenic ASBD followed by creating a dural defect to obtain a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Similar bony and dural defects were acquired in the "repair with bis-GMA based allograft" group (n = 6), but the bony defect was closed with bis-GMA-based allograft. RESULTS: All animals in the "skull base defect" group died in 3 weeks after surgery. There were no animal losses in the "repair with bis-GMA based allograft" group at the sixth month. Histologic evaluation revealed complete osteointegration of bis-GMA composite with surrounding bones. CONCLUSIONS: bis-GMA based allograft achieved a watertight repair of the ASBD. Histologic findings of this study showed that bis-GMA composite is a reliable material to be used in the closure of anterior skull base bony defects.

Impact of the use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on the quality of life of patients treated with endodontic surgery when a perforation of sinus membrane occurred. A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective investigation was to evaluate the postoperative quality of life after endodontic surgery in maxillary molars when a sinus membrane perforation occurred and platelet concentrates were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included patients were treated by microsurgical endodontic treatment in molar and premolar maxillary regions between 2007 and 2010. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were screened. Data from the quality of life questionnaire were analyzed. The use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) (test group) was compared with a control group when a Schneiderian membrane perforation occurred during endodontic surgery performed with a modern technique in maxillary molars and premolars. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (12 in the control group and eight in the test group) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No differences were evaluated at baseline for clinical parameters. Significantly improved patients' quality of life was observed in the test group considering symptoms as swelling, bad breath or taste, and pain. Functional activities were less impaired in the test group and swelling was significantly higher in the control group. In the test group, pain was significantly lower than the control group during the first 6 days after surgery and also, the consumption of painkillers was lower for patients belonging to the test group even if it was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: In general, a small sinus membrane perforation (less than 6 mm) during endodontic surgery did not cause severe complications. The use of platelet concentrates could be effective in reducing the impact on patients' quality of life, decreasing pain and surgery side effects as well as swelling.

Flying and midface fractures: the truth is out there.

There are no clear, evidence-based guidelines that dictate when it is safe for a patient to fly after sustaining a midface fracture. From January 2006 to December 2009, the Royal Darwin Hospital Maxillofacial Unit had 48 out of 201 patients with an orbital fracture that involved a paranasal air sinus transported by a variety of aircraft to the unit for definitive management. No orbital complications were recorded for the 24% of patients requiring air travel to our tertiary referral centre. Furthermore, there were no recorded deviations from the standard flight plan. We believe that this demonstrates there are no absolute contraindications to flying on a variety of aircraft with a midface fracture, but clinical assessment remains crucial for an informed decision to transport these patients by air.

Transcutaneous medial canthal tendon incision to the medial orbit.

PURPOSE: The surgical approach to the medial orbit allows superior exposure of the medial orbital wall and nasal bones, extending to the orbital apex, with excellent cosmetic results. METHODS: This is a retrospective database study of all patients (N = 98) undergoing a transcutaneous medial canthal tendon incision in practice during 2009. This 1.5- to 2.0-cm incision is made just anterior to, in the same plane as, and shaving the anterior ramus of the medial canthal tendon. After exposing the origin of the anterior ramus of the medial canthal tendon, the periorbita along with the attached medial canthal tendon is elevated, exposing the entire medial orbital wall from the orbital strut to the trochlea. Anterior dissection allows access to the nasal bones to the dorsum of the nasal bridge. The parameters studied in this report were the complication rates (including scarring requiring revision, telecanthus, diplopia related to the technique, and injury to the optic nerve or other orbital structures) and photographic evidence of the final cosmetic result of this approach. RESULTS: During 2009, 173 surgical procedures were performed through the transcutaneous medial canthal tendon incision. The procedures comprised 89 fracture repairs of the nasal or ethmoid complex, 2 naso-orbito-ethmoid fracture repairs, 4 cases of isolated nasal fracture repair, 37 medial wall decompressions for ophthalmic Graves disease, 13 cases of subperiosteal abscess drainage, and 28 dacyrocystorhinostomies using a slightly modified incisional position. The inferior oblique was not cut or released in any of these cases. There were no observed cases of medial canthal webbing, injury to orbital structures, telecanthus, optic neuropathy, or iatrogenically induced diplopia related to the technique. By definition, the authors' follow-up time is limited to less than 2 years in each case; however, all complications, which the authors have considered for this report, would have been readily observable in this postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The small incision, transcutaneous medial canthal approach offers excellent and safe exposure of the medial wall, nose, and the orbital apex. The authors differentiate this transcutaneous medial canthal tendon incision from the less cosmetically acceptable, larger and more anterior Lynch incision. This medial canthal tendon incision has, and continues to be, a workhorse in the authors' approach to the medial orbit and nose while offering unparalleled exposure with an excellent safety and complication profile.

[Health services research on paranasal sinus surgery in Thuringia: epidemiologic key data and outcome]. / Versorgungsforschung zu Nasennebenhöhlenoperationen in Thüringen: Epidemiologie und Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Although modern minimal-invasive paranasal sinus surgery is an integral part of clinical routine of otorhinolaryngologic surgeons, there are no population-based data on incidence and efficiency of this surgery published. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1,582 patients underwent paranasal sinus surgery in the 8 Thuringian departments of otorhinolaryngology in 2005. All patients were analysed regarding patients' characteristics, therapy, complications and further course of disease. RESULTS: The incidence of paranasal sinus surgery was 46/100,000 for women and higher for men with 72/100,000. Median age was 48 years. Chronic sinusitis was the main reason for surgery (94%; including 33% with nasal polyps) and was performed dominantly as endoscopic sinus surgery (96%). Surgery was performed bilaterally in 75% of the cases and as primary surgery. In most cases at least 2 paranasal sinuses per side were approached. Relevant complications were observed in 4% of patients. During the follow-up time of 45-51 months a recurrence was observed in 9% of cases. Using a multivariate regression analysis, revision surgery, allergic subject and diagnosis of a malignant tumor were significant independent risk factors to predict a recurrence. Older age and longer time of surgery were significant independent risk factors for a complication. CONCLUSION: This population based analysis is showing that modern paranasal sinus surgery is performed in high incidence, effectively and with low-risk on a large scale in daily routine of rhinologic surgeons.

[Endoscopic sinus surgery complications a prospective multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the rate of complications in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and associated risk factors. METHODS: We prospectively studied 1,382 subjects undergoing ESS for rhinosinusitis and cystic sinus disease at 16 hospitals during 2007 and 2008. Surgeons provided information on peri-and postoperative complication occurrence. RESULT: Results of complications were seen in 80 subjects (5.8%), the most frequent was perioperative lamina papyracea injury. Analysis showed the complication rate to be linked to gender, and anesthesia type, but not the grade of surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: While care should be taken to avoid them, complications should be identified and treated in a timely and accurate manner.

Medical and surgical treatment in divers with chronic rhinosinusitis and paranasal sinus barotrauma.

Aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of medical and surgical treatment in divers with paranasal sinus barotrauma (PSB) secondary to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study 40 adult divers with CRS were included. Treatment of divers implied a 5-day course of a systemic steroid and a 6-week course of saline nasal irrigations and topical nasal steroid with mometasone in maximal dosage. If symptoms persisted, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed. Questionnaires included the Sinonasal Outcome Test-20 German Adapted Version (SNOT-20 GAV), dive-related questions (DRQ) and general questions. Questionnaires were completed retrospectively by recalling the symptoms before and after therapy. Forty of 82 divers completed the questionnaires. Mean follow-up was 42 months (range 13-95 months). There was a statistically significant improvement of the Total score (TS) and of every subscore, except the General Quality of Life score, in the SNOT-20 GAV as well as of the TS in the DRQ. Before treatment, divers who required surgery reported significantly more symptoms than divers who were treated conservatively. Post treatment there were no significant differences between the medical and surgical group. Overall, 35 divers could resume diving after therapy even though PSB still occurred but without complications. Divers with sinus problems can successfully be managed medically and if conservative treatment fails, FESS shows a statistically significant improvement of symptoms and no serious long-term hazards for diving.

Treatment outcomes of endoscopic repairs of sinonasal cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and determine the clinical parameters affecting endoscopic repair of CSF leaks of the anterior and central skull base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the clinical characteristics of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment of sinonasal CSF leaks between 2002 and 2009. RESULTS: The causes of sinonasal CSF leaks were traumatic (n = 27) and spontaneous (n = 1). The sites of CSF leaks included the frontal sinus and frontal recess (n = 9), ethmoid sinus (n = 9), sella and clivus (n = 6), and sphenoid sinus (n = 4). The success rate at first-attempt endoscopic repair was 86% (24/28). Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from the frontal sinus/recess had a high failure rate (44% [4/9]). Recurrent frontal CSF leaks were successfully salvaged by an open-endoscopic approach. The final success rate at second attempt was 93% (26/28). Among the variables affecting initial endoscopic success, the location of CSF leak and direct visualization were significant factors (P = 0.008 and 0.018, respectively [Fisher exact test]). No postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that endoscopic repair of sinonasal CSF leaks is an effective treatment with a success rate of 93%. Open-endoscopic repair of frontal CSF leaks is feasible in treating endoscopic failures of frontal CSF leaks.