Intraoperative prevention of nasal mucosal injury and surgical field contamination during single-nostril transnasal endoscopic pituitary adenomas resection.

BACKGROUND: The common complications of transnasal endoscopic pituitary adenomas resection include nasal hemorrhage, olfactory disorder, nasal adhesion, and intracranial infection. Consequently, the protection of nasal mucosa and the prevention of surgical field contamination are critical. METHOD: We presented a step-by-step description of the methods of the disinfection and protection of nasal mucosa and the prevention of surgical field contamination during transnasal endoscopic pituitary adenomas resection, and these comprehensive measures to prevent these complications have not been documented. CONCLUSION: These measures effectively reduce the risk of nasal mucosal injury and surgical field contamination, and are easy to perform.

Deformity, etiology, solution, sequence (DESS): Facial analysis in rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Rhinoplasty is amongst the most challenging surgeries to perfect and can take decades. This process begins during residency; however, residents often have limited exposure to rhinoplasty during their training and lack a standardized method for systematically analyzing and formulating a surgical plan. The DESS (Deformity, Etiology, Solution, Sequence) is a novel educational format for residents that serves to increase their pre-operative comfort with the surgical evaluation and intraoperative planning for a rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study performed at a tertiary academic institution with an otolaryngology residency program evaluating three consecutive residency classes comprised of four residents per class. A 9-item questionnaire was distributed to measure change in resident comfort after utilizing the DESS during their facial plastics rotation. Questionnaire responses highlighted resident comfort with facial nasal analysis, identifying deformities, suggesting surgical maneuvers, and synthesizing a comprehensive surgical plan. RESULTS: Ten of the twelve residents surveyed responded. Of those that responded, comfort in facial nasal analysis, identification of common nasal deformities, surgical planning, and development of an overall surgical plan were significantly improved after completion of the facial plastic rotation. These residents largely attributed their success to the systematic educational format, with an average score of 4.8/5.0 (SD 0.42). CONCLUSION: While rhinoplasty is a challenging artform to master, systematic approaches to analysis and operative planning are vital for teaching and guiding residents. Through this novel methodology, residents display significant improvement in their comfort with facial nasal analysis and overall surgical preparation.

ChatGPT as an information tool in rhinology. Can we trust each other today?

PURPOSE: ChatGPT (Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer) has proven to be a powerful information tool on various topics, including healthcare. This system is based on information obtained on the Internet, but this information is not always reliable. Currently, few studies analyze the validity of these responses in rhinology. Our work aims to assess the quality and reliability of the information provided by AI regarding the main rhinological pathologies. METHODS: We asked to the default ChatGPT version (GPT-3.5) 65 questions about the most prevalent pathologies in rhinology. The focus was learning about the causes, risk factors, treatments, prognosis, and outcomes. We use the Discern questionnaire and a hexagonal radar schema to evaluate the quality of the information. We use Fleiss's kappa statistical analysis to determine the consistency of agreement between different observers. RESULTS: The overall evaluation of the Discern questionnaire resulted in a score of 4.05 (± 0.6). The results in the Reliability section are worse, with an average score of 3.18. (± 1.77). This score is affected by the responses to questions about the source of the information provided. The average score for the Quality section was 3.59 (± 1.18). Fleiss's Kappa shows substantial agreement, with a K of 0.69 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ChatGPT answers are accurate and reliable. It generates a simple and understandable description of the pathology for the patient's benefit. Our team considers that ChatGPT could be a useful tool to provide information under prior supervision by a health professional.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: increase in complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring ENT surgery?

PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on complicated upper respiratory tract infections requiring surgical intervention in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to understand the consequences of pandemic-related measures and their subsequent relaxation on the incidence and characteristics of upper respiratory tract infection-related complications. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections between December 2014 to February 2023 were included. Demographic information, surgical procedures, microbiological findings, and clinical outcomes were assessed and analyzed comparing pre-pandemic, pandemic and post-pandemic groups. RESULTS: 321 patients were enrolled, including 105 patients (32.7%) in the pediatric population. Comparison of pre-pandemic (n = 210), pandemic (n = 46) and post-pandemic periods (n = 65) revealed a statistically significant increase in complicated otologic infections requiring surgical intervention in the post-pandemic period compared to the pandemic period (p value = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in other surgical procedures or demographic parameters were observed. A statistically significant increase in urgent ear surgery in the pediatric population between the pandemic and the post-pandemic period (p value = 0.02) was observed. Beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections showed a statistically significant increase in the post-pandemic period compared with the pandemic period (p value = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions was associated with an increase of upper respiratory tract infection-related otologic infections requiring surgical intervention with an increasing rate of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcal infections. These findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic on upper respiratory tract infection complications and adapting management strategies accordingly.

Surgical Management of Submucous Cleft Palate by Radical Muscle Dissection Veloplasty: Speech Outcomes in Patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefit of anatomical muscle dissection repair for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in patients with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective blinded randomised analysis of a surgeon's management over 10 years. SETTING: The study was performed at a specialised Paediatric hospital in the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Children with SMCP and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. INTERVENTIONS: All participants underwent radical muscle dissection veloplasty. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Pre- and post- operative measurements included severity of anatomical defect, speech samples and lateral images which were digitised, randomised then externally and blindly analysed using validated techniques. Stata software was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: 57 children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome were included in this analysis. Intra-operatively, the majority of cases were identified as SMCP Grade I anomalies. Post-operatively, a statistically significant improvement in hypernasality, resting palate length, palate length at maximum closure, palate excursion and gap size at maximum closure was observed. Secondary surgery was performed for 59% of patients by ten years. CONCLUSION: Muscle dissection repair improves hypernasality, palate closure function and the closure gap in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Although over 50% of patients may require further surgery, muscle dissection repair should be a first step due to its utility at a younger age, when invasive investigations are impossible, its lower morbidity, speech and language benefits or altering the plans for less obstructive secondary surgery when it lead to reduced velo-pharyngeal gap and improved palate mobility even when adequate velo-pharyngeal closure was not achieved.

Sublabial excision versus transnasal endoscopic marsupialization for nasolabial cysts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of sublabial excision and transnasal endoscopic marsupialization, the two primary surgical approaches for nasolabial cysts. DESIGN AND SETTING: A comprehensive meta-analysis of studies identified from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. PARTICIPANTS: Patients diagnosed with nasolabial cysts who underwent surgical treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative time, postoperative pain, overall postoperative complications, admission rate, length of hospital stay, use of general anaesthesia, medical costs, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The pooled analysis revealed that the transnasal endoscopic marsupialization group had shorter operative time (mean differences [MD], -32.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], -38.52 to -26.51), reduced postoperative pain (MD, -4.25; 95% CI, -7.62 to -0.89), fewer overall postoperative complications (risk difference [RD], -0.68; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.46), lower admission rates (RD, -0.86; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.61), shorter hospital stays (MD, -1.74; 95% CI, -2.58 to -0.89), decreased use of general anaesthesia (RD, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.76 to -0.03), and reduced medical costs (MD, -229.69; 95% CI, -338.64 to -120.75). The recurrence rate between the two groups showed no significant difference (RD, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.04). CONCLUSION: Transnasal endoscopic marsupialization presents as a promising alternative to sublabial excision in the treatment of nasolabial cysts. It offers advantages like reduced operative time, decreased postoperative pain, fewer complications, lower admission rates, shorter hospital stays, diminished need for general anaesthesia, and cost savings. Clinicians can leverage these findings to select the most suitable surgical approach for their patients.

Nasal Disorders.

Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis are common presenting concerns in primary care clinics. Nasal disorders affect the quality of life for many children and families. Rarely, these complaints may represent a life-threatening condition among infant obligate nasal breathers or cases of unusual pathology. The most common causes of rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction vary by age and include physiologic, infectious, allergic, foreign body, irritant, and traumatic causes. Less commonly, children may have congenital malformations, sinonasal masses, or autoimmune disease. The most common causes of epistaxis are inflammatory, environmental, and traumatic causes and medication misuse, but rarely, children may have predisposing anatomic, hematologic, or vascular abnormalities or even sinonasal tumors. In this article, we provide a thorough review of the common nasal disorders treated every day in primary care clinics and mention briefly some of the rare but serious cases that may be overlooked without considering a full differential diagnosis.

Calcium carbonate rhinolithiasis associated with chronic lymphocytic rhinitis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A 6-year-old intact female domestic dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred because of a chronic obstructive rhinitis not resolving despite antibiotic treatments. Computed tomography examination revealed 2 sub-obstructive structures of mineral density in the right nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Neoplasia and rhinolithiasis were the main differential diagnoses. A dorsal rhinostomy was performed and 1 mineralized lesion was removed. Infrared spectrophotometric and histological examinations of the lesion and nasal mucosa were consistent with a 100% calcium carbonate rhinolith with bacterial colonization and chronic lymphocytic rhinitis. Clinical signs improved during the first 4 wk following surgery. However, despite inhaled anti-inflammatory treatment, the rabbit's condition deteriorated when the rhinostomy site closed, and she died 7 wk after surgery. Rhinolith and lymphocytic rhinitis should be considered as differential diagnoses for upper respiratory tract signs in rabbits resistant to antimicrobial treatment. Key clinical message: Rhinolithiasis and chronic lymphocytic rhinitis should be included in the differential diagnoses of rabbits presenting with chronic obstructive upper respiratory tract signs characterized by purulent nasal discharge and failure of treatment despite adequate antimicrobial therapy, especially with unilateral signs. Computed tomography and rhinoscopy with biopsies are suggested to explore those possibilities.

Rhinolithiase au carbonate de calcium associée à une rhinite lymphoïde chronique chez un lapin de compagnie (Oryctolagus cuniculus)Une lapine naine domestique (Oryctolagus cuniculus) intacte, âgée de 6 ans, a été référée en raison d'une rhinite obstructive chronique non résolue malgré des traitement antibiotiques. L'examen tomodensitométrique a révélé 2 structures sous-obstructives de densité minérale dans la cavité nasale droite et le nasopharynx. La néoplasie et la rhinolithiase étaient les principaux diagnostics différentiels. Une rhinostomie dorsale a été réalisée et 1 lésion minéralisée a été retirée. Les examens par spectrophotométrie infrarouge et histologiques de la lésion et de la muqueuse nasale étaient compatibles avec un rhinolithe à 100 % en carbonate de calcium avec colonisation bactérienne et rhinite lymphocytaire chronique. Les signes cliniques se sont améliorés au cours des 4 premières semaines suivant l'intervention chirurgicale. Cependant, malgré un traitement anti-inflammatoire inhalé, l'état de la lapine s'est détérioré lors de la fermeture du site de rhinostomie et elle est décédée 7 semaines après l'opération. Le rhinolithe et la rhinite lymphocytaire doivent être envisagés comme diagnostic différentiel des signes des voies respiratoires supérieures chez les lapins résistants au traitement antimicrobien.Message clinique clé :La rhinolithiase et la rhinite lymphocytaire chronique doivent être incluses dans les diagnostics différentiels des lapins présentant des signes obstructifs chroniques des voies respiratoires supérieures caractérisés par un écoulement nasal purulent et un échec du traitement malgré un traitement antimicrobien adéquat, en particulier avec des signes unilatéraux. La tomodensitométrie et la rhinoscopie avec biopsies sont suggérées pour explorer ces possibilités.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Management of chronic exogenous rhinolith with gingivonasal fistula: A case report.

Recurrent rhinorrhoea that occurs chronically, needs to consider the possibility of a fistula in the nasal cavity, which has the potential to form a rhinolith. We report the case of a 39-year-old man with complaints of recurrent rhinorrhoea since four years ago, accompanied by thick secretions, symptoms of post-nasal drips, and olfactory disturbances. The patient had a history of removing the left upper molar (molar I), which causes a fistula in the tooth extraction site, making it more likely for food and drink to enter the left nasal cavity. Anterior rhinoscopy examination revealed a white mass in the left inferior meatus and a purulent odour discharge. In addition, there were gingival defects of the first molar teeth, multi-sinusitis, and nasal septum deviation. Rinolith extraction was performed using functional endoscopic sinus surgery, submucosal resection, and repair of gingivo-nasal defects with rotational flaps. Follow-up for one week showed that the flap was in place and there were no complications.

Nasopalatine canal cyst, a diagnostic twist.

We present a case of nasopalatine duct cyst in a 35-yearold female. The cyst was diagnosed based on the presence of only one clinical symptom and no obvious clinical signs, which is a relatively rare occurrence. However, the radiographic and histological presentation of this lesion was typical of a nasopalatine duct cyst. Therefore, this case report aims to highlight the variable presentations of the nasopalatine cyst, which is often misdiagnosed and treated as an endodontic infection.

Causal relationship between blood metabolites and risk of five infections: a Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat in the field of global public health, and our understanding of their metabolic pathogenesis remains limited. However, the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) offers an unprecedented opportunity to unravel the relationship between metabolites and infections. METHODS: Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) was commandeered to elucidate the causal relationship between blood metabolism and five high-frequency infection phenotypes: sepsis, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and skin and subcutaneous tissue infection (SSTI). GWAS data for infections were derived from UK Biobank and the FinnGen consortium. The primary analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted method on the UK Biobank data, along with a series of sensitivity analyses. Subsequently, replication and meta-analysis were performed on the FinnGen consortium data. RESULTS: After primary analysis and a series of sensitivity analyses, 17 metabolites were identified from UK Biobank that have a causal relationship with five infections. Upon joint analysis with the FinGen cohort, 7 of these metabolites demonstrated consistent associations. Subsequently, we conducted a multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis to confirm the independent effects of these metabolites. Among known metabolites, genetically predicted 1-stearoylglycerol (1-SG) (odds ratio [OR] = 0.561, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.403-0.780, P < 0.001) and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF) (OR = 0.780, 95%CI: 0.689-0.883, P < 0.001) was causatively associated with a lower risk of sepsis, and genetically predicted phenylacetate (PA) (OR = 1.426, 95%CI: 1.152-1.765, P = 0.001) and cysteine (OR = 1.522, 95%CI: 1.170-1.980, P = 0.002) were associated with an increased risk of UTI. Ursodeoxycholate (UDCA) (OR = 0.906, 95%CI: 0.829-0.990, P = 0.029) is a protective factor against pneumonia. Two unknown metabolites, X-12407 (OR = 1.294, 95%CI: 1.131-1.481, P < 0.001), and X-12847 (OR = 1.344, 95%CI: 1.152-1.568, P < 0.001), were also identified as independent risk factors for sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: In this MR study, we demonstrated a causal relationship between blood metabolites and the risk of developing sepsis, pneumonia, and UTI. However, there was no evidence of a causal connection between blood metabolites and the risk of URTI or SSTI, indicating a need for larger-scale studies to further investigate susceptibility to certain infection phenotypes.

Utility of Serum Interleukine-6 Level in Empty Nose Syndrome.

Objectives: Empty nose syndrome (ENS), a complication resulting from surgical procedures on turbinate tissue, is characterized by paradoxical nasal obstruction with wide nasal airways. Patients with ENS often also experience psychiatric symptoms, and psychiatric disorder detection remains dependent on subjective evaluation. Objective biomarkers for mental status assessment in patients with ENS are unestablished. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the mental status of patients with ENS. Methods: Overall, 35 patients with ENS who underwent endonasal submucosal implantation surgery were prospectively included in the study. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-25 (SNOT-25), Empty Nose Syndrome 6-item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to assess the physical and psychiatric symptoms of these patients preoperatively, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Serum IL-6 levels were analyzed 1 day before surgery. Results: All subjective assessments significantly improved 3 months after surgery and plateaued at 12 months. Patients with higher serum preoperative IL-6 levels tended to experience more severe depression. Regression analysis showed that a preoperative serum IL-6 level > 1.985 pg/mL was significantly correlated with severe depression status in patients with ENS (odds ratio = 9.76, p = 0.020). Conclusions: ENS patients with higher preoperative serum IL-6 levels were more likely to have severe depressive burden. Since more suicidal thoughts or attempts were noted in these patients, timely treatment plan for patients with high levels of serum IL-6 is crucial and may consider psychotherapy after surgical treatment.

Success rate of external, endonasal, and transcanalicular laser DCR with or without silicone stent intubation for NLD obstruction: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To define and compare the effectiveness of external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR), endonasal (EN-DCR), and transcanalicular laser-assisted (TL-DCR) with or without silicone stent (S) intubation. METHODS: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and WoS. Frequentist and Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed and pooled estimations were expressed as risk ratio (RR). We included all original investigations of prospective, randomized controlled trials comparing success rate for any two of the following six surgical procedures: standard EX-DCR with or without S, cold EN-DCR with or without S, and TL-DCR with or without S. The primary outcome measure was the objective success rate. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies with 3277 cases were included in the final quantitative analysis. TL-DCR with S was inferior to EN-DCR with S (RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05-1.37), EX-DCR with S (RR: 1.17 95% CI: 1.05-1.29), EN-DCR without S (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.35), and EX-DCR without S (RR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.05-1.26) in frequentist statistics. No other statistical difference was found between other surgeries. When we excluded studies with additional interventions (nasal and revision surgery) for sensitivity analysis, 23 studies with 2468 cases were included to analysis. The success rates of TL-DCR with S and EN-DCR without S became similar (RR: 1.14 95% CI: 0.99-1.30) but there was no change in other outcomes. Similar results were found in Bayesian statistics. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve was higher for EN-DCR with S (0.75), whereas it was higher for EX-DCR with S (0.56) after sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Between endoscopic and external and transcanalicular laser without S procedures, there is no statistical difference. The rank probability showed that EN-DCR with S was a more appropriate surgical option when patients with nasal disease were included, whereas EX-DCR with S was a more appropriate surgical option when patients with nasal disease were excluded from the analysis.

Two novel mutations within FREM1 gene in patients with bifid nose.

BACKGROUND: Bifid nose is a rare congenital deformity and the etiology is unknown. The purpose of this study was to report genetic variation in family of patients with bifid nose. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients who were diagnosed with mild bifid nose were operated with z-plasty from 2009 to 2021. Three underage patients (a pair of twins and a girl) from two family lines, who came to our hospital for surgical treatment, were enrolled. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were conducted. Z-shaped flaps were created and the cartilago alaris major were re-stitched. Photographs and CT scan before and after surgery were obtained. Clinical outcomes, complications and patients' satisfaction were evaluated and analyzed. The follow-up time ranges from 2 to 3 years (2.4 ± 1.2 years). RESULTS: Most patients were satisfied with the outcome (96.2%). The nasal deformities were corrected successfully with z-plasty technique in one-stage. FREM1 c.870_876del and c.2 T > C were detected with Whole exome sequencing, which have not been reported before. The results of Sanger sequencing were consistent with those of Whole exome sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The newly detected mutations of FREM1 have a certain heritability, and are helpful to make an accurate diagnosis and provide a better understanding of bifid nose mechanism. Z-plasty technique can be an effective technical approach for correcting mild bifid nose deformity.

Environmental reservoir dynamics predict global infection patterns and population impacts for the fungal disease white-nose syndrome.

Disease outbreaks and pathogen introductions can have significant effects on host populations, and the ability of pathogens to persist in the environment can exacerbate disease impacts by fueling sustained transmission, seasonal epidemics, and repeated spillover events. While theory suggests that the presence of an environmental reservoir increases the risk of host declines and threat of extinction, the influence of reservoir dynamics on transmission and population impacts remains poorly described. Here we show that the extent of the environmental reservoir explains broad patterns of host infection and the severity of disease impacts of a virulent pathogen. We examined reservoir and host infection dynamics and the resulting impacts of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome, in 39 species of bats at 101 sites across the globe. Lower levels of pathogen in the environment consistently corresponded to delayed infection of hosts, fewer and less severe infections, and reduced population impacts. In contrast, an extensive and persistent environmental reservoir led to early and widespread infections and severe population declines. These results suggest that continental differences in the persistence or decay of P. destructans in the environment altered infection patterns in bats and influenced whether host populations were stable or experienced severe declines from this disease. Quantifying the impact of the environmental reservoir on disease dynamics can provide specific targets for reducing pathogen levels in the environment to prevent or control future epidemics.

Vertical Alar Lengthening technique in correcting short noses.

BACKGROUND: It is crucial that the nose length must be compatible with the face in order to obtain beautiful results that suits the face. Shorter and upturned noses appear as if the tip of the nose is cut from the front and gives a piggy appearance to the patient's face. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to obtain longer noses with increased tip definition by effectively lengthening the medial and lateral crura's in patients with short nose and Asian noses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vertical Alar Lengthening (VAL) technique was applied to 17 revision and 12 primary Asian noses. VAL technique consists of three steps. In the first step, the medial crus were lengthened by stealing from the lateral crus. Later, a lateral crural extension graft was applied to the shortened lateral crus, and the lateral crus was lengthened and sutured to the medial crus. In the final stage, a subdomal graft was placed and supported in the space formed underneath the alar tip between the mucosa and the new dome. They were followed in average 12 months (between 6 and 18 months). RESULTS: VAL technique was applied to 17 revision and 12 primer Asian noses. Suggested surgical technique move the tip forward and downward reduced its cephalic rotation and lengthened the nose. Targeted tip point, rotation and projection results were achieved in all patients. All patients had satisfactory esthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: In revision cases and short nose deformities in Asian noses, the nasal tip point was extended forward and downward with the VAL technique, reducing its rotation and lengthening the nose.

Platelet-rich plasma injection for empty nose syndrome: A case report.

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a relatively rare disease found in patients who have undergone sinonasal surgery, characterized by excessive reduction of the turbinate, causing intranasal turbulence and loss of receptors within the nasal mucosa. Patients diagnosed with the disease usually experience symptoms including dryness of the nose, nasal pain, paradoxical nasal obstruction, and crusts in the nasal cavity. ENS can be treated with conservative care such as nasal irrigation or nasal moisturizers. Accurate efficacy of surgical treatment of ENS is often difficult to predict and is accompanied by operational obstacles and complications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently gained attention as a regenerative therapy in several medical fields. We present two cases of ENS treated by injection of PRP as a simple and less invasive method, and describe its efficacy with nasal endoscopy and subjective questionnaires.

Combined endoscope and low-temperature plasma knife for bilateral nasal vestibular cyst with sinus tract formation.

BACKGROUND: Nasal vestibular cyst is a non-dental cystic mass that occurs under the skin at the base of the nasal vestibule. The primary treatment is a transnasal endoscopic excision of the cyst wall at the base of the nose to open the cyst wall at the base of the nasal cavity, namely, marsupialization. METHODS: We present a patient with bilateral nasal vestibular cysts with sinus tract formation. This patient underwent marsupialization under general anesthesia because of the presence of facial swelling and other symptoms. RESULTS: After a 4-year follow-up, our studied case show a significantly improved radiological outcome and clinical prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to unilateral lesions, bilateral nasal vestibular cysts are more likely to be underdiagnosed due to the deceptive nature of the bilateral anatomy observed from the radiological findings. With this rare clinical case reported in this study, we hope our experience in diagnosis and treatment will provide a reference for otolaryngologist surgeons managing similar patients.

Functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze functional outcomes of soft palate reconstruction after oncologic surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA statement. A single arm meta-analysis was performed for feeding tube dependence (FTD) (primary outcome), velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and hypernasality (HN) (secondary outcomes) incidences. RESULTS: A total of 510 patients (males: 77.75%, n = 353/454) with a median age of 58 years (n = 480/510; 95% CI 57.0-61.0) who underwent soft palate surgical resection with primary reconstruction were included. Overall, the cumulative FTD rate was 1.55% (n = 28/510; 95% CI 0.24-3.96%), the VPI rate was 22.18% (n = 119/379; 95% CI 12.99-33.02%), and the HN rate was 33.01% (n = 88/234; 95% CI 19.03-46.61%). CONCLUSIONS: Soft palate reconstruction results in a low incidence of FTD, and most patients resume a full oral diet. Both obturators, primary closure, local and free flaps seem good reconstructive options. Nevertheless, more specific postoperative functional deficiencies like VPI and HN owns higher incidences, potentially affecting the quality of the swallowing and speaking function and the patient's quality of life.

Otolaryngologists' radiological assessment of nasal septum deviation symptomatology.

OBJECTIVES: Nasal Septal Deviation (NSD) is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction. This study aims to further examine the clinical utility of imaging assessment in the workup and management of symptomatic nasal septal deviation, across all levels of medical training. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: CT scans of 10 confirmed NSD patients and 36 healthy controls (HC) were mixed and emailed through anonymous REDCap surveys to otolaryngologists in the US. The HC had no reported sinonasal obstruction symptoms-NOSE (NSD: 62.2 ± 12.5; HC: 5.69 ± 5.99, p < 0.05); SNOT-22 (NSD: 31.4 ± 14.5; HC: 9.72 ± 10.76, p < 0.05). The images consisted of a coronal slice at each subject's most deviated location. Participants were instructed to choose the patients suspected to present with symptoms of sinonasal obstruction. RESULTS: 88 otolaryngologists responded to the survey. 18 were excluded due to incomplete responses. On average, they identified 64.2 ± 29.8% of symptomatic NSD subjects correctly, but misidentified 54.6 ± 34.6% of HC as symptomatic. Their decisions were strongly correlated to degree of NSD (r = 0.69, p < 0.05). There exists a significant degree of NSD among HC (38.7 ± 17.2%), which does not significantly differ from symptomatic subjects (51.0 + 18.7%, p = 0.09). Residents and fellows performed similarly, with responses correlated between levels of training (r = 0.84-0.96, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of a substantial number of otolaryngologists, large patient sample, and blind mixing with HC gives us greater insight to the relative contribution of the extent of septal deviation to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Although NSD is a common factor contributing to nasal obstruction, the results of this study suggest that it is difficult to reliably infer obstructive symptoms based on degree of NSD on CT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Three.