Impact of Otorrhea and Positive Cultures on Tympanoplasty Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a long-standing middle ear infection with a perforated tympanic membrane. Tympanoplasty is the mainstay of treatment. Most surgeons prefer to operate on dry ears; however, this may be difficult to achieve. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of otorrhea and positive cultures on the outcome of tympanoplasty. METHODS: This retrospective analysis reviewed patients with chronic suppurative otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty 2008-2015. Patients were divided into three groups: active discharge and bacterial growth, active discharge without bacterial growth, and no ear discharge. Surgical outcomes were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Among 101 patients included, 43 ears (42.6%) had discharge preoperatively, 58 (57.4%) were dry. Overall closure rate was 81.2% (82/101). Preoperative active discharge closure rate was 88.3% (38/43) and without discharge 75.9% (44/58). There were 38 positive cultures preoperatively and five negative cultures. Cultures were not obtained in 58 cases. Success rates were 89.5%, 80%, and 75.9%, respectively. No significant difference was found between patients who had positive or negative cultures before the procedure (P > 0.48) or among the three groups (P = 0.25). The most common bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=17), followed by Staphylococcus species (n=10). None was significantly associated with operative failure (P = 0.557). The postoperative air threshold difference was not affected by culture results (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Tympanoplasty success rates and postoperative air threshold differences were not affected by the presence of preoperative otorrhea or positive ear cultures. Surgery can be performed even when the ear is not dry.

Possible clinical implications of the structural variations between the tympanic membrane quadrants.

Introduction: Retraction pockets and marginal perforations of the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane (TM) are most commonly found at superior posterior quadrant (SPQ). The patulous Eustachian tube tends to manifest in the same quadrant. Variation in the structure of the TM may explain these observations. Material and Methods: A line defined by the manubrium was used to divide the pars tensa into anterior and posterior portions. A transverse line centered on the umbo divides the pars tensa into superior and inferior parts, resulting in four quadrants. Surface areas of each of the TM quadrants were measured in a sample of 23 human adult formalin-fixed temporal bones. The TMs were completely excised, faced medially, and placed against graph paper to maintain scale measurements, photoed, and measured.TM thickness was measured on a different set of 20 human temporal bones (TB) preparations with normal external and middle ears. Four random loci were chosen from each pars tensa's TM quadrant. The thickness was measured using high-magnification power microscopy. Results: The SPQ was the largest and thinnest of the four quadrants. It occupies 31% of the pars tensa area. It is 69 µm as compared to approximately 85 µm in the other quadrants. The radial lines between the umbo and the annulus are in descending order from superior posterior toward the anterior-superior radials. Conclusion: The SPQ has the largest vibratory area and is the thinnest of the four TM quadrants. Variation in the thickness of the middle, fibrous layer accounts for the variation in the thickness of the TM. These findings may explain the tendency of pathologies related to Eustachian tube dysfunction to preferentially manifest in or originate from the SPQ.

Compensatory Articulation Errors in Patients With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction and Palatal Anomalies.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and types of compensatory articulations (CAs) in nonsyndromic patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and various palatal anomalies and to determine the relationship between the frequency of CAs, type of palatal anomaly, and phonological errors. METHOD: A total of 783 nonsyndromic, Hebrew-speaking patients with VPD and various palatal anomalies (cleft lip and palate [CLP], cleft palate [CP], submucous CP [SMCP], occult submucous CP [OSMCP], or non-CP) were studied retrospectively. Perceptual VPD tests, including articulation and phonological assessment, were conducted. CAs were described as below the level of the defect in the vocal tract (abnormal backing of oral targets to post-uvular place) or in front of it within the oral cavity (palatalization) and at the velopharyngeal port. RESULTS: Among 783 patients, 213 (27.2%) had CAs. Most CAs (18.4%) occurred below the level of the defect, followed by CAs at the velopharyngeal port (12.0%) or in front of it (4.9%). No differences were found in the frequency of CAs between patients with CP (47.8%) or CLP (52.6%) and between those with non-CP (13.6%) or OSMCP (14.7%). SMCP patients had lower frequency of CAs (29.8%) than CP (p = .003) and CLP (p = .002) patients but higher frequency than OSMCP (p = .002) and non-CP (p = .002) patients did. Among the 783 patients, 247 (31.5%) had phonological errors. A higher frequency of phonological errors was found in patients with CAs (55.4%) compared to those without (22.6%) and in all palatal anomaly groups except CLP (31.4% vs. 23.9%). CONCLUSIONS: CAs in nonsyndromic patients with VPD remained relatively high in all age groups, up to adulthood. CAs are influenced by inadequate velar length following palatal repair, as well as by oral structural abnormalities, whereas poor muscle function due to OSMCP and/or abnormal size and/or shape of nasopharynx has less influence. Errors produced in front of the velopharyngeal port are influenced by the structural anomaly of CLP. This information may contribute to general phonetic and phonological theories and genetic investigations about CP anomalies.

Analysis of Sex-related Differences in Patients with Dysphagia: Using a Videofluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common symptom with diverse etiologies and refers to disorders of the process of swallowing food or fluids. Many studies have reported the anatomical and functional differences between men and women in swallowing in healthy patients; however, sex discrepancies in symptomatic patients have not often been studied. OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of men and women with dysphagia using videofluoroscopy. METHODS: To compare the performance of men and women with dysphagia using videofluoroscopy. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients met the inclusion criteria, 106 men (52%) and 97 women (48%). Men complained significantly more about choking on liquids (P = 0.002) and in swallowing pills (P = 0.004) compared to women. Men had more abnormalities in the pharyngeal phase (P = 0.015) and at the upper esophageal sphincter (P = 0.056). The prevalence of aspiration, penetration, and barium residue in the hypopharynx and in the vallecula were significantly greater in men as well. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with dysphagia, women had fewer subjective symptoms and performed better than men in videofluoroscopy especially in the pharyngeal phase. These differences are probably due to different anatomical and functional swallowing characteristics. A better understanding of these discrepancies can be useful in offering tailored treatment in clinical practice.

[SCAR FREE THYROIDECTOMY AND PARATHYROIDECTOMY USING TRANSORAL ENDOSCOPIC VESTIBULAR APPROACH - THE FIRST 100 PATIENTS CASE SERIES IN ISRAEL].

INTRODUCTION: The use of transoral endoscopic vestibular approach for thyroidectomy (TOETVA) and parathyroid (TOEPVA) has been increasing worldwide, including in Israel. AIMS: To describe a single institute experience of the first 100 patients undergoing TOETVA or TOEPVA. METHODS: A prospective study of all patients undergoing TOETVA or TOEPVA. Outcomes were defined as the ability to complete surgery endoscopically (success rate), safety profile and length of operation. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included; 81 (81%) underwent TOETVA and the remaining (19%) TOEPVA. Of 81 TOETVA patients, 73 (90.1%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. The success rate was 98.8% (80/81). Six temporary recurrent laryngeal injuries (6.7% of nerves at risk) were documented. No permanent complication was documented, including hypocalcemia. Mean length of operation (hemithyroidectomy) was 2.6±0.9 hours. The removal of thyroid cancer using TOETVA was performed in 51 patients (63%). All tumors were resected with clean margins. Parathyroid adenoma was located in 94.7% of the patients undergoing TOEPVA (18/19). All surgeries were completed endoscopically, without complications. Calcium levels normalized in 100% of the patients following surgery.

Differences in craniofacial morphology between platybasic and nonplatybasic patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction and control subjects.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of cranial-base morphology in platybasic and nonplatybasic patients with palatal anomalies and velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) compared with control subjects to investigate structural factors related to craniofacial morphology that affect the nasopharyngeal space and may influence velopharyngeal function, and to develop precise treatments for specific patients with VPD. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-six patients with VPD and various palatal anomalies were studied retrospectively. The control group included 126 healthy patients with normal speech. Lateral cephalometric images assessed craniofacial morphology. RESULTS: Nonplatybasic patients and control subjects had larger SNA, S-Ba-Ptm, and N-Ba-PP angles (in the craniomaxillary complex), and platybasic patients had larger nasopharyngeal ANS-Ptm-Ve and Ba-S-Ptm angles and longer Ve-T and Ve-Ba distances than the nonplatybasic patients. All study patients had larger ANB, Gn-Go-Ar, and PP-MP angles (in the craniomandibular complex). Nonplatybasic patients had smaller Ba-SN angles than platybasic patients and controls because of more acute N-S-Ptm angle. Among the nonplatybasic patients, Ve-T length tended to be shorter (with no significant difference between groups) and located more inferiorly (because of the smallest ANS-Ptm-Ve angle) in relation to the maxilla. Thus, the nasopharynx was narrower horizontally but longer vertically than in patients with platybasia. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial-base flexure influences the shape of the skull base and facial-skeletal structure and may alter the pharyngeal space between them. This finding should help improve preoperative planning regarding the effect of the pharyngeal flap height relative to the nasopharynx and oropharynx ratio that affects surgical outcomes, such as resonance and residual VPD. In patients with Class III malocclusion and maxillary constriction, careful planning of presurgical orthodontic treatment is needed in maxillary advancement procedures. Orthodontic and surgical collaboration can help prevent postoperative VPD, especially in platybasic patients.

Endoscopic Inferior Meatal Antrostomy for Antrochoanal Polyps: A Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) is considered the standard approach for surgical management of antrochoanal polyps (ACPs). Recently, an endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) approach for clearing lesions in the maxillary sinus was described. In this study, we compared the long-term outcome of patients with ACP following surgical treatment using one of these 2 approaches (EIMA or EMMA). METHODS: The medical charts of all patients treated for ACPs in our institution between January 1, 2009, and July 1, 2020, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were invited to complete a long-term follow-up assessment. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included in the study: EIMA was the only procedure performed in 25 patients (66%) and EMMA was the only procedure performed in 7 patients (18%). Both procedures were performed in 6 patients (16%): 2 patients (5%) underwent simultaneous EMMA and EIMA for better access and visualization and 4 patients (10.5%) underwent surgical revision consisting of EIMA secondary to failed EMMA at other institutions. Median follow-up was 44 months (range, 6 months-11 years). No evidence of recurrent ACPs, recirculation, synechiae, nasolacrimal duct injury, or bleeding was observed in any of our patients. Small nonobstructing cysts were observed in 2 patients (8%) following EIMA. CONCLUSIONS: EIMA prevents violation of the ostiomeatal complex. It provides access to the anteroinferior aspect of the maxillary sinus and should be considered as an alternative to EMMA in patients with ACPs.

Phonological Profile of Patients With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction and Palatal Anomalies.

PURPOSE: This purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and types of phonological process errors in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) and the different types of palatal anomalies. METHOD: A total of 808 nonsyndromic patients with VPD, who underwent follow-up at the Center for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies, from 2000 to 2016 were included. Patients were stratified into four age groups and five subphenotypes of palatal anomalies: cleft lip and palate (CLP), cleft palate (CP), submucous cleft palate (SMCP), occult submucous cleft palate (OSMCP), and non-CP. Phonological processes were compared among groups. RESULTS: The 808 patients ranged in age from 3 to 29 years, and 439 (54.3%) were male. Overall, 262/808 patients (32.4%) had phonological process errors; 80 (59.7%) ages 3-4 years, 98 (40, 0%) ages 4.1-6 years, 48 (24.7%) 6.1-9 years, and 36 (15.3%) 9.1-29 years. Devoicing was the most prevalent phonological process error, found in 97 patients (12%), followed by cluster reduction in 82 (10.1%), fronting in 66 (8.2%), stopping in 45 (5.6%), final consonant deletion in 43 (5.3%), backing in 30 (3.7%), and syllable deletion and onset deletion in 13 (1.6%) patients. No differences were found in devoicing errors between palatal anomalies, even with increasing age. Phonological processes were found in 61/138 (44.20%) with CP, 46/118 (38.1%) with SMCP, 61/188 (32.4%) with non-CP, 70/268 (26.1%) with OSMCP, and 25/96 (26.2%) with CLP. Phonological process errors were most frequent with CP and least with OSMCP (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Phonological process errors in nonsyndromic VPD patients remained relatively high in all age groups up to adulthood, regardless of the type of palatal anomaly. Our findings regarding the phonological skills of patients with palatal anomalies can help clarify the etiology of speech and sound disorders in VPD patients, and contribute to general phonetic and phonological studies.

A Comparison of Two Widely Used Risk Stratification Systems for Thyroid Nodule Sonographic Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA2015) and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR TI-RADS) are two widely used thyroid sonographic systems. OBJECTIVES: To compare the two systems for accuracy of cancer risk prediction. METHODS: Preoperative ultrasound images from 265 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at our hospital from January 2012 to March 2019 were retrospectively categorized by the ACR TI-RADS and ATA2015 systems. Diagnostic performances were compared. RESULTS: Of 238 nodules assessed, 115 were malignant. Malignancy risks for the five ACR TI-RADS categories were 0%, 7.5%, 11.4%, 59.6%, and 90.0%. Malignancy risks for the five ATA2015 categories were 0%, 6.8%, 17.0%, 55.5%, and 92.1%. The proportion of total nodules biopsied was higher with the ATA2015 system than the ACR TI-RADS system: 88.7% vs. 66.3%. Proportions of malignant nodules and benign nodules biopsied were higher with ATA2015 than with ACR TI-RADS: 93.3% vs. 87.8% and 84.4% vs. 46.3%, respectively. Specificity and sensitivity rates were 53.6% and 84.3%, respectively, for ACR TI-RADS, and 15.5% and 93.3%, respectively, for ATA2015. The two systems showed similarly accurate diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.88). False negative rates for ACR TI-RADS and ATA2015 were 15.6% and 6.6%, respectively. Rates of missed aggressive cancer were similar for the two systems: 3.4% and 3.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ACR TI-RADS was superior to ATA2015 in specificity and avoiding unnecessary biopsies. ATA2015 yielded better sensitivity and a lower false negative rate. Identification of aggressive cancers was identical in the two systems.

Is there a correlation between skull base flexure and palatal anomalies in patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome and velopharyngeal dysfunction?

The study aimed at assessing the relationship between skull base morphology, represented by skull base and nasopharyngeal angles, and palatal anatomy among patients with 22q11DS and velopharyngeal dysfunction. Retrospective analysis of patients with 22q11DS and velopharyngeal dysfunction. Age, sex, severity of velopharyngeal dysfunction, type of cleft (overt cleft palate, submucous cleft palate, occult submucous cleft palate, or no-CP, and cephalometric skull base angles were reviewed. Correlations between type of palatal anomaly and the angles were assessed. Among 132 patients, 71 were male (53.8%) and 61 were female (46.2%), ages 3.3-40.0 years (mean 8.3 ± 6.10). No difference in the mean cranial-base angle (P = 0.353) or in the distribution of the three types of cranial base angle sizes was found among the palatal anomaly groups (P = 0.137). More men had normal cranial base angles and more women had acute angulation (P = 0.008). A positive correlation was found between the skull base and nasopharyngeal angles (P = 0.001, r = -0.590). No direct correlation was found between cranial base morphology and palatal anomalies in patients with 22q11DS, and velopharyngeal dysfunction. This is probably because skull base and palate morphology contribute independently to velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Simulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair Using a 3-Dimensional Printed Model.

BACKGROUND: Acquiring proficiency for the repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is challenging in great part due to its relative rarity, which offers a finite number of training opportunities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluates the use of a 3-dimensional (3D) printed, anatomically accurate model to simulate CSF leak closure. METHODS: Volunteer participants completed two simulation sessions. Questionnaires to assess their professional qualifications and a standardized 5-point Likert scale to estimate the level of confidence, were completed before and after each session. Participants were also queried on the overall educational utility of the simulation. RESULTS: Thirteen otolaryngologists and 11 neurosurgeons, met the inclusion criteria. A successful repair of the CSF leak was achieved by 20/24 (83.33%), and 24/24 (100%) during the first and second simulation sessions respectively (average time 04:04 ± 1.39 and 02:10 ± 01:11). Time-to-close-the-CSF-leak during the second session was significantly shorter than the first (p < 0.001). Confidence scores increased across the training sessions (3.3 ± 1.0, before the simulation, 3.7 ± 0.6 after the first simulation, and 4.2 ± 0.4 after the second simulation; p < 0.001). All participants reported an increase in confidence and believed that the model represented a valuable training tool. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant differences with varying clinical scenarios, 3D printed models for cerebrospinal leak repair offer a feasible simulation for the training of residents and novice surgeons outside the constrictions of a clinical environment.

Endoscopic treatment of ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus.

BACKGROUND: Ectopic teeth in maxillary sinus is rare and are usually removed via sub-labial trans-canine fossa approach (SLCFA). The aim of our study was to present our experience with extraction of ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus via transnasal endoscopic approach (TEA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rhinologists were asked to share their experience in the management of ectopic teeth in the maxillary sinus. Data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Eleven cases were reported in 10 patients from 2010 to 2019, six males and four females with a mean age of 33.5 +/-17 years (range 16 to 61). Seven patients complained of sinonasal symptoms, two were diagnosed incidentally during routine dental work-up, and one had oro-antral fistula. In eight patients, a cyst coexisted within the maxillary sinus. Teeth were located arbitrarily within the sinus. All cases were operated by TEA. One patient had self-limited periorbital emphysema, one had transient cheek numbness, and one had early post-operative bleeding that stopped after endoscopic cauterization. Long-term follow-up revealed good clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Transnasal endoscopic removal of ectopic teeth from the maxillary sinus is a feasible and rational approach when SLCFA is contraindicated. Key words:Ectopic teeth, dentigerous cyst, endoscopic sinus surgery, Caldwell-Luc.

Pediatric Otogenic Cerebral Sinus Vein Thrombosis and Thrombophilia.

BACKGROUND: Otogenic cerebral sinus vein thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare but severe complication of otitis media in children. To date, the role of prothrombotic evaluation is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical manifestations, prothrombotic evaluation, and current management of CSVT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of nine pediatric patients with otogenic CSVT who underwent prothrombotic evaluation between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: Prominent clinical features included persistent otorrhea (88.8%), signs of mastoiditis (88.8%), high fever ≥ 38.3°C (100%), a classic spiking fever pattern (55.5%), and neurological signs (55.5%). A subperiosteal abscess (66.6%) was the most common otitis media complication associated with mastoiditis and CSVT. No microorganism was identified in 55.5% of patients. Cultures collected from ear secretions had a low yield (6.25%). However, PCR assays had a high detection rate (100%; n=3). The prothrombotic evaluation demonstrated an abnormal LAC-dRVVT ratio (6/9), elevated Factor VIII (5/8) (and a combination of both in four patients), antiphospholipid antibodies (2/8), and high homocysteine levels (1/5).The surgical intervention of choice included one-sided mastoidectomy with myringotomy and ventilation-tube placement on the affected side (77.7%). There were no mortalities and no long-term sequela except chronic otitis media (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate good outcomes for otogenic CSVT treatment with intravenous antibiotics, anticoagulation, and conservative surgical intervention, which supports the current trend in management. The prothrombotic evaluation revealed transient inflammation-related risk factors but did not alter management. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to determine its relevance.

Is Postextracapsular Tonsillectomy Bleeding More Common on the Side of the Surgeon's Nondominant Hand?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the difference in bleeding when extracapsular tonsillectomy with electrocautery is performed on the dominant and nondominant side of the surgeon's hands. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic university hospital. METHODS: Medical record data of patients who were admitted with posttonsillectomy bleeding from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2017, were reviewed. Included were age, sex, surgical indication, side of posttonsillectomy bleeding, and time of bleeding. Information on the surgeon's dominant hand was also collected. All patients underwent total extracapsular resection with electrocautery. RESULTS: Of 280 patients, 186 met the inclusion criteria, 116 (62.3%) males and 70 (37.7%) females. Ages ranged from 2 to 74 years (mean ± SD, 17 ± 13 years; median, 13 years). In 136 cases (73.1%), bleeding was on the side of the surgeon's nondominant hand (P < .0001). In 50 (26.9%) cases, bleeding was on the side of the surgeon's dominant hand. The odds ratio of bleeding on the side of the surgeon's nondominant hand compared to the dominant hand was 8.99. CONCLUSION: The risk of bleeding following extracapsular tonsillectomy with electrocautery on the side of the surgeon's nondominant hand is significantly higher than on the side of the dominant hand. Thus, additional caution is required when operating on the nondominant side of the oral cavity in extracapsular tonsillectomy using electrocautery. These findings raise questions regarding dexterity as a risk factor for posttonsillectomy bleeding.

Adoption of the transoral endoscopic vestibular approach by head and neck surgeons without prior laparoscopic/robotic experience.

BACKGROUND: Transoral endoscopic vestibular approach (TOEVA) for thyroidectomy (TOETVA) and parathyroidectomy (TOEPVA) is gaining popularity, yet knowledge is based on a limited number of studies, mostly performed by surgeons experienced in laparoscopic\robotic surgery. METHODS: All patients who underwent TOEVA at our institution between February 2018 and October 2019 were followed prospectively. Main outcomes were ability to accomplish surgery endoscopically (failure defined as conversion to open approach) and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (52 TOETVA and 19 TOEPVA) were included. 98% (51/52) and 100% (19/19) of TOETVA and TOEPVA surgeries were accomplished endoscopically, respectively. Transient vocal cord and mental nerve injuries rates were 8.4% (6/71) and 2.8% (2/71), respectively. Thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 27 patients (51.9%), all completely excised with clean margins. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of the TOEVA suggested framework by head and neck surgeons without prior experience in laparoscopic/robotic techniques is feasible resulting in nearly 100% of surgeries accomplished endoscopically.

Coagulation tests or standardized questionnaire, which is better as a predictor of bleeding? A prospective study among children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The value of pre-operative coagulation testing for adenotonsillar surgery is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of routine coagulation tests and a standardized questionnaire in children before tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 143 children were prospectively enrolled in the study between 2013 and 2017, 81 males (56.6%) and 62 females (43.4%), age range 1 to 18 years (median age 5 years). Eighteen bleeding events were documented, three of them required treatment in the operating room. Abnormal coagulation tests were not associated with higher odds of bleeding after surgery. Higher risk of bleeding (p = 0.01) was associated with an abnormal standardized medical questionnaire.

Parotidectomy via Individualized Mini-Blair Incision.

BACKGROUND: The modified Blair incision is the standard facial incision for the vast majority of parotid gland lesions. We utilize three types of incisions: "classic mini-Blair" for parotid body tumors, "cervical mini-Blair" for parotid tail tumors, and "vertical mini-Blair" for anterior parotid tumors. In this study, we describe the surgical and esthetic outcomes of these individually tailored incisions. METHODS: Patients undergoing parotidectomy between 2011 and 2013 were included. The surgical outcomes and patients' satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Of 122 patients, 89 were included. All patients completed a questionnaire assessing the postoperative course and patients' satisfaction regarding the surgery in general and the scar in particular. Among these patients, 78 (87%) had a benign pathology and 11 (13%) had malignant tumors. The tumors were located at the parotid body in 57 patients (64%), at the parotid tail in 19 (21%), at the deep lobe in 8 (9%), and at the anterior parotid gland in 5 (6%). All tumors were removed successfully with negative margins on pathology. No inadvertent permanent facial nerve paralysis occurred. The median operation time was 72 min (23-211). The average patient scores of satisfaction with the surgical scar and with the surgery were 9.54 and 9.72, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized mini-Blair incision is feasible for benign as well as selected malignant parotid tumors.

The role of F18-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in localizing parathyroid adenomas.

PURPOSE: Preoperative localization of a parathyroid adenoma is usually obtained by the combination of ultrasound and scintigraphy with technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile. We evaluated the role of F18-fluorocholine in neck positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging as a novel tool for localizing parathyroid adenomas. METHODS: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were recruited from February 2016 to August 2017 and F18-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was performed to localize the parathyroid adenoma prior to surgery. We compared sensitivity and accuracy of this modality with ultrasound and technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy using the verified location of the diseased parathyroid as found in surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in our study (15 women and 4 men, mean age 60.5 ± 9.8 years). Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging precisely localized the pathologic parathyroid gland in 16/19 cases (84.2%) and predicted the diseased side in 19/19 cases (100%). Ultrasound and technetium 99 m methoxyisobutylisonitrile sestamibi scintigraphy predicted the location of the parathyroid adenoma in 16/19 (84.2%) and 14/19 (74%), respectively. In 3/19 patients, positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging localized the parathyroid adenoma where as other modalities failed. Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was more accurate when compared to each modality separately (p < 0.001, p = 0.017), however, when comparing the three modalities all together no differences were found (p = 0.506). CONCLUSIONS: Localizing parathyroid adenomas with F18-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging may be a promising secondary imaging modality.

The Rationale for Endoscopic Inferior Meatal Antrostomy.

BACKGROUND: Complete removal of some maxillary sinus pathologies may be challenging. We describe our experience in performing endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA) when approaching certain chronic maxillary sinus disease. METHODS: Retrospectively reviewing charts of all patients whose surgery included EIMA between the years 2012 and 2015. EIMA was performed either after routine endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) failed to completely resect the lesion, or as the sole selected approach for specific maxillary pathologies. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were included in the study. Indications for EIMA included antrochoanal polyps (ACP), maxillary sinus chronic inflammatory disease, maxillary sinus pathology before sinus lift, and odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. In nearly one third of the patients, sinus surgery included only EIMA, of which, the majority were resection of ACP. Follow-up time ranged between 12 and 34 months (mean 14). Residual EIMA opening was variable in size. In the vast majority of our patients, the maxillary sinus cavities were cleared of disease. No major complications and no recirculation were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: EIMA should be considered for various maxillary sinus pathologies. It provides better access to anteroinferior lesions of the maxillary sinus. EMMA is not mandatory for every maxillary sinus disease.

Facial vein thrombophlebitis: A case report and literature review.

Septic thrombophlebitis of the facial vein (STFN) commonly presents with facial erythema, tenderness, and swelling above the involved vessel. Due to its rarity, diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge. Lemierre syndrome (LS), which consists of a triad of internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis, septicemia, and distant septic emboli, is a more common entity of which physicians are more familiar. Whether tonsillitis-related STFN is actually LS in a different anatomical area and shares the same characteristics is still left to be answered. We present a case of STFN with a review of all cases reported in the literature.