Sinonasal malignancy: What to do with an unexpected pathology result?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgery has become the mainstay in surgical treatment of sinusitis and nasal polyps. While rare, diagnostic discrepancies or pathological contamination during routine specimen analysis has been described. Thus, an accurate diagnosis and indication for surgery are mandatory before proceeding with surgical intervention. METHODS: We present the case of a 40-year-old female patient who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic sinusitis without nasal polyposis and fragments of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were found in the pathology specimen. RESULTS: We propose an algorithm to help guide physicians presented with a tissue diagnosis that does not match the clinical scenario. Moreover, we discuss strategies to help prevent medical errors and the importance of DNA genetic analysis in this situation. CONCLUSION: When an unexpected diagnosis occurs, the pathology slides should be reviewed for a second opinion. If the unexpected diagnosis is confirmed, the tissue should undergo STR genetic analysis to ensure against tissue contamination.

Medication utilization for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and asthma in 12 months pre- and post-dupilumab initiation.

KEY POINTS: This study examines the impact of dupilumab on medication use for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and asthma patients. Patients on dupilumab had a reduction in oral/inhaled/topical steroids, antibiotics, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). The reduction in medication use had no impact on total polyp or SNOT-22 scores.

Predictors of Subjective Olfactory Dysfunction and Sinonasal Quality-of-Life After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This is the largest study in North America investigating olfactory outcomes after pituitary surgery to date. OBJECTIVE: Characterize factors associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction (OD) and worsened sinonasal quality-of-life (QOL) after endoscopic TSA. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary TSA for secreting and non-secreting pituitary adenomas between 2017 and 2021 with pre- and post-operative SNOT-22 scores were included. Subjective OD was determined by the smell/taste dysfunction question on the SNOT-22 (smell-SNOT). RESULTS: 159 patients with pre- and post-operative SNOT-22 scores were included. Average total SNOT-22 scores worsened from pre-operative (16.91 ± 16.91) to POM1 (25.15 ± 20.83, P < .001), with no difference from pre-operative (16.40 ± 15.88) to POM6 (16.27 ± 17.92, P = .936) or pre-operative (13.63 ± 13.54) to POM12 (12.60 ± 16.45, P = .651). Average smell-SNOT scores worsened from pre-operative (0.40 ± 1.27) to POM1 (2.09 ± 2.01, P < .001), and pre-operative (0.46 ± 1.29) to POM6 (1.13 ± 2.45, P = .002), with no difference from pre-operative (0.40 ± 1.07) to POM12 (0.71 ± 1.32, P = .100). Female gender had a 0.9-point (95% CI 0.1 to 1.6) P = .021, increase in smell-SNOT at POM1, resolving by POM6 (0.1 [-0.9 to 1.1], P = .800) and POM12 (0.0 [-1.0 to 0.9], P = .942). Septoplasty with tunnel approach had a 1.1 [0.2 to 2.0] out of 5-point (P = .023) increase in smell-SNOT at POM1, resolving by POM6 (0.2 [-1.1 to 1.6], P = .764) and POM12 (0.4 [-0.9 to 1.6], P = .567). Female gender had a 9.5 (4.0 to 15.1)-point (P = .001) increase in SNOT-22 scores at POM1, resolving by POM6 (3.4 [-3.0 to 9.8], P = .292) and POM12 (6.4 [-5.4 to 18.2], P = .276). Intra-operative CSF leak had an 8.6 [2.1 to 15.1]-point (P = .009) increase in SNOT-22 scores at POM1, resolving by POM6 (5.4 [-1.7 to 12.5], P = .135), and POM12 (1.1 [-12.9 to 15.1], P = .873). CONCLUSION: Changes in subjective olfaction and sinonasal QOL after TSA may be associated with gender, operative approach, and intra-operative CSF leak, resolving 6-12 months post-operatively.

Superiorly Based Middle Turbinate Flap for Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study and Case Series.

Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the anterior cranial base are frequently repaired with endonasal, multilayered reconstructions. Vascularized tissue flaps are superior to free mucosal grafts and biomaterials in many cases. Limitations of previously described flaps include reach, rotation, pedicle availability, and postoperative sinonasal morbidity. The objective of this study is to describe the superiorly based middle turbinate flap, a novel vascularized mucosal reconstruction option, and to present a case series demonstrating flap utility. Design Cadaveric feasibility study with technical description and illustrative case series. Setting Tertiary medical center. Participants Three silicone-injected cadaveric specimens (6 sides); 7 patients with CSF rhinorrhea from bony dehiscence of the anterior cranial fossa repaired with a superiorly based middle turbinate flap. Outcome Measures Cadaveric feasibility, in vivo repair outcomes, sinonasal symptoms, and postoperative healing. Results Cadaveric dissection demonstrated a consistent vascular plexus arising from the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries, originating at the superior attachment of the middle turbinate and traveling inferiorly to supply the mucosa of the middle turbinate. Mean surface area of the flap was 776.67 ± 114.60 mm 2 . The clinical series of 7 patients involved leaks around the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis. There were no instances of repair failure. All cases showed rapid and complete remucosalization without significant sinonasal morbidity. Conclusion The superiorly based middle turbinate flap is a reliable, versatile, and effective option for a vascularized mucosal flap onlay that can be used in anterior skull base reconstruction. This flap is particularly useful in the repair of defects involving the cribriform plate and fovea ethmoidalis.

Sleep Subdomain of the Sinonasal Outcome Test as a Potential Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 20% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with undiagnosed OSA are at high risk for perioperative complications. The Sinonasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) Questionnaire is commonly administered to CRS patients, whereas OSA screening tools are less routinely employed. This study compared SNOT-22 sleep subdomain (Sleep-SNOT) scores among non-OSA CRS versus OSA-CRS patients undergoing ESS, and assessed sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the Sleep-SNOT for OSA screening. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients that underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS from 2012 to 2021. Patients either carried a reported OSA diagnosis and completed the SNOT-22, or had undocumented OSA status and completed both STOP-BANG and SNOT-22. Demographics, questionnaire scores, and OSA status were collected. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessed cutoff scores, sensitivity, and specificity of the Sleep-SNOT for OSA screening. RESULTS: Of 600 patients reviewed, 109 were included. 41% had comorbid OSA. OSA patients had a higher BMI (32.1 ± 7.7 vs. 28.35 ± 6.7 kg/m2 ; p = 0.02), Sleep-SNOT (21.96 ± 12.1 vs. 16.8 ± 11.2; p = 0.021) and STOP-BANG (3.1 ± 1.44 vs. 2.06 ± 1.27; p = 0.038) scores. A Sleep-SNOT score of 17.5 had a sensitivity of 68.9%, specificity of 55.7%, and diagnostic accuracy of 63% for OSA detection (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-SNOT scores are greater for CRS-OSA patients. The Sleep-SNOT ROC curve demonstrates a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for OSA screening in CRS patients. A Sleep-SNOT score of ≥17.5 should prompt further OSA evaluation. The Sleep-SNOT may be considered as a surrogate OSA screening tool when other validated tools are not employed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective chart review, Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2029-2034, 2023.

Patient Insights into the Diagnosis of Smell and Taste Disorders in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of smell/taste dysfunction is necessary for appropriate medical care. This study examines factors affecting testing and diagnosis of smell/taste disorders . METHODS: The online USA Smell and Taste Patient Survey was made available to US patients with smell/taste disorders between April 6-20, 2022. 4,728 respondents were included. RESULTS: 1,791 (38%) patients reported a documented diagnosis. Patients most often saw family practitioners (34%), otolaryngologists (20%), and Taste/Smell clinics (6%) for smell/taste dysfunction. 64% of patients who went to Taste/Smell clinics received smell testing, followed by 39% of patients who saw otolaryngologists, and 31% of patients who saw family practitioners. Factors associated with increased odds of diagnosis included age (25-39 years (OR 2.97, 95% CI [2.25, 3.95]), 40-60 (OR 3.3, 95% CI [2.56, 4.52]), and >60 (OR 4.25, 95% CI [3.21, 5.67]) vs. 18-24 years), male gender (OR 1.26, 95% CI [1.07, 1.48]), insurance status (private (OR 1.61, 95% CI [1.15, 2.30]) or public (OR 2.03, 95% CI [1.42, 2.95]) vs. uninsured), perception of their family practitioner to be knowledgeable (OR 2.12, 95% CI [1.16, 3.90]), otolaryngologic evaluation (OR 6.17, 95% CI [5.16, 7.38]), and psychophysical smell testing (OR 1.77, 95% CI [1.42, 2.22]). CONCLUSION: Psychophysical testing, otolaryngologic evaluation, patient assessment of family practitioner knowledge level, insurance, age, and gender are significant factors in obtaining smell/taste dysfunction diagnosis. This study identifies barriers to diagnosis including lack of insurance or access to specialist evaluation and highlights the importance of educating family practitioners in diagnosis and management of patients with smell/taste disorders.

Endovascular Embolization for Epistaxis: A Single Center Experience and Meta-Analysis.

The optimal treatment for intractable epistaxis is still controversial. Various studies have demonstrated high success rates and low complication rates for endovascular embolization. Herein, the authors report an institutional experience and meta-analysis in terms of efficacy and safety of endovascular embolization of intractable epistaxis. This was a retrospective observational study of 35 patients with epistaxis who underwent 40 embolization procedures between 2010 and 2023. The primary outcome was immediate success defined by immediate cessation of epistaxis at the end of the procedure. Immediate success was achieved in most of the procedures (39, 97.5%). During follow-up, three (7.5%) patients experienced a rebleed. Forty-one studies from 3595 articles were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis and comprised 1632 patients. The mean pooled age was 57.5 years (95% CI: 57.2-57.8) and most patients were males (mean: 70.4, 95% CI: 69.8-71.0). Immediate success was achieved at a pooled mean of 90.9% (95% CI: 90.4-91.4) and rebleeding was observed at a pooled mean of 17% (95% CI: 16.5-17.5). In conclusion, endovascular embolization proved to be both safe and effective in treating intractable epistaxis carrying a low risk of post-operative stroke.

Effect of p16 Status on Survival Outcomes in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of p16 status on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) undergoing treatment with curative intent; and to assess how p16 status may affect patterns of recurrence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. METHODS: Patients with sinonasal SCC treated with curative intent from 2012 to 2018 were identified. Independent variable of interest was p16 status, which was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a 70% staining cutoff for positivity. Kaplan Meier survival curve was plotted to assess correlation between p16 status and DFS and OS. Association between recurrence patterns and p16 status was conducted using chi square and fisher's exact tests. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to assess association between independent variables and DFS. RESULTS: Fifty patients with sinonasal SCC met inclusion criteria. Patients were p16 positive in 28/50 (56%) of cases. Kaplan Meier survival curve revealed no statistically significant association between p16 status and DFS or OS survival (P = .780, P = .474). There was no difference in recurrence patterns in patients with p16 positive versus negative tumors. CONCLUSION: p16 status did not have prognostic value on DFS and OS in our cohort of patients with sinonasal SCC undergoing treatment with curative intent. There was no difference in recurrence patterns between the 2 populations. Based on the results of this study, p16 status should not impact counseling of patients as it relates to their prognosis from SNM.

A Single Layer Synthetic Dural Substitute Inlay is an Effective Sellar Reconstruction Technique in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

Objectives A variety of endonasal sellar repair techniques have been described; many are complex, multilayered, and carry potential morbidity. We propose an effective, technically simple single-layer repair for select sellar defects, including those with an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Our technique utilizes only a synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue without packing or lumbar drainage. Design This is a retrospective review-based study. Setting This study was conducted at tertiary care center. Participants Patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma and sellar reconstruction with the aforementioned inlay technique. Patients were selected for this technique if they had an identified intraoperative CSF leak, a patulous diaphragm (expanded and thinned diaphragma sella), or a comorbidity excluding them from a simpler onlay only reconstruction. Outcome Measures Postoperative CSF leak and sinonasal morbidity included in the study. Results A total of 409 subjects were identified; 368 were initial resections. Gross total resection of the pituitary adenoma was achieved in 356 (87.0%) cases. Average tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.1 cm. Average tumor volume was 10.8 ± 12.1 cm 3 . There were 135 intraoperative CSF leaks and 196 patulous diaphragms. There were five postoperative CSF leaks (1.2%), all of which occurred in the first half of our series. Pre- and postoperative sino-nasal outcomes test-22 scores were 19.2 ± 18.2 and 18.8 ± 21.3 ( p = 0.492), respectively. Conclusion A synthetic dural substitute inlay and dural sealant glue is an excellent single-layer repair for sellar defects, even those with an intraoperative CSF leak. This technique is highly effective in preventing postoperative CSF leaks and does not utilize packing or lumbar drainage. It also avoids the potential cost and morbidity associated with more complex and multilayered closures.

An algorithm for sellar reconstruction following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma: A review of 582 cases.

BACKGROUND: Several sellar reconstruction algorithms stratify patients based on risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Many proposed algorithms employ techniques that are overly complex and confer morbidity. We review our experience with sellar reconstruction following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery and propose a highly effective, yet simple and low morbidity, algorithm. METHODS: A retrospective review of 582 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma by a single neurosurgeon between 2005 and 2020 was performed. Patients without an intraoperative CSF leak and without a patulous diaphragm were repaired with an oxidized cellulose onlay (group 1). Patients with a low-flow intraoperative CSF leak or a patulous diaphragm were repaired with a synthetic dural substitute inlay (group 2). Patients with a persistent leak around the inlay repair or a high-flow leak were reconstructed with a synthetic dural substitute inlay and a nasoseptal flap onlay (group 3). RESULTS: There was an overall leak rate of 1.5% (9/582) to 1.0% (2/197) in group 1, 1.7% (6/347) in group 2, and 2.6% (1/38) in group 3. Group 3 had the highest rate of postoperative morbidity, including sinusitis (23.7% vs. 8.6% and 15.0% in groups 1 and 2, p = 0.018) and crusting (42.1% vs. 4.6% and 6.3% in groups 1 and 2, p < 0.001). All techniques healed equally well radiographically. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm for sellar reconstruction is highly effective and minimizes complexity and morbidity, primarily utilizing single-layer reconstructions without the addition of packing material or lumbar drainage.

Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Adenoma Resection in Elderly Versus Younger Patients.

Introduction Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are one of the most common types of intracranial neoplasm with increased incidence in elderly patients. The outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) specifically on elderly patients remain unclear. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare elderly patients (age ≥65 years) with nonelderly patients (age <65 years) who underwent ETS for PA from January 2005 to December 2020. Surgical outcomes, including extent of resection, complication profile, length of stay, and endocrinopathy rates, were compared between elderly and nonelderly patients. Results A total of 690 patients were included, with 197 (29%) being elderly patients. Elderly patients showed higher rates of hypertension ( p < 0.05), myocardial infarction ( p < 0.01), and atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.01) but not other comorbidities. Elderly patients also had more frequent optic nerve involvement (72 vs. 61% of cases, p = 0.01). Tumor characteristics and other patient variables were otherwise similar between younger and elderly patients. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (2 vs. 2%, p = 0.8), 30-day readmission, reoperation, postoperative complications, and postoperative endocrinopathies were similar between younger and older patients. Subdividing patients into age <65, 65 to 79, and >80 years also did not demonstrate a worsening of surgical outcomes with age. Conclusion For well-selected elderly patients in experienced endoscopic skull base centers, good surgical outcomes similarly to younger patients may be achieved.

Evaluation of early postoperative day 1 discharge after endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection.

OBJECTIVE: While multiple studies have evaluated the length of stay after endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for pituitary adenoma, the potential for early discharge on postoperative day 1 (POD 1) remains unclear. The authors compared patients discharged on POD 1 with patients discharged on POD > 1 to better characterize factors that facilitate early discharge after ETS. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenoma at a single tertiary care academic center from February 2005 to February 2020. Discharge on POD 1 was defined as a discharge within 24 hours of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 726 patients (mean age 55 years, 52% male) were identified, of whom 178 (24.5%) patients were discharged on POD 1. These patients were more likely to have pituitary incidentaloma (p = 0.001), require dural substitutes and DuraSeal (p = 0.0001), have fewer intraoperative CSF leaks (p = 0.02), and have lower postoperative complication rates (p = 0.006) compared with patients discharged on POD > 1. POD 1 patients also showed higher rates of macroadenomas (96.1% vs 91.4%, p = 0.03) and lower rates of functional tumors (p = 0.02). POD > 1 patients were more likely to have readmission within 30 days (p = 0.002), readmission after 30 days (p = 0.0001), nasal synechiae on follow-up (p = 0.003), diabetes insipidus (DI; 1.7% vs 9.8%, p = 0.0001), postoperative hypocortisolism (21.8% vs 12.1%, p = 0.01), and postoperative steroid usage (44.6% vs 59.7%, p = 0.003). The number of patients discharged on POD 1 significantly increased during each subsequent time epoch: 2005-2010, 2011-2015, and 2016-2020 (p = 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, DI (OR 7.02, 95% CI 2.01-24.57; p = 0.002) and intraoperative leak (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; p = 0.004) were associated with increased risk for POD > 1 discharge, while operation epoch (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.3-0.71; p = 0.0001) was associated with POD 1 discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that discharge on POD 1 after ETS for pituitary adenomas was safe and feasible and without increased risk of 30-day readmission. On multivariate analysis, surgical epoch was associated with decreased risk of prolonged length of stay, while factors associated with increased risk of prolonged length of stay included DI and intraoperative CSF leak. These findings may help in selecting patients who are deemed reasonable for safe, early discharge after pituitary adenoma resection.

Straws Don't Suck: Are Straws Dangerous after Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery?

Objective Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal surgery have historically been restricted from using straws postoperatively, due to the concern that this activity generates negative pressure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the pressure dynamics in the sinonasal cavity associated with the use of a straw. Methods Intracranial pressure catheters were placed in the nasal cavity of 20 healthy individuals. Pressure measurements were then recorded while participants drank liquids of different viscosities from a cup and from a straw. Measurements were recorded with and without subjects occluding their nose to simulate postoperative nasal obstruction. Results The average pressure in the nasal cavity while drinking water from a cup was -0.86 cmH 2 O, from a straw was -1.09 cmH 2 O, and while occluding the nose and using a straw was -0.81 cmH 2 O. The average pressure in the nasal cavity while drinking a milkshake from a cup was -0.98 cmH 2 O, from a straw was -1.88 cmH 2 O, and while occluding the nose and using a straw was -1.37 cmH 2 O. There was no statistically significant difference in pressure measurements when comparing either task or consistency ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Straw use is not associated with the generation of significant negative pressure in the nasal cavity. The pressure generated when drinking from a straw is not significantly different from that of drinking from a cup. This data suggest that straw use may be safe for patients following endoscopic skull base surgery, but further investigation is warranted.

Management of Coincident Pituitary Macroadenoma and Cavernous Carotid Aneurysm: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction Pituitary adenomas are a common intracranial pathology with an incidence of 15 to 20% in the population while cerebral aneurysms are less common with a prevalence of 1:50 patients. The incidence of aneurysms in patients with pituitary adenoma has been estimated at 2.3 to 5.4% of patients; however, this remains unclear. Equally, the management of concomitant lesions lacks significant understanding. Methods A case report is presented of a concomitant cerebral aneurysm and pituitary adenoma managed by minimally invasive endovascular and endoscopic methods, respectively. A systematic review of the literature for terms "pituitary adenoma" and "aneurysm" yielded 494 studies that were narrowed to 19 relevant articles. Results We report a case of a 67-year-old patient with an enlarging pituitary macroadenoma, cavernous carotid aneurysm, and unilateral carotid occlusion. After successful treatment of the aneurysm by a pipeline flow diverter, the pituitary adenoma was surgically resected by an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Conclusion The use of a pipeline flow diverter and endonasal approach was feasible in the treatment of our patient. This is the first report to our knowledge of the use of pipeline flow diversion in the management of a cavernous carotid aneurysm prior to pituitary adenoma treatment.

Tolerance of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure After Sinonasal Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: For patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing sinonasal surgery, there is a lack of consensus on the risk and appropriate postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The aim of this study was to assess the tolerability of restarting CPAP on postoperative day one. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: A prospective study on patients with OSA on CPAP who required a septoplasty/turbinectomy and/or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) was performed. Data from the memory card of a patient's CPAP machine and subjective information were obtained on the day of surgery and at scheduled follow-up visits. All subjects were instructed to restart CPAP on the first postoperative night. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients were analyzed; nine underwent FESS and five had a septoplasty/turbinectomy. There were no postoperative complications encountered. The only significant change in the first postoperative week was a reduction in the percentage of nights used over 4 hours (P < .05). By the third postoperative visit, average 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, and CPAP tolerance scores improved from preoperative values. CPAP pressures, residual apnea-hypopnea index, and number of hours and mean percentage of nights used remained stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Both quality-of-life and CPAP outcomes improved or remained the same when restarting CPAP immediately postoperatively. Combined with a lack of significant complications, this study suggests that CPAP is well-tolerated when restarted the day after a septoplasty/turbinectomy or FESS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1013-E1018, 2021.

Assessment of the Validity of the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 in Pituitary Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Trial.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) is used widely as a patient-reported sinonasal quality-of-life (QOL) instrument for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery. However, it has never been validated in this population. This study explores the psychometric validity of SNOT-22 to determine if it is a valid scale in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter prospective trial. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 113) with pituitary tumors undergoing endoscopic surgery were enrolled in a multicenter study. Patient-reported QOL was assessed using SNOT-22 and the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Face validity, internal consistency, responsiveness to clinical change, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity were determined using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha at baseline and 2 weeks postoperatively were 0.911 and 0.922, indicating SNOT-22 performed well as a single construct. Mean QOL scores were significantly worse at 2 weeks than baseline (16.4 ± 15.1 vs. 23.1 ± 16.4, P < .001), indicating the scale is responsive to clinical change. However, only 11/22 items demonstrated significant changes in mean scores at 2 weeks. Correlation between scores at 2 and 3 weeks was high, suggesting good test-retest reliability, r(107) = 0.75, P < .001. Factor analysis suggests the five-factor solution proposed for the SNOT-22 in rhinosinusitis patients is not valid in pituitary surgery patients. CONCLUSIONS: The SNOT-22 is a valid QOL instrument in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, because it includes 22 items, can be applied only as a single construct, 50% of the items do not demonstrate changes after surgery, and is not as sensitive to change as other scales, shorter instruments developed specifically for this patient population may be preferable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 131:E2757-E2763, 2021.

Postoperative Oral Antibiotics and Sinonasal Outcomes Following Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors Study: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used in pituitary surgery, but evidence supporting their use is lacking, which has implications for antibiotic stewardship. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether receipt of postoperative oral antibiotics results in superior sinonasal quality of life (QOL) compared with placebo among patients who undergo endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive either oral placebo or cefdinir (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in patients intolerant to cefdinir) for 7 d after surgery. They were monitored for 12 wk. The primary outcome measure was sinonasal QOL at 2 wk on the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12. Supplementary end points included sinonasal QOL reported on the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 and objective endoscopy scores to assess nasal healing according to the Lund-Kennedy method. RESULTS: A total of 461 patients were screened, 131 were randomized, and 113 (placebo arm: 55; antibiotic arm: 58) were analyzed. There was no clinically meaningful or statistically significant difference in sinonasal QOL at any measured time point (P ≥ .24) using either instrument. Nasal cavity endoscopy scores were not significantly different at 1 to 2 wk after surgery (P = .25) or at 3 to 4 wk after surgery (P = .08). CONCLUSION: Postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics did not result in superior sinonasal QOL compared with placebo among patients who underwent standard endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Management and Surveillance of Frontal Sinus Violation following Craniotomy.

Objectives In the setting of craniotomy, complications after traversing the frontal sinus can lead to mucocele formation and frontal sinusitis. We review the etiology of frontal sinus violation, timeline to mucocele development, intraoperative management of the violated sinus, and treatment of frontal mucoceles. Design Case series in conjunction with a literature review. Participants A total of 35 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Nine of these patients were treated at a tertiary academic medical center between 2005 and 2014. The remaining patients were identified through a literature review for which 2,763 articles were identified, of which 4 articles met inclusion criteria. Main Outcomes Measures Etiology of frontal violation, timeline to mucocele development, and method of management. Results The overall interval from initial frontal sinus violation until mucocele identification was 14.5 years, with a range of 3 months to 36 years. The most common cause of mucocele formation was obstruction of the frontal recess with incomplete removal of the frontal sinus mucosa. The majority of patients were successfully managed with an endoscopic endonasal approach. Conclusions Violation of the frontal sinus during craniotomy can result in mucocele formation as an early or late sequela. Image guidance may help avoid unnecessary frontal sinus violation. Mucoceles may develop decades after the initial frontal sinus violation, and long-term follow-up with imaging is recommended. While the endoscopic endonasal approach is usually the preferred method to treat these lesions, it may be necessary to perform obliteration or cranialization in unique situations.

Rate of rhinosinusitis and sinus surgery following a minimally destructive approach to endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy.

BACKGROUND: There remains considerable variation in the extent of sinonasal preservation during the approach for endoscopic transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSH). We advocate for a minimally destructive approach utilizing turbinate lateralization, small posterior septectomy, no ethmoidectomy, and preservation of nasoseptal flap (NSF) pedicles bilaterally. Due to these factors, this approach may affect the rates of postoperative rhinosinusitis. The objective of this study is to define the rates of postoperative rhinosinusitis in patients undergoing this approach. METHODS: Single institution, retrospective chart review of patients undergoing TSH from 2005 to 2018. RESULTS: A total of 415 patients were identified and 14% developed an episode of postoperative rhinosinusitis within 3 months. These patients were significantly more likely to have had a history of recurrent acute or chronic rhinosinusitis. Most cases were sphenoethmoidal sinusitis managed with 1 to 2 courses of antibiotics. Of patients with postoperative rhinosinusitis, most did not undergo NSF. Average follow-up was 38 months. Six patients (1.4%) underwent post-TSH functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Average time from TSH to FESS was 26.3 months. Two of these patients had a history of prior chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis. Two patients underwent revision TSH for recurrent tumor as the primary indication for surgery at time of FESS. Twenty-two-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores generally increased immediately postoperatively, but frequently decreased below preoperative level by the time of last follow-up, regardless of whether patients developed rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal preservation during TSH is associated with a low rate of postoperative rhinosinusitis requiring FESS and excellent long-term patient reported outcomes. We continue to advocate for sinonasal preservation during pituitary surgery.

Quantitative determination of the optimal temporoparietal fascia flap necessary to repair skull-base defects.

BACKGROUND: The ability to reconstruct large cranial base defects has greatly improved with the development of pedicled vascularized flaps. The temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) is a viable alternative to the Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap for large ventral skull-base defects. This study aims to characterize the size of the TPFF necessary for optimal ventral skull-base reconstruction. METHODS: Eleven formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric heads were used to harvest TPFF of varying heights on each side (total = 22). TPFF was passed through the pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF) to the ventral skull base to assess its coverage. For a subgroup of 12 sides, the TPFF was trimmed to determine the minimum height necessary for coverage. RESULTS: The TPFF height was (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) 14.72 ± 1.02 cm (range, 12.5 to 16.5 cm) and width was 8.43 ± 1.05 cm (range, 6 to 10.5 cm). The distance from the TPFF pedicle through the PMF was 5.8 ± 0.5 cm (range, 5 to 6.5 cm). All TPFF flaps provided complete ipsilateral coverage of clival defects, and all but 1 covered the entire clivus. All TPFF flaps, when rotated anteriorly, provided coverage up to the cribriform plate. The minimum TPFF height necessary for complete coverage of cribriform defects and ventral defects up to the planum sphenoidale was 12 cm. TPFF height for specimens with and without complete ventral skull-base coverage was significantly different (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The TPFF is a versatile alternative to the nasoseptal flap and a height of at least 12 cm can provide enough coverage for all ventral skull base defects.