Effect of endoscopic endonasal skull base approaches on olfactory function and facial development in children.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic approaches for skull base pathologies are increasingly being performed, and the subsequent complications, especially in the long term, have also been partially clarified. However, there is no information on the effects of endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries (EESBS) in children on odor and facial development in parallel with long-term development. We conducted this study to investigate postoperative olfactory function and facial development in pediatric patients who underwent skull base surgery using the endoscopic endonasal method. METHODS: We evaluated the smell test, sinonasal symptoms, and facial development of pediatric patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery after long-term follow-up. Odor was evaluated using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test kit, which assessed the T (odor threshold), D (odor discrimination), and I (odor identification) parameters. Sinonasal symptoms were evaluated using the SNOT-22 (sinus-nose outcome test) questionnaire. SNA (sella-nasion-A point), SNB (sella-nasion-B point), and ANB (A point-nasion-B point) angles were calculated from maxillofacial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) to evaluate facial development. Data were compared with those of the healthy control group. RESULTS: We included 30 patients comprising 19 (63.3%) boys and 11 (36.7%) girls, with no age difference between case and control groups. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. Odor test data, cephalometric measurements, and SNOT-22 analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is a comprehensive study with the longest follow-up period in terms of evaluation of facial development after EESBS in children to analyze odor using the Sniffin' Sticks test kit and the quality of life using SNOT-22. Olfactory function, facial development, and quality of life remained unaffected after long-term follow-up after EESBS  in children. Although this surgical approach is minimally invasive, we recommend considering the possibility of complications, and the procedure should be performed by an experienced surgical team with adequate equipment.

Endoscopic diving technique for hearing preservation in managing labyrinth-invading cholesteatomas.

PURPOSE: Complete removal of the matrix over the existing fistula in the event of an extensive cholesteatoma with labyrinth invasion can result in total deafness. This study aimed to present a novel method of underwater endoscopic labyrinth dissection using continuous steroid irrigation (CSI) and systemic steroid administration for hearing preservation. METHODS: The endoscopic diving technique (EDT) was used to dissect semicircular canals, revealing the underwater anatomy of membranous labyrinth structures, in two cadaver temporal bones. EDT with CSI was used in three clinical cases with extensive cholesteatoma. RESULTS: On cadaver temporal bones, the anatomy of the lateral (LSC), superior (SSC), and posterior membranous semicircular canals with their respective ampullas and common crus was documented. In the first case managed with transcanal EDT, the LSC was eroded across almost its entire length. The fallopian canal was circumferentially eroded at the second genu and part of the mastoid segment. The cholesteatoma matrix was completely removed, and the membranous LSC was preserved. In the second and third cases, we were able to remove the cholesteatoma matrix along the eroded bony semicircular canals while keeping the membranes intact. No sensorineural hearing loss was detected in the postoperative masked pure-tone audiometry at a mean follow-up time of 12 months or cholesteatoma recurrence at the follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: EDT with CSI can be safely utilized in the course of temporal bone labyrinth dissections and provides advantages during cholesteatoma removal over the eroded labyrinth on preservation of the membranous structures, and thus may help preserve cochlear function.

Purely Endonasal Endoscopic Approaches for Extracranial Trigeminal Nerve Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of purely endonasal endoscopic resection of extracranial trigeminal schwannomas (TGSs), with assessment of surgical and clinical outcomes in order to identify optimal candidates for an endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA). METHODS: A retrospective review of patient's records operated for TGSs between 2008 and 2021 was conducted. Patients operated with a purely EEA were included in this study. Pictures from a frozen fresh cadaver head dissection were used to demonstrate the surgical approach and to show anatomic relationships, complexity of the surgical area and safe corridors for surgery. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients (4 females and 1 male) were operated for TGS. All patients had facial numbness (100%) as a presenting symptom, followed by facial pain in 2 patients (40%), and orbital pain in 1 (20%). Also, 3 patients (60%) had a tumor originating at the level of the foramen ovale and 2 (40%) at the foramen rotundum. The mean tumor diameter was 3,7 ± 2 cm. Gross total resection were achieved in all cases. Postoperatively, 1 patient had severe mastication problems, 1 had blurred vision, and in the long-term follow-up, 1 had frontal sinusitis. The mean follow up was 106.6 (min:49, max:132, SD: 29.82) months. No recurrences were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In cases with the extradural TGS having limited extension into Posterior Cranial Fossa, or located in the Middle Cranial Fossa, a purely EEA is possible even for tumors bigger in size. Unilateral endonasal corridors are adequate for resection in most cases.

Audiological involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate hearing loss in patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to investigate the relation between hearing loss, subtypes of the disease, its duration and clinical findings, and antibody positivity. METHODS: The study included 47 patients with SSc and 44 healthy controls. Audiometric, tympanometric, and otoacoustic emission measurements were applied to both groups. RESULTS: The evaluation of the participants medical history showed that among the patients with SSc, 19.1% experienced ear fullness, 27.7% experienced vertigo, and 36.2% experienced tinnitus. Hearing loss was detected in 23.4% of the patients with SSc. The corresponding result was 4.3% in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Transient-evoked otoacoustic emission amplitude values were significantly lower in the patients' both ears with SSc than the control group (p < 0.005). Duration of disease was significantly longer, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide values were significantly higher in the patients with SSc and sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that the incidence of hearing loss was significantly higher in the study group than in the healthy control group. In addition to other organ involvements, cochlear involvement occurs in these patients, and further studies are required.

Appropriateness for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeons in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbearing potential: Yo-IFOS and CEORL-HNS joint clinical consensus statement.

PURPOSE: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a key step in fighting the pandemic. Nevertheless, their rapid development did not allow for testing among specific population subgroups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, or elaborating specific guidelines for healthcare personnel working in high infection risk specialties, such as otolaryngology (ORL). This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to offer guidance for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to this high-risk population based on the best evidence available. METHODS: A multidisciplinary international panel of 33 specialists judged statements through a two-round modified Delphi method survey. Statements were designed to encompass the following topics: risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and use of protective equipment in ORL; SARS-Cov-2 infection and vaccines and respective risks for the mother/child dyad; and counseling for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertile healthcare workers (PBFHW). All ORL PBFHW were considered as the target audience. RESULTS: Of the 13 statements, 7 reached consensus or strong consensus, 2 reached no consensus, and 2 reached near-consensus. According to the statements with strong consensus otorhinolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or with childbearing potential should have the opportunity to receive SARS-Cov-2 vaccination. Moreover, personal protective equipment (PPE) should still be used even after the vaccination. CONCLUSION: Until prospective evaluations on these topics are available, ORL-HNS must be considered a high infection risk specialty. While the use of PPE remains pivotal, ORL PBFHW should be allowed access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination provided they receive up-to-date information.

Comparison of Three Surgical Approaches for Frontobasal Meningiomas: Purely Endoscopic Endonasal, Purely Microscopic Bifrontal Transcranial, and Combined Endoscopic and Microscopic Supraorbital Transciliary Approaches.

ABSTRACT: Surgical removal of frontobasal meningiomas (FBMs) can be achieved using different techniques, including endoscopic, transcranial, and combined approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of the outcomes of these approaches should be compared to provide the most convenient surgical treatment to the patient. This study aimed to compare 3 surgical approaches for FBMsin terms of outcomes and determine the superiority of each on the basis of anatomical, surgical, and clinical efficacy. Systematic review was performed to identify studies comparing techniques for the surgical removal of FBMs. Each group included 13 patients; 39 patients with FBMshad undergone surgery. These groups were endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), microscopic bifrontal transcranial approach (MTA), and endoscopic plus microscopic combined supraorbital transciliary approach (STA) groups. Data on the demographics of patient population, pre- and post-operative neurological examination, tumor properties, imaging studies, and surgical complications were extracted. The mean age at the time of surgery for the patient population was 53.2 years. Among the groups, no statistically significant differences were observed with regard to sex (P = 0.582). The mean follow-up time was 56.7 months. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean tumor volume among the groups; the MTA group showed the highest mean tumor volume. However, no significant difference was found in the mean tumor volume between EEA and STA groups. Regarding operation duration, the STA group had the shortest operation time (mean = 281.5 minutes), whereas the average surgical duration in MTA group was the longest (mean = 443.8 minutes). The average bleeding volume was highest in the MTA group (mean = 746.2 ml) and lowest in the EEA group (mean = 320.8 ml). Tumor removal was incomplete in three patients (two in the EEA group and one in the MTA group). Recurrence was detected in two cases. One patient with recurrence was operated using the endoscopic surgical approach, whereas the other patient underwent the microscopic bifrontal approach. Post-operative hyposmia/anosmia or decreased olfactory function was the most common complication observed in 5 patients, 2 patients each in the EEA and MTA groups and one in the STA group. The second most common complication was wound infection in one patient in the MTA group and two patients in the STA group (7.7%). Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and meningitis were present in two patients (5.1%), one patient each from the EEA and STA groups. Pre-operative visual disturbances were reported in 13 patients (33.3%), all of which resolved post-operatively No statistical differences were found among the groups. Mortality occurred in a patient in the MTA group (2.6%) caused by cardiac arrest on post-operative day 1. This is the first study comparing the surgical outcomes of three surgical approaches for FBMs. Although recent literature suggests that both endoscopic and transcranial approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, the authors showed that none of the surgical approaches have obvious superiority over the others with regard to outcomes. Thus, the selection of the ideal surgical approach should be based on surgical experience and tumor characteristics.

Endonasal endoscopic management of the craniopharyngeal canal meningoencephalocele using a nasoseptal flap in a 6-month-old infant.

Endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) has become a routine and effective method for the management of large skull base defects in adults and increasingly in older pediatric populations despite their challenging narrow transnasal corridors. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a large craniopharyngeal canal (CC) meningoencephalocele in a 6-month-old infant managed purely through EEA, also by utilizing a pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNF).

Endonasal Endoscopic Management of Pterigopalatine Fossa Hydatid Cyst.

Hydatid cyst (echinococcosis) is an infectious disease caused mainly by Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite transmitted by dogs and encountered first in the liver and then in the lungs. Involvement in the head and neck region is uncommon, and pterygopalatine fossa disease resulting from hydatid cyst is extremely rare, with only 4 reported patients. In this report, the authors present a patient with exophthalmus caused by a primary hydatid cyst and involving the pterygopalatine fossa which treated only with endoscopic endonasal approach.

Endoscopic removal of a suprasellar dermoid cyst in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Dermoid cysts (DCs) are unusual benign congenital intracranial tumors that typicallyarise in the midline and form as a result of abnormal sequestration of ectodermal cells during neural tubeformation. In all age groups, endoscopic approaches are preferable for the removal of sellar lesions. A 6-year-old girl with recurrent meningitis underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery forsellar DC. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a suprasellar DC in a pediatric patient that was removed endoscopically.

Preference and Perception of Enhanced Images During Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery.

Image enhancement is used widely in endoscopic sinonasal surgery. It is yet to be established whether image enhancement has advantages over white-light endoscopy. The authors aimed to evaluate the preferences and subjective visual perception of image enhancement in diagnostic images acquired at the beginning of endonasal endoscopic surgeries. An online survey consisting of 12 endoscopic images, 4 enhanced with Clara mode, 4 enhanced with Chroma mode, and 4 enhanced with Clara+Chroma mode, was distributed. The enhanced images were randomly presented with nonenhanced white-light images. These images were captured at the beginning of endonasal endoscopic surgeries for septal perforation, septal deviation, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Survey respondents (n = 205) included 81 otorhinolaryngologists, 94 other specialty physicians (35 endoscopy/laparoscopy users and 59 nonusers), and 30 nonmedical image experts. They were asked to choose superior images according to brightness, contrast and sharpness, depth of field, and overall preference. A quantitative study was also conducted to evaluate different enhancement modes. The authors found that Clara enhanced brightness and Chroma enhanced contrast and sharpness significantly (P < 0.001). Overall, 91.8% chose Clara and 91.7% chose Clara+Chroma-enhanced images for brightness enhancement. For contrast and sharpness, 87% chose Clara+Chroma and 86.7% chose Chroma. There was no significant difference between perception scores among the groups. Our survey group showed a significantly high overall preference for enhanced images. This preference was independent of profession or experience, but closely related to the quantitative enhancement of the specific mode. Continuous use of image enhancement in endonasal surgery may have advantages over white-light endoscopy.

Single-Center Surgical Experience of the Treatment of Craniopharyngiomas With Emphasis on the Operative Approach: Endoscopic Endonasal and Open Microscopic Transcranial Approaches.

This study aimed to report the authors' single-center clinical experience about craniopharyngiomas and discuss surgical outcomes of these patients according to the type of surgical approach (endoscopic endonasal or open microscopic transcranial approach).Twenty-four patients diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas between May 2013 and April 2017 were considered for inclusion. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical approach (open transcranial microscopic approach [group A] and endoscopic endonasal approach [group B]). These groups were compared in terms of postoperative surgical outcome scores (extent of tumor removal, visual deficit, hydrocephalus, metabolic disorders, and Glasgow coma scale) and hospitalization interval.There was no patient of mortality in both groups. In this study, 4 of the 13 patients in group A and 9 of the 11 patients in group B underwent gross total resection. However, 1 patient in group B underwent repair because of cerebrospinal fluid leakage postoperatively. In addition, 1 patient in group A had a wound healing problem postoperatively. The postoperative outcome scores were 9.5 in group A and 11.5 in group B. The hospitalization interval in group A (range, 7-9 days) was longer than that in group B (range, 5-7 days).The endoscopic endonasal approach should be considered the first-line surgical treatment modality in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of craniopharyngioma in terms of low complication risk, minimal invasiveness, and better outcome scores. Open microscopic transcranial procedures may be combined with this approach in a single session for challenging cases.

Cartilage reinforcement graft versus fascia graft in tympanoplasty

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to compare cartilage reinforcement graft results with temporalis fascia graft alone in terms of hearing and anatomical outcomes in tympanoplasty. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent tympanoplasty with/without ossiculoplasty and/or mastoidectomy at a university hospital from 2006 through 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into those grafted with temporalis muscle fascia alone and with fascia reinforced with cartilage. The postoperative air bone gap, gain in hearing thresholds, and graft status were evaluated for each group. Results: The study subjects included 179 patients. There were 82 patients in the fascia group and 97 patients in the cartilage group. Successful hearing results were elicited in 79.2% of the fascia group and 85.5% of the cartilage group. There was no significant difference in overall graft success. The graft was intact in 82.9% of the fascia group and 86.5% of the cartilage group. Conclusion: In this comparative study the use of cartilage to reinforce the temporalis muscle fascia was analyzed, showing better hearing and anatomical results than sole use of fascia in tympanoplasty both for primary and revision cases. Thus, in the light of our results, when performing tympanoplasty we recommend the use of cartilage reinforcement grafting whenever needed and indicated.

The development and design of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Examination (EBEORL-HNS).

The UEMS Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery section is a dedicated body formed to promote the standardisation and harmonisation of European Otorhinolaryngology (ORL). The European Examination Board of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery was created to establish a supranational final exam and accreditation for ORL Surgeons. It is open to candidates both from the European Union and outside the EU. The exam is composed of a written examination to assess mainly the theoretical knowledge of Otorhinolaryngological diseases. The second part, a viva voce examination, is designed to test the clinical application of knowledge based on case scenarios and clinical conditions presented to the candidates. The inaugural examination written component took place in Mannheim/Germany in 2009 and the inaugural Viva Voce examination in Vienna/Austria in 2010. Up to and including the year 2013, 858 participants have attempted one of the two exam components. Of the 858 participants, 305 were successful in both examinations and obtained the accreditation of the European Diploma (European Board Certification). The historical origins, development of the examination, its formal arrangements and the format of the examination are presented in this article.

Does Dehiscence of the Facial Nerve Canal Affect Tympanoplasty Results?

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of facial nerve canal dehiscence in tympanoplasty patients and its influence on the need for revision surgery and on hearing results and anatomical outcomes. Patients who underwent tympanoplasty with/without mastoidectomy at Ankara University Otolaryngology Department from 2006 through 2013 with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months were reviewed retrospectively in this original study. Patients were divided into those with and without cholesteatoma. Numbers and frequencies of dehiscence were recorded according to disease type, the need for revision surgery, and hearing results and anatomical outcomes. Study subjects included 206 patients, of whom 15 (7.3%) had dehiscence. The prevalence of dehiscence was significantly high in the patients with cholesteatoma (13/50 patients) compared with those without (2/156 patients). The dehiscence frequency was significantly high in cholesteatoma (42.8%), as well as overall (14.7%), revision-surgery patients. Hearing results (P < 0.05) and anatomical outcomes were better in patients without dehiscence. Dehiscence is more common in patients with than without cholesteatoma and negatively affects tympanoplasty outcomes, including hearing results, anatomical outcomes, and the need for revision surgery.

How Often Does Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease Turn Out to be a Neoplasm?

Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) describes a wide spectrum of pathologies including inflammatory, vascular, bony dysplastic, and neoplastic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency with which a neoplastic process was diagnosed in patients of ISSD and patient management strategies. A retrospective analysis was conducted for all ISSD patients who underwent surgery between January 2005 and January 2014 at a tertiary center. The clinical characteristics, radiologic studies, operative findings, endoscopic surgical techniques, pathology results, and treatment outcomes of the patients were analyzed. In all, 42 patients (31 women and 11 men) were included in the study. Histopathologic examinations revealed that 10 patients (23.4%) had neoplasms (8 benign and 2 malignant), 19 (45.2%) had mucocele, 7 (16.7%) had fungal disease, and 6 (14.3%) had meningoencephalocele and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. With the exception of 2 patients with plasmacytoma, complete removal of the lesions was achieved in all patients using transnasal or transethmoidal endoscopic approaches, and no local recurrences were observed during the mean follow-up period of 42 months. More than one fifth of the patients with ISSD were diagnosed with neoplasms. The results indicated that endonasal endoscopic approaches could effectively help manage patients with ISSD lesions, including those that were neoplastic. It is clear that precaution during preoperative planning is imperative to avoid unexpected situations and complications that may put surgeons in a difficult position during surgery.

Pneumocephalus after endoscopic odontoidectomy in a pediatric patient: the lesson learned.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pneumocephalus is an unexpected condition after endoscopic odontoidectomy surgery. CASE: We present the first case of pneumocephalus after odontoidectomy in a pediatric patient. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, and surgical procedures are described with related pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: We outline the key for management of a rare intracranial air entrapment case after an endoscopic odontoidectomy surgery in a pediatric patient and the measures taken to prevent its occurrence in the future.

Esthesioneuroblastoma With Poor Outcome Despite Extensive Treatment.

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of neuroectodermal origin. It usually presents with nonspecific symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and pain, but has an aggressive course if the treatment is delayed. The authors report a case of esthesioneuroblastoma in a 47-year-old woman, treated with extensive surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite intensive treatment, the patient developed a local recurrence with systemic metastasis and succumbed 4 months later.

Investigation of Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) in three planes: Test-retest reliability and age-related differences.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, it has been determined that SOT sensitivity is insufficient in patients who develop vestibular compensation and therefore the Head Shake Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) has been developed. RESEARCH QUESTION: How differs the balance performance of healthy adults that is tested with HS-SOT according to age and test planes? What is the test-retest reliability level of the HS-SOT in three planes? METHODS: Our prospective study, which has a methodological research design, included 80 participants divided into three groups by age range (Group 1: 20-39 years (n = 30); Group 2: 40-49 years (n = 30) and Group 3: 50-64 years (n = 20)). SOT and HSSOT ( yaw, pitch, roll) were performed to all participants. To investigate the testretest reliability of the HS-SOT, a total of 27 participants were re-evaluated one week later. The HS-SOT performance of the participants was compared between age groups and test planes. Intra-class correlation coefficient and minimum detectable change values (MDC) was calculated to test-retest reliability of HS-SOT. RESULTS: HS-SOT scores (HS-2 and HS-5) did not differ significantly between age groups. The balance performance of individuals for the pitch plane was lower than other planes. Only the HS-5 score showed a significant difference between the sessions. HS-5 scores were higher in the re-test; for the first group in the pitch plane and for the third group in the yaw plane. The test-retest reliability level of these conditions was "moderate-good" for both groups. The corresponding MDC value was highest (14.01) for the HS-5 (yaw) score of the elderly group. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings from this study demonstrated that the test plane influences the HS-SOT, a learning/practice effect may occur because of repeated HS-SOT evaluation, and this effect is more explicit in the elderly. This study provides a perspective for the evaluation and follow-up processes of patients with balance problems.

Endonasal Endoscopic Removal of a Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis from Far Lateral Frontal Sinus.

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease in adults, and it is even uncommon in pediatric populations, affecting only 1-2 people per million. A LCH located in the frontal sinus is exceptionally unusual. We present a case of LCH located in the far lateral of the frontal sinus and discuss management as well as surgical techniques to control this far lateral frontal sinus lesion. Case Presentation: A 39 year old female, presented with a history of progressive headaches and purulent nasal discharge for three months. Computed tomography (CT) of the sinuses showed an approximately 15 × 10 mm soft tissue with osteolytic bony changes located in lateral wall of the frontal sinus on the left side. Total tumor removal was achieved by minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery with a periorbital suspension technique. Histopathologic analysis revealed LCH and the patient was referred to a hematologist for further treatment. Conclusion: LCH is a rare hematological pathology. It should be diagnosed timely and treated with a multidisciplinary approach. To get a definitive diagnosis a biopsy is mandatory. Having LCH in the far lateral frontal sinus can be challenging for a biopsy even for experienced surgeons. Using curved instruments while performing an endonasal periorbital suspension technique makes it possible to access the lateral wall of the frontal sinus safely and provides an effective surgical route similar to traditional open approaches without causing any external scars.