Transseptal Suturing Septoplasty in Elderly.

Objectives: Assessing the effectiveness of transseptal suturing septoplasty in elderly individuals. Methods: The method used in this study involved the prospective separation of septoplasty candidates over 65 into 2 groups. The first group underwent nasal packing, while the transseptal suture technique was used on the second group. Postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and the effectiveness of the surgery was assessed using the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes-Obstruction scale. In addition, the patients' oxygen saturation levels were monitored using a pulse oximeter, and the results of the 2groups were compared. Results: The study included 26 patients with an average age of 66 years, ranging from 65 to 74 years. Of these patients, 13 received nasal packing, and the transseptal suture technique was used on the other 13. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes-Obstruction scores (P > .05). However, the oxygen saturation levels in group 1 were significantly lower, and the pain scores were significantly higher (P < .05) than those recorded for the other group. Conclusions: We concluded that transseptal suturing septoplasty is an effective, safe, and more comfortable surgical option for the elderly.

Comparing the Efficiencies of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Intratympanic Steroid Treatment for Sudden Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficiencies of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and intratympanic steroid (ITS)treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearingloss (ISSHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients who were treated for ISSHL were reviewed fromthemedical records. All of the patients were given systemic steroid therapy (SST). Among them,33patients received HBOT and 36 patients received ITS treatment following SST. The starting time to treatment, risk factors, hearing level, hearing gain (HG), and recovery rate were evaluated from retrospectiverecords. RESULTS: No substantial change in HG was observed for either the HBOT or ITS treatment cohort (p>0.05). But the time to recovery was higher in the ITS treatment cohort (40%) than in theHBOT cohort (17%). The starting time to ITS treatment was 4 days (range: 1-30) and that to HBOT was 8 days (range:3-30). There was a significant difference in the starting time to treatment (Mann-Whitney U-test, p=0.043). Also, hearing loss in the HBOT group was significantly higher than in the ITS treatment group. A significant difference was observed before and after ITS treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients compared with late-onset treatment, ITS may be more effective than HBO after SST failure. It can be used as salvage therapy in patients with ISSHL who are unresponsive to a primary systemic steroid. We observed that HBOT didnot improve results when it was started late. Therefore, more studies that include both ITS treatment and HBOTas anearly treatment option are needed.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Selective Immunglobulin A Deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To assess hearing functions in pediatric patients with selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency (SIGAD). METHODS: Pure-tone audiometry, acoustic impedance, otoacoustic emission, and brainstem audiometric measurements were taken during a non-infectious period in 28 patients with SIGAD and 28 healthy children with normal otoscopic examination. The results of the hearing tests were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Two male patients and one female patient in the SIGAD group were found to have sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, a comparison of the average pure tone cut-off values at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with SIGAD may exhibit SNHL at certain frequencies and require follow-up for the potential development of hearing loss.

Do probiotics have a role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted to review the results of all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Primary outcome measurements were total nasal and ocular symptom scores (SS) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Secondary outcome measurements were individual nasal SS and immunologic parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were included. Seventeen trials showed significant benefit of probiotics clinically, whereas eight trials showed significant improvement in immunologic parameters compared with placebo. All five studies with Lactobacillus paracasei (LP) strains demonstrated clinically significant improvements compared with placebo. Probiotics showed significant reduction in nasal and ocular SS (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.23, p < 0.001; and SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; respectively), total, nasal, and ocular QoL scores compared with placebo (SMD, -1.84, p < 0.001; SMD, -2.30, p = 0.006; and SMD, -3.11, p = 0.005; respectively). Although heterogeneity was high, in subgroup analysis, SMD for total nasal and ocular symptoms with patients with seasonal AR and for nasal QoL scores for studies with LP-33 strain were significant and homogenous. Scores of nasal blockage, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo. The meta-analysis studies SS the Japanese guidelines revealed a significant, homogenous SMD score of -0.34 for individual nasal SS, above the minimal important clinical difference value of 0.3. The T-helper 1 to T-helper 2 ratio was significantly lower in the probiotic group compared with placebo (SMD, -0.78; p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Despite high variability among the studies, synthesis of available data provided significant evidence of beneficial clinical and immunologic effects of probiotics in the treatment of AR, especially with seasonal AR and LP-33 strains. With the rising pool of studies, the most promising strains in specific allergies can be revealed and adjuvant therapy with probiotics can be recommended for the treatment of AR.

Pediatric Mass Lesions of the Head and Neck Region and Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Results.

OBJECTIVE: 1. To provide a classification of pediatric mass of the head and neck region and evaluate their frequency. 2. To examine the findings of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in pediatric patients along with its contribution to diagnosis. METHODS: Totally, 233 pediatric patients (125 boys and 108 girls) operated at Baskent University for head and neck mass were included. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: The mean age was 119±65 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 75±49 months. Localization of the masses was as follows: 208 (89%) in the neck, 21 (9%) in the oral cavity, 2 (1%) in the neck and nasopharynx, and two (1%) in the larynx. The most common surgical procedure was open excisional biopsy (n=105, 45%) followed by cystic mass excision (n=72, 31%) and salivary gland excision (n=33, 14%). Based on histopathological findings, benign cystic lesions were the most common disease group (n=77, 33.1%), whereas reactive lymphadenopathy was the most common condition (n=36, 15%) when a single disease was considered. Infectious/inflammatory diseases, malignancies, and benign salivary gland diseases were present in 49 (21%), 24 (10.3%), and 22 (9.4%) patients, respectively. FNAB was performed in 29.8% of the patients with an accuracy of 90.3% (95% CI, 80.1-96.4). CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of head and neck masses during childhood includes a wide spectrum with the different conditions being benign cystic diseases of congenital origin and reactive lymphadenopathies. Owing to its high predictive value, FNAB represents a rapid and reliable method that can be commonly used in both adult and pediatric patients.

[Sonoelastography, B-mode sonography, and color Doppler sonography findings of pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors of parotid gland]. / Parotis bezi pleomorfik adenomlari ve Warthin tümörlerinin sonoelastografi, B-mod sonografi ve renkli Doppler sonografi bulgulari.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the sonoelastography (SE), B-mode sonography, and color Doppler sonography findings of the pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors of the parotid gland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 84 parotid masses (23 pleomorphic adenomas, 25 Warthin tumors) in 72 patients (37 males, 35 females; mean age 59 years; range 30 to 79 years) were retrospectively analyzed. For each lesion, B-mode sonography, color Doppler sonography, and SE images were evaluated. Vascularity and elasticity scores of the tumors during color Doppler sonography and SE examinations were calculated by 4-scoring method. RESULTS: Lobulated contour and cystic areas were more common in the pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors during the B-mode sonography examination (p<0.05). Peripheral vascularity was common in more than half of the pleomorphic adenoma patients, whereas central or mixed vascularity was seen in a large group of the Warthin tumor patients (p<0.05). The mean scores on color Doppler sonography examination were 1.13±0.81 for pleomorphic adenomas and 1.96±0.97 for Warthin tumors (p<0.05). The mean scores on SE examination were 2.69±0.70 for pleomorphic adenomas and 1.83±0.63 for Warthin tumors (p<0.05). Score 1 on SE examination was found in three of five Warthin tumor patients with peripheral vascularity on color Doppler sonography. CONCLUSION: B-mode, color Doppler and elastography examinations by sonography provide some helpful findings in the differentiation of pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors.

Pack free septoplasty: functional outcomes and complications.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the functional outcomes and complications of pack free septoplasty in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients (35 males, 14 females; mean age 37.7 years; range 18 to 63 years) who underwent septoplasty in our clinic between January 2011 and June 2013 were prospectively included in the study. Preoperative nasal obstruction was scored using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE). Nasal obstruction was reevaluated in the first and the third postoperative months. Postoperative complications were recorded. Pre- and postoperative NOSE scores were compared. RESULTS: Recovery rate was 81.63%. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative NOSE scores and postoperative first and third-month NOSE scores (p<0.05). We observed minor hemorrhage in 17 patients (34.7%), nasal synechiae in three patients (6.1%), and flap overposition in two patients (4.1%). CONCLUSION: Pack free septoplasty performed with transseptal suture technique is effective in the treatment of septum deviation and may be performed confidently in septum surgery.

Effects of nasal pack use on surgical success in septoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of nasal packs on surgical success and related complications in septoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (21 males, 17 females; mean age, 36.6 years, range 18 to 61 years) were included in the study. Septoplasty candidates were prospectively divided into two groups. Nasal packing and transseptal suture technique was applied to patients in group 1 (n=16) and group 2 (n=22), respectively. Postoperative pain was assessed with the visual analog scale. The success of surgery was questioned using the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) scale. Surgical success was defined as a 50% decrease in the NOSE scores. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in surgical success and complication rates between the groups (p>0.05). Pain scores were significantly higher in group 1 (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that nasal pack use does not affect surgical success and complication rates in septoplasty. Pack-free septoplasty with the transseptal suture technique is an effective method in the treatment of septal deviation.

Management of lingual hemangioma in a case with von Willebrand disease.

Hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors and von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. In this article, we report a 21-year-old female who had von Willebrand disease presenting with 1x1 cm lesion of the tongue. The lesion was located at the anterior one-third in midline tongue throughout full-thickness. The patient was administered cryoprecipitate preoperatively. Then the lesion was excised under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed a hemangioma. No complication such as bleeding or infection after the operation was observed.

Sonoelastographic qualitative analysis for management of salivary gland masses.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate whether the use of a qualitative elasticity scoring method by sonoelastography is beneficial for management of salivary gland masses. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with salivary gland masses (30 parotid and 6 sub-mandibular) were prospectively included in this study. For each lesion, B-mode sonographic and sonoelastographic images were obtained. Elasticity scores were determined by a 4-point scoring method. Differences among scores for benign and malignant masses were assessed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Qualitative variables were compared by the Pearson χ² test. The findings were compared with histopathologic diagnoses. RESULTS: The score values of 28 benign masses ranged from 1 to 4, whereas the values of 8 malignant masses ranged from 2 to 4. The mean scores ± SD were 2.25 ± 0.92 for benign lesions and 3.0 ± 0.75 for malignant lesions (P < .05). When we considered scores 1 and 2 as benign and scores 3 and 4 as malignant, 10 false-positive results were determined by the 4-point scoring method, and 64.2% of benign masses were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Sonoelastography might be regarded as another sonographic parameter for management of salivary gland masses in terms of detecting benign masses.

[Approaches to antrochoanal polyps in adults: long-term comparative results]. / Eriskinlerde antrokoanal poliplere yaklasim: Uzun dönem karsilastirmali sonuçlar.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the long-term results of endoscopic sinus surgery and combined approach with Caldwell Luc procedure for the treatment of antrochoanal polyps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2009, 41 patients (24 males, 17 females; mean age 34.7 years; range 14 to 78 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment modality: group 1 included 26 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery alone and group 2 included 15 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery in combination with Caldwell Luc procedure. Both groups were compared for recurrence and complication rate. RESULTS: Seventeen of 41 patients were diagnosed with right-sided lesions, while 24 patients had left-sided lesions. Recurrence was seen in three patients, including two were in the group 1 and one was in the group 2. There was no statistically significantly difference between the groups in terms of recurrence and complication rate (p>0.05). Mean follow-up was 50.5 months (range 15 to 94 months). CONCLUSION: Current approach for the treatment of antrochoanal polyps is endoscopic sinus surgery. However, combined approaches should be performed to avoid recurrences, unless removal of antral part of the antrochoanal polyp completely by endoscopic resection is possible. Selection of the combined techniques depends on the surgeon familiarity with the procedure and whether the patient is pediatric case. Combined approach with Caldwell Luc is a safe procedure in adults.

Characteristics of synchronous- and metachronous-type multiple primary neoplasms: a study of hospital-based cancer registry in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic, histologic, and topographic characteristics, and the association of synchronous and metachronous multiple primary neoplasms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred seventy-two multiple primary tumors (n = 286) of 20,895 tumors recorded from 1993 to 2005 by the office of Izmir Cancer Registry at the Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital were analyzed. chi(2) and Student t test were performed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-eight patients had synchronous tumors whereas 128 had metachronous tumors. Both groups were more frequent among men and among patients aged > 50 years. The distribution of synchronous and metachronous tumors between sex and age groups was similar (P = .462 and P = .479, respectively). Carcinomas were more frequent and histologic compositions of both of the groups were significantly different (P = .009). Pairs of the same topographic origin were significantly more frequent in synchronous tumors (P = .019). The urogenital system was the most frequent location in all groups. The leading tumoral association was between urogenital-urogenital tumors, also. Detailed evaluation of the metachronous group revealed that the most frequent organ associations were of breast-ovary (n = 7) and bladder-larynx (n = 5). CONCLUSION: Field cancerization in the epithelium, theory of a common clonal origin, or the screening effect might account for the relatively frequent association of urogenital tumors. The association of the tumors of breast-ovary might be related to the endocrine effect. Further studies complying with international rules and using data from different population-based tumor registries are necessary to elucidate site correlation.