A Predictor of Difficult Airway: The Tasli Classification in Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Difficult airway is defined as difficulty or failure in one or more steps in upper airway management. Evaluation of the upper airway with physical examination methods and endoscopic devices is crucial in predicting difficult airway. The aim of this study was to evaluate bedside tests, Cormack Lehane (CL) and Tasli Classification (TC) scores of the patients and it was aimed to reveal the role of TC which will be performed preoperatively as a predictor of difficult tracheal intubation (DTI). METHODS: The study included a total of 98 patients who underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Demographic data, including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), and bedside tests consisting Modified Mallampati Classification (MMC), thyromental (TD) and sternomental (SD) distances, neck circumference (NC), interincisor distance (IID), CL and TC were recorded. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of 64 (65.3%) male and 34 (34.7%) female patients ranging in age from 18 to 84 years (mean age: 50.35 ± 0.47 years). The successfully intubated patients (SIP)  group comprised 68 (69.4%) patients, and the difficult intubation patients (DIP) group, 30 (30.6%). According to CL, the numbers of SIP and DIP constituting grade 1 was 29 (42.6%) and one (3.3%); grade 2a was 29 (42.6%) and one (3.3%); grade 2b was eight (11.8%) and three (10%); grade 3a was one (1.5%) and six (20%); grade 3b was one (1.5%) and 14 (46.7%) respectively. Grade 4 was only detected in the DIP group in 5 (16.7%) patients. According to TC, the numbers of SIP and DIP constituting grade 1 was 20 (29.4%) and 1 (3.3%); grade 2a was 37 (54.4%) and seven (23.3%); grade 2b was 10 (14.7%) and 18 (60%); grade 3 was one (1.5%) and two (6.7%) respectively. Grade 4 was only detected in the DIP group in two (6.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: The TC, CL, NC and BMI scores were higher in the DIP group and higher TC scores (grade 2b, 3, and 4) can be a predictor of difficult airway. However, it may be more beneficial to use TC as a complementary diagnostic tool with bedside tests such as NC, SM, TM and MMC, rather than used alone.

Objective and Subjective Voice Examination in Turkish Imams.

OBJECTIVE: Imams are professional voice users and they are at high risk of developing voice problems. The aim of the present study was to investigate vocal acoustic parameters and voice handicap index (VHI) scores in Turkish imams and comparing these paramaters with a control group of male nonprofessional voice users. METHODS: A total of 62 active working Turkish imams that never applied to our clinic with voice problems volunteered as subjects for the study and the control group consisted of 47 male nonprofessional voice users. Every participant completed a VHI questionnaire. A voice analysis was performed using computer program Dr.Speech Version 4 in an acoustically treated setting. Mean fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics to noise ratio values were recorded during the phonation and were analyzed. RESULTS: All imams were active working men aged 27-57 and the control group was comprised of male nonprofessional voice users of a similar age group. The measure of mean fundamental frequency, harmonics to noise ratio, jitter and shimmer rates were similar between two groups. In comparison of VHI between the groups no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Even though imams in the study group stated that they experienced voice problems in their professional lives, this did not cause any adverse changes in acoustic and subjective parameters (VHI) compared with control group.

Does tympanic membrane perforation have a protective effect on the inner ear in blast-injured patients?

BACKGROUND: Blast-induced hearing loss is an acoustic trauma commonly caused by high-energy explosions of improvised explosive devices, and the auditory system may be affected by blast damage. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) on the inner ear against blast injury. METHODS: In this study, 43 adult patients who had suffered blast injury were divided into three subgroups: intact tympanic membranes in both ears, unilateral TMP, and bilateral TMP. Each patient underwent a comprehensive audiogram, including bone conduction, in the audiology department. RESULTS: Evaluation was performed on 43 (100%) males with a mean age of 31.44±8.01 years (range, 18-52 years). When the type of hearing loss was evaluated separately for each ear, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was observed in 31 (36%), high-frequency SNHL in 26 (30.2%), conductive hearing loss in eight (9.3%), and mixed type hearing loss in 21 (24.4%) ears. TMP was detected in 21 (48.8%) of 43 blast-injured patients, on the right side in four (9.3%) patients, on the left side in seven (16.3%), and bilateral in 10 (23.3%). When the type of acoustic trauma was evaluated, 15 (34.9%) patients were observed to have suffered from the explosion of an IED, 12 (30.2%) from weapon explosion, six (14%) were a vehicle bomb explosion, three (7%) were projectile missile explosion, three (7%) were mortar explosion, two (4.7%) were mine explosion, and two (4.7%) were exposed to the explosion in an armored vehicle (Table 1). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in the majority of the frequencies whether the tympanic membrane was perforated or not in the blast-injured patients and it was concluded that tympanic membrane perforation caused by blast injury had no protective effect on the inner ear.

Principles of Subglottic and Tracheal Visualization with Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The subglottic area and trachea are important parts of the upper airway, and can be visualized easily using transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL). The aim of this study was to develop a clinical grading system to assist in documentation of the subglottic area and trachea with TFL, and to demonstrate the basic principles of visualization of these anatomic areas as a laryngology practice. METHODS: The TFL videos of 100 randomized patients were evaluated by three laryngologists. The simple head extension (SHE) position and flexion position (FP) were applied to the patients during the visualization of the subglottic area and trachea. A paired t test was used to compare the grades of the subglottic and tracheal view according to the SHE and FP scores. RESULTS: This study examined 50 male and 50 female patients ranging in age from 28 to 83 years (mean age: 50.09 ± 13.05 years). For the SHE and FP, the numbers of patients constituting grade 1 were 2 and 35, grade 2 were 2 and 37, grade 3 were 30 and 19, and grade 4 were 41 and 9, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between SHE and FP (P  <  0.05). The k score was 0.785 between the ratings of observer 1 and observer 2; 0.771 between observer 1 and observer 3; and 0.757 between observer 2 and observer 3 (P  <  0.001). CONCLUSION: This new grading system for the visualization of the subglottis and trachea can help physicians assess and identify the upper airways, and FP provides a better subglottic and tracheal view than SHE.

Comparison of three tonsillectomy techniques in children.

PURPOSE: Tonsillectomy is still one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide performed by otorhinolaryngologists. This single-blind randomized study aimed to compare cold dissection tonsillectomy, coblation tonsillectomy, and harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy in pediatric patients in respect of intraoperative blood loss, operating time, and postoperative pain and bleeding. METHODS: This single-blind randomized clinical trial evaluated 82 pediatric patients aged 3-16 years (mean age: 7.23 ± 3.26 years) applied with tonsillectomy between April 2017 and March 2020. Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy was applied to 33 (40.2%) patients, the cold knife technique to 25 (30.5%), and coblation tonsillectomy to 24 (29.3%). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three techniques in respect of postoperative pain levels and post-tonsillectomy bleeding rates. The intraoperative bleeding rate and mean operating time were determined to be significantly lower in the harmonic scalpel group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy is associated with a shorter operating time and lower intraoperative bleeding rates and similar postoperative pain score and postoperative bleeding rates compared with coblation tonsillectomy and cold dissection tonsillectomy. Harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy is a fast, safe, and effective method for tonsillectomy in children.

Postauricular Masses.

OBJECTIVE: The postauricular region (PR) is an anatomic area that has been neglected until now, due to the fact that the significant cosmetic changes and features of this region are often overlooked. There are limited and inconsistent data about postauricular masses in the literature and the definition of the PR and its borders remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to define the PR and evaluate benign and malignant masses that may arise in the PR. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were evaluated retrospectively in terms of demographic data, including age, gender, operative method, lesion side and size, diagnostic tools, and histopathologic diagnosis of the masses. RESULTS: The masses were categorized into 4 groups according to the etiology; neoplastic (n: 15, 28.8%), inflammatory (n: 13, 25%), congenital (n: 22, 42.3%) and traumatic (n: 2, 3.8%). Of the neoplastic masses, 6 (11.5%) were nonmelanoma skin cancer, comprising 4 (7.6%) basal cell carcinomas and 2 (3.8%) squamous cell carcinomas. A total of 9 (17.3%) neoplastic masses were benign, comprising 3 (5.7%) lipomas, 3 (5.7%) temporal bone osteomas, 2 (3.8%) nevi, and 1 (1.9%) plexiform neurofibroma. Of the 13 (25%) inflammatory masses, 12 (23%) were lymph nodes and 1 (1.9%) was pilonidal sinus. There were 22 (42.3%) congenital masses comprising 15 (28.8%) epidermal cysts, 4 (7.6%) dermoid cysts, and 3 (5.7%) hemangiomas. The 2 (3.8%) patients with traumatic lesion were both keloid patients. CONCLUSION: The PR does not attract attention from the cosmetic point of view but many benign and malignant masses can be found in this region. Any masses detected in this area should be treated to prevent further growth.

Risk of internal carotid injury due to peritonsillar abscess drainage.

OBJECTIVE: Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is one of the most commonly seen ear nose and throat (ENT) emergencies. The most catastrophic complication that may occur due to surgical treatment of PTA is injury of internal carotid artery. The aim of this study is to determine distance and angle between PTA with ICA; and to prevent possible complications. METHODS: A total of 34 adult patients with PTA were enrolled in this study. Neck computed tomographies of the patients with PTA were evaluated by a radiologist. The distance between PTA and ICA (DIP), and contralateral tonsil side and ICA (DIT) were measured and compared with each other. Also angle between PTA and ICA (AIP) was examined. RESULTS: This study contained 20 (58.8%) males and 14 (41.2%) females with a mean age of 32.20 ± 12.75 years (range 18-60 years). Mean DIP and DIT scores were 13.39 ± 3.7 mm (min: 5.32, max: 19.07) and 9.61 ± 3.17 mm (min: 4.95, max: 16.35) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean distance between anterior border of PTA and ICA was 36.18 ± 6.42 mm (min: 17.12 max: 47.43). The AIP was 33.40 ± 2.29° (min: 30.10° and max: 40.71°). According to risk classification system, the 28 (82.4%) patients constituted low risk, and 6 (%17.6) patients constituted moderate risk. CONCLUSION: According to the distance between the PTA and ICA, the risk of ICA injury was found to be mild and moderate in PTA patients. It is crucial for the surgeon to pay attention to the depth and angle of the incision during drainage of the abscess.

Results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital / Resultados da timpanoplastia transcanal endoscópica realizada por um jovem cirurgião em um hospital secundário

Abstract Introduction: Tympanoplasty is performed to close the tympanic membrane perforation and recover the hearing level of patients with non-suppurative chronic otitis media. Endoscopic tympanoplasty has recently been increasingly preferred by ear nose and throat surgeons to treat tympanic membrane perforations. Objective: The aim of this study is to discuss the outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital in the context of the literature. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty between February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018, were included. The patients' age, gender, perforation side and size, preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, graft failure, postoperative pain and complication status were evaluated. Results: The graft success rate was 94% at 6 months postoperatively. Audiometry thresholds were obtained at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. Preoperative pure tone audiometric thresholds were 41.6, 36.3, 34.1, and 39.1 dB, and postoperative, 6 months after surgery, 19.5, 17.8, 17.5, and 20.8 dB. Pure tone audiometry air-bone gaps at the same frequencies changed from 30.5, 24.6, 22.2, and 28.6 dB preoperatively, to 11.0, 9.3, 8.6, and 13.9 dB 6 month after the surgery. There was a statistically significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, and air bone gaps at all measured frequencies (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty has become more commonly performed by otolaryngologists due to the shortening of operation and hospitalization times as well as similar audiological results to those obtained with microscopic tympanoplasty. The surgical and audiological results of a young ear nose throat specialist can reach a similar level of success to those of experienced surgeons, due to a fast learning curve.

Resumo Introdução: A timpanoplastia é realizada para fechar a perfuração da membrana timpânica e restaurar a audição de pacientes com otite média crônica não-supurativa. Recentemente, a timpanoplastia endoscópica tem se tornado a técnica preferida por cirurgiões otorrinolaringologistas, com indicação crescente em casos de perfurações timpânicas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é discutir os resultados em pacientes submetidos a timpanoplastia endoscópica realizada por um jovem cirurgião em um hospital secundário, no contexto da literatura. Método: Cinquenta pacientes submetidos a timpanoplastia endoscópica Tipo 1 entre 1° de fevereiro de 2017 e 1° de fevereiro de 2018 foram incluídos. A idade dos pacientes, sexo, lado e tamanho da perfuração, limiares da audiometria tonal pré-operatória e pós-operatória, falha do enxerto, dor pós-operatória e ocorrência de complicações foram avaliados. Resultados: A taxa de sucesso do enxerto foi de 94% aos 6 meses de pós-operatório. Nas frequências de 0,5, 1, 2 e 4 kHz, a audiometria tonal pré-operatória mostrava limiares de 41,6; 36,3; 34,1 e 39,1 dB e a pós-operatória após 6 meses, revelou limiares de 19,5; 17,8; 17,5 e 20,8 dB. Nas mesmas frequências, os gaps aéreo-ósseos pré-operatório na audiometria tonal eram de 30,5; 24,6; 22,2 e 28,6 dB e com 6 meses de pós-operatório, de 11,0; 9,3; 8,6 e 13,9 dB. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante entre os limiares da audiometria tonal pré- e pós-operatória em todas as frequências (p < 0,05). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os gaps aéreo-ósseo pré- e pós-operatório, ocorrendo diminuição dos mesmos em todas as frequências (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A timpanoplastia endoscópica com cartilagem por via transcanal tem sido mais comumente realizada pelo otorrinolaringologista devido ao menor tempo de cirurgia e hospitalização e resultados audiológicos semelhantes aos com o uso de microscópico. Os resultados cirúrgicos e audiológicos de um jovem especialista em otorrinolaringologia podem atingir um nível semelhante ao de cirurgiões experientes, com uma rápida curva de aprendizado.

Effects of oral isotretinoin therapy on the nasal cavities / Efeitos nasais da terapia com isotretinoína oral

Abstract Introduction Isotretinoin (13 cis-retinoic acid) is the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris and is the only treatment option that can provide either remission or a permanent cure. Objective The aim of this study was to use both subjective and objective methods to assess the nasal complaints of patients with severe acne who received oral isotretinoin therapy. Methods Fifty-four subjects were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were assessed with subjective (NOSE and VAS questionnaires) and objective (rhinomanometry and saccharine) tests to determine the severity of their nasal complaints. Results The mean severity scores (min: 0; max: 100) for nasal dryness/crusting and epistaxis were 0.47 ± 1.48 (0-5); 0.35 ± 1.30 (0-5) at admission, 3.57 ± 4.45 (0-10); 2.26 ± 4.71 (0-20) at the first month, and 4.28 ± 6 (0-20); 2.26 ± 4.71 (0-20) at the third month of the treatment respectively. Total nasal resistance of 0.195 ± 0.079 (0.12-0.56) Pa/cm3/s at admission, 0.21 ± 0.084 (0.12-0.54) Pa/cm3/s at the first month, and 0.216 ± 0.081 (0.14-0.54) Pa/cm3/s at the third month. Conclusion Oral isotretinoin therapy can cause the complaint of nasal obstruction. In addition, nasal complaints, such as dryness/crusting and epistaxis, significantly increase in patients during the therapy schedule.

Resumo Introdução A isotretinoína (ácido-13 cis-retinóico) é o tratamento por via oral mais eficaz para acne vulgar e é a única opção de tratamento que pode produzir remissão ou cura permanente. Objetivo Usar métodos subjetivos e objetivos para avaliar as queixas nasais de pacientes com acne grave que receberam terapia com isotretinoína oral. Método Foram incluídos no estudo 54 indivíduos. Todos os indivíduos foram avaliados por meio de testes subjetivos (questionários NOSE e escala EVA) e objetivos (rinomanometria e teste de sacarina) para determinar a gravidade de suas queixas nasais. Resultados Os escores médios de gravidade (min: 0; max: 100) para ressecamento/crostas e epistaxe nasal foram de 0,47 ± 1,48 (0-5); 0,35 ± 1,30 (0-5) no início, 3,57 ± 4,45 (0-10); 2,26 ± 4,71 (0-20) no primeiro mês e 4,28 ± 6 (0-20); 2,26 ± 4,71 (0-20) no terceiro mês do tratamento, respectivamente. A resistência nasal total foi de 0,195 ± 0,079 (0,12 a 0,56) Pa/cm3/s no início, 0,21 ± 0,084 (0,12 a 0,54) Pa/cm3/s no primeiro mês e 0,216 ± 0,081 (0,14 a 0,54) Pa/cm3/s no terceiro mês. Conclusão A terapia com isotretinoína por via oral pode resultar em queixa de obstrução nasal. Além disso, queixas nasais, tais como ressecamento/formação de crostas e epistaxe, aumentam significativamente nos pacientes durante o esquema terapêutico.

The Effect of Obesity on Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL) is a practical and cost-effective procedure, allowing excellent evaluation of the upper airway with minimal risk of complications. The effect of obesity on endoscopic examination still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity has an effect on TFL. METHODS: Demographic data including age and gender, and physical and endoscopic examinations including body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and grade of the laryngeal view according to Tasli classification (TC), Mallampati classification (MC), Friedman classification, and Moore tongue base classification (MTC) scores of 200 patients were evaluated. The patients were divided into two categories as obese and nonobese, and the scores of patients were compared. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of 99 (50.5%) obese and 97 (49.5%) nonobese patients ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (mean age: 37.89 ± 13.55 years). Of the 196 patients in this study, 101 (51.5%) were male, and 95 (48.5%) were female. The mean BMI of the obese and nonobese patients was 33.18 ± 5.18 (min: 25, max: 45) and 22.48 ± 1.5 (min: 19, max: 24), respectively. According to cutoff points, 27 patients (27.3%) were classified as overweight, 30 (30.3%) as obese, and 42 (42.4%) as morbidly obese. According to TC, there was no statistically significant difference between the obese and nonobese groups (mean difference 0.12, P: 0.39). In Pearson correlation analysis, the scores for a correlation between TC, and MC and MTC were 0.206 (very weak) and 0.653 (strong), respectively, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between TC and BMI values (r = -0.051; P: 0.48). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that obesity influences the scores of MC, Friedman classification, and MTC, but does not affect the laryngeal view on TFL.

Optimal Position for Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL) is a simple, safe, and cost-effective procedure. TFL is routinely performed to awake patients in a sitting position but there is no a definite data about ideal head and neck position to be applied. The aim of this study is to determine which position is most appropriate to obtain the best laryngeal view during the TFL. METHODS: The TFL videos of 132 randomized patients were evaluated by three blind observers experienced with laryngology. Three basic head positions; simple head extension (SHE), sniffing position (SP), and neutral position (NP) were performed during the TFL-Interobserver agreements for the grading system scores were assessed by using the kappa (k) statistic. RESULTS: For the SHE and SP, the numbers of patients constituting grade 1 were 127 (96.2%) and 126 (95.5%), respectively, while grade 2a were 5 (3.8%) and 6 (4.5%), respectively. In NP, the number of patients constituting grade 1 was 5 (3.8%), while grade 2a was 83 (62.9%), grade 2b was 37 (28%), and grade 3 was 7 (5.3%). The k score of the SHE was 0.826 (P < 0.001) between the ratings of observer 1 and observer 2, 0.905 (P < 0.001) between observer 1 and observer 3, and 0.919 (P < 0.001) between observer 2 and observer 3. These values denote nearly perfect agreement. A complete agreement was seen in 130 of the 132 (98.48%) videos. CONCLUSION: SHE and SP both provide a better glottic view than the NP and demonstrate the same success.

Results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Tympanoplasty is performed to close the tympanic membrane perforation and recover the hearing level of patients with non-suppurative chronic otitis media. Endoscopic tympanoplasty has recently been increasingly preferred by ear nose and throat surgeons to treat tympanic membrane perforations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to discuss the outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital in the context of the literature. METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing endoscopic Type 1 tympanoplasty between February 1, 2017 and February 1, 2018, were included. The patients' age, gender, perforation side and size, preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, graft failure, postoperative pain and complication status were evaluated. RESULTS: The graft success rate was 94% at 6 months postoperatively. Audiometry thresholds were obtained at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz. Preoperative pure tone audiometric thresholds were 41.6, 36.3, 34.1, and 39.1dB, and postoperative, 6 months after surgery, 19.5, 17.8, 17.5, and 20.8dB. Pure tone audiometry air-bone gaps at the same frequencies changed from 30.5, 24.6, 22.2, and 28.6dB preoperatively, to 11.0, 9.3, 8.6, and 13.9dB 6 month after the surgery. There was a statistically significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative pure tone audiometry, and air bone gaps at all measured frequencies (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty has become more commonly performed by otolaryngologists due to the shortening of operation and hospitalization times as well as similar audiological results to those obtained with microscopic tympanoplasty. The surgical and audiological results of a young ear nose throat specialist can reach a similar level of success to those of experienced surgeons, due to a fast learning curve.

Effects of oral isotretinoin therapy on the nasal cavities.

INTRODUCTION: Isotretinoin (13 cis-retinoic acid) is the most effective treatment for acne vulgaris and is the only treatment option that can provide either remission or a permanent cure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use both subjective and objective methods to assess the nasal complaints of patients with severe acne who received oral isotretinoin therapy. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were assessed with subjective (NOSE and VAS questionnaires) and objective (rhinomanometry and saccharine) tests to determine the severity of their nasal complaints. RESULTS: The mean severity scores (min: 0; max: 100) for nasal dryness/crusting and epistaxis were 0.47±1.48 (0-5); 0.35±1.30 (0-5) at admission, 3.57±4.45 (0-10); 2.26±4.71 (0-20) at the first month, and 4.28±6 (0-20); 2.26±4.71 (0-20) at the third month of the treatment respectively. Total nasal resistance of 0.195±0.079 (0.12-0.56)Pa/cm3/s at admission, 0.21±0.084 (0.12-0.54)Pa/cm3/s at the first month, and 0.216±0.081 (0.14-0.54)Pa/cm3/s at the third month. CONCLUSION: Oral isotretinoin therapy can cause the complaint of nasal obstruction. In addition, nasal complaints, such as dryness/crusting and epistaxis, significantly increase in patients during the therapy schedule.

Does Pepsin Play a Role in Etiology of Laryngeal Nodules?

OBJECTIVES: Vocal fold nodules (VFNs) are benign disorders affecting the superficial lamina propria of the true vocal folds. The etiology of VFNs still remains unclear but laryngeal trauma caused by vocal abuse, tobacco, alcohol, and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) plays a crucial role on the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of pepsin in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FEPE) specimens of VFNs to evaluate the role of LPR as a risk factor for VFNs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 pathology specimens of patients suffering from VFNs who had undergone laser microsurgery under general anesthesia were evaluated. The specimens were maintained in paraffin blocks in the pathology department. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses were used to measure pepsin enzyme levels in the VFNs tissue specimens. Signs of LPR were assessed according to the reflux finding score. RESULTS: The mean reflux finding score of the patients was 13.6 ± 2.89 (8-21). According to WB and ELISA analyses, pepsin was detected with both the WB the ELISA tests in positive controls, but there was no pepsin enzyme in any of the 28 laryngeal FEPE VFNs specimens. CONCLUSION: The pepsin enzyme was not detected in any of the FEPE VFNs specimens, and it is concluded that further studies are needed to reveal the role of pepsin in the etiology of VFNs.

A Grading System for Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy (TFL) is becoming more popular in laryngology clinical practice. There has not been any grading system for TFL to help the physician document and communicate the laryngeal view yet. In this study, we aimed to classify the laryngeal view based on the visualization of the glottic aperture with TFL performed on conscious patients. METHODS: The TFL videos of 920 randomized patients were evaluated by three blind observers experienced with laryngology. The laryngeal view, consisting of the basic anatomic landmarks of the glottis, arytenoids, and epiglottis, was examined, and the glottic aperture was classified with a five-point grading system. Interobserver agreements for the grading system scores were assessed by using the kappa (k) statistic. RESULTS: Nine hundred and twenty subjects were enrolled in the study. Six hundred and thirty-eight (69.3%) were men, and 282 (30.6%) were women, and the mean age was 40.13 ± 15.08 (18-89 years). The number of patients constituting grade 1 was 737 (80.1%), while grade 2a was 122 (13.2%), grade 2b was 32 (3.4%), grade 3 was 24 (2.6%), and finally, grade 4 was only 5 (0.5%). The k score was 0.945 (P < 0.001) between the ratings of observer 1 and observer 2, 0.933 (P < 0.001) between observer 1 and observer 3, and 0.91 (P < 0.001) between observer 2 and observer 3. CONCLUSION: This new grading system for the laryngeal view can help physicians assess the upper airways, and it can also help visualize how much of a glottic opening there is.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to validate the Turkish Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (T-NOSE) scale. Materials and methods: The NOSE scale was translated into Turkish. A prospective study was conducted involving adult subjects with nasal obstruction and a control group. The patients were divided into three groups, namely nasal septum deviation (NSD), septoplasty, and control groups. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity, responsiveness, and the magnitude of the effect of surgery were all investigated. Results: In total, 253 subjects were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's alpha was 0.938 and 0.942 upon test and retest, respectively, which proved good internal consistency. The mean kappa value was 0.82, indicating a high level of reproducibility. The difference between postoperative and control groups was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). The T-NOSE score of the NSD group was 65.67 ± 16.77, while it was 10.75 ± 12.25 for the control group (P < 0.01). The mean score improved following septoplasty (P < 0.001). The magnitude of the effect of surgery was considered high. The correlation between the visual analogue scale and NOSE scores was 0.948. Conclusion: The T-NOSE scale is a valid instrument with good internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness.

Does central tympanic membrane perforation affect infrared tympanic thermometer measurements in adults?

OBJECTIVE: Infrared Tympanic Thermometer (ITT) is one of the most useful instruments for accurately measuring temperature. The effects of ear pathologies on ITT measurement remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine if tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) affects ITT measurements in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 adult patients with monaural central TMP were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into three subgroups according to perforation size (1-3 mm, 4-7 mm, and 8-10 mm). The tympanic temperatures of the affected and unaffected sites, and subgroups were compared with each other. RESULTS: This study contained 54 (60%) males and 36 (40%) females ranging from 20 to 58 years of age (mean age: 30.74 ± 9.61 years). The mean tympanic temperature of the side affected with TMP was 36.34oC ± 0.61oC. The mean tympanic temperature of the unaffected side with healthy and intact tympanic membrane was 36.33oC ± 0.6oC. The Pearson correlation score for the tympanic temperatures and the size of TMP was 0.22 which was not significant (r=-0.12). CONCLUSION: TMP and perforation size do not affect ITT measurements in adult patients.

The Management of the Paranasal Sinus Osteomas.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoma is the most common benign tumor of the paranasal sinuses. The clinical characteristics and treatment of this disease remain controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate method of treatment approach according to the features of osteomas. METHODS: Forty-one patients with paranasal sinus osteomas were included in the study. According to the location and the size of tumors, patients were followed up or operated. Surgical treatment was performed via external, endoscopic, or combined approaches for symptomatic patients. Routine physical and radiological evaluations were performed for follow-up in asymptomatic patients. RESULTS: Paranasal sinus osteomas were found most common in frontal sinus (n = 26, 63.4%) followed by ethmoid sinus (n = 10, 24.3%), maxillary sinus (n = 4, 9.7%), and sphenoid sinus (n = 1, 2.4%). Of the patients with frontal sinus osteomas, the endoscopic approach was performed in 11 patients, external approach (osteoplastic flap) in 9, and combined (external + endoscopic) approach in 5 patients. Endoscopic approach was preferred in all patients with ethmoid osteoma. The combination of Caldwell-Luc procedure and endoscopic approach was performed in 1 patient with maxillary sinus osteoma. In 3 patients, who underwent osteoplastic flap technique, mucocele developed in the postoperative period. Partial loss of vision developed postoperatively in 1 patient with a giant ethmoid osteoma. There were no other complications and recurrence in an average of 29 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Paranasal sinus osteomas are rare, slow-growing benign lesions, with potentially serious complications. Main treatment option for sphenoid and ethmoid sinus and other symptomatic osteomas are surgical resection. Radiographic follow-up is necessary for asymptomatic lesions. Selection of surgical resection method depends on tumor location and size. Patients should be observed for recurrence with periodic examination and imaging techniques. Follow-up should be performed at least in 1-year intervals after the surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1c.

Three Cases of Relapsing Polycondritis with Isolated Laryngotracheal Stenosis.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune and inflammatory disease, particularly characterized by recurrent inflammation of the hyaline cartilage. Laryngotracheal involvement in RP is the most serious complication that is observed in 50% of the patients and may lead to a life-threatening condition. The most common cause of death is laryngotracheal stenosis associated with lung infections or severe respiratory insufficiency that may be observed in 10%-50% of the patients. In this study, three RP patients comprising a child with isolated laryngotracheal stenosis have been presented.