International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field. METHODS: In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication. RESULTS: The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention. CONCLUSION: As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses.

Frontal lobe position after single-layer cadaveric dermal matrix repair of large anterior skull base defects.

Objective: Endoscopic repair of large anterior skull base (ASB) defects has excellent results when using multilayered repairs with a nasoseptal flap. However, in extensive intranasal tumors, a nasoseptal flap may not always be available. One alternative option is a flexible single-layer ASB repair. Initial studies indicate low cerebrospinal fluid leak rates with a single-layer repair. However, the level of frontal lobe support, particularly the propensity for a significant inferior displacement of the frontal lobe, is not known. The goal of this study is to determine the frontal lobe position after single-layer acellular dermal allograft repair in large ASB defects. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods: This cohort study compares the frontal lobe position in adults who underwent endoscopic endonasal ASB tumor resection and single-layer cadaveric dermal matrix repair (ASB cohort) with control subjects without intracranial abnormalities (control cohort). The ASB cohort includes subjects with an ASB defect of ≥5 cm anterior/posterior and ≥1.5 cm wide and who had imaging at least 2 months after surgery. The frontal lobe position is measured on sagittal CT/MRI using a reference line from the base of the sella to the nasion. A value of zero indicates that the inferior-most aspect of the frontal lobe is at the level of the nasion-sellar line. A positive value indicates that the frontal lobe is inferior to the nasion-sellar line. The ASB cohort frontal lobe position is compared with the control cohort using the Mann-Whitney U test. A priori we set an absolute difference of 5 mm as a clinically significant difference. Results: The ASB cohort includes 47 subjects who are 57% male with an average age of 60 years (range: 31-89 years). The most common ASB pathology is esthesioneuroblastoma (n = 21) and 81% of the ASB cohort had postoperative radiation. The control cohort includes 20 subjects who are 60% male, with a mean age of 45 years (range: 19-74 years). The majority of controls underwent imaging for head trauma (n = 13). The ASB mean frontal lobe position is -0.2 mm superior to the nasion-sellar line (range: -9.2 to 10.4 mm), while the control's mean frontal lobe position is 1.1 mm inferior to the nasion-sellar line. This difference is not statistically significant (P = 0.13) and does not reach our a priori definition of clinical significance. The frontal lobe position of ASB subjects who had radiation is closer to the nasion-sellar line as compared with those who did not undergo radiation. Conclusions: Single-layer acellular dermal graft repair maintains frontal lobe support and position in large ASB defects.

Opiate vs non-opiate prescription medication for pain control after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: Research indicates that most providers give opiates after endoscopic sinonasal surgery. The effectiveness of non-opiate medications after sinonasal surgery is poorly understood and most studies do not assess medication failure. This study compares oral opiate, oral opiate and topical steroid, and oral non-opiate pain control. Patient call-backs are used as a proxy for pain medication failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compares three medication regiments after sinonasal surgery for 180 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis. Patients were instructed to take acetaminophen for mild pain. For moderate/severe pain, patients used: 1) oxycodone-acetaminophen, 2) oxycodone-acetaminophen + budesonide nasal rinses, or 3) meloxicam + acetaminophen. Patients were instructed to call clinic if pain was not controlled. Descriptive statistics compared cohorts. Chi-square tests compared call-backs between cohorts. Logistic regression adjusted for baseline differences in covariates, comorbidities, and operative sites. RESULTS: Cohorts had similar age, sex distribution, disease features, and extent of surgery. The meloxicam cohort had less subjects with pain disorders. The oxycodone cohort had less subjects with diabetes, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction. After adjusting for baseline differences and using oxycodone as the reference group (n = 50), the odds of calling clinic for poorly controlled pain was 0.18 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.05-0.6) in the meloxicam cohort (n = 45) and 0.19 (95% CI:0.07-0.5) in the oxycodone + budesonide rinses cohort (n = 85). CONCLUSION: In this study, both meloxicam and oxycodone + budesonide rinses were more effective at controlling pain after sinonasal surgery than oxycodone alone.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis Disease Disparity in the South Florida Hispanic Population.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The role of social determinants of health in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is poorly characterized. Limited research examining CRS health disparities indicates that minority status is associated with worse CRS. However, many of these studies are retrospective or performed in populations without substantial ethnic minorities. Rhinologists need to characterize existing CRS disease disparities to develop targeted strategies for improving care in these populations. This prospective study assesses preoperative CRS disease burden in South Florida (SFL) Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients and examines potential factors contributing CRS disease disparities. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: The prospective cohort study included consecutive patients having primary endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS between September 2019 and February 2020 with complete preoperative data. Data were collected in clinic and surgery. Descriptive statistics compare Hispanic and non-Hispanic cohorts. Linear regression adjusts for confounders. Relative risk (RR) compared CRS severity markers. RESULTS: Thirty-eight Hispanic and 56 non-Hispanic patients met inclusion criteria. Age, sex, CT scores, insurance payer, and comorbidities were similar between cohorts. Hispanics presented with worse 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) (55; SD = 18) compared to non-Hispanics (37; SD = 22) (P < .001). Hispanics tended to have a higher risk of severe CRS markers, including nasal polyps RR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.0-5.9), neo-osteogenesis RR = 1.6 (95% CI: 0.5-4.7), extended procedures (i.e., draft III) RR = 2.97 (95% CI: 1.0-9.1), and tissue eosinophilia RR = 1.46 (95% CI: 0.6-3.5). Hispanics reported longer sinonasal symptom duration. CONCLUSIONS: SFL hispanic patients presenting for primary ESS have worse sinonasal disease burden. SFL Hispanics have markers of greater CRS severity and report longer delays before receiving CRS care. These factors may contribute to increased sinonasal disease burden in Hispanic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2659-2665, 2021.

Role of Adjunct Treatments for Idiopathic CSF Leaks After Endoscopic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: A higher incidence of recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks has been reported with idiopathic CSF leaks. A growing number of institutions advocate for routine use of intracranial pressure-lowering adjunct treatments after endoscopic repair. We report our results in a patient cohort in which only symptomatic patients are subjected to further testing and treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal repair of idiopathic CSF rhinorrhea was performed at the University of Miami, Florida, from July 2010 to July 2017. The database was queried for demographical data, surgical details, radiological findings, and postoperative outcomes. Only patients with greater than a 12-month follow-up were included. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent endoscopic repair of an idiopathic CSF leak. Twenty-six (79%) were females, with an average age of entire study population being 48 years. The average body mass index (BMI) of the cohort was 33 kg/m2 , with 89% being overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2 ). The skull base defect was found to be mainly at the cribriform plate (64%) and sphenoid sinus (30%). Endoscopic repair was performed successfully as a single repair in 32 patients (97%). The average follow-up was 47 months. Postoperative adjunct medications were used on four patients (12%) with symptomatic idiopathic intracranial hypertension. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic repair of idiopathic CSF leaks was found to have a high rate of success in our study. Postoperatively, only four patients required additional measures to medically reduce symptomatic intracranial hypertension. Routine postoperative adjunct treatments are unnecessary and may expose patients to adverse long-term side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:41-47, 2021.

Ethical surgical triage of patients with head and neck cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus has serially overtaken our metropolitan hospitals. At peak, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome may outnumber mechanical ventilators. In our Miami Hospital System, COVID-19 cases have multiplied for 4 weeks and elective surgery has been suspended. METHODS: An Otolaryngologic Triage Committee was created to appropriately allocate resources to patients. Hospital ethicists provided support. Our tumor conference screened patients for nonsurgical options. Patients were tested twice for coronavirus before performing urgent contaminated operations. N95 masks and protective equipment were conserved when possible. Patients with low-grade cancers were advised to delay surgery, and other difficult decisions were made. RESULTS: Hundreds of surgeries were canceled. Sixty-five cases screened over 3 weeks are tabulated. Physicians and patients expressed discomfort regarding perceived deviations from standards, but risk of COVID-19 exposure tempered these discussions. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the use of actively managed surgical triage to fairly balance our patient's health with public health concerns.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS). METHODS: Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS: The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated. CONCLUSION: A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Nasolacrimal Duct Management During Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rates of epiphora after transection and marsupialization of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) during endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. INTRODUCTION: The nasolacrimal canal forms part of the medial wall of the maxillary sinus. Transecting the NLD is sometimes necessary for tumor resection or surgical access to maxillary sinus and infratemporal fossa pathology. There is no consensus for the endoscopic management of the NLD when only the duct is transected without involving the nasolacrimal sac. METHODS: Medical records of 29 patients from 2 academic institutions who underwent endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery with transection of the NLD were retrospectively reviewed. Whether the duct was marsupialized or simply transected was recorded, and the postoperative rate of epiphora was calculated. RESULTS: Mean age was 59 years (range, 14-86 years). Mean follow-up was 10.5 months (range, 1-33 months). The NLD was marsupialized in 16 (55%) and simply transected in 13 (45%) patients. Six patients underwent postoperative radiation. No patients in the marsupialization group had epiphora postoperatively, all with Munk score of 0. One patient in the transection group developed postoperative epiphora with Munk score of 1. Pathology included inverted papilloma (8), acute on chronic inflammation (6), B-cell lymphoma (3), juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (2), squamous cell carcinoma (2), Schneiderian papilloma (2), metastatic melanoma (1), HPV-related carcinoma (1), adenocarcinoma (1), benign epithelial cyst (1), adenoid cystic carcinoma (1), and erosive chronic sinusitis without nasal polyposis (1). CONCLUSION: Management after transection of the NLD varies widely. The duct may be simply transected or marsupialized, or a formal dacryocystorhinostomy can be performed. The surgeon must also choose whether to place a stent. Based on our small series and review of the literature, marsupialization or simple transection of the NLD results in a low rate of postoperative epiphora in the setting of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.

Nasal branch of the anterior ethmoid artery: a consistent landmark for a midline approach to the frontal sinus.

BACKGROUND: Frontal sinusotomy can be challenging when significant scarring or distorted anatomy is present. Identifying a reliable anatomic structure, when traditional landmarks or navigation are absent, may assist the surgeon in revision and complicated frontal sinusotomies via a midline approach. We aimed to characterize the anatomic relationship of the nasal branch of the anterior ethmoid artery (NBAEA) to the frontal infundibulum, specifically the first olfactory fili, posterior frontal infundibulum, and anterior cribriform plate. METHODS: Dissection of the NBAEA was carried out in 11 cadaveric heads, resulting in a total of 21 dissections (1 aplastic frontal). Mean with standard deviation and a range were established for 7 relative measurements. RESULTS: The total length of NBAEA cleft when present (mean 2.43 mm), the anterior edge of NBAEA cleft to anterior infundibulum coronal plane (mean 1.71 mm), the posterior edge of NBAEA cleft to posterior infundibulum coronal plane (mean 3.33 mm), the posterior edge of NBAEA cleft to 1st olfactory fili (mean 2.86 mm), and the first olfactory fili to posterior infundibulum coronal plane (mean 0.48 mm) were consistent measurements supporting the use of the NBAEA as a consistent anatomical landmark for the correct surgical coronal trajectory into the midline frontal sinus. CONCLUSION: The NBAEA is a consistent anatomic landmark with minimal intercadaveric and intracadaveric variation. It can be used reliably as a "sentinel artery" notifying the surgeon when one is approaching the first olfactory fili, to determine the correct trajectory into the midline frontal sinus.

Update on the diagnostic considerations for neurogenic nasal and sinus symptoms: A current review suggests adding a possible diagnosis of migraine.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of rhinosinusitis (RS) is one of the leading reasons for prescriptions of antibiotics, although they often fail to provide symptomatic relief. Appropriately diagnosing and treating patients presenting with RS for whom antibiotic therapy has failed or who have normal CT findings is a controversial topic. One explanation is that what these patients are experiencing is misinformation from the trigeminal nerve and autonomic nervous system. Midfacial pain and pressure with rhinorrhea and nasal congestion do not represent an infectious, or even inflammatory, condition within the sinus or nasal cavities, but a mirage that is best treated as a migraine variant. Observations Although there is not enough research to definitively prove this alternate etiology, we are reaching a tipping point where the clinical implications, real-world experience, and evolving literature support this possible alternate etiology. Four key factors support a midfacial migraine that mimics RS: 1) Pathophysiology: current pathophysiology literature offers a model of how migraine attacks could replicate clinical presentations of RS; 2) Clinical presentation: patients with infectious RS and midfacial migraine have similar symptomatic presentation, similar demographics, but poorly correlated radiological information; 3) Diagnosis: clinical studies support the proposition that there are alternative diagnostic tools for distinguishing patients with midfacial migraine; and 4) Prognosis: Select RS patients show significant improvement with migraine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We encourage medical professionals to consider migraine disease as a form of sensory misinformation and as a possible etiology of RS complaints. Clinicians can ask validated questions to determine if possible migraine could be an underlying cause, and there are standard preventative treatments for migraine that could alleviate patient symptoms. Dysfunctional vasomotor activity may be the root of the disturbances, particularly when antibiotic therapy fails and CT findings are discordant with symptoms. Until there is a diagnostic test for migraine, clinicians need to question a patient's self-diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. More research is needed to definitively answer this important question.

Volumetry in the Assessment of Pituitary Adenoma Resection: Endoscopy versus Microscopy.

Background Assessment of the extent of resection after surgical resection of pituitary adenomas is most commonly reported in terms of the presence or absence of residual tumor. A quantitative comparison of volumetric resection between endonasal endoscopy (EE) and microsurgery (MS) has rarely been done. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on a consecutive series of 154 patients with pituitary adenomas treated by the same surgeon at a single institution. We employed volumetric analysis pre- and postoperatively on two cohorts of pituitary adenoma patients treated through MS ( n = 37) versus EE approach ( n = 117). Results Volumetric analysis revealed a higher incidence of complete resection (64.4 vs. 56.8%) and mean volume reduction in the EE cohort (92.7 vs. 88.4%), although not significant. Recurrence rates were significantly lower in the EE group (7.7% vs 24.3%, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis identified that patients with preoperative tumor volumes >1 mL were less likely to recur through EE (7.8 vs. MS: 29.6%; p = 0.0063). A higher incidence of complete resection was also noted in patients with favorable Knosp grades (0-1) (EE: 87.8 vs. MS: 63.2%; p = 0.036). Postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between both techniques. Conclusion Both microscopy and endoscopy are well-tolerated, effective approaches in the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Our series demonstrated that EE may be superior to MS in preventing tumor recurrence and achieving a complete resection in certain subsets of patients. EE provides a slight advantage in tumor control outcomes that may justify the paradigm shift to pure endoscopy at our center.

Significant orbital and intracranial complications from balloon sinus dilation as a stand-alone and powered dissector-assisted procedure.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting millions of people in the United States every year. Balloon sinus dilation is a minimally invasive intervention that was introduced as a possible alternative to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In select patients, balloon dilation has been advocated as a relatively safe procedure with comparable efficacy to traditional ESS. Over the past 12 months, significant intracranial and intraorbital complications have been observed on five patients who underwent balloon sinus dilation as a stand-alone procedure, as well as what could be termed a power dissector-assisted balloon dilation procedure, obviating the need for a wide sinusotomy or any significant ethmoid surgery, which are typically performed to establish anatomical landmarks before the introduction of power instruments into dependent sinus cavities. Laryngoscope, 2455-2459, 2018.

Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies.

The transnasal endoscopic resection of ventral skull base lesions represents a safe and effective method for the surgical management of sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies in carefully selected cases. The goal of surgery is complete removal of all tumor with negative resection margins while maintaining the key oncological principles. Careful selection of cases along with the presence of an experienced surgeon and a fully involved multidisciplinary skull base team trained in the management of ventral skull base neoplasm are essential for excellent outcomes.

Revision Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Refractory chronic rhinosinusitis can be challenging to treat. Initial treatment focuses on medical and nonsurgical treatments. If these treatments fail, revision endoscopic sinus surgery is an option. A plan for revision surgery must address anatomic factors contributing to recurrence. Preoperative imaging and sinonasal endoscopy are systematically reviewed; areas of disease and "danger" zones are identified. Traditional anatomic landmarks are often obscured or absent; thus, a set of consistent landmarks (unchanged despite prior surgery) are used to navigate the revision endoscopic sinus surgery. Wide sinusotomies permit visualization and access to disease intraoperatively. Large sinus openings also facilitate post-operative debridements in clinic, endoscopic disease monitoring, and topical sinus therapy.

Standard Endoscopic Approaches in Frontal Sinus Surgery: Technical Pearls and Approach Selection.

The mainstay of frontal sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis is to achieve and maintain an adequate frontal outflow tract. Using a stepwise approach and identifying critical endoscopic anatomic landmarks, to minimize complications and obtain long-term good endoscopic surgical results, should achieve this. The goal is to relieve the patient's symptoms, restore functional mucociliary flow, achieve a wide frontal sinus ostium and prevent long-term scarring and stenosis. Meticulous dissection and appropriate use of instrumentation and techniques aids in preventing unnecessary damage to normal mucosa while achieving one's goal of an adequate surgical ostium.