Significance of Medial Osteotomy on the Olfactory Function in Patients Who Underwent Septorhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the impact of medial osteotomy on olfactory function. METHODS: This nonrandomized, prospective study included 60 adult patients who underwent open technique septoplasty (group 1), rhinoplasty with only lateral osteotomy (group 2), and septorhinoplasty with medial and lateral osteotomies (group 3). Olfactory functions were evaluated by using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) olfactory test. The CCCRC test includes the butanol threshold test and smell identification test using common smells. The butanol threshold test and smell identification test scores of each group were recorded preoperatively and at 1st and 4th months and compared. RESULTS: Each group is consisted of 20 patients. The preoperative smell identification test and butanol threshold test scores were similar in each group. The smell identification test, butanol threshold test, and CCCRC olfactory test scores of the 1st month were statistically significantly low in group 3. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at 4th month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first analysis of the effect of medial osteotomy on olfactory function. Medial osteotomy may decrease the olfactory function in early time, but afterwards olfaction could recover at preoperative levels.

Does Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Cause Systemic Microvascular Dysfunction?

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) secondary to adenoid hypertrophy causes systemic microvascular dysfunction. This is a prospective single-blinded case-control study. As the patient group, 81 patients diagnosed to have OSAS secondary to adenoid hypertrophy at our hospital between January 2016 and May 2016; as the control group, 26 healthy pediatric volunteers who presented to the hospital for health screening were included in this study. Three groups of OSAS patients were defined as mild, moderate, and severe respectively, according to the lateral nasopharynx x-ray. Patients with comorbid diseases were excluded from the study. For microvascular dysfunction, videocapillaroscopic evaluation was performed at the nailfold and capillary density (CD) and postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) values were measured and statistical analysis between the groups was performed. The duration of complaints in all patients with OSAS was at least 6 months and <1 year. CD measurement in the control group and mild, moderate, and severe OSAS group was 94.1 ±â€Š7.9, 96.9 ±â€Š11, 94.7 ±â€Š8.4, and 93.7 ±â€Š9.4, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). PORH measurement in the control group and mild, moderate, and severe OSAS group was 95.6 ±â€Š8.6, 97.9 ±â€Š10.1, 96 ±â€Š8.7, and 93.9 ±â€Š9.3, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). OSAS secondary to adenoid hypertrophy in pediatric patients was demonstrated to cause no dysfunction in microvascular circulation and carried no cardiovascular risk in the early period.

Is corticosteroid a treatment choice for the management of peritonsillar abscess?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the single systemic use of corticosteroid following drainage procedure in patients with peritonsillar abscess (PTA). METHODS: This retrospective case-control trial included 32 patients with the diagnosis of PTA between December 2013 and January 2016 in our clinic. Patients were divided into two groups based on the approaches of two authors for the treatment after PTA drainage. The study group included the patients treated with single dose systemic corticosteroid after PTA drainage. Other patients who had no corticosteroid treatment were in the control group. Two groups were compared based on time to oral intake, grade of trismus, pain severity and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between two groups were observed in terms of time to oral intake, grade of trismus, pain severity and length of hospitalization. The degree of trismus and pain severity significantly decreased in study group comparing to control group at the end of the first day. This difference disappeared at Day 7. Time to oral intake and the duration of hospitalization were shorter in the study group than in control group. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid treatment following drainage procedure in patients with peritonsillar abscess improves pain severity and trismus thus it decreases time to oral intake and duration of hospitalization.

Vit D deficiency is a possible risk factor in ARS.

Vitamin D deficiency is effective in the development of acute rhinosinusitis and prolongation of inflammation by increasing inflammation in the sinonasal epithelium. Vitamin D deficiency is important in the development of bone barriers that prevent the complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Although Vitamin D levels may be a variable risk factor for various respiratory tract disorders, there are limited data on the role in sinonasal infections. Our aim was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and preseptal cellulitis complications. The type of the study is prospective case-control study. Fifteen patients in the pediatric age group with ARS-induced preseptal cellulitis complication were identified as Group 1, fifteen patients with ARS and without complication were identified as Group 2, and fifteen healthy volunteers were identified as Group 3. Serum 25OHD levels (nmol/l) were measured in addition to routine blood tests at the first admission of patients participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed between groups. The ages of the cases ranged from 1 to 14 years with a mean of 5.62 ± 3.42 years. 55.6% of the cases (n = 25) were male; 44.4% (n = 20) were female children. As a result of classification in which vitamin D levels were compared with normal values, there was a statistically significant difference according to the presence of ARS (Group-1 and Group 2) and absence of ARS (Group-3) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between Group 1 and Group-3 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 suggests that lack of vitamin D predisposes to the complication of preseptal cellulitis. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 with Group 3 (normal subjects) suggests that Vit D has a protective effect against developing sinusitis.

The Predictive Value of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio for the Effusion Viscosity in Otitis Media With Chronic Effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the authors' study was to investigate the predictive value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte rate (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte rate (PLR) in otitis media with effusion and the correlation of the effusion type with these ratios. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six pediatric patients diagnosed otitis media with chronic effusion and had ventilation tube inserted between October 2015 and July 2016 were included in the study group and 124 healthy children, who applied for the routine examination and had blood count analysis, were included in the control group. The patients in the study group were divided into 2 groups regarding the effusion viscosity, which was obtained from the patients' operation files. Seventy-one patients were included in the serous group and 55 patients in the mucous group. The NLR and PLR rates of the groups were compared and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The average NLR and PLR rates were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.000, P = 0.004 respectively). Comparison of the serous and mucous groups with the control group revealed a significant difference between the control group and the serous group regarding the NLR and PLR (P = 0.000; P = 0.000 respectively), but not between the control group and mucous group (P = 0.694; P = 0.691 respectively). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil-lymphocyte rate and PLR had a predictive value for otitis media with effusion and additionally it was a laboratory indicator supporting the typing of the viscosity of the fluid accumulated in the middle ear.

Retropharyngeal Abscess Presenting With Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is the second most common deep neck space infection after peritonsiller abscess in pediatric population. Major signs and symptoms on physical examination include fever, hypersalivation, odynophagia, reduced oral intake, sore throat, swelling on the neck, torticollis, limitation in neck mobility, and voice changes. In this paper, the authors present a case of RPA with unusual and interesting presenting symptoms in a 10-month-old infant that exhibit new-onset and worsening snoring and sleep apnea. The purposes of this manuscript are to present the authors' experience with this patient, to emphasize the diagnosis, clinical course, and management of RPA in infants, also to signify the importance of including RPA in the differential diagnosis of patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

Diagnostic value of repeated Dix-Hallpike and roll maneuvers in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. The Dix-Hallpike and Roll maneuvers are used to diagnose BPPV. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of repeated Dix-Hallpike and Roll maneuvers in BPPV. METHODS: We performed Dix-Hallpike and roll maneuvers in patients who admitted with peripheral vertigo anamnesis and met our criteria. The present study consists of 207 patients ranging in age from 16 to 70 (52.67±10.67). We conducted the same maneuvers sequentially one more time in patients with negative results. We detected patients who had negative results in first maneuver and later developed symptom and nystagmus. We evaluated post-treatment success and patient satisfaction by performing Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at first admittance and two weeks after treatment in all patients with BPPV. RESULTS: Of a total of 207 patients, we diagnosed 139 in first maneuver. We diagnosed 28 more patients in sequentially performed maneuvers. The remaining 40 patients were referred to imaging. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment DHI scores in patients with BPPV (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Performing the diagnostic maneuvers only one more time in vertigo patients in the first clinical evaluation increases the diagnosis success in BPPV. Canalith repositioning maneuvers are effective and satisfactory treatment methods in BPPV.

Is the Monocyte/HDL Ratio a Prognostic Marker of Idiopathic Sudden Hearing Loss?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, our aim was to investigate whether Monocyte/HDL ratio is a marker of the prognosis of the idiopathic sudden hearing loss (ISHL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 patients, who were diagnosed with idiopathic sudden hearing loss and were treated with the same therapy regime and 47 healthy volunteers, who applied to the hospital for routine controls and had audiological and laboratory examination between March 2014 and December 2015, were included in the study. Monocyte/HDL ratios of the patients in the study and control groups were calculated from the results of the blood counts and biochemical analysis. Additionally, the study group was divided into two sub-groups regarding their responses (responders and non-responders) to the treatment determined by the audiological examination, which was carried out after 3 months according to the Siegel criteria. The Monocyte/HDL ratios between the groups were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the MHRs of the study and control groups (p=0.574). However, the MHR was significantly higher in the non-responders? group compared with the responders? group, although they were treated with the same therapy regimen (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in MHRs between study and control groups. However, as MHR was higher in the patients with good prognosis compared with the patients with bad prognosis, we believe that regarding the ISHL, MHR is not a predictive value but might have prognostic marker.

Acute Palatal Perforation and Peroperative Repair Method During Septoplasty Operation.

Septoplasty is a frequent and relatively low-risk procedure in otolaryngology practice. Palatal perforation complication is very rare in the literature and only a few patients have been reported. In this clinical report, a patient with palatal perforation that has been developed and noticed during the septoplasty operation with no anatomical abnormality and alternative repair method are reported with video of the procedure.

Two-level septocolumellar suture technique for correction of septal caudal dislocation / Técnica de sutura septocolumelar em dois níveis para correção de desvio septal caudal

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Caudal septal dislocation is a respiratory and cosmetic problem. The correction of caudal septal dislocation is a challenging issue. Although different modalities have been described for the treatment, it is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe a two-level suture technique which can be used to correct and stabilize the septum in the columellar pocket. METHODS: The caudal septum was fixed to the nasal spine with suturing, and an anterior columellar pocket was formed. Two septocolumellar sutures including superior and inferior were performed to correct the dislocated caudal septum and to increase the stability of caudal septum in the columellar pocket. RESULTS: Anterior rhinoscopy showed no recurrent deviation or dislocation in our patients. CONCLUSION: Our suture technique is an effective and easy-to-use method to correct the caudal septal dislocation. It can also be used to increase the stability of corrected septum by other techniques. A two-level suture technique increases the success of correction and reduces the risk of postoperative septal caudal luxation, stabilizing the superior portion of the caudal septum, in particular. Therefore, it would reduce the rate of redo surgeries.

Resumo Introdução: O desvio septal caudal é um problema respiratório e estético, e a sua correção é tarefa desafiadora. Embora tenham sido descritas diferentes modalidades para o tratamento, esse é ainda um tópico controverso. Objetivos: O presente estudo objetivou descrever uma técnica de sutura em dois níveis, que pode ser empregada na correção e estabilização do septo na bolsa columelar. Método: O septo caudal foi fixado à espinha nasal com suturas, após a realização de uma bolsa columelar anterior. Duas suturas septocolumelares, superior e inferior, foram aplicadas para a correção do desvio septal caudal e, também, para maior estabilidade do septo caudal na bolsa columelar. Resultados: Rinoscopia anterior não resultou em recorrência do desvio ou luxação em nossos pacientes. Conclusão: Nossa técnica de sutura é um método efetivo e de fácil uso para a correção do desvio septal caudal. A técnica também pode ser utilizada para aumentar a estabilidade de septos corrigidos por outras técnicas. A técnica de sutura em dois níveis aumenta o sucesso da correção e diminui o risco de luxação septal caudal, estabilizando, em particular, a parte superior do septo caudal. Portanto, nossa técnica diminui o percentual de reoperações.

Assessment of inferior turbinate radiofrequency treatment: Monopolar versus bipolar.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the early results of monopolar (MP) and bipolar (BP) radiofrequency (RF) used in inferior turbinate hypertrophy treatment concerning aspects of patient and surgeon comfort. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized single-blind study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 71 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy resistant to medical treatment. BP RF was applied to 36 patients. MP RF was applied to 35 patients. Patients received no other treatment during their 6 months of follow-up examinations. They were evaluated by their symptoms (nasal obstruction severity, nasal obstruction frequency, postnasal drip, nasal crusting, hyposmia, patient satisfaction, and preoperative pain) with a visual analogue scale (VAS) done preoperatively on the 1st and 7th days and then in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed comparing the symptoms of patients after BP and MP inferior turbinate RF in long-term follow-up, whereas patients treated with MP RF showed early improvement in their symptoms on the 1st and 7th days postoperatively when compared to the BP group. The application time of MP RF was longer than that of the BP group. Pain during the operation was reported more frequently in the BP group. CONCLUSION: MP and BP RF treatment showed no difference in long-term efficacy. However, MP RF therapy showed early improvement in symptoms and less pain in patients than in the BP RF group.

Comparison of temporalis fascia muscle and full-thickness cartilage grafts in type 1 pediatric tympanoplasties.

INTRODUCTION: Various graft materials have been used to close tympanic membrane perforations. In the literature, there are few studies in pediatric populations comparing different graft materials. To our knowledge, there is no reported study that measured the thickness of the tragal cartilage in pediatric tympanoplasties. The tragal cartilage is not of uniform thickness in every patient. OBJECTIVE: To compare anatomical and functional outcomes of temporalis fascia muscle and full-thickness tragal cartilage in type 1 pediatric tympanoplasties. METHODS: In total, 78 patients (38 males, 40 females; average age 10.02±1.98 years; range, 7-18 years) who underwent type 1 tympanoplasties in our clinic were included. Demographics, anatomical, and functional outcomes were collected. Temporalis fascia muscle and tragal cartilage were used as graft materials. Tragal cartilage was used without thinning, and the thickness of tragal cartilage was measured using a micrometer. Anatomical and functional outcomes of cartilage and fascia were compared. Audiometric results comparing the cartilage and fascia groups were conducted at 6 months, and we continued to follow the patients to 1 year after surgery. An intact graft and an air-bone gap≤20dB were regarded as a surgical success. Results with a p-value<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The graft success rate was 92.1% for the cartilage group compared with 65.0% for the temporal fascia group. In the fascia group, the preoperative air-bone gap was 33.68±11.44 dB and postoperative air-bone gap was 24.25±12.68dB. In the cartilage group, the preoperative air-bone gap was 35.68±12.94dB and postoperative air-bone gap was 26.11±12.87dB. The anatomical success rate in the cartilage group was significantly better than that for the fascia group (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in functional outcomes between the fascia and cartilage groups (p>0.05). The average thickness of tragal cartilage in the pediatric population was 0.693±0.094mm in males and 0.687±0.058 mm in females. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the anatomical success rate for a cartilage tympanoplasty was higher than for a fascia tympanoplasty. Functional results with cartilage were not different than with fascia, even though we did not thin the tragal cartilage. However, further studies should focus on the interaction between the thickness of the tragal cartilage and the tympanoplasty success rate.

Two-level septocolumellar suture technique for correction of septal caudal dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Caudal septal dislocation is a respiratory and cosmetic problem. The correction of caudal septal dislocation is a challenging issue. Although different modalities have been described for the treatment, it is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe a two-level suture technique which can be used to correct and stabilize the septum in the columellar pocket. METHODS: The caudal septum was fixed to the nasal spine with suturing, and an anterior columellar pocket was formed. Two septocolumellar sutures including superior and inferior were performed to correct the dislocated caudal septum and to increase the stability of caudal septum in the columellar pocket. RESULTS: Anterior rhinoscopy showed no recurrent deviation or dislocation in our patients. CONCLUSION: Our suture technique is an effective and easy-to-use method to correct the caudal septal dislocation. It can also be used to increase the stability of corrected septum by other techniques. A two-level suture technique increases the success of correction and reduces the risk of postoperative septal caudal luxation, stabilizing the superior portion of the caudal septum, in particular. Therefore, it would reduce the rate of redo surgeries.

Comparative assessment of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency surgery of inferior turbinate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare early outcomes of monopolar (MP) and bipolar (BP) radiofrequency (RF) treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy from the perspective of both the patient and the surgeon. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blind study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy resistant to medical treatment. BP RF was used in 36 patients and MP RF in 35 patients, respectively. Patients received no other treatment during a 6-month follow-up. They were evaluated for symptoms such as nasal obstruction severity, nasal obstruction frequency, postnasal drip, nasal crusting, hyposmia, patient satisfaction, and preoperative pain with the use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) before surgery and then 1 and 7 days as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed regarding symptoms of patients after BP and MP inferior turbinate RF surgery in a long-term follow-up. Patients treated with MP RF showed early symptom improvement on days 1 and 7 days after surgery compared to the BP group. Procedure duration of MP RF was longer than that of BP RF. Pain during surgery was reported more frequently in the BP group. CONCLUSION: MP and BP RF treatment showed no difference in long-term efficacy. However, MP RF therapy was associated with early symptom improvement and less pain reported by patients in comparison to the BP RF group.