Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: a radiological and clinical study.

Aim: to assess radiologically the prevalence of SSCD with its clinical presentations and its relationship with age. Methods: a prospective cohort study carried out on 200 consecutive patients (400 temporal bones). Radiological evaluation was performed using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) with measurement of thickness of bone covering superior semicircular canal (SCC), height and diameter of SSC. Results: Two hundred patients (400 temporal bones) were involved. The mean thickness ± SD, the mean diameter ± SD and the mean height ± SD were 1.38 ± 0.80 mm, 0.94 ± 0.26 mm and 10.91 ± 2.39 mm respectively. The prevalence of SSCD and predehiscence were 1% and 14% respectively. The commonest symptom encountered was autophony (48.3%). When the SSC thickness, diameter and height were compared with the age of patients, statistically significant differences were detected. The highest diameter, lowest height and lowest thickness were found in patients aged from 54 to 72 years. Thickness of bony layer covering SSC was found to be the most validated measurement for differentiation between cases with positive and negative symptoms with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The prevalence of SSCD and predehiscence varied among the studies. Autophony is the commonest symptom usually encountered. The condition is acquired rather than congenital. The thickness of bone covering SCC is the most validated measurement in differentiation between cases with positive and negative symptoms.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: classic versus reversal technique.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hearing outcome and surgical complications between endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective single blinded randomized clinical study carried out on 60 patients with otosclerosis who were randomized into two groups; each containing 30 patients. Patients in group 1 underwent endoscopic classic stapedotomy. Patients in group 2 underwent endoscopic reversal stapedotomy. Both groups were compared as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications. RESULTS: The difference in the hearing outcome between the two groups was statistically non-significant. Post-operative closure of the air bone gap (ABG) within 10 dB was attained in 76.67% and 80% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The differences in the surgical complications between the two studied groups were statistically non-significant. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies are comparable to each other as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications. The authors recommend further studies with relatively larger sample size.

Invasive Fungal Sinusitis in Post COVID-19 Patients: A New Clinical Entity.

OBJECTIVES: Occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with COVID-19 has gained increasing attention in the latest studies. Yet, description of acute invasive fungal sinusitis with its management in those patients is still scarce. This study aims to describe this recently increasing clinical entity in relation to COVID-19 patients. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal prospective study. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study included patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis after a recent COVID-19 infection. Antifungal agents given included amphotericin B, voriconazole, and/or posaconazole. Surgical treatment was restricted to patients with PCR negative results for COVID-19. Endoscopic, open, and combined approaches were utilized to eradicate infection. Follow-up for survived patients was maintained regularly for the first postoperative month. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients with a mean age of 52.92 ± 11.30 years old were included. Most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus (27.8%). Mycological analysis revealed infection with Mucor and Aspergillus species in 77.8% and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Sino-nasal, orbital, cerebral, and palatine involvement was found in 100%, 80.6%, 27.8%, and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The most common reported symptoms and signs are facial pain (75%), facial numbness (66.7%), ophthalmoplegia, and visual loss (63.9%). All patients were treated simultaneously by surgical debridement with antifungal medications except for two patients with PCR-positive swab for COVID-19. These two patients received antifungal therapy alone. Overall survival rate was 63.89% (23/36). CONCLUSION: Clinical suspicion of acute invasive fungal sinusitis among COVID-19 patients and early management with antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is essential for better outcomes and higher survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2652-2658, 2021.

The impact of bolgerization versus partial resection of the middle turbinate on frontal sinusotomy patency outcome: A randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of middle turbinate resection vs bolgerization on the incidence of middle meatus synechia and their prognostic value on the patency outcomes after frontal sinusotomy. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary centre hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-eight patients undergoing bilateral frontal sinusotomy for chronic frontal sinusitis were included. Partial middle turbinate resection was alternated with bolgerization in both nasal cavities of every patient. The Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores (LKESs) for both sides were compared at the first, third and sixth months postoperatively. Middle meatus synechia was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS). Sinus patency was assessed at the end of the sixth month using a 70° nasal endoscope. RESULTS: The sinus patency outcome was significantly higher in the resected group (34\38) than the bolgerized group (26\38), (P = .047*). The VAS scores suggested that the middle turbinate bolgerization group showed a significantly higher incidence of middle meatal synechia than the partial middle turbinate resection group (4.47 ± 2.617 vs 3.29 ± 2.301; P = .040*). CONCLUSION: Middle turbinate resection showed more favourable results than bolgerization concerning the sinus patency outcome after frontal sinusotomy. It also showed a lower incidence of middle meatus synechia postoperatively.

Comparison between the endoscopic scores of bolgerization versus partial resection of the middle turbinate for management of the postoperative lateralization in the early follow-up period after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Frontal sinusotomy is a challenging procedure that needs meticulous handling due to its unique anatomical position. Postoperative middle turbinate lateralization is critical comorbidity for the success rate, and many techniques are adopted to prevent it. The study aimed to compare the effect of middle turbinate bolgerization and partial resection on the postoperative endoscopic scores and assess their impact on the middle meatus and the frontal recess outcome. PATIENT AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on forty-one patients undergoing bilateral frontal sinusotomy for chronic frontal sinusitis. Nasal cavities were randomized so that partial middle turbinate resection technique was done alternately with bolgerization approach in every patient. Each participant acted as their control. Both sides were compared using Lund Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES) and Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy Score (POSE) at the baseline, 1st, 3rd, and 12th-month intervals postoperatively. Also, middle turbinate status was assessed at the end of the 12th-month interval using POSE score. RESULTS: The total frontal sinus patency rate was 82.9% (63/76 operated sinus). Baseline scores, LKES (3.79 ± 0.777 vs 4.05 ± 0.769, p = 0.142, for the side of resection and the side for bolgerization respectively) and POSE (1.79 ± 0.413 vs 1.82 ± 0.393, p = 0.777, for the side of resection and the side for bolgerization respectively). Regarding LKES, the differences between both operated sides were fluctuating with p values: 0.001*, 0.171, and 0.044* for the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months follow-up intervals, respectively. Regarding the POSE score of the frontal sinus, the difference between both groups was steadily increasing with p values: 0.318, 0.119, and 0.017* for the 1st, 3rd, and 12th months follow-up intervals. The middle turbinate's POSE score at the 12th month was significantly higher in the side allocated for bolgerization (p-value = 0.008*). CONCLUSION: Partial middle turbinate resection showed favorable endoscopic outcomes than bolgerization at the 12th month follow up period in patients undergoing primary ESS for chronic frontal sinusitis.

The preoperative radiological findings associated with failure of frontal sinusotomy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the association between the preoperative CT findings and the patency outcome of the frontal sinus after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy in the early follow-up period. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary hospital centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study measures the association between the frontal sinusotomy outcome and the standard preoperative radiological scores, including Harvard, Kennedy and Lund-Mackay. It also measures the impact of the degree of sinus mucosal thickness on the outcome. Furthermore, it measures the effect of the anteroposterior lengths of both the frontal sinus ostium and the frontal recess on postoperative frontal sinus patency. RESULTS: Harvard, Kennedy and modified Lund-Mackay scores showed no evidence of association with the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome (P-values .397, .487 and .501), respectively. Still, the Lund-Mackay score showed a negative correlation with symptom improvement. Sinuses with a high-grade mucosal thickness on CT scan were associated with high failure rates (P-value: .009*). The anteroposterior length of the frontal sinus ostium significantly affects the outcome (P-value: .001*). In contrast, there was no association between the anteroposterior length of the frontal recess and the outcome (P-value: .965). CONCLUSION: The Harvard, Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores could not predict the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome. Failed cases were associated with advanced degrees of mucosal pathology in the preoperative CT scan. Sinuses ostia with anteroposterior diameters less than 5.36 mm showed more susceptibility for sinus restenosis postoperatively. The variability of the anteroposterior length of the frontal recess did not affect the surgical outcome.

The prognostic variables affecting the frontal sinusotomy patency outcome and how to manage: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the factors affecting the frontal sinus patency after endoscopic frontal sinusotomy. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary centre hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fifty patients with refractory chronic frontal sinusitis (83 operated frontal sinuses) had frontal sinusotomy and followed up for six months. Multiple operative factors were included the type of the procedure, intraoperative sinus findings, degree of mucosal preservation and middle turbinate stability. Other factors were also assessed, including smoking, the presence of allergic rhinitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux and other associated medical comorbidities. RESULTS: The sinus patency success rate was 75.9%. There was a significant difference regarding the intraoperative anteroposterior sinus ostium diameter (5.36 ± 1.45 mm vs 8.88 ± 2.38 mm, P-value: .001* in the failed group and the success group, respectively). There was a significant association between the patency outcome and the presence of associated medical comorbidities (P-value: .001*), the presence of allergic rhinitis (P-value: .001*), the degree of sinus mucosal preservation (P-value: .012*) and the degree of middle turbinate stability (P-value: .001*). The multivariate analysis showed that the intraoperative anteroposterior diameter of the sinus ostium, middle turbinate stability and presence of allergic rhinitis were significant predictors (P-value: .012*, .042* and .013*, respectively). CONCLUSION: Sinuses with anteroposterior ostium diameters less than 5.36 mm are more susceptible to restenosis. The flail middle turbinate increases the risk of postoperative middle meatus synechia and frontal sinus patency failure. The presence of allergic rhinitis has a negative impact on the patency outcome.

Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine versus Propofol in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Resection.

Background: Dexmedetomidine is associated with good perioperative hemodynamics together with decreased opioid requirements. Furthermore, propofol has been used to achieve hypotensive anesthesia as a part of total intravenous anesthesia. Aims: This study was performed to compare dexmedetomidine and propofol on the adequacy of hypotensive anesthesia during transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors. Patients and Methods: A total of 110 cases were included in this prospective randomized study. They were randomized into two equal groups; Group D commenced on Dexmedetomidine, and Group P, which received propofol. Comparing intraoperative hemodynamic parameters and the Boezaart Bleeding Scale was our primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included isoflurane and propranolol consumption, recovery, postoperative analgesic profile. Statistical Analysis: IBM's SPSS Statistics (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for Windows (version 25, 2017) was used for the statistical analysis of the collected data. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normality of the data distribution. The quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation, whereas the categorical variables were expressed as frequency and percentage. Independent sample t and Mann - Whitney tests were used for the comparison of parametric and nonparametric continuous data, respectively. For pair-wise comparison of data (within-subjects), the follow-up values were compared to their corresponding basal value using the paired samples t-test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. Fisher exact and Chi-square tests were used for inter-group comparison of nominal data using the crosstabs function. Results: Age, gender, body mass index, and systemic comorbidities did not significantly differ between the two groups. Furthermore, heart rate and blood pressure were comparable at baseline, during operation, and after extubation. Boezaart score, blood loss, isoflurane, and propranolol consumption were also comparable between the two groups. Group D expressed significantly longer emergence and extubation times than Group P. Nevertheless, cases in the same group expressed lower Visual Analog Scale values and postoperative analgesic requirements. Conclusion: Although Dexmedetomidine and propofol are associated with comparable intraoperative hemodynamic changes, the former drug appears to be superior regarding pain control, postoperative analgesic requirement.

Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Staging with a Novel Nominal Basis: An 18-Year Study in a Tertiary Center.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a systematic method for anatomic mapping of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) tumors to standardize communication, facilitate surgical planning, and convey prognosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, we performed a retrospective review of radiologic and angiographic data of patients with JNA presenting to the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mansoura University, from 2001 to 2017. All patients underwent angiography with embolization and had >1-year follow-up. Based on frequently involved anatomic sites and factors predictive of prognosis, the NSF-COR staging system (nose/nasopharynx, sinus, fossa-cranium, orbit, residual internal carotid artery supply) was developed to explicitly convey anatomic site of involvement and presence of residual vascularity. We validated the NSF-COR staging system against other systems with Pearson chi-square test based on risk factors and clinical outcomes of blood transfusion volume, recurrence, and JNA resectability. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients met inclusion criteria, where all primary cases (100%) demonstrated nose/nasopharynx involvement, followed by sinus (85.2%), natural fossae (85.2%), intracranial (26%), and orbital involvement (16.7%). These sites, with assessment of residual internal carotid artery vascular supply, were used to develop the NSF-COR anatomically based staging system. The components COR showed significant association with clinical outcomes of blood transfusion and recurrence. Contingency coefficients between the NSF-COR staging system and available staging systems showed significant correlations (P < .05) for prognosis. CONCLUSION: The NSF-COR staging system conveys a communicable anatomic map of JNA tumors that integrates residual vascularity of the tumor and demonstrates strong concordance with current staging systems to assess clinical outcomes.

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin: a new graft material in endoscopic repair of spontaneous CSF leaks.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous CSF leak is a challenging condition, with frequent recurrences following attempted surgical closure. The selection of graft materials depends on the experience of the operating surgeon. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that has currently invaded every surgical specialty. To our knowledge, no previous reports about the use of L-PRF in repair of CSF leak were published. The study was conducted to assess the potential role of L-PRF in spontaneous CSF leaks repair. METHODS: This prospective controlled study was conducted on 40 patients who were randomly divided into 2 groups: In group A, L-PRF was used in addition to another layer, while patients in group B underwent multilayer repair using traditional graft materials. RESULTS: Preoperative HRCT scan showed bony dehiscence (n = 30) and opacity in a nearby sinus (n = 9). MRI findings varied between empty sella in 28 patients, and meningocele in 19 patients. Mean preoperatively measured CSF pressure was 26.6 cm H2O. Cribriform plate was identified as the commonest site of leaks. Multiple skull defects were detected in 2 cases. Failure of repair was found in 3 patients (15%) of group B and 1 patient (5%) of group A, this difference was statistically insignificant (P value = 0.28). Significance correlation between recurrence of CSF leak and elevated intracranial pressure was observed (P value; 0.04). CONCLUSION: L-PRF was found to be a good adjunct material in endoscopic spontaneous CSF leaks repair. It helps in decreasing the number of layers needed for defect closure.

Endoscopic enucleation of large jaw cysts: Promising outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the endoscopic approach for management of large jaw cysts and assess the feasibility of endoscopic enucleation as well as analyze its outcome on a wide scale at Mansoura University Hospital MUH. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was done on 23 consecutive cases presenting with different types of large jaw cysts in the period from January 2013 to July 2016 at ENT Department, Mansoura University Hospital. All patients, (16 maxillary & 7 mandibular) cysts, were managed endoscopically. Follow up ranged from 6 to 48 months. RESULTS: All patients showed complete resolution of their symptoms postoperatively except for 2 maxillary case who didn't undergo an antrostomy and 1 mandibular indicated a second look. CONCLUSION: Large jaw cysts lie at the border line of management options. Resection of the affected segment is a radical option but the most deforming. On the other hand, conservative procedures are prolonged and not definitive. To our knowledge this is the first case series of endoscopic enucleation of large maxillary and mandibular cysts, highlighting its advantages in variable types.

Endoscopic bilateral congenital choanal atresia repair of 112 cases, evolving concept and technical experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present 18 years' experience with endoscopic treatment of bilateral congenital choanal atresia as regard to management concept, surgical technique, results, pitfalls, and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study including 112 cases of bilateral congenital choanal atresia, treated at Mansoura University Hospital endoscopically in the period from January 1998 to March 2015. As far as we know, this is the largest study group on transnasal endoscopic choanal atresia repair in literature. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve infants (87 females, 25 males) were included in the study. Age at operation ranged between 1 day and 28 days (8.75 days in average), and body weight average was 2.76kg. All patients were diagnosed at birth except 3 infants. In this study, 85 cases were mixed atresia, 25 cases were bony atresia, and only two cases were membranous. In all cases, obliterated choana bone and vomer bone was removed, lateral wall drilling was used in 33 cases. Follow up ranged between 6 months and 18 years (95.6 months in average). The most common complication was restenosis, occurred in 42% (47 cases). Second-look procedure was done in 68 cases. The need for second-look evaluation with stent group was 74.5% (62 out of 83 infants), whereas in non-stent group was 20.6% (6 out of 29 infants). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic repair of bilateral choanal atresia is a safe, effective technique with minimal complication. Usage of 30 degree sinuscope permits better visualization and higher accessibility for the surgical instruments. Surgically formed wide single neochoana with removal of all intervening tissue surroundings, and good follow up permit higher success rate without stenting. Advanced learning curve permits tailoring the perfect surgery with minimal tissue injury and better outcome. Post-operative choanal dilatation using esophageal dilators under endoscopic examination decrease the need for stenting and second-look evaluation.

Endoscopic management of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea with septal graft and middle turbinate rotational flap technique: a review of 31 cases.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea poses a major challenge to rhinologists. Much controversy attends its cause, pathophysiology, management, and prognosis. It has been suggested that endoscopic placement of a septal graft with a middle turbinate rotational flap may represent the ideal approach to closing skull base defects. We conducted a retrospective chart review to compile the results of this approach in 31 patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea-22 women and 9 men, aged 18 to 67 years (mean 38.5 ± 8.96) at diagnosis. After one surgery, success had been achieved in 27 of these patients (87.1%). The remaining 4 patients underwent a second surgery, and 2 of them experienced a successful closure. In the remaining 2 patients, a third surgery was still unsuccessful, and they were referred to the neurosurgical team for a shunt procedure. Thus, the overall success rate with the septal graft and a middle turbinate rotational flap was 93.5% (29/31). Septal grafts and middle turbinate flaps are easy to harvest and easy to place. Accurate localization of the defect, meticulous surgical technique, and cerebral dehydrating measures may improve outcomes. Further study of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea to better evaluate its pathophysiology and prognostic factors is warranted.

Single flap with three pedicles, bone paté and split-thickness skin graft for immediate mastoid obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Our objective was to evaluate single flap with three pedicles, bone paté and split-thickness skin graft for mastoid cavity obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomy done for chronic suppurative otitis media and its efficacy in producing a small and dry mastoid cavity. Over a period of 7 years (2003-2010), 100 consecutive procedures in 100 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media were performed at the Mansoura University Hospital (Egypt) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12-72 months). All patients had canal wall down mastoidectomy with simultaneous tympanoplasty. Anteriorly, inferiorly and superiorly pedicled periosteal flap, which was covered by split-thickness skin graft, was used in conjunction with autologous bone paté to obliterate the mastoid cavity. Postoperative evaluation was done based on certain criteria and grading system from 0 to 3. Grade 0 is considered perfect, grade 3 represents failure and grade 1 and 2 are adequate but not perfect. The summation of grade "0" (perfect dry) and grade "1" (adequate dry) was 88, 95, 97.23 and 98.44% after follow-up periods of 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, and 100% after 60 and 72 months. Periosteal flap based on three pedicles (anterior, inferior and superior) covering the bone paté is simple, perfect and adequate for obliteration of mastoid cavity after canal wall down mastoidectomy. Split-thickness skin graft is important to hasten the epithelialization that helps to obtain a dry cavity. The use of local tissues saves costs and avoids complications from the synthetic materials.

Endoscopic cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery in pediatric intractable posterior epistaxis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rule of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization in posterior intractable epistaxis in pediatric age group as regard technical difficulty, efficacy, and safety in children. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2011, 7 children (4 male, 3 female) with idiopathic intractable posterior epistaxis, patients' age ranged from 8 to 14 years (10.7 average). All patients underwent preoperative laboratory investigations to exclude bleeding or coagulation disorders and CT paranasal sinus. All patients underwent endoscopic sphenopalatine artery cauterization (7 procedures for 7 patients, 5 were in the right side and 2 were in the left side). RESULTS: postoperative evaluation showed no recurrence for epistaxis during the post operative follow up period. Also, no complications were found. The average follow up period was 17.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cauterization of sphenopalatine artery in pediatric age group was effective and safe technique providing that the surgeon has a good experience regarding pediatric endoscopic sinonasal anatomy. Minimal endoscopic technique in this age group is important to avoid unnecessary operative and postoperative complications. Avoid excessive cauterization to lateral nasal wall in this technique is crucial to avoid unexpected nerve injury or tissue necrosis.

Choanal adenoid in adults with persistent nasal symptoms: endoscopic management to avoid misdiagnosis and unsuccessful surgeries.

Our objective was to confirm the necessity of nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of choanal adenoid in adult patients with persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections that may lead to repeated unsuccessful medical and surgical procedures. We present a series of 64 adult patients (18-37 years: 40 males, 24 females). All patients had persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections. There was history of repeated medical and surgical unsuccessful procedures. Choanal adenoid was confirmed by nasal endoscopy and CT scanning. Absence of adenoid tissues in the nasopharynx was confirmed in all cases. Surgical removal of choanal adenoids was undertaken in all cases endoscopically. Some other surgical procedures like straightening of a deviated septum or reduction of a hypertrophied turbinate were undertaken in some indicated cases. Most of the cases experienced complete relief from obstruction and return of a patent nasal airway, and improvement of associated complaints such as dry mouth and persistent cough. A thorough review of this phenomenon and its clinical relevance, and methods of diagnosis and management are presented. We recommend a thorough nasal endoscopy as a routine in cases of persistent nasal obstruction even in the presence of an apparent cause of obstruction.

Migrating laryngeal foreign body.

We report the case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with a 2-month history of stridor and respiratory difficulty, preceded 1 month earlier by dry cough. The evaluation before admission revealed glottic narrowing due to diffuse inflammatory changes. On examination, the patient was seen to have biphasic stridor and respiratory distress with diminished breath sounds throughout both lung fields. Laryngoscopy revealed multiple polyps and granulation tissue causing marked laryngeal narrowing. No foreign body was detected in the larynx. Elective tracheostomy was performed before proceeding to bronchoscopy. The latter procedure revealed a foreign body in the left main bronchus. One week after the foreign body extraction, repeat bronchoscopy revealed nearly total disappearance of polyps and granulation tissues. The tracheostomy tube was removed and the patient recovered uneventfully. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of stridor caused by a migrating laryngeal foreign body. A thorough endobronchial examination should be carried out in patients with unexplained laryngeal polyps and granulation tissue.

Endoscopic repair of bilateral congenital choanal atresia.

OBJECTIVE: The literature about endoscopic repair of bilateral choanal atresia is scarce. The advantages and difficulties encountered with this technique are discussed. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series in a tertiary care center. METHODS: Nine infants with bilateral choanal atresia underwent transnasal endoscopic repair. On computed tomography scans, six had mixed atresia and three had bony atresia. Extra-long burrs, ear curettes, and dissectors all have been used with 4- and 2-mm, 0 degrees telescopes. The neochoana has been stented for 5 to 8 weeks. All cases were examined with the endoscope on removal of the stent; any granulation or polyps were removed at that time. RESULTS: Five cases remained patent after removal of stenting. Two patients required revision surgery because of repeat stenosis; one case remained patent and the other had repeat stenosis on one side. One infant died because of unrelated medical problems that occurred later. In one case the atretic tissue was thick, and the procedure was stopped because of bleeding; the infant died in the postoperative period after resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Careful review of the computed tomography scan and experience with endoscopic nasal surgery makes the transnasal endoscopic treatment a safe and effective approach for managing bilateral choanal atresia.