Huge Lipoma of Left Parotid Region with Intra-Parotid Extension.

Lipoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor originating from adipose tissue. The occurrence of this tumor in head and neck is less frequent and it rarely involves parotid gland. These are asymptomatic and occur both in the deep and the superficial lobe of the parotid. The most favored age group is from the fifth to sixth decade of life and is 10 times more common in the males. A 66-year-old male patient, with left parotid region lipoma is reported in this article. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy and ultrasonography were performed to establish the preoperative diagnosis and to plan the correct surgical approach. It was managed by surgical excision of lipoma with removal of cuff of superficial parotid tissue on superior aspect with preserving facial nerve. Follow-up examinations were planned to assess any facial nerve injury complications.

Comparison of Surgical Outcome of Bipolar Scissors with Conventional Cold Dissection Tonsillectomy.

Background The tonsillectomy is the most common Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgical procedure. Different methods have been used to improve the outcome of the surgery. One such method is tonsillectomy performed with bipolar scissors. In our scenario, the comparison of bipolar scissors tonsillectomy with conventional cold dissection has not been done. Objective To compare the surgical outcomes of bipolar scissors tonsillectomy and conventional cold dissection tonsillectomy. Method A prospective randomized study was conducted in 40 patients who underwent tonsillectomy on one side using bipolar scissors and on the other side using conventional cold dissection. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative pain, and postoperative hemorrhage were all analyzed in both surgical techniques. Result The median operative time was 10 minutes for bipolar scissors compared with 12 minutes for conventional cold dissection, with a p-value of 0.390 which was not statistically significant. The median blood loss was 48 mL on the bipolar scissors side and 60 mL on the conventional cold dissection side, with a p-value of 0.232 which was also not statistically significant. The overall postoperative hemorrhage rate was 12.5%. Of these, 4 (10%) occurred on the bipolar scissors side (left side mainly) and 1 (2.5%) on the conventional cold dissection side (also left side), with a p-value of 0.002 which was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain scores between the two methods in both rest and swallowing (p > 0.05). Conclusion The bipolar scissors did not show any benefit over conventional cold dissection in terms of surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, or postoperative pain. However, postoperative hemorrhage was more common with bipolar scissors. Therefore, conventional cold dissection remains a safe technique for tonsillectomy in adult patients.

Intraglandular Foreign Body - Unusual Aetiology of Submandibular Gland Sialadenitis.

Obstructive sialadenitis of submandibular gland is commonly due to sialoliths and strictures in the Wharton's duct. Other endogenous pathologies include mucous plugs and polyps. Foreign bodies of Wharton's duct and submandibular gland are rare. Retrograde migration of foreign bodies via ductal orifice, traversing the ductal system to its final intraglandular location is an even rare entity. These often present with painful swelling of the gland and at times with a purulent sialitis. Diagnostic modalities include plain radiography, ultrasonography, sialography, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment includes antibiotics, incision and drainage of abscess, and removal of foreign body either surgically (intra-oral approach or sialadenectomy) or more recently via sialoendoscopy. This is a case report of 30 years male with accidental cannulation of Wharton's duct with grass that eventually got lodged in the deep lobe of the gland, and was managed with sialadenectomy.

Dhulikhel Hospital Checklist Protocol for Temporal Bone Computed Tomography Scan Analysis: How We Do It?

The temporal bone is very complicated anatomical structure. Any disease process within this structure mandates thorough anatomical knowledge of the corresponding structure. The High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) temporal bone is the best way to look inside this complex bone. The importance of knowledge about how to read and look inside the CT scan temporal bone lead us develop the Dhulikhel Hospital Check list protocol. This protocol will help aspiring otologist and otolaryngologist to read and know details about the underlying structures.

Comparison of Hearing Result and Graft Uptake Rate between Temporalis Fascia and Tragal Cartilage in Endoscopic Myringoplasty.

Background There are different methods to repair the perforation of the tympanic membrane. Recently cartilage has been used for the repair and results are comparable to temporalis fascia. For surgical procedure endoscope had added good assistance in middle ear surgery. Though the one hand technique the image quality and results are on par with the use of a microscope. Objective To compare the graft uptake rate and hearing results between temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage in endoscopic myringoplasty. Method This is a prospective, longitudinal study conducted among 50 patients who underwent endoscopic myringoplasty using temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage with 25 patients in each group. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre with post-operative ABG (Air bone gap) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (500Hz, 1 KHz, 2 KHz, 4 KHz). The status of graft and hearing results was evaluated on 6 months of follow up in both the groups. Result Out of total 25 patients enrolled for study in both (temporalis fascia and cartilage) groups, 23 (92%) patients in each group had graft uptaken. The audiological gain in the temporalis fascia group was 11.37±0.32 dB whereas in the tragal cartilage group it was 14.56±1.22dB. The audiological gain between the two groups did not show any statistically significant (p = 0.765). However, the pre and post-operative hearing difference was statistically significant in both temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage group. Conclusion Tragal cartilage has similar graft uptake rate and hearing gain when compared with temporalis fascia in endoscopic myringoplasty. Hence, tragal cartilage can be used for myringoplasty whenever required without any fear of deterioration in hearing.

Endoscopic Ear Surgery in Dhulikhel Hospital: A decade of Experience.

Endoscopic ear surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in Dhulikhel hospital. In the past eleven years, there have been different endoscopic ear surgeries performed with a very good outcome. The main benefit of endoscopic ear surgery is; to let the surgeon see better, proceed with the surgery through the trans-canal, teaching and training of the students. There are some drawbacks of endoscopic ear surgery like the one-handed technique and learning curve. With repeated practice and the help of motion parallax, the trainee can overcome the drawback of the procedure.

Does the Preoperative Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio Associate with Clinic-pathological Characteristics in Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid.

Background Thyroid cancer is associated with local and systemic inflammatory activities. Many systemic inflammatory markers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) had shown credible and independent prognostic biomarkers in different malignant conditions. These markers are easy to reproduce, measure and inexpensive also. So, the preoperative evaluation of NLR and PLR is helpful in evaluating tumor growth and prognosis of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Objective To evaluate the association of pre-operative NLR and PLR with clinic-pathological characteristic in papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Method This was a retrospective study performed in thirty one patients with the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Preoperative NLR and PLR values were correlated with the clinical parameters like age, gender, lymph node metastasis, tumor size and pathological features (e.g., multifocality, bilaterality, extrathyroidal spread). Result There were thirty one patients, amongst which 13 were male and 18 were female. Similarly, the age distribution ranges from 27-68 years. The value of NLR was 2.37±1.09, and the value of PLR was 96.69±49.53.The increase in NLR was associated with increase in tumor size with statistically significant results. Similarly, increase in PLR was associated with increase in tumor size and multifocality with statistically significant results. Conclusion Increase NLR and PLR is associated with lymph node metastasis, extra thyroidal extension, multifocality of tumor and also bilaterality, so the risk can be stratified beforehand with measurement of NLR and PLR.

Multiple Epidermal Inclusion Cysts of Epiglottis.

Epiglottic cysts are benign laryngeal lesions. Though congenital cysts are often life-threatening, they are usually painless and symptomless in adults, or present with slight, though perceptible, interference with either swallowing or speaking or respiration. Early recognition and diagnosis by routine mirror laryngoscopy is advocated. Prompt removal or draining is the treatment. This is a case report of 42-year-old woman with complaints of feeling of something in throat, sleep apnoea and hoarseness, who on routine mirror laryngoscopy was found to have two large cysts arising from the free border of the epiglottis. The final histopathology reported the cysts as epidermal inclusion cysts.

Clinical Profile and Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome using Overnight Polysomnography in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent yet largely under-diagnosed disease that poses a significant burden on the healthcare system. Objective To determine the role of predictors for Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its severity in Nepalese population. Method Prospective and analytical study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery at Kathmandu University Hospital between March 2018 and June 2020. A total of 85 adult patients with Obstructive sleep apnea with an Epworth sleepiness score greater than 10 were included. Overnight polysomnography was done and scoring of sleep associated events were done according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Participants were classified as simple snoring and mild, moderate or severe Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups depending on the Apnea Hypopnea Index values. Relationship of Apnea hypopnea index was analyzed with age, neck circumference, body mass index and Epworth Sleepiness score. Result Simple snoring was seen in 18(21.17%) patients, 14(16.47%) had mild Obstructive sleep apnea, 13(15.29%) had moderate Obstructive sleep apnea, whereas the severe group consisted of 40(47.05%) patients. The minimum Epworth Sleepiness Score was 10 and the maximum was 25. The Apnea hypopnea index correlated positively with Body mass index (p=.010) and Epworth sleepiness score (p <.001). However, Apnea hypopnea index had no association with age (p=.437) and neck circumference (p=.118). Conclusion Health professionals need to be extremely vigilant while examining patients presenting with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Polysomnography is the investigation of choice in the early identification of this treatable disease.

Endoscopic stapes surgery: How I do it?

The use of endoscope in the field of ear surgery has done the revolutionary changes. The optical advantage of endoscope helps the otologist to perform the stapes surgery very conveniently. The main advantage of the endoscope in stapes surgery over the microscope is; the better preservation rates of the chorda tympani nerve (CTN), minimal curetting of the outer attic wall, hence minimizing the iatrogenic injury to the CTN. Apart from that, the audiometric results following the endoscopic stapes surgery is comparable with the microscopic surgery. We had performed the stapes surgery with the rigid nasal endoscopes (Karl Storz) of 4-mm diameter and 18-cm length. Our preliminary results showed that transcanal endoscopic stapedotomy is a reliable and safe technique for the surgical management of otosclerosis.

Our Experience in Database Entry in Ear Surgery.

Otological database is must for every otological surgeon. The surgeons who do not have their own surgical database have difficult in convincing the patients about the outcome of procedure. Looking at the literature review about the concerned surgery does not reflect the success rate of the surgeon who is performing the surgery. So it is very important for every surgeon to have their own data base. The database helps surgeon to improve their skills and compare their own surgical results within and with other literatures. This helps the surgeon to convince patients regarding success and failure rates of their surgery. Not only that, but it also helps to perform prospective research work.

Solid Variant of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of Nasal Cavity.

Rhabdomyosarcoma comprises about half of the soft tissue tumors. Approximately 40% of the alveolar subtype occur in the head and neck region. Patients present with unilateral nasal mass with/without lymphadenopathy and with/without orbital manifestations. Diagnosis is aided radiologically by CT scan, MRI along with biopsy and is confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Treatment involves surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of these. In spite of treatments, however, the outcome is poor. This is a case report of 14-year-old male who presented with unilateral nasal mass with proptosis of right eye who was eventually diagnosed as a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of solid variant.

Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening: An Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Hearing loss among neonates is one of the important health issue in pediatric population which may remain unnoticed until the child reaches a certain age. The importance of universal early screening, diagnosis and intervention in reducing the negative impact of congenital hearing loss has been described all over the world. Objective To observe the outcome of hearing screening by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) in newborns delivered in Dhulikhel Hospital and neonates admitted in an intensive care unit (NICU) of Dhulikhel Hospital. Method A prospective study was done in neonates who were born at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from February 15th, 2017 to October 30th, 2019. AABR was used for their hearing assessment within 24 hours of birth and again at about 6 weeks of age in those neonates who failed the initial test. All the neonates admitted in NICU were studied regarding the risk factors based on Joint committee on Infant Hearing. Those who failed the test for the second time were referred for detailed audiological diagnostic work up. Result The screening rate was 92.6% of the total deliveries. A total of 5517 neonates comprising of 2800 males and 2717 females were screened from total deliveries of 5956 neonates in the study period. Among them, NICU (sick) babies were 422 (7.7%) and well babies were 5095 (92.3%). Out of them, 1675 failed the test in the first screening and 374 failed in the second screening. So, the total number of referred babies in second screening was 6.7% (374) out of 5517 screened. Amongst them, well babies were 6.59% (336), out of 5095 screened and sick babies were 9% (38) out of 422 screened. Low birth weight and prematurity were found to be the commonest risk factor present among them, followed by the use of ototoxic medications, hyperbilirubinemia and prolonged use of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) is a very useful tool for hearing screening which should preferably be done in all the neonates where possible. It should be done within one month of life and those with confirmed hearing loss should receive early appropriate intervention for better hearing in future.

Blood Splashes Risk During Otorhinolaryngology Surgery: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study.

Background ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeons are particularly at high risk of exposure with blood and body fluid related infections both in Outpatient and during surgical procedures. They do take precaution to avoid the needle stick injuries but few pay attention on blood or body fluid splashes into eye. Objective To find out the risk of blood splashes to both surgeon and assistant during otorhinolaryngology surgeries. Method This was an descriptive study and data were collected prospectively in Department of Ear, Nose and Throat-Head and Neck Surgery of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital in 1 year period from 1st January 2017 to 1st January 2018. All the surgical cases were included in the study. The surgeon and assistant wore the glass and mask during the surgery. At the end of the surgery, the glass, mask and gown were inspected for any blood splashes and information was recorded. Result There were total 272 patients with male 119 and female 153. The amount of blood splatter in glass, mask and gown is most common in modified radical mastoidectomy surgery. Likewise, the blood splatter is most common in tonsillectomy in throat surgery and in head and neck surgery, the blood splatter is common in all head and neck surgery. Conclusion The blood splashes is high in various Ear, Nose and Throat surgeries. So it is important to take precaution by surgeon and assistant, like protective mask and glass worn during surgeries to protect from various blood-borne infection transmissions.

Role of Endoscopic Modified Inlay Butterfly Cartilage Perichondrium Myringoplasty in Hearing Outcome and Graft Uptake.

Background The endoscopes have better optics and magnification with wide angle of view due to angled lenses. It provides the excellent resolution of image in surgeries having many difficult anatomic nooks and corners like; antero-inferior recess of external auditory canal, middle ear cavity and difficult areas to visualize under microspore like sinus tympani. Likewise, the use of cartilage has very low metabolic rate, provide support to prevent retraction and reacts minimally to inflammatory reaction, so it has advantageous role in closure of tympanic membrane perforations. Objective The main objective of our study is to see the graft uptake rate and hearing results after endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with our own modification. Method This is a prospective, cohort study conducted among 37 patients who underwent endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty using tragal cartilage. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre with post-operative ABG (Air bone gap) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (500Hz, 1KHz, 2KHz, 4KHz). Result Among 42 patients, 37 (88.09%) had graft uptaken. Other five patients had residual perforation because of infection. The post-operative ABG was smaller than pre-operative ABG.(26.41±8.47dB and 36.57±12.13dB respectively). The mean ABG closure was 10.15±10.23dB. The ABG closure was ≤ 10dB in 28(75.6%) patients. Conclusion Endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty has advantages in terms of hearing results and graft uptake rate as it is comparable or even better than others. So, it is advisable to perform this technique without any difficulty.