Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Children with Adenoid Hypertrophy: The Effect of Intranasal Azelastine-Fluticasone Spray Treatment on Middle Ear Ventilation and Adenoid Tissue.

OBJECTIVES: Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is frequent in children with adenoid hypertrophy (AH). Although the most common treatment of AH is surgical removal of adenoid tissue, numerous studies have reported the efficacy of intranasal steroids. The effects of the intranasal steroid and azelastine combination on AH and ETD have not been reported before. In this study, we tried to determine the effects of 3-month intranasal Azelastine-Fluticasone dipropionate combination (Aze-Flu) treatment in children with ETD and AH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 children who had open mouth sleep, snoring, and sleep apnea and were diagnosed with AH and ETD participated in this study. The mean age was 7.73 ± 2.37 (4-14 years). The rates of adenoid tissue hypertrophy and choanal occlusion were evaluated using a rigid pediatric nasal endoscope and reassessed after 3 months of Aze-Flu nasal spray treatment. The function of the Eustachian tube (ET) was evaluated before and after medical treatment using the Eustachian tube score, the Eustachian dysfunction test-7 (ETS-7) and tubomanometry (TMM). RESULTS: The results were evaluated in 100 patients with AH and ETD. The adenoid tissue to choana rate was 82% before treatment and decreased to 37% after treatment. The ETS-7 test score was 6.36 before treatment and increased to 9.72 at the end of 3 months. Both the regression of the adenoid tissue and the improvement in the Eustachian function scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AH significantly increases the frequency of ETD. In this study, it was observed that Aze-Flu treatment was significantly effective in both regression of the adenoid tissue and Eustachian tube dysfunction. We believe that it can be applied as an initial therapy in children with AH and associated ETD.

Balancing the Anteroposterior Diameters of the Nostril Lengths in Cleft Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Osteocartilaginous deformities in cleft rhinoplasties may be restored with numerous techniques. However, the anteroposterior (AP) diameter lengths of the nostrils may still be unequal and should also be addressed. A technique was designed to balance nostril AP diameter lengths and apical shapes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balance between AP nostril diameters was accomplished by reduction of the AP diameter of the nostril at the non-cleft side by medial crural reduction and augmentation of the AP diameter of the nostril at the cleft side by three-parted mini-flap reconstruction at the soft triangle. The cleft-side AP diameter length was divided by the non-cleft-side AP diameter length of the same preoperative, per-operative and 1-year postoperative base view photographs of each patient, and "nostril balancing ratio" was obtained. The more this ratio was near to "one," the more the AP nostril diameters were equal. RESULTS: Seventy-eight unilateral-cleft rhinoplasty were performed between January/2019 and May/2022. Forty-two of them required nostril AP diameter equalization. Twenty-nine patients were female, thirteen were male. Thirty-three of them were operated for a primary cleft rhinoplasty. Nine of them for secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Mean age was 28 years (22-39 years). Mean follow-up was 25 months (6-40 months). The preoperative, per-operative and postoperative mean "nostril balancing ratios" were 0.714 (0.621-0.813), 0.743 (0.721-0.752) and 0.971 (0.943-0.976), respectively. CONCLUSION: Balancing AP diameter symmetry with MCO at the non-cleft side and three-parted mini skin flap reconstruction at the cleft side may provide the satisfactory results. Three mini-flaps at the soft triangle may remold the nostril apex in an oval shape, which may result in a better shape symmetry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy of Topical Azelastine and Fluticasone Dipropionate Combination in Children With Adenoid Hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is one of the common childhood diseases. Surgical and non-surgical treatment of AH in children is planned according to the severity of symptoms and associated complications. In recent years, treatment methods with intranasal sprays have been reported quite frequently in uncomplicated cases. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a new combination of azelastine - fluticasone (AZE-FLU) (137mcg azelastine and 50mcg fluticasone) nasal spray in children with uncomplicated AH. METHODS: Sixty-five children diagnosed with AH were included in the study. The mean age of the children was 7.42 ± 2.26 (4-13 years). The cohort consisted of 29 males and 36 females. All children were evaluated clinically and endoscopically. AZE-FLU nasal spray was applied to both nostrils twice a day for three months. Adenoid/choana ratio and symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and at the end of the 12th week. RESULTS: At the end of 24 weeks of AZE-FLU application, there was a statistically significant decrease in both adenoid/choana ratio and symptom scores. While the initial adenoid/choana (A/C) score was 3.57 ± 0.58, it decreased to 1.74 ± 0.61 following treatment. A dramatic decrease in total symptom scores was observed. The total symptom score average was 15.63 ± 1.28 before treatment, while it was 2.31 ± 1.4 after the treatment with the difference being statistically significant (P < .01). CONCLUSION: In this study, the effectiveness of AZE-FLU nasal spray on AH was investigated for the first time. This treatment provides an effective alternative to the surgical approach in children with uncomplicated adenoid hypertrophy. Using this protocol, 96% of patients were removed from the surgery list. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: is IV.

An Advantageous Donor Site Alternative for Preparing Crushed Cartilage Graft: The Postero-inferior Part of the Septal Cartilage.

Crushed cartilage is used in rhinoplasties and crushing carry the risk of devitalization. The most infero-posterior part of the septal cartilage has a rough surface compared with the smooth surface of the remaining parts. This cartilage may be more convenient for crushing with lesser pressure requirements, increasing the viability. Twenty-six patients underwent septorhinoplasty and the infero-posterior part of the septal cartilage was harvested. The rough cartilage was utilized in nine patients (excluded from the study). Seventeen patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 28 (19-37y). Two pairs of grafts were utilized for histological study. In fifteen patients crushing experiment was performed. The smooth-surfaced cartilages were the control group, the rough-surfaced cartilages were the study group. For each case, grafts were reduced to the same dimensions and placed over millimetric-paper and photographed. The grafts were crushed simultaneously. The crushed cartilages were also placed on millimetric-paper and photographed. The data were evaluated statistically. The mean surface increment ratio was 2.26 ± 0.28 for the control and 2.94 ± 0.25 for the study group. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0048). In two specimen, after applying hematoxylin & eosin stain, the extracellular matrix of the rough cartilage specimen stained darker due to more abundant proteoglycan content. The rough septal cartilage widens more compared with the smooth cartilage under the same crushing pressure. Thus, the rough cartilage requires lesser pressure for widening which may increase the viability. The rough septal cartilage contains more proteoglycan which may explain its softness.

Olfactory rehabilitation and olfactory bulb volume changes in patients after total laryngectomy: a prospective randomized study / Reabilitação olfatória e alterações do volume do bulbo olfatório em pacientes pós-laringectomia total: um estudo prospectivo randomizado

Abstract Introduction: After total laryngectomy, decreased olfactory function and olfactory bulb volume shrinkage have been reported to occur due to olfactory deprivation caused by nasal airflow interruption. There is evidence that the olfactory system can be modulated by repeated exposure to odors in a procedure called olfactory training. However, it is not known whether any recovery of the lost olfactory bulb volume is possible by eliminating olfactory deprivation via olfactory rehabilitation long after laryngectomy. Objective: This study examined the recovery of olfactory function and the change in olfactory bulb volume via long-term olfactory rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Methods: Possible causes of olfactory dysfunction in the study participants were evaluated by collecting detailed anamnesis. As olfactory tests, orthonasal butanol threshold and odor discrimination tests were performed. Three-dimensional olfactory bulb volumes were calculated using manual segmentation on T2-weighted coronal magnetic resonance images. In olfactory rehabilitation, four different odors were applied to all patients orthonasally, using a larynx bypass technique for 30 min per day for 6 months. Olfactory tests were performed before the rehabilitation and after 6 months of rehabilitation, and olfactory bulb volume measurements were performed using magnetic resonance images. Results: Eleven patients diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer who underwent total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy with a follow-up of 5-10 years were included in the study. All patients were male, and the mean age was 58.18 ±4.17 years. In total laryngectomized patients, the olfactory bulb volumes measured on magnetic resonance images were 42.25 ± 12.8 mm3 before and 55.5 ± 11.22 mm3 after rehabilitation, and this increase was highly significant. Olfactory test scores were 2.3 ± 1.27 before and 4.39 ± 0.86 after rehabilitation, and this increase was also highly significant. Conclusion: As a result of the olfactory rehabilitation applied by providing orthonasal air flow, the olfactory function lost after total laryngectomy was improved considerably, and the olfactory bulb volume was significantly increased. The increase in olfactory bulb volume in total laryngectomy patients via olfactory rehabilitation to eliminate olfactory deprivation due to nasal airflow interruption was demonstrated for the first time in this prospective longitudinal study.

Resumo Introdução: Após a laringectomia total, foi relatada a ocorrência de diminuição da função olfatória e redução do volume do bulbo olfatório devido à privação olfatória causada pela interrupção do fluxo aéreo nasal. Há evidências de que o sistema olfatório pode ser modulado pela exposição repetida a odores em um procedimento denominado treinamento olfatório. Entretanto, não se sabe se qualquer grau de recuperação do volume perdido do bulbo olfatório é possível ao eliminar a privação olfatória através de reabilitação muito tempo depois da laringectomia. Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a recuperação da função olfatória e a mudança no volume do bulbo olfatório através da reabilitação olfatória de longo prazo após a laringectomia total. Métodos: As possíveis causas de disfunção olfatória nos participantes do estudo foram avaliadas através da anamnese detalhada. Como testes olfatórios, foram feitos os testes de limiar de butanol ortonasal e de discriminação de odores. Os volumes tridimensionais do bulbo olfatório foram calculados com segmentação manual em imagens de ressonância magnética coronal ponderadas em T2. Na reabilitação olfatória, quatro odores diferentes foram aplicados a todos os pacientes ortonasalmente com uma técnica de bypass laríngeo por 30 minutos por dia durante 6 meses. Os testes olfatórios foram feitos antes da reabilitação e 6 meses após a reabilitação e as medidas do volume do bulbo olfatório foram feitas por imagens de ressonância magnética. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 11 pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer de laringe avançado, submetidos à laringectomia total e radioterapia pós-operatória em um seguimento de 5 a 10 anos. Todos os pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi de 58,18 ± 4,17 anos. Em pacientes com laringectomia total, os volumes do bulbo olfatório medidos por imagens de ressonância magnética foram de 42,25 ± 12,8 mm3 antes e 55,5 ± 11,22 mm3 após a reabilitação e esse aumento foi altamente significante. Os escores dos testes olfatórios foram 2,3 ± 1,27 antes e 4,39 ± 0,86 após a reabilitação e esse aumento também foi altamente significante. Conclusão: Como resultado da reabilitação olfatória aplicada através do fornecimento de fluxo de ar ortonasal, a função olfatória perdida após a laringectomia total melhorou consideravelmente e o volume bulbo olfatório mostrou aumento significativo. O aumento no volume do bulbo olfatório em pacientes submetidos a laringectomia total através da reabilitação olfatória para eliminar a privação olfatória devido à interrupção do fluxo aéreo nasal foi demonstrado pela primeira vez neste estudo longitudinal prospectivo.

A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Sialolithiasis that Preserves Salivary Duct Anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: The sialendoscopy era in the treatment of salivary gland stones has reduced the use of classical surgical methods. However, the miniature ducts and tools may cause difficulties in removing large sialoliths. Therefore, invasive combined oral surgeries or gland resection may be considered. We searched for the most suitable method in order to stay in line with the minimally invasive approach that preserves the ductus anatomy, and that can reduce the surgical fears of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 84 cases (23 parotid and 61 submandibular) in whom stones were fragmented by pneumatic lithotripsy and removed between January 2015 and January 2020. The parotid cases comprised 7 females and 16 males, and the submandibular cases comprised 25 females and 36 males. Intraductal lithotripsy was performed using pneumatic lithotripter. This study has fourth level of evidence. RESULTS: Based on total number of cases (n = 84), success rate was 67/84 (79.7%) immediately after sialendoscopy, and overall success rate was 77/84 (91.6%). Based on number of stones treated (n = 111), our immediate success rate was 94/111 (84.6%), and overall success rate was 104/111 (93.7%). The success criteria were complete removal of the stone and fragments in a single sialendoscopy procedure and resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully treated salivary gland stones, including L3b stones, in our patient cohort with sialendoscopy combined with pneumatic lithotripsy. The lithotripsy method that we have adapted seems to be more useful and cost-effective compared to its alternatives. We were also able to preserve the ductus anatomy and relieve patients' concerns.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Olfactory rehabilitation and olfactory bulb volume changes in patients after total laryngectomy: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: After total laryngectomy, decreased olfactory function and olfactory bulb volume shrinkage have been reported to occur due to olfactory deprivation caused by nasal airflow interruption. There is evidence that the olfactory system can be modulated by repeated exposure to odors in a procedure called olfactory training. However, it is not known whether any recovery of the lost olfactory bulb volume is possible by eliminating olfactory deprivation via olfactory rehabilitation long after laryngectomy. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the recovery of olfactory function and the change in olfactory bulb volume via long-term olfactory rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. METHODS: Possible causes of olfactory dysfunction in the study participants were evaluated by collecting detailed anamnesis. As olfactory tests, orthonasal butanol threshold and odor discrimination tests were performed. Three-dimensional olfactory bulb volumes were calculated using manual segmentation on T2-weighted coronal magnetic resonance images. In olfactory rehabilitation, four different odors were applied to all patients orthonasally, using a larynx bypass technique for 30 min per day for 6 months. Olfactory tests were performed before the rehabilitation and after 6 months of rehabilitation, and olfactory bulb volume measurements were performed using magnetic resonance images. RESULTS: Eleven patients diagnosed with advanced laryngeal cancer who underwent total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy with a follow-up of 5-10 years were included in the study. All patients were male, and the mean age was 58.18 ±â€¯4.17 years. In total laryngectomized patients, the olfactory bulb volumes measured on magnetic resonance images were 42.25 ±â€¯12.8 mm3 before and 55.5 ±â€¯11.22 mm3 after rehabilitation, and this increase was highly significant. Olfactory test scores were 2.3 ±â€¯1.27 before and 4.39 ±â€¯0.86 after rehabilitation, and this increase was also highly significant. CONCLUSION: As a result of the olfactory rehabilitation applied by providing orthonasal air flow, the olfactory function lost after total laryngectomy was improved considerably, and the olfactory bulb volume was significantly increased. The increase in olfactory bulb volume in total laryngectomy patients via olfactory rehabilitation to eliminate olfactory deprivation due to nasal airflow interruption was demonstrated for the first time in this prospective longitudinal study.

Comparative clinical study with a novel technique for stabilization of the nasal tip projection and rotation: fixation of the septum and the strut graft through the septal cartilage autoextension.

PURPOSE: It is important to reinforce nasal tip support for long-term satisfactory results. Two workhorses of tip support are strut grafting and the tongue-in-groove technique. Tongue-in-groove causes retraction and stiffness; the strut causes loss of rotation and projection of tip. We introduced a novel technique that avoids these consequences. METHODS: Between February 2018-February 2019, 40 female underwent primary rhinoplasty. Mean age: 27 years (18-41 years). FOLLOW-UP: 1-2 years. In first group (20 patients), caudal septum was resected and strut was not fixated to caudal septum. In second group (20 patients), tongue-like extension (septal autoextension) was preserved at caudal septum and sutured to strut. Preoperative, peroperative, and postoperative images were compared. RESULTS: Tip projection ratio calculations, nasolabial angle measurements were evaluated by statistical analyses. The change in projection ratios between peroperative period and 1-year postoperative period of strut-only group was higher than septal autoextension group (p = 0.001). This result indicates that nasal tip projection loss in strut-only group was higher compared to septal autoextension group. The change in nasolabial angle measurements from peroperative period to 1-year postoperative period differed significantly between two groups (p = 0.001). Significant difference was observed between 1-year postoperative nasolabial angle measurements of two groups (p = 0.006); septal autoextension group measurements were higher than strut-only group. These results showed that fixation of strut graft to the septal autoextension provides better preservation of the nasolabial angle and stabilization of nasal tip projection. CONCLUSiON: Fixation of septum and strut graft through septal autoextension provides satisfactory stabilization of tip projection and rotation without stiffness or rigidity.

Clean-Cut Smoothing of the Visible Cartilage Grafts by Sanding With a Scalpel.

The visibility of cartilage grafts underneath the skin is a complication of rhinoplasty particularly in patients with thin nasal skin. Preparing the graft with optimum dimensions, symmetry, and smoothness is crucial for the fine crafting of the cartilage to prevent visibility. The camouflage of the visible cartilage graft with a crushed cartilage, a resected cephalic portion of the lower lateral cartilage, fascia, connective and/or fatty tissues is another option for hiding the visibility. The nasal tip is the most common location where the graft visibility is of concern.The authors introduce the smoothing of the cartilage graft by sanding it with a scalpel. This technique safely provides perfection and precision of smoothing of the cartilage in very desired shape. It is possible to obtain 3D super clean-cut shining surface.The tangential sculpting of the cartilage graft with a scalpel carries the risk of over resection. However, the sanding with a scalpel moves forward so gentle that over resection is not possible.It is also possible to smooth non-visible structural grafts such as strut and spreader grafts to reduce surface irregularities.Additionally, the sand-dust caused by cartilage sanding is a 'cartilage pâté' which can be used for camouflage of minute irregularities of the nasal dorsum.

Monobloc Reconstruction of Dome, Medial Crura, and Columella with Gamma-Shaped Costal Cartilage Graft.

In severe nasal deformities, the original cartilages are removed, or they become unusable because of previous operations. Costal cartilage (CC) is one of the most important tools for the replacement of deficient nasal osteocartilaginous framework. In 4 secondary and 1 tertiary rhinoplasty cases with severe deformities of medial and lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages, we have prepared a long strut graft from a CC and then split the graft tip 5-6 mm vertically into 2 equal halves to create a gamma (ϒ)-shaped strut graft. We have sutured the base of this graft to the nasal spine and/or the bases of the medial crural remnants. Then, we have prepared lateral crural grafts and secured the grafts over lateral crural remnants. Then we curved the split tip winglets of the ϒ-shaped strut graft to both sides and sutured them to lateral crural grafts in order to create a new dome. Splitting of the CC strut graft reduces the need for extensive suturing at the tip, obtains smoother contours and ensures graft economy, and provides an original and stable dome shape. The bending capacity of the CC is limited in middle-aged patients. Costal allografts from a young cadaver can be a good alternative. ϒ-shaped costal crural graft is useful for medial crural and domal monobloc reconstruction in secondary and tertiary cases.

Analyses and classification of complexities in rhinoplasties based on factors increasing the difficulty and their appropriate reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to classify the factors that make rhinoplasty difficult and appropriate reconstruction of it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 103 patients who underwent rhinoplasty at our private clinic between April 2002 and December 2014. The most important reagent affecting the degree of difficulty in our study was the adhesion of the bone and cartilaginous structures to the skin and mucosa, as an outcome of on previous operations. Structural deficiencies in various parts of bone and cartilaginous structures, presence of septum deviation at a very advanced level, asymmetries in the lower and upper lateral cartilages, fracture deformities or trauma-related bone compressions, skin quality and thickness and the age of the patient were other criteria that affected the degree of difficulty of rhinoplasty. Taking these compelling factors into consideration, a difficulty coefficient table was set up with a new classification that determines complexity and suggests appropriate reconstructions. RESULTS: The total of difficulty coefficients of rhinoplasties between 1-3 were considered to be less complex, those between 4-6 as intermediate complex and those being >7 as very complex rhinoplasty. CONCLUSION: Calculation of the difficulty coefficient provides objective determination of the degree of difficulty of the operation. Reconstruction plans, probable duration of surgery, preoperative preparations, all grafts and materials considered for use may be predicted according to the difficulty coefficient. The surgeon can test whether his or her experience is sufficient or not according to the difficulty coefficient. Surgical risks can be assessed in the light of the difficulty coefficient and shared with the patient.