Endoscopic-Assisted Cochlear Implantation in Far Advanced Otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of cochlear implantation (CI) in case of far advanced otosclerosis and to evaluate the value of using intraoperative otoendoscopy to facilitate the identification of the round window membrane and the scala tympani without the need to remove the posterior canal wall or to perform a subtotal petrosectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-series study. SETTING: Tertiary academic CI center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on patients with far advanced otosclerosis who underwent endoscopic-assisted CI between January 2010 and June 2020 at the same CI center. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in the study. Ten patients had undergone a previous stapedotomy. Electrode insertion in the scala tympani was successfully accomplished in all cases included in the study. There was a statistically significant improvement in pure-tone average and speech discrimination scores in all cases of the study group (p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative pure-tone average or speech discrimination scores between cases with and without cochlear ossification or between cases with and without a previous stapedotomy (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic-assisted CI is an effective option for hearing restoration in patients with far advanced otosclerosis. Otoendoscopy can facilitate visualization and access to the scala tympani without the need to remove the posterior canal wall or to perform a subtotal petrosectomy.

The Use of a Unilateral Curved Spreader Graft in the Management of Crooked Nose Deformity.

AIM OF WORK: The aim of this study is to present a new technique of using spreader grafts in the correction of crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective case series study conducted on 18 patients with crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose. All of the patients were managed by open septorhinoplasty. During surgery, a curved spreader graft was harvested from the nasal septum and placed on the convex side of the C-shaped deviation of the dorsal part of the nasal septum. Objective measurements of the angles of external nasal deviation (END) and the internal nasal valve (INV) angles were performed before and 6 months after the surgery. Subjective assessment of aesthetic satisfaction by the visual analog scale and nasal function by the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale was also performed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study and completed the minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months. Objectively, there was highly significant ( P < 0.00001) improvement of the END angle and INV angle. Subjectively, there was also highly significant ( P < 0.00001) improvement of both the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score and the visual analog scale score for aesthetic satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of a curved unilateral spreader graft over the convexity of the deviated nasal dorsum can correct the END, improve the collapsed INV on both sides, and consequently achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.

External Auditory Canal: Computed Tomography Analysis and Classification.

Introduction Computed tomography (CT) details of the external auditory canal (EAC) are not fully covered in the literature, so building up base for the CT evaluation and description is important. Preoperative details of the EAC are mandatory before any approach or procedure involving the canal. Objective To determine the different dimensions, measurements, and grading of the EAC by CT scan that were not previously published. Methods The CT scans of 100 temporal bones (200 sides) were included. Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all subjects. Results At the EAC entry, the mean vertical length (height) was 7.75 ± 1 mm, and its mean horizontal length (width) was 6.1 ± 0.8. At the bony cartilaginous junction of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.88 ± 1 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 6.22 ± 0.9. At the EAC isthmus, the mean vertical length was 6.8 ± 0.97 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.2 ± 0.76. At the medial end of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.1 ± 0.9 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.4 ± 0.85. There were no reported significant differences between right and left sides in all dimensions. Males showed significantly longer vertical and horizontal dimensions of the EAC entry, vertical dimension of the isthmus, and vertical dimension of the medial end of the EAC than females. Conclusion This study improves otologists and radiologists' awareness of EAC variations in the ear field and can be of help to residents in training.

External Auditory Canal: Computed Tomography Analysis and Classification

Abstract Introduction Computed tomography (CT) details of the external auditory canal (EAC) are not fully covered in the literature, so building up base for the CT evaluation and description is important. Preoperative details of the EAC are mandatory before any approach or procedure involving the canal. Objective To determine the different dimensions, measurements, and grading of the EAC by CT scan that were not previously published. Methods The CTscans of 100 temporal bones (200 sides) were included. Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all subjects. Results At the EAC entry, the mean vertical length (height) was 7.75 ± 1 mm, and its mean horizontal length (width) was 6.1 ±0.8. At the bony cartilaginous junction of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.88 ±1 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 6.22 ± 0.9. At the EAC isthmus, the mean vertical length was 6.8 ± 0.97 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.2 ± 0.76. At the medial end of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.1 ±0.9 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.4 ± 0.85. There were no reported significant differences between right and left sides in all dimensions. Males showed significantly longer vertical and horizontal dimensions of the EAC entry, vertical dimension of the isthmus, and vertical dimension of the medial end of the EAC than females. Conclusion This study improves otologists and radiologists' awareness of EAC variations in the ear field and can be of help to residents in training.

Drain-Less Submandibular Gland Excision With Preserved Facial Artery.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience in excision of the submandibular gland (SMG) without drain insertion and with preservation of the facial artery as a day case surgery as well as evaluation of the surgical outcomes of this procedure. METHODS: Prospective case series study of 42 cases of chronic calcular submandibular sialadenitis that underwent SMG excision by the same surgical team during the period from 2017 to 2021. The initial surgical plan in all cases was to excise the SMG with preservation of the facial artery and without drain insertion. RESULTS: SMG excision without drain insertion was successfully achieved in 28 patients who were discharged on the same day. In the remaining 14 patients, the surgical dissection was difficult and a suction drain was inserted at the end of the surgery; consequently, they were discharged on the next day. In all cases, facial vessels were preserved, and complete gland excision was achieved. Among the 28 patients who had no drain insertion, 1 patient had a postoperative seroma and no patient had wound related complications. Among the 14 patients who had drain insertion, 2 patients had postoperative seroma and 3 patients had wound related complications in the form of obvious scar formation. There were no other significant complications in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Submandibular gland (SMG) excision with facial artery preservation and without drain insertion as a day case surgery could be safely done in cases of chronic calcular inflammation provided that meticulous surgical dissection and complete hemostasis were achieved.

The role of high-resolution Computer Tomography in prediction of the round window membrane visibility and the feasibility of the round window electrode insertion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to assess the role of pre-operative high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) in prediction of the round window membrane (RWM) visibility and the feasibility of round window electrode insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study on a series of 97 cases of cochlear implant (CI) who were implanted in tertiary referral centers. We reviewed HRCT of all cases, and we implicated two radiological measurements on HRCT which are membrano-facial angle (MFA) and length of the bony overhang of the round window niche (RWN). We reviewed the intra-operative surgical video recordings of all cases for detection of the type of RWM visibility, according to The St Thomas' Hospital classification. RESULTS: The MFA was 21.9 ± 14.5. The length of the bony overhang of the RWN was 2.4 ± 0.33 mm. About 37% of the studied patients needed cochleostomy. The best cut-off of MFA in the prediction of the RW (type 2B and 3) was ≥ 15.1o with sensitivity 100%, and specificity 82%. CONCLUSION: HRCT offers highly reliable and reproducible measurements for the prediction of RWM visibility and, therefore, prediction of the utility of the RW approach for electrode insertion. Membrano-facial angle (MFA) is a new measurement that can be used for this purpose.

Reconstruction of the outer attic wall by cortical bone and bone cement.

OBJECTIVE: To asses using cortical bone and bone pate with and without glass ionomer bone cement (GIBC) for reconstructing the outer attic wall (OAW) defect during cholesteatoma surgery without mastoid cavity obliteration. METHOD: This is a prospective case series of 25 patients who underwent primary surgery for cholesteatoma with presence of OAW defect that was reconstructed by cortical bone graft and bone pate, further fixation of the cortical bone graft in place was done by GIBC in 18 patients. RESULTS: There was significant improvement of persistent otorrhea and hearing loss after surgery (P < 0.001). Recurrence of cholesteatoma was found in 2 patients (8%), residual TM perforation was found in one patient (4%). CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of OAW by cortical bone and bone pate is an effective surgical option to decrease the incidence of recurrence in cholesteatoma surgery. Glass ionomer bone cement can be added safely to fix the cortical bone graft in the OAW defect.

ENT manifestation in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: to detect, analyze and discuss the different ear nose throat (ENT) manifestations those were reported in COVID19 positive patients in the reviewed and published literatures. METHODS: We performed a search in the PubMed databases, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane Library using the keywords; COVID-19, Novel coronavirus, corona, 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2, ENT, ear, nose, throat, otorhinolaryngology, ORL, pharynx, ORL, smell, larynx, different ENT related symptoms. We reviewed published and peer reviewed studies that reported the ENT manifestations in COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients. RESULTS: within the included 1773 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients, the most common ENT manifestations of COVID-19 were sore throat (11.3%) and headache (10.7%). While the other reported ENT manifestations were pharyngeal erythema (5.3%), nasal congestion (4.1%), runny nose or rhinorrhea (2.1%), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (1.9%), and tonsil enlargement (1.3%). CONCLUSION: ENT manifestations for COVID-19 are not common as fever and cough. But, a universal questionnaire using well-defined COVID-19 manifestations is needed to make the COVID-19 data precisely defined, complete and homogenous.

Topical platelet rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid during fat graft myringoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of adding platelet rich plasma (PRP) or Hyaluronic acid (HA) to fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) for medium sized central tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 69 patients with medium sized central TM perforations. In 21 patients, PRP was used with the FGM; and in 23 patients, HA was used with the FGM; while in 25 patients, pure FGM was performed without adding an enhancing material. RESULTS: Successful TM perforation repair was achieved in 18 ears (85.7) with using PRP with FGM and in 20 ears (87%) with using HA with FGM and in 15 ears (60%) with pure FGM. CONCLUSION: FGM with adding PRP or HA is more successful in closure of TM perforation than pure FGM in case of medium sized central TM perforation.

External Nasal Valve Repair in Children: Alar Batten Graft Reinforced by External Temporary Suspensory Suture.

BACKGROUND: The nasal valve area is the narrowest point in the nasal airway. External nasal valve (ENV) collapse during inspiration occurs if external valve area is too narrow or its lateral component is too floppy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Twelve patients (7 males, 5 females) aged 8 to 12 years complaining of nasal obstruction due to ENV dysfunction underwent surgical intervention using alar batten graft assisted by temporary external suspensory suture. RESULTS: All patients showed subjective and objective improvement of the nasal airway. The mean Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) was 14 ± 1.71 before surgery and 7.83 ± 1.47 1 year after surgery (significant improvement, p ≤ .0001). The mean Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate was 29.92 ± 4.46 before surgery and 42.58 ± 4.93 1 year after surgery (significant improvement, P ≤ .0001). CONCLUSION: External nasal valve collapse in children can be managed surgically by using alar batten graft. Temporary suspension suture can be helpful for supporting of the graft until complete healing occurs.

Periosteal Flap in Cochlear Implantation, How I Do It?

This clinical report describes and evaluates a novel periosteal flap design. This technique was applied in 26 patients who underwent cochlear implantation surgery at two tertiary referral centers. No complications were observed during or after the surgery. Additionally, there was no evidence of device migration, wound infection, wound hematoma, or delayed wound healing. Notably, the mastoid emissary vein was intact in all cases. In conclusion, this modified anterior-based periosteal flap is a safe procedure and is aimed at avoiding mastoid emissary vein bleeding and allowing complete repositioning of the periosteum over the implanted device.