Betahistine add-on therapy for treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a randomized controlled trial / Terapia adjuvante de betaistina para o tratamento de indivíduos com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna posterior: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common vestibular disorder that accounts for one fifth of hospital admissions due to vertigo, although it is commonly undiagnosed. Objective To evaluate the effects of betahistine add-on therapy in the treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Methods This randomized controlled study was conducted in a population of 100 subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Subjects were divided into the Epley maneuver + betahistine group (group A) and Epley maneuver only (group B) group. Subjects were evaluated before and 1-week after the maneuver using a visual analog scale and dizziness handicap inventory Results One hundred subjects completed the study protocol. The Epley maneuver had an overall success rate of 95% (96% in group A; 94% in group B, p= 0.024). Groups A and B had similar baseline visual analog scale scores (6.98 ± 2.133 and 6.27 ± 2.148, respectively, p= 0.100). After treatment, the visual analog scale score was significantly lower in both groups, and was significantly lower in group A than group B (0.74 ± 0.853 vs. 1.92 ± 1.288, respectively, p= 0.000). The change in visual analog scale score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (6.24 ± 2.01 vs. 4.34 ± 2.32, respectively, p= 0.000). The baseline dizziness handicap inventory values were also similar in groups A and B (55.60 ± 22.732 vs. 45.59 ± 17.049, respectively, p= 0.028). After treatment, they were significantly lower in both groups. The change in score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (52.44 ± 21.42 vs. 35.71 ± 13.51, respectively, p= 0.000). Conclusion The Epley maneuver is effective for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Betahistine add-on treatment in posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resulted in improvements in both visual analog scale score and dizziness handicap inventory.

Resumo Introdução A vertigem posicional paroxística benigna é um distúrbio vestibular comum, responsável por um quinto das internações hospitalares por vertigem, embora seja comumente não diagnosticada. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da terapia adjuvante com betaistina no tratamento de indivíduos com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna posterior. Método Este estudo randomizado controlado foi feito em uma população de 100 indivíduos com vertigem posicional paroxística benigna posterior. Os indivíduos foram divididos nos grupos: manobra de Epley + betaistina (grupo A) e manobra de Epley apenas (grupo B). Os indivíduos foram avaliados antes e uma semana após a manobra por meio da escala visual analógica EVA e do questionário dizziness handicap inventory. Resultados Cem indivíduos completaram o protocolo do estudo. A manobra de Epley demonstrou uma taxa de sucesso global de 95% (96% no grupo A; 94% no grupo B, p = 0,024). Os grupos A e B tiveram escores basais semelhantes na EVA (6,98 ± 2,133 e 6,27 ± 2,148, respectivamente, p = 0,100). Após o tratamento, o escore na EVA foi significantemente menor em ambos os grupos e foi menor no grupo A do que no grupo B (0,74 ± 0,853 vs. 1,92 ± 1,288, respectivamente, p = 0,000). A mudança no escore da EVA após o tratamento em comparação com a linha basal também foi significativamente maior no grupo A do que no grupo B (6,24 ± 2,01 vs. 4,34 ± 2,32, respectivamente, p = 0,000). Os valores basais no dizziness handicap inventory também foram semelhantes nos grupos A e B (55,60 ± 22,732 vs. 45,59 ± 17,049, respectivamente, p = 0,028). Após o tratamento, eles foram significantemente menores em ambos os grupos. A mudança no escore após o tratamento em comparação com a linha basal também foi significantemente maior no grupo A do que no grupo B (52,44 ± 21,42 vs. 35,71 ± 13,51, respectivamente, p = 0,000). Conclusão A manobra de Epley é eficaz no tratamento da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna. O tratamento complementar com betaistina na vertigem posicional paroxística benigna posterior resultou em melhoria tanto no escore da EVA quanto no do dizziness handicap inventory.

Betahistine add-on therapy for treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common vestibular disorder that accounts for one fifth of hospital admissions due to vertigo, although it is commonly undiagnosed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of betahistine add-on therapy in the treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a population of 100 subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Subjects were divided into the Epley maneuver + betahistine group (group A) and Epley maneuver only (group B) group. Subjects were evaluated before and 1-week after the maneuver using a visual analog scale and dizziness handicap inventory RESULTS: One hundred subjects completed the study protocol. The Epley maneuver had an overall success rate of 95% (96% in group A; 94% in group B, p =  0.024). Groups A and B had similar baseline visual analog scale scores (6.98 ±â€¯2.133 and 6.27 ±â€¯2.148, respectively, p = 0.100). After treatment, the visual analog scale score was significantly lower in both groups, and was significantly lower in group A than group B (0.74 ±â€¯0.853 vs. 1.92 ±â€¯1.288, respectively, p = 0.000). The change in visual analog scale score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (6.24 ±â€¯2.01 vs. 4.34 ±â€¯2.32, respectively, p = 0.000). The baseline dizziness handicap inventory values were also similar in groups A and B (55.60 ±â€¯22.732 vs. 45.59 ±â€¯17.049, respectively, p = 0.028). After treatment, they were significantly lower in both groups. The change in score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (52.44 ±â€¯21.42 vs. 35.71 ±â€¯13.51, respectively, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The Epley maneuver is effective for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Betahistine add-on treatment in posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resulted in improvements in both visual analog scale score and dizziness handicap inventory.

Supraclavicular artery island flap for head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The ablative surgical resection has a critical importance for achieving better oncological outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. However, radical surgical resections reveal the reconstruction requirement of complex anatomical structures. Microvascular free flaps have been recommended as a gold standard treatment choice for head and neck reconstruction following definitive oncological surgery. The supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) is a thin and reliable fasciocutaneous pedicled flap that is simple and quick to harvest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 19 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with SCAIF were included in this study. The SCAIF was used for the reconstruction of oncological defects in 17 patients while it was used for the reconstruction of a skin defect on the lower face following radiotherapy in 1 patient and for cervical open wound (blast injury) closure in 1 patient. RESULTS: There were neither intraoperative nor postoperative major complications in any patient. The SCAIF has been used successfully in 18 of 19 patients for head and neck reconstructive surgery. Partial necrosis of the skin was detected in 1 patient (5.3%) only, while a total flap failure has not occurred in any patient. The partial skin necrosis was seen in an area of 1.5 cm of the distal end of the flap and was managed conservatively with local wound care. Wound dehiscence has not appeared in the flap donor area in any patient. CONCLUSION: The SCAIF constitutes a good alternative to free flaps, providing almost equivalent functional results and requiring less operative time and surgical effort.

Prognostic importance of harvested lymph node number, metastatic lymph node number, and lymph node ratio in surgically managed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma / Importância prognóstica do número de linfonodos coletados, número de linfonodos metastáticos e relação de linfonodos em carcinoma espinocelular de laringe tratado cirurgicamente

Abstract Introduction Lymph node metastasis is a well-known prognostic factor for laryngeal carcinoma. However, current nodal staging systems provide limited information regarding prognosis. Additional parameters should be considered to improve prognostic capacity. Objectives To assess the prognostic values of metastatic lymph node number, ipsilateral/contralateral harvested lymph nodes, and lymph node ratio in patients undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Seventy-four patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma primarily managed surgically were included in this study. The patients' pathological and survival data were obtained from their medical records. The effects of harvested lymph nodes and lymph node ratio on disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were analyzed. Results Ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral evaluations of harvested lymph nodes showed no significant associations with prognosis. Lymph node ratio was significantly associated with overall survival when evaluated bilaterally. Metastatic lymph node number showed more suitable stratification than TNM classification. Conclusions Metastatic lymph node number and bilateral lymph node ratio parameters should be taken into consideration to improve the prognostic capacity of TNM.

Resumo Introdução A metástase linfonodal é um fator prognóstico bem conhecido para o carcinoma de laringe. Entretanto, os sistemas atuais de estadiamento nodal fornecem informações limitadas sobre o prognóstico. Parâmetros adicionais devem ser considerados para melhorar a capacidade prognóstica. Objetivos Avaliar os valores prognósticos do número de linfonodos metastáticos, linfonodos ipsilaterais /contralaterais coletados e relação de linfonodos em pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico do carcinoma espinocelular da laringe. Método Foram incluídos neste estudo 75 pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma espinocelular da laringe, tratados primariamente por meio de cirurgia. Os dados histopatológicos e de sobrevida dos pacientes foram obtidos de seus prontuários médicos. Foram analisados os efeitos dos linfonodos coletados e da relação de linfonodos na sobrevida livre de doença, sobrevida doença-específica e sobrevida global. Resultados As avaliações ipsilateral, contralateral e bilateral dos linfonodos coletados não mostraram associações significativas com o prognóstico. A relação de linfonodos foi significantemente associada à sobrevida global quando avaliada bilateralmente. O número de linfonodos metastáticos mostrou estratificação mais adequada do que a classificação TNM-N. Conclusões Os parâmetros número de linfonodos metastáticos e relação de linfonodos bilateral devem ser levados em consideração para melhorar a capacidade prognóstica da classificação TNM.

Incidence and Management of Delayed Epistaxis Following Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Among other complications of endoscopic skull base surgery, delayed epistaxis has not been given much importance. This report presents postoperative delayed nosebleed cases in a large number of patients who underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region for resection of lesions. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty three patients who were reached to the sellar region by endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal route and operated was included in the study. Retrospective chart reviewing of these patients was performed. The correlation between the duration of nosebleeds, bleeding location, treatment methods and comorbidities of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients (3.6%) reported delayed epistaxis in the postoperative period and were referred to the otolaryngology department. Postoperative epistaxis occurred between days 7th and 33th (mean 16.5) days. The treatment consisted of chemical silver nitrate cauterization in two patients, return to the operating room in three patients, nasal packing in five patients. CONCLUSION: Delayed postoperative epistaxis often has no obvious etiology, and intervention requires teamworking. Well-coordinated teamworking of the neurosurgeon with other specialities such as neuroradiology and otorhinolaryngology is needed to achieve better results.

Nasal Septal Hematoma and Abscess in Children: An Uncommon Otorhinolaryngology Emergency Revisited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the demographic factors, trauma type, treatment, and long-term results in patients with nasal septal hematoma (NSH) and nasal septal abscess (NSA) in pediatric age group. METHODS: Between the years 2006 and 2019, patients who received a diagnosis of NSA and NSH were included for the study. Demographic data, the surgical findings, and long-term follow-up results were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were identified. Forty-five patients were diagnosed as NSA and 23 patients were diagnosed with NSA. Mean age of the patients was 7.00 ±â€Š3.33 years. Patients did not differ in terms of age, gender, and etiology. Mean duration of the symptoms was significantly high in NSA group (4.11 ±â€Š4.00 days for NSH and 7.61 ±â€Š7.71 days for NSA, P = 0.011). Associated nasal fracture was significantly high in NSH group. Previous nasal examination was significantly high in NSA group. Epistaxis was present significantly high in NSH group (P = 0.013). Fever and purulent nasal discharge was observed significantly high in NSA group. Forty-seven (n = 47) patients can be reevaluated for long-term deformity (NSH, n = 34 [72.34%] and NSA, n = 13 [27.65%]). Mean follow-up period of the patients was 8.7 years. In total, 61.7% of the patients experienced minor or major sequelae. Both NSA and NSH groups did not differ in terms of minor sequelae and major sequelae. No sequleae was significantly high in NSH group (for NSH n = 17/34-(50,0%); for NSA n = 1/13- (7,7%), p = 0.008). Both NSA and NSH groups did not differ in terms of no sequelae and minor sequelae. CONCLUSION: The NSH and NSA are uncommon conditions that needed prompt diagnosis and intervention.

Evaluation of the Presence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss and the Relationship With Intraoperative Findings in Cholesteatoma.

We investigated whether cholesteatoma is associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and the effects of a lateral semicircular canal (LSCC) fistula, destruction of stapes, localization of cholesteatoma, and air-bone gap (ABG) size on SNHL. The charts of 159 patients who had received surgery for unilateral cholesteatoma were examined retrospectively. In all patients, air conduction and bone conduction (BC) thresholds in both ears were measured at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Differences in BC thresholds between ears with cholesteatoma and contralateral ears were calculated. Demographics, localization of cholesteatoma, presence of LSCC fistula, condition of stapes, and ABG size on the affected ear were evaluated. There were significantly greater BC thresholds in ears with cholesteatoma than in normal ears for each frequency. Comparing the average BC differences at the different cholesteatoma locations, there were significant differences between the tympanic cavity + all mastoid cell group and attic, attic + antrum, and tympanic cavity + antrum groups. The BC differences at 4000 Hz were significantly high in patients with LSCC fistula. There were no significant relationships between the condition of the stapes and BC differences at any frequencies. There were significant correlations between average ABG and BC threshold differences at all frequencies. A significant relationship was found between cholesteatoma and SNHL. Patients with advanced cholesteatoma had significantly higher levels of SNHL. The BC threshold differences increased with increases in the ABG.

Prognostic importance of harvested lymph node number, metastatic lymph node number, and lymph node ratio in surgically managed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Lymph node metastasis is a well-known prognostic factor for laryngeal carcinoma. However, current nodal staging systems provide limited information regarding prognosis. Additional parameters should be considered to improve prognostic capacity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prognostic values of metastatic lymph node number, ipsilateral/contralateral harvested lymph nodes, and lymph node ratio in patients undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Seventy-four patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma primarily managed surgically were included in this study. The patients' pathological and survival data were obtained from their medical records. The effects of harvested lymph nodes and lymph node ratio on disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral evaluations of harvested lymph nodes showed no significant associations with prognosis. Lymph node ratio was significantly associated with overall survival when evaluated bilaterally. Metastatic lymph node number showed more suitable stratification than TNM classification. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic lymph node number and bilateral lymph node ratio parameters should be taken into consideration to improve the prognostic capacity of TNM.

The impact of bariatric surgery on eustachian tube dysfunction.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between acute loss of weight after 6 months of bariatric surgery and the occurrence of tubal dysfunction symptoms METHODS: We recruited 76 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery between 2018 and 2019. It was planned to see if the change in Body Mass Index (BMI) caused changes in the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores of individuals. Regardless of the questionnaire, patients were also asked for 3 symptoms (autophony, fullness in the ear, hearing their own breath in the ear) before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 39.32 ± 11.09 years and 80.3% percent of the patients were female. The mean weight loss of the patients at the 6th month was 44.67 ± 13.10 kg, and mean weight loss rate was % 35.06 ± 8.01. The incidence of hearing their own breath, autophony and fullness of the ear were 25%, 22.4% and 11.8%, respectively. The proportion of those experiencing any of these three complaints was 30.3% (n = 23). The ETDQ scores of the cases ranged from 7 to 27, with an average of 9.38 ± 4.28. There are 10.5% (n = 8) paints with a score of ≥ 14.5 as regarded as patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). The mean age of patients with ETD was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than patients without ETD. Gender distributions, weight loss rates, smoking, previous operation and additional disease distributions do not show statistically significant differences between patients with and without ETD (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Present study indicated a 10.5% ETD incidence after bariatric surgery. ETDQ questionnaire can be used for ETD screening in patients who underwent bariatric surgery, which will be an overlooked complication in this group of subjects.

Accessory Nerve Anatomy in Anterior and Posterior Cervical Triangle: A Fresh Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the variations and normal course of the accessory nerve (CNXI) to help more accurate and confident neck dissection. METHODS: The course of the CNXI in the neck, its relationship to the surrounding anatomic structures and the factors affecting its course were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 100 neck dissections were performed on 50 fresh cadavers. Eleven division variations were observed at the anterior triangle. The location of CNXI at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (PBSCM) was investigated and the ratio between the distance from the mastoid apex (MAA) to CNXI at the PBSCM and the distance from MAA to the posterior border where the PBSCM is attached to the clavicle increased as height of the subject increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It must be kept in mind that it is better to search for CNXI in taller subjects more inferiorly at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Ultrasonic identification of internal jugular vein fenestration.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic variations have curicial importance during neck surgery. We present a fenestrated internal jugular vein variation and the accessory nerve passing through it. Also, we discuss preoperative diagnosis of this variation using ultrasonography. METHOD: The possible recognition of this variation by ultrasonography is introduced. RESULTS: The accessory nerve in an internal jugular vein fenestration can be seen using ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Preoperative identification of this rare variation may secure surgeon from potential complications.

Comparison of long-term functional results between standard supracricoid laryngectomy and modified technique with sternohyoid muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal cancer is the most common cancer of the upper respiratory tract. The main methods of treatment included surgery (partial laryngectomy and total laryngectomy) and radiation therapy. Laryngeal dysfunction is seen after both treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare postoperative functional results of the standard supracricoid partial laryngectomy technique and a modified supracricoid partial laryngectomy technique using the sternohyoid muscle. METHODS: In total, 29 male patients (average years 58.20±9.00 years; range 41-79 years) with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent supra cricoid partial laryngectomy were included. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of the surgical techniques. In Group A, all patients underwent standard supracricoid partial laryngectomy technique between January 2007 and November 2011. In Group B, all patients underwent modified supracricoid partial laryngectomy between August 2010 and November 2011. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing test, short version of the voice handicap index scores, and the MD Anderson dysphagia inventory, the time of oral feeding and the decanulation of the patients after surgery of each groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean maximum phonation time was 8.68±4.21s in Group A and 15.24±6.16s in Group B (p>0.05). The S/Z (s/s) ratio was 1.23±0.35 in Group A and 1.08±0.26 in Group B (p>0.05); the voice handicap index averages were 9.86±4.77 in Group A and 12.42±12.54 in Group B (p>0.05); the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing test averages were calculated as 12.73±3.08 in Group A and 13.64±1.49 in Group B (p>0.05). In the MD Anderson dysphagia inventory, evaluation of swallowing, the emotional, physical, and functional scores were 29.21±4.11, 32.21±6.85, and 20.14±2.17 in the Group B, and 29.20±2.54, 32.4±4.79, and 19±1.92 in Group A, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although there is no statistical difference in functional outcome comparisons, if rules are adhered to in preoperative patient selection, modified supracricoid partial laryngectomy can be applied safely and meaningful gains can be achieved in functional outcomes.

The Ignored Parameter in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: The Oxygen Desaturation Index.

OBJECTIVE: The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) does not provide information about the apnea depth and length. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) with AHI and the subjective symptoms because it is known that hypoxia plays an important role in morbidity and complications of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: We reviewed the data of patients who applied to our clinic between 2010 and 2014 and underwent polysomnography (PSG) with a diagnosis of suspected sleep apnea. The demographic and anthropometric data of the patients were recorded. Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and values of AHI and ODI were analyzed in PSG. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were divided into four groups, according to AHI as follows: 82 (25.5%) common snoring, 77 (24%) mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 71 (22.1%) moderate OSA, and 91 (28.3%) severe OSA. A strong correlation was detected between AHI and ODI (p<0.005 and r=0.904) in all patient groups. There was a positive correlation between AHI and ESS (p<0.05 and r=0.435), but the correlation of ESS with ODI was stronger than that with AHI (p<0.05 and r=0.504). CONCLUSION: The subjective symptoms of sleep apnea syndrome seem to be closely related to oxygen desaturations. Hypoxia during apnea periods of OSA is important; therefore, we suggest that ODI is as valuable as AHI in diagnosing and grading the OSAS.

Does the Degree of the Mastoid Pneumatization Affect the Side of Bell Palsy?

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to investigate the impact of degree of mastoid pneumatization on the affected side of Bell palsy (BP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study in tertiary academic hospital. METHODS: In total, 52 patients who were diagnosed with as BP were included in the study. Each patient was staged using House-Brackmann (HB) staging system. All patients underwent temporal bone computed tomography imaging. House-Brackmann scores, side of the BP, and mastoid pneumatization of all of patients were evaluated in the present study. RESULTS: Regarding the degree of the mastoid pneumatization, there were no significant differences between the affected side and the unaffected side (P = 0.439). The degree of the mastoid pneumatization of the affected side and the unaffected side did not differ between males and females (P = 0.918 for the affected side, P = 0.765 for the unaffected side, respectively). A negative correlation between the age and mastoid pneumatization of each side was found (P = 0.001, P = 0.025, respectively). There was no significant correlation between HB score and the degree of the mastoid pneumatization of each side (P = 0.789, P = 0.703). CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, the degree of the mastoid pneumatization is not one of the risk factors for BP. Further randomized studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Atypical Metastasis to the Head and Neck Region: An Analysis of 11 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We present 11 patients with distant metastases to the head and neck from an infraclavicularly located primary tumor and discuss the management strategies including the clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and prognosis. METHODS: The retrospective data of the pathology reports and operation notes of 1239 patients who had undergone any kind of oncological surgical intervention between 2005 and 2017 were analyzed. All of the 11 patients included in the study were evaluated in our department's tumor board, and all patients with an operable lesion had undergone surgery. Inoperable patients were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 64.3 (48-88) years. Primary tumors were located in the lung (2), breast (2), ovary (2), prostate (2), kidney (1), and colon (1) and the primary lesion could not be determined in one patient. The most common symptom was newly occurred painless swelling (9/11, 81.8%) at the metastatic site. Four patients without any other distant metastases were operated. Of these four patients, two died during follow-up due to systemic disease, and the other two are alive and disease-free. Three of the seven inoperable patients were treated with chemotherapy and the other four with radiotherapy. The prognosis of this group was worse. CONCLUSION: Although metastasis to the head and neck is not common, it is vital to keep in mind while approaching a patient with a lesion at the head and neck region especially if there is a history of lung, breast, and genitourinary cancers. Despite the poor prognosis, diminishing the tumor burden would increase the treatment success.

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.

Carotid Artery Aneurysm: A Rare Cause of Hemotympanum.

Temporal bone fractures can occur as a result of various head trauma. The most common cause of the hemotympanum is traumatic temporal bone fracture. Facial paralysis and hearing loss can be seen associated with temporal bone fracture. The development of the internal carotid artery aneurysm after temporal bone fracture is extremely rare. In this article, the authors evaluated carotid artery aneurysm that developed after temporal fracture and aneurism compressed by coagulated blood mass which showed itself as a hemotympanum. The internal carotid artery aneurysm that induced by temporal bone fracture and presented as hemotympanum has not been reported yet. This patient is the first case in the literature. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up options will be discussed in the light of current literature.

Management of Laryngoceles by Transoral Robotic Approach.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngoceles are air-filled sacs which communicate with the laryngeal lumen. When filled with mucus or pus, they are called laryngomucoceles and laryngopyoceles, respectively. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a new and remarkable technique that expands its usefullness in otorhinolaryngology. Conventional treatments for laryngoceles were previously performed using external approaches, with aesthetically unfavorable and less function-sparing results. Transoral laser microsurgical approaches for laryngoceles were seldom reported. It is aimed to present authors' clinical experience on laryngocele management with TORS which is a rather new technique. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective patient serial. METHODS: Patients were evaluated for demographic data, type of lesion, reasons for hospital admittance, complaint duration, and previous surgery. Robotic surgery panel including anesthesia time, duration of surgery, need for tracheotomy, postoperative care, follow-up, and recurrence rates were also summarized. RESULTS: Six men (mean age 51.7 years; range 41-62) with laryngoceles underwent successful TORS. Dyspnea and hoarseness were the main complaints. Two patients had undergone previous laryngeal surgery due to laryngeal cancer, with no recurrence of malignancy at admittance for laryngocele. Three had simple laryngocele, 2 had laryngomucocele, and 1 had laryngopyocele. No laryngoceles recurred and no complication such as dysphonia or prolonged dysphagia occurred. CONCLUSION: Transoral robotic surgery was found superior in safety, technical feasibility and curative effectiveness, when compared with classical methods, especially due to absence of skin incisions. Surgical modalities for laryngocele excision should be directed toward a curative target including cosmetic and functional success, technical achievability, and surgically curative methods. Transoral robotic surgery provided all these features.

Etiological classification of presbycusis in Turkish population according to audiogram configuration.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to classify age related hearing loss in Turkish population according to Schuknecht audiometric configurations for presbycusis and investigate the most common etiologies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,134 patients (568 males, 566 females; mean age 70.5±7.7 years; range 55 to 80 years) with age related hearing loss were included in the study. Audiograms of patients were classified into three categories: high frequency steeply sloping (HFSS), flat, and high frequency gently sloping (HFGS). Speech discrimination scores were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: In the study population, HFSS audiogram configuration was the most frequently observed (48.5%), followed by HFGS configuration (26.9%), and flat configuration (24.5%), respectively. While HFSS audiogram configuration was statistically significantly more common in males, flat audiogram configuration was statistically significantly more common in females (p=0.0001). HFSS group mean air conduction threshold were statistically significantly higher than flat and HFGS groups (p=0.0001). No statistically significantly difference was detected in terms of speech discrimination scores between three groups (p=0.796). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that, in Turkish population, while sensory presbycusis is more common in males, strial presbycusis is more common in females. No difference was detected in terms of the prevalence of cochlear presbycusis in males and females (p=0.0001).