STIMA: Submucosal Temporary Inferior Maxillary Antrostomy: A Modification of Conventional Antrostomy, A Retrospective Review.

Introduction: Maxillary sinus pathology is commonly approached through endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (MMA). However, MMA does not provide full exposure to certain aspects of the maxillary sinus, such as alveolar, zygomatic, and prelacrimal recesses. In these hidden maxillary sinus niches, a combination approach with MMA is required for better exposure and access. In this article, we present a modification of inferior maxillary antrostomy (IMA) to allow for a temporary intraoperative window with no significant postoperative consequences. Objectives: (1) To describe our modification of IMA. (2) To report the outcome of maxillary sinus disease, postoperative complications, and flap condition. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review study. It was performed on 20 patients where submucosal temporary inferior maxillary antrostomy (STIMA) was indicated in the period from January 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023. All patients were assessed for their demographics, diagnosis, indication for STIMA, maxillary disease outcome, presence of postoperative complications, and flap condition. Result: Total of 18 patients fulfilled our inclusion/exclusion criteria; of them, 13 were males while the remaining were females. Mean age of patients was 33 years; most common diagnosis was chronic sinusitis. Status of maxillary sinus mucosa was healthy in all except 4 patients having polypoidal mucosa while flap condition was intact in all patients except 2 patients with pinpoint defects. Postoperative complications assessment demonstrated no neural, orbital, lacrimal, or dental complications in all patients. Conclusion: This retrospective chart review showed promising technique to address challenging maxillary lesions in difficult-to-access locations where combined approaches are necessary.

Early Displacement of Reconstruction Material is a Predictor of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Post Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction technique and materials used for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) are important factors in preventing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, a notable complication following this surgery. Visualizing the status of reconstruction early in the postoperative course can help determine the risk of postoperative CSF leak. Here, we aimed to determine if the radiological status of reconstruction post endonasal endoscopic surgery can predict postoperative CSF leak. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who had undergone ESBS between 2015 and 2020. An early computed tomography (CT) scan (obtained within 24 hours of surgery) was utilized to evaluate the reconstruction and postoperative radiological changes, and its findings were correlated with the occurrence of postoperative CSF leaks. RESULTS: Our study included 11 (12.7%) out of 86 patients with CSF leaks. The type of reconstruction, construction material, and type of nasal packing were not identified as significant risk factors for CSF leaks. The location of the fat graft (placed properly vs. displaced out of the surgical cavity) was significantly associated with CSF leak (P = 0.001). All patients with a displaced solid reconstruction (n = 5), displaced septal flap (n = 6), signs of air continuation (n = 2), or significantly increased amount of air (n = 5) presented with a CSF leak (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative CT scan is predictive of CSF leak. Displacement of the fat graft in early postoperative CT was the most important factor in predicting CSF leak. In this patient group, paying attention to radiological predictors of CSF leaks is important, supported by clinical findings.

Bilateral maxillary silent sinus syndrome: A case report and literature review.

Silent sinus syndrome refers to a spontaneous enophthalmos caused by maxillary sinus collapse without any symptomatic sinonasal illnesses. Its prevalence is almost entirely unilateral. The authors report a patient with a bilateral silent sinus syndrome managed successfully by middle meatal antrostomies. This case brings attention to recognizing bilateral silent sinus syndrome. Because of its bilateral involvement, the facial disfigurement might be recognized late due to the symmetrical presentation. This article highlights the pathophysiology and reports the detailed course of such a rare disease. The balloon dilatation is promising as a newly described treatment modality in a patient with silent sinus syndrome, although more long-term data on its outcome is needed.

Impact of Concurrent Chronic Rhinosinusitis on Complication Rates after Endonasal Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

Objectives Preoperative planning of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is essential. The safety of performing surgery before managing sinus pathologies including concurrent chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients undergoing ESBS has been questioned. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the complication rates between patients with and without CRS undergoing ESBS. Design This is a retrospective study. Setting Present study was conducted at tertiary referral center. Participants We included all patients who underwent ESBS between March 2015 and March 2021. However, patients who had surgical revision for remnant tumor, primary sinonasal tumor excision, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage repair were excluded. The presence of concurrent CRS was determined according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS 2020) criteria by reviewing electronic charts about the preoperative clinical assessment and CT scan images of the paranasal sinuses. Then, the incidence rates of postoperative meningitis, CSF leakage, and surgical site infection were compared between patients with and without concurrent CRS undergoing ESBS. Main Outcome Measures Postoperative complication rates in patients underwent ESBS with and without CRS. Results From a total of 130 ESBS cases, 99 patients were included in this study. Among them, 24 had concurrent CRS. One patient presented with postoperative meningitis, one with CSF leakage, and two with surgical site infections. The incidence rate of postoperative meningitis, CSF leakage, and surgical site infection did not significantly differ between patients with and without concurrent CRS. Conclusion Concurrent CRS is not a contraindication for ESBS. Moreover, simultaneous endoscopic sinus surgery can safely be performed without additional morbidity in ESBS.

STIMA: Submucosal Temporary Inferior Maxillary Antrostomy: A Cadaveric Controlled Study of a Modification of the Conventional Antrostomy.

Introduction: Inferior meatal antrostomy (IMA) is a safe and easy approach to the maxillary sinus. However, studies have shown disadvantages of conventional IMA, such as disruption of mucociliary transport and injury of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (MMA) has become the standard of care for addressing various maxillary pathologies. It is more functional and physiological but offers limited exposure to certain areas of the maxillary sinus, such as the prelacrimal recess, alveolar recess, and zygomatic recess. We proposed submucosal temporary inferior maxillary antrostomy (STIMA) to improve visualization and accessibility to such difficult-to-access locations. Objectives: To describe our proposed modification, to compare the degree of visualization and ease of accessibility between MMA and STIMA. Methods: This is a descriptive cadaveric study. It was performed on 4 fresh frozen human cadavers, and 8 maxillary sinuses were used to achieve the study's objectives. Different angled rigid nasal endoscopes and suction tubes were used to score the degree of visualization and ease of accessibility between the MMA and STIMA. Result: We demonstrated the superiority of the STIMA over the MMA in the degree of visualization and ease of accessibility in these difficult-to-access locations (P-value was significant, <.05). We did not encounter orbital injury or injury to the NLD in our specimens. Conclusion: STIMA is a relatively easy and safe modification of conventional IMA. It improves the degree of visualization and ease of accessibility to difficult-to-access maxillary sinus locations without the potential complications of conventional IMA.

Experience of People With Chronic Sinusitis During COVID-19 Lockdown in Saudi Arabia: Insights and Lessons.

Background This study aims to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown period on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms control. Methodology This cross-sectional study was carried out on adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who visited King Abdulaziz University Hospital within six months before the lockdown starting date. Background information, including patients' diagnosis, presence of rhinitis, number of previous surgeries, and medications, was collected. CRS symptom burden was measured using a validated Arabic version of the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Study participants were required to complete the survey two months after the start of the lockdown. Results Out of 66 patients, 43 agreed to participate. The majority of respondents (34, 75.6%) were diagnosed with CRS with nasal polyps. The study revealed no differences between pre- and post-lockdown total symptom scores. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health system worldwide in many ways. Regarding the scope of our study, CRS symptoms, fortunately, did not worsen with the pandemic. This is considered the first reported study to assess such symptom control among people with CRS in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

Evaluation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis Symptoms' Severity Following COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objectives This study aims to compare the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms pre- and post-COVID-19 infection and estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of intranasal corticosteroids (ICS) among adult CRS patients. Methods This was an observational retrospective cohort study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between July 2022 and October 2022. Adult CRS patients with sino-nasal outcomes test-22 (SNOT-22) scores documented prior to March 2020, marking the occurrence of Saudi Arabia's initial reported case of COVID-19, were requested to complete the SNOT-22 questionnaire following COVID-19 infection. A comparison was subsequently made between the two scores obtained. Results The study enrolled a total of 33 patients, with 16 assigned to the control group and 17 with a history of COVID-19 infection. The mean age of the patients was 43 years, and the majority (52%) were males. Statistical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the total SNOT-22 scores or domain-level scores between the two groups. Furthermore, the use of ICS during the COVID-19 pandemic did not show any significant associations, except for patients with asthma, where 80% of them used ICS during the pandemic (p=0.0073). Conclusion There was no statistically significant disparity observed in the SNOT-22 scores between patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who did not. The use of corticosteroids during the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be more prevalent in this study compared to previous studies conducted before the pandemic, particularly among patients with asthma. The use of ICS during the pandemic was not associated with the presence of polyps, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), allergic rhinitis, or eczema.

Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To aimed to determine the incidence of complications of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of complications. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone ESS at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) between January 2015 and March 2022. Patients who underwent ESS for complicated acute sinusitis, sinonasal malignancy, and cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, and those who underwent extended ESS for indications other than chronic rhinosinusitis were excluded. This study was approved by the KSUMC Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: We included 1395 patients, 3 of whom had major complications and 28 had minor complications, resulting in an overall major complication rate of 0.2% and a minor complication rate of 2%. The most common major complication was orbital hematoma, and the most common minor complication was synechia. Moreover, the duration of surgery and laterality increased the risk of complications, whereas the use of image guidance had no effect. CONCLUSION: The ESS is a safe procedure. The operative start time and laterality were associated with an increased risk of complications and warrant further investigation.

Demographic and clinical profile of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical features of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We enrolled 660 male and female participants with medical records indicating a history of chronic rhinosinusitis between 2021 and 2022. Quantitative and descriptive analyses of age, gender, nationality, presence of polyps, aspirin sensitivity, presence of urticaria, asthma, and allergies were performed. RESULTS: Of the 660 enrolled patients, 60% (n=396) were male and 40% (n=264) were female. Additionally, 67.7% (447) had nasal polyps, 32% had a history of asthma, 10% had hypersensitivity to aspirin, 1.4% reported a history of urticaria, 9.7% reported allergies to medications, 7.9% reported food allergies, 26% reported multiple allergies, and 1.8% reported environmental allergies. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the following: Samter's triad was present in 6.9% of participants with chronic rhinosinusitis; the greatest prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps was observed among those older than 50 years. The prevalence of urticaria was not significantly different among groups; a higher rate of environmental allergies was observed among those with CRSwNP than among those without nasal polyps; and a higher prevalence of aspirin hypersensitivity was observed among those with CRSwNP than among non-polyps group.

Temporary Submucosal Inferior Maxillary Antrostomy: A Modification of the Inferior Antrostomy.

Complete removal of maxillary sinus pathology can be challenging in specific locations. In the past, the Caldwell-Luc procedure was used for maxillary sinus disease. Currently, the endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) approach is used. However, it can often be difficult to reach certain locations of lesions by EMMA alone, requiring an endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy (EIMA), which has been reported in the literature to have numerous complications. Furthermore, multiple techniques have been suggested for a combined bi-meatal approach to remove such lesions. We present a case of a 17-year-old with a challenging antrochoanal polyp (ACP) location requiring EIMA. The patient underwent our modified technique of submucosal inferior antrostomy with mucosal flap with no observed intra-operative and post-operative complications. Maxillary sinus pathology can be challenging due to limited access to specific regions. In this case report, we present a novel technique to achieve a temporary inferior antrostomy through a minimally invasive approach with a promising post-operative course.

Early Postoperative Computed Tomography Scan Air Distribution Predicts Postoperative CSF Leak in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains the primary concern of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). Pneumocephalus seen in postoperative images has been linked to CSF leak in some reports; however, few studies have looked at the extent to which it is indicative of CSF leak. In the current study, we aim to examine the size and location of post-ESBS pneumocephalus in the early postoperative period and determine their association with postoperative CSF leak. METHODS: Patients undergoing ESBS in a 5-year period were included. All patients underwent brain computed tomography scan within the first 24 postoperative hours. Computed tomography scans were reviewed by a neurosurgeon and a radiologist and have been classified based on the size and location of pneumocephalus. Patients were followed in the postoperative period for clinical signs of CSF leak and managed accordingly. RESULTS: Out of 120 patients, 86 patients met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five patients (41%) had no pneumocephalus on day one postoperative imaging, while 51 patients (59%) had pneumocephalus with different sizes and distributions. Eleven of 86 patients developed CSF leak. Of the 11 patients, 5 patients (45%) had grade 4 pneumocephalus (P value = 0.02). Patients with multiple locations of pneumocephalus were more likely to develop CSF leak (P value = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In post-ESBS patients, both the volume and location of the pneumocephalus are potentially predictive of CSF leak. In patients with a larger volume of intra-axial air and/or multiple air locations, an impending CSF leak should be anticipated.

Classification of Endoscopic Transnasal Lateral Skull Base Approaches: Anatomical Study.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic transnasal approaches (ETAs) to the ventrolateral skull base are commonly classified according to coronal planes or anatomical structures. Our goal is to simplify the description of the ETA to lateral skull base regions in a sequential dissection with correlation to computed tomography, helping in preoperative planning and efficient surgical exposure, and exposing the surgical anatomy limitations. METHODS: Five freshly injected cadaver heads were dissected using an extended ETA to the lateral skull base. Each specimen underwent a high-resolution computed tomography scan. A classification of the lateral skull base based on well-defined zones was proposed. RESULTS: We divided the lateral target into four different zones, in a craniocaudal orientation: zone 1 is the space lying between the orbital floor superior and the level of the sellar floor inferior, zone 2 is on the coronal plane, located between the level of the sellar floor and the vidian canal, zone 3 is the area lateral to the anterior limb of the petro-occipital fissure, located between the vidian canal and the carotid canal, and zone 4 is the space located between the carotid canal and the extracranial opening of the hypoglossal canal, lateral to the anterior part of the posterior limb of petro-occipital fissure. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple previous works have described and classified the coronal plane and its lateral extensions. Our classification system for the proposed lateral zones enables preoperative planning to select a suitable approach. The craniocaudal orientation facilitates the understanding of surgical corridors and tailored exposure.

Graft-Extended Nasoseptal Flap for Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction: A Novel Technique.

Reconstruction of the anterior part of the anterior skull base with a nasoseptal flap (NSF) is technically demanding. This challenge is mainly related to the real possible length of the flap. Herein, we describe a new technique for extending the NSF such that it can sufficiently cover the far anterior part of the anterior skull base. Three cadaveric heads were used for mucosal graft extension of the NSF. The graft was harvested from the other side, sutured to the NSF, then repositioned over the skull base after opening all the paranasal sinuses. Each head was operated by a rhinologist and a skull base surgeon. The study variables were the initial length of the NSF, the length of the graft harvested, the new length of the graft-extended NSF, and the length of the new graft-extended NSF from the nasal spine. The average length of the NSFs was 6.4 cm (± 0.2); that of the harvested grafts was 2.93 cm (± 0.1); that of the graft-extended NSF was 9.33 cm (± 0.4); and that of the graft-extended NSF from the nasal spine was 3.93 cm. The graft-extended NSF is an easy and extremely useful technique for the reconstruction of the far anterior parts of the skull base. However, further prospective studies on the clinical usefulness of this technique and its long-term results are yet to be performed. Level of evidence: IV.

Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVES: Rhinitis, one of the most common inflammatory conditions of the nasal mucosa, is known to affect a large proportion of people worldwide. It is generally classified into allergic and non-allergic types and both are associated with several unpleasant symptoms. Several medications prescribed for different medical conditions can cause unpleasant rhinitis as an adverse effect, which is known as drug-induced non-allergic rhinitis. The aims of this article were to review the literature to identify drugs that could induce rhinitis, prevalence of drug-induced rhinitis, and the associated pathogenic mechanisms if known. METHODS: Literature search screening for eligible papers published up to December 31st, 2021, in Medline (via PubMed) and Embase was conducted. The search included the following combination of keywords and terms: rhinitis, sneezing, congestion, allergic, non-allergic, rhinorrhea, vasomotor, medication, drug-induced. RESULTS: The review findings suggest that 12 subtypes of drugs potentially could induce rhinitis. Based on their mechanisms of action, the pathogenic causes for the induction of rhinitis have been recognized for some drugs, while others remain unknown. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the list of drugs that reportedly induce non-allergic nasal symptoms, along with taking the patient's medication history, is important in the diagnosis of rhinitis.

Adverse events of biological therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A systematic review.

The management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is challenging due to disease recurrence and adverse effects. Both surgical and medical treatment modalities impact the quality of patients' lives. Monoclonal antibody treatment has recently been used successfully in CRS with limited reported adverse events. We aimed to review the literature to shed more light on the safety and adverse events associated with the biological therapy of CRSwNP. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted on the safety of different biological treatments when used for managing CRSwNP. We have included 13 studies in the present systematic review, including 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one cross-sectional study. The total sample size for the included studies was 2282 patients. Six studies investigated the safety and adverse events of dupilumab; three investigated omalizumab, three investigated mepolizumab, and only one investigated reslizumab. Some studies have reported that adverse events were common with these types of drugs. However they were not specific and self-limited. Headaches, injection site reactions, and pharyngitis were the most common adverse events found among the reported adverse events. The Dupilumab trial reported pharyngitis in 225 patients (22.4 %) followed by erythema in 9.4 %, headache in 8.1 %, epistaxis in 5.1 %, and asthma in 1.7 % of patients. Trials which used omalizumab reported headaches, nasal pharyngitis, injection-site reactions to be the most common adverse events with estimated prevalence rates of 8.1 %, 5.9 %, and 5.2 %, respectively. Mepolizumab and reslizumab studies reported that 40 % of patients were complicated by nasal polyps/congestion/pharyngitis/infections, 14 had a headache (15.5 %), two developed asthma (2.2 %), and only one patient (1.1 %) had epistaxis as an adverse event. Although the literature's current investigations indicate the safety of the biologic treatment modalities, further studies are needed as some uncertainty among the trials have been reported.

Atrophic Rhinitis Secondary to an Infection of Unusual Bacteria: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Clinically, atrophic rhinitis (AR) is well recognized. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with AR. Sphingomonas paucimobilis, an uncommon bacterial pathogen, has been isolated in nasal cultures. This study discusses the microorganisms, causing AR. According to previous research, these infections have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to the limited knowledge on the disease, the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Thus, frequent monitoring and treatment are needed to avoid complications. This rare type of infection should be suspected in patients presenting with nasal blockage, including those from non-endemic areas.

Nasoseptal flap and rigid reconstruction in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgeries: The longitudinal experience of a single center.

BACKGROUND: Recently, endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) have been used for skull base defect reconstruction surgeries. The nasoseptal flap (NSF), a vascular pedicled flap, was introduced to decrease postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. PURPOSES: This study aimed to outline the authors' institutional experience using NSF and rigid implants in anterior skull base defect reconstruction surgeries following EEA. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort review of patients who underwent NSF reconstruction following EEA in the Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery Departments at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2015 to May 2021, divided into 2 time periods according to the reconstruction technique. RESULT: Out of the 106 patients who underwent EEA, 77 underwent NSF reconstruction. The majority had expanded EEA (94.8%). The mean age was 40.21 ± 17.7 years, and the female gender represented 61% of the sample. More than half of the sample underwent right NSF (57.1%). Meningioma was the most common diagnosis (45.5%). The clivus was the most frequent site of lesions (23.4%). The overall rate of postoperative CSF leakage and lumbar drainage (LD) insertion was 15.6% and 51.9%, respectively. The duration of LD was a median of four days. The overall failure rate was 13%, declining from 20% in the first period to 5.4% in the second period. Rigid implants were used significantly more in the first period than in the second period (67.5% versus 16.2%, P < 0.001). Meningitis, the highest postoperative complication, was reported in 6 patients (7.8%). One patient died three weeks postoperatively after massive nasal bleeding. No significant difference was found between either side of the NFS regarding the CSF leakage and failure rate. CONCLUSION: In the authors' experience, there has been an overt decline in failure rates and complications of EEA over the last three years due to increased experience among surgeons and a standardization of reconstruction techniques. Minimal reconstruction may provide satisfactory results by decreasing the use of rigid implants. An endoscopic endonasal approach with an NSF for anterior skull base defect reconstruction is considered a safe procedure with no significant difference between the sides of the flap.

Extent of Nasal Irrigation in Non-operated Sinuses: A Cadaveric Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasal irrigation is among the most widely used treatment modalities for sinonasal diseases. The extent of irrigation is well studied in operated sinuses but not for non-operated sinuses. Moreover, the preferred head positioning during irrigation is not known. Herein, we studied the extent of nasal irrigation in cadaveric heads with non-operated sinuses. METHODS: Nine cadaveric heads were used. Normal saline solution mixed with radiological contrast material was used to irrigate the nasal cavities with the heads in 2 different positions: standing-leaning-forward (SLF) and Head-down forward (HDF). After each irrigation, computed tomography images of the head were acquired. The extent of irrigation was assessed for each subunit of the sinonasal cavity. RESULTS: Irrigation was performed twice on a total of 18 sides, each time in 1 position. Nine subunits were evaluated: inferior, middle, and superior meati; the olfactory cleft; and the frontal, maxillary, anterior, and posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses. The extent of irrigation was significantly better in the HDF position for the olfactory cleft (100% vs 33%), P-value=.001, frontal sinus (33% vs 11%), P-value=.002, maxillary sinus (78% vs 17%), P-value=.001, and anterior ethmoid sinus (89% vs 17%), P-value=.001. There was no significant difference in the extent of irrigation between the 2 positions for the other evaluated subunits. The overall extent of irrigation was 70.37% of the subunits in HDF position and 45.06% of the subunits for SLF position, P-value= .001. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal irrigation reached the cavities of non-operated paranasal sinuses. However, while the extent of irrigation was limited in the SLF, it was well achieved in the HDF position. Studies on the clinical efficacy of irrigation in this position are recommended.

Impact of Preoperative Steroids Administration on Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Systematic Review of Literature, and a Survey in Saudi Arabia.

There is limited knowledge in the literature and lack of clear protocols among practitioners regarding preoperative steroids administration for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This study aimed to identify the practice patterns of rhinologists in Saudi Arabia as well as systematically review all health-related evidence regarding the use of preoperative steroids for ESS. A previously used questionnaire was modified and distributed in Saudi Arabia among rhinologists who finished their residency training. It entailed questions about their qualifications and preoperative steroids use, preferred regimen, and possible benefits. Also, a systematic literature review using four major databases was conducted to build a scoping view of the current evidence. A total of 94 subjects responded to the mailed survey. Of them, 72(76.6%) used preoperative steroids; 40 subjects believed that there is a strong supporting evidence while 32 reported that there is no solid evidence. The commonest indication was chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp followed by allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. More than half of subjects (54.2%) preferred medium-dose prednisone (30-40 mg/day). A considerable number believed that steroids decreased surgical bleeding (n = 57, 79.2%), improved surgical field visualization (77.8%), decreased surgical time (77.8%), and decreased mucosal inflammation (61.1%). Thirteen studies including 1028 patients were eligible for the systematic review. Only three studies reported a statistically significant effect of steroids in reducing intraoperative hemorrhage, while only two studies revealed that steroids significantly improved surgical field quality. In two studies, steroids showed a significant effect in reducing eosinophil infiltration. There is a major number of rhinology experts using preoperative steroids for patients undergoing ESS but there is a wide variation among their practice patterns. The current potential advantages of steroids need to be supported by further large randomized clinical trials to establish clear guidelines.

A case report of rare fungal pathogens causing recurrent allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and literature review.

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis has been well characterized clinically. We report about a patient diagnosed with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. Nasal cultures revealed a rare fungal pathogen, Aspergillus nidulans. At the time of initial presentation and later recurrence, another rare fungus was found. Trichoderma are unique and have been described in detail. This report describes unique pathogens causing allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. The relevant literature demonstrates the potential morbidity and mortality due to infections from such organisms, indicating the need for physicians to manage and treat this condition carefully to prevent potential complications.