Atraumatic Scala Tympani Cochleostomy; Resolution of the Dilemma.

OBJECTIVES: While an accurate placement in cochleostomy is critical to ensure appropriate insertion of the cochlear implant (CI) electrode into the scala tympani (ST), the choice of preferred cochleostomy sites widely varied among experienced surgeons. We present a novel technique for precise yet readily applicable localization of the optimum site for performing ST cochleostomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty fresh frozen temporal bones were dissected using the mastoidectomy-posterior tympanotomy approach. Based on the facial nerve and the margins of the round window membrane (RWM), the cochleostomy site was chosen to insert the electrode into the ST while preserving the surrounding intracochlear structures. RESULTS: There is a limited safe area suitable for the ST implantation in the area inferior and anterior to the RWM. There is a higher risk of scala vestibuli (SV) insertion anterior to that area. Posterior to that area, the cochlear aqueduct (CA) and inferior cochlear vein (ICV) are liable for the injury. CONCLUSION: For atraumatic CI, precise and easy localization of the site of cochleostomy play a pivotal role in preserving intracochlear structures. Accurate setting of the vertical and horizontal orientations is mandatory before choosing the site of cochleostomy. The facial nerve and the margins of the RWM offer a very helpful clue for such localization; meanwhile, it is readily identifiable in the surgical field.

Repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforation by ultrathin cartilage shield: evaluation of take rate and hearing result.

Our aim is to evaluate the function and take rate of 0.2 mm thickness cartilage shield for repair of subtotal tympanic membrane perforation by comparing it with full thickness cartilage and temporalis fascia. Repair of tympanic membrane was done in 85 patients with unilateral chronic otitis media with subtotal perforation. The patients were classified into three groups: group 'A' where 0.2 mm thickness cartilage graft was used, group 'B' repaired with full thickness cartilage graft and group 'C' where temporalis fascia graft was used. Over the follow-up period, we found that the graft take was complete with both partial and complete thickness cartilage grafts while it was not complete in fascia cases. On the other hand, there was marked improvement in hearing in cases repaired by fascia and partial thickness grafts as compared to hearing results of full thickness grafts. We concluded that 0.2 mm partial thickness cartilage graft is optimal in reconstruction of subtotal tympanic membrane perforation because it is excellent to obtain high take rate with good hearing results.

Single flap with three pedicles, bone paté and split-thickness skin graft for immediate mastoid obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Our objective was to evaluate single flap with three pedicles, bone paté and split-thickness skin graft for mastoid cavity obliteration after canal wall down mastoidectomy done for chronic suppurative otitis media and its efficacy in producing a small and dry mastoid cavity. Over a period of 7 years (2003-2010), 100 consecutive procedures in 100 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media were performed at the Mansoura University Hospital (Egypt) with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12-72 months). All patients had canal wall down mastoidectomy with simultaneous tympanoplasty. Anteriorly, inferiorly and superiorly pedicled periosteal flap, which was covered by split-thickness skin graft, was used in conjunction with autologous bone paté to obliterate the mastoid cavity. Postoperative evaluation was done based on certain criteria and grading system from 0 to 3. Grade 0 is considered perfect, grade 3 represents failure and grade 1 and 2 are adequate but not perfect. The summation of grade "0" (perfect dry) and grade "1" (adequate dry) was 88, 95, 97.23 and 98.44% after follow-up periods of 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, and 100% after 60 and 72 months. Periosteal flap based on three pedicles (anterior, inferior and superior) covering the bone paté is simple, perfect and adequate for obliteration of mastoid cavity after canal wall down mastoidectomy. Split-thickness skin graft is important to hasten the epithelialization that helps to obtain a dry cavity. The use of local tissues saves costs and avoids complications from the synthetic materials.

Choanal adenoid in adults with persistent nasal symptoms: endoscopic management to avoid misdiagnosis and unsuccessful surgeries.

Our objective was to confirm the necessity of nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of choanal adenoid in adult patients with persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections that may lead to repeated unsuccessful medical and surgical procedures. We present a series of 64 adult patients (18-37 years: 40 males, 24 females). All patients had persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections. There was history of repeated medical and surgical unsuccessful procedures. Choanal adenoid was confirmed by nasal endoscopy and CT scanning. Absence of adenoid tissues in the nasopharynx was confirmed in all cases. Surgical removal of choanal adenoids was undertaken in all cases endoscopically. Some other surgical procedures like straightening of a deviated septum or reduction of a hypertrophied turbinate were undertaken in some indicated cases. Most of the cases experienced complete relief from obstruction and return of a patent nasal airway, and improvement of associated complaints such as dry mouth and persistent cough. A thorough review of this phenomenon and its clinical relevance, and methods of diagnosis and management are presented. We recommend a thorough nasal endoscopy as a routine in cases of persistent nasal obstruction even in the presence of an apparent cause of obstruction.

Simultaneous injection of autologous mononuclear cells with TACE in HCC patients; preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of the pluripotent stem cells made the prospect of cell therapy and tissue regeneration a clinical reality, especially with the evidence of contribution of the stem cells of bone marrow origin in hepatic regeneration. Infusion of bone marrow stem cells before trans-arterial chemoembolization may help to increase liver volume and consequently increase hepatic reserve in patients with HCC, and this may improve the outcome of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four Child B class patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated by transarterial chemoembolization were injected with autologous bone marrow mononuclear layer containing stem cell in the hepatic artery feeding the contralateral lobe of the liver in the same session, follow-up of the patients was done by doing liver profile and CT liver volumetry before the surgery and 3 months later. RESULTS: We observed that patients receiving stem cell therapy simultaneously with TACE had shown a significant improvement in biological and volumetric parameters of liver function compared to those historically reported of patients receiving TACE only who usually shows deterioration of liver parameters. CONCLUSION: BMC infusion into the hepatic artery synchronized with TACE for patients with chronic liver disease complicated with HCC is safe, feasible, and demonstrated an improvement in both biological and radiological volumetric parameters.

Nasal mucosal contact points with facial pain and/or headache: lidocaine can predict the result of localized endoscopic resection.

The objective of the study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal endoscopy for both diagnosis and localized excision of intranasal contact areas that cause headache and/or facial pain as well as to evaluate the use of lidocaine test for diagnosis of such cases and predicting the result of surgery. This study included 120 patients aged between 18 and 45 years, with an average period of headache and/or facial pain of 2.5 years. Patients were classified into two groups according to lidocaine test. Group A that was lidocaine positive and group B which was negative. Excision of contact points was done, under endoscopic guidance, from the septum as well as the lateral nasal wall. 98.75% of patients in group A got benefit from surgery as most cases were cured from headache and facial pain. In group B, 40% got benefit with most patients had unchanged symptoms. In conclusion, endoscopic surgery gives a more precise complete excision of limited areas without time wasting or morbidity. Lidocaine test can be used as a test to aid in diagnosis and to predict the result of surgery where there were high cure rate within the lidocaine-positive group.