Comparative Columellar Scar Analysis Between W Incisions and Inverted-V Incision in Open Technique Nasal Surgery.

A visible scar on the columella is undesirable result for both patient and surgeon. So it is one of the major disadvantage of open nose surgery. Different columellar incision types have been used in open technique of nasal surgery. In this prospective study, we compare W incisions and inverted-V columellar incisions with a scar assessment scale. In this prospective randomized study, open nasal surgery (open rhinoplasty and open technique septoplasty) were performed on 93 patients between November 2009 and July 2012. The inverted-V incision was used on 31 patients (24 males, 7 females). The "W" incision was used on 62 patients (40 males, 22 females). The entire surgical procedure was performed by a single surgeon. The columellar incision was closed using 6-0 interrupted polypropylene sutures. All sutures were removed on the seventh postoperative day. Scars were assessed at 6 moths, with 3 items scar assessment scale, we observed satisfactory scar, pigmentation, and notching. We compared both groups and found that the scar pigmentation, notching and scar formation are similar to each other. As a result of this study we concluded that the inverted-V incision or "W" incision might be a similar choice in open nasal surgery.

Effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the improvement of chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis after primary endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the influence of laryngopharyngeal reflux on the improvement of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients (28 males, 20 females; mean age 41.6±15.1 years; range 18 to 75 years) with CRS without polyposis were assessed for the presence of gastric reflux with Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) before undergoing primary ESS. Patients with a RSI >12 and RFS >7 were included in the reflux(+) and those with either score under these cutoffs in the reflux(-) group. Improvement scores were accepted as the difference between preoperative scores and postoperative sixth-month Lund-Mackay Radiology Scores, Lund-Kennedy Endoscopy Scores (LKES), and Sinusitis Symptom Scores (SSS). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between improvements of the reflux(+) and reflux(-) groups in terms of radiology, endoscopy, and symptom scores (p>0.05). However, preoperative and postoperative six-month radiology scores were significantly higher in reflux(+) patients (p<0.01). Also, postoperative six-month LKES were significantly higher in reflux(+) patients. No statistically significant differences were detected between preoperative and postoperative six-month SSS in reflux(+) or reflux(-) patients. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux was associated with worse radiology and endoscopy scores in CRS without polyposis; however, it had no role on the improvement scores after primary ESS.

Clinical evaluation of inner ear changes as result of chronic otitis media and its surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate whether chronic otitis media (COM) may cause inner ear damages or middle ear surgery may improve this damage with regard to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus and dizziness-related disability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was performed on a series of 65 patients (41 males, 24 females; mean age 26.4±12.6; range 11 to 62 years) who were diagnosed with COM and were scheduled for surgical intervention at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital. Patients were divided into two subgroups as tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy group according to the surgical procedure. Standard patient work-up included otomicroscopy, pure tone audiometry and completion of the Turkish translation of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before surgery and eight weeks after surgery. RESULTS: We found higher bone conduction thresholds in the group of patients with mastoidectomy preoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean preoperative and postoperative THI and DHI scores between the groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that a successful surgery results in improved tinnitus and vertigo symptoms in patients with COM.

Is septoplasty effective on habitual snoring in patients with nasal obstruction?

We aimed to find out whether snoring relieve with nasal surgery in patients with nasal obstruction. Sixty-four patients who underwent septoplasty under general anesthesia with complaint of nasal obstruction and snoring at Haydarpasa Numune Education and Research Hospital were enrolled in the study. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination. Septal deviation was graded as mild, moderate and severe with endoscopy. Variables examined included age, sex, body mass index. All patients also completed the questionnaires, including Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Snore Symptom Inventory (SSI) before and after septoplasty. NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI scores showed statistically significant improvement after nasal surgery (p < 0.01) but we could not find any statistically significant association between septal deviation grading and improvement in scores of NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI (p > 0.05). Added to this, the association between body mass index (BMI) and improvement in scores of NOSE scale, ESS, and SSI did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that septoplasty is effective on the subjective parameters of nasal obstruction in habitual snorers irrespective of the nasal septal deviation and severity of BMI.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the frontal sinus: case report and Turkish literature review.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are nonepithelial neoplasms of plasma cell origin categorized among non-Hodgkin lymphomas, without the bone marrow involvement and systemic spread seen in multiple myeloma. They are uncommon tumors comprising 3% of all plasma cell neoplasias. Although they usually occur in the upper respiratory tract, only 1 case of EMP localized to the frontal sinus has been reported in the English literature. We present in this report a rare case of EMP originated from the left frontal sinus leading to left eyeball proptosis and movement restriction. A survey of sinonasal EMPs in the Turkish literature is reported, as well. Paranasal computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of a 69-year-old female who presented with left eyeball proptosis and left-sided headache revealed a solid mass in the left frontal sinus. Histopathological analysis of the completely excised mass supported the diagnosis of plasmacytoma. The definitive diagnosis of solitary EMP was confirmed with further investigations at hematology and oncology clinics. The patient was treated with surgery followed by local radiotherapy to the head and neck region, and she was disease-free at her 1-year follow-up. Treatment of sinonasal EMP is surgery alone or surgery combined with radiotherapy. Long-term follow-up is a requisite for systemic control because of the disease's high potential to transform into multiple myeloma.

Clinical outcome parameters for necrotizing otitis externa.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the duration of time elapsed between the onset of symptoms for necrotizing external otitis (NEO) and admission to hospital that may play a role in patient outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fourteen consecutive male patients with NEO with no improvement from the previous course of antibiotherapy and with findings of osteomyelitis on temporal bone CT, MRI, and positive detection of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate on temporal bone, admitted as inpatients between 2008 and 2012. INTERVENTION(S): Medical treatment of NEO and surgical debridement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patients were divided into 2 groups according to median time elapsed between onset of symptoms and hospitalization (<30 d or >30 d). HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, pain intensity, radiologic grade, improvement since diagnosis, and total time to cure were compared according to the groups. The relationships between the laboratory data were analyzed to determine the parameters associated with time to recovery. RESULTS: Otalgia was significantly worse in patients who were admitted to hospital greater than 30 days after symptom onset (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.002). Blood glucose increased related to delayed admission time (p < 0.001). CRP results were independently elevated from the admission time (p < 0.112). There was a statistically significant difference between groups according to ESR levels and recovery time (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.004 and p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between HbA1c levels and recovery time in Group 1 and between ESR levels and recovery time in Group 2 (r = 0.872, p = 0.044; r = 0.630, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data worsen later than 30 days in NEO.

Association between laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis induce ligand (TRAIL), TRAIL receptor and sTRAIL levels.

The laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors occurring in the head and neck. Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis induce ligand (TRAIL) and TRAIL-receptors (DR4, DR5, DcR1, DcR2) are known as important members of TRAIL-mediated biochemical signaling pathway. Associations between polymorphisms in these genes and clinicopathological characteristics of human laryngeal carcinoma are not well defined. This study therefore aimed to investigate a possible relationship among the TRAIL and TRAIL-DR4 polymorphisms and sTRAIL levels in the risk or progression of LSCC. A total of 99 patients with laryngeal cancer and 120 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. DR4 C626G and TRAIL 1595 C/T genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and sTRAIL levels were measured by ELISA. There were significant differences in the distribution of DR4 C626G genotypes and frequencies of the alleles between laryngeal cancer patients and controls (p<0.001) but not in TRAIL 1595 C/T. We found the increased frequency of the DR4 C626G homozygote CC genotype in patients than in controls (p<0.001). Haplotype analysis revealed that there was also a statistically significant relationship between TRAIL and TRAIL-DR4 polymorphisms and laryngeal cancer. Serum sTRAIL levels in the laryngeal patients with CC genotype who had advanced tumour stage were lower than those of patients with early tumor stage (p=0.014). Our findings suggest that DR4 C626G genotypes and sTRAIL levels might be associated with progression of laryngeal cancer in the Turkish population.

Role of nasal packing in surgical outcome for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze the differences between biodegradable and nondegradable nasal dressings with regard to their effects on wound healing in the short and medium term and on surgical outcomes in the long term, after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, partly blinded, controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 56 patients undergoing bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis were enrolled and randomized to receive biodegradable (Nasopore; Stryker, Hamilton, ON, Canada) on one side and nondegradable packing (Merocel; Medtronic Xomed, Minneapolis, MN) on the opposite side. Postoperative morbidities (pain, bleeding, facial edema, nasal blockage) related to dressings were assessed on postoperative day 6. Wound healing (edema, crusting, secretions, synechia, granulation tissue formation, and percentage re-epithelialization) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months using modified Lund-Kennedy scores. Long-term assessment at 12 months was done using validated Lund-Kennedy scores. RESULTS: Morbidities related to nondegradable packing were significantly higher than with degradable packing (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P<.01). Pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were significantly less with absorbable packing. No statistically significant difference was found between sinonasal cavities packed with biodegradable or nondegradable materials with regard to healing scores and percentage of re-epithelialization at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and surgical outcomes at 1 year (P>.05). However, healing at 6 months was correlated with the preoperative Lund-Mackay radiology and surgery scores (Spearman's rho correlation test, P<.05 and P<.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: No significant healing or surgical outcome differences were found between biodegradable and nondegradable packing. However pain, bleeding, nasal blockage, and facial edema were lower with biodegradable packing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Hyperbaric oxygen versus steroid in facial nerve injury: an experimental animal study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen, methylprednisolone and combined hyperbaric oxygen-methylprednisolone treatments on traumatic facial nerve regeneration in rats. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After exposure to facial nerve injury, four groups of rats were created with five subjects in each group: Group 1 (hyperbaric oxygen), group 2 (control), group 3 (combined hyperbaric oxygen-methylprednisolone), group 4 (methylprednisolone). Facial nerve specimens from sacrificed animals were examined for axonal degeneration, vascular congestion, macro vacuolization, axon diameter and thickness of myelin sheath. RESULTS: There were significant differences with regard to axonal degeneration, vascular congestion and axon diameter between group 3 and the control group. In addition to lower axonal degeneration and vascular congestion, a larger diameter of axons was observed in group 3. There were significant differences with regard to vascular congestion and axon diameter between group 4 and the control group. We observed thicker myelin and lower axonal degeneration in group 3 compared with group 4. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy with hyperbaric oxygen and methylprednisolone had an additive beneficial effect on regeneration of the facial nerve and may provide better treatment outcomes than methylprednisolone or hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone.

Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma of the supraclavicular fossa.

Metastases from the tracheobronchial tree and the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems are the most common malignant lesions of the supraclavicular fossa. Liposarcomas in this region, as primary tumors, are rarely encountered. In this article, we report a case of myxoid liposarcoma of the supraclavicular fossa with a fulminant course.

The value of PET/CT to assess clinically negative necks.

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of [(18)F]-2-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in evaluating metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to the cervical lymph nodes, with specific attention to the efficacy in regard to clinically negative necks. This was a retrospective review of 243 patients with HNSCC between years 2005 and 2007 treated at a comprehensive cancer care institution who underwent pre-operative PET/CT and neck dissection with either an N0 (112 patients) or N+ (131 patients) clinical nodal status. PET/CT findings were correlated with histopathological results of surgical specimens. A majority of the primary sites were oral cavity and oropharynx (70%), followed by larynx, unknown primary and hypopharynx. In the group of 112 patients who underwent 144 neck dissections with N0 nodal status, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) and accuracy were 57, 82, 59, 80 and 74%, respectively. In the group of 131 patients who underwent 169 neck dissections with N+ nodal status, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 93, 70, 96, 58 and 91%, respectively. PET/CT has a much reduced rate of efficacy for the clinically negative neck compared to the clinically positive neck. PET/CT in its current stage does not appear to offer an advantage in staging the clinically N0 neck due to high rates of false positives and negatives.

Orofaciodigital syndrome.

Orofaciodigital syndrome is a very rare entity with X-linked dominant inheritance characterized by oral, facial, and digital anomalies. Thirteen different types have been described in the literature to date. Of these, orofaciodigital syndrome type I has the highest incidence. Renal and central nervous system malformations may accompany the oral, facial, and digital anomalies. We report a case of orofaciodigital syndrome type I in a 9-year-old girl. The patient was admitted with a complaint unrelated to the syndrome. The coexistence of an oral anomaly with a digital anomaly in this patient led us to search for other possible anomalies. Ultrasonography revealed a diagnosis of polycystic kidneys. Physicians must be mindful of the external appearance of patients with this syndrome and be aware of life-threatening anomalies possibly associated with it.

Paradoxical giant inferior concha.

Anatomic variations of the middle and superior conchae are common, but inferior concha anomalies are rare. These anomalies have included pneumatization, agenesis, and duplication. We describe what we believe is the first reported case of a paradoxical curvature of the bony part of the inferior concha. The patient was a 13-year-old girl. The development of a huge inferior concha blocked the left nasal cavity and deviated the nasal septum to the contralateral side, resulting in bilateral obstruction. The patient was successfully treated with surgery.

Risk factors for oral allergy syndrome in patients withseasonal allergic rhinitis

Background: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a unique allergic reaction to food, which is caused by cross-reactivitybetween proteins in fresh fruits or vegetables and pollens. Predisposing factors for OAS are not well known inpatients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.Objective: Identify the probable risk factors for OAS in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.Study Design: One hundred and eleven consecutive patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were included. Patientswere evaluated in terms of symptom scores and skin prick test positivity scores. Prick-by-prick tests with the freshfruit or vegetable were carried out in patients who describe oral allergy syndrome. Patients with OAS and withoutOAS were compared statistically.Results: OAS was more frequent in females than males (p=0.01). Odds ratio for gender (male/female) was 3.80(95% confidence interval: 1.28-11.32). Within nasal symptoms, only nasal itching was related with OAS (P<0.05).The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the prevalence of the OAS and age,asthma, TSS and TSTP (p<0.05).Conclusion: Not all patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis develop OAS. It is likely that, patients with OAS havesome additional risk factors other than atopy(AU)

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A study to detect Helicobacter pylori in adenotonsillar tissue.

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the possibility of Helicobacter pylori colonization on tonsillar and adenoid tissues. Our study group was made up of 84 consecutively presenting children aged 4 to 12 years who had undergone adenotonsillectomy or adenoidectomy with or without ventilation tube insertion. The excised specimens were analyzed by rapid urease testing and histopathologic examination to detect H pylori. Histologic sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and Giemsa staining as performed in routine gastric biopsies. We found no H pylori colonization in any specimen. Therefore, we consider the possibility of H pylori colonization of adenotonsillar tissue unlikely, even though the authors of some recent studies have reported such a finding. Other means of detecting possible H pylori colonization in the upper aerodigestive tract rely on invasive biopsy procedures, which are difficult to use in clinical practice. Therefore, on the basis of our findings and our review of the literature, we conclude that looking for H pylori in the upper aerodigestive tract is not only clinically useless, but damaging, as well.

Do the laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs ameliorate by empiric treatment in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux?

OBJECTIVES: In clinical practice, antireflux medication is given almost always empirically without pH monitorization. We aimed to evaluate the improving effect of empiric antireflux treatment on layngopharyngeal symptoms and signs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) according to reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS). METHODS: GER was determined by esophagogastroduedonoscopy and biopsy in 127 patients. RSI and RFS were calculated for each patient. The patients with a pathology other than LFR which may be responsible from laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs were excluded from the study. Fifty patients whom were thought to have LPR according to RSI and RFS comprised the study group. After 12-weeks of antireflux treatment, RSI and RFS were calculated again. The statistical analyses were made according to the changes in the severity and frequency of each symptom and sign. RESULTS: There was statistically significant improvement in RSI and RFS after treatment when compared with initial scores. There was statistically significant improvement in severity of all symptoms and signs. Although there was quantitively decrease in frequency of some signs and symptoms, complete resolution of the disease was not observed generally. CONCLUSION: Empiric antireflux treatment according to RSI and RFS is an effective method. Antireflux treatment has a significant improving effect on laryngopharyngeal symptoms and signs. There may be needed longer times of treatment for complete resolution of symptoms and signs.

When to manage level V in head and neck carcinoma?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: As superselective neck dissection strategy is gaining popularity to minimize postoperative morbidity and better life quality, we investigated the metastatic nodal status of level V neck lymph node group for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in various primary sites. We have also aimed to display the impact of involvement of other nodal groups on level V. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of histopathologic examination of case series at a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: The study group was composed of 107 patients who underwent a type of neck dissection including level V among 243 patients. The impact of primary site and metastatic nodal status of other levels on metastasis to level V involvement were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common primary tumor site was oropharynx (n = 43), followed by oral cavity (n = 32), larynx (n = 16), carcinoma of unknown primary (n = 10), and hypopharynx (n = 6). General pathologic N positivity for all levels was 78.3% (76 of 97) when 10 carcinoma of unknown primary patients were excluded. Level V was involved in 13 of 107 (12.1%) patients. Level V was not involved in any patient when the other levels were not involved (0 of 21). Even when considering only N+ patients, the ratio of N positivity for level V is still <20% (13 of 86, 15.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Because level V was not involved in any patient when the other levels were not involved, it might be reasonable to preserve level V especially in clinically and intraoperatively N0 patients.

Risk factors for oral allergy syndrome in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a unique allergic reaction to food, which is caused by cross-reactivity between proteins in fresh fruits or vegetables and pollens. Predisposing factors for OAS are not well known in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: Identify the probable risk factors for OAS in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and eleven consecutive patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were included. Patients were evaluated in terms of symptom scores and skin prick test positivity scores. Prick-by-prick tests with the fresh fruit or vegetable were carried out in patients who describe oral allergy syndrome. Patients with OAS and without OAS were compared statistically. RESULTS: OAS was more frequent in females than males (p=0.01). Odds ratio for gender (male/female) was 3.80 (95% confidence interval: 1.28-11.32). Within nasal symptoms, only nasal itching was related with OAS (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the prevalence of the OAS and age, asthma, TSS and TSTP (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Not all patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis develop OAS. It is likely that, patients with OAS have some additional risk factors other than atopy.

Does reflux have an effect on nasal mucociliary transport?

CONCLUSION: Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux were found to have no effect on nasal mucociliary transport. OBJECTIVE: Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux have been recognized as causative factors for chronic rhinosinusitis but no definite mechanism has been described yet. We aimed to determine whether gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux impair nasal mucociliary transport. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center. Fifty patients with both laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux comprised the study group. Reflux syndrome index and reflux finding score were calculated for each patient before and after treatment. Antireflux medication was given for 12 weeks. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. Nasal mucociliary transport was assessed by means of the saccharine test. It was performed before and after the treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the saccharine test results of the study and control groups. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the saccharine test results of the study group and control group before treatment. The differences between the pretreatment and post-treatment reflux symptom index and reflux finding scores were statistically significant. The difference between the post-treatment saccharine test results of the patients in whom reflux scores returned to normal and those with remaining high scores was not statistically significant.

Does thyroid gland examination by palpation alter serum hormone levels?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study at Haydarpasa Numune Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: This study was carried out in two groups with a total of 50 consecutive adults. Group I consisted of 20 patients (12 female and 8 male, aged 20-48 years) with a diagnosis of nodular thyroid disease confirmed by ultrasound imaging techniques. The second group consisted of 30 otherwise healthy subjects (17 female and 13 male, aged 18-50 years) referred for neck and thyroid ultrasound and with no thyroid pathology detected. Thyroid gland palpations were performed by the same physician. Blood samples were obtained before and 2 hours after thyroid gland palpation. Serum total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (TG) measurements were made. RESULTS: We found that routine palpation in the first group caused a significant increase in serum TT3 (P < .05), FT3 (P < .01), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels. In the second group, TT3 (P < .01), FT3 (P < .05), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels also increased significantly after palpation. Differences in TSH and TT4 levels were not significant in any of the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data proposing a possible effect of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels suggest that serum thyroid hormone measurements should be performed before any manipulation of the gland, including palpation, to avoid misdiagnosis.