Optico-carotid recess and anterior clinoid process pneumatization â€" proposal for a novel classiï¬cation and uniï¬ed terminology: an anatomic and radiologic study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to propose a novel and uniï¬ed classiï¬cation system of the optico-carotid recess (OCR) and anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization, determine their frequency in a Caucasian population and measure the size of the OCR. METHODOLOGY: A total of 200 specimen (400 sphenoid sinuses) were evaluated in a separate anatomic cadaveric study (n=100) and radiologic study (n=100) by using sphenoidal sinus cast and computed tomography (CT) scan. OCR was divided according to its location to the optic nerve into sub-optical and latero-optical OCR grade I-III. RESULTS: An OCR was found in 39% of the samples (78/200) and in 19% (38/200) it occurred bilaterally. Both, sub-optical and latero-optical OCR were identiï¬ed in 14% of the sides (58/400), with a mean length and depth of 6.9 mm; 7.7 mm and 2.3 mm, 7.1 mm, respectively. We determined the pneumatized ACP frequency with 23% (46/200) and deï¬ned 3 uniï¬ed different types of pneumatization. CONCLUSIONS: The OCR is a reliable landmark to identify the optico-carotid region in endoscopic sphenoid sinus surgery, and can even be visualized by CT. Hence, preoperative investigation of the sphenoid region is mandatory. In our opinion, the classiï¬cation presented in this study can be useful in order to avoid surgical complications.

[The Problem of High Recurrence Rate in Endoscopic Revision Surgery for Inverted Papilloma]. / Das Problem der hohen Rezidivrate bei endoskopischer Revisionschirurgie invertierter Papillome.

BACKGROUND: Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign lesion of the sinonasal tract. Clinical problems arise from expansive growth and bone destruction, a possible association with malignancy and a tendency to recur. Complete subperiostal/subperichondral removal via endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the treatment of choice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the theory of an elevated recurrence rate after secondary resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective analysis comprised 66 patients, who were treated for IP at the University Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology Graz between 2000 and 2011. The mean follow-up was 33.85 months. 18 patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 51 males and 15 females. 65 (98.5%) of which had been operated on purely endoscopic or via a combined approach. Recurrence was diagnosed in 14 cases (29.2%), on average 11.9 months after surgery, 71.5% of these in the first 12 months. The recurrence rate was significantly higher after revision surgery (50%) when patients had been previously operated elsewhere as compared to primary resection (12%). The analysis also showed a significant increase in recurrences for Krouse stages 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: The collected data confirms ESS as the best treatment option. Due to recurrences and malignant transformation, follow-up should be performed within 5 years postoperatively. We could statistically verify the prognostic value of Krouse's staging system. The elevated recurrence rate after secondary resection emphasises the significance of removing the tumour completely during the first surgery.

Video endoscopic oro-nasal visualisation of the anterior wall of maxillary sinus: a new technique.

The anterior wall of the maxillary sinus represents a blind spot in maxillary sinus endoscopic surgery because of the absence of proper visualisation and instrumentation to reach it. The aim of this study was to validate a new approach through the oral cavity into the nose with a flexible video endoscope (oro-nasal endoscopic approach; ONEA) to visualise the entire anterior maxillary wall including the anteromedial angle. We started from a dried bone cadaver model, and then dissected fresh-frozen cadavers. The maxillary sinus was explored with a rigid and a flexible endoscope entering from the nose. Next, a flexible endoscope was introduced through the mouth and back up through the choana, it accessed the maxillary middle antrostomy, entering inside the sinus and looking at the anterior wall. A small ruler inserted inside the sinus demonstrated all the angles visualised. The new ONEA technique allows complete visualisation of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus with inspection of all blind spots. It is therefore possible to detect lesions that would normally not be visible with a normal rigid endoscope. We demonstrate the validity of a novel technique that allows visualisation of the infero-medial angle of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus.

Feasibility of balloon sinuplasty in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: the Graz experience.

BACKGROUND: Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) is a catheter-based technique to dilate sinus ostia and drainage pathways to create ventilation and drainage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of BSP in routine treatment of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODOLOGY: Patients with CRS refractory to medical therapy who had been scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. RESULTS: Forty-five consecutive patients were included in this study, in whom 112 sinuses were approached by BSP. Of the 112 sinuses, 68 (60%) were planned as a "Balloon-Only" procedure and 44 (40%) were planned as a "Hybrid" procedure. Of the 68 sinuses in the "Balloon-Only" group, in 44 sinuses BSP failed, equating to a failure rate of 65%. Forty-four sinuses were planned for "Hybrid" procedures. In 29 of these sinuses BSP failed, giving a failure rate of 66%. CONCLUSION: According to literature, BSP can be a useful adjunct technique to standard FESS. In our experience, however, a failure rate of 65% for "Balloon-Only" and of 66% for "Hybrid" procedures occurred, which was regarded as unacceptable by the study group. Therefore, the study initially scheduled for 200 consecutive patients, was abandoned.

Cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex; endonasal endoscopic approach.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesterol granulomas are benign lesions that sometimes occur on the petrous apex (PA). We report our experience using an endoscopic endonasal approach to remove PA cholesterol granulomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective patient chart analysis was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital. RESULTS: Four patients (3 females, 1 male) were included in this study. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 78 years. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and computer-assisted navigation were performed. The most common symptom was abducens nerve palsy. The largest granuloma measured 5 x 2 cm and was located on the left side. An endoscopic endonasal approach was chosen and navigation was applied (3/4 patients) to identify the optimal area for opening the granuloma. No complications occurred, and patients were free from recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach to PA cholesterol granulomas is feasible and safe. Intra-operative navigation is recommended to identify the position of the internal carotid artery and determine the safest area for opening the granuloma without damaging the artery. Another advantage of this approach is an easier follow-up through diagnostic nasal endoscopy.

[Austrian tonsil study part 3: surgical technique and postoperative haemorrhage after tonsillectomy]. / Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie Teil 3: Operations-technik und Nachblutung nach Tonsillektomie.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for postoperative haemorrhage after tonsillectomy are discussed controversy. In the past years surgical techniques were considered a determining factor for post-tonsillectomy bleedings in several studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective, multicentre study 9,405 patients--of whom 4,437 underwent tonsillectomy and were focused in this article--were evaluated during study -period of 9 months (1st October 2009 till 30th June 2010). Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding episode after extubation and classified according to a 7 grade scheme. RESULTS: Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in 14.4% (637/4,437) patients with 4.6% (204/4,437) requiring a return to theatre and 9.8% (433/4,437) experiencing minor bleedings. Bipolar techniques (with or without cold steel dissection) showed a haemorrhage risk of 16.8% (62/370). Severe bleedings occurred significantly more often with the use of bipolar techniques (8% compared to 4.6% severe bleedings for all operation techniques, p=0.003). In addition, Coblation® technique had a higher postoperative haemorrhage rate (23.5%, 12/51). However, minor bleedings occurred in the majority of patients operated with Coblation® technique (20% compared to 9.8% minor bleedings for all operation techniques, p<0.017). CONCLUSION: Following the strict definition of postoperative haemorrhage, we found higher postoperative haemorrhage rates for bipolar techniques and Coblation® technique. The proportion of severe bleedings is higher for bipolar methods, whereas the proportion of minor bleedings is higher for Coblation® technique.

[The Austrian Tonsil Study 2010 - Part 2: Postoperative haemorrhage]. / "Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie 2010" - Teil 2: Postoperative Blutungen.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative haemorrhage is the most common and serious complication of tonsil and adenoid surgery. Definitions, frequency and risk factors of postoperative bleedings are however, controversially discussed in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter cohort study all tonsillectomies (TE), adenotonsillectomies (TE + AE), tonsillotomies (TO), adenotonsillotomies (TO + AE) and adenoidectomies (AE) performed within 9 months from October 1st, 2009 - June 30th, 2010 were collected and evaluated. Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding after extubation and was classified into 7 grades A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D and E depending on the therapy needed and the postoperative day. RESULTS: Data from 9 405 patients of 32 ENT-departments in Austria were analysed. Overall postoperative haemorrhage rate for TE was 16.0%, for TE + AE 11.8%, for TO±AE 2.3% and for AE 0.8%. Surgical revision was necessary in almost one third of patients with a postoperative bleeding event (TE 5.3%, TE + AE 4.1%, TO 0.8% und AE 0.3%). Multiple haemorrhage occurred in every 5th patient, who experienced postoperative bleeding (1.7% of all patients). The frequency of haemorrhage depended on the type of surgery and the age of the individual. Severe bleedings requiring surgical revision were more frequent in children between 6 and 15 years and AE. 9 patients (1.2% of all patients with haemorrhage) experienced a dramatic haemorrhage (grade D), with the need of blood transfusions and difficult surgical control. No deaths occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a new classification postoperative bleeding episodes could be precisely defined and postoperative risk factors were quantified. Considering all postoperative bleedings, including minor and anamnestic ones, the haemorrhage rate over all types of surgeries was 7.9% (2.7% of all patients required a surgical revision). Tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) carries the highest statistical risk of postoperative bleeding, with 4.9% of all patients requiring surgical intervention. Patients who experience one - albeit minimal - postoperative haemorrhage, have a 5 times higher risk for further bleeding requiring surgical control, and should therefore be carefully monitored.

[The Austrian tonsil study 2010--part 1: statistical overview]. / "Die Österreichische Tonsillenstudie 2010"--Teil 1: Statistischer Überblick.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy (TE), tonsillotomy (TO) and adenoidectomy (AE) are surgeries performed routinely by otorhinolaryngologists. There were 5 cases of fatal postoperative bleeding in Austria during the years 2006 and 2007, all in children under 6 years of age. The intensive discussion following these sad events resulted in a Consensus Paper of the Austrian Society of ORL, H&NS with the Austrian Society of Pediatrics with modified recommendations towards indications and surgical techniques in different age groups; in addition, the prospective study presented here was initiated. In Austria for the first time a full census could be performed assessing all TE, TO and AE with standardized definitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the study period of 9 months' from October 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, data on patients' characteristics, indication for surgery, surgical technique and postoperative haemorrhage were prospectively collected. Postoperative haemorrhage was defined as any bleeding after extubation regardless of whether or not a surgical intervention was required. Postoperative bleeding events were categorised into 7 grades depending on severity. RESULTS: More than one million data of 9,405 patients from 32 ENT-departments in Austria were collected and analysed. One third were children younger than 6 years (n=3,474; 37%) and one third were adults (n=3,507, 37%). A TE ±AE was performed in 48.8% (n=4,594), an AE in 37.1% (n=3,492) and a TO in 14.0% (n=1, 319). For the indication "recurrent tonsillitis and tonsilar hypertrophy" 70% of children had a TO but 95% of adults had a TE (p<0.001). Adults with OSAS had a TE whereas in children aged younger than 6 with the same indication a TO was preferably performed in 90% (p<0.001). For TO the Colorado-needle and the Coblation technique were most commonly used. The Adenotome by La Force and the Adenoid curette by Beckmann, with or without endoscopic control, were most frequently used for AE. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time a prospective full survey could be performed in one country assessing all tonsil and adenoid surgeries along standardized criteria. The study gives an overview about the types of surgery, the indications, the operation techniques and the frequency of postoperative haemorrhage. The latter, because of its clinical importance, is dealt with and described in detail in the second part of this publication.

Endoscopic resection of odontoid process in Arnold Chiari malformation type II.

INTRODUCTION: Arnold Chiari Malformation Type II can be associated with basilar invagination through an elongated retroflexed odontoid process (dens axis). Traditionally, decompression surgery has been performed transorally under microscopic vision or via transcutaneous latero-cervical/posterior approaches. Endoscopic approaches were introduced a few years ago. CASE REPORT: We report of an eleven-year-old girl with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type II who had undergone surgery eight years ago for posterior cranial fossa decompression at the department of neurosurgery. At that time, an external transcutaneous median approach was performed to resect the posterior arch of the atlas. The patient now presented with the initial symptoms of brainstem compression as a result of an elongated retroflexed odontoid process and craniocervical instability. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: An endoscopic transoral/transnasal approach was chosen for the resection of the dens. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic surgery was successful and the complete resection of the dens was achieved without any complications. In a second intervention, orthopaedic surgeons performed cranio-cervical arthrodesis.

Variations of the paranasal sinuses in Melanesians as observed by CT.

Studies have reported the incidence of anatomical variants of the paranasal sinuses for specific populations with a view to helping surgeons avoid possible complications during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Some have found significant variation when comparing different populations. The current study has used computed tomography (CT) scans to observe variations in the paranasal sinuses in a non-random sample of museum skulls of Melanesians, a racial group that has not previously been studied in this respect. The incidence of variants found were: agger nasi cells 59.5%, concha bullosa 41.5%/o, Haller's air cells 31.7%, internal carotid artery bulge in the sphenoid sinus 23.8%/, supraorbital cells 16. 7%, paradoxical curvature of the mid-dle turbinate 7.5% and pneumatization of crista galli 7.1%.Because of contradictory findings in the literature as to the incidence of such variations between racial groups the authors are able to make only limited meaningful comparisons between their subjects and other such groups.

Ethmoid roof CSF-leak following frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Though clear indications for its clinical application are not established yet, balloon sinuplasty technology per se is considered safe and very few severe complications have been mentioned in literature as of today. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented with right sided rhinorrhea from a CSF-leak in the ethmoidal roof after balloon sinuplasty, aimed at her right frontal sinus. Apparently, the surgeon was unaware of having penetrated the skull base through the lateral lamella of the cribriform plate intraoperatively. CSF rhinorrhea became evident 3 weeks postoperatively only when fever, headaches and moderate nausea developed. Upon revision, diameter, size and shape of the bony defect exactly matched with the tip of a standard sinus balloon catheter device, as could be demonstrated and documented. A small posttraumatic encephalocele had intermittently blocked the leak. Endoscopic surgery and duraplasty were performed under intrathecal fluorescein control, applying CT image-guided navigation. Since two-layer fascia lata closure of the defect, the patient has remained free of symptoms without any evidence of CSF leakage. CONCLUSION: Balloon sinuplasty per se is considered a safe technique, though in inexperienced hands or wrongly applied, complications may occur, as with any surgical tool rigid enough to breach through skull base.

Combined endoscopic surgery and radiosurgery as treatment modality for olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma).

OBJECT: Treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma) has been considerably improved by microsurgical techniques. Nevertheless, these rare tumours of the frontal skull base are still associated with high rates of tumour recurrence and mortality, thus remaining a challenge even for experienced surgeons. A novel therapeutic approach that combines endoscopic sinus surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery is presented here. Taking into account the rarity of the disease the present study comprises a relatively large series of patients treated in a similar manner. METHODS: 14 patients (8 males, 6 females) aged 27-75 years (median 38) were treated between May 1993 and December 2003. This series comprises 12 newly diagnosed esthesioneuroblastomas. Two more patients had already previously undergone surgery (24/39 months earlier). Paranasal and nasal endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Marginal irradiation doses ranging from 15-34 Gy were given to the residual tumours by means of radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) involving 1-7 isocentres within 3 months after surgery. Median follow-up is 58 months (range 13-128). RESULTS: There was no mortality. In all patients tumour control was achieved within the treated area. 4 patients underwent a second radiosurgical procedure 6-79 months (median 34 months) after initial radiosurgery. One patients had to undergo an additional craniotomy because of extensive neoplastic infiltration, 1 developed postoperative liquorrhea, 1 case was complicated by bilateral frontal sinusitis. All patients complained of nasal discharge and crusts. Karnovsky Index--preoperatively ranging from 80%-100%--remained stable in 12 patients, an improvement was observed in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the favourable results recorded so far, the combination of endoscopic sinus surgery and radiosurgery can be considered a promising treatment option for esthesioneuroblastoma that merits further consideration.

Giant hamartoma of the retro- and parapharyngeal region. Case report and review of literature.

Hamartoma designates a tumor-like, non-neoplastic malformation, or in-born error of tissue development, often with an abnormal mixture of tissue indigenous to the region. In the head and neck, epithelial and mesenchymal hamartomas are uncommon. We present the case of a 9-year-old boy with a huge hamartoma of 800ml (cm(3)) volume of the right retro- and parapharyngeal region. It had fully occluded the nasopharynx, indented the base of the tongue and left a minimal airway passage transorally. Food uptake was severely hampered by the lesion. The patient underwent a combined transoral and external approach for complete resection of the tumor. This is the first reported case of a retro- and parapharyngeal hamartoma with metaplastic bone formation in the literature and further more, the largest hamartoma in head and neck ever reported in this age group.

[From when on can fungi be identified in nasal mucus of humans?]. / Ab wann sind Pilze im Nasensekret des Menschen nachweisbar?

BACKGROUND: Fungal spores are frequent in air and their occurrence in the nasal mucus appears to be a common finding within the adult population, as we were able to show in recent studies. 91,3 % of CRS patients but also healthy controls grew positive fungal cultures out of their nasal mucus. The potential role of fungal elements in nasal mucus for the pathogenesis of CRS, with or without polyposis, is currently investigated intensely and discussed very controversially. However, it was still unknown, as of when fungi could be cultured from nasal mucus in humans. We attempted to identify this point of time, in the nasal mucus of neonates. METHODS: In our study we examined nasal mucus from 30 neonates immediately after birth, on the first and fourth day post partum, and after two and four months of life. The samples obtained with sterile cotton swabs were cultured on agar plates. Fungal cultures were identified either conventionally by microscopy or with molecular techniques. To show whether fungi in nasal mucus of newborns were acquired by contamination during birth, mucus of the maternal vagina was examined as well. RESULTS: Just after birth we found in 6 of 30 (20 %) of our neonates positive fungal cultures out of their nasal mucus, in 3 of them Candida albicans, probably due to contamination passing the maternal vagina as cultures of vaginal mucus of their mothers were positive for Candida albicans too. Positive fungal cultures were obtained in 2 of 29 (7 %) neonates on the second and in 4 of 26 (15 %) neonates on the fifth day of life. In all our cases initial presence in nasal mucus contamination just after birth or on the second day of life was limited to one day only. None of the 12 of 30 (40 %) neonates with positive fungal cultures from nasal mucus in the first 5 days of life showed clinical symptoms of nasal fungal colonisation. Besides Candida albicans, Penicillium sp., Cladosporium cladosporioides, Acremonium polychromum, Beauveria bassiana and Epicoccum nigrum could be detected in the first 5 days of life. After the second month of life, examination of nasal mucus yielded positive fungal cultures in 8 of 11 (72 %), after four months even 17 of 18 (94 %) of babies, with a wide array of different species. CONCLUSIONS: Fungi can be cultured from nasal mucus as soon as contact with the environmental air exists. Furthermore, a transfer of fungi from the mother's birth canal into the nose during birth is possible. Presence of fungal spores is common but not persistent in the nose of babies in the first days of life. However, after four months the situation is similar to the one in adults: fungal cultures can be obtained from almost everyone's nose. Therefore fungal spores must be considered a normal content of nasal mucus. Fungal spores are inhaled with every breath, some stick to the mucus, are transported to the nasopharynx and swallowed. This does not cause any clinical symptoms and is therefore not a pathological finding at all.

Fungal biodiversity--as found in nasal mucus.

The biodiversity of fungi isolated from the nasal mucus of patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis and from healthy persons was monitored over 28 months. Mucus samples were obtained by flushing the noses of patients with saline or by endoscopic sinus surgery. Fungi from mucus were cultivated on agar plates. Identification was performed microscopically and by polymerase chain reaction with subsequent sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region. Altogether, 619 strains of fungi were cultivated from 233 subjects. Eighty-one species were identified, with a maximum of nine different species per person. The most prevalent isolates belonged to the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Aureobasidium. Whereas Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. occurred in more or less the same numbers throughout the year, Cladosporium spp., Alternaria spp. and Aureobasidium pullulans showed a significantly higher occurrence during late summer and early autumn.