Is endolymphatic sac surgery an efficient treatment of Menière's disease patients? A systematic literature search and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to assess the treatment efficiency of endolymphatic sac surgery in patients with Menière's disease. METHODS: This study provides a systematic literature review and meta-analysis based on the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. The main inclusion criteria of the literature review were the classification categories according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines of 1985 and 1995. RESULTS: An effect of 9.25 dB postoperative weighted average hearing loss in surgically treated individuals is classified as "clinically not significant" according to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 85/95. In contrast, the deterioration by 26.23% in speech comprehension is considered as "clinically significant." An improvement of functional level scale assessment by two categories and vertigo control by assessment in category B can be observed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that endolymphatic sac surgery may be beneficial as a treatment for Menière's disease in terms of a positive impact on functional level scale and vertigo control while yielding a negative impact on pure tone average hearing loss and on speech comprehension.

[The Dizziness Handicap Inventory for quality control in the treatment of vestibular dysfunction]. / Dizziness Handicap Inventory in der Qualitätssicherung der Therapie vestibulärer Funktionsstörung.

Treatment of vestibular dysfunction remains a challenge for many otolaryngologists. This is true not only for establishing the differential neurotologic diagnosis, but also for treatment and treatment monitoring in vestibular dysfunction patients. Particularly quality control of therapeutic measures is generally poorly documented. The validated German version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) represents a viable option for evaluation and monitoring of treatment outcomes. In this study, patients who were treated at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the University Hospital Aachen because of unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders were asked to complete the DHI before and after treatment. Posttherapeutic DHI scores were collected by telephone. Evaluation of the DHI scores underlined the significant benefit of treatment in 92%. Furthermore, the DHI prove to be useful for documentation of patients' disorders and treatment and thus for quality assurance.

Influence of tonotopic cochlear stimulation on subjective visual vertical - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed at evaluating the effect of tonotopic (basal) stimulation on the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) in patients unilaterally treated with a Cochlear Implant (CI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten adult subjects with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, who were implanted with a CI from Advanced Bionics (AB, Stäfa, Switzerland), model HiRes 90KTM or newer, were included in this prospective pilot study between September and December 2020. A specific CI processor (Naída CI Q90) was used to generate five different stimulation modes: simulation of either basal, medial, or apical electrodes, all electrodes on and all electrodes off. The examination of the verticality was carried out by means of SVV goggles both in the upright body position (head position 0 degrees) and with the head tilted sideways (-30°, -15°, +15°, +30°). RESULTS: In each stimulation mode, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in SVV between the straight head orientation and the tilted head position. There were, however, no significant differences between the five CI settings in any given head position (p > 0.05). No significant differences could be found regarding the direction of SVV deviation relative to the operated ear (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SVV could not be influenced by tonotopic CI stimulation. Different stimulation settings, patterns and intensity other than the auditory strategy may have to be developed to provide an adequate stimulus to the otolith organs.

[Effects of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic on the otolaryngology university hospitals in the field of research, student teaching and specialist training]. / Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV­2-Pandemie auf die universitäre Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde im Bereich der Forschung, Lehre und Weiterbildung.

BACKGROUND: From spring 2020, SARS-CoV­2 began to spread worldwide, with what is now known as the first wave of the pandemic, starting in March 2020. This resulted in restructuring and shift of resources at many hospitals. The aim of our work was to detect the effects of the pandemic on the german Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals in terms of research, student teaching and further specialist training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany were asked about the effects of the pandemic on research, student teaching and ORL specialist training (residency) in the period from March to April 2020 using a structured online survey. RESULTS: All 39 chairmen took part in the survey. Of these, 74.4% (29/39) stated that their research activities had deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. In 61.5% (24/39) pandemic-related research issues were addressed. All hospitals reported a restriction for in-house teaching and 97.5% (38/39) introduced new digital teaching methods. During the observation period, 74.4% of the chairmen did not see ORL specialist training (residency)at risk. CONCLUSION: Our results provide an insight into the heterogeneous effects of the pandemic. The fast processing of pandemic-related research topics and the introduction of innovative digital concepts for student teaching impressively demonstrates the great innovative potential and the ability of the ORL university hospitals to react quickly in order to maintain their tasks in research, student teaching and ORL specialist training in the best possible way even during the pandemic.

[Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the otorhinolaryngology university hospitals in the field of medical care]. / Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie auf die universitäre Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde im Bereich der Krankenversorgung.

INTRODUCTION: Since December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been rapidly spreading worldwide. In Germany, an exponential increase in the number of infections was registered at the beginning of March 2020 and led to a call of the Ministry of Health to create more capacity for intensive medical treatment in hospitals. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals regarding patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent out to all chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany. The answers to the questions referred to the defined period from March 15th to April 15th 2020 and were carried out using the online survey tool "SurveyMonkey". 87 questions focused on general information, health care, and structural effects in the respective institution. RESULTS: All chairmen of the 39 university hospitals in Germany participated in the survey. The collected data prove the considerable impact on organizational, structural and medical aspects of patient care. For example, the surveyed clinics reported a decrease in outpatient cases by 73.8 % to 26.2 ±â€Š14.2 % and in surgical treatments by 65.9 % to 34.1 ±â€Š13.9 %. In contrast, emergency treatment remained unchanged or even increased in 80 % of the facilities and surgical treatment of emergency patients remained unchanged or even increased in more than 90 %. Emergency outpatient and surgical treatment of patients was provided throughout the pandemic in all facilities. In total, about 35 000 outpatients and about 12 000 surgical cases were postponed. As a result of the acute structural changes, the potential danger of falling below current treatment standards was seen in individual areas of patient care. DISCUSSION: The assessment of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is heterogeneous. The majority of the chairmen are critically aware of the risk of falling below current medical treatment standards or guidelines. In the phase of an exponential increase in the number of infections, significant changes in treatment processes had to be accepted for understandable reasons. However, with the currently significantly reduced number of infections, falling below treatment standards and guidelines should not be allowed to remain constant and tolerated. SUMMARY: This study shows a differentiated picture with regard to the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on outpatient, inpatient and operative patient care at the ORL university hospitals in Germany and illustrates the importance of these institutions for ensuring patient care during this critical phase.

Induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by radiotherapy (RT) versus cetuximab plus IC and RT in advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer resectable only by total laryngectomy-final results of the larynx organ preservation trial DeLOS-II.

Background: The German multicenter randomized phase II larynx organ preservation (LOP) trial DeLOS-II was carried out to prove the hypothesis that cetuximab (E) added to induction chemotherapy (IC) and radiotherapy improves laryngectomy-free survival (LFS; survival with preserved larynx) in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer (LHSCC). Patients and methods: Treatment-naïve patients with stage III/IV LHSCC amenable to total laryngectomy (TL) were randomized to three cycles IC with TPF [docetaxel (T) and cisplatin (P) 75 mg/m2/day 1, 5-FU (F) 750 mg/m2/day days 1-5] followed by radiotherapy (69.6 Gy) without (A) or with (B) standard dose cetuximab for 16 weeks throughout IC and radiotherapy (TPFE). Response to first IC-cycle (IC-1) with ≥30% endoscopically estimated tumor surface shrinkage (ETSS) was used to define early responders; early salvage TL was recommended to non-responders. The primary objective was 24 months LFS above 35% in arm B. Results: Of 180 patients randomized (July 2007 to September 2012), 173 fulfilled eligibility criteria (A/B: larynx 44/42, hypopharynx 41/46). Because of 4 therapy-related deaths among the first 64 randomized patients, 5-FU was omitted from IC in the subsequent 112 patients reducing further fatal toxicities. Thus, IC was TPF in 61 patients and TP in 112 patients, respectively. The primary objective (24 months LFS above 35%) was equally met by arms A (40/85, 47.1%) as well as B (41/88, 46.6%). One hundred and twenty-three early responders completed IC+RT; their overall response rates (TPF/TP) were 94.7%/87.2% in A versus 80%/86.0% in B. The 24 months overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% and 69.3%. Conclusions: Despite being accompanied by an elevated frequency in adverse events, the IC with TPF/TP plus cetuximab was feasible but showed no superiority to IC with TPF/TP regarding LFS and OS at 24 months. Both early response and 24 months LFS compare very well to previous LOP trials and recommend effective treatment selection and stratification by ETSS. Clinical trial information: NCT00508664.

Die Behandlung des M. Menière mit Betahistin: Kritische Anmerkungen zur BEMED-Studie.

The BEMED study (BMJ 2016; 352: DOI 10.1136) was designed as multi-centric, double-blind, plaebo-controlled study in patients with Menière's disease. It should compare a low-level (2 × 24 mg/d) vs. high-level (3 × 48 mg/d) betahstine intake vs. placebo. The primary endpoint was the "number of vertigo attacks lasting longer than 20 min as documented in a patient's diary". The main finding of the study was that betahistine did not significantly better reduced the number of vertigo attacks than placebo. Therefore, the BEMED study should be critically discussed in the present paper.

[Indications for operative therapy of vestibular vertigo and the associated success rates]. / Indikation und Erfolge der operativen Therapie des vestibulären Schwindels.

The indications for surgical treatment of labyrinthine vertigo associated with severe impairment and a lack of response to medication are heterogeneous. Due to different therapeutic goals and success parameters, the results of treatments can only be compared to a limited extent. This overview of the current literature and procedures performed by the author contains recommendations for indications and outlines the risks associated with operative therapy of vestibular vertigo. Results of function-preserving and ablative therapies are compared. Surgical treatment of Menière's syndrome (non-idiopathic) using tympanostomy tubes is indicated in cases of increased middle ear pressure; Meniere's disease (idiopathic) in its early stages can be treated with the endolymphatic shunt operation to preserve hearing and balance functions and where these techniques fail, with vestibular neurectomy for preservation of hearing or with cochleosacculotomy in the case of deafness. Rare indications are intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). The function preservation success rate in cases of Meniere's syndrome and disease is 70-88 %, ablative procedures are effective in > 90 % of cases and occlusion of the superior or posterior canals is successful in > 95 % of patients.

[Marketing issues for the otorhinolaryngologist]. / Marketing in der HNO-Praxis.

BACKGROUND: Economic aspects related to the German health care system are rising. In the outpatient area does this trend influence the organization of the surgery and the treatment procedures as well as the relationship between the patient and the doctor. The patient's free volition of choice is increasing and the patient becomes a "customer" in the health system. The aim of this work is to to elucidate marketing issues for otorhinolaryngologist, which could improve the efficiency of their surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 150 otorhinolaryngologist have undergone a written survey. The subjects of this survey were, how far marketing strategies are used by otolaryngologists and on the other hand, what are their opinions on marketing. RESULTS: 115 returned questionnaires were included in the statistical analysis (response rate: 77%). Only 44% of surveyed otolaryngologists deal yet with economic aspects. After all, 65% of the otorhinolaryngologist offered individual health services. On the other hand only 51% of otolaryngologists were additionaly qualificated and only 14% would like to acquire more skills. At the time of the survey 78% conducted a homepage. CONCLUSION: This study examined for the first time economic aspect in an otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic. The interest in economic processes is currently low, but required by German law and in the interest of the owner himself. The 4 pillars of traditional marketing research help to understand the practice economically viable easily and competitive to set up in local contests over a long period.

[The 'dizziness handicap inventory': initial psychometric evaluation of the German version]. / Das "Dizziness Handicap Inventory": Erste psychometrische Kennwerte einer Deutschen Version.

BACKGROUND: Dizziness has a clear impact on quality of life of patients. Standardized instruments such as the "Dizziness Handicap Inventory" (DHI) help clinicians assess this impact systematically. The purpose of this study was to analyse the psychometric quality of a German version of the DHI. METHODS: One hundred and five patients with dizziness as their primary complaint have completed the DHI and undergone vestibular examination. The structure of the DHI was determined with a factor analysis, a principal component analysis with a Varimax rotation. To evaluate the reliability, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was estimated. RESULTS: A three-factor solution was extracted. The factors obtained from the German version of the DHI related to (1) activity and participation limitations (2) emotional problems and (3) motion sensitivity in everyday life of patients. Overall, there was a close correspondence of the factors of the German and the original version. The correlation analysis indicated a close relationship between the DHI-scores and the frequency of dizziness attacks. CONCLUSION: The German version of the DHI exhibited a multidimensional structure and good psychometric quality to assess the impact of dizziness in every day life.

[Traffic medicine expert opinions in otorhinolaryngology: current aspects]. / Verkehrsmedizinische Begutachtung in der HNO-Heilkunde : Aktuelle Aspekte.

According to German law granting of driving licenses depends on the proof of an adequate driving capability. The corresponding guidelines are at present in the process of being revised. At the moment bilateral deafness and high-grade hearing loss (> or = 60% in pure tone audiometry) are not exclusion criteria for driving licenses grades A, B and C, while driving licenses grade D and licenses for public transport are generally excluded. In the forthcoming revised edition of the guidelines it has been suggested that the latter group will also not be excluded. The regulations concerning dizziness are wide-sweeping at the moment as no driving license will be granted if dizziness is present but will be more specific in the next issue. In particular a division will be made between single axle and two axle vehicles. An expert assessment about driving suitability can only be made by a certified specialist with qualifications in traffic medicine.

[Menière's disease : evidence and controversies]. / M. Menière : Evidenzen und Kontroversen.

Menière's disease is recognized as the idiopathic form of recurrent inner ear disease with the trias of hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo with aural fullness and Menière's syndrome as the non-idiopathic form. Subentities with unknown pathogenesis are Lermoyez' s syndrome and Tumarkin crises. A common pathogenetic factor is the disturbance of endolymphatic and perilymphatic osmotic and hydrostatic pressure due to defined etiologies or to idiopathic attacks. Etiologies of Menière's syndrome can be pathologic middle ear pressure, anomalies of the vestibular and cochlear aqueducts, round window topography, patency of the ductus peruniens and the utriculo-endolymphatic valve. Indications for treatment are assessed according to the AAO-HNS guidelines and the neurotological function tests and dizziness inventories. Betahistine is recommended as first choice medical treatment as on-label or high dosage administration. In case of medical treatment failure and if hearing is worth saving, endolymphatic shunt surgery (ELS) is the first choice. If deafferentiation of the labyrinth is needed vestibular neurectomy (VE) should be performed. Local gentamicine administration has good long-term results but macula function can often recover and hearing is often deteriorated. Future aspects for the treatment are new experimental results with gene transfer to vestibular hair cells.

[Perioperative management of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea]. / Perioperatives Management der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe.

There is lack of studies investigating procedures aiming at a decrease in perioperative mortality in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). During anesthetic evaluation, identification of patients with OSA as well as using a risk score has been recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiology in order to identify the best perioperative strategy. Perioperative attention should be focused on a secure airway and the duration of monitoring that is necessary regarding severity of OSA, surgical stress and respiratory function. Postoperatively, residual neuromuscular blockade and a supine position have to be avoided. Continuous pulse oximetry should be used as long as patients remain at increased risk and should be applied until oxygen saturation remains above 90% with room air during sleep. Opioids should be excluded for pain management whenever possible, and CPAP or NIPPV should be administered as soon as feasible after surgery to patients who have been receiving it preoperatively.

[Surgical treatment of vestibular vertigo: methods and indications]. / Die operative Therapie des vestibulären Schwindels: Verfahren und Indikationen.

After the failure of medical treatment of dizziness or vertigo, surgical treatment is chosen according to functional diagnosis and duration and severity of symptoms. Surgery is contraindicated in patients with incomplete vestibular compensation, central nervous disorders and bilateral vestibular deficits. Surgery is obligatory in cases of sudden loss of labyrinthine function with traumatic perilymph fistula, middle ear and temporal bone processes. Endolymphatic hydrops and pathological endolymph pressure of other etiology as impaired middle ear ventilation, EVAS or superior semicircular canal dehiscence can be treated surgically. Resurfacing of dehiscence with glas ceramic implants is presented. Occlusion of the posterior semicircular canal is restricted to extremely rare conditions with non-responders to repositioning maneuvers. Ablative procedures, such as cochleosacculotomy and vestibular neurectomy are rarely indicated. More than 85% of non-responders to conservative treatment procedures in vestibular dysfunction can be improved by means of surgical procedures. Otologists have access to procedures for differentiation, indications and therapy via the network of general practitioners and hospital physicians.