Effectiveness of Spreader Graft Versus Autospreader Flap in Reducing Nasal Air Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to compare the functional outcomes of 2 different techniques, spreader graft and autospreader flap, by using them for nasal valve surgery in cadavers using acoustic rhinometry (AR). METHOD: Ten frozen cadavers who underwent nasal valve surgery between May 2017 and August 2018 were randomly divided into 2 groups. Spreader grafts were applied to 10 nasal valve regions in 1 group, while the autospreader flap method was used on the other 10 nasal valve regions. The effectiveness of the surgical techniques was evaluated utilizing AR. RESULT: We objectively evaluated the effect of surgery on nasal air resistance by comparing the preoperative and postoperative AR values (MCA1, MCA2, volume) in both the spreader graft and the autospreader flap groups. In addition, the differences in nasal potency gain after the application of both techniques were compared and the superiority of the 2 surgeries in terms of functional gains was evaluated. A statistically significant difference was observed in preoperative and postoperative MCA1, MCA2, and volume values in both the techniques and sides. The authors found more significant nasal valve opening for the spreader graft technique using acoustic rhinometric values when compared with the autospreader flap technique. CONCLUSIONS: In both methods, the air resistance was observed to decrease objectively in the nasal valve region. Autospreader flaps increase the nasal valve angle without the need for additional cartilage tissue, and it could be an alternative to spreader grafts.

Computed Tomography Analysis of Nasal Anatomy in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Subdorsal septal resection and radix osteotomy are distinctive surgical steps in preservation rhinoplasty. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nasal bone thickness, the level of the septal bony-cartilaginous junction (K area), and the distances of the frontal sinus and skull base from the transverse osteotomy line in the Turkish population by means of conventional computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was made of 203 consecutive preoperative paranasal CT scans of patients (classified in terms of age and gender) who had undergone rhinoplasty surgery between January 2020 and June 2021. The nasal bone thickness at the medial canthus level, and the distances between the transverse osteotomy line and the K area, the frontal sinus, and the cribriform plate were measured. RESULTS: The mean measurements were similar in terms of age groups (P = 0.402, P = 0.542, P = 0.134 and P = 0.276 for ages 18-30, 30-40, 40-50, and >50 years, respectively). The mean nasal bone thickness and the distance between the transverse osteotomy line and the K area showed statistical significance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In both genders, the mean distances between the transverse osteotomy line and the frontal sinus and the cribriform plate were similar (P = 0.921 and P = 0.280, respectively). The nasal bone was thinner and the K area position more cephalic in females. CONCLUSIONS: CT plays an important role in preoperative planning. The need for resection of the ethmoid perpendicular bone may be greater in males when lowering the dorsal hump, and hence they may be more prone to skull base complications. It is therefore necessary to be more careful in the surgical stage of subdorsal septal excision in males.

Isotretinoin's action against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

Current data do not support the routine use of any agent to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity. Although there are various diseases in which derivatives of vitamin A are used due to their antioxidant effects, there is no study for prevention from ototoxicity. In this study, the protective effect of isotretinoin was investigated on cisplatin ototoxicity in rats. 21 Wistar Albino rats were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group I: cisplatin, Group II: cisplatin + isotretinoin and Group III was the control group. Hearing assessment of all rats was done with ABR and DPOAE tests before and after the procedure. After the procedure, cochleas were resected and transmission electron microscopic examination was performed. Our DPOAE and ABR findings showed that isotretinoin has protective effects on cisplatin ototoxicity. According to transmission electron microscopic findings, isotretinoin has protective effects on cell integrity. We think that new experimental and clinical studies to be carried out in this regard may give us a new option on prevention of cochlea from ototoxicity.

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Retrosigmoid Approach to the Cerebellopontine Angle Using a Novel Surgical Instrument: A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to describe how endoscopes show the neural and vascular structures at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) through a minimal craniotomy in a well-described anatomic point in the retrosigmoid region and at the same time, evaluate the endoscopic anatomic exposure and maneuverability. We planned to use the new surgical instrument (endoscope cannula), which we designed on fresh frozen cadavers to simulate a real surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical procedure was planned to be performed on 20 sides of 10 fresh cadaver heads. The distance between the asterion and mastoid process was determined, and the midpoint was then marked. From this midpoint, a craniotomy 2 cm in size was posteriorly made. The endoscope cannula together with 0° or 30° endoscopes was inserted to capture the panoramic views of the neurovascular structures in CPA. Endoscopic anatomic exposure and maneuverability were evaluated using 0° and 30° endoscopes with/without the endoscope cannula. RESULTS: The surgeon could easily use both hands during the surgical simulation, and maneuverability was seen to increase in CPA with the use of the endoscope cannula. CONCLUSION: The surgeon can work actively with both hands when the endoscopes and the endoscope cannula are used together. We believe that owing to this, the surgeon's maneuverability would increase and a more effective minimally invasive endoscopic retrosigmoid surgery would ensue.

Hookah smoking impairs nasal mucociliary clearance.

INTRODUCTION: Active tobacco smoking has been causally associated with nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC). Smoking through a hookah as an alternative to tobacco smoking has been shown in some scientific studies to have several toxic effects on human health. However, no study has been conducted on the effects on nasal MCC of the hookah as an alternative way of smoking tobacco. The aim of this study is to research whether or not hookah affects nasal MCC. METHODS: The study included 40 subjects in the control group and 38 subjects in the hookah group. The hookah group was divided into two subgroups: those who used hookahs regularly, once every week (N1 group), and those who used hookahs more than once a week (N2 group, of 2 to 5 sessions/week). The N1 group had 20 subjects, while the N2 group had 18 subjects. The MCC test was performed on each subject and results were recorded in minutes. RESULTS: The nasal MCC value in the total hookah group was found to be significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The nasal MCC value of the N2 group that used hookahs more than once a week was significantly higher than those of the control group and N1 group that used hookahs once every week (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that, especially when a hookah was used more than once a week, there was MCC impairment that may put the participant at risk of respiratory tract diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effects of hyperbaric oxygen on irradiated laryngeal tissues.

INTRODUCTION: To manage the complications of irradiation of head and neck tissue is a challenging issue for the otolaryngologist. Definitive treatment of these complications is still controversial. Recently, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is promising option for these complications. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we used biochemical and histopathological methods to investigate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen against the inflammatory effects of radiotherapy in blood and laryngeal tissues when radiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen are administered on the same day. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group was given no treatment, the hyperbaric oxygen group was given only hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the radiotherapy group was given only radiotherapy, and the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group was given both treatments on the same day. RESULTS: Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of specimens were performed. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and tissue inflammation levels were significantly higher in the radiotherapy group than in the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group, whereas interleukin-10 was higher in the radiotherapy plus hyperbaric oxygen group. CONCLUSION: When radiotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen are administered on the same day, inflammatory cytokines and tissue inflammation can be reduced in an early period of radiation injury.

Melatonin prevents possible radiotherapy-induced thyroid injury.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of melatonin in radiotherapy-induced thyroid gland injury in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: the control group, melatonin treatment group, radiotherapy group and melatonin plus radiotherapy group. The neck region of each rat was defined by simulation and radiated with 2 Gray (Gy) per min with 6-MV photon beams, for a total dose of 18 Gy. Melatonin was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg through intraperitoneal injection, 15 min prior to radiation exposure. Thirty days after the beginning of the study, rats were decapitated and analyses of blood and thyroid tissue were performed. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the radiotherapy group were significantly higher than those in the melatonin plus radiotherapy group (p < .05), whereas interleukin-10 (IL-10) and glutathione (GSH) values were higher in the melatonin plus radiotherapy group (p < .05). The infiltration of inflammatory cells and percentage of apoptosis in the radiotherapy group were significantly higher than those in the melatonin plus radiotherapy group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin helped protect thyroid gland structure against the undesired cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy in rats.

Can Platelet and Leukocyte Indicators Give Us an Idea about Distant Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Cancer?

This study aimes to evaluate platelet and leucocyte indicators, such as the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit, white blood cell count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in nasopharyngeal cancer patients and also to evaluate the relationship between these indicators and nasopharyngeal cancer with distant metastasis. The medical records of 118 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in our hospital between January 2006 and August 2015 were reviewed. The nasopharyngeal cancer group was further sub grouped according to the presence or absence of distant metastasis and TNM (tumour - T, node - N, metastasis - M) classification. A control group consisted of 120 healthy patients. The platelet and leucocyte values at the time of the initial diagnosis were recorded. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet distribution width values were significantly higher in the nasopharyngeal cancer group. But only platelet distribution width values were significantly higher in the nasopharyngeal cancer group with distant metastasis compared to the nasopharyngeal cancer group without distant metastasis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet distribution width values may increase in nasopharyngeal cancer. But only the platelet distribution width values may give us an idea about the distant metastasis in nasopharyngeal cancer.

Sudden bilateral hearing loss after organophosphate inhalation.

Sudden bilateral hearing loss are seen rarely and the toxic substance exposure constitutes a small part of etiology. A Fifty-eight-year-old woman admitted to our clinic with sudden bilateral hearing loss shortly after chlorpyrifos-ethyl exposure. Otolaryngologic examination findings were normal. The patient had 40 dB sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) on the right ear and 48 dB SNHL on the left ear. Additional diagnostic tests were normal. The conventional treatment for sudden hearing loss was performed. On the second week following organophosphate (OP) exposure the patient's hearing loss almost completely resolved. OP's are heavily used in agriculture and should be taken into consideration as an etiologic factor in sudden hearing loss.

Multilayered Closure of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea with Inlay Fascia Lata, Autologous Fat, and Outlay Fascia Lata: Our Experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Since the initial use in 1981 by Wigand, different endoscopic endonasal surgery techniques have been proposed to close ventral skull base defects, all of which include multilayer closure involving vascularized mucoseptal flaps, autologous grafts, and synthetic materials. These methods are used individually or in combination, as required by the operative condition. METHODS: In this study we aimed to describe our endoscopic technique using inlay-outlay fascia lata and autologous fat with fibrin sealant to close spontaneous and traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Twenty-one CSF rhinorrhea patients were operated with this technique in our hospital. Two patients had large skull base defects and 15 patients had high-flow CSF leaks. We reached a 100% success rate in the first attempt without any long-term recurrence. Multilayered endoscopic closure with this technique offers satisfactory results with minimal morbidity even in large defects and high-flow CSF leaks.

Update on local allergic rhinitis.

We here provide an update on the literature regarding local allergic rhinitis (LAR). In reviewing LAR, we have included an updated definition, classifications, mechanisms, comorbidities, and recommendations for diagnosis and treatment for LAR, as well as the defined research areas for future evidence-based studies. LAR is a localised nasal allergic response in the absence of systemic atopy characterised by local production of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies, a TH2 pattern of mucosal cell infiltration during natural exposure to aeroallergens, and a positive nasal allergen provocation test response, with the release of inflammatory mediators. The localised allergic response of LAR is an important topic for the study of allergies. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of LAR.

Post-traumatic refractory multiple canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a case report.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most prevalent form of peripheral vertigo and is seen in a significant number of patients who present at neurology and ear, nose, and throat clinics. Various maneuvers may be used to determine the affected canal based on observation of specific nystagmus signs, and may also be used for treatment. Multiple canal pathology can make diagnosis and treatment more difficult. Presently described is case of BPPV with multiple canal pathology and traumatic etiology that was resistant to treatment.

Cervico-Thoracic Giant Lipoma in a Child.

Lipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that can be observed all over the body. In total, 25% of lipomas are observed in the head and neck region, and most of them are located in the posterior cervical triangle. Lipomas that are greater than 10 cm in width or more than 1000 g in weight are called giant tumors. Cervico-thoracic lipomas are extremely rare, and only four cases have been reported in the English literature. We report successful surgical excision of a giant lipoma, which started from middle-anterior cervical region covered the anterior cervical triangle, and extended to the mediastinum, without thoracotomy.

New routes of allergen immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Allergen immunotherapy is the only cure for immunoglobulin E mediated type I respiratory allergies. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are the most common treatments. In this article, we reviewed new routes of allergen immunotherapy. METHODS: Data on alternative routes to allow intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT), epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT), local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT), oral immunotherapy (OIT), and oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) were gathered from the literature and were discussed. RESULTS: ILIT features direct injection of allergens into lymph nodes. ILIT may be clinically effective after only a few injections and induces allergen-specific immunoglobulin G, similarly to SCIT. A limitation of ILIT is that intralymphatic injections are required. EPIT features allergen administration by using patches mounted on the skin. EPIT seeks to target epidermal antigen-presenting Langerhans cells rather than mast cells or the vasculature; this should reduce both local and systemic adverse effects. LNIT involves the spraying of allergen extracts into the nasal cavity. Natural or chemically modified allergens (the latter, termed allergoids, lack immunoglobulin E reactivity) are prepared in a soluble form. OIT involves the regular administration of small amounts of a food allergen by mouth and commences with low oral doses, which are then increased as tolerance develops. OMIT seeks to deliver allergenic proteins to an expanded population of Langerhans cells in the mucosa of the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS: ILIT, EPIT, LNIT, OIT, and OMIT are new routes for allergen immunotherapy. They are safe and effective.