Defining the limits and indications of the Draf III endoscopic approach to the lateral frontal sinus and maximizing visualization and maneuverability: a cadaveric and radiological study.

PURPOSE: The DRAF III procedure has been used for access to the lateralmost part of the frontal sinus. We sought to identify anatomical and radiological measurements as well as modifications that predict the lateral limits of visualization and surgical access after this procedure. METHODS: Seven cadaver heads were imaged with computed tomography scan. The distance from midline to the medial orbital wall (MOWD), midline to the lateral end of the frontal sinus (MLD), the sum of MLDs (SMLD), interorbital distance (IOD) and the shortest anteroposterior distance of the frontal recess (APD) were utilized. The ratios MLD/MOWD, and SMLD/IOD were calculated. The same distances were measured on 41 CT scans. Orbital transposition (OT) and partial resection of the piriform aperture (PAR) were performed; the visualization and reach were assessed. The angle of insertion was measured before and after the modifications. RESULTS: Only the ratio MLD/MOWD was consistently predictive of access to the lateral, superior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus. Following the modifications, a visualization of 100% laterally was achieved with the 30- and 45 degree endoscopes and every lateral recess could be reached with the 70 degree suction. A mean increase of the angle of insertion of 25.3 and 59.6% was recorded after OT and PAR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IOD rather than APD defines the limits of the Draf III approach to the lateral frontal sinus and MLD/MOWD ratio can serve as a useful preoperative tool. Along to the already described OT, PAR increases visualization and reach of the lateral frontal sinus.

[Cervical lymphadenitis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in children with different residence]. / Zervikale Lymphadenitis durch atypische Mykobakterien bei Kindern mit unterschiedlichem Wohnsitz.

OBJECTIVE: Atypical mycobacteria form a heterogeneous group. Although more than 140 species have been identified, only 25 of them are considered responsible for infection in humans. The most frequent manifestation of the disease in immunocompetent children is the cervical lymphadenitis. Aims of this study were to identify a correlation of the location of residence with patients' demographics and disease characteristics, to evaluate the ultrasonographic findings and the different operative treatments modalities and to develop an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases were identified by using the hospital's correspondence, microbiology and pathology databases. Demographic and clinical data were collected. A statistical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: 32 patients were included. Our data revealed no significant correlation between area of residence and disease characteristics. Hypoechoic lymph nodes with intraglandular necrosis and low vascularity were observed in the majority of patients. Surgical treatment included abscess incision with biopsy, lymphadenectomy, selective neck dissection and partial parotidectomy. A recurrent disease was significantly more frequent after abscess incision. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies with prospective design are required, in order to confidently identify the correlation between area of residence and disease characteristics. Similar ultrasonographic findings suggest a constant constellation of changes that facilitate diagnostic evaluation. Complete surgical excision offers an effective management option as it combines definitive treatment and histological confirmation with low risk of complications.

Self-Evaluated Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes After Microsurgery, Stereotactic Radiation or Observation-Only for Vestibular Schwannoma of the Adult Patient: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of different management options on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in vestibular schwannoma patients. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of the Cochrane Database, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and the Ovid Medline & EMBASE was performed. English and German language studies published between 1980 and 2015 were considered. STUDY SELECTION: This is a systematic review of HRQoL of patients managed for vestibular schwannoma. Studies in which HRQoL after one management option were evaluated or compared with other managements or with control populations using validated or reliable questionnaires, were included. DATA EXTRACTION: The included studies were independently evaluated by two reviewers. The quality of studies was assessed and graded as per Oxford Centre of Evidence Based Medicine System. RESULTS: Ten prospective and 29 retrospective studies were identified: microsurgery initially exerted a negative effect on HRQoL but this tended to improve with follow up. Radiotherapy had a less negative effect but with minimal change over follow up. A significant limitation was that studies did not present results stratified by tumor size. Many patients will need active treatment despite the potential for negative effects on their QoL. The concept of a minimal clinically important difference has been introduced into this field and was compared with five studies. CONCLUSION: A number of prospective studies are available but none yet with a disease-specific questionnaire. Heterogeneity and the methodological weaknesses of the included studies constitute the principle limitation of this review. The introduction of the minimal clinically important difference should improve the relevance of studies and allow a sensitive comparison of treatments.

Ghrelin and Obesity: Identifying Gaps and Dispelling Myths. A Reappraisal.

The etiology of obesity is complex. Environmental and genetic causes have been implicated in the development of this disease. Ghrelin is a hormone known to stimulate appetite. There are numerous possible actions through which ghrelin exerts its effect in the body: a) Overproduction of ghrelin, b) reduced ghrelin following meals, and c) increased receptor sensitivity to ghrelin action. Sleeve gastrectomy, a bariatric procedure, leads to reduction of ghrelin levels and subsequently to weight loss. However, there are many limitations to measurement of the fasting plasma level of the active form of ghrelin. The establishment of the exact correlation between ghrelin, appetite and obesity could be vital for the fight against obesity.