Surgical Approach to Frontal and Ethmoid Sinus Osteomas: The Experience of 2 Metropolitan Italian Hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the surgical management experience of patients with osteomas of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses performed in 2 metropolitan Italian hospitals between 2012 and 2019. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of cases of frontal and ethmoid osteomas from the Ca' Granda Niguarda Hospital of Milan and the Policlinico Umberto I University Hospital of Rome was performed. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography and, when orbital or intracranial extension was suspected, magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical treatment was performed according to Chiu classification. RESULTS: A total of 38 cases of frontal and ethmoid sinus osteomas were included in the study; 22 patients were men and 16 were women. The mean age at diagnosis was 49 years. Seven (18.4%) patients were treated using an open approach; 3 (7.9%) patients underwent open and endoscopic approach; the remaining 28 (73.7%) patients were treated with endoscopic approach. Seven (18.4%) patients had a cerebrospinal fluid leak intraoperatively and were treated with the placement of tissue graft through the defect. The mean follow-up time was 18 months; no recurrence was observed at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Osteomas of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses can be treated using different techniques, mostly endoscopically. The choice of surgical approach (endoscopic vs open) depends on the location and size of the osteoma, anatomical size, characteristic of the sinus, surgeon's experience, and available existing technical facilities. Cerebrospinal fluid leak is a possible complication of surgery.

VITOM-3D assisted paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed with the purpose of showing the potential advantages of the VITOM-3D assisted paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction. METHODS: A 72 years-old female patient presented to our department with a wide left nasal defect. On her clinical history she referred a basal cell carcinoma of the left nasal skin treated with multiple excision in another center without reconstruction. On clinical examination, we observed the absence of the left nasal tip, columella, upper lateral and lower lateral cartilage. In our experience the paramedian forehead flap based on supratrochlear artery is a feasible reconstruction (Shokri, T., et al). The first surgeon (Dr. Placentino) along with the head and neck team decided to reconstruct the nasal defect assisted by the 3D 4 K exoscope (VITOM®; Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). RESULTS: The goal of reconstruction is to carefully evaluate the nasal defects and rebuild the nose as close as possible to its original shape with the multilayer technique, creating the internal lining, the intermediate bony-cartilage structure and external skin. (Kim, I.A., et al). The exoscope allowed us to reconstruct the inner layer with the mucoperiostal septal flap, middle layer with auricular cartilage and the external skin through the elevation of the paramedian forehead flap. The flap is elevated from cranio-caudal direction including skin, subcutaneous tissue, frontalis muscle and associated fascia or periosteum. Donor site was primarily closed with the exception of a small defect. Post-operative period was uneventful, and after a period of 4 weeks when vascularization was complete, the patient underwent pedicle excision. At the recent 6 months follow-up, the flap had healed completely with the shape of nose restored with good symmetry. CONCLUSION: High-definition (4 K), three-dimensional (3D) exoscope are being used to perform a growing number of head and neck surgeries (Bartkowiak, E., et al). However, the use of the 3D exoscope in the nasal reconstruction has not been previously described. In our opinion the potential advantages of this technique are, firstly, to achieve a better magnification and to improve the vision of anatomical structure that leads to a better functional and aesthetic result, secondly, to reduce surgical times. High-definition allowed us to highlight the scar tissue and preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. In addition, we underline the use of the exoscope for a better remodeling of cartilage.

COVID-19 in the tonsillectomised population.

OBJECTIVE: Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue are thought to influence the manifestations of COVID-19. We aimed to determine whether a previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of a dysfunctional pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict the presentation and course of COVID-19. METHODS: Multicentric cross-sectional observational study involving seven hospitals in Northern and Central Italy. Data on the clinical course and signs and symptoms of the infection were collected from 779 adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and analysed in relation to previous tonsillectomy, together with demographic and anamnestic data. RESULTS: Patients with previous tonsillectomy showed a greater risk of fever, temperature higher than 39°C, chills and malaise. No significant differences in hospital admissions were found. CONCLUSIONS: A previous history of tonsillectomy, as a surrogate indicator of immunological dysfunction of the pharyngeal associated lymphoid tissue, could predict a more intense systemic manifestation of COVID-19. These results could provide a simple clinical marker to discriminate suspected carriers and to delineate more precise prognostic models.

3D endoscopic endonasal craniectomy for intestinal type adeno-carcinoma (ITAC) of the nasal cavity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the potential advantages of the 3D endoscope-assisted craniectomy for tumor of the nasal cavity. METHODS: A 77-year-old man with a 6 month history of persistent progressive right nasal obstruction and iposmia is reported. Physical examination, including nasal endoscopy, revealed a large mass within the right nasal cavity. He had no associated symptoms such as visual complaints, paresthesia, and facial pain. He worked as a carpenter. Further imaging by CT and MRI revealed a large, expansive nasal-ethmoid lesion that almost completely occupies the right nasal cavity with partial extension posterior to the choana, extensive erosion of the ethmoid. Medially marks the nasal septum with deviation to the left. Laterally it marks the medial wall of the maxillary sinus and at the top it is in contact with the cribriform plate which seems to be interrupted in the right parasagittal seat at the 3rd anterior of the olfactory cleft. Histopathological analysis of the specimen was consistent with sinonasal adenocarcinoma, intestinal type (ITAC) cT4aN0 ([1]). RESULTS: Patient was taken up for surgery by transnasal 3D endoscopic approach for excision of tumor with repair of the skull base defect, using Karl Storz IMAGE1 S D3-Link™ and 4-mm TIPCAM®. The mass could be dissected free of the dura and the entire specimen was removed completely and sent for histopthological examination. We followed our 8 main surgical steps: 1) Tumor disassembling; 2) Nasal septum removal; 3) Centripetal bilateral ethmoidectomy and sphenoidotomy; 4) Draf III frontal sinusotomy 5) Anterior and posterior ethmoidal artery closure 6) Skull base removal; 7) Intracranial work; 8) Reconstruction time. A 4 × 2.3 cm skull base defect was repaired using triple layer of fascia lata (Intracranial intradural, intracranial extradural and extracranial) and was sealed using tissue glue (TisselR). Post-operative recovery was uneventful, pack were removed on 3rd postoperative day and patient was discharged on the 7th post-operative day. After 2 years of follow up, the patient is free of disease. CONCLUSION: We describe 3D endoscopic transnasal craniectomy for Intestinal Type Adeno-Carcinoma (ITAC) of the nasal cavity as a feasible technique for the surgical management of sino-nasal tumors ([2].) Our experience with this approach has been outstanding. We firmly believe that in the first three steps of the procedure the 3D endoscope is not necessary because it extends the surgical time and induce eyestrain of the main surgeon. Nevertheless, 3D endoscope gives the major advantage during the skull base removal and the intracranial work. It offers an optimal vision and better perception of depth with safe manipulation of the instruments avoiding injuries to healthy tissue ([3]). Furthermore, 3D images offer better understanding of the relationship between anatomical landmarks, helping the didactic learning curve of our residents.

Otolaryngology activity in two hospitals in northern and central Italy differently affected by COVID-19 pandemic.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on the Italian healthcare system, although geographical differences were present; regions in northern Italy have been the most severely affected while regions in the south of the country were relatively spared. Otolaryngologists were actively involved in the management of the pandemic. In this work, we analyzed and compared the otolaryngology surgical activity performed during the pandemic in two large public hospitals located in different Italian regions. In northern Italy, otolaryngologists were mainly involved in performing surgical tracheotomies in COVID-19 positive patients and contributed to the management of these patients in intensive care units. In central Italy, where the burden of the infection was significantly lower, otolaryngologists focused on diagnosis and treatment of emergency and oncology patients. This analysis confirms the important role of the otolaryngology specialists during the pandemic, but also highlights specific differences between two large hospitals in different Italian regions.

Eagle Syndrome: 3D endoscope-assisted anterior tonsillar fossa approach to styloid process.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the potential advantages of the 3D endoscope-assisted anterior tonsillar fossa approach to elongated styloid process. METHODS: A 58 years-old woman was reported to our Department with one-year history of odynophagia, latero-cervical pain on the left side, and ipsilateral foreign body sensation. Pain was dull and intermittent in nature. The patient had visited different clinics, she had a physiatric and maxillo-facial evaluation with two dental extraction without any relief of the symptoms. On physical examination a hard-bony consistency area was palpated over left-sided tonsillar fossa, evocating severe pain. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) confirmed an anomalous length of the left styloid process and a diagnosis of Eagle's syndrome (ES) was made. After careful surgical and anesthesiology evaluation, we decided to proceed with the partial excision of the styloid process with a 3d endoscope-assisted transoral anterior tonsillar fossa approach (Reddy et al., 2020). RESULTS: The patient was relieved of her symptoms after the surgery and was discharged after 1 day. Postsurgical healing was uneventful, pharyngodynia was observed for the first 48 h and treated with anti-inflammatory medication. No early or late postoperative complications, including massive bleeding, neurovascular injury or infection, were encountered. At 1 year follow up visit the patient was still asymptomatic and the CT scan did not show any abnormalities. The 3D endoscope provided a high-quality magnification of the tonsillar fossa, which allow us to correctly identify the site of incision. Styloid process was identified through digital palpation. After sufficient dissection of the tip, the distal part of the elongated styloid process was osteotomised and retrieved with a curved instrument. Local hemostasis was achieved and wound was closed in layers. CONCLUSION: Some authors suggested novel surgical approach for ES like transoral robotic surgery (Rizzo-Riera et al., 2020 [2]). We present the 3D endoscope-assisted anterior tonsillar fossa approach as a feasible alternative for the surgical management of ES. Our experience with this approach has been outstanding, guaranteeing an optimal vision and depth of the surgical field with safe manipulation of the instruments which avoided injuries to healthy tissue. Furthermore, 3d endoscope was a great didactic tool. In our opinion is not necessary to remove all the styloid process, as other authors suggest (Lisan et al., 2019 [3]), but is sufficient a partial styloidectomy after cutting the stylohyoid ligament.

Why, when and how to investigate primary ciliary dyskinesia in adult patients with bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis represents the final pathway of several infectious, genetic, immunologic or allergic disorders. Accurate and prompt identification of the underlying cause is a key recommendation of several international guidelines, in order to tailor treatment appropriately. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic cause of bronchiectasis in which failure of motile cilia leads to poor mucociliary clearance. Due to poor ciliary function in other organs, individuals can suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis, otitis media and infertility. This paper explores the current literature describing why, when and how to investigate PCD in adult patients with bronchiectasis. We describe the main PCD diagnostic tests and compare the two international PCD diagnostic guidelines. The expensive multi-test diagnostic approach requiring a high level of expertise and specialist equipment, make the multifaceted PCD diagnostic pathway complex. Therefore, the risk of late or missed diagnosis is high and has clinical and research implications. Defining the number of patients with bronchiectasis due to PCD is complex. To date, few studies outlining the aetiology of adult patients with bronchiectasis conduct screening tests for PCD, but they do differ in their diagnostic approach. Comparison of these studies reveals an estimated PCD prevalence of 1-13% in adults with bronchiectasis and describe patients as younger than their counterparts with moderate impairment of lung function and higher rates of chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diagnosing PCD has clinical, socioeconomic and psychological implications, which affect patients' life, including the possibility to have a specific and multidisciplinary team approach in a PCD referral centre, as well as a genetic and fertility counselling and special legal aspects in some countries. To date no specific treatments for PCD have been approved, standardized diagnostic protocols for PCD and recent diagnostic guidelines will be helpful to accurately define a population on which planning RCT studies to evaluate efficacy, safety and accuracy of PCD specific treatments.

When and how ruling out cystic fibrosis in adult patients with bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is the final result of different processes and most of the guidelines advocate for a careful evaluation of those etiologies which might be treated or might change patients' management, including cystic fibrosis (CF). MAIN BODY: CFTR mutations have been reported with higher frequency in bronchiectasis population. Although ruling out CF is considered as a main step for etiological screening in bronchiectasis, CF testing lacks of a standardized approach both from a research and clinical point of view. In this review a list of most widely used tests in CF is provided. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusion of CF is imperative for patients with bronchiectasis and CFTR testing should be implemented in usual screening for investigating bronchiectasis etiology. Physicians taking care of bronchiectasis patients should be aware of CFTR testing and its limitations in the adult population. Further studies on CFTR expression in human lung and translational research might elucidate the possible role of CFTR in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis.