Evaluation of olfactory function in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery with nasoseptal flap / Avaliação da função olfatória nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica da base do crânio com realização de retalho nasosseptal

Abstract Introduction Endoscopic transnasal access to the skull base, both for treatment and reconstruction, can cause olfactory morbidity. Knowing the main consequences of this intervention is essential to have objective criteria for decision-making regarding the appropriate surgical technique. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine the impact on olfactory function of the endonasal endoscopic access to the skull base with the creation of the nasoseptal flap. Methods A prospective research was carried out in which 22 patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery at the skull base, with the creation of a nasoseptal flap. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test was applied before and at the 1st, 3rd and 6th postoperative months. Results The results showed that only in the first month of follow-up the mean patient classification was statistically worse than at the other evaluation moments (p < 0.05), but there was no mean difference in the Connecticut score classification between the other moments (p > 0.05); that is, patients showed worsening in the 1st month and returned to the preoperative mean after the 3rd month of follow-up. Conclusion The present study showed that the postoperative decrease in olfaction is transient, since the patient's sense of smell returns to pre-surgical values in the 3rd postoperative month.

Resumo Introdução O acesso transnasal endoscópico à base do crânio, tanto no tratamento quanto na reconstrução, pode ocasionar morbidade olfatória. Conhecer as principais consequências dessa intervenção é fundamental para se dispor de elementos objetivos para a decisão da técnica cirúrgica adequada. Objetivo Determinar o impacto na função olfatória do acesso endoscópico endonasal à base do crânio com confecção do retalho nasosseptal. Método Foi feita pesquisa prospectiva na qual foram incluídos 22 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica transnasal à base do crânio com confecção de retalho nasosseptal. Foi aplicado o teste Connecticut chemosensory clinical research center antes e após o 1°, 3° e 6° meses da cirurgia. Resultados Os resultados evidenciaram que apenas no 1° mês de seguimento a classificação média dos pacientes foi estatisticamente pior do que nos demais momentos de avaliação (p < 0,05), mas entre os demais momentos não houve diferença média na classificação do escore de Connecticut (p >0,05), ou seja, os pacientes pioraram no 1° mês e voltaram à média pré-operatória a partir do 3° mês de seguimento. Conclusão No presente estudo, demonstramos que a diminuição do olfato pós-operatória é transitória, já que, no 3° mês depois da cirurgia, o olfato do paciente retorna aos valores pré-cirúrgicos.

Evaluation of olfactory function in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery with nasoseptal flap.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic transnasal access to the skull base, both for treatment and reconstruction, can cause olfactory morbidity. Knowing the main consequences of this intervention is essential to have objective criteria for decision-making regarding the appropriate surgical technique. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the impact on olfactory function of the endonasal endoscopic access to the skull base with the creation of the nasoseptal flap. METHODS: A prospective research was carried out in which 22 patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery at the skull base, with the creation of a nasoseptal flap. The Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test was applied before and at the 1st, 3rd and 6th postoperative months. RESULTS: The results showed that only in the first month of follow-up the mean patient classification was statistically worse than at the other evaluation moments (p<0.05), but there was no mean difference in the Connecticut score classification between the other moments (p>0.05); that is, patients showed worsening in the 1st month and returned to the preoperative mean after the 3rd month of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the postoperative decrease in olfaction is transient, since the patient's sense of smell returns to pre-surgical values in the 3rd postoperative month.

Water protection in patients with tympanostomy tubes in tympanic membrane: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of otorrhea in the postoperative period of patients submitted to tympanotomy to place ventilation tube, and who did not protect the ear when exposed to water. METHODS: Open, randomized-controlled trial. Eighty patients submitted to unilateral or bilateral ear grommet tympanostomy were included and divided into two groups: Auricular Protection and Non-Protection to water during bathing and activities in water. RESULTS: In the first postoperative month, the Non-Protection Group presented a significant increase in the number of patients with otorrhea and in the incidence. Four patients of the Protection Group (11%) presented at least one episode of otorrhea in this period, representing an incidence of 0.11 (standard deviation ±0.32) episode/month, whereas in the Non-Protection Group there were 12 episodes (33%; p=0.045) and incidence of 0.33 (±0.48; p=0.02). Between the 2nd and the 13th postoperative months, there was no difference between groups. Seven patients in the Protection Group (20%) had at least one episode of otorrhea, representing an incidence of 0.04 (±0.09) episodes/month, while in the Non-Protection Group there were seven episodes (22%; p=0.8) and incidence of 0.05 (±0.1; p=0.8). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent ear protection when exposed to water had a lower incidence of otorrhea in the first postoperative month than those who did not undergo protection. From the second month, there was no difference between groups.

Water protection in patients with tympanostomy tubes in tympanic membrane: a randomized clinical trial / Proteção auricular da água em pacientes com tubo de ventilação em membrana timpânica: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the incidence of otorrhea in the postoperative period of patients submitted to tympanotomy to place ventilation tube, and who did not protect the ear when exposed to water. Methods Open, randomized-controlled trial. Eighty patients submitted to unilateral or bilateral ear grommet tympanostomy were included and divided into two groups: Auricular Protection and Non-Protection to water during bathing and activities in water. Results In the first postoperative month, the Non-Protection Group presented a significant increase in the number of patients with otorrhea and in the incidence. Four patients of the Protection Group (11%) presented at least one episode of otorrhea in this period, representing an incidence of 0.11 (standard deviation ±0.32) episode/month, whereas in the Non-Protection Group there were 12 episodes (33%; p=0.045) and incidence of 0.33 (±0.48; p=0.02). Between the 2nd and the 13th postoperative months, there was no difference between groups. Seven patients in the Protection Group (20%) had at least one episode of otorrhea, representing an incidence of 0.04 (±0.09) episodes/month, while in the Non-Protection Group there were seven episodes (22%; p=0.8) and incidence of 0.05 (±0.1; p=0.8). Conclusion Patients who underwent ear protection when exposed to water had a lower incidence of otorrhea in the first postoperative month than those who did not undergo protection. From the second month, there was no difference between groups.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de otorreia no período pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos à timpanotomia para colocação de tubo de ventilação e que não realizaram proteção auricular quando expostos à água. Métodos Ensaio clínico controlado, aberto e randomizado. Foram incluídos 80 pacientes submetidos à timpanotomia para colocação de tubo de ventilação unilateral ou bilateral, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Proteção e Grupo Não Proteção auricular da água durante o banho e as atividades aquáticas. Resultados No primeiro mês pós-operatório, o Grupo Não Proteção apresentou aumento significativo tanto no número de pacientes com otorreia quanto na incidência. Quatro pacientes do Grupo Proteção (11%) apresentaram ao menos um episódio de otorreia neste período, representando incidência de 0,11 (desvio padrão ±0,32) episódio/mês, enquanto no Grupo Não Proteção ocorreram 12 episódios (33%; p=0,045) e incidência de 0,33 (±0,48; p=0,02). Entre o 2º e o 13º meses pós-operatórios, não houve diferença entre os grupos. Sete pacientes do Grupo Proteção (20%) apresentaram ao menos um episódio de otorreia, representando incidência de 0,04 (±0,09) episódios/mês, enquanto no Grupo Não Proteção foram registrados sete episódios (22%; p=0,8) e incidência de 0,05 (±0,1; p=0,8). Conclusão Pacientes que realizaram a proteção auricular quando expostos à água apresentaram menor incidência de otorreia no primeiro mês pós-operatório do que aqueles que não a realizaram. A partir do segundo mês, não houve diferença entre os grupos.

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base / Complicações pós-operatórias otorrinolaringológicas em cirurgias endoscópicas transnasais para acesso a base do crânio

Abstract Introduction: The large increase in the number of transnasal endoscopic skull base surgeries is a consequence of greater knowledge of the anatomic region, the development of specific materials and instruments, and especially the use of the nasoseptal flap as a barrier between the sinus tract (contaminated cavity) and the subarachnoid space (sterile area), reducing the high risk of contamination. Objective: To assess the otorhinolaryngologic complications in patients undergoing endoscopic surgery of the skull base, in which a nasoseptal flap was used. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery with creation of a nasoseptal flap, assessing for the presence of the following post-surgical complications: cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, mucocele formation, nasal synechia, septal perforation (prior to posterior septectomy), internal nasal valve failure, epistaxis, and olfactory alterations. Results: The study assessed 41 patients undergoing surgery. Of these, 35 had pituitary adenomas (macro- or micro-adenomas; sellar and suprasellar extension), three had meningiomas (two tuberculum sellae and one olfactory groove), two had craniopharyngiomas, and one had an intracranial abscess. The complications were cerebrospinal fluid leak (three patients; 7.3%), meningitis (three patients; 7.3%), nasal fossa synechia (eight patients; 19.5%), internal nasal valve failure (six patients; 14.6%), and complaints of worsening of the sense of smell (16 patients; 39%). The olfactory test showed anosmia or hyposmia in ten patients (24.3%). No patient had mucocele, epistaxis, or septal perforation. Conclusion: The use of the nasoseptal flap has revolutionized endoscopic skull base surgery, making the procedures more effective and with lower morbidity compared to the traditional route. However, although mainly transient nasal morbidities were observed, in some cases, permanent hyposmia and anosmia resulted. An improvement in this technique is therefore necessary to provide a better quality of life for the patient, reducing potential complications.

Resumo Introdução: O grande crescimento no número de cirurgias endoscópicas transnasais para a base do crânio ocorreu a partir de um maior conhecimento anatômico da região; do desenvolvimento de materiais e instrumentais específicos e, principalmente, após o uso do retalho nasosseptal como uma barreira entre o trato sinusal (cavidade contaminada) e o espaço subaracnóideo (área estéril), com redução de grandes riscos de contaminação. Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações otorrinolaringológicas nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica da base do crânio, na qual foi usado o retalho nasoseptal. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da base do crânio por via endoscópica com retalho nasosseptal, quanto à presença no pós-operatório das seguintes complicações: fístula liquórica, meningite, formação de mucocele, sinéquia nasal, perfuração septal (anterior à septectomia posterior), insuficiência de válvula nasal interna, epistaxe e alteração olfatória. Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia. Desses, 35 eram portadores de adenomas hipofisários (macro ou microadenomas; selares e extensão supraselar), três meningiomas (dois de tubérculo selar e um da goteira olfatória), dois craniofaringiomas e um abscesso intracraniano. As complicações observadas foram: fístula liquórica (três pacientes - 7,3%), meningite (três pacientes - 7,3%), sinéquia em fossa nasal (oito pacientes - 19,5%), insuficiência de válvula nasal interna (seis pacientes - 14,6%) e queixa de pioria do olfato (16 pacientes - 39%). O teste olfatório evidenciou anosmia ou hiposmia em 10 pacientes (24,3%). Nenhum paciente apresentou mucocele, epistaxe ou perfuração septal. Conclusão: O uso do retalho nasosseptal proporcionou uma revolução na cirurgia da base do crânio por via endoscópica e tornou os procedimentos mais eficazes e com baixa morbidade, comparado com a via tradicional. Porém, passou a ocasionar morbidades nasais principalmente transitórias, mas em alguns casos permanentes, como hiposmia e anosmia. Assim, torna-se necessário um aperfeiçoamento dessa técnica para proporcionar uma melhoria na qualidade de vida do paciente e diminuir possíveis complicações.

Postoperative otorhinolaryngologic complications in transnasal endoscopic surgery to access the skull base.

INTRODUCTION: The large increase in the number of transnasal endoscopic skull base surgeries is a consequence of greater knowledge of the anatomic region, the development of specific materials and instruments, and especially the use of the nasoseptal flap as a barrier between the sinus tract (contaminated cavity) and the subarachnoid space (sterile area), reducing the high risk of contamination. OBJECTIVE: To assess the otorhinolaryngologic complications in patients undergoing endoscopic surgery of the skull base, in which a nasoseptal flap was used. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included patients who underwent endoscopic skull base surgery with creation of a nasoseptal flap, assessing for the presence of the following post-surgical complications: cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, mucocele formation, nasal synechia, septal perforation (prior to posterior septectomy), internal nasal valve failure, epistaxis, and olfactory alterations. RESULTS: The study assessed 41 patients undergoing surgery. Of these, 35 had pituitary adenomas (macro- or micro-adenomas; sellar and suprasellar extension), three had meningiomas (two tuberculum sellae and one olfactory groove), two had craniopharyngiomas, and one had an intracranial abscess. The complications were cerebrospinal fluid leak (three patients; 7.3%), meningitis (three patients; 7.3%), nasal fossa synechia (eight patients; 19.5%), internal nasal valve failure (six patients; 14.6%), and complaints of worsening of the sense of smell (16 patients; 39%). The olfactory test showed anosmia or hyposmia in ten patients (24.3%). No patient had mucocele, epistaxis, or septal perforation. CONCLUSION: The use of the nasoseptal flap has revolutionized endoscopic skull base surgery, making the procedures more effective and with lower morbidity compared to the traditional route. However, although mainly transient nasal morbidities were observed, in some cases, permanent hyposmia and anosmia resulted. An improvement in this technique is therefore necessary to provide a better quality of life for the patient, reducing potential complications.