The histopathological and electrophysiological effects of thymoquinone and methylprednisolone in a rabbit traumatic facial nerve paralysis model.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effects of methylprednisolone and thymoquinone on nerve healing in a traumatic facial nerve paralysis animal model. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: group I: control group received no medication and no trauma; group II: sham group received no medication after facial nerve trauma group III: 5mg/kg/day thymoquinone administered; group IV: 1mg/kg/day methylprednisolone administered. An initial electrophysiological assessment was performed in all the animals. The buccal branch of the facial nerve was then clipped to form a traumatic facial paralysis model. The drugs were administered for two weeks once a day. At the end of the second month, the electrophysiological assessments were performed and the distal part of the traumatic facial nerve were dissected and examined under light microscopy. RESULTS: Best nerve regeneration was observed in the control and the thymoquinone groups, respectively, whereas the weakest regeneration was determined in the sham group. Thymoquinone and methylprednisolone significantly increased nerve recovery, as measured by histopathological scores and electrophysiological assessment. In the thymoquinone group, due to postoperative amplitude, axon diameter and thickness of myelin sheath values were significantly further increased nerve regeneration compared to that of the methylprednisolone group and these values were close to those of the values of the control group. CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone was slightly better than methylprednisolone for functional nerve recovery. The neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone was attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thymoquinone can have a new treatment option to ameliorate the nerve injury.

Comparison of Histopathological Effects of Thymoquinone and Local Nasal Corticosteroids in Allergic Rhinitis in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the histopathological effects of thymoquinone treatment of the nasal mucosa in a rabbit model of allergic rhinitis, and we compared its effects with those of nasal mometasone furoate. METHODS: A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits were used. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups. Group 1 received no treatment, while group 2 underwent ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization only. Group 3 was the study group; after OVA sensitization, the rabbits were treated with intranasal thymoquinone. The group 4 rabbits received mometasone furoate for 7 days after OVA sensitization. Mucosal structures were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, while toluidine blue was used to stain mast cells. Apoptosis was evaluated using a TUNEL assay. RESULTS: In the positive control groups, including the thymoquinone and intranasal mometasone furoate groups, intraepithelial and submucosal inflammation and goblet cell hypertrophy were significantly decreased compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). The cilial structure was normal, as was the chondrocyte structure in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the histopathological effects of thymoquinone in an allergic rhinitis model. Thymoquinone reduced allergic inflammation and may be valuable for treating allergic rhinitis. However, additional studies are needed.

Comparison of microporous polysaccharide hemospheres and Ankaferd Blood Stopper in a rabbit epistaxis model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological impact, effectiveness, and safety of two hemostatic agents, Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) and microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH), in an experimental rabbit epistaxis model. Rabbits were randomly assigned, using a computerized random number generator, to the following three groups of six animals: group 1 (control, irrigated with saline); group 2 (ABS-treated); and group 3 (MPH-treated). In all groups, a standardized rabbit epistaxis model was used. Hemostasis time and extent of nasal bleeding were measured to compare the hemostatic effect of ABS and MPH among groups. Septums were removed for histopathological analysis, 7 days after the procedure. ABS reduced hemostasis time to 104.2 s and amount of bleeding to 20.5 mg. MPH reduced hemostasis time to 71.7 s and amount of bleeding to 11.5 mg. Mean bleeding time in wounds administered ABS and MPH was significantly shorter compared with wounds administered isotonic saline solution (p = 0.004). ABS and MPH application decreased bleeding significantly compared with the control group (p = 0.004). Bleeding time and amount in the MPH group was significantly reduced compared with the ABS group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.004, respectively). There was no significant difference in the histopathological evaluation results between the ABS, MPH, and control groups. Our data indicate that both ABS and MPH represent safe, effective, and fast-acting hemostatic agents in the management of epistaxis. MPH was more effective than ABS in terms of hemostasis time and amount of bleeding.

Histopathological effects of intranasal phototherapy and nasal corticosteroids in allergic rhinitis in a rabbit model.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common health problems and has a major effect on quality of life. Although new-generation antihistamines and nasal steroids are the main treatment options, complete resolution cannot be obtained in some patients. Besides common side effects such as nasal irritation and epistaxis, the use of these drugs is controversial in some patients, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women. These findings highlight the need for new treatment options. Although phototherapy has been successfully used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which is an IgE-mediated disease and shares several common pathogenic features with allergic rhinitis, there are limited studies about its role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the histopathological effects of intranasal phototherapy (Rhinolight) and nasal corticosteroid treatment on the nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis in a rabbit model and we found that both treatment options significantly reduced inflammation in the nasal mucosa without increasing apoptosis of mucosal cells.

Is Middle Ear Pressure Effected by Nasal Packings after Septoplasty?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different types of nasal packings on middle ear pressure in patients undergoing septoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who were suffering from nasal obstruction and who had to undergo septoplasty because of nasal septal deviation were included in the study. After the septoplasty, Merocel packings and internal nasal splints were intraoperatively applied in thirty patients each. Middle ear pressure was evaluated by tympanometry. Tympanometric peak pressures were used for this aim. Acoustic impedance measurements were performed in both ears, and the average values of the two ears were calculated. Tympanometric measurements were performed for patients during the preoperative period and on the 2(nd) and 5(th) postoperative days. RESULTS: There were 30 (5 females, 25 males; average age 23 years) patients in the internal nasal splint group and 30 (8 females, 22 males; average age 26 years) patients in the anterior Merocel packing group. When the values obtained by acoustic impedancemetry before the operation and on the postoperative 5(th) day were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The middle ear pressure significantly decreased in the anterior Merocel packing group compared with that in the internal nasal splint group. The intragroup comparison of the acoustic impedance measurements of the internal nasal splint group revealed no significant difference between the preoperative acoustic impedance values and the values obtained on the postoperative 2(nd) day. CONCLUSION: Cannulated silicone intranasal splints are better in terms of patient comfort after an intranasal surgery without effecting eustachian tube function.

Preparation and placement of cartilage island graft in tympanoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Cartilage graft tympanoplasty has a better success rate in the treatment of chronic otitis media if regularly prepared and placed. OBJECTIVE: To prepare cartilage island material and evaluate its effect on the success rate of tympanoplasty. METHODS: The medical records of 87 patients (48 males and 39 females; mean age, 27.3±11.2 years; range, 14-43 years) with chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma who underwent intact canal-wall-up tympanoplasty and revision surgery between December of 2007 and October of 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia via a retroauricular approach. RESULTS: The overall success rate of this technique was 93% in terms of perforation closure. No graft lateralization or displacement into the middle ear occurred. The overall average preoperative air bone gap was 37.27±12.35 dB, and the postoperative air bone gap was 27.58±9.84 dB. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.3 months (range: 7-21 months). CONCLUSION: If cartilage graft is properly prepared and placed, cartilage graft tympanoplasty appears to provide better success rates and hearing results.

Preparation and placement of cartilage island graft in tympanoplasty / Preparação e colocação de enxertos de cartilagem “em ilha" em timpanoplastia

Introduction: Cartilage graft tympanoplasty has a better success rate in the treatment of chronic otitis media if regularly prepared and placed. Objective: To prepare cartilage island material and evaluate its effect on the success rate of tympanoplasty. Methods: The medical records of 87 patients (48 males and 39 females; mean age, 27.3 ±11.2 years; range, 14–43 years) with chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma who underwent intact canal-wall-up tympanoplasty and revision surgery between December of 2007 and October of 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia via a retroauricular approach. Results: The overall success rate of this technique was 93% in terms of perforation closure. No graft lateralization or displacement into the middle ear occurred. The overall average preoperative air bone gap was 37.27 ± 12.35 dB, and the postoperative air bone gap was 27.58 ± 9.84 dB. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.3 months (range: 7–21 months). Conclusion: If cartilage graft is properly prepared and placed, cartilage graft tympanoplasty appears to provide better success rates and hearing results. .

Introducão: A timpanoplastia de enxerto de cartilagem tem uma melhor taxa de sucesso no tratamento de otite média crónica se for preparada e colocada de forma sistemática. Objetivo: Preparar o material de enxerto de cartilagem “em ilha" e avaliar o seu impacto na taxa de sucesso da timpanoplastia. Método: Os registos médicos de 87 pacientes (48 do sexo masculino e 39 do sexo feminino; idade média 27.3 ±11.2 anos; intervalo 14–43 anos) com otite média crónica sem colesteatoma que foram submetidos a timpanoplastia de levantamento de parede do canal intacto e cirurgia de revisão entre Dezembro 2007 e Outubro 2011 foram avaliados em retrospetiva. A cirurgia foi realizada sob anestesia geral através de uma abordagem retro auricular. Resultados: A taxa de sucesso global da nossa técnica foi de 93% em termos de sutura da perfuração. Não ocorreu lateralização do enxerto nem deslocação para o ouvido médio. O intervalo aéreo-ósseo pré-operatório médio global (ABG) era de 37.27 ±12.35 dB e o ABG pós-operatório era de 27.58±9.84dB. O período médio de seguimento pós-operatório era de 15.3 meses (intervalo 7-21 meses). Conclusão: Se o enxerto de cartilagem for devidamente preparado e colocado, a Timpanoplastia de enxerto de cartilagem apresenta melhores taxas de sucesso e resultados ao nível da audição. .

Effect of pregabalin and dexamethasone on postoperative analgesia after septoplasty.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to explore effect of a combination of pregabalin and dexamethasone on pain control after septoplasty operations. Methods. In this study, 90 patients who were scheduled for septoplasty under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into groups that received either placebo (Group C), pregabalin (Group P), or pregabalin and dexamethasone (Group PD). Preoperatively, patients received either pregabalin 300 mg one hour before surgery, dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously during induction, or placebo according to their allocation. Postoperative pain treatment included tramadol and diclofenac sodium 30 minutes before the end of the operation. Numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain assessment, side effects, and consumption of tramadol, pethidine, and ondansetron were recorded. Results. The median NRS score at the postoperative 0 and the 2nd h was significantly higher in Group C than in Group P and Group PD (P ≤ 0.004 for both). The 24 h tramadol and pethidine, consumptions were significantly reduced in Groups P and PD compared to Group C (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The incidence of blurred vision was significantly higher in Group PD compared to Group C within both 0-2 h and 0-24 h periods (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, resp.). Conclusions. We conclude that administration of 300 mg pregabalin preoperatively may be an adequate choice for pain control after septoplasty. Addition of dexamethasone does not significantly reduce pain in these patients.

Evaluation of olfactory memory after coronary artery bypass grafting.

INTRODUCTION: This study determined whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery has any effect on olfactory function, employing the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the participants were informed preoperatively about the B-SIT test and the mode of its application. The test was performed by each patient preoperatively (d0) as well as 1 (d1) and 3 (d3) days following the surgery. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were recorded at the same time as the smell test. RESULTS: This prospective study included 45 patients. The mean age was 67 ± 7.55, and the group was 29% male. The mean durations of cross clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass were 54 ± 32 min and 62.5 ± 37.0 min, respectively. Eleven different odors were tested. Significant differences were observed for several odors: leather between d0 and d3, pine between d0 and d3, onion between d0 and d1, onion between d0 and d3, and soap between d0 and d1. The postoperative CRP levels were significantly higher than the preoperative levels. The correlation analysis determined that the postoperative CRP levels were negatively correlated with the B-SIT score (r = -0.48, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that patients after CABG are prone to develop olfactory dysfunction in the early postoperative period and that olfactory dysfunction is associated with postoperative CRP levels.

Relationship between adenoid vegetation and anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses.

CONCLUSION: We could not demonstrate an effect of adenoid vegetation on development of paranasal sinus anatomic variations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether adenoid vegetation has an impact on anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six children with adenoid vegetation and 25 children without adenoid vegetation were enrolled in the study. The paranasal sinus anatomic variations were investigated via coronal section CT scans. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noticed between children with and without adenoid vegetation. In addition, no significant correlation with respect to age of children and anatomic variations was determined.

Evaluation of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux, chronic otitis media and laryngeal disorders.

We investigated the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with signs and symptoms of reflux, chronic otitis media and benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. Three groups of patients in Ankara Ataturk Education and Research Hospital ENT-Head and Neck Surgery Clinics were compared between 2005 and 2006. The first group had patients with signs and symptoms of reflux, the second group consisted of patients with chronic otitis media, and in the third group had patients with laryngeal pathology, i.e. vocal cord lesions. The results of pH monitoring of all the three groups of patients were analyzed for laryngopharyngeal reflux. In the evaluation, two different criteria, based on reflux number and time spent in reflux, were used. It was investigated whether there was a difference in terms of reflux among these three groups. Also, the effects of reflux in etiopathogenesis of chronic otitis media and vocal cord lesions are discussed. A total of 84 patients were studied, with 22 patients with signs and symptoms of reflux in Group 1, 42 patients with chronic otitis media in Group 2, and 20 patients with vocal cord lesions in Group 3. No statistical difference could be detected among the groups in terms of the two criteria mentioned above. The frequency of laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with chronic otitis media and vocal cord lesions was found to be as high as than in the patients with signs and symptoms of reflux. During the treatment of chronic otitis media and laryngeal disorders, we advise reflux work-up, and in case if there is reflux, we recommend reflux treatment in addition to treatment of primary disease.

[Comparison between bipolar cautery dissection and classic dissection techniques in tonsillectomy]. / Tonsillektomide bipolar koter diseksiyon ve klasik diseksiyon tekniklerinin karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the results of tonsillectomy performed by classical dissection and bipolar cautery dissection in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 201 pediatric patients were randomly assigned to two tonsillectomy groups. Ninety-five patients (62 boys, 33 girls; mean age 7+/-3 years) underwent bipolar cautery tonsillectomy, and 106 patients (58 boys, 48 girls; mean age 8+/-3 years) underwent classical dissection tonsillectomy. Patients were compared with respect to bleeding during tonsillectomy, operation time, tonsil volumes, primary and secondary bleeding, severity of pain at the first hour and on the tenth day, and time to first solid food intake. RESULTS: With bipolar cautery tonsillectomy, the mean operation time, amount of perioperative bleeding, and pain score at the first hour were significantly lower (p<0.001). However, the mean pain score on the tenth day was significantly higher with cautery tonsillectomy, which significantly prolonged initiation of solid food intake (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to tonsil volumes and initiation of cold fluid nutrition at the third postoperative hour (p>0.05). In the late postoperative period, one patient in each group required intervention under general anesthesia to control bleeding. CONCLUSION: Merits and demerits of both techniques should be taken into consideration for appropriate patient selection for the two tonsillectomy methods.

Treatment of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland and successful repair of iatrogenic facial nerve paralysis.

A 15-year-old female patient developed facial nerve paralysis following surgical excision of a right parotid mass at another center. The histopathologic diagnosis of the lesion was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. On admission to our clinic, she underwent extended total parotidectomy and functional neck dissection. For facial nerve reanimation, cervical plexus nerve grafting was performed for frontal and buccal branches, and ansa hypoglossi anastomosis for the marginal mandibular branch. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered. Facial nerve functions returned to normal in the postoperative sixth month (House-Brackmann grade II). No locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in the follow-up period.

[Treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma via subfrontal and midfacial degloving approaches: a case report]. / Olfaktör nöroblastomun subfrontal kraniofasyal ve midfasyal degloving yaklasimlarla tedavisi: Olgu sunumu.

A 12-year-old girl presented with complaints of nasal obstruction and a right infraorbital swelling. A biopsy obtained from the right nasal passage revealed olfactory neuroblastoma. The tumor was completely excised via subfrontal craniofacial and midfacial degloving approaches. No recurrence was observed during a three-year follow-up.

[Vascular leiomyoma mimicking a carotid body tumor]. / Karotis cisim tümörünü taklit eden vasküler leyomiyom.

Vascular leiomyomas are composed of smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelium. They are rarely seen in the head and neck region. A 32-year-old woman presented with a slowly-growing pulsatile mass in the right upper jugular region. Angiography showed a mass in the carotid bifurcation. It was not extensively vascularized, but displaced the internal and external carotid arteries. After neck exploration, the lesion was totally resected without any complications. Histopathologic diagnosis was vascular leiomyoma. No recurrence was detected during a two-year follow-up.

Relationship between sinusitis and adenoid size in pediatric age group.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the relationship between adenoid volume and the stage of rhinosinusitis, as well as the relationship between age and adenoid size. METHODS: Forty-two children complaining of nasal discharge, whose paranasal sinus computed tomographic scans had been obtained, were involved in the study. The patients with adenoid enlargement underwent adenoidectomy. The volumes of adenoid vegetation were measured in square centimeters, and paranasal sinus computed tomographic scans were classified according to the Lund-Mackay staging system. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference existed between patients whose Lund-Mackay scores were 0 and those with scores greater than 0. There seems to be no correlation between the Lund-Mackay score and the degree of adenoid vegetation. CONCLUSIONS: Adenoid vegetation may cause nasal discharge that is not necessarily due to sinusitis. We could not find any supportive data for the statement "The greater the adenoid tissue, the more extensive the sinusitis."