Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks from cochleostomy after cochlear implantation intraoperatively and postoperatively. METHODS: Three hundred seven patients (age ranges 13 months to 18 years) were undergone cochlear implantation and 14 (4.56%) of them had CSF leakage intraoperatively (2 normal, 12 anomalous cochlea). Complete packing of the around electrode in cochleostomy with muscle had performed to control CSF leak intraoperatively for primary surgery in 10 patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in 3 patients after cochlear implantation postoperatively. Revision surgeries for CSF leakage with fat tissue sealing were performed for them also. Fat tissue packing was performed for the last 4 patients in primary surgery. Outcomes of management methods for sealing were evaluated. RESULTS: Sealing the cochleostomy with muscle was performed for 10 patients. Fibrin glue applications were used for excessive leakage for 5 patients with cochlear anomalies and 3 of these patients had CSF leak from cochleostomy postoperatively (Patients I, II, III). Secondary surgeries with fat tissue sealing were performed. But CSF leakage also was occurred in Patient III. Subtotal petrosectomy and obliteration of cavity with fat tissue had been performed for Patient III. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage has not been seen in primary surgeries with fat tissue packing in other 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Cerebrospinal fluid leakage may occur in cochlear implantation patients with inner ear anomalies postoperatively. Sealing of the cochleostomy with fat tissue is more useful than muscle intraoperatively.

Comparison of surgical and audiological outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic approach in stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of the present study were to compare the surgical and audiological outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic approach in stapes surgery. METHODS: Sixty-one patients who underwent the stapes surgery with the endoscopic and microscopic approach between January 2012-November 2018 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as a Group-I (endoscopic) and Group-II (microscopic). The audiometric measurements, duration of surgery, intraoperative findings and complications were recorded and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean operative time for the Group-I and II was 45.1±8.4 minutes and 48.7±5.6 minutes, respectively (p>0.05). The preoperative and postoperative average air-bone gap in the Group-I was 27.8±7.2 dB and 8.7±3.4 dB and these values in Group-II were 30.2±5.1 dB and 7.4±4.8 dB, respectively (p<0.001). The requirement of chorda tympani nerve manipulation and scutum curettage were significantly less in Group-I as compared Group-II (p<0.05). Dysgeusia and postoperative pain were observed significantly higher ratios in Group-II relative to Group-I (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between endoscopic and microscopic approach in stapes surgery in terms of difficulty of prosthesis insertion (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic stapes surgery provides comparable audiological outcomes, shorter operative times, fewer complications rates, and more minimally invasive surgery, relative to the microscopic approach.

Outcomes of cochlear implantation in children with and without inner ear malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the auditory functions and progress of speech development in children with and without cochlear anomalies who underwent cochlear implantation due to prelingual profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). METHODS: This study was conducted at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Ear-Nose-Throat Department, between October 2006 and December 2007. A total of 69 children (aged 6 to 24 months) diagnosed with profound SNHL were included. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to the presence of inner ear anomalies: Group-1 consisted of 41 children without inner ear anomaly, whereas Group-2 was composed of 28 patients with inner ear anomalies. The auditory performance was assessed using Listening Progress Profile Test (LPPT) and Monosyllabic Trochee Polysyllabic Test (MTP), the subsections of Evaluation of Auditory Responses to Speech (EARS) test battery. RESULTS: Preoperative LPPT scores were 5 (12%) in both groups. Mean LPPT values after fitting in Group-1 and Group-2 on 1st, 3rd and 6th months were 18.5 (44.1%) and 19 (45.6%); 27 (64.2%) and 28 (67.3%); 31 (75%) and 34 (83%), respectively. Postoperatively, MTP scores in Group-1 and Group-2 were 7.5 (62%) and 7.7 (64%) for 3-words set; 10.4 (58%) and 10.6 (59%) for 6-words set; 14.3 (60%) and 14 (59%) for 12-words set, respectively. The rate of stimulation for electrodes was 1345 q/u (quick/unit) in Group-1 and 1310 q/u in Group-2. No statistically significant difference was detected between groups for variables under investigation. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation is an effective treatment in children with prelingual profound SNHL. Auditory performance and advancement of speech are similar for children with and without inner ear anomalies.

Characterization and Comparative Investigation of Hydroxyapatite/Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CaHA/CMC) Matrix for Soft Tissue Augmentation in a Rat Model.

This study endeavors to develop an injectable subdermal implant material tailored for soft tissue repair and enhancement. The material consists of a ceramic phase of calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), which is biocompatible, 20-60 µm in size, known for its biocompatibility and minimal likelihood of causing foreign body reactions, antigenicity, and minimal inflammatory response, dispersed in a carrier phase composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), glycerol, and water for injection. The gel formulation underwent comprehensive characterization via various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify crystalline phases and investigate the structural properties of ceramic particles, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted to evaluate the thermal stability and decomposition behavior of the final formulation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine the surface morphology and particle size distribution, confirming the homogeneous dispersion of spherical CaHA particles within the matrix. SEM analysis revealed particle sizes ranging from approximately 20-60 µm. Elemental analysis confirmed a stoichiometric Ca/P ratio of 1.65 in the hydroxyapatite (HA) structure. Heavy metal content exhibited suitability for surgical implant use without posing toxicity risks. Rheological analysis revealed a storage modulus of 58.6 and 68.9 kPa and a loss modulus of 21.7 and 24.8 kPa at the frequencies of 2 and 5 Hz, respectively. 150 µL of sterilized CaHA/CMC was injected subcutaneously into rats and compared with a similar product, Crystalys, to assess its effects on soft tissues. Skin tissue samples of rats were collected at specific intervals throughout the study (30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days), and examined histologically. Results demonstrated that CaHA/CMC gel led to a significant increase in dermal thickness, elastic fibers, and collagen density. Based on the findings, the formulated CaHA/CMC gel was found to be biocompatible, biodegradable, nonimmunogenic, nontoxic, safe, and effective, and represents a promising option for soft tissue repair and augmentation.

Does dexmedetomidine affect intraoperative blood loss and clotting tests in pediatric adenotonsillectomy patients?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective α(2) adrenergic receptor agonist, may affect the intraoperative blood loss and clotting tests such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (ADT). METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective ADT under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either DEX 0.5 µg/kg (group D) or placebo bolus (group C) with a total volume of 10 mL, 10 min before the induction of anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, blood loss, preoperatively and immediately after awakening clotting tests, agitation, sedation, visual analog scale, and analgesic requirement, were assessed and recorded. RESULTS: The postoperative hemoglobin was significantly lower than the preoperative value in both groups (P < 0.05). The postoperative agitation scale and analgesic requirement and visual analog scale at the 15th min were significantly lower in group D than those in group C (P < 0.05). Total blood loss and postoperative sedation score in group D was significantly higher than that in group C (P < 0.05). The postoperative prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio tests between the groups, additionally pre-postoperative MAP, heart rate, and clotting tests were similar in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The premedication with DEX 0.5 µg/kg decreased postoperative agitation, pain, and analgesic requirement without significant change in the clotting tests and MAP but increased bleeding slightly during ADT.

Congenital aplasia of the external ear canal and total dehiscence of mastoid-tympanic segment of the facial nerve as a cause of recurrent facial paralysis.

Facial nerve (FN) macrodehiscence, in contrast to microdehiscence, generally occurs as a result of chronic otitis media and is rarely seen congenitally. A patient with normal hearing who had no history of ear disease or ear operation came to the clinic with recurrent facial paralysis (FP) and frequent blockage of the external ear canal with epithelial debris complaints. In the explorative ear surgery, we observed that the posterior wall of the external ear canal or tympanic ring was absent, a large external ear cavity was covered with a thin skin, the FN was under the skin, and the tympanic-mastoid segment of the FN and chorda tympani extending to the stylomastoid foramen was completely open. FP episodes were associated with the unprotected FN.To prevent an attack of FP, and to self-clean the external ears, mastoid obliteration surgery was performed, and the mastoid segment of the FN was covered with a conchal cartilage graft. This case was diagnosed as congenital aplasia of the external ear canal due to the tympanic bone aplasia-mastoid bone hypoplasia, and the dehiscence of the mastoid-tympanic segment of the FN, and as a cause of recurrent FP, has never to date been identified.

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor: a rare tumor of the larynx.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx are rarely seen neoplasms. Atypical carcinoid tumor is the most common type of the neuroendocrine tumors of the larynx, whereas the typical carcinoid tumor is the most infrequent type. Preferable treatment in typical carcinoid tumor is particularly conservative surgery without neck dissection. Radio-chemotherapy is ineffective. In this report, we present a 61-year-old female case of typical carcinoid tumor of the larynx with histological findings and applied treatment modality.

The comparison of acoustic and psychic parameters of subjective tinnitus.

We aim to assess the correlation between audiometric data, and psychotic and acoustic measures associated with subjective tinnitus (ST) and to clarify the importance of the psychological process in determining the degree of subjective annoyance and disability due to tinnitus. Fifty-four patients experiencing unilateral ST were allocated for the study. Acoustic assessment of patients including LDL (loudness discomfort levels), MML (minimum masking level) and RI (residual inhibition) was performed. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) tests were performed for the psychological aspects of subjective annoyance. RI was positive in 23 patients with 13 frequency-matched stimuli at 8,000 Hz. Masking treatment response was successful in 16 RI-positive patients. Mean and standard deviation (SD) of THI scores were 38.77 ± 23.63. Ten patients (%18.51) with tinnitus had ≥ 17 points score, which was significant for BDI. Mean and SD were 5.01 ± 2.31 for VAS-1 scores (severity of tinnitus), 7.98 ± 2.79 for VAS-2 (frequency and duration of tinnitus), 5.77 ± 2.72 for VAS-3 (discomfort level), 3.56 ± 3.30 for VAS-4 (attention deficit) and 3.31 ± 3.31 for VAS-5 (sleep disorders). A significant correlation was found between the tinnitus duration time, age, gender and THI scores (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant correlations between VAS 1, 2, 3 scores and LDL, MML and RI (P > 0.05). RI might be largely frequency dependent and was found as an indicator for the masking treatment response. We did not notice statistically significant correlations between audiometric data and THI and BDI. There were correlations between with VAS and LDL and with MML and RI. VAS was simpler and easier for the assessment of ST. We should consider the psychological aspects of ST and assess it as a symptom separately with acoustic and psychotic tests.

Use of rotation flap in repair of cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency.

Although cleft palate anomaly is frequent, the criterion standards in surgical treatment have not been determined yet. There are a few techniques described for cleft palate repair owing to the limited tissue in the palatal mucosa, the rigid structure of the palatal mucosa, and the limited vascularity of the hard palate. In this study, a novel cleft palate repair technique based on separating the soft palate from the hard palate as a musculomucosal flap and using it as a rotation flap has been described. The operation is evaluated individually for each anomaly because variations occur in the surgical technique according to the extension of the cleft toward the teeth in the palate. This operation was performed on a total of 28 patients (17 girls and 11 boys) aged between 1.5 and 16 years and presented to our clinic. Patients were assessed for speech analysis outcomes, tympanogram values, hearing functions, magnitude of palatal lengthening during the operation, and rate of fistulae. Statistically significant differences in values of the speech analysis and the audiometric assessment were determined between before and 6 months after surgery. Complete recovery of otitis was observed 1 month after surgery without another treatment in 9 (42.8%) of 21 patients who were detected to have serous otitis media preoperatively. Tension-free closure, lower risk of fistula, good restoration of velopharyngeal functions, ability to be performed on all types of cleft palate, ability to provide a good intraoperative exposure, and being a single stage seem to be the most important advantages of this technique.

Electrophysiologic assessment of the subclinical changes in facial functions after parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate whether there was a subclinical change in the functions of the facial nerve after parotidectomy. METHODS: Facial nerve functions of 21 patients who had parotidectomy between January 1999 and December 2003 were assessed using electromyography (EMG) at least 5 years after the surgery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between both sides of the face in the EMG amplitudes (P > 0.05) except for the amplitudes obtained from the site of nasolabial sulcus (P < 0.05). In the patients who underwent total parotidectomy, the EMG amplitudes were significantly different for both sides of the face (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the comparison of other measurements performed by EMG. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor histopathologic type (benign or malignant) and type of parotidectomy (superficial or total) do not cause a subclinical dysfunction of the facial nerve after parotidectomy in the patients who also have clinically normal facial functions. The only exception to this contention is the subclinical dysfunction in nasal branches of the facial nerve in total parotidectomy cases.

Incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with bone cement.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate hearing results of our experience with ionomeric bone cement repair of ossicular discontinuity between incus and stapes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-six patients who underwent incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative audiologic results of incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with bone cement were evaluated. One year of follow-up is provided. RESULTS: The postoperative air-bone gap was less than 20 dB in 81.6 percent after one year. The mean preoperative and postoperative pure-tone avarages of the patients were 52.82+/-5.59 and 32.81+/-7.18 dB, respectively (P<0.01). The mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps were 35.83+/-4.73 and 16.54+/-5.01, respectively (P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the hearing results of different types of surgeries (P>0.05). No complications in the middle ear related to bone cements were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement is a reliable method for ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.

Surgical treatment of inverted papilloma.

Inverted papilloma (IP) is the most common benign tumor of the nose and the paranasal sinuses and constitutes almost 0.5% to 4% of the primary nasal tumors. In this study, our objective was to retrospectively review the results of surgical treatment of IP.Sixty-eight patients with a histopathologically proven diagnosis of IP were retrospectively evaluated. Two patients who had an associated squamous cell carcinoma were excluded from the study. Ten patients were operated on for revision surgery, and 56 eventually had a primary tumor. Patients operated on for primary tumor were included in this study. Nasal obstruction was the most frequent symptom observed in 50 patients (89%). The origin of the tumor was most common at the maxillary sinus, the lamina papyracea, and the ethmoid sinus. Endoscopic endonasal resection, endoscopic endonasal resection with the Caldwell-Luc procedure, medial maxillectomy after lateral rhinotomy (LR), and endoscope-assisted medial maxillectomy with LR approaches were used. The patients operated on only with medial maxillectomy after an LR procedure have a recurrence rate of 28% (2 patients). Endoscopic endonasal resection has a recurrence rate of 9% (2 patients). Recurrence observed after endoscopic endonasal resection with Caldwell-Luc procedures was 7% (1 patient). One recurrence (8%) was determined after an endoscope-assisted medial maxillectomy after LR. No major postoperative complications were observed after surgery.In conclusion, IP can be treated both with internal and external approaches. The type of surgery should be determined according to the tumor stage. Combined internal and external approaches have less recurrence rates in advanced cases. Endoscopic endonasal resection should be used in early-stage tumors.

Primary hydatid cyst of the infratemporal fossa.

Hydatid cyst disease is a rare parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus. This parasite in the larval stage can thrive in many parts of the body, most frequently in the liver. Head and neck involvement of the disease is rare. Herein, we present a case of primary hydatid cyst occurring in the infratemporal fossa, which is an extremely rare localization.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the tongue.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare type of sarcoma that usually affects young adult women. It occurs mostly in the lower extremities, and nearly one quarter of the cases are found in the head and neck region. The most common site of origin in the head and neck region is the tongue followed by the orbit. Herein, we present an unusual case of alveolar soft part sarcoma of the tongue in an 18-year-old woman. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of this quite rare entity were discussed.

Outcomes of otologic surgeries with special interest in learning curves of residents in a tertiary referral setting.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated outcomes of otologic surgeries with a special interest in learning curves of residents in a tertiary referral setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of the outcomes of 811 otologic operations was performed. The outcomes of faculty staff (group 1), senior residents (fifth year; group 2), and residents (fourth year) under supervision of the faculty staff (group 3) were assessed and compared. The faculty staff were available for consultation if needed and were ready to intervene at any stage for group 2. RESULTS: There were 397 female patients (48.95%) and 414 male patients (51.04%) from 17 to 71 years of age. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding graft take rate or hearing outcome (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The otologic training of residents appears to be successful in Turkey, as the surgical outcomes of residents were comparable to those of faculty staff.

Pentoxifylline response in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION: This study in rats shows that pentoxifylline may reverse detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the auditory system. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether delayed auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) induced by DM improve following pentoxifylline treatment in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline ABRs were recorded in 25 ears of 13 normal-hearing rats. DM was induced by a single injection of alloxan (75 mg/kg of body weight) in all rats. Following a 1-month diabetic period, ABRs were recorded in six diabetic rats. Then, pentoxifylline treatment was administered for 6 weeks (20 mg/kg in drinking water), and final ABR testing was performed. Absolute latencies of waves I, III and V, and inter-peak latency differences (IPL) of I-V were measured in each stage of the experiment. These parameters were compared to each other in a pair-wise manner. RESULTS: All wave latencies and IPL I-V were prolonged following induction of DM. Delay in waves III and V, and IPL I-V was significant (p<0.05). Pentoxifylline improved all of the wave latencies and IPL I-V, but significant improvement was observed in waves III and V (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between baseline measurements and measurements following pentoxifylline treatment.

Synchronous bilateral carotid body tumor and vagal paraganglioma: a case report and review of literature.

We present a case of synchronous bilateral carotid body tumor and vagal paraganglioma in a 49-year-old man who presented with 3 months history of tenderness and palpable neck masses bilaterally. An encapsulated mass which was thought to be a carotid body tumor and an incidental 3 cm x 2 cm, 5 cm x 1 cm, 5 cm mass which seemed to be originated from vagus nerve were dissected from the left side. Pathology revealed carotid body tumor and vagal paraganglioma. Six months after the first operation, the carotid body tumor on the right side was totally excised. A discussion of this case is followed by a review of the literature surrounding this rare clinic and pathological entity.

Audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiovestibular disturbance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-eight patients with SLE and 28 healthy control subjects were included. Pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and electronystagmography (ENG) were used for baseline evaluation. Laboratory tests were carried out. Cranial and brain stem magnetic resonance imagings (MRI) were undertaken. RESULTS: Nineteen (67%) patients reported audiovestibular symptoms. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 6 (21%) patients. Abnormal results on ENG were significantly higher (50%) (P < 0.01). Abnormal laboratory data were available from 26 patients (P < 0.05). MRI did not show any pathosis. CONCLUSION: The audiovestibular disturbances in SLE are more prevalent than previously recognized. Although no cause and effect relationship can be established by this type of study, it appears that a relationship exists. SIGNIFICANCE: Audiologic research should be directed toward routine, pure tone audiometry, and ENG assessment for patients with SLE to enable crucial treatment.

Noninvasive assessment of benign lesions of vocal folds by means of ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: Although ultrasonography (US) has been widely used in various parts of the body, its application in laryngeal examination has been limited. Our objective was to evaluate the significance of US examination in benign lesions of the vocal folds. METHODS: Ultrasonographic examination of the vocal folds was performed in 14 patients in whom benign lesions of the vocal folds had been diagnosed by videolaryngoscopy and microlaryngoscopy. Microlaryngoscopic surgery was performed after US examination. Each lesion was analyzed for the following US features: shape, size, and echotexture (echogenicity and homogeneity). RESULTS: In total, 16 lesions were diagnosed in 14 patients by means of videolaryngoscopy and microlaryngoscopy. Ultrasonographic examination was capable of diagnosing 14 of the 16 lesions (87.25%). Ultrasonography mainly helped in the diagnosis of sessile polyps, nodules, and leukoplakia that were larger than 2 mm. The lesions were linear hyperechoic, heterogeneous hyperechoic, hypoechoic, and isoechoic if they were leukoplakia, nodules, hemorrhagic polyps, and other polypoid lesions, respectively. The results are better if the diagnosis follows the corresponding US echotexture pattern rather than videolaryngoscopy and microlaryngoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal US examination appears to be a useful diagnostic tool for supplementing microlaryngoscopy in the assessment of benign lesions of vocal folds. In contrast to these currently used imaging techniques, anesthesia is not necessary in laryngeal US examination. In addition, US is noninvasive, painless, and much less expensive than the other techniques.