Health-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes after Transoral Robotic Surgery for T1 and T2 Supraglottic Laryngeal Carcinoma Compared to the Transcervical Open Supraglottic Approach.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective controlled study evaluated and compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL), after transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy (TORSGL) versus transcervical open supraglottic laryngectomy (TCOSGL) in patients with T1 and T2 supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma (SLC). METHODS: The TORSGL group comprised 14 patients, and the TCOSGL group comprised 13 patients. All 27 patients completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item core quality-of-life questionnaire version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer head-and-neck cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35), before treatment and during the early and the late postoperative periods. RESULTS: The present prospective study demonstrated the near-term postoperative HRQOL of patients with T1 or T2 SLC treated with TORSGL (Group A) or TCOSGL (Group B). On comparison of EORTC QLQ-C30 data for the two groups in the early postoperative period, all functional subscale scores and global health status scores were statistically significantly lower (all p < 0.05) in Group A than in Group B and in the late postoperative period, other than the cognitive function score (p = 0.450), all functional subscale scores and global health status scores were statistically significantly lower (all p < 0.05) in Group A than in Group B. On comparison of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 data for the two groups in the early postoperative period, except for the teeth problems scale score (p = 0.061), all symptom scale scores were statistically significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (all p < 0.05) and in the late postoperative period, the speech, social eating, social contact, and coughing scale scores were statistically significantly lower (p = 0,0215, p = 0.021, p = 0.01, p = 0.011, respectively) in Group A than in Group B. HRQOL parameters recovered in the late postoperative period in both groups; recovery was better in Group A. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This study suggested that TORSGL may provide patients with a better HRQOL than those TCOSGL, especially in the early period, but also in the late period.

Interobserver Consistency of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using a VOTE Classification System.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the interobserver consistency of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and review the current literature. METHODS: In total, 55 patients with an apnea-hypopnea index >5, as determined by on overnight sleep study, were included in this study, 45 males and 10 females, with an average age of 46.87 ±â€Š10.06 years old (range, 19-71). For all OSAS patients, DISE was performed by the same surgeon, which was recorded digitally. The video recordings of DISE were evaluated independently by 3 experienced surgeons who were asked to note his or her decisions as the pattern, site, and degree of upper airway collapse using a VOTE (velum, oropharynx lateral wall, tongue base, and the epiglottis) classification system. RESULTS: Interobserver consistency in the diagnosis of velum-related obstruction in anteroposterior, lateral, and concentric configurations ranged from poor to good. Only significant interobserver consistency among observers A and B was obtained in the diagnosis of oropharynx-related obstruction in the lateral configuration (concordance 60.0%, kappa: 0.365, P < 0.05). Interobserver consistency in the diagnosis of the tongue-related collapse in an anteroposterior configuration, the epiglottis-related collapse in an anteroposterior and lateral configuration ranged from fair to moderate (all kappa values >0.20, all P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that the interobserver consistency of DISE ranged from poor to good. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to standardize DISE procedures, training, and interpretation.

Treatment of tongue base masses in children by transoral robotic surgery.

The feasibility and effectiveness of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in children with tongue base masses (TBMs) were evaluated. Eight pediatric patients who were treated with TORS for TBMs between January 2010 and January 2016 at a tertiary hospital included in the study. All pathologies were congenital lesions: four were lingual thyroglossal ductus cysts (LTGDCs), one was a minor salivary gland tumor, one was a vallecular cyst, one was a bronchogenic cyst, and one was an ectopic thyroid tissue. TORS was performed successfully in all cases. The mean robotic set-up and exposure time was 13.0 ± 2.1 min (range 10-16 min) and the mean robotic surgery time was 8.8 ± 6.9 min (range 4-25 min). Estimated blood loss was lower than 5 ml for one patient and lower than 50 ml for another one. The remaining patients' estimated blood loss was lower than 10 ml. No patient required tracheostomy intra- or post-operatively. Only one minor complication occurred on day 10 after surgery (minor bleeding), which was resolved without intervention. No major complications or recurrence were observed. Better visualization and small, flexible arms allow surgeons to treat TBM faster and easily using TORS. This leads to decreased morbidity compared to open and transoral endoscopic/microscopic surgical methods. In the future, we believe that TORS may become the gold standard method for the treatment of pediatric TBM with continued development of robotic technology.

Vit D deficiency is a possible risk factor in ARS.

Vitamin D deficiency is effective in the development of acute rhinosinusitis and prolongation of inflammation by increasing inflammation in the sinonasal epithelium. Vitamin D deficiency is important in the development of bone barriers that prevent the complication of acute rhinosinusitis. Although Vitamin D levels may be a variable risk factor for various respiratory tract disorders, there are limited data on the role in sinonasal infections. Our aim was to investigate the association of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) levels with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) and preseptal cellulitis complications. The type of the study is prospective case-control study. Fifteen patients in the pediatric age group with ARS-induced preseptal cellulitis complication were identified as Group 1, fifteen patients with ARS and without complication were identified as Group 2, and fifteen healthy volunteers were identified as Group 3. Serum 25OHD levels (nmol/l) were measured in addition to routine blood tests at the first admission of patients participating in the study. Statistical analysis was performed between groups. The ages of the cases ranged from 1 to 14 years with a mean of 5.62 ± 3.42 years. 55.6% of the cases (n = 25) were male; 44.4% (n = 20) were female children. As a result of classification in which vitamin D levels were compared with normal values, there was a statistically significant difference according to the presence of ARS (Group-1 and Group 2) and absence of ARS (Group-3) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found between Group 1 and Group-3 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 suggests that lack of vitamin D predisposes to the complication of preseptal cellulitis. Comparison of Group 1 and 2 with Group 3 (normal subjects) suggests that Vit D has a protective effect against developing sinusitis.

Do the Angle and Length of the Eustachian Tube Affect the Success Rate of Pediatric Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships between the angle and length of the Eustachian tube (ET) (the ETa and the ETl) and the success rates of pediatric type 1 tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical chart review. METHODS: In total, 51 children (31 females and 20 males; average age, 11.92 ±â€Š3.46 years; age range: 7-18 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. In group A, all patients had intact grafts without perforation, retraction, or lateralization, and a dry ear, at 6 months postoperatively. In group B, reperforation of the tympanic membrane was evident 6 months postoperatively. The average ETa and ETl values of each group were measured on computed tomography images using a multiplanar reconstruction technique, and compared. RESULTS: The ETa values of diseased ears of males and females were, respectively, 26.60 ±â€Š6.42° and 23.29 ±â€Š6.51°, compared to 27.25 ±â€Š5.23° and 23.32 ±â€Š4.61° for normal male and female ears, respectively. In group A, the ETa was 26.46 ±â€Š6.82° in males and 22.95 ±â€Š7.50° in females. In group B, the ETa was 26.85 ±â€Š6.12° in males and 23.90 ±â€Š4.45° in females. In group A, the mean ETl was 41.0 mm (29.6-45.3 mm) in males and 37.9 mm (32.0-44.5 mm) in females. In group B, the mean ETl was 40.5 mm (30.5-47.1 mm) in males and 38.0 mm (32.8-45.0 mm) in females. In group A, the ETa value of diseased ears did not differ between females and males, but in normal ears, the ETa was higher in males than females (P = 0.020 and P < 0.05, respectively). In group B, no difference was evident between the ETa values of normal and diseased ears (P > 0.05). No difference in the ETl values of diseased and normal ears, in either group, was apparent between females and males (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neither the ETa nor the ETl affected the success rate of pediatric cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to compare anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types and the effects of anatomical features of the ET on the success rate of pediatric tympanoplasty.

Retropharyngeal Abscess Presenting With Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is the second most common deep neck space infection after peritonsiller abscess in pediatric population. Major signs and symptoms on physical examination include fever, hypersalivation, odynophagia, reduced oral intake, sore throat, swelling on the neck, torticollis, limitation in neck mobility, and voice changes. In this paper, the authors present a case of RPA with unusual and interesting presenting symptoms in a 10-month-old infant that exhibit new-onset and worsening snoring and sleep apnea. The purposes of this manuscript are to present the authors' experience with this patient, to emphasize the diagnosis, clinical course, and management of RPA in infants, also to signify the importance of including RPA in the differential diagnosis of patients with sleep apnea syndrome.

The Effect of the Angle and Length of the Eustachian Tube on the Success Rate of Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationships between the angle and length of the eustachian tube (ET) (the ETa and the ETl) and the success rates of type 1 tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical chart review. METHODS: In total, 160 patients (81 females and 79 males; average age, 37.12 ±â€Š12.46 years; age range: 18-65 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. The average ETa and ETl values of each group were measured on computed tomography images using a multiplanar reconstruction technique, and compared. A P value <0.05 was considered to reflect statistical significance. RESULTS: In group A, the ETa of diseased ears was 27.74 ±â€Š12.06° in males and 21.87 ±â€Š7.58° in females. In group A, the ETa of normal ears was 27.53 ±â€Š4.15° in males and 22.25 ±â€Š4.67° in females. In group B, the ETa of diseased ears was 28.85 ±â€Š6.19° in males and 22.91 ±â€Š5.65° in females. In group B, the ETa of normal ears was 27.71 ±â€Š5.23° in males and 23.72 ±â€Š6.20° in females. In group A, the mean ETl of diseased ears was 42.1 mm (28.9-45.1) in males and 38.2 mm (31.0-44.7) in females. In group A, the mean ETl of normal ears was 41.9 mm (29.2-45.8) in males and 37.4 mm (30.5-44.1) in females. In group B, the mean ETl of diseased ears was 40.8 mm (30.2-47.4) in males and 37.9 mm (31.8-45.2) in females. In group B, the mean ETl of normal ears was 41.6 mm (30.0-45.0) in males and 39.1 mm (30.0-43.7) in females. In group A, the ETa value of diseased ears did not differ between females and males, but in normal ears the ETa was higher in males than females (P =0.002 and P <0.05, respectively). In group B, no difference was evident between the ETa values of normal and diseased ears (P >0.05). No difference in the ETl values of diseased and normal ears, in either group, was apparent between females and males (both P >0.05). CONCLUSION: Neither the ETa nor the ETl affected the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to compare anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types and the effects of anatomical features of the ET on the success rate of type 1 tympanoplasty.

Role of Apoptosis in the Pathogenesis of Nasal Polyps Based Upon Galectin-3 Expression.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to investigate the antiapoptotic mechanisms in nasal polyps that occur after glandular hyperplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective histopathological analyses of patients with nasal polyps. METHODS: The study comprised 54 patients (19 females; 35 males). Group-1 patients with a diagnosis of nasal polyposis; group-2 patients with a diagnosis of antrochoanal polyps; group-3 with a diagnosis of deviation of the nasal septum as a control group. Tissues were taken during their surgery and fixed in paraffin blocks, stained to detect galectin-3, and evaluated under a light microscope. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes on the surface epithelium, glandular epithelium, and connective tissue were divided into groups according to the intensity of galectin-3 staining: "mild," "moderate," and "strong." The percentage of stained tissue was also graded: <10%, 10% to 50%, 51% to 80%, and >80%. Hence, the extent of expression of galectin-3 and percentage of stained tissue was calculated. RESULTS: Significant differences in the staining intensity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes for galectin-3 were observed between the 3 groups (P <0.01). Staining intensity in control group was significantly lower than that in group I and group II (P = 0.001; P <0.01). However, there was no significant difference between group I and group II (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that galectin-3 has a role in the formation of nasal polyps.

The Predictive Value of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio for the Effusion Viscosity in Otitis Media With Chronic Effusion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the authors' study was to investigate the predictive value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte rate (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte rate (PLR) in otitis media with effusion and the correlation of the effusion type with these ratios. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six pediatric patients diagnosed otitis media with chronic effusion and had ventilation tube inserted between October 2015 and July 2016 were included in the study group and 124 healthy children, who applied for the routine examination and had blood count analysis, were included in the control group. The patients in the study group were divided into 2 groups regarding the effusion viscosity, which was obtained from the patients' operation files. Seventy-one patients were included in the serous group and 55 patients in the mucous group. The NLR and PLR rates of the groups were compared and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The average NLR and PLR rates were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.000, P = 0.004 respectively). Comparison of the serous and mucous groups with the control group revealed a significant difference between the control group and the serous group regarding the NLR and PLR (P = 0.000; P = 0.000 respectively), but not between the control group and mucous group (P = 0.694; P = 0.691 respectively). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil-lymphocyte rate and PLR had a predictive value for otitis media with effusion and additionally it was a laboratory indicator supporting the typing of the viscosity of the fluid accumulated in the middle ear.

Carotid Artery Aneurysm: A Rare Cause of Hemotympanum.

Temporal bone fractures can occur as a result of various head trauma. The most common cause of the hemotympanum is traumatic temporal bone fracture. Facial paralysis and hearing loss can be seen associated with temporal bone fracture. The development of the internal carotid artery aneurysm after temporal bone fracture is extremely rare. In this article, the authors evaluated carotid artery aneurysm that developed after temporal fracture and aneurism compressed by coagulated blood mass which showed itself as a hemotympanum. The internal carotid artery aneurysm that induced by temporal bone fracture and presented as hemotympanum has not been reported yet. This patient is the first case in the literature. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up options will be discussed in the light of current literature.

Caudal Septal Stabilization Suturing Technique to Treat Crooked Noses.

AIM: To rotate the nasal axis and septum to the midline using an L-strut graft and a novel caudal septal stabilization suturing technique to treat crooked noses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients were included in the study. First, an L-strut graft was prepared by excising the deviated cartilage site in all patients. Second, multiple stabilization suturing, which we describe as a caudal septal stabilization suturing technique with a "fishing net"-like appearance, was applied between the anterior nasal spine and caudal septum in all patients. This new surgical technique, used to rotate the caudal septum, was applied to 22 I-type and 14 C-type crooked noses. Correction rates for the crooked noses were compared between the 2 inclination types with angular estimations. RESULTS: Deviation angles were measured using the AutoCAD 2012 software package and frontal (anterior) views, with the Frankfurt horizontal line parallel to the ground. Nasal axis angles showing angle improvement graded 4 categories as excellent, good, acceptable, and unsuccessful for evaluations at 6 months after surgery in the study. The success rate in the C-type nasal inclination was 86.7% (±21.9) and 88% (±16.7) in the I-type. The overall success rate of L-strut grafting and caudal septal stabilization suturing in crooked nose surgeries was 87.5% (±18.6). "Unsuccessful" results were not reported in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: L-strut grafting and caudal septal stabilization suturing techniques are efficacious in crooked noses according to objective measurement analysis results. However, a longer follow-up duration in a larger patient population is needed.

Acute Palatal Perforation and Peroperative Repair Method During Septoplasty Operation.

Septoplasty is a frequent and relatively low-risk procedure in otolaryngology practice. Palatal perforation complication is very rare in the literature and only a few patients have been reported. In this clinical report, a patient with palatal perforation that has been developed and noticed during the septoplasty operation with no anatomical abnormality and alternative repair method are reported with video of the procedure.

Multilevel Combined Surgery With Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of combined multilevel surgery with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome for multilevel upper airway obstruction. METHODS: Subjects who underwent combined sleep surgery via TORS were evaluated. The drug-induced sleep endoscopy was used in diagnosing the presence of level-specific upper airway collapse and to detect the type of surgery. Pre- and postoperative Apnea-hypopnea index, Epworth sleepiness scale lowest oxygen saturation, total operation time, robotic set-up time and robotic surgery time, blood loss value, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty five subjects were identified. All subjects underwent base of tongue (BOT) + epiglottoplasty. The tracheotomy was not performed for any patient. Overall, 72% of patients met the criteria for cure, 8% met the criteria for cure, and 20% of patients met the criteria for failure. There was a significant decrease between preoperative and postoperative Apnea-hypopnea index scores (28.7 ±â€Š17.8 SD versus 9.4 ±â€Š12.4, P = 0.000) and Epworth sleepiness scale scores (13.5 ±â€Š2.8 versus 3.4 ±â€Š1.6, P = 0.000). There was a significant increase between preoperative and postoperative ED SPO2 levels (80.7 ±â€Š7.6 versus 82.6 ±â€Š18.1, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: TORS BOT, epiglottoplasty, and multilevel procedures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome can be regarded as feasible, safe, and effective technique.

Management of Laryngoceles by Transoral Robotic Approach.

OBJECTIVES: Laryngoceles are air-filled sacs which communicate with the laryngeal lumen. When filled with mucus or pus, they are called laryngomucoceles and laryngopyoceles, respectively. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a new and remarkable technique that expands its usefullness in otorhinolaryngology. Conventional treatments for laryngoceles were previously performed using external approaches, with aesthetically unfavorable and less function-sparing results. Transoral laser microsurgical approaches for laryngoceles were seldom reported. It is aimed to present authors' clinical experience on laryngocele management with TORS which is a rather new technique. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective patient serial. METHODS: Patients were evaluated for demographic data, type of lesion, reasons for hospital admittance, complaint duration, and previous surgery. Robotic surgery panel including anesthesia time, duration of surgery, need for tracheotomy, postoperative care, follow-up, and recurrence rates were also summarized. RESULTS: Six men (mean age 51.7 years; range 41-62) with laryngoceles underwent successful TORS. Dyspnea and hoarseness were the main complaints. Two patients had undergone previous laryngeal surgery due to laryngeal cancer, with no recurrence of malignancy at admittance for laryngocele. Three had simple laryngocele, 2 had laryngomucocele, and 1 had laryngopyocele. No laryngoceles recurred and no complication such as dysphonia or prolonged dysphagia occurred. CONCLUSION: Transoral robotic surgery was found superior in safety, technical feasibility and curative effectiveness, when compared with classical methods, especially due to absence of skin incisions. Surgical modalities for laryngocele excision should be directed toward a curative target including cosmetic and functional success, technical achievability, and surgically curative methods. Transoral robotic surgery provided all these features.

Impact of the Degree of the Mastoid Pneumatization on Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty Success.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the degree of the mastoid pneumatization on the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical chart review. METHODS: In total, 90 patients (44 females and 46 males; average age, 38.40 ±â€Š11.12 years; age range: 21-65 years) who underwent cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty were included. Demographics and anatomical outcomes were recorded. The patients were divided into 2 groups in terms of anatomical success. In group A, all patients had intact grafts without perforation, retraction, or lateralization, and a dry ear, at 6 months postoperatively. In group B, reperforation of the tympanic membrane was evident 6 months postoperatively. The mastoid air cell volumes of each groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean mastoid pneumatization in groups A and B was 5.32 ±â€Š1.96  and 5.06 ±â€Š2.12 cm, respectively. The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of diseased ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization of normal ears did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of mastoid pneumatization did not affect the success rate of cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to evaluate the relationship between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and anatomical outcomes after placement of various graft types.

Correlation Between the Degree of the Mastoid Pneumatization and the Angle and the Length of the Eustachian Tube.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to explore the correlation between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and the angle (ETa) and the length of the Eustachian tube (ETl). STUDY DESIGN: The study design consisted of a retrospective clinical chart review. METHODS: In total, 217 patients (110 females and 107 males; average age, 33.14 ±â€Š12.88 years; age range: 18-65 years) were included in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups in terms of the degree of the mastoid pneumatization. The mastoid pneumatization was measured between 0 and 5 cm for group A, between 5 and 10 cm for group B, and ≥10 cm for group C. The ETa and ETl of each group were compared. RESULTS: The mean mastoid pneumatization of groups A, B, and C was 4.32 ±â€Š1.96, 8.26 ±â€Š2.68, and 11.94 ±â€Š1.28 cm, respectively. The ETl of group A was lower than that of other groups statistically (P = 0.006 and 0.018, respectively). The mean ETl did not differ between the groups B and C (P = 0.698, >0.05, respectively). The ETa of each group did not differ (all P > 0.05). The mastoid pneumatization and the ETl were higher in males than in females (P = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). The ETa did not differ between males and females (P = 0.0158). There was a positive correlation between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and the ETl (r = 0.159/P = 0.002, <0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study is thus the first to analyze the relationship between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and the ETa and the ETl. We found a positive correlation between the degree of the mastoid pneumatization and the ETl.

The role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy in surgical planning for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

This study investigated the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in the surgical treatment planning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This study was conducted using patients diagnosed with OSAS between January 2007 and March 2009, who were scheduled for surgical treatment. DISE was performed using propofol in patients considered to have upper respiratory tract obstruction as indicated by Muller's maneuver. After completing the sleep endoscopy, the patient was intubated and surgery was performed (tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). A successful operation was defined as a decrease in the respiratory disturbance index to below 5 or a decrease of ≥50 % following the operation. The study included 20 patients (4 female and 16 male) aged 19-57 years. No statistically significant correlation between modified Mallampati class and operation success or between the polysomnographic stage of disease and operation success was identified. A significantly high operation success rate was found in the group with obstruction of the upper airway according to DISE (p < 0.05), whereas a significantly low operation success rate was found in the group with obstruction of the lower airway according to DISE (p < 0.01). DISE may be used to identify the localization of obstruction for diagnostic purposes, and it can be helpful in selecting the treatment method.

Vitamins A, C, and E and selenium in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of vitamins A, C, and E, with selenium, in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). This was a prospective, controlled study performed at a tertiary teaching and research hospital. Over a 32-month period, patients were treated with either our standard ISSNHL treatment regimen plus vitamins A, C, and E and selenium (ACE+ group) or with only our standard ISSNHL treatment regimen (ACE- group). The demographics, additional symptoms, mean initial and final hearing levels, mean hearing gain, and recovery data were compared between the two groups. The ACE+ group, consisting of 70 (55.5 %) patients, received vitamin A (natural beta-carotene, 26,000 IU), vitamin C (ascorbic acid, 200 mg), vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol, 200 IU), and selenium (50 µg) twice daily for 30 days in addition to our ISSNHL treatment regimen: methylprednisolone at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg body weight per day, tapered over 14 days; Rheomacrodex(®) [(10 g of dextran and 0.9 g of NaCl)/100 ml] 500 ml daily for 5 days; Vastarel(®) 20-mg tablet (20 mg of trimetazidine dihydrochloride) three times daily for 30 days; and ten 60-min hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) sessions (2.5 absolute atmospheres of 100 % O2), once daily, starting the day of hospitalization. The ACE- group comprised 56 (44.4 %) patients, who received only our ISSNHL treatment regimen. The mean hearing gains were 36.2 ± 20.3 dB in the ACE+ group and 27.1 ± 20.6 dB in the ACE- group. The mean hearing gain rates were significantly higher in the ACE+ group than in the ACE- group (p = 0.014). Treatment with vitamins A, C, and E and selenium was effective in ISSNHL patients undergoing treatment with methylprednisolone, dextran, trimetazidine dihydrochloride, and HBO, and might be more effective when the initial hearing level is below 46 dB.

Evaluation of Relationship Between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Self-Esteem in Rhinoplasty Candidates.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between body dysmorphic syndrome and self-esteem in rhinoplasty candidates. RESULTS: A negative statistical correlation was evident between Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination-Self Report (BDDE-SR) scores. In terms of responses to the first Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) question, which focuses on general attitude toward body dysmorphic syndrome, the average RSES "YES" score was significantly less than the "NO" score. No significant differences appeared between RSES scores and scores for the 4th subgroup of BDDQ questions (subgroups A, B, and C; these questions explore how much time is spent daily on maintenance of bodily appearance). However, significant differences appeared between scores for the 4th subgroup of BDDQ questions and BDDE-SR scores. The average BDD-SR score of subgroup A (less than 1 hour spent on bodily maintenance) was significantly lower than those of group B (1-3 hours) and group C (more than 3 hours). However, no significant differences appeared in average BDD-SR scores between subgroups B and C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 56 patients (31 females and 25 males) were evaluated preoperatively using the BDDQ, the BDDE-SR, and the RSES. Patients younger than 15 years and those with deformities caused by trauma were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinoplasty candidates had higher levels of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Although patients with low RSES scores were more likely to have BDD, rhinoplasty candidates were not notably deficient in self-esteem. However, in rhinoplasty candidates with low RSES scores, the frequency of BDD was elevated. Therefore, the authors suggest that rhinoplasty candidates with low RSES scores should be investigated carefully in terms of BDD.

Comparative analysis of nasal deformities according to patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: The study aim was to compare patient satisfaction levels among patient groups with nasal hump deformity (NHD), nasal axis deviation (NAD), and NHD plus NAD using the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation Questionnaire (ROEQ) pre- and postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients were divided into the NHD (n = 16), NAD (n = 13), and NHD + NAD (n = 18) groups according to the patients' physical examination results. Deviation angles were measured using frontal views and the AutoCAD 2012 computer program. Levels of patient satisfaction were assessed by the ROEQ pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The preoperative ROE scores were 6 in the NAD group and 4.9 in the NHD group. In the NAD + NHD group, the preoperative ROE score was 6.6. The postoperative ROE scores were 17.4, 21.4, and 19.1, respectively. The pre- and postoperative ROEQ scores were significantly different for all groups. The preoperative ROE score was 5.6 in women. The score was 18.6 at 6 months after surgery. In male patients, the preoperative ROE score was 6.2. The score was 20.4 at 6 months after surgery. The preoperative ROE score was 6.3 in patients younger than 30 years; the score was 19.4 in the postoperative period for this group. Preoperatively, the ROE score was 5.2 for patients older than 30 years. Postoperatively, the ROE score was 19.3 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction and quality of life should improve after rhinoplasty. Patient satisfaction ranged from high to low for patients, with the NHD group the most satisfied, followed by the NAD + NHD group and the NAD group.