Effects of Osteotomy on Hemodynamic Parameters and Depth of Anesthesia in Rhinoplasty Operations.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding during rhinoplasty leads to many undesirable effects, such as loss of vision in the surgery area, complications during the procedure, and postoperative complications. The most important effect that increases bleeding is hemodynamic changes during surgery. Considering that osteotomy is the most challenging process in rhinoplasty, this study aimed to examine the hemodynamic changes during osteotomy and changes in the depth of anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 50 patients, aged 18 to 65 years with an ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) score of 1 and 2, who underwent osteotomy during rhinoplasty under general anesthesia, were examined retrospectively. After routine monitoring, the patients underwent general anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. Before the surgery, they received remifentanil 1 µg/kg as an intravenous bolus followed by 0.5 µg/(kg·min) as intravenous infusion until the end of the surgery. The hemodynamic parameters and depth of anesthesia [bispectral index (BIS) values] of the patients were examined before anesthesia, 10 minutes before osteotomy, during osteotomy, and 10 minutes after osteotomy. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in heart rate (beats/min), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mm Hg), and BIS values of the patients measured before, during, and after osteotomy (P < 0.001). The heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and BIS values were significantly higher during osteotomy. Until the 10th minute after osteotomy, all 4 parameters nearly reached the values measured before osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Osteotomy directly affects hemodynamic parameters and depth of anesthesia. Hence, it is of utmost importance that the analgesic need and depth of anesthesia are adequately monitored and adjusted during osteotomy. By suppressing hemodynamic stress responses, the amount of bleeding can be reduced, thus increasing the surgical success and the patient's comfort.

Comparison of the protective efficacy between intratympanic dexamethasone and resveratrol treatments against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intratympanic administration of dexamethasone and resveratrol in preventing cisplatin ototoxicity by measuring acoustic brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). METHODS: Forty rats (80 ears) were divided into five groups. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally to the first group (n = 8). Group 2 (n = 8) received cisplatin after resveratrol had been administered intratympanically. Group 3 (n = 8) received cisplatin after dexamethasone had been administered intratympanically. Group 4 (n = 8) received cisplatin after sodium chloride (NaCl) had been given intratympanically. Group 5 (n = 8) received cisplatin after dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) had been given intratympanically. ABR and DPOAE tests were performed on all groups before and 72 h after the procedure. RESULTS: ABR threshold values in rats that received dexamethasone and resveratrol were found to be less affected than those observed in the other post-cisplatin groups. ABR-IV and ABR-I-IV interval values were significantly reduced in rats that had been given dexamethasone and resveratrol compared to the other groups. After cisplatin treatment, otoacoustic emission (OAE) amplitudes were significantly decreased in Groups 1, 4, and 5 for all frequencies, while OAE values were sustained in the resveratrol and dexamethasone groups (Groups 2 and 3). At OAE frequency 5652, dexamethasone was more significantly associated with protective than resveratrol was, while no significant difference was found between the two groups at other OAE frequencies. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, intratympanic dexamethasone and intratympanic resveratrol treatments may provide a significant protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

An anatomical study of pneumatized crista galli.

The literature data on the incidence of pneumatization of the crista galli based on patients' computed tomography (CT) scans ranges from 3 to 37.5%. This study investigated for the first time the incidence of crista galli pneumatization based on CT scans of human skulls. The study examined 102 randomly selected human skulls (≥20 years of age; 76 males, 26 females). Skulls were scanned in a fixed position using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a field of view of 145 × 130 mm and an isotropic voxel size of 0.25 mm. The scans were recorded in Digital Images and Communications in Medicine format. The CBCT images were analyzed using OnDemand3DTM software. A 2-mm contiguous slice thickness was used in the axial and coronal planes. The width, length, and height (cranial-caudal dimension) of the pneumatized space within the crista galli were measured. The crista galli was found to be pneumatized in even 68 (66.6%) of the 102 skulls. Two types of pneumatized crista galli (PCG) were identified: PCG alone (surrounded by bony walls) and PCG + spongiosis (surrounded by spongy bone). Of the 68 pneumatized skulls, 31 were PCG alone (45.58%) and 37 were PCG + spongiosis (54.42%). The pneumatized regions had a width of 0.9-6.6 mm, length of 2.8-12.9 mm, and height of 3.6-17.1 mm. No statistically significant differences have been found regarding the sex and age. Regarding the proportions of pneumatization, the three types of crista galli have been determined resulting in new, practical classification: type S (small), type M (moderate), and type L (large). The crista galli is not always a compact bone; in some cases, it is filled with spongy bone or pneumatized. In respect of proportions of pneumatization, there are three types of pneumatized crista galli: small, moderate, and large. Pneumatized crista galli can play an important role in clinical work, both as an inflamed sinus or other pathologies (sinusitis cristae galli, mucocoelae) or as a morphologic barrier in neurosurgical approaches to some tumors of the anterior skull base.

Evaluation of posterior clinoid process pneumatization by multidetector computed tomography.

In the present study, we investigated the types and ratio of posterior clinoid process (PCP) pneumatization in paranasal sinus multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Paranasal MDCT images of 541 subjects (227 males, 314 females), between 15 and 65 years old, were included into the study. Pneumatization of anterior clinoid process and pneumatization types (I, II, or III) were evaluated in the males and females. PCP pneumatization was detected in 20.7 % of the males and 11.5 % of the females. Right, left, and bilateral PCP pneumatizations were detected in 7.9, 5.7, and 7.0 % of the males and 2.9, 3.2, and 4.5 % of the females, respectively. PCP pneumatization of the males is significantly higher than the females. The most detected type of pneumatization was type I (61.2 %) for all groups. In right, left, and bilateral pneumatizations separately, type I pneumatization was the most detected pneumatization type with the ratio of the 70.4, 65.2, and 50.0 %, respectively. In males, type I (61.7 %), and similarly in females, type I (60.6 %) pneumatization were detected more. Type II and type III pneumatizations were detected in decreasing order in both groups. In younger subjects, pneumatization of posterior clinoid process was found as higher, and in older subjects, PCP pneumatization was found as lower. Sclerosis process related to the aging may be responsible for the lower pneumatization ratios in older subjects. Structure of the surrounding regions of PCP is important for surgical procedures related to cavernous sinus, basilar apex aneurysms, and mass lesions. Preoperative radiological examinations are useful for operative planning. Any anomalies to PCP can cause unnecessary injury to the neurovascular complex structure around the cavernous sinus or postclinoidectomy CSF fistulas. Posterior clinoidectomies should be avoided in patients with type III PCP pneumatization to prevent CSF fistulas.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and current treatment modalities.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to the combination of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and acute upper and lower respiratory tract reactions to the ingestion of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and other cyclooxygenase-1 inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. AERD affects 0.3-0.9 % of the general population. AERD generally occurs due to abnormalities in mediators and expression of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. Local IgE responses to staphylococcal enterotoxins may also be responsible for eosinophilic activation in the nasal polyp tissues of AERD patients. Clinical features of AERD include the onset of nasal congestion with anosmia, progressing to chronic pansinusitis and nasal polyps that regrow rapidly after surgery. Aspirin desensitization, Leukotriene-modifying agents, biologic agents, management of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis are recommended as treatment modalities. Immunotherapy is prescribed only to those AERD patients who experience clear seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms in addition to the symptoms attributable to chronic nasal polyposis. There are also investigational and dietary therapies. In this review, the important aspects of AERD will be presented, along with a literature survey.

The possible mechanisms of the human microbiome in allergic diseases.

In the present paper, we discuss the importance of the microbiome in allergic disease. In this review paper, the data from the Medline (PubMed) and search engine of Kirikkale University were systematically searched for all relevant articles in June 15th, 2015 for the past 30 years. The keywords of "microbiome", "dysbiosis", "allergy", "allergic rhinitis", "allergic disease", "mechanisms" and "treatment" were used alone or together. In this paper, microbiomes were presented in terms of "Definition", "Influence of \the human microbiome on health", "The microbiome and allergic diseases", and "Modulation of the gut microbiota in terms of treatment and prevention". Microbiological dysbiosis is also reviewed. The microbiome is the genetic material of all microbes (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) that live on or in the human body. Microbes outnumber human cells in a 10:1 ratio. Most microbes live in the gut, particularly the large intestine. Changes in the immune function of the respiratory tract are (at least in theory) linked to the immunomodulatory activity of the gut microbiota via the concept of a "common mucosal response". The gut microbiota shapes systemic immunity, thus affecting the lung mucosa. Alternatively, changes in the gut microbiota may reflect alterations in the oropharyngeal microbiota, which may in turn directly affect the lung microbiota and host immune responses via microaspiration. Dysbiosis is defined as qualitative and quantitative changes in the intestinal flora; and modern diet and lifestyle, antibiotics, psychological and physical stress result in alterations in bacterial metabolism, as well as the overgrowth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. All immune system components are directly or indirectly regulated by the microbiota. The nature of microbial exposure early in life appears to be important for the development of robust immune regulation; disruption of either the microbiota or the host response can trigger chronic inflammation. Dysbiosis is also an important clinical entity. Antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and dietary factors contribute to intestinal dysbiosis.

Calculation of an Optic Nerve Injury Risk Profile Before Sphenoid Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to analyze variations in the optic nerve (ON) course and surrounding structures in an effort to construct an optic nerve injury risk profile before endoscopic intranasal sphenoidal, or endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal, skull-base surgery, and eventually to construct and formulate a common classification by combining the known classes. The authors used computed tomography (CT) toward this end. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 200 consecutive CT scans (400 sides) of the paranasal sinuses. The pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process, the relationships of the ONs to the sphenoidal sinuses, and ON dehiscence were evaluated. The authors then created a formula by which risk profiles can be constructed for patients for whom sphenoid or parasellar surgery is planned. RESULTS: Pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process was evident in 28.25%. Dehiscence of the bony wall of the ON was evident in 9.5%. The ON course lay adjacent to the sphenoidal sinus, causing sinus wall indentation, in 23%. Cumulative optic nerve injury risk scoring showed that, radiologically, surgery on 8.5% and 1.5% of sphenoid sinuses described here carried severe or critical risk of ON injury, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Head-and-neck surgeons and neurosurgeons should be aware of variations in ON course. The authors composed an optic nerve injury risk classification category based on the sum of individual weights of each of these classes. Reductions in ON injuries require careful evaluation of potential variant anatomies. Preoperative CT scans must be meticulously reviewed to avoid ON injury.

Presence and types of anterior clinoid process pneumatization, evaluated by Multidetector Computerized Tomography.

PURPOSE: The types and ratio of anterior clinoid process (ACP) pneumatization in paranasal sinus Multidetector Computerized Tomography (MDCT) were investigated the importance of ACP in neurosurgical approaches discussed. METHODS: Paranasal MDCT images of 499 subjects (259 male, 240 female), between 17 and 65 years of age, were included in the study. Presence and types of pneumatization of the ACP and pneumatization types (I, II or III) were evaluated. RESULTS: ACP pneumatization was detected in 37.5% of the males and 33.3% of the females. Right, left and bilateral ACP pneumatizations were detected in 12.7%, 9.3% and 15.4% of males and 9.2%, 8.3% and 15.8% of the females, respectively. The most commonly detected types of pneumatization were Type I (49.1%) for right pneumatizations and Type II pneumatization for left (40.9%) and bilateral (37.2%) pneumatizations. In males, Type I (37.1%) and in females, Type II (40.0%) pneumatizations were detected more frequently. Type III pneumatization was detected in 29.9% of the males and 22.5% of the females. ACP pneumatization ratios were higher in younger subjects and lower in older subjects. CONCLUSION: Sclerosis process related to aging may be responsible for the lower pneumatization ratios in older subjects. When Type III ACP pneumatization is present, clinoidectomy should not be performed: in this type of ACP pneumatization, cerebrospinal fluid fistula develops in all cases.

Is there a relationship between sphenoid sinus types, septation and symmetry; and septal deviation?

In the present study, we investigated whether there is a relationship between sphenoid sinus (SS) types, septation (lobulation) and symmetry; and septal deviation (SD) by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Paranasal MDCT images of 202 subjects (131 males, 71 females), between 10- and 88-year-old, were included into the study. SS type (conchal, presellar or sellar), SS symmetry, SS septation (lobulation) and SD were evaluated by MDCT images. In the present study, in both males (83.2 %) and females (85.9 %); and in all age groups (80.4-85.7 %), sellar type sphenoid sinus were more detected. Conchal type was detected in two cases of the males (1.5 %) and none of the females. SS was detected mainly as multi-septated (multi-lobulated) (51.9 % in males and 56.3 % in females; in all age groups as 51.0-56.8 %; and both SD (+) and SD (-) groups as 51.2-56.8 %). In subjects with SD, asymmetric SS was detected in 80.2 %. Whereas in SD (-) subjects, asymmetric SS was detected in 50.6 %. Sellar type SS pneumatization is the most detected type in our cases. Presence of SD was related to the higher SS asymmetry values. In SD (-) subjects, SS was detected as symmetric. Nasal septal deformities such as SD may influence the development of the SS pneumatization and asymmetric septation. For well anatomic orientation of the surgeons, good anatomy knowledge and preoperative detailed examination of the CT scans are very important.

Different anesthetic agents-soaked sinus packings on pain management after functional endoscopic sinus surgery: which is the most effective?

In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of local anesthetics soaked non-absorbable sinus packs on pain management after functional endoscopic surgery (FESS). One hundred and fifty patients with the diagnosis of bilateral chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps who underwent FESS were included into the study. Their pre-operative Lund-Mackay computerized tomography (CT) Scores were similar. We applied anesthetic agents of 2 % lidocaine HCl, 0.25 % Bupivacaine HCl, 0.2 % Ropivacaine, 2 % Prilocaine and 0.9 % NaCl (Saline) in groups 1-5 onto the sinus packs after FESS. At postoperative period, acetaminophen (250 mg/5 ml) was used in 10-15 mg/kg per dose (4 times a day). Bleeding grade, operation duration, postoperative number of gauze/24 h, additional painkiller need, pain values at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h were noted. Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were also evaluated at 1st, 2nd and 4th weeks postoperatively. In saline group, 93.3 % of the patients needed additional painkiller. Whereas, in Bupivacaine group, additional painkiller use (20.0 %) is less than the other groups. In Bupivacaine group, number of gauze/24 h use was lower than lidocaine, ropivacaine and prilocaine groups. In our study, except 1st and 24th hours, pain values of groups can be written in ascending order (from less to higher) as Bupivacaine, Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Ropivacaine and Saline. In the first hour, pain values of groups can be written in ascending order (from less to higher) as Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine and Saline. In the 2nd week, in the Bupivacaine and Lidocaine Groups separately, postoperative Lund-Kennedy scores were lower than the Prilocaine and Saline Groups. In the 1st month, Lidocaine Group's Lund-Kennedy scores were significantly lower than the Saline Group. Synechia values were not different between groups. Bupivacaine help the lower pain values and less additional painkiller need after FESS. Therefore, we recommend to use Bupivacaine soaked sinus packs after FESS for achieve less pain values and to improve patient satisfaction.

Does allergic rhinitis affect communication skills in young adults?

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic disorder with a high prevalence in the general population. The symptoms of AR can impair the cognitive capabilities of the affected people. The study of communication skills and AR interaction has not been adequately discussed. We aimed to analyze Social Communication Skills of university students with AR. Fifty patients suffering from AR and 50 healthy subjects were studied. All participants completed two questionnaires [Social Communication Skills Rating Scale (SCSRS) and Communication Questionnaire] for the assessment of social communication skills. Total scores of both SCSRS and Communication Questionnaire were higher in participants with AR than controls. When the questions of SCSRS were compared between the groups one by one, significant difference was observed between the groups for questions numbered 1-9 and 11, 12 (p < 0.05). Also, significant differences were observed between the groups for questions numbered 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Communication Questionnaire (p < 0.05). Results of our study indicate that AR could negatively affect the social communication skills of the patients with AR. More research is however needed to validate this hypothesis.

Immunotherapy in all aspects.

Allergen immunotherapy is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. In this review, we presented the important topics in immunotherapy. The important aspects of immunotherapy are considered to be "Immunological responses to immunotherapy"; "The principal types of immunotherapy"; "Effectiveness"; "Indications"; "Contraindications"; "Allergen immunotherapy in children"; "Safety"; and "Anaphylactic reactions after immunotherapy". The principal types of immunotherapy are subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy. Both of them can be used in indicated cases. When using SCIT, physicians must be more careful because of reported rare fatal cases. The risks and benefits of continuing allergen immunotherapy in patients who have experienced severe systemic reactions should be carefully considered.

Antioxidant activities of curcumin in allergic rhinitis.

We investigated the antioxidant effects of curcumin in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis (AR). Female Wistar albino rats (n = 34) were divided randomly into four groups: healthy rats (control group, n = 8), AR with no treatment (AR + NoTr group, n = 10), AR with azelastine HCl treatment (AR + Aze group, n = 8), and AR with curcumin treatment (AR + Curc group, n = 8). On day 28, total blood IgE levels were measured. For measurement of antioxidant activity, the glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured in both inferior turbinate tissue and serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured only in inferior turbinate tissue, and paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE) activities were measured only in serum. Statistically significant differences were found for all antioxidant measurements (GSH levels and CAT, SOD, GSH-Px activities in the serum and tissue, MDA levels in the tissue, and PON and ARE activities in the serum) between the four groups. In the curcumin group, serum SOD, ARE, and PON and tissue GSH values were higher than the control group. Moreover, tissue GSH levels and serum GSH-Px activities in the curcumin group were higher than in the AR + NoTr group. In the azelastine group, except MDA, antioxidant measurement values were lower than in the other groups. Curcumin may help to increase antioxidant enzymes and decrease oxidative stress in allergic rhinitis. We recommend curcumin to decrease oxidative stress in allergic rhinitis.

Aesthetic analysis of the ideal eyebrow shape and position.

The aesthetic importance of the eyebrow has been highlighted for centuries. In this paper, we investigated ideal eyebrow. Eyebrows and eyelids, varies among different races, ages and genders. It is considered to be of primary importance in facial expression and beauty. We present one form of the ideal eyebrow aesthetic and discuss methods of optimising surgical results. For the modern acceptable concept of the ideal brow, the medial brow should begin on the same vertical plane as the lateral extent of the ala and the inner canthus and end laterally at an oblique line drawn from the most lateral point of the ala through the lateral canthus. The medial and lateral ends of the brow lie approximately at the same horizontal level. The apex lies on a vertical line directly above the lateral limbus. Individual perceptions and expectations also differ from person to person. The brow should over lie the orbital rim in males and be several millimetres above the rim in female. Male tend to have a heavier, thicker brow with a little arch present. There are some pitfalls in brow aesthetics. Overelevation creates an unnatural, surprised and unintelligent look which is the most common surgical mistake in brow lifting. Medial placement of the brow peak would create an undesired 'surprised' appearance. Moreover, a low medial brow with a high lateral peak induces an angry look. Overresection of the medial brow depressors may lead to widening and elevation of the medial brow, which creates an insensitive look and can also lead to glabellar contour defects. It is impossible to define an ideal eyebrow that is suitable for every face. However, one must consider previously described criteria and other periorbital structures when performing a brow surgery.

Antileukotrienes in adenotonsillar hypertrophy: a review of the literature.

We assessed the use of antileukotrienes for treating adenotonsillar hypertrophy. We reviewed the current literature on the anatomy of adenotonsillar tissue, adenotonsillar hypertrophy/hyperplasia (and the associated pathophysiology and symptoms), and the effects of antileukotrienes used to treat adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Leukotrienes (LTs) are inflammatory mediators produced by a number of cell types, including mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, macrophages, and monocytes. There are several types (e.g., LTA4, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4). By competitive binding to the cysLT1 receptor, LT-receptor antagonist drugs such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and pranlukast block the effects of cySHLTs, improving the symptoms of some chronic respiratory diseases. High numbers of LT receptors have been found in the tonsils of children with obstructive sleep apnea. Antileukotrienes reduce the apnea-hypopnea index and adenotonsillar inflammation. Antileukotrienes may be useful for children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy due to their anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce adenotonsillar inflammation.

A survey on chronic rhinosinusitis: opinions from experts of 50 countries.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a very prevalent inflammatory disease. Treatments vary in different countries. In the present study, we explored the approaches of physicians in 50 countries. In this cross-sectional study, a rhinosinusitis survey (RSS) was completed by Honorary and Corresponding Members (otorhinolaryngologists) of the Italian Society of Rhinology. In 79.1 % of the 50 countries, the proportion of patients suffering from CRS was 15 %. Nasal symptoms were more intense in winter (46 % of countries), and spring and autumn (22 %). The most common symptoms were nasal obstruction (86 %), postnasal drip (82 %) and headache (52 %). The most common investigative modalities in the assessment of CRS are paranasal sinus CT, fiberoptic endoscopy, and anterior rhinoscopy. CRS patients were principally treated by otorhinolaryngologists (70 %). Medical treatments included nasal corticosteroids (90 %), nasal washes (68 %), and nasal decongestants (32 %). In 88 % of countries, more than 50 %, or "about 50 %", of all patients reported subjective symptom improvement after treatment. In most of the countries, surgery was required by 20-35 % of all CRS patients. During post-surgery follow-up, nasal washes (90 %), nasal corticosteroids (76 %), and systemic antibiotics (32 %) were prescribed. In 20-40 % of all patients, CRS was associated with nasal polyps. In such patients, the medical treatment options were nasal corticosteroids (90 %), systemic corticosteroids (50 %), nasal washes (46 %), and systemic antibiotics (34 %). Treatment of CRS patients varies in different countries. Paranasal sinus CT is the most common investigative modality in the assessment of CRS, and nasal corticosteroids are the first-line treatment, in the absence or presence of nasal polyps.

Antileukotrienes in upper airway inflammatory diseases.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are a family of inflammatory mediators including LTA4, LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4. By competitive binding to the cysteinyl LT1 (CysLT1) receptor, LT receptor antagonist drugs, such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and pranlukast, block the effects of CysLTs, improving the symptoms of some chronic respiratory diseases, particularly bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. We reviewed the efficacy of antileukotrienes in upper airway inflammatory diseases. An update on the use of antileukotrienes in upper airway diseases in children and adults is presented with a detailed literature survey. Data on LTs, antileukotrienes, and antileukotrienes in chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, asthma, and allergic rhinitis are presented. Antileukotriene drugs are classified into two groups: CysLT receptor antagonists (zafirlukast, pranlukast, and montelukast) and LT synthesis inhibitors (5-lipoxygenase inhibitors such as zileuton, ZD2138, Bay X 1005, and MK-0591). CysLTs have important proinflammatory and profibrotic effects that contribute to the extensive hyperplastic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis (NP) that characterise these disorders. Patients who receive zafirlukast or zileuton tend to show objective improvements in, or at least stabilisation of, NP. Montelukast treatment may lead to clinical subjective improvement in NP. Montelukast treatment after sinus surgery can lead to a significant reduction in eosinophilic cationic protein levels in serum, with a beneficial effect on nasal and pulmonary symptoms and less impact in NP. Combined inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß-agonists treatments are most effective for preventing exacerbations among paediatric asthma patients. Treatments with medium- or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, combined inhaled corticosteroids and LT receptor antagonists, and low-dose inhaled corticosteroids have been reported to be equally effective. Antileukotrienes have also been reported to be effective for allergic rhinitis.

Fat-plug myringoplasty of ear lobule vs abdominal donor sites.

The purpose of this study is to compare the success rates of fat-graft myringoplasties harvesting adipose grafts from different donor sites (ear lobule vs abdomen). The clinical records of 61 patients (24 males and 37 females) who underwent fat-plug myringoplasty (FPM) were reviewed retrospectively. Fat from ear lobule (FEL) and abdominal fat were used as graft materials. The impact of age, gender, systemic diseases, topography of the perforation, utilization of fat graft materials of different origin on the tympanic membrane closure rate and the effect of FPM on hearing gain was analyzed. Our tympanic membrane (TM) closure rate was 82 %. No statistical significant difference was observed regarding age, gender, comorbidities (septal deviation, hypertension and diabetes mellitus) or habits (smoking). Posterior TM perforations had significantly lower healing rate. The change in TM closure rate considering different adipose tissue donor sites was not statistically significant. The hearing gain of the patients was mostly below 20 dB. Fat-plug myringoplasty (FPM) is a safe, cost-effective and easy operation for selected patients. Abdominal fat graft is as effective as ear lobe fat graft on tympanic membrane healing, has cosmetic advantages and should be taken into consideration when planning fat as the graft source.

Relief of pain at rest and during swallowing after modified cautery-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: bupivacaine versus lidocaine.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of bupivacaine, lidocaine, and saline infiltrations to peritonsillar region and uvula and soft palate regions for pain relief after tonsillectomy and modified cautery-assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (MCAUP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: In this prospective study, 91 patients (32-65 years old) with obstructive sleep apnea underwent tonsillectomy and MCAUP and were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 patients (n = 31), 0.25% bupivacaine HCl + 1/200,000 epinephrine (10  mL); in group 2 patients (n = 31), 1% lidocaine HCl + 1/200,000 epinephrine (10  mL); and in group 3 patients (n = 29), 0.9% saline (10  mL) were injected to peritonsillar region and uvula and soft palate regions. Operation duration, amount of bleeding, and analgesic requirement and visual analog scale for pain at rest and at swallowing were evaluated in all groups. RESULTS: Mean body mass index values were between 27.0 and 27.3  kg/m in all groups. Their apnea-hypopnea index values were between 15.3 and 16.9 per hour, and there were no significant differences between their body mass index and apnea-hypopnea index values. Duration of operation of patients in the bupivacaine group was significantly lower than that of patients in the lidocaine and saline groups. In addition, in the lidocaine group, operation duration was significantly lower than that in the saline group. Bleeding amount and postoperative analgesic requirement of the saline group were significantly higher than those of the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups. Although both these measures (operation duration and amount of bleeding) were statistically significant, a mean operating time of 44.3 versus 46.0 minutes and 64.4-mL versus 68.4-mL blood loss for the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups were clinically irrelevant and not too important. In terms of visual analog scale for pain at rest and/or swallowing, Bupivacaine provided more relief than lidocaine and saline injections. The lidocaine provides pain relief less than bupivacaine and more than saline at rest and/or swallowing. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of bupivacaine injections in peritonsillar, uvular, and soft palate regions during tonsillectomy + MCAUP operations. It reduces operation duration and provides more pain relief postoperatively. When patients had cardiac problems, lidocaine may also be recommended because of its cardiac depressant and antiarrhythmic effects and positive effects for pain relief compared with saline injections.

Is There a Relationship Between Optic Canal, Foramen Rotundum, and Vidian Canal?

OBJECTIVES: In this retrospective study, we investigated the relationship between paranasal sinus, optic canal, foramen rotundum, and vidian canal measurements. METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) images of 320 adult subjects and 640 sides (right and left) were used. Paranasal sinus dimensions, optic canal (OC), foramen rotundum (FR), vidian canal (VC), bilateral FR (FRFR), bilateral vidian canal (VCVC), VC-foramen rotundum (VCFR), and VC-optic canal (VCOC) distances were measured. RESULTS: Right VCFR (6.06 mm), and right and left VCOC values (20.34 and 20.31 mm) of the males were significantly higher than those of the females (5.50, 18.91, and 18.80 mm, respectively). Foramen rotundum, OC, and VC values were positively correlated with each other. There was also positive correlation between FR width and maxillary sinus height. Increase of OC width was related to increase in FR width and area, VCVC distance; and decrease in maxillary sinus width. There was positive correlation between FRFR, VCVC, VCFR, and VCOC distance values. There was negative correlation between VC width and area; VCVC, VCFR, and VCOC distance; and maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, and sphenoid sinus measurement values. As these sinuses pneumatized more, VC width and area values decreased. CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, the paranasal sinus, OC, VC, and FR values showed relationship with each other. Before performing craniofacial and/or skull base surgeries, CT view should be taken to evaluate the localization and the course and dimensions of the OC and vidian nerve. It should be kept in mind that in the presence of more pneumatized paranasal sinuses in CT views, VC dimensions decreased.