To evaluate the efficacy of topical anti-fungal therapy in postoperative cases of COVID Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): A single-blinded randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of 0.1 % w/w Liposomal Amphotericin-B gel with 10 % w/w Povidone-Iodine and saline nasal douching in preventing revision surgery in patients with CAM. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-arm, parallel randomized control trial. STUDY SETTING: The trial was conducted in the Department of ENT, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar. METHODS: Participants: Microbiologically and histologically proven cases of mucormycosis who underwent surgical debridement were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Postoperatively, patients were randomized into three groups based on the type of topical intervention received, in the form of Lipid-based Amphotericin B gel, povidone­iodine ointment or saline nasal douching. OUTCOME: Requirement of revision surgery in postoperative cases of CAM. RANDOMIZATION: Participants were allotted to one of the three arms by block randomization. BLINDING: Single-blinded trial. RESULTS: Numbers randomized: 15 participants were randomized to each group. Recruitment: Completed recruiting. Numbers analyzed: 15 participants were analyzed in each group. OUTCOMES: Control arm's risk of revision surgery was 4.50 (95 % CI: 1.16-17.44) times than Lipid-based Amphotericin B gel arm and 1.50 (95 % CI: 0.71-3.16) times that of the Povidone- Iodine arm. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02) for Amphotericin but not for Povidone-Iodine. CONCLUSIONS: Topical Amphotericin-B gel application in the postoperative cavity can decrease the need for revision surgery and help in early recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2021/10/037257. Clinical Trials Registry of India.

Perioperative stroke in parapharyngeal space schwannoma: an unusual, dreaded complication.

BACKGROUND: Post-styloid parapharyngeal space tumours (PPS) have a notorious course owing to their anatomy and proximity to neurovascular bundles. Nerve injuries are usual outcomes in schwannomas. Our case is the first documented complication of contralateral hemiplegia occurring in the postoperative period in a benign PPS tumour. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old presented with a swelling on the left lateral aspect of the neck, diagnosed as a PPS schwannoma. He underwent transcervical excision with mandibulotomy with extracapsular dissection of the tumour. Contralateral hemiplegia, as a dreaded complication, was encountered. He was managed conservatively according to ASPECTS stroke guidelines by the critical care team. On a regular follow-up, he noticed an improvement in the lower limb with subsequent upper limb power. CONCLUSION: Perioperative stroke is a dreaded complication involving PPS in large benign tumours. To prevent unforeseen circumstances, necessary preoperative patient counselling and immense intraoperative care should be taken while dissecting the major vessels.

Posterior nasal nerve neurectomy for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Managing Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP) is always challenging due to the chronicity of the disease and its intractable course. Posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) can be effective in alleviating symptoms of CRSwNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary care referral hospital from August 2019 to April 2022. A total of 46 patients of CRSwNP were included (23 patients in the study and 23 in the control group). Patients in the study group underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and PNN and patients in the control group with ESS. The symptoms and quality-of-life improvement were assessed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the surgery. RESULTS: On intragroup analysis between the preoperative and postoperative scores (SNOT-22, RSDI and LK Score), we found a significant difference for each (p < 0.05). When the improvement of outcome scores was compared between the two groups, a significant difference was obtained for SNOT-22 and RSDI scores at 1 week and 4 weeks (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference found for the duration of surgery/complications between the two groups (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The PNN can be an effective add-on procedure in patients with CRSwNP in alleviating short-term control of the symptoms and the quality of life. A larger sample size with long-term follow-up may be required for a better understanding of the efficacy of the PNN in patients with CRSwNP.

Partial Extracorporeal Septoplasty in Crooked Noses.

BACKGROUND: In crooked noses, the standard septoplasty is a challenge because of the complex deviation of the septum, where straightening of the cartilage in situ is impossible. Hence, it is required to remove the partial/total septum and later is replaced back after being straightened; the procedure is called partial/total extracorporeal septoplasty. In the present study, we shared our experience of partial extracorporeal septoplasty in patients with crooked noses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective analysis of 30 crooked noses who underwent extracorporeal septoplasty due to gross septal deviation from March 2020 to August 2022. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated at the end of 12 months. RESULTS: Of 30 cases, partial and total extracorporeal septoplasty was performed in 28 cases and two cases respectively. Neoseptum was reconstructed with septal cartilage in 27 (90%) cases, costal cartilage in one case and conchal cartilage was used in two instances. All the patients had good functional and aesthetic outcomes till 12 months of follow-up, and there were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal septoplasty can be an excellent surgical procedure in the highly deviated nasal septum, in Indian noses with a crooked nasal deformity. It provides adequate exposure to the whole septum, ensuring good functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Changing trend in the management of head neck cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we have shared our experience in managing head neck cancers, especially the oral malignancies, during the crisis of COVID 19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with oral cancers underwent pedicle/local flaps and free flaps reconstruction based on the availability of intensive care unit and comorbidities of the patients. The clinical outcomes were compared at the end of one week, one month, and three months after the primary surgery. RESULTS: Pedicle/local flaps were used in 25 cases and radial/fibular free flaps were used in 8 cases for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Patients with pedicle flap reconstruction had better clinical outcomes, including lesser ICU stay as compared to free flaps. CONCLUSION: Pedicle flap can be a valid alternative to the free flap for the soft tissue reconstruction in advanced oral malignancies during the COVID pandemic period in the Indian subcontinent, especially with limited infrastructure of the hospitals.

Comparison of efficacy of potassium titanyl phosphate laser & diode laser in the management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy: A randomized controlled trial.

Background & objectives: Inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) is a common condition causing nasal obstruction. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser and diode laser in the reduction of the turbinate size. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 209 patients with ITH. Pre-operative symptoms were assessed based on the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy was done to rule out other nasal sinuses. Nasal mucociliary clearance was measured by saccharin transit time (STT). Postoperatively, the NOSE score, STT and complications were assessed at days one and two, at one week, one month and three months. Results: Of the 209 patients analyzed at day one, the median NOSE score was 50 in the diode group and 40 in the KTP group, and at three months, 15 in the diode group and five in the KTP group. KTP laser showed a 93 per cent improvement in the NOSE score as compared to 77 per cent improvement shown by diode laser group. Among the intra-operative complications, of the 104 patients in the diode group, 6.73 per cent had burning sensation and 91.43 per cent had bleeding, and of 105 patients in the KTP group, 54.29 per cent had burning sensation and 36.54 per cent had bleeding. Among the post-operative complications in the KTP group, 32 and 34 per cent had bloody nasal discharge on days one and two, compared to 12 and 14 per cent in diode group. Crusting was present in 61 and 49 per cent on days one and two in KTP group as compared to 9 and 15 per cent in diode group, respectively. In the KTP group 30 per cent had synechiae as compared to 10 per cent in diode group. Interpretation & conclusions: KTP laser was more efficacious than diode laser in improving the NOSE scores but with slightly increased rate of complications in early post-operative period. Both the lasers impaired the mucociliary clearance mechanism of the nose till three months of post-operative follow up.

Comparison of middle ear function and hearing thresholds in children with adenoid hypertrophy after microdebrider and conventional adenoidectomy: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Microdebrider has superior efficacy in clearing the adenoids, compared to curettage. We compared the improvement in middle ear function and hearing thresholds after adenoidectomy, by both methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 patients (median age-9 years) were randomized into groups A and B, where adenoidectomy was done by microdebrider and curettage, respectively. Middle ear function parameters and hearing thresholds were measured serially. RESULTS: The mean improvement in middle ear pressure, compliance and hearing thresholds were 92.5 ± 67.6 and 84.2 ± 71.4 daPa; (p = 0.40), 0.19 ± 0.34 and 0.27 ± 0.27 mL; (p = 0.07) and 3.20 ± 4.95 and 2.54 ± 3.98 dB; (p = 0.27), in groups A and B, respectively. Reversal of type B tympanograms was noted in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Middle ear function and hearing thresholds improved in both groups after adenoidectomy. More improvement was noted in the microdebrider group, which, however, was not significant.

Seroprevalence of ToRCH Pathogens among Children Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India for Cataract Surgery and Cochlear Transplantation.

AIMS: The study aims to investigate the presence of TORCH infections in a child with bilateral cataracts and deafness and report the ToRCH-serology screening profile (Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), rubella (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV-I/II)) in pediatric cataract and deafness. METHODS: Cases that had a clear clinical history of congenital cataracts and congenital deafness were included in the study. The study population consisted of 18 bilateral cataracts and 12 bilateral deafness child who was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for cataract surgery and cochlear implantation, respectively. Sera of all children were tested qualitatively and quantitatively for IgG/IgM-antibodies against ToRCH agents in a sequential manner. RESULTS: Anti-IgG antibodies against the torch panel were detected in all cataract and deafness patients. Anti-CMV IgG was detected in 17 of 18 bilateral cataract children and 11 of 12 bilateral deaf children. The rates of anti-CMV IgG antibody positivity were significantly higher. In the cataract group, 94.44% and in the deafness group, 91.66% of the patient was Anti-CMV IgG positive. Besides this, 77.7 % of the patient from the cataract group and 75% from the deafness group was anti- RV IgG antibody positive. In bilateral cataract patients, IgG-alone seropositive cases were mostly attributed to CMV (94.44%; 17/18), followed by RV (77.70%; 14/18), HSV-I (27.70%; 5/18), TOX (27.70%; 5/18), and HSV-II (16.60%; 3/18). In bilateral deafness patients, the spectrum of IgG alone seropositive cases was almost the same except for TOX (0/12). CONCLUSION: The current study recommends interpreting ToRCH-screening in pediatric cataracts and deafness with caution. Interpretation should include both serial qualitative and quantitative assays in tandem with clinical correlation to minimize diagnostic errors. The sero-clinical-positivity needs to be tested in older children who might pose a threat to the spread of infection.

Bilateral Karapandzic Flap, a Saviour for Subtotal Lower Lip Reconstruction.

Lip plays an essential role in facial esthetic, food intake, and speech. Lip defect due to trauma or surgical excision needs proper reconstruction to preserve their function. Carcinoma lip is one of the common malignant lesions in the head and neck, which needs wide local excision with proper margin with neck clearance. When the size is more than two-thirds, it becomes a challenge to reconstruct and preserve its functionality and aesthetic issues. Bilateral karapandzic flap plays an important role in this case scenario. We have two cases of subtotal lower lip defect following squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip excision, which was reconstructed with a bilateral karapandzic flap with reasonable functional outcome and cosmesis. Thus, bilateral karapandzic flap can be an alternative option to free flap in resource-constrained scenarios with acceptable functional outcomes.

Endoscopic Tympanoplasty as an Alternative to Microscopic Tympanoplasty: A Comparative Study on Surgical Outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Background: Chronic otitis media treatment has evolved, with microscopic surgeries as the gold standard and endoscopic surgeries as a newer addition. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study includes 209 patients who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty, utilizing both endoscopic and microscopic techniques, between January 2019 and December 2022 at a tertiary care institute in India. The study aims to compare hearing outcomes, graft uptake, hospital stay, postoperative pain, and cosmesis between the two groups. Results: Mean AB gap closure was 17.09 + 5.98 dB in the endoscopic group and 16.74 + 5.05 dB in the microscopic group (P = 0.687). The duration of surgery was 79.26 ± 17.37 min in the Endoscopic group and 91.92 ± 15.35 min in the Microscopic group. (P = < 0.00001). The Endoscopic group experienced less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay (P = < 0.00001, P = 0.0008), and exhibited better cosmetic outcomes (P = 0.00001) compared to the microscopic group. Conclusion: Endoscopic tympanoplasty is a better alternative to microscopic tympanoplasty, delivering comparable hearing outcomes, shorter surgical duration, improved pain scores, and better cosmesis. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04184-4.

Shoulder Dysfunction and Quality of Life Following Modified Radical and Selective Neck Dissection: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Head and neck cancers are fairly common in India due to the widespread consumption of tobacco and neck dissection is a major component in the surgical management. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of MRND and SND on shoulder function and quality of life in patients of head and neck cancer. Our study is a prospective comparative study on 65 head and neck cancer patients divided into 2 groups-33 in group A (MRND group) and 32 in group B (SND group). Clinical evaluation of shoulder function was done pre-operatively, 1 week, 1 month, 3 month and 6 month post-operatively using arm abduction scores (AAS) and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Nerve-conduction study (NCS) was done pre-operatively and 3 months post-operatively for assessment of SAN. Neck dissection quality of life questionnaire (NDQOL) was used as a quality-of-life measure. A total of 65 neck dissections were included in the analysis (33 in group A and 32 in group B) out of which 53 were males and 12 were females. The mean AAS on the 6th post-operative month in group A was significantly lower than that of group B (p = 0.01). The mean SPADI scores on the 6th post-operative month was significantly worse in group A than group B (p value 0.01). On NCS, a significant decrease in amplitude was seen in group A (p = 0.02) and a significant increase in latency was noted in group B (p = 0.005). Quality of life score on 6th post-operative month showed no significant difference between both the groups (p > 0.05). Level V dissection in MRND is associated with higher incidence and greater severity of shoulder dysfunction. AAS and SPADI score are useful tools in post operative follow up of shoulder dysfunction. NCS helps in the detection of neuropathy and to determine its severity. Early rehabilitation promotes long term recovery.

Baseline findings of a multicentric ambispective cohort study (2021-2022) among hospitalised mucormycosis patients in India.

In India, the incidence of mucormycosis reached high levels during 2021-2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to this, we established a multicentric ambispective cohort of patients hospitalised with mucormycosis across India. In this paper, we report their baseline profile, clinical characteristics and outcomes at discharge. Patients hospitalized for mucormycosis during March-July 2021 were included. Mucormycosis was diagnosed based on mycological confirmation on direct microscopy (KOH/Calcofluor white stain), culture, histopathology, or supportive evidence from endoscopy or imaging. After consent, trained data collectors used medical records and telephonic interviews to capture data in a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At baseline, we recruited 686 patients from 26 study hospitals, of whom 72.3% were males, 78% had a prior history of diabetes, 53.2% had a history of corticosteroid treatment, and 80% were associated with COVID-19. Pain, numbness or swelling of the face were the commonest symptoms (73.3%). Liposomal Amphotericin B was the commonest drug formulation used (67.1%), and endoscopic sinus surgery was the most common surgical procedure (73.6%). At discharge, the disease was stable in 43.3%, in regression for 29.9% but 9.6% died during hospitalization. Among survivors, commonly reported disabilities included facial disfigurement (18.4%) and difficulties in chewing/swallowing (17.8%). Though the risk of mortality was only 1 in 10, the disability due to the disease was very high. This cohort study could enhance our understanding of the disease's clinical progression and help frame standard treatment guidelines.

Use of Dormia Basket for Retrieval of Tracheobronchial Foreign body.

Background: It is always challenging to remove a long-standing smooth spherical foreign body through standard optical forceps. These foreign bodies do not negotiate with the traditional optical forceps and the chance of dislodgement during the surgery is high. Instead, a Dormia basket can be effectively used to remove these foreign bodies. Case report: We have reported two cases of smooth spherical bronchial foreign bodies, which were failed with the standard optical forceps and later successfully retrieved with a Dormia basket. Conclusion: Dormia basket can be effectively used to remove smooth spherical bronchial foreign bodies in children not amenable to the standard bronchoscopic forceps and later can be added to the standard tool in the foreign body retrieval kit for the otolaryngologist who deals with rigid bronchoscopy on a routine basis.

A Review on the Nasal Microbiome and Various Disease Conditions for Newer Approaches to Treatments.

Introduction: Commensal bacteria have always played a significant role in the maintenance of health and disease but are being unravelled only recently. Studies suggest that the nasal microbiome has a significant role in the development of various disease conditions. Search engines were used for searching articles having a nasal microbiome and disease correlation. In olfactory dysfunction, dysbiosis of the microbiome may have a significant role to play in the pathogenesis. The nasal microbiome influences the phenotype of CRS and is also capable of modulating the immune response and plays a role in polyp formation. Microbiome dysbiosis has a pivotal role in the development of Allergic Rhinitis; but, yet known how is this role played. The nasal microbiome has a close association with the severity and phenotype of asthma. They contribute significantly to the onset, severity, and development of asthma. The nasal microbiome has a significant impact on the immunity and protection of its host. The nasal microbiome has been a stimulus in the development of Otitis Media and its manifestations. Studies suggest that the resident nasal microbiome is responsible for the initiation of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease.Materials and Methods: Literature search from PubMed, Medline, and Google with the Mesh terms: nasal microbiome AND diseases. Conclusion: With increasing evidence on the role of the nasal microbiome on various diseases, it would be interesting to see how this microbiome can be modulated by pro/pre/post biotics to prevent a disease or the severity of illness.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: A comparison between the conventional approach versus CO2 laser-assisted surgery.

Background: Although the utility of laser fiber in microscopic stapes surgery has been documented in the past, their role can be highly emphasized in endoscopic stapes surgery, especially in difficult anatomical situations. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of cases where a total of 46 patients (22 in conventional stapedotomy and 24 in CO2 laser-assisted stapedotomy) were included in the study. The clinical parameters were assessed both in the preoperative and postoperative periods in the respective groups and later compared 12 weeks after stapedotomy. Results: A total of 90.90% (20/22) of the patients in the conventional stapedotomy and 95.83% (23/24) of patients in laser-assisted stapedotomy had <20 dB of AB gap in the postoperative period (P = 0.71). Canaloplasty was required in six patients in the conventional stapedotomy and none of the patients in the laser group needed the same (P = 0.01). Chorda tympani nerve was manipulated in 59.09% (13/22) and 25.00% (6/24) of cases in the conventional group and in the CO2 laser group, respectively (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Although the audiological outcomes with fiber-enabled CO2 laser in endoscopic stapedotomy are comparable to conventional surgery, it is a better tool in a narrow auditory canal, requiring minimal manipulation of the chorda tympani nerve.

Laryngeal Cellular Myxoma Presenting as Vocal Polyp.

Laryngeal myxoma is an uncommon benign mesenchymal neoplasm. It usually presents as a laryngeal polyp with a history of progressive hoarseness. Although benign, they have a propensity for recurrence if not excised properly. The diagnosis of laryngeal myxoma can only be rendered after histopathological evaluation. The laryngeal myxoma can be further classified as cellular myxoma and angiomyxoma, depending on the stromal cellularity and stromal vascularity, respectively. Herein, we report a case of a 66-year-old lady who presented with a cellular myxoma of the larynx. We believe that this is the second case of laryngeal cellular myxoma. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03291-y.

Endoscopic Repair of CSF Rhinorrhea: Our Experience at a Tertiary Centre.

Spontaneous or post-traumatic CSF (cerebrospinal-fluid) rhinorrhea occurs when there is a skull-base defect. In our study, we tried endoscopic approach, exclusively as surgical modality. To study feasibility of trans-nasal endoscopic approach for repair of skull-base defects and success rates at each anatomical subsite, with complications. Patients, who underwent endoscopic repair of CSF rhinorrhea between 2016 and 2019 were recruited into study. Details of investigative work-up, aetiology, surgery done, site of leak, number of surgical procedures done, post-operative complications and their management, success rate for each anatomical sub-site, was retrieved retrospectively and analyzed. All patients were initially managed with conservative measures before taking up for surgery. Eighteen-patients (male-11, female-7, mean age-40.3 years) with CSF rhinorrhea {spontaneous-5(27.7%), traumatic-13(62.3%)} were found. Sites of leak were cribriform-plate (CP), fovea-ethmoidalis (FE) and posterior-table of frontal-sinus (FS) in 8(44.4%), 5(27.7%) and 5(27.7%) respectively. Twelve (66.6%) patients had no postoperative complications. No patients with defects in CP had post-operative complication. Two (11.1%) patients with FS defect had meningitis, one (5.5%) patient with FS defect developed pneumocephalus. One (5.5%) patient developed frontal sinusitis at end of 4-months. Two (11.1%) patients, each with defects in FE and FS needed a revision repair on postoperative day 0 and 90-till date, none of the patients have any delayed procedure related complications or recurrences. Endoscopic repair of CSF leaks is the norm of the current day due to its minimally invasive nature. However, endoscopic repair of leaks through the frontal sinus were challenging and was associated with a high rate of complications.

Exclusive Endoscopic Approach in the Management of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma.

Background: With the advancement in endoscopic endonasal surgeries, there has been a change in the surgical approach from the traditional open surgeries to the more conservative endoscopic endonasal approach for the management of sinonasal inverted papilloma. In the present study, we have shared our experience of endoscopic excision inverted papilloma involving the paranasal sinuses in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and methods: It is a retrospective case series of 28 patients who underwent endoscopic excision of inverted papilloma of paranasal sinus in a tertiary care hospital from April 2017 to October 2020. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed for the clinical, radiological, pathological, intraoperative and postoperative findings and later compared among the surgical approaches. Results: Of the total of 28 patients with inverted papilloma (3; Krouse 2 and 25; Krouse 3), 11(21.4%) patients were operated through endoscopic modified Denker, 8(39.3%) patients with endoscopic medial maxillectomy and 6(21.4%) patients with endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients who underwent modified endoscopic approach had lesser complications compared to the standard endoscopic procedures. Conclusion: Endoscopic excision of the sinonasal inverted papilloma can be a valid alternative to the open surgical approach, enabling complete clearance of the disease with a minimal complication rate. A large population with a long-term follow-up may be needed for a better understanding of the results. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03332-6.