Congenital aural atresia: transmastoid approach

The objective of this study is to re-evaluate the mastoid cavity as a problem in those patients and to review the embryologic development of the ear for understanding the altered surgical anatomy of congenital aural atresia. Twenty children with congenital aural atresia were included in this study. All had functioning cochlea on evoked response audiometry and normal cochlear morphology with pneumatized mastoid on CT scan. Transmastoid approach was used for reconstruction of the external auditory canal with covering of the newly created canal using split thickness skin graft. Reconstruction of the tympanic membrane was carried out by temporalis fascia graft. Follow up of the patients for one year was carried out. Surgical success is considered on restoration of hearing and maintenance of a patent, infection-free ear canal. This study showed a successful hearing result of 65-80% at 3-6 months postoperatively, this result diminished to 60% at one year. The incidence of canal restenosis was 15%; the narrowing was in the outer cartilaginous part. No cases presented with facial nerve paralysis or sensorineural hearing loss postoperatively. Congenital aural atresia is one of the most difficult and challenging surgeries for the otologic surgeon. However; in the hands of experienced otologists, repair of this deformity can be performed safely and with predictable results using transmastoid approach

Labial biopsy as a diagnostic aid in the study of Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of triad of xerostomia, xerophthalmia and connective tissue disorder. 20 patients diagnosed as Sjogren's syndrome were studied as regards the histopathological findings in the biopsy obtained from the lip as an indicator of minor salivary gland affection in this disease. Grading of the findings was done and results and correlation with other studies were reviewed

Evaluation of the results of inferior versus middle meatal antrostomy in the treatment of chronic maxillary sinusitis

In this work the results of inferior versus middle meatal antrostomy in the treatment of chronic and recurring maxillary sinusitis were evaluated by clinical, radiological, endoscopic and histopathological examination. It was found that chronic and recurring maxillary sinusitis respond better to an antrostomy in the middle meatus than to antrostomy done in the inferior meatus

Histopathological study of the inner ear in neonatal hypoxia

In this work, 21 temporal bones of infants with neonatal hypoxia were studied histopathologically. Vascular and nervous affections of the inner ear were found. Vascular dilatation in the striavascularis and in the modiolus were seen. Degeneration of the spiral ganglion cells, supporting cells, inner and outer hair cells were also noted

Histopathological study of the inner ear in infants of diabetic mothers

In this work, the effect of diabetes mellitus on the inner ear was studied. Nineteen temporal bones from ten newborn infants born to diabetic mothers were studied.The results showed hemorrhage in various parts of the inner and middle ear.Reduction in ganglion cells population was noted. Degeneration in the stria vascularis was also found