The effect of early radiofrequency turbinate reduction, intranasal steroid, and antihistamine H-1 on persistent allergic rhinitis: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency turbinate reduction as an initial treatment on clinical improvement, inflammatory mediators, and remodeling process. Methods: Between July 2018- February 2020, 32 patients with moderate-severe persistent AR were randomly divided into 2 groups. Intervention group received radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by intranasal steroid and Antihistamine H-1 (AH-1), control group received intranasal steroid and AH-1. Both groups were evaluated for clinical improvement (using visual analogue scale based on total nasal symptoms score, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and turbinate size using imageJ) after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Inflammatory mediators (ELISA from nasal secretions was performed to measure ECP, IL-5, and HSP-70) and remodeling markers (nasal biopsy followed by immunohistochemistry examination was performed to evaluate MMP-9, TIMP-1, and PAI-1) were evaluated in week 4. Results: Three patients dropped out of the study, resulting in 16 patients in intervention group and 13 patients in control group. At week 4, clinical response improved significantly in the intervention group compared to control group (Chi-Square test, p<0.05). Compared to control, intervention group experienced a reduction of IL-5 and no significant change in ECP level (Mann Whitney test, p>0.05). Reduction in the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were significantly higher in intervention group (unpaired t-test, p< 0,05). Meanwhile, increase in HSP-70 in the intervention group was slightly lower than in control group, but the difference with control group was not significant (Mann Whitney test, p>0.05). Conclusion: Early radiofrequency turbinate reduction followed by pharmacotherapy given to persistent moderate-severe AR patients give more improvement only in early clinical symptoms and reduce MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, thus it might be suggested as one of the adjuvant therapies for the management of moderate-severe persistent AR. However, further investigation with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period is needed. Level of evidence: 1B.

Cirugía de cornetes inferiores en población pediátrica: ¿Cómo, cuándo y por qué? / Inferior turbinate surgery in pediatric population: How, when and why?

La hipertrofia de cornetes inferiores representa una de las principales causas de obstrucción nasal en pacientes pediátricos. En estudios recientes se ha observado un aumento significativo de esta patología en niños que no responden a terapia médica. La evidencia disponible recomienda la cirugía como tratamiento de elección en la obstrucción nasal refractaria en niños con cornetes hipertróficos. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha no existen criterios formales de derivación a cirugía en la población pediátrica y los estudios en infantes son limitados. Al mismo tiempo, la falta de consenso no ha permitido recomendar una técnica quirúrgica en estos pacientes por sobre otras. Por lo tanto, se hace necesario profundizar las diferentes alternativas disponibles, considerando y optando por aquellas que presenten mayores beneficios y menor riesgo de complicaciones. En la presente revisión se estudió la evidencia disponible hasta el momento sobre este tema en la población pediátrica y además se realizó un análisis de la efectividad y complicaciones de las diferentes técnicas disponibles.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy represents one of the leading causes of nasal obstruction in pediatric patients. Recent studies have observed a significant increase in turbinate hypertrophy in children that does not respond to medical treatment. The latest evidence recommends inferior turbinoplasty for treating nasal obstruction in children with hypertrophic turbinates. However, until today there are no formal criteria for referral to surgery in the pediatric population, and studies in children are limited. At the same time, the absence of consensus has not allowed the recommendation of one surgical technique over others in these patients. This is why it is necessary to deepen the available alternatives and choose those with more significant benefits and a lower risk of complications. In this review, we study available evidence about this topic in the pediatric population and analyze the effectiveness and complications of different known techniques.

Surgical treatment of vidianneurectomy and selective vidianneurectomy in 60 cases of refractory allergic rhinitis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of vidian neurectomy and selective vidian neurectomy in the treatment of moderate and severe persistent allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: A total of 60 patients with moderate-to-severe persistent AR treated in Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected, including 28 males and 32 females. A total of 40 cases in the observation group were subjected to vidianneurectomy, while, 20 cases in the control group underwent selective vidianneurectomy. Patients in the two groups were followed up at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively, and evaluated according to AR diagnostic and efficacy assessment criteria. Four symptoms of sneezing, clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and nasal itching were scored as efficacy indices before and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The regression of the lower turbinate swelling after surgery was assessed by nasal endoscopy or sinus CT. Postoperative tear secretion was followed up in both groups, and patients with dry eyes were counted in combination with ocular symptoms. SPSS 19.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data before and after the surgery and between the two groups. Results: The preoperative, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperative inferior turbinate signs were (2.73±0.45), (1.20±0.41), (1.25±0.49) and (1.30±0.56) points in the observation group and (2.75±0.44), (1.45±0.69), (1.75±0.72) and (1.90±0.85) points in the control group, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in the between-subjects effect test between the two groups (F=8.28, P<0.05), indicating a more durable surgical effect in the observation group. The total effective rate at 2 years after surgery was 95.0% (38/40) in the observation group and 50% (10/20) in the control group. The difference between the two groups by Fisher's exact test was statistically significant. No dry eye patient was found in either group at a 1.5-year postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: Both vidianneurectomy and selective vidianneurectomy have good recent treatment effects, vidianneurectomy has better long-term curative effects than selective vidianneurectomy.

Clinical analysis of the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cyst by nasal endoscope fenestration through nasal base / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical effect of the surgical approach and method of transnasal fenestration under nasal endoscope for the treatment of maxillary odontogenic cyst. Methods:The clinical data of 23 cases with maxillary odontogenic cysts treated by nasal endoscopy through nasal fenestration were retrospectively analyzed. All cases underwent nasal endoscopy and CT examination before the operation. The mucosal membrane of the parietal wall of the cyst was excised through fenestration of the nasal base. The cyst fluid was removed by decompression, and the bony opening of the nasal base was trimmed and enlarged to the edge of the cyst. The intraoperative and postoperative effects were observed. Results:All cases were well exposed under the direct vision of nasal endoscope. The top wall of the cyst was removed to maximize the communication between the cyst cavity and the nasal floor. There were no complications such as nasolacrimal duct injury, turbinate atrophy, necrosis, and facial numbness. All patients were followed up for 6-12 months, and the clinical symptoms gradually disappeared after surgery. The inferior turbinate was in good shape, the cyst cavity was smooth, the cyst wall was determined, and no cyst recurrence was observed. Conclusion:The treatment of odontogenic cyst of maxilla under nasal endoscope through nasal fenestration is convenient. It has less trauma, fewer complications and a satisfactory curative effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Early clinical outcomes of ınferior turbinate radiofrequency and lateralization combined with septoplasty / Resultados clínicos iniciais da utilização de radiofrequência e lateralização das conchas nasais inferiores combinadas à septoplastia

Abstract Introduction: Mechanical obstruction is the most common form of nasal obstruction. Among the types of mechanical obstructions, septum deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy are the most prevalent. Objective: This study evaluated the early clinical outcomes of inferior turbinate radiofrequency and inferior turbinate lateralization combined with septoplasty in the treatment of nasal obstruction symptoms. Methods: The research retrospectively evaluated data from 33 patients (24 male, nine female) undergoing septoplasty and inferior turbinate radiofrequency (RF group) and 32 patients (24 male, eight female) treated with septoplasty and inferior turbinate lateralization (LAT group), who were admitted, with complaints of nasal obstruction, to the University of Health Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. The patients' preoperative and 6-month postoperative symptoms were evaluated via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, the NOSE scale. Results: The mean preoperative NOSE scores were 10.3 ± 4.2 in the RF group and 10.9 ± 4.9 in the LAT group, and the mean six-month postoperative scores were 1.09 ± 1.3 in the RF group and 1.2 ± 1.3 in the LAT group. There was no significant difference in NOSE scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The data obtained in this study show that both methods result in similar outcomes in terms of relieving nasal obstruction symptoms in patients requiring inferior turbinate intervention. Therefore, the researchers believe that, in each case, the intervention method should be selected at the discretion of the patient and surgeon(s).

Resumo Introdução: A obstrução mecânica é a forma mais comum de obstrução nasal. Entre os tipos de obstruções mecânicas, o desvio do septo e a hipertrofia de conchas inferiores são os mais prevalentes. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados clínicos iniciais da aplicação de radiofrequência nas conchas inferiores e a lateralização delas combinada com septoplastia no tratamento dos sintomas de obstrução nasal. Método: O estudo avaliou retrospectivamente dados de 33 pacientes (24 homens, nove mulheres) que foram submetidos a septoplastia e aplicação de radiofrequência no concha inferior (grupo RF) e 32 pacientes (24 homens, oito mulheres) submetidos a septoplastia e lateralização de concha inferior (grupo LAT), que foram admitidos com queixas de obstrução nasal na University of Health Sciences, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, entre 1° de janeiro de 2017 e 1° de janeiro de 2018. Os sintomas pré-operatórios e pós-operatórios de 6 meses dos pacientes foram avaliados pela escala NOSE, do inglês Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation. Resultados: Os escores médios pré-operatórios da escala NOSE foram 10,3 ± 4,2 no grupo RF e 10,9 ± 4,9 no grupo LAT e os escores médios pós-operatórios de seis meses foram 1,09 ± 1,3 no grupo RF e 1,2 ± 1,3 no grupo LAT. Não houve diferença significante nos escores da escala NOSE entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Os dados obtidos neste estudo mostram que ambos os métodos têm resultados semelhantes em termos de alívio dos sintomas de obstrução nasal em pacientes que necessitam de intervenção nas conchas inferiores. Portanto, os pesquisadores acreditam que, em cada caso, o método de intervenção deve ser selecionado a critério do paciente e do cirurgião.

Rinoplastía y rinoseptoplastía funcional: mejorando la función nasal más allá de la cirugía del tabique y los cornetes nasales / Functional rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty: improving nasal function beyond septal and turbinate surgery

Resumen La obstrucción nasal es una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta otorrinolaringológica general. Diversas estructuras juegan un rol en la mantención de una adecuada función respiratoria nasal, incluyendo el tabique, los cornetes, las paredes laterales y las alas nasales. La cirugía del tabique y de los cornetes inferiores son los procedimientos más comúnmente realizados y aunque son efectivos en un gran porcentaje de los casos, en ocasiones se deben intervenir otras estructuras nasales para corregir adecuadamente la obstrucción. La cirugía con fines primariamente funcionales de las válvulas nasales externa e interna, de la punta y/o de la pirámide ósea se ha denominado "rinoplastía funcional". Dada la importancia de estas estructuras para la recuperación de una adecuada permeabilidad nasal estática y dinámica, el diagnóstico y manejo quirúrgico de estas condiciones debe ser de dominio del otorrinolaringólogo.

Abstract Nasal obstruction is one of the most frequent complaints in general otorhinolaryngology practice. Different structures have a role in maintaining an adequate nasal breathing function, including the septum, turbinates, lateral sidewalls and nasal alae. Surgery of the nasal septum and inferior turbinates are the most commonly performed procedures and, although effective in most cases, occasionally other nasal structures must be intervened to correctly address the sites of obstruction. The term "functional rhinoplasty" has been coined for surgery of the external and internal nasal valves, nasal tip and/or bony pyramid, with primarily functional objectives. Given the importance of these structures for restoring an adequate static and dynamic nasal patency, diagnosis and management of these conditions must be dominion of the otorhinolaryngologist.

Hipertrofia de cornetes inferiores: revisión sobre técnicas quirúrgicas actuales / Inferior turbinate hypertrophy: review of current surgical techniques

La obstrucción nasal es un motivo de consulta habitual en otorrinolaringología, siendo una de las causas más frecuentes la hipertrofia de cornete inferior, la que se puede manejar con cirugía cuando falla el tratamiento médico. En las últimas décadas se han desarrollado múltiples técnicas quirúrgicas y tecnología asociada, sin embargo, no hay un consenso establecido sobre cuál es la mejor opción para el manejo de esta patología. Se realizó revisión bibliográfica, se enuncian los métodos quirúrgicos disponibles, teniendo en cuenta beneficios, complicaciones probables y resultados de cada uno. La cirugía de cornete inferior tiene resultados favorables en pacientes con cornetes hipertróficos que no responden a manejo médico. Hasta la fecha la turbinoplastía con microdebridador ha mostrado superioridad en cuanto a resultados a largo plazo y menor tasa de complicaciones. La evidencia disponible hasta la fecha carece de homogeneidad en cuanto a métodos de selección de pacientes, medición de resultados y tiempo de seguimiento, por lo que se necesitan a futuro estudios prospectivos controlados para reevaluar los métodos descritos.

Nasal obstruction is a common complaint, one of the most frequent causes being inferior turbinate hypertrophy, which can be managed with surgery when medical treatment fails. In the last decades, multiple surgical techniques and associated technology have been developed, however, there is no established consensus on what is the best option for the management of this pathology. Literature review, the available surgical methods are stated, taking into account benefits, probable complications and results of each technique. The surgery of inferior turbinate has favorable results in patients with hypertrophic turbinates that do not respond to medical management. To date, microdebrider turbinoplasty has shown superiority in terms of long-term results and lower complication rates. The evidence available to date lacks homogeneity in terms of patient selection methods, measurement of results and follow-up time, so prospective controlled studies are needed in the future to reassess the described methods.

Effects of turbinoplasty versus outfracture and bipolar cautery on the compensatory inferior turbinate hypertrophy in septoplasty patients / Efeitos da turbinoplastia versus fratura lateral e cauterização bipolar no volume da concha inferior hipertrófica compensatória em pacientes submetidos a septoplastia

Abstract Introduction: The most common cause of septoplasty failure is inferior turbinate hypertrophy that is not treated properly. Several techniques have been described to date: total or partial turbinectomy, submucosal resection (surgical or with a microdebrider), with turbinate outfracture being some of those. Objective: In this study, we compared the pre- and postoperative lower turbinate volumes using computed tomography in patients who had undergone septoplasty and compensatory lower turbinate turbinoplasty with those treated with outfracture and bipolar cauterization. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 66 patients (37 men, 29 women) who were admitted to our otorhinolaryngology clinic between 2010 and 2017 because of nasal obstruction and who were operated on for nasal septum deviation. The patients who underwent turbinoplasty due to compensatory lower turbinate hypertrophy were the turbinoplasty group; Outfracture and bipolar cauterization were separated as the out fracture group. Compensatory lower turbinate volumes of all patients participating in the study (mean age 34.0 ± 12.4 years, range 17-61 years) were assessed by preoperative and postoperative 2 month coronal and axial plane paranasal computed tomography. Results: The transverse and longitudinal dimensions of the postoperative turbinoplasty group were significantly lower than those of the out-fracture group (p = 0.004). In both groups the lower turbinate volumes were significantly decreased (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 in order). The postoperative volume of the turbinate on the deviated side of the patients was significantly increased: tubinoplasty group (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Both turbinoplasty and outfracture are effective volume-reduction techniques. However, the turbinoplasty method results in more reduction of the lower turbinate volume than outfracture and bipolar cauterization.

Resumo Introdução: A causa mais comum de falha da septoplastia é a hipertrofia das conchas inferiores não tratada adequadamente. Diversas técnicas foram descritas até o momento: turbinectomia total ou parcial, ressecção da submucosa (cirúrgica ou com microdebridador) e a fratura lateral. Objetivo: Neste estudo, comparamos os volumes pré e pós-operatório da concha inferior com hipertrofia compensatória com o uso de tomografia computadorizada entre pacientes submetidos a septoplastia e turbinoplastia ou fratura lateral com cauterização bipolar. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 66 pacientes (37 homens e 29 mulheres) internados em nosso serviço de otorrinolaringologia entre 2010 e 2017 por obstrução nasal e submetidos à cirurgia por desvio de septo nasal. Os pacientes submetidos à turbinoplastia devido à hiperplasia compensatória da concha inferior formaram o grupo turbinoplastia; aqueles submetidos à fratura lateral e cauterização bipolar foram separados, formaram o grupo fratura lateral. Os volumes compensatórios da concha inferior de todos os pacientes que participaram do estudo (idade média de 34,0 ± 12,4 anos, faixa de 17 a 61 anos) foram avaliados por tomografia computadorizada dos seios paranasais nos planos axial e coronal no pré-operatório e aos dois meses do pós-operatório. Resultados: As dimensões transversais e longitudinais do grupo turbinoplastia no pós-operatório foram significantemente menores do que as do grupo de fratura lateral (p = 0,004). Em ambos os grupos, os volumes da concha inferior diminuíram significantemente (p = 0,002, p < 0,001, respectivamente). O volume pós-operatório da concha do lado do desvio aumentou significantemente no grupo turbinoplastia (p = 0,033). Conclusão: Tanto a turbinoplastia como a fratura lateral são técnicas efetivas de redução de volume. No entanto, a turbinoplastia causa maior redução do volume da concha inferior do que a fratura lateral com cauterização bipolar.

Does the reduction of inferior turbinate affect lower airway functions? / A redução da concha nasal inferior afeta as funções das vias aéreas inferiores?

Abstract Introduction: Although the nose and lungs are separate organs, numerous studies have reported that the entire respiratory system can be considered as a single anatomical and functional unit. The upper and lower airways affect each other either directly or through reflex mechanisms. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the radiofrequency ablation of persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal and pulmonary function. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with bilateral persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy without septal deviation were included in this study. All of the patients were evaluated using anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, a visual analogue scale, and flow-sensitive spirometry on the day before and 4 months after the radiofrequency ablation procedure. Results: The post-ablation measurements revealed that the inferior turbinate ablation caused an increase in the mean cross-sectional area and volume of the nose, as well as in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow of the patients. These differences between the pre- and post-ablation results were statistically significant. The post-ablation visual analogue scale scores were lower when compared with the pre-ablation scores, and this difference was also statistically significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the widening of the nasal passage after the reduction of the inferior turbinate size had a favorable effect on the pulmonary function tests.

Resumo Introdução: Embora o nariz e os pulmões sejam órgãos separados, numerosos estudos relataram que todo o sistema respiratório pode ser considerado como uma única unidade anatômica e funcional. As vias aéreas superiores e inferiores afetam uma à outra diretamente ou através de mecanismos reflexos. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da ablação por radiofrequência em conchas nasais inferiores com hipertrofia persistente sobre a função nasal e pulmonar. Método: Foram incluídos neste estudo 27 pacientes com hipertrofia persistente bilateral de conchas inferiores sem desvio septal. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados com rinoscopia anterior, endoscopia nasal, rinometria acústica, escala visual analógica e espirometria sensível ao fluxo no dia anterior e quatro meses após o procedimento de ablação por radiofrequência. Resultados: As medidas pós-ablação demonstraram que a ablação das conchas nasais inferiores resultou em um aumento da área transversal média e do volume do nariz, bem como do volume expiratório forçado em um segundo, da capacidade vital forçada e do fluxo expiratório máximo dos pacientes. Essas diferenças entre os resultados pré e pós-ablação foram estatisticamente significantes. Os escores da escala visual analógica pós-ablação foram menores quando comparados com os escores pré-ablação e essa diferença também foi estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: O alargamento da passagem nasal após a redução do tamanho das conchas nasais inferiores teve efeito favorável nos testes de função pulmonar.

Disease-specific quality of life after septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinate outfracture in patients with nasal obstruction / Qualidade de vida específica da doença após septoplastia e fratura bilateral de concha inferior em pacientes com obstrução nasal

Abstract Introduction: Septal deviations might cause nasal obstruction and negative impact on the quality of life of individuals. The efficacy of septoplasty for treatment of septal deviation and the predictors of satisfactory surgical outcomes remain controversial. Technical variability, heterogeneity of research samples and absence of a solid tool for clinical evaluation are the main hindrances to the establishment of reliable statistical data regarding the procedure. Objective: To evaluate the clinical improvements in the disease-specific quality-of-life between patients submitted to septoplasty with bilateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate under sedation and local anesthesia in a tertiary hospital and to assess possible clinical-epidemiological variables associated with functional outcome. Methods: Fifty-two patients consecutively submitted to septoplasty with bilateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate for treatment of nasal obstruction filled in forms regarding clinical and epidemiological information during enrollment and had their symptom objectively quantified using the Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale preoperatively and one and three months after the procedure. Statistical analysis aimed to determine overall and stratified surgical outcomes and to investigate correlations between the clinical-epidemiological variables with the scores obtained. Results: Statistically significant improvement in the preoperative NOSE questionnaire compared to the scores obtained three months after surgery was demonstrated (p < 0.001, T-Wilcoxon), with strong correlation between the preoperative score and the postoperative improvement during this period (r = −0.614, p < 0.001, Spearman). After one month, patients reached in average 87.15% of the result obtained at the study termination. Smokers and patients with rhinitis and/or pulmonary comorbidity showed increased average preoperative NOSE scores, although without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Gender, age, history of rhinitis and presence of pulmonary comorbidity did not influence significantly surgical outcomes (p > 0.05). Smokers presented greater reduction in NOSE scores during the study (p = 0.043, U-Mann-Whitney). Conclusion: Septoplasty with bilateral outfracture of the inferior turbinate has proven to significantly improve disease-specific quality-of-life and this favorable outcome seems to occur precociously.

Resumo Introdução: Os desvios septais podem causar obstrução nasal e impacto negativo na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. A eficácia da septoplastia para o tratamento do desvio septal e os preditores de resultados cirúrgicos satisfatórios continuam controversos. A variabilidade técnica, a heterogeneidade das amostras de estudo e a ausência de uma ferramenta sólida para avaliação clínica são os principais obstáculos ao estabelecimento de dados estatísticos confiáveis sobre o procedimento. Objetivo: Avaliar a melhora clínica na qualidade de vida específica da doença entre pacientes submetidos a septoplastia e fratura bilateral da concha inferior sob sedação e anestesia local em um hospital terciário e possíveis variáveis clínico-epidemiológicas associadas ao desfecho funcional. Método: Cinquenta e dois pacientes consecutivamente submetidos a septoplastia e fratura bilateral da concha inferior para o tratamento da obstrução nasal preencheram formulários com informações clínicas e epidemiológicas durante a inclusão no estudo e tiveram seus sintomas quantificados objetivamente utilizando a escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Obstrução Nasal (Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation - NOSE) no pré-operatório e um e três meses após o procedimento. A análise estatística objetivou determinar resultados cirúrgicos globais e estratificados e investigar correlações entre as variáveis clínico-epidemiológicas e os escores obtidos. Resultados: Foi demonstrada uma melhora estatisticamente significativa nos escores obtidos no questionário NOSE três meses após a cirurgia (p < 0,001, T-Wilcoxon), quando comparado com os escores obtidos no pré-operatório, com uma forte correlação entre o escore pré-operatório e a melhora pós-operatória durante esse período (r = -0,614, p < 0,001, Spearman). Após um mês, os pacientes atingiram em média 87,15% do resultado obtido ao término do estudo. Fumantes e pacientes com rinite e/ou comorbidade pulmonar apresentaram valores médios pré-operatórios do escore NOSE aumentados, embora sem significância estatística (p > 0,05). Sexo, idade, história de rinite e presença de comorbidade pulmonar não influenciaram significativamente os resultados cirúrgicos (p > 0,05). Os fumantes apresentaram maior redução nos escores de NOSE (p = 0,043, U-Mann-Whitney). Conclusão: A septoplastia e a fratura bilateral da concha inferior demonstraram melhorar significativamente a qualidade de vida específica da doença e este resultado favorável parece ocorrer de forma precoce.

The Middle Turbinate Resection and Its Repercussion in Olfaction with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)

Abstract Introduction Nasal obstruction is a common complaint, and, for some, the middle turbinate resection is still a controversial issue among the surgical options due to the possibility of deleterious effects on olfaction. The University of Pennsylvania smell identification test (UPSIT) is considered the gold standard of smell identification tests, but data about it is still incipient in Brazil. Objective To evaluate if the middle turbinectomy has any repercussion on the sense of olfaction by using the UPSIT as an assessment tool. Methods A prospective study performed between 2013 and 2015 with 27 patients who were treated with middle turbinectomy by the same surgeon and tested with the UPSIT pre- and post-surgery, with a minimum interval of 3 months. Results Twenty-five patients completed the study. The mean age was 27.9 years. There was no statistical correlation betweenmiddle turbinectomy and the UPSIT score, or between gender and the UPSIT score. Conclusion There was no clinical repercussion on olfaction from partial middle turbinectomy.

Long-Term Evaluation of Nasal Septoplasty Followed by Inferior Turbinate Cauterization for the Treatment of Nasal Obstruction Using Objective and Subjective Methods

Abstract Introduction Nasal septoplasty is considered the treatment of choice for nasal obstruction due to septal deviation. An ongoing discussion among rhinologists is whether it is reasonable to perform objective measurements of nasal patency pre or postoperatively routinely. Objective The primary aim of this study was to identify the short- and long-term functional benefits for patients undergoing septal surgery, as assessed by acoustic rhinometry (AR). The secondary goal was to evaluate the short- and long-term perception of symptom relief and disease-specific quality of life (QoL) outcomes on the part of the patients. Methods This was a prospective observational study in which AR was utilized for the assessment of nasal patency preoperatively and 1, 6 and 36months after septoplasty. Total 40 patients who underwent septoplasty filled out the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) questionnaire and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) to assess their subjective improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms and the changes in their QoL. Results There were statistically significant improvements in nasal patency, mean postoperative NOSE and GBI scores postoperatively. However, there was no correlation between the mean NOSE and GBI scores and the AR measurements. Furthermore, the GBI scores tended to decrease as the postoperative period increased. Conclusion The present study confirms that septoplasty significantly increases nasal patency and causes a significant subjective improvement in nasal obstruction symptoms. The absence of a statistically significant correlation among the objective measurements, the symptom scores, and the patients' low GBI scores indicates that factors other than the anatomical findings may also contribute to the patients' perception of QoL.

Efficacy of syringe-irrigation topical therapy and the influence of the middle turbinate in sinus penetration of solutions / Eficácia da terapia tópica de irrigação com seringa e a influência da concha média na penetração sinusal de soluções

Abstract Introduction: Topical therapies are the best postoperative treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis, especially those with high volume and pressure, such as the squeeze bottles. However, they are not an available option in Brazil, where irrigation syringes are used. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of topical sinonasal therapy with syringe and the influence of the middle turbinate on this process Methods: Intervention study in training models (S.I.M.O.N.T.). After standard dissection, three interventions were performed (Nasal Spray 4 puffs, 60-mL syringe and 240-mL Squeeze Bottle) with normal and Sutured Middle Turbinate. Images of each sinus were captured after the interventions, totalizing 144 images. The images were classified by 10 evaluators according to the amount of residual volume from zero to 3, with zero and 1 being considered poor penetration and 2 and 3, good penetration. The 1440 evaluations were used in this study. Results: Considering all middle turbinate situations, the amount of good penetrations were 8.1% for Spray; 68.3% for Syringe, and 78.3% for Squeeze (p < 0.0001). Considering all types of interventions, the Normal Middle Turbinate group had 48.2% of good penetrations and the Sutured Middle Turbinate, 55% (p = 0.01). Considering only the Sutured Middle Turbinates, there was no difference between the interventions with Syringe and Squeeze (76.3% vs. 80.4%; p = 0.27). Conclusion: Topical therapy of irrigation with a 60-mL syringe was more effective than that with nasal spray. The status of the middle turbinate proved to be fundamental and influenced topical therapy. Irrigation with syringe was as effective as the squeeze bottle when the middle turbinate was sutured to the nasal septum.

Resumo Introdução: Terapias tópicas são a melhor opção de tratamento pós-operatório da rinossinusite crônica, principalmente com alto volume e pressão, como os squeeze bottles. Porém, não são opções disponíveis na realidade brasileira, na qual frequentemente são usados seringas para a irrigação. Objetivo: Averiguar a eficácia da terapia tópica nasossinusal com seringa e a influência da concha média nesse processo. Método: Estudo de intervenção em modelos de treinamento (S.I.M.O.N.T.). Após dissecção padronizada, três intervenções foram feitas (spray nasal 4 puffs, seringa de 60 mL e squeeze bottle de 240 mL) com a concha média normal e suturada. Foram capturadas imagens de cada seio após as intervenções, totalizando 144 imagens. As imagens foram classificadas por 10 avaliadores de acordo com a quantidade de volume residual de zero a 3, sendo zero e 1 considerados penetração ruim e 2 e 3, penetração boa. As 1.440 avaliações foram utilizadas neste estudo. Resultados: Considerando todas as situações de concha média, a quantidade de penetrações boas foi de 8,1% para spray; 68,3% para seringa e 78,3% para squeeze (p < 0,0001). Considerando todos os tipos de intervenção, a concha média normal obteve 48,2% de penetrações boas e a concha média suturada, 55% (p = 0,01). Considerando apenas concha média suturada, não houve diferença entre as intervenções seringa e squeeze (76,3% vs. 80,4%; p = 0,27). Conclusão: A terapia tópica de irrigação com seringa de 60 mL foi mais eficaz do que com spray nasal. O status da concha média mostrou-se fundamental e influenciou a terapia tópica. A irrigação com seringa foi tão eficaz quanto a com squeeze bottle quando a concha média foi suturada ao septo nasal.

An often neglected area in crooked nose: middle turbinate pneumatization / Uma área frequentemente negligenciada no nariz torto: pneumatização da concha média

Abstract Introduction: Crooked or deviated nose is a deviation of the nose from the straight vertical position of the face. Extensive pneumatization of the middle turbinate, also called concha bullosa or bullous middle turbinate (BMT) is known to be one of the possible etiologic factors in nasal obstruction, recurrent sinusitis, and headache. There is no study concerning a link between BMT and crooked nose. Objective: To investigate the association between crooked nose and the presence of a BMT. Methods: A total of 199 patients who underwent open septorhinoplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative paranasal Computerized Tomography (CT) findings, preoperative photodocumentation, and anterior rhinoscopic examination findings were documented. Of the 199 patients, 169 were found to meet the criteria and were included in the study. CT scans were examined to note the presence of BMT, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and septum deviation (SD). SDs and crooked noses were classified. Results: Ninety-four of 169 patients (56%) presented a crooked nose deformity and seventy-five of 169 patients (44%) presented a straight nose. While 49 (52%) crooked nose patients had a bulbous and extensive BMT, 20 patients with straight nose (26.6%) had a BMT. A statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of crooked nose and BMT, regardless of the side of the disease (p = 0.011). Conclusion: This study revealed a link between crooked nose and BMT.

Resumo Introdução: O nariz torto ou o nariz com desvio é um nariz com um desvio da posição vertical reta da face. A pneumatização extensa da concha média, também chamada de concha bolhosa ou concha média bolhosa (CMB), é conhecida por ser um dos possíveis fatores etiológicos da obstrução nasal, sinusite recorrente e cefaleia. Não há estudo relativo a uma associação entre CMB e nariz torto. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre o nariz torto e a presença de CMB. Método: Foram analisados retrospectivamente 199 pacientes que se submeteram a septorrinoplastia aberta. Achados pré-operatórios paranasais à tomografia computadorizada (TC), fotodocumentação pré-operatória e exame rinoscópico anterior foram registrados. Dos 199 pacientes, observou-se que 169 atendiam aos critérios e foram incluídos no estudo. As TC foram examinadas para observar a presença de CMB, hipertrofia de conchas inferiores e desvio de septo (DS). Os DS e narizes tortos foram então classificados. Resultados: Dos 169 pacientes, 94 (56%) apresentavam uma deformidade de nariz e 75 (44%) apresentavam nariz reto. Enquanto 49 (52%) pacientes com nariz torto tinham CMB extensa, 20 pacientes com nariz reto (26,6%) tinham CMB. Uma relação estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre a presença de nariz torto e CMB, independentemente do lado da doença (p = 0,011). Conclusão: Este estudo revelou uma relação entre o nariz torto e CMB.

Comparison of turbinoplasty surgery efficacy in patients with and without allergic rhinitis / Comparação da eficácia da turbinoplastia em pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Turbinoplasty is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate through exuberant bone removal with high mucosal preservation. The procedure is recommended for patients with or without allergic rhinitis and those showing irreversible hypertrophy of inferior turbinates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty for obstructive and non-obstructive symptoms in patients with or without allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Prospective study with 57 patients who underwent inferior turbinoplasty. They were evaluated for nasal obstruction, snoring, facial pressure, smell alterations, sneezing, nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, surgery time, and intraoperative bleeding. The last evaluation took place three months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with allergic rhinitis and 18 without were assessed. Ninety days after surgery, 94.7% of patients showed degrees IV and V of breathing improvement; 89.5% showed moderate or complete improvement in snoring; all patients showed smell improvement (only one showed moderate improvement; all the others had full improvement); 95.5% experienced complete facial pressure improvement; and 89.7% showed moderate to complete improvement in nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, as well as in sneezing. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty was confirmed not only for obstructive symptoms, but also for non-obstructive symptoms in patients with and without allergic rhinitis.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A turbinoplastia é procedimento que visa a redução da concha inferior, à custa da remoção óssea exuberante e maior preservação da mucosa. É indicada para pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica, com hipertrofia irreversível das conchas inferiores. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da cirurgia de turbinoplastia inferior nos sintomas obstrutivos e não obstrutivos em pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com 57 pacientes submetidos a turbinoplastia inferior. Foram avaliados quanto à obstrução nasal, roncos, pressão facial, alterações no olfato, espirros, prurido nasal e coriza, tempo de cirurgia e sangramento intraoperatório. A última avaliação foi com 3 meses de operação. RESULTADOS: 39 pacientes com rinite alérgica e 18 sem. Com 90 dias de operação, 94,7% dos pacientes apresentaram graus IV e V de melhora na respiração; 89,5% apresentaram melhora moderada ou total dos roncos; todos os pacientes tiveram melhora no olfato (apenas 1 moderada, os demais melhora total); 95,5% obtiveram melhora total da pressão facial e 89,7% obtiveram melhora moderada ou total em prurido nasal, espirros e coriza. CONCLUSÃO: Comprovou-se a eficácia da cirurgia de turbinoplastia inferior não só nos sintomas obstrutivos, mas também nos sintomas não obstrutivos tanto em pacientes com ou sem rinite alérgica.

Síndrome de nariz vacía / Empty nose syndrome

El síndrome de nariz vacía es una enfermedad de reciente descripción, que no tiene una definición clínica clara. Se puede originar como complicación de la cirugía de resección de cornetes, en especial del inferior. La fisiopatología no está del todo definida, pero es probable que posterior a la resección de cornetes se altere la permeabilidad nasal, interfiriendo con los mecanismos neurosensitivos y con las funciones de los cornetes. Su síntoma principal, es la obstrucción nasal paradójica. El diagnóstico es clínico, basado en los síntomas con los hallazgos de una cavidad nasal amplia posterior a la cirugía nasal. El tratamiento es difícil por lo subjetivo de los síntomas, prefiriendo en un comienzo el tratamiento médico y reservando la cirugía para casos más severos. Lo más importante es la prevención, realizando cirugías lo más conservadora posibles de la anatomía de la cavidad nasal.

The Empty Nose Syndrome is a recently described disease, which has no clear clinical definition. It is a rare complication of turbinate surgery especially in the inferior turbinectomy. The pathophysiology is unclear, but after turbinectomy the nasal patency could be affected and this can interfere with neurosensory mechanisms and functions of the turbinates. The most common symptom is the paradoxical nasal obstruction. The diagnosis is clinical, based on symptoms with the discovery of a wide nasal cavity after nasal surgery. Treatment is difficult because of the subjective symptoms, initially preferring medical treatment and surgery is reserved for more severe cases. Most important is the prevention, being as conservative as possible with the nasal cavity.

Turbinoplastia endoscópica del cornete inferior para el tratamiento de la rinitis crónica hipertrófica no infecciosa: serie de casos / Endoscopic turbinoplasty of the inferior turbinate for the treatment of non-infectious chronic hypertrophic rhinitis: case series

Fundamento: la reducción quirúrgica del cornete inferior es la conducta de elección en pacientes con rinitis crónica hipertrófica no infecciosa que no responden al tratamiento farmacológico; aunque existen otras técnicas quirúrgicas para ello, todavía son insuficientes las evidencias que soportan su eficacia. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y los resultados posquirúrgicos en pacientes con rinitis crónica hipertrófica no infecciosa tratados mediante turbinoplastia inferior endoscópica . Metodología: estudio descriptivo de serie de casos en pacientes mayores de 15 años con rinitis crónica hipertrófica no infecciosa tratados mediante turbinoplastia inferior endoscópica en el Centro Nacional Cirugía Mínimo Acceso, entre el 1 de mayo de 2010 al 30 de junio de 2012. Los pacientes se siguieron por 6 meses. Resultados: se incluyeron 36 pacientes, el 63,9 % eran masculinos; el 69,4 % presentó rinitis alérgica. Predominó la obstrucción nasal asociada a rinorrea, prurito y cefalea ( 44,4 %), así como la hipertrofia grado II (58,3 %). Después de la cirugía todos los pacientes mejoraron y solo el 8,3 % presentó complicaciones. Conclusiones: se obtuvieron resultados favorables con el uso de la turbinoplastia inferior endoscópica , fundamentalmente por el alivio de los síntomas y por la escasa presentación de complicaciones.

Background: the surgical reduction of the inferior turbinate is the treatment of choice for patients with non-infectious chronic hypertrophic rhinitis unresponsive to drug treatment; although there are other surgical techniques for this condition, evidence supporting its effectiveness is still insufficient. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes in patients with non-infectious chronic hypertrophic rhinitis treated by inferior endoscopic turbinoplasty . Methodology: descriptive case series study of patients over 15 years with non-infectious chronic hypertrophic rhinitis treated by inferior endoscopic turbinoplasty in the Minimum Access National Surgery Center from May 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012. The p atients were followed for 6 months. Results: 36 patients were included , 63.9% were male ; 69.4 % had allergic rhinitis. N asal obstruction associated with rhinorrhea , pruritus and headache ( 44.4 %) and grade II hypertrophy ( 58.3 %) predominated . After surgery all patients improved and only 8.3 % had complications . Conclusions : with the use of endoscopic inferior turbinoplasty favorable results were obtained , mainly due to the relief of symptoms and the limited development of complications.

Cefalea rinogénica ¿mito o realidad?: displasia fibrosa de cornete medio como causa de algia facial / Rhinogenic headache ¿myth or reality?: middle turbinate fibrous displasia, as a cause of facial pain

La cefalea es uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en medicina y se clasifica como primaria en cefaleas tensionales o migrañas y secundaria a tumores, infecciones u otras causas. Dentro del grupo de cefaleas o algias faciales secundarias se plantea la existencia del cuadro clínico de cefalea rinogénica generada por puntos de contacto de la mucosa de la cavidad nasal. En este artículo se presenta un caso de una paciente que posterior al fracaso del tratamiento farmacológico para migraña, consultó por algia facial persistente. Al realizar un examen clínico y con tomografía computarizada de las cavidades perinasales, se diagnosticó una cefalea rinogénica por contacto de mucosa secundaria a una displasia fibrosa del cornete medio. La resección quirúrgica del punto de contacto a través de una turbinectomía media realizada por cirugía endoscópica nasal abolió totalmente el dolor facial. Este caso recalca la utilidad y necesidad del estudio de las cavidades perinasales en aquellos pacientes que presentan cefalea o algia facial.

Headache is one of the most frequent symptoms in medicine that can be classified as primary, like tensional headache and migraine or secondary as in tumors, infections, or other causes. Rhinogenic headache is proposed as a clinical entity secondary to mucosal contact points within the nasal cavity. In this article we present a case of a patient that after a pharmacological treatment failure for migraine, consulted for sustained facial pain. After clinical examination and a paranasal sinus computed tomography, a rhinogenic headache secondary to middle turbinate fibrous dysplasia was diagnosed. Endoscopic surgical extirpation of contact mucosal points by a medial turbinectomy produced complete abolition of facial pain. This case illustrates the need and utility of studying paranasal sinus in those patients with headache or facial pain.