Radioanatomical study of the extended free nasal floor mucosal graft and its clinical applications.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a radio-anatomical evaluation of the nasal cavity floor free mucosal graft (endonasal extended mucoplasty, EEM) to repair mucosal defects after an extended ethmoid-sphenoidotomy. METHODS: A human cadaveric study (radiological and anatomical dissection) and an in vivo study in surgical patients with CRSwNP were performed. The EEM areas were compared between 3D reconstruction from CT scans and anatomical/surgical dissections, both in cadaver specimens and in patients. Feasibility was assessed by correlation between the EEM area on CT scans and when harvested in cadavers and when grafted in patients. Usefulness was assessed by the degree of coverage of the EEM in the surface exposed after an extended ethmoid-sphenoidotomy. Both feasibility and usefulness were assessed in cadaveric specimens (n = 15) and patients (n = 4). RESULTS: Fifteen cadaveric specimens and 4 patients with bilateral CRSwNP were included. The mean (SD) areas obtained in the cadaveric radiological and anatomical studies were 9.44 (2.07) cm2 and 8.03 (1.36) cm2, respectively (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.59, moderate correlation), and in 3D reconstruction for operated patients were 10.32 (0.98) cm2 and 11.27 (2.44) cm2, respectively. The coverage of the ethmoidal roof in the cadaveric dissection study was 100%, from the anterior ethmoidal artery to the posterior ethmoidal artery, covering the planun sphenoidale up to 75% in the case series. In 87.5% of the cases, up to 50% of the papiracea lamina was covered. CONCLUSION: The EEM have shown to be a feasible and useful grafting technique to repair skull base defects after performing an extended ethmoid-sphenoidotomy during surgery for CRSwNP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Refining the anatomic boundaries of the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach: the "VELPPHA area" concept.

OBJECTIVE: The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid route has been widely evaluated in cadavers, and it is currently used during surgery for specific diseases involving the lateral skull base. Identification of the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a key step during this approach, and the vidian nerve (VN) has been described as a principal landmark for safe endonasal localization of the petrous ICA at the level of the foramen lacerum. However, the relationship of the VN to the ICA at this level is complex as well as variable and has not been described in the pertinent literature. Accordingly, the authors undertook this purely anatomical study to detail and quantify the peri-lacerum anatomy as seen via an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid pathway. METHODS: Eight human anatomical specimens (16 sides) were dissected endonasally under direct endoscopic visualization. Anatomical landmarks of the VN and the posterior end of the vidian canal (VC) during the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach were described, quantitative anatomical data were compiled, and a schematic classification of the most relevant structures encountered was proposed. RESULTS: The endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach was used to describe the different anatomical structures surrounding the anterior genu of the petrous ICA. Five key anatomical structures were identified and described: the VN, the eustachian tube, the foramen lacerum, the petroclival fissure, and the pharyngobasilar fascia. These structures were specifically quantified and summarized in a schematic acronym-VELPPHA-to describe the area. The VELPPHA area is a dense fibrocartilaginous space around the inferior compartment of the foramen lacerum that can be reached by following the VC posteriorly; this area represents the posterior limits of the transpterygoid approach and, of utmost importance, no neurovascular structures were observed through the VELPPHA area in this study, indicating that it should be a safe zone for surgery in the posterior end of the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. CONCLUSIONS: The VELPPHA area represents the posterior limits of the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. Early identification of this area can enhance the safety of the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach expanded to the lateral aspect of the skull base, especially when treating patients with poorly pneumatized sphenoid sinuses.

Evaluación de la capacidad formativa del libro del residente de Otorrinolaringología español (FORMIR) como portafolio electrónico / Evaluation of the training capacity of the Spanish Resident Book of Otolaryngology (FORMIR) as an electronic portfolio

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la capacidad formativa del libro del residente español como portafolio electrónico para alcanzar los objetivos de aprendizaje de los MIR de Otorrinolaringología (ORL). MÉTODOS: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa multimétodo de características tranversal, temporal y de orientación retrospectiva sobre los MIR de ORL mediante un cuestionario estructurado y una entrevista semiestructurada, sobre la aplicación informática web FORMIR. RESULTADOS: Participaron el 56,5% de los MIR de ORL de alguno de los 63 hospitales españoles acreditados para impartir formación en ORL entre 2009 y 2012. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que los MIR de ORL que utilizaban el portafolio electrónico eran capaces de autoguiar mejor su aprendizaje, conocían mejor sus objetivos de aprendizaje, cumplían más eficientemente el programa de formación, identificaban más claramente las causas de sus carencias en el aprendizaje y consideraban que FORMIR como portafolio electrónico constituía una herramienta formativa idónea para sustituir al libro del residente en formato papel. CONCLUSIONES: Los MIR de ORL apreciaban de forma muy relevante las prestaciones formativas de FORMIR como portafolio electrónico, especialmente su interfaz, el feedback numérico y automático sobre la adquisición de competencias, su capacidad de almacenamiento de evidencias y su capacidad de visualizarse como logbook de la Unión Europea de Médicos Especialistas o como un curriculum vitae estándar. Este feedback automático facilita el aprendizaje autoguiado. Todo esto hace de FORMIR una herramienta formativa y evaluativa que supera las prestaciones y aceptación de instrumentos similares puestos a disposición de los residentes, que no dudan en proponerlo como el libro del residente más idóneo para facilitar su formación especializada

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We have evaluated the training capacity of the Spanish resident training book as an electronic portfolio to achieve the learning objectives of otorhinolaryngology (ENT) residents. METHODS: A multi-method qualitative investigation with transversal characteristics, temporal and retrospective guidance was performed on Spanish ENT residents using a structured questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and a computer application on the FORMIR website. RESULTS: A 56.5% of ENT-residents specialising in one of the 63 accredited Spanish hospitals between 2009-2012 participated in the study. The results obtained show that the ENT residents who used the e-portfolio were better able to implement self-guided study, were more aware of their learning objectives, fulfilled the training programme more efficiently, identified the causes of learning gaps more clearly, and considered FORMIR in e-portfolio format to be an ideal training tool to replace the resident training book in paper format. CONCLUSIONS: The ENT residents greatly appreciated the training benefits of FORMIR as an e-portfolio, especially its simple and intuitive interface, the ease and comfort with which they could record their activities, the automatic and numeric feedback on the acquisition of their competencies (which facilitates self-guided learning), its storage capacity for evidence, and its ability to be used as UEMS logbook as well as a standard curriculum vitae. All these features make FORMIR a training and evaluation tool that outperforms similar instruments available to ENT residents. They do not hesitate to identify it as the ideal resident training book for facilitating their specialised training

How I do it: endoscopic endonasal approach to the inferior third of the clivus.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, endoscopic endonasal expanded approach targeting for the clival lower third is well described in literature. Nonetheless, great variations can be found among surgical groups, specially during the earlier stages of this procedure. METHOD: We present a step by step description of the clival lower third approach until entering the dural space, setting its bony limits. We describe the basipharyngeal flap tailoring as a helpful option for latter reconstruction. The study of cadaveric specimens adds clarifying dissections. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion in the coronal plane is providential in most of the intradural lesions of the inferior clivus. Basipharyngeal flap may help seal the surgical defects in this area.

Evaluation of the training capacity of the Spanish Resident Book of Otolaryngology (FORMIR) as an electronic portfolio. / Evaluación de la capacidad formativa del libro del residente de Otorrinolaringología español (FORMIR) como portafolio electrónico.

BACKGROUND: and objectives We have evaluated the training capacity of the Spanish resident training book as an electronic portfolio to achieve the learning objectives of otorhinolaryngology (ENT) residents. METHODS: A multi-method qualitative investigation with transversal characteristics, temporal and retrospective guidance was performed on Spanish ENT residents using a structured questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and a computer application on the FORMIR website. RESULTS: A 56.5% of ENT-residents specialising in one of the 63 accredited Spanish hospitals between 2009-2012 participated in the study. The results obtained show that the ENT residents who used the e-portfolio were better able to implement self-guided study, were more aware of their learning objectives, fulfilled the training programme more efficiently, identified the causes of learning gaps more clearly, and considered FORMIR in e-portfolio format to be an ideal training tool to replace the resident training book in paper format. CONCLUSIONS: The ENT residents greatly appreciated the training benefits of FORMIR as an e-portfolio, especially its simple and intuitive interface, the ease and comfort with which they could record their activities, the automatic and numeric feedback on the acquisition of their competencies (which facilitates self-guided learning), its storage capacity for evidence, and its ability to be used as UEMS logbook as well as a standard curriculum vitae. All these features make FORMIR a training and evaluation tool that outperforms similar instruments available to ENT residents. They do not hesitate to identify it as the ideal resident training book for facilitating their specialised training.

Mejora de la planificación de las cirugías endoscópicas nasosinusales a partir de imágenes en 3 dimensiones con Osirix (R) y estereolitografía / Improved planning of endoscopic sinonasal surgery from 3-dimensional images with Osirix(R) and stereolithography

Introducción y objetivos: La elevada variabilidad anatómica de los senos paranasales requiere disponer del mejor conocimiento de su conformación tridimensional para afrontar la cirugía con mayor seguridad y eficiencia. El objetivo del estudio fue validar la utilidad de Osirix® y la estereolitografía en la mejora de la planificación de las cirugías endoscópicas nasosinusales. Métodos: Se utilizó Osirix® como visor y gestor de imágenes DICOM en 3 dimensiones (3D) en la planificación de 114 cirugías endoscópicas nasosinusales por poliposis (86) y rinosinusitis crónica (28) junto con prototipos rápidos estereolitográficos en 7 mucoceles frontoetmoidales. Resultados: Se identificaron mayor número de estructuras anatómicas, más rápidamente y con una correlación clínico-radiológica estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,01) a favor de Osirix y estereolitografía, que con placas en 2D de la TAC. Con una participación de los residentes superior al 75% de la cirugía, se redujo el tiempo quirúrgico en 38 ± 12,3 min en sinusitis crónicas y en 42 ± 27,9 en poliposis nasosinusales, alcanzando los residentes de cuarto año una competencia quirúrgica del 100% en los hitos quirúrgicos cruciales con 16 cirugías (IC: 12-19). Conclusiones: La utilización sistemática de Osirix® para visualización y tratamiento autónomo de imágenes nasosinusales en 3D desde archivos DICOM permite a los cirujanos efectuar las cirugías endoscópicas nasosinusales con mayor confianza y seguridad y en menos tiempo que utilizando imágenes en 2D. Los residentes también alcanzan la competencia quirúrgica más rápidamente, con mayor seguridad y con menos complicaciones. La mejora en la planificación se incrementa cuando el equipo quirúrgico dispone de prototipos rápidos estereolitográficos en los casos de mayor complejidad (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The high variability of sinonasal anatomy requires the best knowledge of its three-dimensional (3D) conformation to perform surgery more safely and efficiently. The aim of the study was to validate the utility of Osirix® and stereolithography in improving endoscopic sinonasal surgery planning. Methods: Osirix® was used as a viewer and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) 3D imaging manager to improve planning for 114 sinonasal endoscopic operations with polyposis (86) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (28). Stereolithography rapid prototyping was used for 7 frontoethmoidal mucoceles. Results: Using Osirix® and stereolithography, a greater number of anatomical structures were identified and this was done faster, with a statistically-significant clinical-radiological correlation (P<.01) compared with 2D CT plates. With a share of more than 75% of surgery performed by residents, surgical time was reduced by 38 ± 12.3 min in CRS and 42 ± 27.9 in sinonasal polyposis. The fourth-year residents reached 100% surgical competence in critical surgical milestones with 16 surgeries (CI 12-19). Conclusions: The systematic use of Osirix® for visualisation and treatment of 3D sinonasal images from DICOM data files, along with the surgical team's ability to manipulate them as virtual reality, allows surgeons to perform endoscopic sinonasal surgery with greater confidence and in less time than using 2D images. Residents also achieve surgical competence faster, more safely and with fewer complications. This beneficial impact is increased when the surgical team has stereolithography rapid prototyping in more complex cases (AU)

Improved planning of endoscopic sinonasal surgery from 3-dimensional images with Osirix® and stereolithography.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The high variability of sinonasal anatomy requires the best knowledge of its three-dimensional (3D) conformation to perform surgery more safely and efficiently. The aim of the study was to validate the utility of Osirix® and stereolithography in improving endoscopic sinonasal surgery planning. METHODS: Osirix® was used as a viewer and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) 3D imaging manager to improve planning for 114 sinonasal endoscopic operations with polyposis (86) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (28). Stereolithography rapid prototyping was used for 7 frontoethmoidal mucoceles. RESULTS: Using Osirix® and stereolithography, a greater number of anatomical structures were identified and this was done faster, with a statistically-significant clinical-radiological correlation (P<.01) compared with 2D CT plates. With a share of more than 75% of surgery performed by residents, surgical time was reduced by 38±12.3min in CRS and 42±27.9 in sinonasal polyposis. The fourth-year residents reached 100% surgical competence in critical surgical milestones with 16 surgeries (CI 12-19). CONCLUSIONS: The systematic use of Osirix® for visualisation and treatment of 3D sinonasal images from DICOM data files, along with the surgical team's ability to manipulate them as virtual reality, allows surgeons to perform endoscopic sinonasal surgery with greater confidence and in less time than using 2D images. Residents also achieve surgical competence faster, more safely and with fewer complications. This beneficial impact is increased when the surgical team has stereolithography rapid prototyping in more complex cases.