A novel technique in septal perforation: Fascia lata and costal cartilage sandwich graft.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septum perforation (NSP) is an anatomical defect of the mucosa, cartilage/bone of nasal septum and septoplasty is the most common cause of it. A perforated septum rarely heals on its own, it is more likely to get worse. The success for large perforations is approximately 78%, it is harder to be successful in vertically larger perforations. We introduce a new technique to close large perforations by the fascia lata and costal cartilage sandwich graft (FLSG). The main advantage of this technique is that the fascia lata eliminates the opening between the septal mucosal flaps in case the septal mucosal flaps may not meet each other. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 16 cases presenting with nasal septum perforation were repaired with the FLSG technique. Grafts were harvested, the perforation was accessed through open rhinoplasty approach, FLSG is inserted and sutured. RESULTS: 16 cases consisting of 9 males (56.25%) and 7 females (43.75%) were operated. The age range was between 20 and 43 years (mean 32.6 ± 6.94). 3 cases (18.75%) had medium and 13 cases (81.25%) had large NSP. 8 cases (50%) were smokers. Nine month postoperatively, all medium NSP were closed. During this period, 14 NSP (87.5%) medium size NSP achieved complete closure, while the remaining two NSP that were yet to close had large defects (>2 cm) and smokers. CONCLUSION: FLSG is an effective, easy, and novel technique in NSP repair and the postoperative controls have proven a high success rate even in large NSP.

Potential protective effect of resveratrol on acoustic trauma: electron microscopy study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential preventive effect of resveratrol in rats exposed to acoustic trauma (AT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (Control, n = 6), Group 2 (AT, n = 6), and Group 3 (resveratrol + AT). The rats in Group 2 were exposed to AT. The rats in Group 3 received resveratrol (300 mg/kg/day) via gavage for 7 days. On day 7, the rats were exposed to AT 10 min following resveratrol treatment. Histological sections of the cochleae were examined using light microscopy, transmission (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The cochlear hair cells, stereocilia, and Deiters' cells of the control group appeared normal in all microscopic evaluations. In Group 2, light microscopy revealed predominantly inner hair cell loss, although the outer hair cells were affected. TEM and SEM examination showed severe loss of stereocilia and SEM revealed stereocilia arranged in an asymmetric array. The cochlear structure in Group 3 appeared well preserved under the light microscope, and although TEM and SEM revealed stereocilia loss, the hair cells and stereocilia appeared near normal compared with those of Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol may have a protective effect against AT damage in the cochlea, most likely through its antioxidant activity. Our results may be useful for studies in humans exposed to AT and noise-induced hearing loss related to chronic exposure to occupational noise.

Do viral infections have a role in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of viral infection in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 483 patients with BPPV were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 461 healthy subjects. In both groups, serologic analysis of viral agents (HSV1, HSV2, Herpes zoster, EBV, CMV, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza virus) was performed. RESULTS: With the exception of influenza and parainfluenza, all viral serology values were higher in the BBPV group than the control group. We also observed seasonal variation. The BPPV group exhibited elevated values for HSV1 and adenovirus in March and May, for Herpes zoster, adenovirus, and influenza in April, for HSV1 in June, and for HSV1 and CMV in September, compared to the control group. In October, the BPPV group showed increased values for all of the viruses studied, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: BPPV is associated with positive viral serology, particularly during certain months of the year, mainly in spring and autumn. Viral infection might promote BPPV attacks due to the development of vestibulopathy or induce secondary BPPV via viral infection-related neurolabyrinthitis.