Boomerang-shaped vs. shield-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts for type 1 tympanoplasty in children: A study of 121 patients.

Many techniques and graft materials have been used for the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. We conducted a retrospective study to compare anatomic and functional outcomes of type 1 tympanoplasty that we performed with boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts (BSGs) and shield-shaped chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts (SSGs) in pediatric patients. Our study population was made up 121 patients-61 boys and 60 girls, aged 7 to 16 years (mean: 12.4)-who had undergone a type 1 tympanoplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to the grafting technique used; there were 59 patients in the BSG group and 62 patients in the SSG group. Ear examinations were performed at postoperative months 3, 6, 12, and 24, and pure-tone average (PTA) for air-conduction threshold values and air-bone gaps (ABGs) were evaluated at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz at the same visits. We also investigated the impact of the graft material on functional graft success and intergroup differences (if any) in surgical success. Mean postoperative follow-up periods were 30.5 and 30.2 months in the BSG and SSG groups, respectively. We found that the success rates for tympanic membrane reconstruction were not significantly different in the two groups (91.5 and 88.7%). Postoperatively, the mean PTA and ABG values in both groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were significantly lower than the preoperative values (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean PTA values between the two groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. However, the extent of the decrease in PTA values in the BSG group at 3 months was significantly greater than that of the SSG group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in mean ABG values between the two groups at 3, 6, and 12 months, but at 24 months, the value was significantly higher in the BSG group (p < 0.05). Finally, the extent of the decrease in ABG in the BSG group at both 3 and 6 months was significantly greater than that of the SSG group (p < 0.05). We conclude that the BSG procedure is a reliable and safe method of performing pediatric tympanoplasty.

Boomerang-Shaped Chondro-Perichondral Graft Versus Temporalis Muscle Fascia Graft: Which One is to be Trusted?

The aim of this study was to compare anatomical and audiological results of boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (BSCPG) with temporal muscle fascia in type 1 tympanoplasties. Sixty-eight patients in BSCPG group and 54 patients in fascia group were evaluated. Otomicroscopic examination was done periodically till 24 months as for graft perforation, lateralization and retraction and mean air conduction threshold and airbone gap values were measured. At long term controls, in BSCPG group, rates of neomembrane, perforation, retraction and lateralization were 91.17 % (n = 62), 8.82 % (n = 6), 4.41 % (n = 3) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. In fascia group, the corresponding rates were 79.62 % (n = 43), 20.37 % (n = 11), 12.96 % (n = 7) and 3.7 % (n = 2), respectively. In both groups, mean postoperative PTA and ABG values were significantly better while postoperative same values were significantly different between groups (p = 0.044 and 0.032, respectively). Compared to fascia, BSCPG is an ideal grafting technique in the repair of tympanic membrane perforations.

The effects of dust storms on quality of life of allergic patients with or without asthma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the quality of life of allergic patients with or without asthma during dust storms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 148 allergic patients (66 males, 82 females; mean age 35.7±15.5 years; range 18 to 65 years) were classified as those with (group 1, n=80) or without (group 2, n=68) concomitant asthma between January 2012 and January 2013. The quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)] scores, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), nasal symptom and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at the time of diagnosis were obtained. The particulate matter (PM10) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) values of that day from the General Directorate of Meteorology were recorded. The day of dust storm and PM10 and SO2 measurements along with SF-36, RQLQ, nasal symptom and VAS scores were recorded again. RESULTS: The absolute change in the RQLQ subparameters including eye and nasal symptoms, practical problems and global scores was statistically significant (p=0.022, p=0.036, p=0.026 and p=0.032, respectively). There were statistically significant changes in the SF-36 subgroups of general health, physical functioning, vitality, and mental health (p=0.026, p=0.042, p=0.008 and p=0.026, respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression model, specific and general quality of life was 4.6 times worse in RQLQ and 3.8 times in SF-36 after the dust storm in patients with asthma, while 2.1 times worse in RQLQ and 1.9 times in SF-36 in patients with pure allergic rhinitis. The attributable risk of asthma was found to be 2.5 times higher in RQLQ and 1.9 times higher in SF-36. CONCLUSION: Dust storms may deteriorate the quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma and lead to related personal and societal problems.

Oval Window Temperature Changes in an Endoscopic Stapedectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Following the initial use of endoscopes in otology, the pros and cons of these instruments have been questioned increasingly. These instruments cause an increase in temperature that needs to be investigated. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the temperature increase caused by endoscopes and light sources in the perilymph by performing a stapedotomy in an animal model under anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: The study was performed in a guinea pig model. METHODS: In the animal model, a simulated otologic stapes surgery was performed at room temperature. The body temperatures of the guinea pigs were monitored; the temperature increase caused by the 0-degree rigid endoscopes with diameters of 3 and 4  mm as well as the light sources, including halogen, light-emitting diode (LED), and xenon lamps, were monitored following the stapedotomy to measure and document the continuous temperature increase in the perilymph using sensors placed at the oval window. RESULTS: Rigid endoscopes cause a temperature increase in the tympanum regardless of their diameter when used with xenon and halogen light sources. The LED light caused a relatively small temperature increase. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic instruments used in the stapes operation caused a temperature increase in the oval window. The authors concluded that this heat could easily be transmitted to the cochlea by the perilymph, which has obstructed contact with the outer environment following stapedomy, resulting in neurosensorial damage.

Treatment of Large Tympanic Membrane Perforations: Medial to Malleus Versus Lateral to Malleus.

The perforation size affects the success of tympanic membrane (TM) reconstruction, in addition to the surgical technique used. Large TM perforations present a surgical challenge. The perforation size has been reported to be a prognostic factor, and poorer results are obtained with large versus small perforations. We aimed to evaluate patients who had undergone tympanoplasty for large perforations at our clinic using either the underlay or over-underlay technique and to compare the results in terms of re-perforation, retraction, lateralization, and improvement of hearing. Of 302 patients with chronic otitis media, 114 who had a perforation that involved over 50 % of the pars tensa were enrolled in the study. The underlay technique was used in 61 patients, and the over-underlay technique in 53 patients. In the underlay group, the preoperative mean perforation size was 30.11 ± 5.35 mm(2) (range 20.00-52.00 mm(2)) (n = 61). In the over-underlay group, the preoperative mean perforation size was 31.41 ± 8.65 mm(2) (range 22.00-48.00 mm(2)) (n = 53). The graft success rate of tympanoplasty performed using the underlay technique was 89.1 % in 61 patients. Seven (10.9 %) patients had graft failure. The graft success rate with the over-underlay technique in 53 patients was 90.5 %. Five (9.5 %) patients had graft failure in this group. Three graft lateralizations (5.6 %) and two retractions (3.8 %) were observed at 12 months postoperatively in the over-underlay group. However, in the underlay group, no graft lateralization but five retractions (8.2 %) were observed at 12 months. The graft-take rates and hearing improvement results in both groups were successful and compatible with those in the literature.

Necessity of mastoidectomy in patients with chronic otitis media having sclerotic mastoid bone: a retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the efficiency of mastoidectomy during tympanoplasty procedures in patients having sclerotic mastoid bone with dry or dried up tympanic cavity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 146 patients (66 males, 80 females; mean age 28.6 years; range 16 to 52 years) having sclerotic mastoid bone who underwent tympanoplasty between March 2010 and March 2013. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (34 males, 58 females; mean age 25.8 years; range 17 to 47 years) underwent only tympanoplasty, while tympanoplasty + mastoidectomy were performed on group B (32 males, 22 females; mean age 29.8 years; range 16 to 52 years). All outcomes were evaluated including the actual state of the tympanic membrane graft and level of hearing. RESULTS: While postoperative perforation and retraction rates were not significantly different between the two groups, results of group A were superior to group B in terms of operation duration and hearing results. CONCLUSION: Mastoidectomy is not an efficient procedure in chronic otitis media patients having sclerotic mastoid bone with dry or dried up tympanic cavity.

Clinical features of deep neck infection: analysis of 77 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aims to detect the prognostic factors which affect the duration of hospital stay and evaluate the complications which develop in patients with deep neck infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 77 patients (40 males, 37 females; mean age 42.4±20.1 years; range 11 to 88 years) treated with a diagnosis of deep neck infection in our clinic between November 2006 and November 2012. Patients' demographic and clinical features were analyzed to detect their associations with development of complications and hospitalization time. RESULTS: Odontogenic origin and submandibular localization were the most frequently observed clinical appearance. Of eight patients (10.4%) who developed serious complications, two (2.6%) died. Age, comorbidity, presence of anemia alone, Ludwig's angina and retropharyngeal involvement were associated with increased rate of complications (p<0.05); while sex, antibiotic usage prior to admittance and primary location of infection were not related (p>0.05). Submandibular localization and absence of leucopenia reduced the risk of complications (p<0.05). The mean duration of hospital stay was 12.9±8.7 days (range 2-59 days). Age, presence of comorbidity and development of complications extended the hospitalization period (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In spite of the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, deep neck infection may be an important cause of mortality if complications develop. Comorbid anemia, Ludwig's angina and retropharyngeal involvement were identified as the strongest predictors in terms of development of complications. Duration of hospital stay extended in patients who developed complications.

Surgical success of boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft in pediatric chronic otitis media cases.

OBJECTIVES: To reveal the success of boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (BSCPG) in pediatric chronic otitis media cases. METHODS: A total of 43 pediatric patients (age 7-16 years) who had undergone type 1 tympanoplasty with the diagnosis of chronic otitis media between March 2010 and March 2013 were included in this retrospective study. The main outcome measures were the graft success rate and level of hearing improvement. RESULTS: Graft intake success rate was 90.7%. Mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap values were 20.51 ± 4.34 dB SPL and 9.32 ± 5.64 dB SPL, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean preoperative and postoperative pure tone average values were 28.6 ± 3.52 and 12.24 ± 5.22 respectively (p < 0.001). Air-bone gap was improved to ≤ 10 dB in 38 (88.37%) patients during the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial grafting technique seems to be a successful alternative in the management of pediatric chronic otitis media cases. It has relatively higher grade graft success rate.

Uncinatotomy: performing endoscopic sinus surgery without an uncinectomy.

BACKGROUND: The results of endoscopic sinus surgery performed for chronic rhinosinusitis are controversial. For a better surgical outcome, different surgical techniques involving an uncinectomy as the primary step of the operation have been proposed. The surgery should resolve the pathophysiologic problems caused by the disease and preserve the normal anatomy and physiology. We developed a technique to remove the pathology localized to isolated maxillary and anterior ethmoid cells, without excising the uncinate process. The infundibular area was exposed with medialization of the uncinate with a bipedicle flap prepared 1.5 cm from the insertion of the uncinate to the nasal wall, and then the sinus pathology was removed. At the end of the surgery, the uncinate was returned to its original position. METHODS: We performed this new technique to 3 patients and evaluated postoperative results. RESULTS: Primary disease was eradicated, and no complication was noted. CONCLUSIONS: With this technique, it is possible to perform all steps of sinus surgery without excising any anatomic structure.

Myocardial infarction as a rare cause of otalgia.

Aim. To present a case referred to our clinic with severe right ear pain but without any abnormal finding during otological examination and diagnosed as myocardial infarction and also to draw attention to otalgia which can occur secondary to myocardial infarction. Case Report. An 87-year-old female admitted with right ear pain lasting for nearly 12 hours and sweating on the head and neck region. On otolaryngologic examination, any pathological finding was not encountered. Her electrocardiogram revealed findings consistent with myocardial infarction. Her troponin values were 0.175 ng/L at 1 hour, and 0.574 ng/L at 3 hours. The patient was diagnosed as non-ST MI, and her required initial therapies were performed. On cardiac angiography, very severe coronary artery stenosis was detected, and surgical treatment was recommended for the patient. The patient who rejected surgical treatment was discharged with prescription of medical treatment. Conclusion. Especially in elderly patients with complaints of ear pain but without any abnormal finding on otoscopic examination, cardiac pathologies should be conceived.

Mucosal trauma induced apoptosis in guinea pig middle ear: comparision of hemostatic agents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the absorbable gelatin sponge (AGS), microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH), and Ankaferd on wound healing after middle ear trauma and to evaluate their ototoxicity in an experimental guinea pig model. METHODS: Middle ear mucosal trauma was created in 21 healthy adult guinea pigs. MPH, Ankaferd, and AGS were applied into the right tympanic bulla of the guinea pigs (7 ears for each treatment modality). The left ears of the seven animals were used as the sham group. At the fourth postoperative week (28-30 days), the guinea pigs were decapitated. Apoptosis was investigated, and the expression of Bcl-xl, Apaf, p53, cytochrome 3, and caspase 3 were evaluated. RESULTS: The Ankaferd and AGS groups demonstrated significantly lower epithelial thickness, inflammation, and capillary dilatation than did the control group (p<0.001, <0.001, /0.001, <0.001/, 0.005, and 0.005, respectively). A statistically significant decrease in Bcl-xl staining was observed in the middle ears of animals treated with MPH (p=0.003). There was significantly higher caspase 3 expression in the Ankaferd and AGS groups than in the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Light microscopy indicates that Ankaferd and AGS create less inflammation and increased caspase expression, which seems to induce inflammatory cell apoptosis. Ankaferd seems to be a promising hemostatic agent in otology.

External auditory canal stenosis due to the use of powdered boric acid.

Acquired stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC) may occur because of chronic external otitis, recurrent chronic catarrhal otitis media associated with tympanic membrane perforation, chronic dermatitis, tumors, and trauma. Stenosis occurs generally at the one-third bone part of the external auditory canal. In this article, we present 3 cases of acquired EAC stenosis due to the previous powdered boric acid application. Besides the presentation of surgical intervetions in these cases, we want to notify the physicians not to use or carefully use powdered boric acid because of the complication of EAC stenosis.

Endonasal endoscopic excision of a rare tumor: nasal bone osteoid osteoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteomas are slow-growing, benign tumors that frequently occur in paranasal areas; are detected by their symptoms, depending on their location and size, or incidentally on radiologic examination; and rarely arise from the nasal bone. We present an isolated nasal bone osteoma--which has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously--that was excised using an endoscopic endonasal approach via intercartilaginous incision and reconstructed with MEDPOR. METHODOLOGY: A 21-year-old male patient attended the Mardin State Hospital ENT Clinic with the complaint of a slowly enlarging mass on the left side of the nose. The clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings pointed to a diagnosis of nasal bone osteoma. RESULTS: An endoscopic-assisted endonasal approach was performed, and defect was reconstructed with MEDPOR. At postoperative 6-month evaluation, no recurrence was observed, and the cosmetic result was satisfying in both external and intranasal views. CONCLUSIONS: In the removal of rare nasal bone osteomas, endoscopic endonasal surgery could be preferred over an external approach because of its favorable cosmetic results, comfort for the patient, and graft viability.

Comparison of nasal mucociliary clearance in adenoid hypertrophy with or without otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pre- and postoperative mucociliary clearance in patients with adenoid hypertrophy or combined with otitis media with effusion. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1-patients with adenoid hypertrophy (AH), and Group 2-patients with AH and otitis media with effusion (AHOME). In all patients, AH size was recorded, and the Andersen saccharin and methylene blue tests were conducted before and 1 month after surgery to obtain mucociliary clearance time (MCT). Nasal cavity length was measured intraoperatively to establish mucociliary clearance velocity (MCV). Patients with allergic rhinitis, active infection, and history of nasal or ear surgery were excluded. RESULTS: This study included 64 patients with a mean age of 8.34 ± 2.98 years (range: 3-18 years). Pre- and postoperative MCT were 14.60 ± 4.83 and 9.48 ± 2.63 min in Group 1 and 16.03 ± 4.31 and 12.12 ± 3.78 min in Group 2, respectively. Pre- and postoperative MCV were 0.77 ± 0.30 and 1.16 ± 0.42 mm/min in Group 1 and 0.67 ± 0.16 and 0.89 ± 0.28 mm/min in Group 2, respectively. MCT and MCV were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups (p<0.001). In addition, the postoperative MCT and MCV of Group 1 were significantly better than those of Group 2 (p<0.001). Exposure to cigarette smoking and adenoid size had negative correlations with mucociliary clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Otitis media was associated with impaired mucociliary clearance and further studies should be performed to demonstrate the causes of this deficiency.

Endoscopic versus microscopic approach to type 1 tympanoplasty in children.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the outcomes of the endoscopic versus microscopic approach to type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the outcomes of 61 ears of 60 pediatric patients (33 male and 27 female) who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty were evaluated. One patient underwent a bilateral operation. The age range of the patients was 7-16 years. Group 1 underwent tympanoplasty with an endoscopic technique (n=32), and Group 2 underwent tympanoplasty with the conventional microscopic technique (n=29). A boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft was used in both groups. The outcomes were analyzed in terms of the hearing gain, duration of surgery, and graft success rate. RESULTS: In both groups, the postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was significantly lower than the preoperative ABG. There were no significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative ABG values (in dB) in either group. The mean operative duration in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 (51.37 vs. 67.03 min, respectively). In the preoperative evaluation, 65.6% of patients in Group 1 had larger perforations and 34.4% had smaller perforations. In Group 2, 58.6% and 41.3% of patients had larger and smaller perforations, respectively. Perforations were detected in two (6.25%), four (12.50%), and four (12.50%) of the patients in Group 1 at postoperative months 1, 6, and 12, respectively. Perforations were detected in two (5.71%) patients in Group 2 at postoperative months 1, 6, and 12. At 12 months postoperatively, there were smaller perforations in four (12.5%) of the children in Group 1 and in two (5.71%) of the children in Group 2. The difference between the perforation conditions (larger vs. smaller) was not significant in either group. The preoperative and postoperative increases in the ABG were associated. The operative duration was shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2. CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty, especially if the external ear canal is narrow and the anterior canal wall is prominent, the endoscopic and microscopic approaches appear to give equal results in terms of easy visualization of the entire tympanic membrane and no requirement for extra intervention to evaluate the ossicular system. A shorter operative duration is an advantage of the endoscopic tympanoplasty technique.

Bipolar cautery tonsillectomy using different energy doses: pain and bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: Tonsillectomies are the most frequently applied operations in the ENT practice. Even though different surgical tonsillectomy techniques have been used, bipolar cautery is the most frequently used one. Our aim was to compare postoperative bleeding rates, pain scores and recovery times in tonsillectomies performed by using bipolar cautery in Joules (1Watt·sec or Ws) calculated by multiplying Watts by the duration of cauterization. METHODS: Adenotonsillectomy and tonsillectomy patients, admitted to the Department of otorhinolaryngology of Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital and Mardin State Hospital, between January 2007 and December 2012 constituted the study group prospectively. The patients divided into 4 groups due to the energy they exposed. RESULTS: Patients in Group 1 recovered most rapidly (mean recovery time, 13.9 ± 1.8 days). Statistically significant results were obtained between Groups 1 and 4 and also Groups 2 and 4 when recovery times of the patient groups were evaluated with Bonferroni correction test. CONCLUSION: As a result, for hemostatic control, electrocauterization should be used at lower doses and short-term as possible so as to decrease frequency of bleeding episodes, alleviate postoperative pain and accelerate wound healing.

A new grafting technique for tympanoplasty: tympanoplasty with a boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (TwBSCPG).

The aim of this study was to introduce a new grafting technique in tympanoplasty that involves use of a boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (BSCPG). The anatomical and functional results were evaluated. A new tympanoplasty with boomerang-shaped chondroperichondrial graft (TwBSCPG) technique was used in 99 chronic otitis media patients with central or marginal perforation of the tympanic membrane and a normal middle ear mucosa. All 99 patients received chondroperichondrial cartilage grafts with a boomerang-shaped cartilage island left at the anterior and inferior parts. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted at months 1, 6, and 12. Preoperative and postoperative audiological examinations were performed and air-bone gaps were calculated according to the pure-tone averages (PTAs) of the patients. In the preoperative period, most (83.8%) air-bone gaps were ≥ 16 dB; after operating using the TwBSCPG technique, the air-bone gaps decreased to 0-10 dB in most patients (77.8%). In the TwBSCPG patients, the mean preoperative air-bone gap was 22.02 ± 6.74 dB SPL. Postoperatively, the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 8.70 ± 5.74 dB SPL. The TwBSCPG technique therefore decreased the postoperative air-bone gap compared to that preoperatively (p = 0.000, z = -8.645). At the 1-month follow-up, there were six graft perforations and one graft retraction. At the 6-month follow-up, there were nine graft perforations and three graft retractions. At 12 months, there were seven graft perforations and four graft retractions. During the first year after the boomerang tympanoplasty surgery, graft lateralization was not detected in any patient. Retractions were grade 1 according to the Sade classification and were localized to the postero-superior quadrant of the tympanic membrane. The TwBSCPG technique has benefits with respect to postoperative anatomical and audiological results. It prevents perforation of the tympanic membrane at the anterior quadrant and avoids graft lateralization due to placement of the graft under the manubrium mallei. Given these benefits, the TwBSCPG technique seems to be a good alternative for grafting in tympanoplasties.

Synovial sarcoma of the infratemporal fossa with intracranial extension.

Synovial sarcomas (SS) account for 7-8% of soft-tissue cancers and 3-5% of all cases with head and neck involvement. Synovial sarcoma of the infratemporal fossa is very rare In this article, we report the fourth case of SS of infratemporal fossa and the first case with intracranial extension via the foramen ovale. A 31-year-old man admitted with a one-year history of intense pain in his right jaw. On physical examination, there was only hyperesthesia over the right mandible side. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass in the infratemporal fossa and intracranial extension from the foramen ovale. The mass was surgically removed en bloc. Postoperative pathological examination reported the mass as a biphasic-type synovial sarcoma. The patient who received postoperative chemoradiotherapy had no recurrent disease for one year. The patient is still being followed in our clinic.