Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: a radiological and clinical study.

Aim: to assess radiologically the prevalence of SSCD with its clinical presentations and its relationship with age. Methods: a prospective cohort study carried out on 200 consecutive patients (400 temporal bones). Radiological evaluation was performed using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) with measurement of thickness of bone covering superior semicircular canal (SCC), height and diameter of SSC. Results: Two hundred patients (400 temporal bones) were involved. The mean thickness ± SD, the mean diameter ± SD and the mean height ± SD were 1.38 ± 0.80 mm, 0.94 ± 0.26 mm and 10.91 ± 2.39 mm respectively. The prevalence of SSCD and predehiscence were 1% and 14% respectively. The commonest symptom encountered was autophony (48.3%). When the SSC thickness, diameter and height were compared with the age of patients, statistically significant differences were detected. The highest diameter, lowest height and lowest thickness were found in patients aged from 54 to 72 years. Thickness of bony layer covering SSC was found to be the most validated measurement for differentiation between cases with positive and negative symptoms with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The prevalence of SSCD and predehiscence varied among the studies. Autophony is the commonest symptom usually encountered. The condition is acquired rather than congenital. The thickness of bone covering SCC is the most validated measurement in differentiation between cases with positive and negative symptoms.

Predictors of effusion viscosity in otitis media with effusion: neutrophil lymphocyte ratio versus mean platelet volume.

OBJETIVOS: comparar entre el índice de linfocitos neutrófilos (NLR) y el volume plaquetario medio (VPM) en la predicción de la viscosidad del derrame en otitis media con derrame. MATERIALES Y MéTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 248 niños con derrame en el oído medio. Se evaluaron hemogramas completos (CBC) preoperatorios. Se registraron los valores de NLR y MPV. La viscosidad del derrame se evaluó durante la cirugía mientras se aspiraba el derrame después de la miringotomía. De esta forma se clasificaron 2 tipos de derrames; tipos serosos y mucoides. RESULTADOS: se reportaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en NLR y MPV entre los tipos serosos y mucoides. Los valores de corte de NLR y MPV para diferenciar entre derrames serosos y mucoides fueron 1,21 y 7,95 respectivamente. Cuando se compararon NLR y MPV, NLR pareció tener mayor sensibilidad, especificidad y precisión que MPV. CONCLUSIóN: NLR es superior a MPV como predictor de la viscosidad del derrame en otitis media con derrame. Ambos marcadores se consideran rentables y fiables para la evaluación de la viscosidad del derrame.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: classic versus reversal technique.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hearing outcome and surgical complications between endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective single blinded randomized clinical study carried out on 60 patients with otosclerosis who were randomized into two groups; each containing 30 patients. Patients in group 1 underwent endoscopic classic stapedotomy. Patients in group 2 underwent endoscopic reversal stapedotomy. Both groups were compared as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications. RESULTS: The difference in the hearing outcome between the two groups was statistically non-significant. Post-operative closure of the air bone gap (ABG) within 10 dB was attained in 76.67% and 80% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The differences in the surgical complications between the two studied groups were statistically non-significant. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic classic and reversal stapedotomies are comparable to each other as regards hearing outcome and surgical complications. The authors recommend further studies with relatively larger sample size.

Endoscopic transcanal management of incus long process defects: rebridging with bone cement versus incus interposition.

OBJECTIVES: to compare hearing outcomes between endoscopic transcanal rebridging with bone cement and endoscopic transcanal incus interposition in patients with incus long process defects secondary to chronic suppurative otitis media (inactive mucosal type). METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 83 ears of 83 consecutive patients with incus long process defects secondary to chronic suppurative otitis media (inactive mucosal type). According to the extent of incus long process erosion and subsequent ossiculoplasty technique, patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients in group 1 had erosion involving up to two thirds of the length of the incus long process and underwent endoscopic transcanal rebridging with bone cement. Patients in group 2 had erosion involving more than two thirds of the length of the incus long process and underwent endoscopic transcanal incus interposition. RESULTS: Hearing gain (mean ± standard deviation) was 21.39 ± 2.15 dB in group 1 and 19.71 ± 6.12 dB in group 2. A significantly greater hearing gain was achieved in bone cement group than in incus interposition group (P value < 0.001). Successful hearing outcome (post-operative air bone gap closure within 20 dB) was achieved in 81.6% and 71.1% of patients of group 1 and group 2 respectively. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic transcanal rebridging with bone cement offers greater hearing gain than endoscopic transcanal incus interposition. The two techniques remain reliable and cost-effective techniques in management of patients with incus long process defects. The main limitation of this study was the short follow-up period. Further studies with relatively long-term follow-up are strongly recommended.

Correlation of Eustachian tube function with the results of type 1 tympanoplasty: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate Eustachian tube (ET) function tests and their impact on outcomes of tympanoplasty in patients with inactive chronic suppurative otitis media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and having a central dry perforation. Assessment of the ET function was done for all included cases by three tests; pressure swallow equalization test, saccharine test and methylene blue test. The primary outcome is the graft success rate defined as intact graft without any residual perforation at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include hearing assessment and possible associated complications. RESULTS: 64 patients were included in the study with an average age of 36.59 ± 11.96 years. All patients underwent assessment of the ET function by saccharine test, methylene blue test and pressure equalization test (PET) followed by microscopic post-auricular tympanoplasty. Successful tympanoplasty is achieved in 93.75% of cases with residual perforation in four patients. Mean air-bone gap is significantly improved from 23.73 ± 2.80 preoperatively to 10.93 ± 5.46 postoperatively. Results of Methylene blue test has no statistical impact on graft take rate (p value = 0.379), while saccharine test and pressure equalization test results have statistically significant correlation with graft success (p value ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Saccharine and Pressure equalization tests have a good positive correlation with the graft healing in tympanoplasty, while methylene blue test was found to have no correlation with the success rate.

Chorda tympani injury during endoscopic versus microscopic stapes surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury between endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 88 patients who were randomly divided into two groups: endoscopic stapedotomy group (n = 44) and microscopic stapedotomy group (n = 44). The incidence of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury after surgery was determined by both subjective taste testing and chemical taste tests, before and after surgery. The results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The total number of patients who were identified as having CTN affection (based on the chemical testing) was 16 out of 88 (18.2%). The incidence was significantly lower in the endoscopic group (n = 2) than the microscopic group (n = 14) (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Altered taste as a result of iatrogenic CTN injury can affect the patients' quality of life. Endoscopic ear surgery offers better visualization, less need for extensive manipulation of the chorda tympani, and consequently decreased incidence of CTN injury.

The effect of intra-nasal tetra sodium pyrophosphate on decreasing elevated nasal calcium and improving olfactory function post COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction is recognized as a symptom of COVID-19. Reports revealed the nasal calcium increase has adverse effects on olfactory function. Tetra sodium pyrophosphate, a chelating agent, can bind calcium and help improve olfaction. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with olfactory dysfunction persisting for more than 90 days after COVID-19 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups that received either 0.9% sodium chloride or 1% tetra sodium pyrophosphate for topical application. Olfactory function was tested with the Sniffin' Sticks test before treatment and 1 month later. In addition, nasal calcium was determined with an ion-selective electrode. RESULTS: After topical application of tetra sodium pyrophosphate compared to sodium chloride, improvement from anosmia to hyposmia with decrease in calcium level was demonstrated. As for the results of tetra-sodium pyrophosphate, 81% showed improved olfactory function and 19% did not exhibit olfaction improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal application of tetra sodium pyrophosphate may be associated with improvement in olfactory function after COVID -19 infection. Trial registration Ethical Committee of Damietta Faculty of Medicine approved this study on January 2021 (approval number, IRB 00012367-21-03-010).

Traumatic facial nerve paralysis dilemma. Decision making and the novel role of endoscope.

Objective: The management of traumatic facial nerve paralysis (FNP) has remained a controversial issue with conflicting findings arguing between surgical decompression and conservative management. However, recent advances in endoscopic surgery may consolidate the management plan for this condition. Methods: This prospective clinical study included patients with posttraumatic FNP at a tertiary referral center. Patients were categorized in two main groups: surgical and conservative. Indications for surgery included patients with immediate and complete FNP, no improvement in facial function on medical treatment, with electroneurography showing >90% degeneration or electromyography showing fibrillation potential. Patients who did not satisfy this criterion received the conservative approach. The transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) or endoscopic assisted transmastoid approach was performed for facial nerve decompression in the surgical group. Outcome: The main outcome was facial function improvement, assessed using the House Brackmann grading scale (HBGS) 6 months after surgery, and hearing state assessed using the air bone gap (ABG). Results: The study included 38 patients, of whom 15 underwent had surgical decompression and 23 underwent conservative therapy. A significant improvement in facial nerve function from a mean of 4.66 ± 0.97 to 1.71 ± 0.69 (P = 0.001) and ABG from a median of 30 (10-40) to 20 (10-25) (P = 0.002) was observed. Conclusion: Decision-making in cases of traumatic FNP is critical. The geniculate ganglion and tympanic segment were the most commonly affected areas in FNP cases. The TEA represents the most direct and least invasive approach for this area.

Endoscopic transcanal attico-antrostomy versus endoscopic-assisted canal wall up mastoidectomy in management of localized cholesteatoma: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty with attico-antrostomy with endoscopic-assisted canal wall up mastoidectomy in treatment of cases of limited attic cholesteatoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized single-blinded study involving 40 patients with limited attic cholesteatoma was conducted. Randomization of the patients into two groups was done; 20 patients are managed by endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty with attico-antrostomy, while the other 20 patients are managed by endoscopic-assisted canal wall up mastoidectomy. Primary outcome is recidivism, while secondary outcomes include hearing results, operative time, pain score and associated complications. RESULTS: Comparable recidivism rate was found in the two groups. The endoscopic-assisted canal wall up mastoidectomy group was associated with significantly longer duration of surgery and higher postoperative pain score. There was no significant difference between both the groups regarding hearing results and associated complications. CONCLUSION: In localized attic cholesteatoma cases, endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty with attico-antrostomy is a time-saving less-invasive reliable technique with good eradication results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04959539) "retrospectively registered" at 12/7/2021.

Role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in management of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse in OSA.

INTRODUCTION: Non-response to palatal surgery for OSA is a problem. Residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse is the proposed mechanism of failure. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in non-responders to primary palatal surgery with residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that was conducted on patients who underwent transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18-years, OSA proved by the polysomnography with apnea hypopnea index >15, lateral wall collapse at the level of hypopharynx as proved by drug-induced sleep endoscopy and had a previous tonsillectomy or previous palatal surgery for OSA. Exclusion criteria were those with no history of tonsillectomy or any other surgery for OSA and those with a missed followup. Data of included patients were collected and included gender, age, polysomnographic data like the apnea hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation and the calculated preoperative Epworth sleepiness scale. The early outcome included symptom improvement as measured by Epworth sleepiness scale score and lateral pharyngeal wall evaluation by nasopharyngoscopic examination in the first postoperative month. Late outcome measurement was performed by the 6-month postoperative polysomnography. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. RESULTS: The study included 37 patients with a mean age of (40.43 ±â€¯6.51). The study included 26 men and 11 women. There was a statistically significant improvement of apnea hypopnea index from 37.8 ±â€¯9.93 to 9.9 ±â€¯2.55. In addition, a statistically significant improvement of lowest oxygen saturation from 78.9 ±â€¯3.39 to 83.3 ±â€¯3.31 was encountered. The patients improved clinically, and this improvement was measured by statistically significant improvement of Epworth sleepiness scale score and snoring visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION: Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty widens the retropalatal airway and has a great role in the management of the vertical palate phenotype. In addition, it can have a role in the management of lateral walls, especially lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse.

Nutritional predictors of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy: A multivariate analytic study in a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate analysis, the configuration of nutritional predictors that impact the development pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after total laryngectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study carried out on 203 consecutive patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection between June 2015 and June 2020. Patients with risk factors for PCF formation, other than malnutrition, were excluded to eliminate the potential impact of that risk factors on PCF formation and to make the study group homogenous. Five parameters were evaluated including preoperative serum prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST). RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin, albumin and transferrin levels significantly correlated with PCF development. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative prealbumin level was the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF (P value <0.001, odd ratio 11.951 [95% CI 3.686-38.749]) followed by preoperative albumin (P value 0.006, odd ratio 3.985 [95% CI 1.485- 10.694]). CONCLUSION: Preoperative prealbumin level is considered the best independent nutritional predictor of PCF. It should be used to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing total laryngectomy and hence their need for nutritional support.

Role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in management of lateral pharyngeal wall collapse in OSA / Papel da faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino no tratamento do colapso da parede lateral da faringe na AOS

Abstract Introduction Non-response to palatal surgery for OSA is a problem. Residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse is the proposed mechanism of failure. Objective This study aims to evaluate the role of transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty in non-responders to primary palatal surgery with residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse. Methods This is a retrospective study that was conducted on patients who underwent transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for residual lateral wall hypopharyngeal. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 18-years, OSA proved by the polysomnography with apnea hypopnea index >15, lateral wall collapse at the level of hypopharynx as proved by drug-induced sleep endoscopy and had a previous tonsillectomy or previous palatal surgery for OSA. Exclusion criteria were those with no history of tonsillectomy or any other surgery for OSA and those with a missed followup. Data of included patients were collected and included gender, age, polysomnographic data like the apnea hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation and the calculated preoperative Epworth sleepiness scale. The early outcome included symptom improvement as measured by Epworth sleepiness scale score and lateral pharyngeal wall evaluation by nasopharyngoscopic examination in the first postoperative month. Late outcome measurement was performed by the 6-month postoperative polysomnography. Data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results The study included 37 patients with a mean age of (40.43 ± 6.51). The study included 26 men and 11 women. There was a statistically significant improvement of apnea hypopnea index from 37.8 ± 9.93 to 9.9 ± 2.55. In addition, a statistically significant improvement of lowest oxygen saturation from 78.9 ± 3.39 to 83.3 ± 3.31 was encountered. The patients improved clinically, and this improvement was measured by statistically significant improvement of Epworth sleepiness scale score and snoring visual analogue scale. Conclusion Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty widens the retropalatal airway and has a great role in the management of the vertical palate phenotype. In addition, it can have a role in the management of lateral walls, especially lateral wall hypopharyngeal collapse.

Resumo Introdução A ausência de resposta à cirurgia palatina para AOS é um problema. O colapso residual da parede lateral da hipofaringe é um mecanismo de falha proposto. Objetivo Avaliar o papel da faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino em pacientes que não responderam à cirurgia palatina primária com colapso residual da parede lateral da hipofaringe. Método Estudo retrospectivo que será feito em casos que receberam faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino para parede lateral da hipofaringe residual. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade maior que 18 anos, AOS comprovada por polissonografia com índice de apneia e hipopneia > 15, colapso da parede lateral ao nível da hipofaringe comprovado por endoscopia do sono induzido por drogas e submetidos a amigdalectomia ou cirurgia palatina anterior para AOS. Os critérios de exclusão foram pacientes sem histórico de amigdalectomia ou qualquer outra cirurgia para AOS e aqueles com perda de seguimento. Os dados dos pacientes incluídos foram coletados e incluíram sexo, idade, dados polissonográficos, como índice de apneia e hipopneia, dessaturação de oxigênio e a escala de sonolência de Epworth calculada no pré‐operatório. O desfecho inicial incluiu melhoria dos sintomas medida pelo escore da escala de sonolência de Epworth e avaliação da parede lateral da faringe por exame nasofaringoscópico no primeiro mês do pós‐operatório. A medida do desfecho tardio foi feita pela polissonografia pós‐operatória de 6 meses. Os dados foram analisados no programa SPSS. Resultados O estudo incluiu 37 pacientes com média de 40,43 ± 6,51 anos. O estudo incluiu 26 homens e 11 mulheres. Houve uma melhoria estatisticamente significante do índice de apneia e hiponeia de 37,8 ± 9,93 para 9,9 ± 2,55. Além disso, foi encontrada uma melhoria estatisticamente significante da menor saturação de oxigênio de 78,9 ± 3,39 para 83,3 ± 3,31. Os pacientes melhoraram clinicamente e essa melhoria foi medida pela melhoria estatisticamente significante no escore da escala de sonolência de Epworth e na escala escala visual analógica do ronco. Conclusão A faringoplastia com avanço transpalatino alarga a via aérea retropalatina e tem um papel importante no manejo do fenótipo do palato vertical. Além disso, ela pode ter um papel no manejo das paredes laterais, especialmente no colapso da parede lateral da hipofaringe.

Endoscopic stapedotomy: Merits and demerits.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical microscopes are still preferred to perform stapes surgery; but the use of the endoscopes would offer much benefits such as good panoramic view and easy accessibility to the oval window niche, the stapes and facial nerve. In this study, we aimed to analyze and compare the outcomes and complications of endoscopic versus microscopic stapes surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This work was done at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt, between September 2015 and July 2016. The patients; diagnosed as having otosclerosis and full filled the selection criteria; were randomly divided into 2 groups. RESULTS: The group A (microscopic group) included 28 patients (aged 19-60 years) and the group B (endoscopic group) included 14 patients (aged 22-56 years). Mean follow-up durations were 4.5 months (1-8.5) in the endoscopic group and 5.5 months (1.5-8) in the microscopic group. The difference in preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap in two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.031). But there was no statistical difference for hearing results between two groups and the two techniques have similar audiological outcomes. The main merits of endoscopic stapedotomy are the good quality panoramic image, well identification and visualization of vital structures of the middle ear, minimal handling of chorda tympani nerve if needed with practically no curettage of bony wall. CONCLUSIONS: The present series shows that it is possible to perform stapes surgery using only the 4mm in diameter and 18cm long endoscopes of different angulations, without major difficulties.

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin: a new graft material in endoscopic repair of spontaneous CSF leaks.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous CSF leak is a challenging condition, with frequent recurrences following attempted surgical closure. The selection of graft materials depends on the experience of the operating surgeon. Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that has currently invaded every surgical specialty. To our knowledge, no previous reports about the use of L-PRF in repair of CSF leak were published. The study was conducted to assess the potential role of L-PRF in spontaneous CSF leaks repair. METHODS: This prospective controlled study was conducted on 40 patients who were randomly divided into 2 groups: In group A, L-PRF was used in addition to another layer, while patients in group B underwent multilayer repair using traditional graft materials. RESULTS: Preoperative HRCT scan showed bony dehiscence (n = 30) and opacity in a nearby sinus (n = 9). MRI findings varied between empty sella in 28 patients, and meningocele in 19 patients. Mean preoperatively measured CSF pressure was 26.6 cm H2O. Cribriform plate was identified as the commonest site of leaks. Multiple skull defects were detected in 2 cases. Failure of repair was found in 3 patients (15%) of group B and 1 patient (5%) of group A, this difference was statistically insignificant (P value = 0.28). Significance correlation between recurrence of CSF leak and elevated intracranial pressure was observed (P value; 0.04). CONCLUSION: L-PRF was found to be a good adjunct material in endoscopic spontaneous CSF leaks repair. It helps in decreasing the number of layers needed for defect closure.