ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) as an option for treatment of patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A cadaveric study of 5 temporal human bones was performed. Each bone underwent transnasal balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) with computed tomography and post-dilation histology. The procedure involved the dilation of the cartilaginous and bony portion of the Eustachian tube with a balloon catheter. RESULTS: BET is technically easy to perform. No damage to essential structures, particularly the carotid canal, was found. CONCLUSION: This newly introduced method seems to be a feasible and safe procedure to dilate the Eustachian tube.
Subject(s)
Catheterization , Eustachian Tube/surgery , Cadaver , Endoscopy , Eustachian Tube/diagnostic imaging , Eustachian Tube/pathology , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Pharynx/anatomy & histology , Temporal Bone/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the feasibility of balloon dilatation eustachian tuboplasty (BET) as an option for treatment of patients with eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: Ethics approved case controlled interventional study. METHODS: Eight patients were identified with poor ET function using a ET score and were assigned to the study. The endoscopic procedure involved the dilatation of the cartilaginous and bony portion of 13 ETs with a balloon catheter. Pre- and postinterventional computed tomography was performed. All patients were reassessed 1, 2, and 8 weeks after BET. RESULTS: BET was technically easy to perform. No damage to essential structures, particularly the carotid canal, was found in the human study. Patients revealed a significant improvement of the ET score comparing pre- and the 2-month post-treatment results. Improvement was found to be time dependent. CONCLUSIONS: This newly introduced method of BET was found to be a feasible and safe procedure to inflate the ET. It significantly helped to improve ET function in our study group. However, larger long-term studies are necessary to fully evaluate the clinical value of BET.
Subject(s)
Catheterization , Eustachian Tube , Acoustic Impedance Tests , Adult , Ear Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Ear Diseases/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Neurogenic tumors of the larynx are extremely rare. The goal of this report is to advert to this rare disease, to review and discuss diagnostics, differential diagnoses and treatment options. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case report and review of the literature. METHODS: Case report of a schwannoma of the supraglottic larynx and review of the English- and German-language literature regarding neurogenic tumors of the larynx. RESULTS: Neurogenic laryngeal tumors typically involve the supraglottic larynx, rarely the glottis. They can course globus sensation, dysphagia, dysphonia and upper airway obstruction. Imaging does not yield a definite diagnosis. The only curative treatment option is complete surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: A definite diagnosis can only be made histologically. Endoscopic (laser-) resection for smaller lesions and external approaches for larger lesions are recommended treatment options.
