A feasibility study of using a high-definition intra-operative exoscope in teaching septorhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of using a high-definition intra-operative exoscope in teaching septorhinoplasty. METHODS: The exoscope was used in septorhinoplasty cases with different trainers and trainees. A high-definition screen displayed real-time, magnified images. Post-procedure, a questionnaire was completed by trainer and trainees, assessing the feasibility, safety and content validity of the exoscope as a septorhinoplasty training tool. RESULTS: Trainees and trainers assigned favourable ratings to all aspects of the exoscope as a training tool, particularly with regard to teaching anatomy and improving visualisation. CONCLUSION: The exoscope is a potentially effective training tool in septorhinoplasty, and is especially useful in improving visualisation, without restricting the operator. Annotatable intra-operative photographs and videos allow trainees to study cases outside of the operating theatre environment. The use of an exoscope for septorhinoplasty in the UK may facilitate increased hands-on involvement earlier in training than is currently typical.

The role of peripheral ocular length and peripheral corneal radius of curvature in determining refractive error

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to extend the knowledge of peripheral biometric component and its relationship to refractive status in healthy individuals by determining the correlation between peripheral ocular length to peripheral corneal radius ratio and the refractive error.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on thirty-three healthy adult participants. Refractive error was assessed objectively and subjectively and recorded as the mean spherical equivalent. Central and peripheral ocular lengths at 30° were assessed using partial coherence interferometry under dilation with 1% tropicamide. Central and peripheral corneal radius of curvature was assessed using Scheimpflug topography. Peripheral ocular lengths at 30° were paired with peripheral corneal curvatures at the incident points of the IOLMaster beam (3.8mm away from corneal apex) superiorly, inferiorly, temporally and nasally to calculate the peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius ratio. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution and spread of the data. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to present the association between biometric and refractive variables.Results: Refractive error was negatively correlated with the axial length-central corneal radius ratio (r=−0.91; p<0.001) and with 30° peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius ratio in all four meridians (r≤−0.76; p<0.001). The strength of the correlation was considerably lower when only axial length or peripheral ocular lengths were used.Conclusion: Using the ratios of peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius to predict refractive error is more effective than using peripheral corneal radius or peripheral ocular length alone. (AU)

The role of peripheral ocular length and peripheral corneal radius of curvature in determining refractive error.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to extend the knowledge of peripheral biometric component and its relationship to refractive status in healthy individuals by determining the correlation between peripheral ocular length to peripheral corneal radius ratio and the refractive error. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on thirty-three healthy adult participants. Refractive error was assessed objectively and subjectively and recorded as the mean spherical equivalent. Central and peripheral ocular lengths at 30° were assessed using partial coherence interferometry under dilation with 1% tropicamide. Central and peripheral corneal radius of curvature was assessed using Scheimpflug topography. Peripheral ocular lengths at 30° were paired with peripheral corneal curvatures at the incident points of the IOLMaster beam (3.8mm away from corneal apex) superiorly, inferiorly, temporally and nasally to calculate the peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius ratio. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution and spread of the data. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to present the association between biometric and refractive variables. RESULTS: Refractive error was negatively correlated with the axial length-central corneal radius ratio (r=-0.91; p<0.001) and with 30° peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius ratio in all four meridians (r≤-0.76; p<0.001). The strength of the correlation was considerably lower when only axial length or peripheral ocular lengths were used. CONCLUSION: Using the ratios of peripheral ocular length-peripheral corneal radius to predict refractive error is more effective than using peripheral corneal radius or peripheral ocular length alone.

Hospital admission rates, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality for common acute care conditions in COVID-19 vs. pre-COVID-19 era.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of COVID-19 upon acute care admission rates and patterns are unknown. We sought to determine the change in rates and types of admissions to tertiary and specialty care hospitals in the COVID-19 era compared with pre-COVID-19 era. METHODS: Acute care admissions to the largest tertiary care referral hospital, designated national referral centers for cardiac, cancer and maternity hospital in the State of Qatar during March 2020 (COVID-19 era) and January 2020 and March 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era) were compared. We calculated total admissions, admissions for eight specific acute care conditions, in-hospital mortality rate, and length of stay at each hospital. RESULTS: A total of 18,889 hospital admissions were recorded. A sharp decline ranging from 9% to 75% was observed in overall admissions. A decline in both elective and non-elective surgeries was observed. A decline of 9%-58% was observed in admissions for acute appendicitis, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, bone fractures, cancer, and live births, whereas an increase in admissions due to respiratory tract infections was observed. Overall length of stay was shorter in the COVID-19 period possibly suggesting lesser overall disease severity, with no significant change in in-hospital mortality. Unadjusted mortality rate for Qatar showed marginal increase in the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a sharp decline in acute care hospital admissions, with a significant decline in admissions due to seven out of eight acute care conditions. This decline was associated with a shorter length of stay but not associated with a change in in-hospital mortality rate.

Protective effect of garlic extract against maternal and foetal cerebellar damage induced by lead administration during pregnancy in rats.

BACKGROUND: In spite of its industrial usefulness and varied daily uses, lead (Pb) pollution is a widespread ecological problem that faces the humans in the 21th century. Pb was found to produces a wide range of toxic effects including neurotoxicity especially to the developing and young offspring. Recently, the utilisation of herbal plants has received a significant attention where there has been rising awareness in their therapeutic use; among these is the garlic. In light of the above, the current study is designed experimentally in female pregnant rats in order to investigate the beneficial role of garlic extract in the protection from the maternal and foetal cerebellar damage produced by administration of different doses of Pb during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Positively pregnant female rats were divided into five groups; one control group, two Pb-treated groups (exposed to 160 and 320 mg/kg b.w. of Pb, respectively) and two groups treated with both Pb and garlic (exposed to Pb as previous groups together with 250 mg/kg b.w./day of garlic extract). Treatments started from day 1 to day 20 of pregnancy, where the mother rats of different experimental groups were sacrificed to obtain the foetuses. Pb level in the maternal and foetal blood and cerebellum was estimated by spectrophotometry. Specimens of the cerebellum of different mother and foetal groups were processed to histological and immunohistochemical staining for microscopic examination. RESULTS: The results showed that administration of Pb to pregnant rats resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity for both mothers and foetuses in the form of decrease in maternal weight gain, placental and foetal weights, brain weight and diminished foetal growth parameters, which were prominent in rat's group treated with larger dose of Pb. In Pb-treated rats, Pb level in blood and cerebellum was high when compared with the control group. The histopathological examination of the cerebellum of treated dams and foetuses showed marked alterations mainly in the form of Purkinje cell degeneration and lack of development of foetal cerebellum. Co-treatment of garlic extract along with Pb resulted in a significant decrease in Pb levels as compared with those treated with Pb alone with improvement of the histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study was useful in evaluating the hazardous effects of uncontrolled use of Pb in general and in assessing the developmental and neurotoxicity of foetuses due to exposure during pregnancy in particular. Co-administration of garlic has beneficial effects in amelioration of Pb-induced neurotoxicity and reversing the histopathological changes of the cerebellum of mother rats and foetuses. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 1-15).

Impact of developing a multidisciplinary coded dataset standard on administrative data accuracy for septoplasty, septorhinoplasty and nasal trauma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a multidisciplinary coded dataset standard for nasal surgery and to assess its impact on data accuracy. METHOD: An audit of 528 patients undergoing septal and/or inferior turbinate surgery, rhinoplasty and/or septorhinoplasty, and nasal fracture surgery was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 200 septoplasties, 109 septorhinoplasties, 57 complex septorhinoplasties and 116 nasal fractures were analysed. There were 76 (14.4 per cent) changes to the primary diagnosis. Septorhinoplasties were the most commonly amended procedures. The overall audit-related income change for nasal surgery was £8.78 per patient. Use of a multidisciplinary coded dataset standard revealed that nasal diagnoses were under-coded; a significant proportion of patients received more precise diagnoses following the audit. There was also significant under-coding of both morbidities and revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary coded dataset standard approach can improve the accuracy of both data capture and information flow, and, thus, ultimately create a more reliable dataset for use outcomes and health planning.

Advocating the Use of Absorbable Sutures for Columellar Incisions Following Open Rhinoplasty.

Rapidly absorbable skin sutures have been found to be of use in numerous settings including for the closure of the columellar incision following open rhinoplasty. Its removal does not routinely require trimming, and the sutures tend to fall off with minimal intervention 10-14 days postoperatively. This practice has a good acceptance by patients and utilises less resources in the follow-up period. Level of evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Doyle-Saleh blink reflex.

OBJECTIVES: When performing septoplasty or septorhinoplasty, we have observed that patients blink on injection of local anaesthetic (lidocaine 1 per cent with adrenaline 1:80 000) into the nasal mucosa of the anterior septum or vestibular skin, despite appropriate general anaesthesia. This study sought to quantify this phenomenon by conducting a prospective audit of all patients undergoing septoplasty or septorhinoplasty. METHODS: Patients were observed for a blink reflex at the time of local anaesthetic infiltration into the nasal vestibule. Also measured at this point were propofol target-controlled infusion levels, remifentanil rate, bispectral index, blood pressure, heart rate, pupil size and position, and patient movement. RESULTS: There were 15 blink reflexes in the 30 patients observed. The average bispectral index value was 32.75 (range, 22-50) in the blink group and 26.77 (range, 18-49) in the non-blink group. No patients moved on local anaesthetic injection. CONCLUSION: The blink reflex appears to occur in 50 per cent of patients, despite a deep level of anaesthesia. Without an understanding and appreciation of the blink reflex, this event may result in a request to deepen anaesthesia, but this is not necessary and surgery can proceed safely.

The beneficial roles of insulin and parathyroid hormones in the treatment of experimentally induced diabetic osteoporosis in female rats: bone mineral density, morphometric and histological studies.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis are two frequent medical conditions with an increasing prevalence in elderly people and are responsible for large number of incurable fractures. This study is designed experimentally in female rats in order to determine whether combined treatment of insulin and parathyroid hormone (PTH) enhances the reversibility of the osteoporotic changes that occurred in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 30 adult female rats aged 3 months were used, they were randomly divided into: control group (6 rats) and diabetes group (24 rats), in which experimental DM was induced by i.p. injection of a single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg/body weight). Diabetic group was further divided into four subgroups (6 rats each): non-treated diabetic, insulin-treated (8-12 units s.c./day of Humalin U-40), PTH-treated (6.0 µg s.c./kg/day) and combined insulin and PTH-treated subgroups. All tested groups were assessed for body weight, food and water consumptions. RESULTS: At the end of the experimental period, the bone mineral density (BMD) was measured for all rats of different groups; then the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for measuring glucose, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. Right femora were dissected out and subjected to measurement of diameter of neck and shaft, length of shaft, and weight. Then the femora specimens were processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological study. The results showed that there was a statistically significant, decrease in BMD, increase in the level of alkaline phosphate, and decrease in the level of osteocalcin in rats in diabetic group compared with other groups; these parameters improved in other groups, especially in diabetes/insulin/PTH group. The rats in diabetic group showed statistically significant decrease in neck and shaft diameters and weight of femur bone compared with other groups, while rats in diabetes/insulin/PTH group showed a significant improvement of these parameters. In diabetic group, there were different histopathological changes in cortical bone and Haversian canals, which improved in other groups, especially in rats in diabetes/insulin/PTH group. CONCLUSIONS: The untreated DM resulted in dramatic reduction in BMD and morphometric parameters. Treatment with insulin ameliorated these effects to some extent, while PTH co--treatment had a more positive effect. The combination of PTH and insulin resulted in stronger improvement of all parameters to approximately like those of control rats.

Double seal technique to obliterate the eustachian tube orifice: a novel method for the treatment of recalcitrant cerebrospinal fluid leak.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel and effective surgical technique for the treatment of refractory cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea after skull base surgery. The novel surgical technique is described and the findings of a review of relevant world English-language publications are reported. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old woman, otherwise fit and well, presented with more than a 2-year history of right-sided facial pain. A diagnosis of classical trigeminal neuralgia was made. Surgical treatment was undertaken with a retromastoid suboccipital craniotomy. Post-operatively, the patient showed signs of right-sided cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea which was recalcitrant. In light of a continuous leak and several hospital admissions, a novel technique was performed whereby the eustachian tube orifice was obliterated using an endonasal endoscopic approach. The technique proved to be successful, with no further leakage. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic obliteration of the eustachian tube using a double seal technique is a simple, safe and effective procedure in the treatment of a refractory cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Scytalidium dimidiatum associated invasive fungal sinusitis in an immunocompetent patient.

BACKGROUND: Scytalidium dimidiatum is a soil and plant pathogen that frequently affects fruit trees, but can also cause human infection. There are only two reported cases of invasive fungal sinusitis involving this rare micro-organism. OBJECTIVE: This paper reports the first case of invasive fungal sinusitis caused by Scytalidium dimidiatum occurring in a young immunocompetent patient from a non-endemic region, and discusses potential sources of exposure and relevance of local factors. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: The patient was treated successfully with a combination of functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and antifungal and corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: This paper describes the first reported case of invasive fungal sinusitis secondary to Scytalidium dimidiatum in a young immunocompetent patient from a non-endemic region. Importance is placed on following a systematic process of investigation and management, and adhering to well-defined basic surgical principles.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal drainage of an aggressive petrous apex cholesterol granuloma: unusual complications and lessons learnt.

OBJECTIVES: This case report describes the endoscopic transsphenoidal management of a cholesterol granuloma situated in a technically challenging part of the petrous apex, and the associated peri- and post-operative complications that arose. The literature on diagnosis and management of petrous apex cholesterol granulomas is reviewed. METHOD AND RESULTS: Surgical intervention was attempted on three occasions, each time via an endoscopic, transsphenoidal approach with image guidance. The procedure was abandoned on the first occasion as there was a significant risk to the carotid artery; only a small drainage ostium was created because of the proximity of the carotid artery. The second attempt, complicated by copious bleeding from the clival venous plexus, was arrested prematurely. Successful drainage was achieved at the third attempt, but recovery was complicated by tension pneumocephalus. CONCLUSION: The transnasal route is less invasive than a lateral labyrinthine or cochlear approach, and spares cochlear and vestibular function. However, this approach is not without risk. It is important to consider the natural anatomical variance of vasculature when planning surgical intervention for a lesion situated in a technically challenging part of the petrous apex. Additional magnetic resonance venography is recommended to circumnavigate the venous plexus, thereby avoiding an unexpected breach.

Optimising outcomes in the management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea.

BACKGROUND: To describe our experience of the management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea in a large case series focusing on surgical approach, peri-operative management and outcomes; to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic CSF leak repairs. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhoea managed from 2003 to 2011 at a tertiary referral centre. Data regarding demographics, presentation, site of leak, peri-operative management, surgical approach, body mass index (BMI), follow up and success rates was collated. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were identified: 9 male and 27 female with a mean age of 50.4 years. Eight patients had previous failed repairs in other units. Success rate after first surgery was 89 % and after second surgery was 100 %. Four patients had recurrences, 3 underwent successful revisions and the fourth had complete cessation of the leak after gastric bypass surgery and weight reduction. All failures were before 2004 prior to instigation of an anatomic three-layered repair with no further failures in the following 7 years. Mean follow up was 21.5 months. Mean body mass index was 34.0 kg/m2. Fifty percent of spontaneous leaks were from the cribriform plate, 22 % sphenoid, 14 % ethmoid and 14 % frontal sinus. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic CSF fistula closure has become the gold standard of care. In order to optimise the outcome, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach to manage the associated idiopathic intracranial hypertension and an anatomic three-layered closure technique for recalcitrant cases.

Modified Lothrop procedure in cystic fibrosis patients: does it have a role?

BACKGROUND: The management of frontal sinus disease in cystic fibrosis patients represents a challenge for many surgeons. Procedures can vary from the minimally invasive to those involving extensive open surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the outcomes of the endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure, in terms of safety and morbidity, for cystic fibrosis patients with frontal sinus disease who did not improve following traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery. METHOD AND RESULTS: The study setting was a tertiary referral unit in a London teaching hospital, the largest national base for adult cystic fibrosis patients. Two patients diagnosed in childhood with cystic fibrosis presented with histories of recurrent, severe frontal sinusitis; both had previously undergone multiple endoscopic sinus surgical procedures. The modified Lothrop procedure was performed on both patients. The outcome measures were symptom resolution and post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure was beneficial in the cystic fibrosis patients with frontal sinus disease who failed to respond to standard functional endoscopic sinus surgery procedures.

Nasal sarcoidosis: a cause for a medical rhinoplasty?

OBJECTIVE: We report the use of triamcinolone injections to correct severe nasal deformity due to sarcoidosis, as an alternative to formal surgical rhinoplasty. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old woman with a long-standing history of sarcoidosis presented to a tertiary referral rhinology clinic complaining of breathing difficulty and nasal deformity. Flexible nasoendoscopy revealed red nasal plaques typical of nasal sarcoidosis, together with significant widening of the nasal bridge. Triamcinolone, a long-acting corticosteroid, was injected both intralesionally and subcutaneously over the nasal dorsum, at zero, three and eight months, resulting in long-lasting improvement of the nasal shape. CONCLUSION: Sarcoidosis is a non-caseating, granulomatous, epithelioid inflammation. Otorhinolaryngological manifestations occur in approximately 10 per cent of patients; however, there is little published experience of nasal reconstruction in such patients. We describe a quick, simple and relatively cost-effective technique, with little or no co-morbidity, with which to improve the aesthetic and symptomatic outcomes of nasal sarcoidosis.

The menthol and cold sensation receptor TRPM8 in normal human nasal mucosa and rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Menthol and cold sensation trigger symptoms and reflex responses in the upper airway, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. We have therefore studied nerve fibres expressing the menthol and cold receptor TRPM8 in normal human mucosa, and in rhinitis. TRPM8 nerve fibres were compared with those expressing other TRP receptors including TRPV1 (capsaicin and heat receptor), and TRPA1 (mechano-cold receptor). METHODS: Immunohistology and image-analysis were used to study TRP receptors in biopsies of nasal turbinate from control subjects, patients with allergic rhinitis, and non-allergic rhinitis. RESULTS: TRPM8-immunoreactive nerve fibres were observed in the sub-epithelium, and were profuse around blood vessels in deeper regions, where they were markedly greater in number than TRPV1+ fibers. Image analysis of TRPM8 in sub-epithelial and vascular regions showed no significant differences between control and the rhinitis patient groups. TRPA1-immunoreactivity was weak and seen rarely in nerve fibres. CONCLUSION: We show that TRPM8 nerve fibres are abundant in nasal mucosa particularly around blood vessels, and may mediate neurovascular reflexes. TRPM8 antagonists deserve consideration for therapeutic trial in rhinitis.

Estimating the effect of nasal steroid treatment on repeat polypectomies: survival time analysis using the General Practice Research Database.

BACKGROUND: Intranasal steroids are effective in preventing or delaying recurrence of nasal polyps. However, their effectiveness in delaying a need for repeat polypectomy in clinical practice is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To compare time to a repeat polypectomy between post-polypectomy intranasal steroid users and non-users. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE: Our cohort consisted of patients in GPRD who had undergone at least one nasal polypectomy procedure in or after the year 2000. These patients were followed for up to 4 years and the time to next polypectomy was estimated. Cox`s proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the effect of post polypectomy intranasal steroid treatment on time to the next polypectomy after controlling for other respiratory conditions and their treatment. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 1,675 patients with a mean age of 59 years and 68% males. Of these, 576 patients were post-polypectomy steroid users and 1,099 patients were steroid non-users. The median time to repeat polypectomy was 812 days among the steroid users and 736 days among steroid non-users. Significantly less proportion of intranasal steroid users experienced a repeat polypectomy compared to steroid non-users. This difference was consistent among subgroups of females and concomitant rhinitis treatments users. Patients with post polypectomy intranasal steroid use showed lower risk for a repeat polypectomy compared to steroid non-users. Concomitant rhinitis medication users showed a higher risk whereas other confounders were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal steroids were effective in delaying a repeat polypectomy. However, further research using a prospective design is necessary to quantify the benefit of ongoing steroid treatment.

Image-guided, endoscopic removal of migrated titanium dental implants from maxillary sinus: two cases.

OBJECTIVE: We present two cases of dental implant migration into the maxillary sinus, with subsequent removal via image-guided, transnasal endoscopy. METHOD: Presentation of clinical cases, together with a literature review of alternative surgical techniques, the theories behind implant migration, and the benefits of an image-guided, endoscopic approach. RESULTS: One patient was asymptomatic, and the other had begun to experience sinogenic symptoms after implant displacement. Both patients presented to the ENT clinic, and both underwent the BrainLab protocol to generate computed tomography images for navigational reconstruction. Transnasal endoscopy was carried out with this guidance, and the implants were removed successfully in both cases. Previously used surgical techniques such as the Caldwell-Luc procedure or extraction through the tooth socket have higher rates of conversion to open procedures, more damage to the nasal sinuses and higher post-operative complication rates compared with the transnasal endoscopic approach. CONCLUSION: Both patients underwent successful removal of their migrated dental implants with no complications, and neither required any follow-up intervention.

Anatomical variation of sciatic nerve division in the popliteal fossa and its implication in popliteal nerve blockade.

The sciatic nerve (SN) originates from the L4-S3 roots in the form of two nerve trunks: the tibial nerve (TN) and the common peroneal nerve (CPN). The TN and CPN are encompassed by a single epineural sheath and eventually separate (divide) in the popliteal fossa. This division of the SN occurs at a variable level above the knee and may account for frequent failures reported with the popliteal block. We studied the level of division of the SN in the popliteal fossa and its relationship to the common epineural sheath of the SN. The level of division of the SN sheath into TN and CPN above the knee was measured in 30 cadaver specimens. The SN was invariably formed of independent trunks (TN and CPN) encompassed in one common epineural sheath. The SN divided at a distance range of 50 to 180 mm above the popliteal fossa crease. The present findings suggest that the TN and CPN leave the common SN sheath at variable distances from the popliteal crease. This finding and the relationship of the TN and CPN sheaths may have significant implications for popliteal nerve block.

Image guidance removal of a foreign body in the orbital apex.

Retrieval of foreign bodies lodged in the orbit present a challenging surgical problem. The trans-nasal approach when combined with image-guided navigation allows clear identification of structures and increased safety. We report a case of a successful removal of a foreign body under image-guidance using a trans-nasal approach.