Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - Prevalence and Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) is a potential complication of anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF). There still is substantial disagreement on the actual prevalence of RLNP after ACDF as well as on risk factors for postoperative RLNP. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of postoperative RLNP in a cohort of consecutive cases of ACDF and to examine potential risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent ACDF between 2005 and 2019 at a single neurosurgical center. As part of clinical routine, RLNP was examined prior to and after surgery by independent otorhinolaryngologists using endoscopic laryngoscopy. As potential risk factors for postoperative RLNP, we examined patient's age, sex, body mass index, multilevel surgery, and the duration of surgery. RESULTS: 214 consecutive cases were included. The prevalence of preoperative RLNP was 1.4% (3/214) and the prevalence of postoperative RLNP was 9% (19/211). The number of operated levels was 1 in 73.5% (155/211), 2 in 24.2% (51/211), and 3 or more in 2.4% (5/211) of cases. Of all cases, 4.7% (10/211) were repeat surgeries. There was no difference in the prevalence of RLNP between the primary surgery group (9.0%, 18/183) versus the repeat surgery group (10.0%, 1/10; p = 0.91). Also, there was no difference in any characteristics between subjects with postoperative RLNP compared with those without postoperative RLNP. We found no association between postoperative RLNP and patient's age, sex, body mass index, duration of surgery, or number of levels (odds ratios between 0.24 and 1.05; p values between 0.20 and 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the prevalence of postoperative RLNP after ACDF was 9.0%. The fact that none of the examined variables was associated with the occurrence of RLNP supports the view that postoperative RLNP may depend more on direct mechanical manipulation during surgery than on specific patient or surgical characteristics.

[Late complications after tracheotomy in the nursing home]. / Spätkomplikationen nach Tracheotomie im ambulanten Pflegebereich.

BACKGROUND: Advances in modern intensive care have led to a sharp increase in the number of tracheotomies performed in intensive care units. In contrast to surgical epithelial tracheostomy (ST), a less sturdy stoma is created by means of percutaneous dilation of tracheotomy (PDT). The advantages of a PDT compared to ST are the simpler logistical efforts, associated cost reduction and minimally invasive nature of the process. However, due to variability in airway management, late complications can cause problems, especially in nursing homes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nursing facilities were given a standardized questionnaire which included information about patient type, tracheotomy type, cannula management protocol, TK management protocol, type of complications occuring at the tracheostoma as well as frequency. RESULTS: Nearly 66 % of the patients were treated with PDT. The complication rates of PDT patients were statistically and significantly higher for all observed complication types compared to the group of patients receiving ST care. 80 % of patients treated with PDT required readmission to clinic for tracheostoma revision, versus 23 % in the ST-patients. DISCUSSION: A PDT places special demands on the nursing staff in postoperative aftercare. The decision as to which form of tracheotomy is best suited to a particular patient should be made with a multidisciplinary team and depending on the indication. Given the probable long-term nature of the tracheotomy, a surgical tracheostomy should be the therapy of first choice.

Partial mandibulectomy without bony reconstruction in patients with oropharyngeal or mouth cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Resection of tumours of the oral cavity has significant consequences relating to function and aesthetic properties. Advancements in surgical techniques and microvascular surgery have enabled reconstructive outcomes to reach those of pre-surgery levels with good functional and aesthetic results. However, reconstructive options are not without complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report the outcome of 23 patients with large tumours of the oral cavity or floor of the mouth, who underwent resection of the tumour and parts of the mandible without bony reconstruction. The patient population consisted of 19 oropharyngeal carcinomas and four floor of the mouth cancers, all of which had stage cT4 (six female and 17 male patients), and with an average patient age of 59.8 years. The pre- and postoperative ability to open the mouth, level of pain while masticating, mastication function pre and post-surgery, and the aesthetic outcome post-surgery were measured. RESULTS: The results obtained were deemed pleasantly acceptable by the patients, from aesthetic, functional, and analgesic points of view. DISCUSSION: A thorough preoperative work up is required and discussion with a multidisciplinary team is a necessity. This treatment option is more acceptable to the patient than would be expected and provides a satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome. Therefore, we believe that partial mandibulectomy without bony reconstruction is an acceptable management option for a carefully selected group of patients who may not be suitable for the extensive surgery involved with bony reconstruction.

[Balloon dilation oft the Eustachian tube in tympanic membrane retraction]. / Stellenwert der Tubendilatation bei Mittelohradhäsivprozess.

OBJECTIVE: A tube dysfunction is a common medical issue and can promote chronic otitis media. With the implementation of the Balloon dilation a treatment of the chronic tube dysfunction was set. In the present study significance of this method was assessed, especially questioning the success in practical terms of tympanic membrane retraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, in a period of assessment from 2011 until 2016, the data of 81 patients, who underwent Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube due to chronic tube dysfunction with regard to a preoperative presence of tympanic membrane retraction were evaluated. The success of the Balloon dilation was judged due to the capability of a postoperative SVT- Test and the patients' self-assessment. With an average postoperative period of four months, the data of 13 patients were analyzed based on presence of pre- and postoperative tympanic membrane retraction. RESULTS: The treatment occurred at all cases without complications. In patients with chronic tube dysfunction the method revealed an improvement of 46 %, while 31 % of the patients with tympanic membrane retraction showed an improvement of the middle ear ventilation. Subjectively perceived 54 % of the patients marked an improvement of their clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: In spite of a self-assessed improvement in 54 % only 31 % of the patients with chronic membrane retraction showed an objectively measurable success. To evaluate the question if combination with other middle ear surgeries shows better results, further studies, including more patients and data, are required.

Current Practice: The Bilobed Flap from the Classic Indication to Cover a Small Defect on Face to Covering a Large Defect on the Chest.

A variety of flaps are available to cover skin defects after surgery or trauma in the head and neck area. The bilobed flap is a double transposition flap commonly used in reconstruction of small-to-medium skin defects of the face where skin is less mobile. However, larger defects can also be effectively treated with a bilobed flap in certain cases. The classic indication to cover a small defect on the nose and covering a large skin-defect after tumour resection in the jugular notch. After sufficient mobilization, the defects could easily be closed with no wound complications and with very good aesthetic and functional outcome. The bilobed flap, as a local flap, is possible in suitable locations even for larger skin defects. In addition to the simplicity of the procedure, good aesthetic results can be expected.

Effect of stapedotomy on pre-operative tinnitus and its psychosomatic burden.

OBJECTIVE: According to the literature, between 40 and 90% of otosclerosis patients suffering from hearing loss also suffer from tinnitus on the affected side. For a lot of these patients tinnitus represents a handicap that is just as debilitating as the hearing loss itself. The main goal of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis is a significant improvement in hearing loss, but frequent reports of reduced tinnitus after surgery suggest that this can be a positive side effect. METHODS: All patients who underwent stapedotomy were initially included in the study. Retrospectively, the tinnitus questionnaire as compiled by Goebel and Hiller was sent to the patients, and 34 patients (37 ears) replied. The pre- and postoperative cases of tinnitus were divided into compensated and non-compensated tinnitus. In addition the following tinnitus-related factors were evaluated: emotional, cognitive and mental burden; intrusiveness of the tinnitus; hearing problems; somatic ailments; and sleep disturbances. RESULTS: Over 80% of the patients surveyed suffered from tinnitus pre-operation. The tinnitus disappeared or improved in over 60% of the cases after stapedotomy. In addition, the related factors surveyed also improved appreciably post surgery and reached a significant level in patients with compensated tinnitus. CONCLUSION: Besides a significant improvement in hearing loss the intensity and the psychosomatic burden of a pre-operative tinnitus can be reduced by stapedotomy.

The value of PET compared to MRI in malignant head and neck tumors.

BACKGROUND: Reliable diagnosis plays an important role in the early detection of head and neck tumors. The objective of this study was to compare the value and clinical relevance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) regarding the assessment and the identification of head and neck tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1, 2005, to January 1, 2007, 120 patients suffering from carcinomas of the oropharynx and larynx were examined by means of MRI and PET. RESULTS: The difference between sensitivity and specificity of MRI and PET was not significant with regard to the diagnosis of primary tumors, recurrence, or cancer of unknown primary. A statistically significant difference between both methods only occurred for detectron of malignant lymph nodes of size >10 mm. CONCLUSION: In particular, the assessment of small tumors by MRI and PET is characterized by a high number of false-negative findings. The future of diagnostic imaging is likely to be a combination of both techniques, as a hybrid technique.

Etiology and treatment of osteonecrosis of the mandible.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Post-radiogenic osteonecrosis of the mandible is a serious complication in patients with combined treated head/neck tumors. Osteonecrosis of the mandible can also occur following administration of bisphosphonates. In the present article we would like to present our experiences over the last five years in treating both bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis and osteoradionecrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of the patients treated in our hospital for bone necrosis of the mandible between January 2005 and June 2010, 16 were diagnosed with infected osteoradionecrosis and 10 with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis. The patients with osteoradionecrosis were administered the classic osteomyelitis treatment. The same procedure was carried out on 5 of the 10 patients with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis; the remaining 5 were treated conservatively due to advanced bone infection. The bone biopsies and specimens of both entities yielded by the surgical interventions were examined histologically after decalcification. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients treated for infected osteoradionecrosis, 7 recovered after decortication and long-term antibiosis. In 7 cases consolidation did not occur until after osseous continuity resection. In 2 cases the progress of the intraosseous infection could not be stopped with treatment. A typical first symptom of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis was an alveolus that would not heal after a tooth extraction. In 50% of patients with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis recovery was successful with a combination of surgery and long-term antibiosis. In the other patients with advanced bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis no definitive cure for the infection of the necrotic bone was possible. CONCLUSION: In terms of treatment, osteoradionecrosis proves complex, yet easier to treat than bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis. The removal of the infected bone tissue is often necessary, but it does not always lead to recovery. Therefore it can be concluded that prevention of intraosseous infection by consistent pretherapeutic dental hygiene is especially important.

Surgical closure of nasoseptal defects: postoperative patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Nasoseptal defects are rather rare. The current therapy of choice is surgical closure. Objective clinical factors prove the efficacy of surgical intervention; however, to establish the quality of the procedure patients' subjective quality of life assessments must also be considered. METHODS: 31 patients participated in the study. The operation was always carried out according to the superior and inferior bipedicle bridge flap technique according to Schultz-Coulon. The patient survey was performed retrospectively, and patient satisfaction was evaluated using two different questionnaires: the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 German Adapted Version (SNOT-20 GAV SDT) expanded by Neumann [2010], and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). RESULTS: Evaluation of the GBI revealed significant improvements in the total score and the subscore 'general health' and therefore an improved quality of life. Evaluation of the SNOT-20 GAV SDT showed a significant reduction in the total score and a significant reduction in the primary nasal symptoms as well as in the items typical of septum defects and therefore less discomfort caused by the nasoseptal defect. CONCLUSION: As the gold standard for treatment of septum perforation, successful surgical closure leads to an improvement in subjective quality of life.

Patient satisfaction after lid loading in facial palsy.

Paralytic lagophthalmos is treated by pretarsal implantation of eyelid weights consisting either of rigid gold weights or flexible platinum chains. Functional results being good, subjective patient satisfaction has been examined only by a small number of studies. The aim of our study, conducted by means of a questionnaire, was to assess subjective patient satisfaction after implantation of different eyelid implants. Questionnaires were sent to 42 patients treated by pretarsal implantation of a gold weight (group 1) and 51 patients with a pretarsally fixed platinum chain (group 2). In total, 46 response sheets were evaluated (16 x gold weight, 30 x platinum chain) and the results were compared. In group 1, 75% of patients were very satisfied to satisfied with the overall result. In group 2, 100% of patients were very satisfied to satisfied with the overall result. In group 1, an infection occurred in 6.5% of patients, an extrusion in 6.5%, and a change of vision in 31%. In group 2, inflammation occurred in 13%, extrusion in 0%, and a change of vision occurred in 13% of patients. On a visual analogous scale from 1 to 10 (1, very good; 10, very poor), group 1 assessed the cosmetic result with an average grade of 3.8 and the functional result with an average grade of 3.1. Group 2 assessed the cosmetic result with the grade 2.9 and the functional result with grade 3.0. The implantation of an eyelid weight for treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos was assessed as positive by a majority of patients. When compared with conventional gold implants, patients who have been treated with a flexible platinum chain are overall more satisfied and have a more favorable subjective view of the cosmetic results.

Rehabilitation of the olfactory sense after laryngectomy: long-term use of the larynx bypass.

Patients who undergo laryngectomy typically lose their sense of smell. One device that has been used to rehabilitate olfactory function in these patients is the larynx bypass. We conducted a long-term study of the larynx bypass in 16 laryngectomized patients. After undergoing objective and subjective baseline evaluations, patients were asked to use the device at home for at least 30 minutes each day for 3 months. They were also asked to record in a diary subjective ratings of their sense of smell and the practicability of using the device every day. At study's end, patients experienced a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in olfactory function on objective measurement (Sniffin' Sticks testing). Subjective improvement was seen after 1 week (p < 0.001) and maintained throughout the study. Practicability scores improved statistically (p = 0.003), but the device remained difficult to use. The long-term use of the larynx bypass has not been studied previously, and we hope that our findings will serve as a basis for further investigation.

Temporary ectropion therapy by adhesive taping: a case study.

INTRODUCTION: Various surgical procedures are available to correct paralytic ectropion, which are applied in irreversible facial paresis. Problems occur when facial paresis has an unclear prognosis, since surgery of the lower eyelid is usually irreversible. We propose a simple method to correct temporary ectropion in facial palsy by applying an adhesive strip. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with peripheral facial paresis and paralytic ectropion were treated with an adhesive strip to correct paralytic ectropion. We used "Steri-Strips" (45 x 6.0 mm), which were taped on the carefully cleaned skin of the lower eyelid and of the adjacent zygomatic region until the prognosis of the paresis was clarified. In addition to the examiner's evaluation of the lower lacrimal point in the lacrimal lake, subjective improvement of the symptoms was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 1-10). RESULTS: 9 patients reported a clear improvement of the symptoms after adhesive taping. There was a clear regression of tearing (VAS (median) = 8; 1 = no improvement, 10 = very good improvement), the cosmetic impairment of the adhesive tape was low (VAS (median) = 2.5; 1 = no impairment, 10 = severe impairment) and most of the patients found the use of the adhesive strip helpful. There was slight reddening of the skin in one case and well tolerated by the facial skin in the other cases. CONCLUSION: The cause and location of facial nerve damage are decisive for the type of surgical therapy. In potentially reversible facial paresis, procedures should be used that are easily performed and above all reversible without complications. Until a reliable prognosis of the paresis can be made, adhesive taping is suited for the temporary treatment of paralytic ectropion. Adhesive taping is simple and can be performed by the patient.

Effect of 7.0 Tesla MRI on upper eyelid implants.

To ensure the MRI compatibility of various eyelid implants in high-field MRI, 3 eyelid weights made of pure gold (99.99%), pure platinum (99.95%), and a platinum (97%)/iridium (3%) alloy were examined in vitro. Temperature changes, position changes, and imaging artifacts of the different implants were determined in a small-bore 7.0 Tesla MRI system. The 7.0 Tesla MRI system demonstrated that none of the eyelid implants carried a risk of heating or dislocation; therefore, these implants are MRI compatible up to a magnetic field strength of 7.0 Tesla.

Behavior of metal implants used in ENT surgery in 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly important as an imaging technique in cross-sectional imaging of head and neck diseases. To investigate whether MRI examinations can be performed without risk in patients with metal implants even at higher field strengths, we examined different materials in 7 Tesla MRI. Implants near sensory organs like the middle ear or eye are of particular interest here. Using the 7 Tesla research MRI for small animals, we tested implants made of various metals like titanium, gold, gold/platinum, platinum/iridium, gold-plated silver, PTFE and stainless steel for heating, translocation and rotation according to a standardized protocol. A fiber optic temperature probe measured the heating of the implant before, during and after MRI scanning. None of the implants showed significant heating. The gold-plated stainless steel ventilation tube was the only implant to markedly change its position already in the Petri dish. Of the remaining implants, a trachea support ring, a nose dilatator and the wire from the ventilation tubes moved during vibration of the Petri dish. With exception of two implants, all implants changed positions in the water bath. In the swim test, the gold implants showed the least movement of all the implants. In this study, the properties of the non-ferromagnetic implant materials differed in the 7 Tesla MRI. Stainless steel ventilation tubes, the trachea support ring and the nose dilatator were not suited for the 7 Tesla MRI system, because they changed their position during MRI. In the case of ventilation tubes with a steel wire, the wire should be removed before MRI to prevent injury to the external auditory canal. There was a tendency for the pure gold implants to move less in the 7 Tesla MRI than all other tested materials. General statements cannot be made about the MRI suitability of different implants. Every implant should be individually examined to confirm its definitive MRI compatibility. Particularly, middle ear implants warrant special attention here due to their closeness to the oval window.

Measurement of upper eyelid implants curvature by ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION: The implantation of eyelid weights in the upper eyelid for treatment of the lagophthalmos in cases of facial paralysis was described for the first time in 1958 by Illig (lid loading). Whereas in the past, only rigid implants made of gold were used, flexible chains made of platinum are now being used frequently to optimize adaptation to the tarsal plate of the upper eyelid. The first step toward assessing the flexibility of the upper eyelid was to determine sonographically the various tarsal diameters of the upper eyelid in healthy eye subjects when the line of vision is changed. In a second step, patients who had received eyelid implants were examined sonographically both pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the curvature response of the upper eyelid after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate in 50 healthy eye subjects was sonographically determined using a 7.5 MHz scanner in a noncontact mode with subjects looking straight ahead and in the abduction position. Rigid gold implants were implanted in 23 patients, and flexible platinum chains were implanted in 24 patients to treat lagophthalmos in facial palsy. The implant diameter was also determined by ultrasound using a 7.5 MHz scanner in a noncontact mode with subjects looking straight ahead and in the abduction position. In addition, the respective upper eyelid tarsal diameters of the patients were sonographically determined preoperatively with subjects looking straight ahead and in the abduction position. RESULTS: The diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate in healthy eye subjects changes to a degree that is statistically significant (P < .001) when the line of vision is changed. The mean value of the diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate when looking straight ahead is 19.3 +/- 3.8 mm and in abduction position 30.1 +/- 6.3 mm. In the case of the rigid gold implants, the implant radius does not change postoperatively relative to the line of vision, in accordance with expectations. In contrast, in the case of the platinum chains, a statistically significant change (P < .001) in the implant diameter was found when the line of vision is changed, for a median postoperative follow-up period of 8 months. CONCLUSION: Changes in the upper eyelid tarsal plate diameter, which are dependent on the line of vision, and changes in the implant diameter after lid loading can be precisely represented using a 7.5 MHz scanner in the noncontact mode. The flexibility of the upper eyelid when the line of vision is changed also remains intact over an 8 month follow-up when using platinum chains as implant material and thus potentially serves to reduce postoperative complications as well.

[Multifocal adult rhabdomyoma of the neck: a rare entity]. / Wieloogniskowa postac rhabdomyoma adultum szyi.

Extracardiac rhabdomyoma comprise 2% of all tumors of skeletal muscle differentiation. Seventy percent of extracardiac rhabdomyoma occur in the head and neck region and have been subclassified into adult and fetal types. There are only about 100 cases reported in the literature. A review of the world literature revealed about 19 acceptable cases of benign, multifocal adult-type rhabdomyoma with a distinct male predominance. The pathogenesis of this benign striated muscle tumor is still unclear. These slow-growing tumors remain asymptomatic for a long period. The diagnosis of head and neck rhabdomyoma is based on histology and immunhistochemical studies. The differential diagnoses of rhabdomyoma in adults are myoblastoma or Abrikossof tumor, reticulohistiocytoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and hibernoma. We present a case of multifocal rhabdomyomas in the paratracheal and parapharyngeal space and discuss the clinicopathological features of this lesion. Although adult rhabdomyomas have a distinct histology, they often are mistaken for a variety of other lesions, particularly Abrikossof tumor. Light microscopy showed large round to elongated cells with granular, highly eosinophilic cytoplasm, often with peripheral vacuolation. Histology showed typical patterns of an adult type of rhabdomyoma with focal cross-striations. Immunhistochemically, all applied muscular markers were positive. Electron microscopic studies confirmed the tumor's myogenic origin. Myofibrils with Z band material, abundant mitochondria and glycogen particles were observed. Treatment is usually complete excision. Local recurrences have been reported in some cases; malignant degeneration is not known.

The platinum chain: a new upper-lid implant for facial palsy.

BACKGROUND: When using upper-lid gold implants in facial palsy, a certain percentage of undesired effects and complications are known to occur (eg, astigmatism, pseudoptosis, migration, bulging, and extrusion). Our flexible platinum chain implant adapts better to the changing radius of the tarsus with movement of the globe and reduces the complication rate. Platinum implants are smaller, owing to their higher density. OBJECTIVE: To compare the results with 33 gold and 30 platinum chain implantations. METHODS: Clinical follow-up study at a university otorhinolaryngology department. The mean follow-up was 11 months in the gold-implant group and 9 months in the platinum-implant group. The treatment consisted of pretarsal fixation of the metal weights to the upper lid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Criteria for evaluation of results include reduction of lagophthalmos and keratopathy and gain of visual acuity. Complications that have been assessed include astigmatism, bulging, migration, pseudoptosis, and extrusion of implants. We evaluated histological samples of the implant bed and performed ultrasound measurements of the tarsal radius. RESULTS: The restoration of lid closure was a visual and aesthetic improvement for all patients. We found a tendency toward a higher rate of complications with gold implants compared with platinum chains, especially for astigmatism and bulging. Ultrasonographic measurements showed ongoing flexibility of the platinum chains after implantation, and histological findings confirmed their good biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible platinum chain implants lead to better results with fewer complications compared with standard rigid gold implants.