Investigation of factors affecting pediatric type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty results and success rates of surgery.

OBJECTIVE: There are many factors that affect the results of tympanoplasty in children. Recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, and more serious complications due to cholesteatoma may be observed. This study examined factors affecting the success of type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty surgery in pediatric patients and investigated recommended procedures to increase the success of the operation. METHODS: Our study included pediatric patients who underwent type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty operation for chronic otitis media. Patient files were analyzed retrospectively. Hearing results before and after the operations were recorded.. Patients were divided into groups according to gender, age (<12 age group, ≥12 age group), and perforation type. Hearing results and physical examination findings were compared for each group. RESULTS: A total of 204 pediatric patients were included in our study: 114 were male and 90 were female. Patients' hearing results were compared according to the size and location of their tympanic membrane perforations. Hearing loss was found to increase as the size of the tympanic membrane perforation increased. In addition, it was observed that perforations in the posterior quadrant caused more severe hearing loss than in the other quadrants. The postoperative results of the two groups <12 years old, and ≥12 years old were evaluated according to age. Postoperative improvement was higher in the ≥12 age group compared to the <12 age group. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, tympanoplasty surgeries performed on patients younger than 12 have a decreased success rate. Among the many factors that affect the success of an operation, age is one of the most important. There are many factors that affect the results of the operation, perforation size and localization is one of them. There are many factors that affect the success of surgery such as pediatric patients and adult patients. It is useful to make a personal evaluation and to plan the surgery by evaluating the obstacles such as eustachian tube maturation and difficulty in postoperative care in pediatric patients.

Predicting the outcome after adenoidectomy-alone for adenoid hypertrophy causing sleep disordered breathing.

PURPOSE: By using preoperative parameters age, body mass index, nasopharyngeal obstruction as assessed using flexible videonasopharyngoscopy, and quality of life scores in patients undergoing adenoidectomy-alone because of adenoid hypertrophy causing sleep disordered breathing, we aimed to examine the relationship between the change in quality of life scores, and preoperative parameters and to develop a tool to predict the change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were scheduled for adenoidectomy-alone in a 12-month period were included. Flexible videnonasopharyngoscopy of the nasopharynx was performed. Nasopharyngeal obstruction was measured by using Image J software. Preoperative quality of life was evaluated using OSA-18 quality of life survey. OSA-18 survey has 5 subcategories consisting of sleep disturbance (O1), physical suffering (O2), emotional distress (O3), daytime problems (O4), caregiver concerns (O5). A question about the overall quality of life(O6) was added. Postoperative OSA-18 domain scores were obtained at the 3-month-follow-up. Preoperative OSA-18 subscores were compared to postoperative subscores. Linear regression analysis to predict the proportional change in OSA-18 subscores was performed. RESULTS: Our study group consisted of 94 cases. Mean postoperative O1, O2,O3, O4 and O5 scores were significantly lower compared to the preoperative scores. Mean postoperative O6 score was significantly higher. Linear regression analysis was carried out for predicting change in O1(r2 = 0.686; p = 0.006), O5(r2 = 0.711; p = 0.003) and O6(r2 = 0.757; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Change in quality of life scores for sleep disturbance, physical suffering and general quality of life may be predicted by using preoperative parameters.

Is fine needle aspiration biopsy reliable in the diagnosis of parotid tumors? Comparison of preoperative and postoperative results and the factors affecting accuracy / A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é confiável no diagnóstico de tumoresde parótida? Comparação dos resultados pré e pós-operatórios e fatores que afetam sua precisão

Abstract Introduction: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool in preoperative evaluation of head and neck tumors. However, its accuracy in management of salivary gland tumors is debatable. Objective: We aimed to investigate the efficacy and the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in parotid gland tumors. Methods: Patients who underwent parotidectomy between January 2008 and June 2017 due to parotid gland tumor were examined retrospectively. Patients with both preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy and postoperative surgical pathologies were included. Preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy was categorized as benign, malignant or suspicious for malignancy. Surgical pathology was grouped as benign or malignant. Surgical pathology was compared with fine needle aspiration biopsy, and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and agreement between both tests were investigated. Results: 217 cases were evaluated and 23 cases were excluded because the fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis was non-diagnostic or unavailable. 194 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 ± 15.88 (7-82). There were 157 benign, 37 malignant cases in fine needle aspiration biopsy, 165 benign and 29 malignant cases in surgical pathology. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (43.3%), and malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (4.13%). The diagnostic accuracy for fine needle aspiration biopsy when detecting malignancy was 86.52%. Sensitivity and specificity were 68.96% and 89.63% respectively. Positive predictive value was 54.05% and negative predictive value was 94.23%. There was moderate agreement between fine needle aspiration biopsy and surgical pathology (κ = 0.52). The sensitivity was 54.54% in tumors less than 2 cm while 77.77% in larger tumors. In tumors extending to the deep lobe, sensitivity was 80%. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating parotid gland tumors. It is more accurate in detecting benign tumors. In tumors greater than 2 cm and extending to the deep lobe, the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration biopsy is high. The use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in conjunction with clinical and radiological evaluation may help to reduce false positive and false negative results.

Resumo Introdução: A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação pré-operatória de tumores de cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, sua precisão no tratamento de tumores de glândulas salivares é discutível. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi investigar a eficácia e precisão da punção aspirativa com agulha fina nos tumores da glândula parótida. Método: Pacientes submetidos à parotidectomia entre janeiro de 2008 e junho de 2017 por tumor de glândula parótida foram examinados retrospectivamente. Foram incluídos pacientes com punção aspirativa com agulha fina pré-operatória e histopatologia cirúrgica pós-operatória. A punção aspirativa com agulha fina pré-operatória foi categorizada como benigna, maligna ou com suspeita de malignidade. O histopatológico cirúrgico foi agrupado como benigno ou maligno. Os exames histopatológicos foram comparados com a punção aspirativa com agulha fina e a sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e concordância entre os dois testes foram investigadas. Resultados: Foram avaliados 217 casos e excluídos 23 porque o diagnóstico da punção aspirativa com agulha fina não foi conclusivo ou estava indisponível. Portanto, foram incluídos 194 casos. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 47,5 ± 15,88 (7-82). Havia 157 casos benignos, 37 malignos na punção aspirativa com agulha fina e 165 benignos e 29 malignos na histopatologia. O tumor benigno mais comum foi o adenoma pleomórfico (43,3%) e o tumor maligno mais comum foi o carcinoma mucoepidermoide (4,13%). A acurácia diagnóstica da punção aspirativa com agulha fina na detecção de malignidade foi de 86,52%. A sensibilidade e especificidade foram de 68,96% e 89,63%, respectivamente. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 54,05% e o valor preditivo negativo foi de 94,23%. Houve concordância moderada entre a punção aspirativa com agulha fina e histopatológico (κ = 0,52). A sensibilidade foi 54,54% em tumores menores do que 2 cm e 77,77% em tumores maiores. Nos tumores que se estendiam até o lobo profundo, a sensibilidade foi de 80%. Conclusão: A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é uma importante ferramenta diagnóstica na avaliação dos tumores da glândula parótida. É mais precisa na detecção de tumores benignos. Em tumores maiores do que 2 cm que se estendem até o lobo profundo, a sensibilidade da punção aspirativa com agulha fina é alta. O uso dessa ferramenta em conjunto com a avaliação clínica e radiológica pode ajudar a reduzir os resultados falso-positivos e falso-negativos.

Is fine needle aspiration biopsy reliable in the diagnosis of parotid tumors? Comparison of preoperative and postoperative results and the factors affecting accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool in preoperative evaluation of head and neck tumors. However, its accuracy in management of salivary gland tumors is debatable. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the efficacy and the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in parotid gland tumors. METHODS: Patients who underwent parotidectomy between January 2008 and June 2017 due to parotid gland tumor were examined retrospectively. Patients with both preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy and postoperative surgical pathologies were included. Preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy was categorized as benign, malignant or suspicious for malignancy. Surgical pathology was grouped as benign or malignant. Surgical pathology was compared with fine needle aspiration biopsy, and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and agreement between both tests were investigated. RESULTS: 217 cases were evaluated and 23 cases were excluded because the fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis was non-diagnostic or unavailable. 194 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 47.5±15.88 (7-82). There were 157 benign, 37 malignant cases in fine needle aspiration biopsy, 165 benign and 29 malignant cases in surgical pathology. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (43.3%), and malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (4.13%). The diagnostic accuracy for fine needle aspiration biopsy when detecting malignancy was 86.52%. Sensitivity and specificity were 68.96% and 89.63% respectively. Positive predictive value was 54.05% and negative predictive value was 94.23%. There was moderate agreement between fine needle aspiration biopsy and surgical pathology (κ=0.52). The sensitivity was 54.54% in tumors less than 2cm while 77.77% in larger tumors. In tumors extending to the deep lobe, sensitivity was 80%. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating parotid gland tumors. It is more accurate in detecting benign tumors. In tumors greater than 2cm and extending to the deep lobe, the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration biopsy is high. The use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in conjunction with clinical and radiological evaluation may help to reduce false positive and false negative results.

Two-Hour Follow-Up is Equivalent to One-Day Follow-Up of Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short-term outcome for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (p-BPPV) after modified Epley's maneuver (mEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with p-BPPV between September 2017 and January 2018 in a tertiary care center were included. Patients were treated with mEM. Five follow-up points were set at one hour, two hours, one day, three days and one week. If Dix-Hallpike test (DH) was positive, mEM was performed and patient was scheduled for follow-up at the next follow-up point. If negative, the patient was accepted as completely resolved and scheduled for follow-up at one week. The proportion of completely resolved patients at each follow-up point, recurrence, lateral canal conversion rate and time were noted. A retrospective control group was created from patients treated for p-BPPV between April and August 2017. The outcome of the study and control groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 93 patients in study group. 63 (67.7%), 8 (8.6%), 3 (3.2%), 0 (0%) and 9 (9.7%) patients completely resolved at one-hour, two-hour, one-day, three-days and one-week follow-ups. 1.96±1.60 (1-5) mEMs were performed. Control group included 61 patients. At one-week follow-up a total of 83 (89.2%) patients in study group and 48 (78.7%) in control group were completely resolved(p=0.1043). In study group 5 (5.37%) of patients had lateral canal conversion within one day. 2(2.15%) had recurrence one day later after two-hour follow-up. The number of patients completely resolved at two-hour follow-up and before (76.34%) compared to the patients completely resolved at one-day follow-up and before (79.56%) were not significantly different (p=0.7235). CONCLUSION: Two-hour follow-up is equivalent to one-day follow-up of p-BPPV in terms of therapy outcome and adverse affects.

Effect of nose skin on the columellar incision scar in a Turkish population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the causes of columellar scar formation in a Turkish population in relation to nasal skin thickness, texture, and type and discuss possible solutions for better results. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. SETTING: Otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: The preoperative dermal thickness of 50 consecutive patients undergoing "external approach" septorhinoplasty was measured (using a 14 MHz ultrasound probe) at the midportion of the right and left nostril, tip, supratip, and columella. Surgery was performed using a middle columellar gullwing incision. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 6 months after surgery. Assessment of the columellar scar was performed according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale modified for columellar scars. The mean values of skin thickness measurements, skin type (according to the Fitzpatrick skin classification scale), skin texture (oily, combination, normal, dry, and sensitive types), smoking habit, and patient gender were recorded and compared with the columellar incision scar scores. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in healing between the skin thickness of the tip, supratip, left nostril, right nostril, columella and mean skin thickness values, skin types (Fitzpatrick 2, 3, 4, 5), skin textures, and smoking with regard to columellar scar formation (P > .05). However, men healed significantly better than women (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The columellar incision heals independently of the influence of skin thickness; texture; Fitzpatrick skin types 2, 3, 4, and 5; and smoking. Male gender seems to be a significant factor in healing.

Normal range of peak nasal inspiratory flow and its role in nasal septal surgery.

Nasal obstruction can be evaluated by objective and subjective methods. We sought to determine normative peak nasal inspiratory flow meter (PNIF) measurements of a healthy population in Turkey and to investigate the importance of PNIF in surgery for nasal septal deviation as well as to investigate the correlation of PNIF with subjective methods. In a total of 269 patients, 50 patients underwent septoplasty and 219 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Data on preoperative and postoperative PNIF measurements, nasal septal indices, and subjective measurements (visual analogue scale, VAS) were recorded. Mean PNIF value was 137.8 L/min in control subjects. Postoperative PNIF, VAS, and nasal septal index data were statistically significantly higher in the study group as compared with those of preoperative data. We found PNIF, VAS, and nasal septal indices of the control group to be consistent with postoperative data and to be higher than preoperative data of the study group. We identified a normal PNIF range for the healthy Turkish population and we saw that the data were compatible with VAS scores. PNIF seems to be a very effective method in the evaluation of nasal obstruction and in deciding operation.

The effect of intratympanic vitamin C administration on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of intratympanic injection of vitamin C on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The study included 24 albino adult female rats (48 ears). The study animals were divided into four groups each of which was composed of six animals including a control (intraperitoneal cisplatin), a cisplatin-saline (saline intratympanic + intraperitoneal cisplatin), a C vit (intratympanic vitamin C) and a cisplatin-C vit group (intraperitoneal cisplatin + intratympanic vitamin C). As two animals had died due to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (one in the control and one in the cisplatin-saline group) they were excluded from the study. The experiment was terminated, performing distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurement prior to procedures and at the end of the experiment. The results of the statistical analysis were evaluated. In the cisplatin-C vit group, there were no significant decreases in DPOAE amplitudes at 2 kHz (p > 0.05). Although a decrease was observed in DPOAE amplitudes at 2.8, 4, 6, and 8 kHz frequencies, these amplitude reductions were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Intratympanic vit C infusion provided a protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity primarily at 2 kHz and at other frequencies (2.8, 4, 6, and 8 kHz), and it did not produce a toxic effect in the cochlea.

A practical method for assessing nasal skin quality.

Nasal skin quality is an essential indicator of rhinoplasty outcomes. The objective of this study was to collect data on the nasal skin thickness of randomly selected Turkish men and women. The study involved 50 male and 50 female subjects. We measured the nasal dorsal skin thickness by pinching the sides of the nose upwards to produce a skinfold and then measuring the thickness of this skinfold with a Castroviejo caliper [A&A, Almecon Instruments]. We also measured the thickness of the right and left alar walls with the same caliper. In the male subjects, the mean nasal dorsal thickness and the mean overall, right, and left alar wall thicknesses were 4.02 ± 0.71, 3.99 ± 0.69, 3.98 ± 0.69, and 4.00 ± 0.69 mm, respectively. The corresponding values in the female subjects were 3.38 ± 0.56, 3.45 ± 0.66, 3.43 ± 0.67, and 3.46 ± 0.65 mm. In Turkish men, a nasal dorsum measuring greater than 4 mm can be considered "thick." In Turkish women, the mean nasal dorsal and alar wall thicknesses were 3.38 and 3.45 mm, respectively. Values greater than these are considered "thick." Either nasal dorsal thickness or alar wall thickness may be measured in men, but both must be measured in women scheduled to undergo rhinoplasty. Dark nasal skin and oily nasal skin tend to be thicker.

Septal perforation repair: mucosal regeneration technique.

A novel method for repair of septal perforations. Fifteen volunteers with symptomatic septal perforations were recruited. Open technique rhinoplasty approach was preferred: auricular conchal cartilage graft with intact perichondrium on both sides was harvested and shaped to fit the perforated site and attached to the septum with absorbable sutures. All margins of the graft were covered with nasal mucosa. The severity of patient symptoms was assessed at preoperation, 3 and 6 months postoperatively via visual analogue scale (VAS). Crust formation, whistling, nasal blockage, epistaxis and overall comfort were evaluated. Mucosal physiology was assessed by nasal mucociliary clearance time. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 years. Average perforation size was 1.86 ± 0.78 cm. 14/15 (93.3%) perforations were repaired, and only one patient required revision surgery. VAS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Mean mucociliary clearance time improved from 17.6 ± 3.83 to 10.3 ± 3.30 min and 9.3 ± 3.36 min at 3 and 6 months, respectively. This is a novel, simple and safe method for repairing the deficient mucosal area in septal perforations up to 25 mm in diameter.

The effect of montelukast sodium on serum arginase levels in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) imbalance appears to be important in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. NO is synthesized from l-arginine by NO synthase (NOS). Competing with NOS for l-arginine is arginase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of arginine to urea and ornithine. Therefore, increased serum arginase activity could potentially limit NO production catalyzed by inducible NOS, thus contributing to allergic rhinitis. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor antagonist, montelukast sodium on serum arginase levels in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR; treatment group) and 16 nonasthmatic patients without allergic rhinitis (control group) were included in the study. Serum arginase levels and the mean total nasal symptoms scores were measured before and after oral montelukast sodium (10 mg) was administered daily for 4 weeks to the treatment group. RESULTS: Serum arginase levels and the mean total nasal symptoms scores were significantly lower in the treatment group after montelukast sodium administration compared with the baseline levels (p = 0.001). Serum arginase levels were significantly lower in the treatment group compared with the control group (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the serum arginase levels of the treatment group before treatment and the control group (p = 0.05). There was a weak correlation between the mean total nasal symptoms scores and serum arginase levels in the treatment group before montelukast sodium administration (rs = 0.40; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Montelukast sodium may reduce serum arginase levels and total nasal symptoms scores of patients with SAR. Additional studies that compare the effectiveness of nasal corticosteroid and montelukast sodium on serum arginase levels should be conducted.

Haemostatic effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper(®) seen during adenoidectomy.

In Turkey, Ankaferd Blood Stopper(®) (ABS) has been approved for the management of external haemorrhages and bleedings occurring during dental surgeries (Goker et al., 2008). Ankaferd comprises a standardized mixture of plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica diodica. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AB S tam ponade in the control of intra-operative bleeding occurring during ad enoidectomy performed in children under the age of 12. Sixty children were randomized to receive 1 to 5 minute-tamponade with either ABS or topical gauze sponges soaked in saline solution (SS) during their ad enoidectomy.. Time-to-haemostasis and the number of packs required were recorded. A visual analog scale was used by the operating surgeon to record subjective data, including the rate of bleeding following the first adenoid pack removal (0= none, 3=brisk). Compared to the children in the SS group (n=30), time-to-haemostasis seen in ABS patients (n=30) was significantly shorter (mean ± standard deviation, 1.93 ± 1.39 min vs 3.20 ± 1.50 min; p<0.0001); they required a lower number of packs (mean, 1.93 vs. 3.20), and appeared to bleed less (53.3% vs 6.7%; p=0.0001). ABS aids in the control of intra-operative bleeding and reduces the number of packs required to achieve haemostasis, so that it can be recommended for tamponades per formed during paediatric adenoidectomies.

A rare vascular tumor of the external auditory canal: the capillary hemangioma.

A 32-year-old woman presented to our department with a 10-month history of right-sided intermittant otorrhagia. There was no history of hearing loss or pulsatile tinnitus. Otomicroscopic examination revealed a reddish mass arising from the right antero-superior portion of bony canal wall, which measured about 1 cm in diameter. The tympanic membrane seemed to be uninvolved. A computed tomography scan of the temporal bone showed 0.6 x 0.8 cm diameter soft-tissue mass arising from the right external auditory canal, 0.5 cm away from tympanic membrane. The lesion was excised via a transcanal approach under local anesthesia. The histopathologic assessment indicated a capillary hemangioma. There was no recurrence four years after the surgery. Hemangioma of the external auditory canal is a rare otologic entity. It is commonly classified as capillary or cavernous hemangioma. According to the literature, this case represents the second patient with capillary hemangioma of the external auditory canal.

Rhinolithiasis: a retrospective study and review of the literature.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 18 cases of rhinolithiasis treated in our clinic between 1990 and 2004. Age, sex, locations, diagnostic methods, and surgical technique were analyzed. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination and radiologic methods. Anterior rhinoscopy was performed in all patients and endoscopic evaluation in 14 patients. Plain-film x-rays of the paranasal sinus were taken in all patients, and computed tomography was performed in 5 patients. All rhinoliths were in the inferior meatus-11 right and 7 left. Patients' complaints were unilateral, foul-smelling rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. Five patients also had headache, and 2 had cleft lip and palate. Rhinoliths were removed under local anesthesia in 12 patients and under general anesthesia in 6. An anterior rhinoscopic approach was used in 4 patients and an endoscopic approach in 14. Four of the patients underwent additional procedures, such as septoplasty, endoscopic sinus surgery, and adenoidectomy. Rhinolithiasis should be suspected in every case with unilateral, foul-smelling rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. The treatment of choice is surgical removal under local or general anesthesia.

Ear deformity due to neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant neurogenetic disorder. It is associated with significant morbidity and results in substantial loss of function as well as significant cosmetic problems. Elephantiasis neurofibromatosa is the most impressive manifestation of the disease because of its size. In this setting, the lesion leads to massive overgrowth of both the skin and the associated soft tissue, causing disturbing deformities. The reported patient had huge plexiform neurofibromas involving both the external right ear and neck regions. Deformed external ear and neck regions were restored surgically with satisfactory cosmetic results.

[An evaluation of parotid gland masses]. / Parotis kitlelerinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent surgery for parotid gland masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients (25 females, 25 males; mean age 48.5 years; range 18 to 76 years) who underwent surgery for parotid gland masses were evaluated with regard to age, sex, preoperative diagnostic methods, histopathologic diagnoses, and surgical techniques. RESULTS: Preoperative diagnostic studies included ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological diagnoses were benign in 33 patients (66%), malignant in nine patients (18%), and tumor-like pathologies in eight patients (16%), the most common being pleomorphic adenoma (n=28, 56%), Warthin's tumor (n=4, 8%), and squamous cell carcinoma (n=4, 8%). Superficial and total parotidectomies were performed in 40 (80%) and 10 (20%) patients, respectively. Nine patients with malignant tumors also had neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy. Mortality occurred in one patient with metastasis to the parotid gland. One patient with lipoma developed recurrence two years after surgery. Follow-up was five years in 28 patients (56%), three years in 12 patients (24%), and two years in five patients (10%). Complete and transient facial paralysis developed in 10 patients and five patients following total and superficial parotidectomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Superficial parotidectomy is the minimal surgery for parotid gland masses. If the deep lobe of the gland is involved, total parotidectomy should be performed with preservation of the facial nerve. In malignant tumors, neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy should be added.

Bilateral congenital choanal atresia in a 51-year-old woman.

BACKGROUND: A 51-year-old woman with bilateral congenital choanal atresia (CCA) is presented. She had episodes of respiratory distress that were relieved by crying and worsened by breastfeeding during her newborn period. No other abnormality had been documented during her early childhood period and she had not undergone any surgical intervention or trauma to the nose. No other congenital anomaly was noted. METHODS: The diagnosis was established by endoscopic examination and computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses. RESULTS: She was treated successfully by a transnasal endoscopic surgical technique with short-term stenting. Follow-up examination 18 months after the surgery still showed patent neochoana. CONCLUSION: According to the English literature, this case represents the oldest patient with bilateral CCA presenting for the first time in adult life.