[Endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy].

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques for resistant chronic rhinitis (rhinorrhoea) vary, ranging from vidian neurectomy to post-nasal neurectomy. The techniques vary mainly on the basis of instrumentation, and the avoidance of post-operative epistaxis, transient hypoesthesia of the soft palate and dryness of the eye. Endoscopic visualisation, and cauterisation or resection of posterior nasal nerve branches, can prevent such complications. METHOD: The technique and surgical steps of endoscopic posterior nasal neurectomy are presented. RESULTS: The critical steps include: bilateral sphenopalatine nerve blocks, transnasally or transorally via the greater palatine foramen; vertical incisions made behind the posterior fontanelle; and elevation of the mucoperiosteal flap. The sphenopalatine foramen and artery is identified. The posterior nasal nerve is located 4-5 mm inferior to the sphenopalatine artery, and is resected or cauterised. The flaps are repositioned back into place. No post-operative nasal packing is required. The same procedure is performed on the opposite side for effective results. CONCLUSION: This technique provides consistent, robust results, with long-term relief of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis related nasal symptoms, without risk of complication.

Endoscopic Tympanoplasty Using Nasal Septal Cartilage Allograft.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the morphological and functional outcomes in a series of 60 patients for whom Type I tympanoplasty was done using alcohol preserved nasal septal cartilage allograft through endoscopic permeatal route. The study was a prospective, interventional (surgical) study of 60 patients between October 2012 and September 2014. Patients were operated using 0°, 4 mm, 18 cm long Hopkin's rod endoscope through permeatal route. 70% ethyl alcohol preserved allogeneic nasal septal cartilage with thickness of around 0.5 mm was used for grafting. At the end of 6 months, final assessment of morphological outcome i.e. intact tympanic membrane and functional outcome i.e. reduction in Air Bone gap, was done. At the end of 6 months, 57 patients (95%) had intact tympanic membrane. Mean ABG in postoperative patients was 11.83 dB. The operative time taken in 42 patients (70%) was 30-45 min. 42 patients (70%) returned to normal activity in 3-5 days. Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty using allogenic nasal septal cartilage can be safely and effectively used for Type I tympanoplasty with good anatomical and audiological results with benefits of reduced operating time, morbidity, pain and 'No scar'.

Regression of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions following highly active antiretroviral therapy in an HIV-infected patient.

This case report documents that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can lead to the regression of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions in the auditory canal of an HIV-infected male from Chennai, India. In resource-limited settings where administering anti-KS chemotherapeutic agents may not be feasible, HAART alone can be an option in HIV-infected individuals with KS.

An unusual complication of intranasal antrostomi.

Intranasal antrostomies are performed for treating maxillary simusitis. Here we present a rare case, who developed maxillary simusitis as a complication of the previous inferior meatal intranasal antrostomy. This case also proves the current concept that even though the inferior meatal antrostomy opening may be patent, the drainage is through the natural ostium.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a thyroglossal cyst.

The incidence of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Thyroglossal Cyst is rare. Only about 160 cases have been reported in the last 85 years. We report a case of Thyroglossal Cyst who underwent Sistrunk ’s Operation. The Cyst was reported to contain a focus of papillary thyroid carcinoma. In the absence of metastases in thyroid gland and neck nodes, only thyroid suppression with Thyroxine was given. After I year of follow-up there are no metastases. The importance of Sistrunk’s operation lies not only in complete removal of Thyroglossal Cyst but also in management of small foci of Papillary thyroid Carcinoma.