Laryngotracheal Stenosis: A Retrospective Analysis of Their Aetiology, Diagnose and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Laryngotracheal stenosis created as a result of a long-term consequence of prolonged endotracheal intubation is a state of narrowing of the airway, which, depending on the degree of narrowing, can be from an asymptomatic to a potentially life-threatening condition. AIM: To understand the severity of postintubation laryngeal stenoses, their diagnosis, endoscopic evaluation, endoscopic and surgical treatment and their success in a multi-year period realised in the University Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat in Skopje, Macedonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through a proper history, physical examination, endoscopic and imaging evaluation of the ear, nose and throat in the Clinic, in the period of 8 years, that is, from 2010 to 2017, laryngotracheal stenosis was diagnosed in a total of 36 patients. During this period, 24 male or 66.7% were diagnosed, as were 12 female subjects or 33.3% of diagnosed patients. Of the analysed total of 36 patients, by Mayers cotton classification, 14 or 38% are patients with grade 1 stenosis, 5 or 13% are grade 2, and 10 or 27% are grade 3, while 7 or 19% are grade 4 stenosis. RESULTS: It is essential for all laryngotracheal stenoses to exist or to provide a breathing path that depends on the degree of stenosis. Further course of treatment also depends on the characteristics of the stenotic zone that is visualised endoscopically. At the Clinic for ear nose and throat in Skopje, endoscopic treatment was performed through a series of dilatations within 21 patients, or 58 % of the examinee, as well as the administration of mitomycin and corticoderates in 21 patients or 52% of the examinee. The applied actions and procedures had shown 100% outcome on stenoses not longer than 2 cm, who have a fibro-inflammatory scar and by Myer cotton classification 1 and second stadium. Patients that have failed endoscopic treatment, surgical treatment are a method of choice. Surgical treatments have been performed in 4 patients with realised end of the anastomosis, and 3 crycotracheal reconstructions, which is decannulated. After an extensive follow-up of these patients, depending on their condition, multiple endoscopic evaluations have been decannulated to 21 patients or 58%, and after a series of multiple unsuccessful endoscopic treatments, a condition with tracheal stoma occurs in 8 patients or 22% of the examinee. CONCLUSION: The observations indicate that the methods used, which are explained previously, have good effects in terms of the achieved outcomes. Due to limited resources, it is necessary to improve new methods and approaches in the treatment of stenoses, depending on their type and severity, thereby improving patient outcomes. Also, to reduce laryngotracheal stenoses, appropriate tubes and low pressure of the caffeine in the endotracheal tubules should be used.

Simultaneous Presentation of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Meniere's Disease - Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common clinical entities, which develops spontaneously in most of the cases, but it can be secondary as a result of different conditions such as head injuries, viral neurolabyrinthitis, Meniere's disease and vertebrobasilar ischemia. The aim of presenting this case is to point out to the need of taking a precise clinical history and performing Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre in all patients who complain about vertigo regardless of the previously diagnosed primary disease of the inner ear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old female patient presented with the classical triad of symptoms for Meniere's disease (fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear, tinnitus and fullness in the same ear and rotary vertigo), two years later complained of brief episodes of vertigo linked to changes in head position relative to gravity. Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre showed a classical response in the head-hanging right position. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in the same ear was diagnosed in this patient. After treatment with Epley's canal repositioning manoeuvre for a few days, the symptoms of positional vertigo resolved. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend complete audiological and otoneurological evaluation in all patients with vertigo for timely recognition/diagnosis of any inner ear associated pathology.

The Pillars of the Nose-Crura Shortening for Over Projected Nose.

BACKGROUND: The over projected nose, commonly referred to as the "Pinocchio" nose is a significant challenge to the rhinoplasty surgeon. Firstly, we speak about a very large nose, and secondly, we speak about the correction of nasal cartilages (alar and triangular). Surgical correction of the over projected nose is the most difficult and least predictable component of rhinoplasty surgery. AIM: By performing rhinoseptoplasty we aimed to achieve an ideal landmarks position according to concepts of nasal projection as well as by making preoperative analyses to determine the ideal position for the nasal tip after having understood and defined the ideal position for the nasion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients who were admitted to ENT University Clinic, University Campus "St. Mother Theresa" Skopje, the Republic of Macedonia in the period 2011-2019. A total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study; 46 women (33%) and 24 men (33%). Operative technique rhinoseptoplasty was realised in 70 patients. All of the 70 (100%) patients underwent preoperative and postoperative evaluation during this period regularly to record the effects of various approaches on nasal projection, rotation, need for revision, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: All patients used one or more of the preferred methods to treat over projection. Patients who had undergone 2 previous rhino/septoplasty procedures were excluded from the study, and hence, a total of 70 patients were evaluated. Full-transfixion incisions were made in all patients. From 2011 to 2019, in 72 cases, 1 or more of the preferred methods were used to treat over projection. CONCLUSION: The crural anatomy of the nasal tip relates to the size and shape of the lower lateral cartilages (LLC) and their relationship with the caudal septum and upper lateral cartilages (ULC). Modification of nasal tip rotation and projection should attempt to preserve or reconstruct major tip mechanisms.

Justification for Rhinoseptoplasty in Children - Our 10 Years Overview.

BACKGROUND: Nasal septal surgery and rhinoplasty are controversial in children. Traditionally, an attitude of restraint has been employed by most surgeons till an empirical age of 16 to 18 years. This is to avoid the possible adverse effects that the growth spurts may have on the nose and midface region. AIM: The aim of this paper was to present the results of rhinoplasty in children in order to restore the anatomy and function or to promote normal development and outgrowth of the nose. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety seven children aged 6-14, with severe nose deformities and breathing problems through the nose, were admitted for septo/rhinoplasty at the University Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat, Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. At our Clinic, they have been observed and photographed (with parent permission) in the period of 10 years (2006-2016). The most frequent cause of these deformities was the nasal trauma in early childhood which was ignored or untreated. All of them rhino/septoplasty were indicated in accordance with the above-mentioned recommendations for rhino/septoplasty in early childhood and in adolescents. RESULTS: In 51 children and adolescents septoplasty were prepared. Mostly there was a group of younger children age from 6-10 (68%) and adolescents (32%). In the other 31 children and adolescents, septorhinoplasty was prepared. Mostly there were children older than 12 years old and adolescents (70%). Only 30% were younger than 12 years, of course with severe nasal breathing problems, nasal septal deformities and deformities of the nasal pyramid. CONCLUSION: The growth centres of the nose have to be avoided if possible; long-term nasal issues will theoretically be minimised. If the surgeon replaces it, the cartilage of the nose becomes straighter but still intact.

The Impact of the Nasal Trauma in Childhood on the Development of the Nose in Future.

AIM: To prevent and to treat nasal trauma in children properly, because it can lead to displacement or depression of the nasal bones or septum. Second, our aim was, for the patient to recognise and create a mature decision for eventual nose changes which will be made with the operative intervention or they are not mature enough and the decisions were made by their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our retrospective study was made at University Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat, Faculty of Medicine, Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje in the period of 6 years (2005-2016). Seventy-three patients were admitted with recent or previous nasal trauma or nasal deformity. The first group of 32 were children and adolescents from 6-14 years old who were admitted to our hospital because of recent nasal trauma. The second group of 41 children and adolescents from 6-14 years old were admitted to our hospital because of previous nasal trauma, which was not treated on time, or it was not treated properly. They were admitted to our clinic for surgical intervention septo/rhinoplasty. The second group of patients fills the brief psychological questioner prepared by Clinical psychiatrist from University Clinic of Psychiatry, in Skopje, and their psychological reactions were taken into consideration. RESULTS: Eleven of the children and adolescents who had nasal fracture without dislocation, who have no symptoms, minimal swelling, and no septal deviation or hematoma, were observed with a specific follow-up: 3 days after nasal fracture, then every week in the first month, after 1 month, and after 3 months period. Sixteen of children and adolescents who had a nasal fracture with subluxation of nasal septum were operated with closed reduction (repositio nasi) under general anaesthesia. The others with septal hematomas and subperichondrial abscess were treated as in adults' patients. The second group of 41 children and adolescents from 6-14 years old consisted with with the previous nasal trauma which was not treated on time or it was improperly treated. In 24 (58.54%) of these patients septoplasty was performed and in 17 (41.46%) was performed rhino septoplasty. CONCLUSION: Often, difficult septal deformations in children are followed with deformation of the nasal pyramid (rhino scoliosis, rhino lordosis). In those cases, we cannot solve septal pathology without nasal pyramid intervention in the same time and opposite. Clinical reports have not produced solid evidence for the statement that septal surgery has no negative effect on nasal growth or can serve for correcting abnormal growth. The functional and esthetic problems of the patient, however, mean a continuous stimulus for further clinical and experimental investigations.

Enduring Personality Changes after Intense Stressful Event: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: World statistical data show that a large number of individuals suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to the intense traumatic event. PTSD can have a chronic course with enduring changes in the functioning of the person. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report two adult individuals of different gender and education who were exposed to the extremely severe stressful event after which difficulties in psychological functioning developed. The first case we present is a 46-year-old man, with completed high education, divorced, father of two children, who lives with his parents, and is retired. Disorders appeared 20 years ago when he was exposed to extremely severe stressful events in war circumstances that included captivity, torture, and loss of fellow soldiers. The second case is a 50-year-old female patient, with a university degree, professor of art, married, and mother of two children of whom the son died six years ago. She suffered from disorders after the sudden injury of her son that ended with his death. CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic stress disorder after the intense stress is a risk of development enduring personality changes with serious individual and social consequences.

Psychological Patient Reactions after Septorhinoplasty - Our Personal View.

AIM: The aim of our study is to observe adequate and inadequate psychological reactions in patients who are candidates for septorhinoplasty, before and after surgery and to create an adequate psychological model of a person suitable for septorhinoplasty in this group of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 140 patients with nasal septal deviation (deviatio septi nasi), alone or together with other nasal deformities, were observed in the period of 4 years (2011-2015 year). Our patients were psychologically observed using two standard psychological tests: Patients selection for septorhinoplasty and their psychological abilities ("Self-body image" questionnaire) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) test. RESULTS: Most of the patients 43 (39.8%), thought that after rhinoseptoplasty their self-confidence arise, 32 (29.63%) expected changing's in their life's, few of them 9 (8, 3%) thought that the environment will act different with them. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) in women group was shown that most of the women patients presented symptoms of somatisation; 23 (23.33%) and 15 (25%) one year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The patients made a sound decision for intervention, which was useful for the surgeon too, because it helped them choose an adequate operative technique and especially helped them in the postoperative period.