Dose development in sinonasal imaging over the last decade - a retrospective patient study.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) has become the primary imaging modality for visualization of the paranasal sinuses. In this retrospective, single center patient study the radiation dose development in the past 12 years in CT imaging of the paranasal sinuses was assessed. METHODS: The computed tomography dose index (CTDIVol) and dose length product (DLP) of a total of 1246 patients (average age: 41 ± 18 years, 361 females, 885 males) were evaluated, who received imaging of the paranasal sinuses either for chronic sinusitis diagnostic, preoperatively or posttraumatically. Scans were performed on three different CT scanners (Somatom Definition AS, Somatom Definition AS+, Somatom Force, all from Siemens Healthineers) and on one CBCT (Morita) ranging from 2010 to 2022. Reconstruction techniques were filtered back projection and three generations of iterative reconstruction (IRIS, SAFIRE, ADMIRE, all from Siemens Healthineers). Group comparisons were performed using either parametrical (ANOVA) or non-parametrical tests (Kruskal-Wallis Test), where applicable. RESULTS: Over the past 12 years, there was a 73%, 54%, and 66% CTDIVol reduction and a significant (p < 0.001) 72%, 33%, and 67% DLP reduction in assessing the paranasal sinuses for chronic sinusitis, preoperatively and posttraumatically, respectively. CONCLUSION: Technological developments in CT imaging, both hardware and software based, have led to a significant reduction in dose exposure in recent years. Particularly in imaging of the paranasal sinuses, the reduction of radiation exposure is of great interest due to the often young patient age and radiation-sensitive organs in the area of radiation exposure.

Tin filter compared to low kV protocols - optimizing sinonasal imaging in computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Paranasal sinus imaging due to chronic inflammatory disease is one of the most common examinations in head and neck radiology with CT imaging considered the current gold standard. In this phantom study we analyzed different low dose CT protocols in terms of image quality, radiation exposure and subjective evaluation in order to establish an optimized scanning protocol. METHODS: In a phantom study, an Alderson phantom was scanned using 12 protocols between 70-120 kV and 25-200 mAs with and without tin filtration. For all datasets, iterative reconstruction was used. Data were objectively evaluated (image noise, (dose-weighted) contrast-to-noise ratio) and for subjective evaluation an online survey using a Likert scale was performed to reach a large group of clinically experienced reader (n = 62). The protocol was considered diagnostically insufficient if the median score was 4 and above and if more than 10% of raters scored 4 and above on the Likert scale. For an interreader agreement an ICC was calculated. To compare clinical value in relation to the applied dose and the objective image parameters, we calculated a figure of merit (FOM) and ranked the protocols accordingly. RESULTS: There was an overall moderate agreement between the 62 readers for the 12 examined CT protocols. In this phantom study, protocols with 100 kV with spectral shaping and 50-100 mAs obtained the best results for its combination of dose, image quality and clinical information value for diagnosing sinusitis (FOM 1st- 2nd place) with the 70 kV and 50 mAs as a good alternative as well (Sinusitis: FOM shared 2nd). For preoperative planning, where a higher dose is necessary, 100 kV with spectral shaping and 100 mAs achieved the overall best results (FOM 1st place) with 70 kV and 50 mAs ranking 4th. CONCLUSION: 100-kV protocols with spectral shaping or low kV protocols (70 kV) with a similarly low dose showed the best figure of merit for imaging sinonasal disease and preoperative planning. With modern scanner technology available, spectral shaping or low KV protocols should be used for sinusitis imaging.

[Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in children]. / Laryngopharyngeale Refluxerkrankung (LPRD) bei Kindern.

LPRD in children is characterized by symptoms, clinical findings, and sequelae caused by the reflux of gastric acid, bile acid or refluxate containing pepsin beyond the esophagus. For diagnostic procedures and therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children and adults widely accepted guidelines have been established. However, diagnosis and therapy of LPRD in children remains a continuous issue of inter- and intradisciplinary discussions. Although both GERD and LPRD in children are reflux-induced diseases, these two entities are different in symptoms, cause, diagnostic procedures, and therapy. Thus, the terms GERD and LPRD are not eligible to be used as synonyms.Otorhinolaryngologists are becoming more and more involved in the management of children with suspicious LPRD. With flexible transnasal laryngopharyngoscopy being one of the most important diagnostic tools for LPRD detection, otorhinolaryngologists play an important role in the interdisciplinary diagnostic network of physicians treating children with suspected LPRD. The present article highlights age-dependent clinical symptoms, diagnostic tools, differential diagnoses, and adequate therapy for pediatric LPRD.

Rehabilitation after Total Laryngectomy-A Tribute to the Pioneers of Voice Restoration in the Last Two Centuries.

BACKGROUND: The most severe consequence of laryngectomy for patients is the loss of their voice. For this reason, voice rehabilitation has been an integral aspect of treatment after total laryngectomy from the very beginning. A wide variety of different technical and surgical approaches are available and reflect the problems associated with the rehabilitation of communication and swallowing after the removal of the larynx. METHODS: We used Internet search engines and libraries to conduct a search of the current medical literature and historical sources of medical information in order to identify and summarize landmark work on this subject. DISCUSSION: Four types of methods have been used to restore the voices of patients, i.e., external devices, esophageal speech, internal voice prostheses, and surgically created tracheo-esophageal fistulas that do not involve the use of a prosthetic device.

Influence of Photodynamic Therapy on the Expression of Cancer/Testis Antigens in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a palliative treatment resulting in induction of inflammatory reactions with importance for the development of an antitumor immunity. Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) have been associated with poor prognosis in different types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor tissue samples before and after PDT were evaluated for the expression of four different CTAs by immunohistochemistry. Expression intensity and subcellular expression pattern were assessed. RESULTS: Before PDT, expression of any CTA was detectable in 91%. Comparing the overall expression of CTAs, a decreased expression of all melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs) post-treatment and a slightly increased expression of New York esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) was visible. The simultaneous cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of pan-MAGE or MAGE-A3/A4 correlated with reduced treatment-failure-free-survival (TFFS). CONCLUSION: This study investigated the impact of PDT on CTA expression in HNSCC, detecting modified expression patterns after PDT. These changes may have been caused by immunological pressure or epigenetic regulation of CTA expression.

Treatment of tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal fistulas following laryngectomy and fistula classification based on individual silicone casts.

Persistent tracheopharyngeal (TPF) and tracheo-oesophageal (TEF) fistulas after laryngectomy create a therapeutic challenge. The current classification of TPFs and TEFs is based on clinical experience without detailed anatomical information. In this study, casts of TPFs/TEFs were obtained from 16 patients; these were the first steps in manufacturing customised prostheses. Fistulas were classified according to the shape and dimension of the tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal silicone casts and prostheses as well as on epithetic requirements. Four different types of fistulas were classified: Type A, a fistula with a straight axis between the neopharynx and oesophagus; Type B, a fistula with a stenosis of the neopharynx but a straight axis; Type C, the axis between the neopharynx and oesophagus is flexed anteriorly; and Type D, neighbouring structures are absent creating a large defect. This classification system might improve the manufacturing processes of customised prostheses in individual cases with challenging tracheopharyngeal and tracheo-oesophageal fistulas.

The development and treatment of periprosthetic leakage after prosthetic voice restoration: a literature review and personal experience. Part II: conservative and surgical management.

In the past 30 years, the use of voice prostheses has become the gold standard for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. The placement of a voice prosthesis is a simple procedure that is associated with only a minor increase in operating time and a low rate of complications. Most problems with voice prostheses are minor and can be easily managed. Enlargement of the tracheo-oesophageal fistula, however, can be a severe complication. Approximately 25 % of all patients with voice prostheses develop periprosthetic leakage with aspiration within 1-4 years after the placement of a voice prosthesis. Depending on the severity of fistula enlargement, treatment ranges from conservative approaches to maximally invasive procedures. In some cases, however, these measures prove unsuccessful. The causes of treatment failure and fistula enlargement are not yet fully understood. Apart from a discussion of treatment options, an algorithm for the management of this complication is presented on the basis of the literature and the experience that we have accumulated at our institution during the past 20 years in the treatment of 232 laryngectomised patients.

The development and treatment of periprosthetic leakage after prosthetic voice restoration. A literature review and personal experience part I: the development of periprosthetic leakage.

In the past 30 years, the use of a voice prosthesis has become the treatment of choice for the restoration of speech following laryngectomy. Not only is the placement of a voice prosthesis a simple surgical procedure, but it is also associated with a low rate of complications and an excellent success rate. Approximately, 20-30 % of all patients with voice prostheses, however, develop periprosthetic leakage with aspiration over time. Periprosthetic leakage is usually caused by an enlargement of the tracheo-oesophageal fistula and substantially affects the quality of life of the patients concerned. In a retrospective analysis of our patients, the incidence of periprosthetic leakage was 35.7 % in a total of 232 patients who underwent laryngectomy during a period of 20 years. Substantial enlargement of the tracheo-oesophageal fistula which required multiple treatments occurred in 12.5 % of the patients. In this review, the various causes of fistula enlargement are discussed on the basis of the literature and the experience that we have accumulated during the past 20 years in the management of patients with voice prostheses.

Immunonutrition - the influence of early postoperative glutamine supplementation in enteral/parenteral nutrition on immune response, wound healing and length of hospital stay in multiple trauma patients and patients after extensive surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In the postoperative phase, the prognosis of multiple trauma patients with severe brain injuries as well as of patients with extensive head and neck surgery mainly depends on protein metabolism and the prevention of septic complications. Wound healing problems can also result in markedly longer stays in the intensive care unit and general wards. As a result, the immunostimulation of patients in the postoperative phase is expected to improve their immunological and overall health. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A study involving 15 patients with extensive ENT tumour surgery and 7 multiple-trauma patients investigated the effect of enteral glutamine supplementation on immune induction, wound healing and length of hospital stay. Half of the patients received a glutamine-supplemented diet. The control group received an isocaloric, isonitrogenous diet. RESULTS: In summary, we found that total lymphocyte counts, the percentage of activated CD4+DR+ T helper lymphocytes, the in-vitro response of lymphocytes to mitogens, as well as IL-2 plasma levels normalised faster in patients who received glutamine-supplemented diets than in patients who received isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets and that these parameters were even above normal by the end of the second postoperative week. SUMMARY: We believe that providing critically ill patients with a demand-oriented immunostimulating diet is fully justified as it reduces septic complications, accelerates wound healing, and shortens the length of ICU (intensive care unit) and general ward stays.

Role of reflux-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in periprosthetic leakage after prosthetic voice rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) contributes to periprosthetic leakage after prosthetic voice rehabilitation. However, underlying mechanisms are unclear, and markers predicting anti-reflux therapy response are missing. METHODS: We assessed epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 148 consecutive biopsies from 44 patients with/without fistula enlargement under dual-probe pH monitoring before and after proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy applying immunohistochemistry. Results were correlated with reflux intensity and clinical and histologic findings. RESULTS: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition correlated with GER in all samples, and patients with fistula enlargement showed higher epithelial-mesenchymal transition scores. Contrary to patients without enlargement, epithelial-mesenchymal transition scores did not regress during therapy in this group. Furthermore, pretherapeutic epithelial-mesenchymal transition scores were lower in therapy responders than in nonresponders without reaching significance (p = .07). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that epithelial-mesenchymal transition correlates with severity of GER and presence of periprosthetic fistula enlargement in patients who underwent prosthetic voice rehabilitation, but epithelial-mesenchymal transition seems to be reversible upon PPI treatment in early stages only.

Mandible reconstruction using patient-specific pre-bent reconstruction plates: comparison of standard and transfer key methods.

PURPOSE: Mandible reconstruction with reconstruction plates requires bending the plates during the operation and fixation using the "standard method" (ST-method). The ST-method is limited when a pathological process has perforated the mandibular outer cortex. A transfer key method (TK-method) was developed where plates are pre-bent using a patient-specific mandible model and positioned on the mandible with the help of transfer keys. The ST-method and TK-method were compared in a clinical trial. METHODS: Mandibular reconstruction was performed on 42 patients in this study: 22 were performed using the TK-method and 20 using the ST-method. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were evaluated by measuring the distances between six corresponding landmarks on the mandibular condyles and rami. The difference between pre- and postoperative distances was used to evaluate reconstruction accuracy. RESULTS: The median deviation of the unsigned/ absolute values of all six distances was 1.07 mm for the TK-method and 1.67 mm for the ST-method. The TK-method showed significantly better results. For the signed values, the median deviation of the six distances was -0.6 mm for the TK-method and -1.47 mm for the ST-method, indicating that the mandibles became narrower with both methods. This width difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The TK-method was more accurate than the ST-method in a clinical trial. The TK-method was effective and accurate for mandible reconstruction using pre-bent fixation plates.

Nasal meatus plasty: a contribution to plastic reconstruction of the nasal valve during midfacial degloving.

Midfacial degloving is a proven method for easily accessing the midface, the nasal pyramid, the maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses, the orbits, as well as the anterior skull base. Indications for this method of access mainly include tumour resections in the area of the midface, the septum, the maxillary sinus, the paranasal to the sphenoidal sinus as well as the clivus. In addition, this method of access allows for the exposure of the bony structures of the midface in the event of extensive fractures. In general, this method of access combines an incision in the oral vestibule and circular incisions in the nasal vestibule area in order to release the nasal pyramid. After removing the facial wall of the maxillary sinus, extensive exposure of the surgical site is possible. One disadvantage of this method of access is the difficult reconstruction of the nasal valve area, which often leads to cicatricial stenoses and difficulties with breathing through the nose. Furthermore, wound healing problems and osteoradionecrosis in the area of the lateral margin of the anterior nasal aperture after replantation of the facial wall of the maxillary sinus have been described, because in this area sufficient soft tissue coverage cannot be ensured when a conventional technique is used. We describe a soft tissue flap pedicled in the cranial and caudal directions in the nasal valve area which makes both the reconstruction of the nasal vestibule and sufficient soft tissue coverage of the anterior nasal aperture possible.

Intraoperative imaging with a 3D C-arm system after zygomatico-orbital complex fracture reduction.

PURPOSE: During the repair of zygomatico-orbital complex (ZMC) fractures, the lateral orbital wall and/or the orbital floor is often reduced by merely reducing the zygoma. Intraoperative 3D imaging can help surgeons decide whether the orbit must be reconstructed as well. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the usefulness of intraoperative 3D C-arm imaging in evaluating the adequacy of fracture reduction. METHODS: A total of 21 patients with unilateral ZMC fractures were enrolled in this retrospective study. Four fractures were treated with a closed reduction technique. Seventeen fractures were repaired with open reduction and internal fixation of the zygomaticomaxillary buttress area. Intraoperative 3D C-arm imaging was performed in all cases. All patients underwent postoperative computed tomography and a clinical examination no earlier than 5 months after the procedure. RESULTS: After reduction of the ZMC fractures, intraoperative 3D scans showed inadequate repair of the orbital floor in 2 patients and inadequate repair of the lateral orbit in 1 patient. Zygoma and zygomatic arch fracture reduction had to be corrected in 1 further case. The other 17 patients did not need an additional procedure. Postoperative imaging showed that no patient required a secondary operation. No postoperative diplopia or enophthalmos developed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative 3D C-arm imaging appears to be an effective tool for evaluating ZMC fracture reduction. It helps avoid additional procedures and thus helps reduce morbidity. In addition, there appears to be no need for postoperative imaging.

Development and (pre-) clinical assessment of a novel surgical tool for primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with immediate voice prosthesis insertion, the Provox Vega Puncture Set.

Development and (pre-) clinical assessment were performed of a novel surgical tool for primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with immediate voice prosthesis (VP) insertion in laryngectomized patients, the Provox Vega Puncture Set (PVPS). After preclinical assessment in fresh frozen cadavers, a multicenter prospective clinical feasibility study in two stages was performed. Stage-1 included 20 patients, and stage-2 had 27. Based on observations in stage-1, the PVPS was re-designed (decrease in diameter of the dilator from 23.5 to 18 Fr.) and further used in stage-2. Primary outcome measure was immediate VP insertion without requiring additional instruments. Secondary outcome measures for comparison of the new with the traditional TEP procedure were: appreciation, ease of use, time consumption, estimated surgical risks and overall preference. A mini-max two-stage study design was used to establish the required sample size. In stage-1, dilatation forces were considered too high in patients with a fibrotic TE wall. With the final thinner version of the PVPS, VPs were successfully inserted into the TEP in 'one-go' in 24/27 (89%) of TEPs: 20 primary and 7 secondary. Participating surgeons rated appreciation, ease of use, time consumption and estimated surgical risks as better. Related adverse events were few and minor. The new PVPS appeared to be the preferred device by all participating surgeons. This study shows that the novel, disposable PVPS is a useful TEP instrument allowing quick and easy insertion of the VP in the vast majority of cases without requiring additional instruments.

A modified false vocal fold flap for functional reconstruction after frontolateral partial laryngectomy: a comparison with conventional open resection and laser cordectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified flap technique (MFT) involving the use of a false vocal fold flap for glottic reconstruction and the removal of arytenoid cartilage and to compare it with conventional frontolateral partial laryngectomy (FLPL) and laser cordectomy (LC). METHODS: Twenty-eight MFT, 13 FLPL and 12 LC patients completed a standardised questionnaire for assessing aspiration, respiration, quality of life, and subjective voice quality. We analysed vocal function in terms of roughness, breathiness and hoarseness, measured voice range profiles, and performed videoendoscopy. RESULTS: No patient reported respiratory problems. Aspiration occurred in 33.3% (MFT), 41.6% (FLPL) and 16.6% (LC). Voice quality was rated as good/satisfactory by 17 MFT patients (62%), satisfactory/sufficient by 69% of FLKT patients, and sufficient/poor by 75% of LC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The modified false vocal fold flap effectively covers defects and creates a neocord that ensures good phonatory rehabilitation and has positive effects on postoperative quality of life.

Improving the quality of life of parotid surgery patients through a modified facelift incision and great auricular nerve preservation.

Postoperative quality of life after parotidectomy depends not only on surgical outcomes, such as the complete removal of a tumour, non-recurrence and the preservation of facial nerve function, but also on scar satisfaction and the degree of sensory dysfunction in the upper cervical area and at the ear lobe. Especially young patients and women consider the scar in the infra-auricular area and in the neck region to be distressing and even disfiguring. Resection of the great auricular nerve leads to paraesthesia and hypoesthesia, which leads to discomfort in many patients especially when using the telephone, shaving or wearing earrings. A modified approach to the parotid gland via a facelift incision and the careful exposure of the great auricular nerve can reduce the aforementioned problems considerably and improve postoperative quality of life. We present our experiences with the modified approach at our institution.

Prevalence of cone beam computed tomography imaging findings according to the clinical stage of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVES: Investigations of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) imaging are rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of typical radiological findings of BRONJ in CBCT. METHODS: Twenty-seven CBCTs of BRONJ sites were assessed on the basis of the radiological findings (cancellous bone destruction, cortical bone erosion, sequestration, osteosclerosis, and periostal bone formation) and put in relation to the severity of the BRONJ sites. RESULTS: Cancellous bone destruction and cortical bone erosion were the most common findings. Occurrence seems to decrease with decreasing BRONJ severity. Sequestration and osteosclerosis were less frequent and could be seen across all stages. Periosteal bone formation occurred in high-stage BRONJ only. CONCLUSION: Cancellous bone destruction, cortical bone erosion, sequestration, and osteosclerosis can be seen across all stages and prevalence seems to decrease with decreasing severity of BRONJ. The occurrence of periosteal new bone formation seems to start in high-stage BRONJ.

The management of periprosthetic leakage in the presence of supra-oesophageal reflux after prosthetic voice rehabilitation.

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of anti-reflux medications on the management of periprosthetic leakage in laryngectomised patients with prosthetic voice rehabilitation. Sixty patients underwent laryngectomy and prosthetic voice rehabilitation. In a prospective non-randomised study, we examined the patients clinically and assessed the presence of reflux disease using 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring before and 6 months after oral anti-reflux treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The severity of reflux, the effectiveness of anti-reflux therapy, and the clinical success of treatment were evaluated. Reflux parameters before and after anti-reflux therapy as well as the severity and incidence of periprosthetic leakage before and after PPI therapy were the main outcome measures. The absolute number of reflux events was 162.2 (±144.3) before treatment and 63.1 (±87.9) after treatment with PPIs (p = 0.031). The reflex area index score decreased from 327.1 (±419.3) without PPIs to 123.8 (±249.7) with PPIs (p = 0.0228). The mean DeMeester score was 108.3 (±85.4) before treatment and 47.4 (±61.7) after 6 months of treatment (p = 0.0557). The relative risk of periprosthetic leakage decreased to 0.5 after anti-reflux treatment. In 19 patients, leakage problems were successfully managed by rigorous treatment with PPIs. No further surgical procedures were required in these cases. Rigorous anti-reflux treatment leads to an improvement in parameters that can be assessed objectively by 24-h dual-probe pH monitoring. In the majority of patients, the symptoms associated with periprosthetic leakage can be improved or cured.

Role of reflux in tracheoesophageal fistula problems after laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this 2-year prospective nonrandomized study was to investigate the relationship between pathological supraesophageal reflux and the occurrence of speech fistula complications, especially severe fistula enlargement, in patients who underwent total laryngectomy and prosthetic voice restoration. METHODS: We objectively assessed the presence of reflux disease using 24-hour dual-probe pH monitoring in 60 laryngectomized patients, correlated the incidence of tracheoesophageal fistula complications with the severity of reflux, and assessed the risk of problems by determining the absolute number of reflux events at the level of the speech fistula, the reflux area index score, and the DeMeester score. RESULTS: All patients with fistula enlargement showed highly pathological results in the diagnostic tests for reflux disease. Depending on reflux severity, the relative risk of developing fistula complications was up to 10 times higher for these patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant correlation between the occurrence of tracheoesophageal fistula complications and the severity of supraesophageal reflux. Potential chronic irritation of the esophageal and tracheal mucosa can possibly contribute to the development of these problems. If the presence of reflux disease has been confirmed by 24-hour dual-probe pH monitoring, patients with fistula complications should be treated with proton pump inhibitors.