European Archives of Oto Rhino Laryngology 2024-12-01

Correction: A novel olfactory sorting task

S Li,A Wolter,C Kelly,B Smith,K Whitcroft,H Sherwood,B Longley,T Hummel

Publication date 01-12-2024


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Correction: Endoscopic ear surgery in the treatment of chronic otitis media with atelectasis

G Iannella,A Pace,A Greco,A De Virgilio,E Croce,A Maniaci,JR Lechien,FM Gioacchini,M Re,G Cammaroto,T Perrone,S Cocuzza,G Magliulo

Publication date 01-12-2024


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Response to the letter Regarding the study on bone-conducted cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: a comparison of tone burst and chirp stimuli

C Karaçaylı,E Karababa,B Satar

Publication date 01-12-2024


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How I do it: implantation of Osia® 2 system under local anesthesia

B Posta,L Rovó,Z Bere

Publication date 01-12-2024


Introduction Reviewing the literature, Osia 2 system implantation is predominantly performed under general anesthesia (GA). Although in the pediatric population GA is inevitable, in adult cases, especially with high anesthesiological risks, local anesthesia (LA) is an obvious solution. Method The aim of this article is to provide a detailed demonstration of Osia 2 implantation under LA. In our case series of five adult implant recipients, the surgical procedure was carried out without encountering any difficulties during or after the operation. Conclusion Based on our experiences, implantation of the Osia® 2 System under local anesthesia is an easy and safe method for patients.

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Letter to the Editor regarding “Bone conducted cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: comparison of tone burst stimulus vs chirp stimulus” by Karaçaylı et al. (2024)

MN Zakaria

Publication date 01-12-2024


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Diseases associated with subsequent peritonsillar abscess: a case-control-study from ENT practices in Germany

S Bode,K Kostev,JJ Park,S Eichhorn,DU Seidel

Publication date 01-12-2024


Objective Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common deep soft tissue infection necessitating surgical intervention in the head and neck region. Potential causes include infections of the palatine tonsils, palatine glands, or branchiogenic rudiments (“acute tonsillitis hypothesis” vs. “Weber’s gland hypothesis”). Understanding the currently still unknown predominant cause is crucial for guiding therapeutic strategies, such as abscess tonsillectomy versus incision and drainage alone. This study aims to investigate the pre-diagnoses associated with subsequent PTA using a nationally representative practice database in Germany. Methods Data were collected from 195 ENT practices across Germany utilizing the nationally representative practice database IQVIA™ Disease Analyzer. Included were patients aged 18 years and older with a first diagnosis of PTA (index date) between January 2005 and December 2022 and a minimum observation period of 12 months preceding the index date. These patients were matched (1:5) with controls without PTA, based on age, sex, and index year. Frequencies of prior diagnoses coded according to ICD-10 in the 12 months preceding the index date were computed. The association between prior diagnoses and PTA was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression (MLR) and sensitivity analysis (SA). Results A total of 5,325 cases were compared with 26,725 controls in the multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis, and 16,251 cases were compared with 81,255 controls in the sensitivity analysis (SA). Mean age was 45.3 ± 18.3 years (MLR) and 41.9 ± 16.7 years (SA). The proportion of female patients was 51.8% (MLR) and 46.9% (SA), respectively. MLR showed the strongest associations with PTA for the prior diagnoses of “acute tonsillitis” (odds ratio, OR: 6.71; 95% CI: 5.81–7.74), “chronic tonsillitis” (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.58–2.52), and “acute pharyngitis” (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.50–2.03). SA similarly indicated the strongest associations with PTA for the prior diagnoses of “acute tonsillitis” (OR: 5.02; 95% CI: 4.60–5.47), “chronic tonsillitis” (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.64–2.12), and “acute pharyngitis” (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.14–1.41). Conclusion The most prevalent prior diagnosis associated with PTA was acute tonsillitis, followed by chronic tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis. The association with acute pharyngitis suggests possible non-tonsillogenic causes. Other specific causes of PTA, such as inflammation of the palatine gland or branchiogenic remnants, are not captured by the ICD system or the database utilized in this study.

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Anatomical requirements for dacryocystorhinostomy ostium patency

EL Atkova,TE Borisenko,VD Yartsev

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose To identify anatomical factors affecting the outcome of dcryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
Methods The study included the results of dacryocystography in 73 patients after DCR: 37 cases of failed DCR and 36 cases of successful DCR.
Biometric characteristics of the formed ostium were evaluated: the horizontal size of the bony “window” and the soft tissue part of the ostium, the vertical size of the bony “window” and soft tissue ostium, the height of the fragment of the remaining bone above and below the line of the common canaliculus, and the height of the “pocket” formed below the lower edge of the ostium. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods. Differences were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results Intergroup differences were identified in the values of the maximum horizontal size of the bony “window” (p = 0.015), the maximum horizontal size of the soft tissue “window” (p < 0.001), the maximum vertical size of the soft tissue “window” (p < 0.001), and the height of the fragment of the remaining bone below the level of the common canaliculus to the edge of the formed ostium (p = 0.004). Conclusion The stage of forming the bony “window” influences the success of DCR. Not only the position of the “window” is important, but also the geometric properties of the formed ostium.

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Subperiosteal abscess volume; an objective indication for surgical management in pediatrics

L Alsughayer,A Sindi,M AlQuwayee,A Alhussien,L Makoshi,A Zakzouk

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Subperiosteal abscess (SPA) can lead to devastating morbidity and mortality. Prompt management is important; however, the choice of management route is controversial. This study investigates factors associated with surgical management and defines a cut-off abscess volume prompting surgical intervention. Methods SPA cases presented to King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) from 2014 to 2023 were reviewed. The surgical approach was studied in association with factors including age, gender, symptoms and signs, laboratory results, computed tomography (CT) characteristics, medications, and surgical approach. Multiple statistical tests were used for analysis, including student t-test, chi-square, multiple logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results Patients were managed medically (n = 14, 45.16%) or surgically (n = 17, 54.84%). The average duration of antibiotics was 15 days. Superior SPA favors surgical management (OR = 6.722, CI 1.332–33.913, p = 0.029), along with the use of steroids (OR = 5.625, CI 0.915–34.572, p = 0.049), and abscess volume (OR = 10.003, CI 1.418–70.540, p < 0.001). However, the only factor attributing to a surgical decision on multivariate logistic regression analysis was abscess volume (OR = 5.126, CI 1.023–25.694, p = 0.047). SPA volume of ≥ 0.648 ml strongly prompts surgical management, with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 71.4% (p = 0.000). Conclusion SPA volume increases the likelihood of surgical intervention by five times, especially when abscess volume is ≥ 0.648 ml.

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Recovery rate after acute acoustic trauma: a case series and meta-analysis

S Welber,Y Oron,O Handzel,R Abu-Eta,N Muhanna,S Shilo,OJ Ungar

Publication date 01-12-2024


Objective Steroids given systemically, locally, or both are the mainstay of treatment for acute acoustic trauma (AAT). The overall recovery rate (full, partial, and none) is undetermined. Study design Original case series and systematic literature review. Setting Case series of a tertiary referral center and a systematic literature review. Methods Cases of AAT between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed for demographics, acoustic trauma characteristics, treatment modality and delay and prognosis. This case series was added to the series identified by a systematic literature review. This review included “Medline” via “Pub Med”, “EMBASE”, and “Google scholar”. All series were pooled for meta-analysis defining prognosis following steroidal treatment for AAT patients. Results The pooled analyses included 662 ears, out of which 250 underwent complete recovery of hearing (overall proportion = 0.2809, 95%confidence interval CI = 0.1611–0.4178). Any recovery was recorded for 477 ears (overall proportion = 0.7185, 95% CI = 0.5671–0.8493) and no recovery was documented for 185 ears (overall proportion = 0.2815, 95% CI = 0.1507–0.4329). Conclusion The rate of overall recovery for AAT is around 70%, and around 30% for full recovery when steroids are initiated within the first 2 weeks following the insult. Level of evidence 3.

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Transcriptional expression of SLC16A7 as a biomarker of occult lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

M Camacho,C Vázquez-López,C Valero,A Holgado,X Terra,FX Avilés-Jurado,X León

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Glucose is the main energy substrate of tumor cells. This study aims to assess whether the transcriptional expression of glucose metabolism-related genes is associated with occult lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Methods We examined the transcriptional expression of a panel of glucose metabolism-related genes in a cohort of 53 patients with HNSCC without cervical lymph node involvement at the time of diagnosis (cN0) and subsequently treated with elective neck dissection. Results Occult lymph node metastases were found in 37.7% (n = 20) of the patients. Among the analyzed genes, SLC16A7 exhibited the strongest association with the presence of occult lymph node metastases. Patients with occult lymph node metastases (cN0/pN +) had significantly lower SLC16A7 expression values (p = 0.001). Patients with low SLC16A7 expression (n = 17, 32.1%) had a frequency of occult lymph node metastases of 76.5%, while for patients with high SLCA16A7 expression (n = 36, 67.9%) it was 19.4% (P = 0.0001). A multivariable analysis showed that patients with low expression of SLC16A7 had a 12.6 times higher risk of developing occult lymph node metastases. Conclusion cN0 HNSCC patients with low SLC16A7 expression had a higher risk of occult lymph node metastases.

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Safety and efficacy of the mAXIS stapes prosthesis

N Bevis,MA Hüser,D Oestreicher,D Beutner

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Otosclerosis leads to a fixed stapes footplate and thus to hearing loss. The predominant treatment method is surgery, with various types of stapes prostheses available. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis. Methods 34 cases of otosclerosis were implanted with the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis. Comprehensive clinical assessments, including pre- and postoperative pure tone audiometry was performed at short-term (ST) follow-up at 25 (± 15) days and mid-term (MT) follow-up at 181 (± 107) days. The pure tone average of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 k Hz (PTA4) was calculated. Results In all cases, the application of the prosthesis was successful and straightforward. The postoperative PTA4 air-bone gap was 10.7 ± 5.2 dB at ST follow-up (n = 34) and 8.3 ± 4.1 dB at MT follow-up (n = 18). In 61% of cases, the ABG-closure was within 10 dB and in 100% of cases within 20 dB at MT follow-up. Conclusion Findings of this study support that the mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis is safe for implantation and shows promising audiological outcome. Future investigations will contribute its long-term efficacy and safety profile.

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Endoscopic ear surgery in the treatment of chronic otitis media with atelectasis

G Iannella,A Pace,A Greco,A De Virgilio,E Croce,A Maniaci,JR Lechien,FM Gioacchini,M Re,G Cammaroto,T Perrone,S Cocuzza,G Magliulo

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Atelectasis otitis media (AtOM) is a chronic condition where the tympanic membrane (TM) becomes retracted towards the middle ear and the ossicular chain. Surgical treatment for this condition could be indicated based on stage of atelectasis, patient’s clinical condition and hearing loss. Over the years, AtOM has been treated with various types of tympanoplasty under microscopic view. The aim of this study is to present the results of endoscopic ear surgery in AtOM. Methods Forty-five patients who underwent endoscopic trans-canal tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative features, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were collected. Results Preoperatively, none of the studys patients were classified with a Sadè Grade I, whereas grades II, III and IV were 3 (6.6%), 23 (32.1%) and 19 (67.8%) respectively. The 3 patients with Sadè grade II showed a conductive hearing loss higher than 20 dB and a continuous ear fullness, therefore they were surgically treated. The postoperative graft success rate was estimated at 95.5%. During follow-up, 2 patients showed a TM perforation (at 6 and 12 months after surgery) whereas 1 patient experienced a recurrence of atelectasis in the TM (16 months after surgery). The overall success rate at the final follow-up was calculated at 88.8%. The average preoperative air-conduction threshold was 51.1 ± 21.5, which reduced to 34.6 ± 22.1 (p = 0.04) at follow-up. The preoperative air–bone gap decreased from 28 ± 7.2 to 11.8 ± 10 (p = 0.002) after surgery. Conclusion Atelectasis otitis media might be suitable for exclusive endoscopic surgical treatment, as it appears to exhibit a low recurrence rate and promising audiological outcomes.

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Comparison between clinical and cytological findings in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps treated with Dupilumab

A Ciofalo,A Loperfido,S Baroncelli,S Masieri,G Bellocchi,R Caramia,F Cascone,L Filaferro,F Lo Re,C Cavaliere

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Biologics represent a new therapeutic strategy for severe and recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Usually, their actual therapeutic effectiveness is assessed by reduction in nasal polyps and/or improvement in nasal symptoms and quality of life. However, these measures do not consider nasal immunophlogosis, which can be evaluated through nasal cytology. The purpose of this study was to assess not only the clinical impact but also the cellular changes in the nasal inflammatory infiltrate observed through nasal cytology of CRSwNP patients treated with Dupilumab for 24 months. Methods Fifty-five CRSwNP patients treated with Dupilumab were collected. Patients were evaluated before starting treatment and at one, three, six, nine months, one year, one and a half years, and two years after the first drug administration. During follow–up visits patients underwent endoscopic evaluation, nasal symptoms and quality of life assessment, complete blood count and nasal cytology. Results During follow-up, significant improvement was found in Nasal Polyps Score (NPS), nasal patency, olfaction, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Regarding nasal cytology, a reduction in eosinophils and mast cells in the cellular infiltrate was observed over the two-year follow-up period compared to baseline. Conclusion Dupilumab has demonstrated broad efficacy in the management of CRSwNP from both clinical and cytological findings. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and evaluate the biologics’ impact on nasal mucosal inflammatory cells by nasal cytology with the aim of better identifying each patient’s endotype and predicting the response to biologics.

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Objective evaluation, using computed tomography, of round window access for cochlear implantation

K Radomska,M Mielnik,M Gostyński,E Dzięciołowska-Baran

Publication date 01-12-2024


Objective The aim of this study was to determine optimal radiological parameters for assessment of the round window approach in cochlear implantation surgery. Materials and methods Patients undergoing cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin, between 2015 and 2022 inclusive, were eligible for the study. Radiological assessments were performed according to eight parameters (seven proposed in the literature) and visibility clinical assessments were made intra-operatively on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - not visible, 5 - fully visible). Visibility assessments of the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) allowed the difference (RWN minus RWM) to be used as a clinical assessment of the size of the overhang over the round window. Results Computed tomography images of 57 ears from 52 patients were analyzed in terms of round window access. The study group included 26 females and 26 males, ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years, with a median age of 41 years. In clinical assessment, round window visibility was rated as 5, after removal of the bone overhang, in 69% of patients. Cochlear access through the round window was achieved in 39 (68%) cases, extended access through the round window in 13 (23%) cases and cochleostomy was performed in 5 (9%) cases. Statistically significant ordinal correlations with round-window access were found using one parameter from the literature (Chen_Angle) and from our proposal (RWM_prediction). From parameters describing the bone overhang of the round window, positive correlations (using Kendall rank tests) were found using parameters from the literature (Sarafraz_OH and Mehanna_OH). Conclusions Radiological measurements describing access to the round window which determine the angle based on the anatomy of the posterior wall of the auditory canal and the position of the facial nerve were found to be of the highest value. Clinical relevance statement In the future, the use of algorithms for computed tomography evaluation and robot-assisted surgery will require parameters for assessing round window access, for surgery planning and choice of electrode. The parameters proposed by various authors are summarized, allowing researchers to assess their usefulness in further clinical practice.

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Endoscopic transnasal prelacrimal recess approach via the orbital floor to the infraorbital region: an anatomical study

C Su,W Tang,J Qiao,W Liu,B Hu,K Huang,Q Liu,L Wang

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose The aim of this study is to describe the maximum exposure of the infraorbital region via the orbital floor using the transnasal prelacrimal recess approach (PLRA), and to provide an anatomical basis for treating lesions in the infraorbital region. Methods Ten freshly injected frozen heads were dissected using the PLRA. The orbital floor was removed along the border of the medial infraorbital quadrangle, and the periorbita was opened to expose the infraorbital region. The areas of the medial infraorbital quadrangles were measured and analyzed. The PLRA was applied separately on the left and right sides of each cadaver head, resulting in a total of 20 prelacrimal recess approaches. Results The PLRA enabled visualization of the optic nerve and the central retinal artery through the orbital floor. By integrating both medial and lateral approaches in relation to the inferior rectus muscle, all crucial anatomical structures within the infraorbital region could be clearly identified. The area of the medial infraorbital quadrangle was 420.65 ± 24.03 mm2. Conclusion The PLRA provides access through the orbital floor to the maximum boundary of the infraorbital region, including the lateral orbital wall at the outermost level, the superior rectus muscle at the topmost level, and the medial orbital wall at the innermost level.

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Management of uncontrolled/recurrent epistaxis by ligation or cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery: a scoping review

F Dispenza,F Lorusso,SA Di Vincenzo,A Dolce,A Immordino,S Gallina,A Maniaci,JR Lechien,C Calvo-Henriquez,AM Saibene,F Sireci

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose The control of epistaxis has always posed a significant challenge for otolaryngologists. One of the most viable options to address refractory cases is the ligation or cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of these interventions. Materials and methods Two independent otolaryngologists conducted a comprehensive search for studies dealing with management of uncontrolled/recurrent epistaxis by consulting the main scientific databases on the web, including Pub Med, Google Scholar, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The criteria for considering studies for the review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, timing and setting (PICOTS) framework. Results Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review, comprising a total of 454 patients. Among these, 289 individuals underwent ligation of the sphenopalatine artery, while 100 underwent cauterization of the same artery. Additionally, 56 patients underwent both ligation and cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery during the same surgery. The incidence of rebleeding and complications was respectively 12.1% (55/454) and 3% (14/454), resulting in relatively low rates in both cases. Conclusions Our review emphasizes the increasing importance of surgical approaches, specifically ligation or cauterization of the sphenopalatine artery, in addressing refractory cases. The low incidence of complications, predominantly temporary decreased lacrimation in patients undergoing ligation of the sphenopalatine artery, highlights the safety and feasibility of these interventions.

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Treatment-related hearing loss in weekly versus triweekly cisplatin chemoradiation for head and neck cancer

AVM Burger,CW Duinkerken,KE van Sluis,JP de Boer,A Navran,CP Lanting,K Jóźwiak,WA Dreschler,AJM Balm,CL Zuur

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose Cisplatin-induced hearing loss is a common side effect in patients treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The extent of hearing loss after concurrent CRT was compared between triweekly (3 × 100 mg/m2) and weekly (7 × 40 mg/m2) cisplatin CRT. Method This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital and included 129 patients with cisplatin-based CRT for head and neck cancer (72 treated in the triweekly and 57 in the weekly regimen). Baseline and follow-up pure tone audiometry was conducted to assess hearing loss. Clinically relevant hearing loss was defined as a decline upon treatment of ≥ 10 decibel at a pure tone average 1-2-4 k Hz and/or 8-10-12.5 k Hz. Results The incidence of clinically relevant cisplatin CRT induced hearing loss was 42% in the triweekly versus 19% in the weekly group (p < 0.01). The mean threshold shift at a pure tone average (PTA) 1-2-4 k Hz was 9.0 decibel in the triweekly compared to 4.3 decibel in the weekly CRT group (p < 0.01). At PTA 8-10-12.5 k Hz, the incidence of clinically relevant hearing loss was 75% in the triweekly compared to 74% in the weekly CRT group (p = 0.87). The mean threshold shift at PTA 8-10-12.5 k Hz was 20.2 decibel versus 15.6 decibel, respectively (p = 0.07). Conclusion Cisplatin-dose reduction to a weekly cisplatin CRT regimen for head and neck cancer may reduce the incidence of clinically relevant hearing loss at frequencies vital for speech perception.

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Masseteric-facial anastomosis and hypoglossal-facial anastomosis after lateral skull base and middle ear surgery

L Lauda,V Sykopetrites,A Caruso,E Maddalone,V Di Rubbo,C Copelli,M Sanna

Publication date 01-12-2024


Introduction Lateral skull base (LSB) and middle ear pathologies often involve the facial nerve (FN), and their treatment may require FN sacrifice. Cases with unidentifiable proximal stump or intact FN with complete FN palsy, necessitate FN anastomosis with another motor nerve in order to restore innervation to the mimicking musculature. The results of hypoglossal-to-facial nerve anastomosis (HFA) and masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis in patients with facial paralysis after middle ear and LSB surgeries, are presented and compared. Methods Adult patients with total definitive facial paralysis after middle ear or LSB surgery undergoing facial nerve reanimation through hypoglossal or masseteric transfer anastomosis were enrolled. The facial nerve function was graded according to the House Brackmann grading system (HB). The facial function results at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and at the last follow up (more than 18 months) are compared. Results 153 cases of LSB and middle ear surgery presented postoperative facial palsy and underwent facial nerve reanimation surgery with HF in 85 patients (55.5%) and MF in 68 patients (44.5%). The duration of the FN palsy before reconstructive surgery was inversely associated to better FN results, in particular with having a grade III HB (p = 0.003). Both techniques had significantly lower HB scores when an interval between palsy onset and reanimation surgery was 6 months or less (MF p = 0.0401; HF p = 0.0022). Patients who underwent a MF presented significant improvement of the FN function at 3 months from surgery (p = 0.0078). At the last follow-up, 63.6% recovered to a grade III HB and 22.7% to a grade IV. On the other hand, the first significant results obtained in the HF group were at 6 months from surgery (p < 0.0001). 67.8% of patients had a grade III HB after a HF at the last follow-up, 28.8% a grade IV. FN grading at 6 months from surgery was significantly lower in the MF group compared to the HF (p = 0.0351). The two techniques had statistically similar results at later follow-up evaluations. Discussion/Conclution MF was associated to initial superior results, presenting significant facial recovery at 3 months, and significantly better functional outcomes at 6 months from surgery compared to HF. Although later results were not significantly different in this study, earlier results have an important role in order to limit the duration of risk of corneal exposure.

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Efficacy and safety of a self-expandable retainer in endoscopic ear surgery

YJ Lee,WS Kang,JW Chung

Publication date 01-12-2024


Purpose During endoscopic ear surgery (EES), it is important to maintain a clear view of the endoscopic camera to achieve a clean field. In this study, a self-expandable external auditory canal (EAC) retainer was developed to enable a more efficient and safer EES. This study aimed to evaluate the retainer’s efficacy and safety in EES. Methods Among adult patients scheduled for endoscopic tympanoplasty, 50 participants were recruited. They were assigned to either the retainer or control group in a 1:1 ratio. The anatomical characteristics, number of endoscopic cleanings during surgery, surgeon’s satisfaction, and other factors were evaluated. Results No differences were observed in the surgical direction, EAC size measured on preoperative temporal bone computed tomography scans, location and size of tympanic membrane perforation, or bleeding degree between the two groups. When comparing the surgical time, including retainer insertion and removal, the time was similar between groups (retainer group, 35 min; control group, 33.2 min). The frequency of endoscopic cleaning per minute was statistically significantly lower in the retainer group than in the control group (0.18 times per minute, p = 0.048). No side effects, including sensory abnormalities or allergic reactions, were reported in any patient who used the retainer. Conclusion A reduction in unnecessary endoscopic cleaning during EES was observed while using the self-expandable retainer, leading to increased surgeon satisfaction and efficiency. Furthermore, as a safe method without side effects, the retainer could be widely used to various indications for EES beyond tympanoplasty.

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The use of stem cells in treating xerostomia: a systematic review

I Aritzi,I Konstantinidis,A Kyriakidou,K Garefis,G Sideris,A Delides

Publication date 01-12-2024


Introduction The complex nature of xerostomia prevents the establishment of a definite cure. Recently, research has pivoted towards stem cell transplantation for glandular reconstruction. The aim of this study is to provide an updated review of the existing research, to highlight the encountered challenges and research pathways, potentially enhancing the therapeutic applications of stem cell transplantation. Methods This is a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines, using the following databases: Pub Med (PMC), PMC Europe, Scopus, Medline, Research Gate, Elsevier. The main question was whether stem cell therapies can contribute to the treatment of xerostomia. Results 19 of 226 publications met the criteria for this review, including ‘in vivo’, ‘in vitro’ studies and clinical trials. All 19 studies described thoroughly the stem cell source and the transplantation method, and documented results based on analytical and statistical methods of confirmation. Data show that the various sources of stem cells play a significant role, with bone marrow or adipose tissue-derived pluripotent blasts being the most utilized. Human transplants in mice have also been accepted and reversed hyposalivation. The effects have been beneficial especially in models undergone radiotherapy (IR) or exhibit Sjogren Syndrome-like symptoms (SS), suggesting that with appropriate treatment and enrichment techniques, stem cell transplantation seems effective regardless of the cause of the disorder. Extracts and co-cultures of gland and stem cells also seem to improve gland function. Conclusion Although in its initial stages, the use of stem cells seems to be a promising therapy to alleviate xerostomia regardless of its cause.

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