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Aim: To establish a preliminary investigation about the possibility to achieve patency of second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars. Methods: Three hundred and five first maxillary molars were examined with direct vision and with magnification. The root canal configurations were classified according to the possibility to achieve patency in MB2 canals. Clearing technique was also performed to illustrate root canal anatomy and verify the presence of extra canals not identified with magnification. Results: The prevalence of MB2 canals detected only with direct vision was 53.4% and the use of the surgical operating microscope increased rate detection to 90.7%. The clearing technique revealed the presence of MB2 canal in 12 more teeth (94.7%). In 49.1% of the localized MB2 canals, it was not possible to achieve patency. Conclusions: The findings of the presented study revealed that it was only possible to achieve patency in 50.9% of the MB2 canals, showing that achieve patency in the MB2 canal is much more challenging than locating them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ablative tumor surgery, orbital and mid face reconstruction as much as skull base surgery requires detailed planning using CT or MRI. Reconstruction is depending on reliable information to choose correct type of grafts and to predict the outcome. Benefits and indications of computer-assisted surgery in the treatment of cranio- maxillofacial surgery are demonstrated. Based on a CT or MR1 data set, an optical navigation system was used for preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation and postoperative control. Surgery was preoperatively planned and intraoperatively navigated. Preoperatively, required soft and hard tissue was measured using the mirrored data set of the unaffected side; size and location of the graft were chosen virtually. lntraoperatively, contours of transplanted tissues were navigated to the preoperatively simulated reconstructive result. Pre- operatively outlined safety margins could be exactly controlled during tumor resection. Reconstruction was designed and performed precisely as virtually planned. Image-guided treatment improves preoperative planning by visualization of the individual anatomy, intended reconstructive outcome and by objectivation the effect of adjuvant therapy. lntraoperative navigation makes tumor and reconstructive surgery more reliable by showing the safety margins, saving vital structures and leading reconstruction to preplanned objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal obstruction may require treatment with rhinoplasty techniques. One cause of nasal obstruction is known as nasal-valve collapse. This refers to narrowness and weakness at the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway. There are a number of surgical approaches available to treat nasal valve collapse. Selection of the appropriate surgical intervention depends on proper identification of the anatomic cause of the collapse. Alar batten grafts are especially useful for addressing nasal valve collapse caused by a weak nasal sidewall. In this report, we review the senior author's experience with the use of alar batten grafts for nasal valve collapse. Twenty-one patients had septoplasty with placement of alar batten grafts; all patients noted improvement in their nasal breathing. Seven patients underwent ear cartilage harvest with alar batten grafts, and five of them noted improvement, one noted partial improvement, one noted no improvement. Six patients underwent revision septorhinoplasty with alar batten grafting, and ten patients underwent revision septorhinoplasty with ear cartilage harvest and alar batten grafting. These patients all reported improvement in their nasal breathing postoperatively. Six patients underwent revision rhinoplasty (no septoplasty) with ear cartilage and battens. These patients hold special interest because no other intranasal procedures were performed that affected nasal breathing. All six of these patients reported significant improvement of their nasal breathing and all patients were satisfied with their postsurgical cosmetic appearance. The nasal valve area is considered to be the location of the least cross-sectional area in the nose. When narrowing of the nasal valve is a result of collapse of the nasal sidewall, alar batten grafts are a useful technique to address the patient's nasal obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]