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Purpose of Review: There is an incomplete understanding regarding the extent of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in managing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and its effect on outcomes. This study aimed to assess and compare limited sinus surgery, full-house, extended and radical ESS for optimizing CRS outcomes., Recent Findings: An online search in adherence with PRISMA guidelines was performed. Data were pooled for meta-analysis. Forty-six articles met inclusion criteria. Full-house ESS yielded greater improvements in SNOT-22 and endoscopy scores over limited ESS. Radical ESS improved nasal symptoms and reduced disease recurrence more than full house ESS, while extended ESS decreased revision ESS rates when compared to full-house ESS. Total ethmoidectomy reduced SNOT-22 scores more than limited ethmoidectomy. There was no difference in perioperative complications for all extents of ESS. When compared to limited ESS, full-house ESS yielded better patient symptom outcomes. Radical ESS demonstrated even greater reductions in nasal symptoms, while extended ESS additionally decreased revision surgery rates. Thus, in general, greater extent of ESS leads to better outcomes, while all extents of ESS are relatively safe., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Keros and Gera classifications are widely used to assess the risk of skull base injury during endoscopic sinus surgery. Although, both classifications are useful preoperatively to stratify risk of patients going for surgery, it is not practical to measure the respective lengths during surgery. In this study, we aimed to propose a new radiological classification (Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (TMS)) to assess the anatomical risk of anterior skull base injury using the orbital floor (OF) as a reference. A total of 150 computed tomography images of paranasal sinuses (300 sides) were reviewed. The TMS classification was categorized into 3 types by measuring OF to cribriform plate and OF to ethmoid roof. Most patients were classified as TMS type 1, Keros type 2 and Gera class II, followed by patients classified as TMS type 3, Keros type 1 and Gera class 1. TMS has significant correlation with Keros classification (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between Keros and Gera classifications (p = 0.33) and between TMS and Gera classifications (p = 0.80). The TMS classification has potential to be used for risk assessment of skull base injury among patients undergoing ESS. It serves as an additional assessment besides the Keros and Gera classifications.

Purpose: Anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is at risk of injury in endoscopic sinus surgery due to its location. The aim of this review was to assess the anatomical variations of AEA and their significance., Methods: A literature search was performed on PUBMED, SCOPUS AND EMBASE. The following keywords were used: ethmoidal artery; anterior ethmoidal artery; anterior ethmoidal canal; ethmoid sinus; ethmoid roof; skull base. The search was conducted over a period of 6 months between October 2016 and April 2017., Results: 105 articles were retrieved. 76 articles which were either case reports or unrelated topics were excluded. Out of the 29 full text articles retrieved, 16 articles were selected; 3 were cadaveric dissection, 5 combined cadaveric dissection and computed tomography (CT) and the rest were of CT studies. All studies were of level III evidence and a total of 1985 arteries were studied. Its position at the skull base was influenced by the presence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) and length of the lateral lamella of cribriform plate (LLCP). Inter population morphological variations contribute to the anatomical variations., Conclusions: The average diameter of AEA was 0.80 mm and the intranasal length was 5.82 mm. 79.2% was found between the second and third lamellae, 12.0% in the third lamella, 6% posterior to third lamella and 1.2% in the second lamella. Extra precaution should be taken in the presence of a well-pneumatized SOEC and a long LLCP as AEA tends to run freely below skull base.

Background: Patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) have been shown to have greater disease severity and poorer treatment outcomes after sinus surgery. Although the inflammatory pattern of ECRS is essential to diagnosing this subtype, there is currently no consensus for diagnosis. Our aim in this study was to determine whether high tissue eosinophilia (HTE), measured as eosinophils per high-power field (eos/HPF), could be used to define ECRS based on likelihood of recurrence., Methods: Embase, Medline, and PubMed databases were searched for studies that reported HTE and recurrence in ECRS patients after surgical treatment. We used a random-effects bivariate meta-analysis to calculate summary sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) for detecting ECRS at different HTE cut-off scores using risk of recurrence as the primary outcome., Results: We identified 11 articles (n = 3183) that reported HTE associated with recurrence. A cut-off value of >55 eos/HPF showed the highest sensitivity (0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.91), specificity (0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99), and DOR (232.7; 95% CI, 91.0-595.1). Meta-regression analysis performed showed that the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies score (p = 0.1287), geographic location (p = 0.3745), follow-up time (p = 0.2879), and study design (p = 0.1865) did not affect the test accuracy., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that using eos/HPF has good diagnostic accuracy and may be a useful tool for identifying ECRS patients. Based on the results of our meta-analysis, we recommend a cut-off value of >55 eos/HPF for predicting the likelihood of recurrence of ECRS., (© 2018 ARS-AAOA, LLC.)

Background: Surgical landmarks for defining the level of the skull base during endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery (ESBS), e.g., the middle turbinate, may be distorted by tumor or previous surgery. The orbital floor is a valid fixed anatomic landmark for the white population, but it is not known if its use is useful for an Asian population., Objectives: To define fixed anatomic landmarks for ESBS in an Asian population and to compare the level of the skull base and its relation with anatomic landmarks between Asian and white populations., Methods: Computed tomographies performed on paranasal sinuses of Thai patients were retrospectively assessed. The distance between the nasal floor to four structures, the orbital floor, sphenoid planum, cribriform, and ethmoid roof, were measured. The level of skull base related to the orbital floor of an Asian population was compared with data of a white population from a previously published study., Results: A total of 150 Thai patients (300 paranasal sinus systems) were assessed and compared with 150 white patients. The orbital floor was always below the skull base (600 sides [100%]). When compared with white patients, the Asian patients had significantly higher mean (standard deviation [SD]) values: orbital floor (35.2 ± 3.4 mm versus 33.9 ± 3.0 mm; p < 0.001), ethmoid roof (49.3 ± 3.8 mm versus 48.4 ± 4.5 mm; p = 0.01), cribriform (46.4 ± 3.6 mm versus 44.0 ± 3.7 mm; p < 0.001), and sphenoid roof (45.7 ± 3.7 mm versus 44.9 ± 3.7 mm; p = 0.01). The Asian population had a mean (SD) longer distance from the orbital floor to the cribiform (11.2 ± 2.5 mm versus 10.1 ± 2.7 mm; p < 0.001), a shorter distance to the sphenoid roof (10.5 ± 3.3 mm versus 11.0 ± 2.9 mm; p = 0.03), and a similar distance to the ethmoid roof (14.1 ± 3.1 mm versus 14.5 ± 3.5 mm; p = 0.09)., Conclusion: Although a statistical difference exists between racial groups, clinically, the orbital floor is a useful fixed anatomic landmark for ESBS for both Asian and white populations.

Background: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is commonly performed for epiphora, dacryocystitis and during tumor surgery. External (EXT-DCR) and endoscopic DCR (END-DCR) are both practiced. END-DCR was initially performed with laser (EL-DCR) but has shifted to careful bone removal with mechanical drills (EM-DCR). High level evidence from comparative cohorts was sought to compare outcomes., Method: Medline (1966 - January 28th, 2013) and Embase (1980 - January 28(th), 2013) were searched for comparative studies (RCT/cohorts) of END-DCR to EXT-DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. Primary outcome was DCR success, defined as resolution of symptoms and/or patent NLD on irrigation or dacroscintography. Secondary outcomes were scarring, infection and post-operative bleeding. Meta-analysis was performed with the Mantel-Haenszel Method and presented as Risk Ratios (RR) with Confidence Intervals (CI)., Results: The search identified 3582 studies and 355 were reviewed after screening. Full text review yielded 19 studies (4 RCTs and 15 cohorts). Overall, EXT-DCR had slightly better success rates than END-DCR (RR 0.96, CI 0.93-1.00). However, EM-DCR outcomes were comparable to EXT-DCR (RR 1.02, CI 0.98-1.06), whereas EL-DCR had poorer outcomes (RR 0.85, CI 0.79-0.91) when compared separately. The RR for scarring, bleeding and infection with END-DCR versus EXT-DCR was 0.07 (CI 0.02-0.22), 0.72 (CI 0.46-1.13) and 0.24 (CI 0.11- 0.54), respectively. The rates of reported revision surgery were similar., Conclusion: DCR is a procedure with high success rates. Endoscopic procedures differ greatly by technique with EM-DCR offering comparable results to EXT-DCR, without the risk of cosmetically unacceptable scars.

Objective: The Lund Mackay Postoperative Endoscopy Score (LMES) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a poor measure of the patient experience. A proposed Modified Lund Mackay Postoperative Endoscopy Score (MLMES) aims to better describe the inflammatory burden in CRS., Methods: A prospective study on CRS patients having endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was conducted. Endoscopy was recorded at the 6th and the 12th week post-op. The MLMES recorded changes in mucosa, mucus and purulence for each of the maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, frontal sinuses and olfactory fossa in post-ESS cavities. The correlation between MLMES and visual analogue scale of total rhinosinusitis symptoms, global anchor score of nasal function, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) and nasal symptom score was analyzed. The inter-observer reliability, intra-observer reliability and correlation between the change in MLMES and in subjective measures were also investigated., Results: Thirty patients were assessed. The MLMES significantly correlated with visual analogue scale, SNOT-22, global anchor and nasal symptom score. The change in MLMES correlated with the change in SNOT-22 and nasal symptom score. The inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were excellent., Conclusion: Objectives measurements for post-ESS patients can be reconsidered to represent the cumulative inflammatory burden of all sinuses. The proposed MLMES represents total sinus inflammatory burden and correlates well with patient reported outcome measures.

Background: Sinonasal care after endoscopic tumor resection aims to manage crusting, edema, mucus, and a healing cavity. High-volume irrigations have proved beneficial in this setting. The addition of corticosteroid to the irrigation is used for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in modifying the postsurgical inflammatory response; however, its effect in endoscopic sinonasal tumor resection is unknown. Saline alone versus combination saline and corticosteroid irrigations in postoperative nasal care of sinonasal tumor patients was assessed., Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients postendoscopic endonasal tumor resection was assessed. Patients used 240 mL of saline or 240 mL of saline with 1 mg of betamethasone daily. Nasal symptom scores (NSSs) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome test (SNOT-22) was recorded 3 months postoperatively. An endoscopic score was made of the area undergoing secondary healing at 3 months by two blinded assessors., Results: Fifty-nine patients were assessed (aged 50.1 ± 18.26 years; 36% female subjects). The groups were similar in number (saline n = 31), treatment, and surgical characteristics. The endoscopic scores did not differ between the groups at 3 months. NSS was lower in the saline group (1.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 3] versus 7.0 [IQR, 9]; p = 0.03) and, similarly, for SNOT-22 (0.24 [IQR, 1] versus 1.09 [IQR, 1]; p = 0.01) compared with the saline with steroid group., Conclusion: Although corticosteroid irrigations have become routine for managing inflammatory sinus disease at our center, their use after tumor surgery does not appear to be warranted. The inflammatory healing process after tumor surgery differs from CRS inflammation and may explain the observed findings.

Objective: Although image-guided surgery (IGS) is considered a valuable tool, its impact on perioperative morbidity for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remains unclear. The evidence from reported literature is systematically reviewed with meta-analysis., Data Sources: MEDLINE (1946 to September 14, 2012, week 2) and EMBASE (1974 to September 14, 2012, week 37)., Review Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using a search strategy for publications on IGS during ESS that reported original data on perioperative morbidity. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Both comparative cohort studies with non-IGS cases and case series were included. Primary outcome was major and total complications. Secondary outcomes were specific orbital and intracranial injury, major hemorrhage, ability to complete the operation, and revision surgery. The incidence of these events was defined as dichotomous variables and expressed as a risk ratio (RR) in a fixed-effects model., Results: In total, 2586 articles fulfilled the search, producing 55 included studies. Fourteen were comparative cohorts of IGS and non-IGS sinus surgical patient populations used for meta-analysis. Among the cohorts, major complications were more common in the non-IGS group (RR = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.82; P = .007). Total complications were greater in the non-IGS group (RR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47-0.94; P = .02). All other outcomes did not reach significance on meta-analysis., Conclusion: Contrary to current review articles on the topic of IGS use during ESS, there is evidence from published studies that the use of IGS for sinus surgery, within selected populations, is associated with a lower risk of major and total complications compared with non-IGS sinus surgery.

Introduction: Effective tissue removal techniques are essential in endoscopic skull base surgery. Improvements in technology permit more accurate application of CO2 laser and coblation during endonasal procedures. This study assessed the thermal injury patterns associated with fibre CO2 laser and coblation., Methods: Fresh frozen cadaveric heads were used. Mucosal removal was performed at the ethmoid roof. Structured lesions were created using either CO2 laser or coblation. The corresponding thermal injury patterns on dural tissue were assessed and compared between the two groups., Results: Five cadaveric heads were obtained; five sides received CO2 laser lesions and five coblation lesions. Forty per cent (n = two sides) of the CO2 specimens had macroscopic foci of grey-black discolouration on the dural aspect. No macroscopic dural changes were seen in the coblation specimens., Conclusion: Dural injury was seen following CO2 laser use despite attempts to avoid it. Both CO2 laser and coblation have their advantages; however, the lower thermal working power of coblation and superior depth control may make it more suitable for endoscopic endonasal periorbital and peridural surgery.

The anterior transclival route to basilar artery aneurysms is not widely performed. The objective of this study was to carry out a feasibility assessment of the transclival approach to basilar aneurysms with advanced endonasal techniques on 11 cadaver heads. Clival dura was exposed from the sella to the foramen magnum between the paraclival segments of the internal carotid arteries (ICA) laterally. An inverted dural "U" flap was reflected inferiorly to expose the basilar artery. The maximal dimensions from operative measurements were recorded. Surgical manoeuvrability of multiple instruments and the proficiency to place proximal and distal vascular clips were evaluated. The mean operative depth (± standard deviation), measured from the anterior choanae to the basilar artery, was 110±6mm. The lateral corridors were limited distally by the medial pterygoids (mean width 21±2mm) and paraclival ICA (mean width 20±2mm). The mean transclival craniectomy dimensions were 19±2mm (width) and 23±4mm (height). Exposure of the basilar-anterior inferior cerebellar artery junction, superior cerebellar artery, and the basilar caput were possible in 100%, 91%, and 64% of instances, respectively. Placements of proximal and distal aneurysm clips were achieved in all instances. Based on our findings, the transclival endoscopic endonasal surgery approach provides excellent visualisation of the basilar artery. Clip application and manoeuvrability of instruments was considered adequate for basilar aneurysm surgery. Surgical skills and instrumentation to control significant haemorrhage can potentially limit the clinical applicability of this technique., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives/hypothesis: Drilling in modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure (MELP) is traditionally described as commencing from the frontal recess (FR). This is challenging when the FR is involved by tumor, inflammatory disease, or scarring. The outside-in MELP, where the limits of the sinusotomy are first defined and the FR is addressed last, is described., Study Design: Case-control study., Methods: Patients undergoing MELP, using the standard or outside-in approach, for inflammatory disease or endoscopic skull base surgery were assessed. Data were collected on demographics, disease characteristics, and FR involvement. Operative time was calculated from intraoperative video recording. Time points recorded were times to frontal sinus and recess connected for outside-in MELP and completion of Lothrop cavity for both groups. Perioperative complications (infection, skin breach or contusion, surgical emphysema, orbital bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and intracranial complications) were recorded., Results: Thirty patients (67% female) with a mean age ± standard deviation of 56.0 ± 10.8 years underwent MELP (24 outside-in, six standard). Time for Lothrop completion was shorter for outside-in MELP (30.60 ± 14.10 minutes vs. 69.66 ± 64.52 minutes, P = .002). Among outside-in MELP, mean time to frontal sinus floor discovery was 8.41 ± 6.29 minutes, to recess connected 26.50 ± 12.45 minutes, and were similar regardless of pathology. The time for Lothrop cavity completion was shorter for tumor cases (24.63 ± 6.49 minutes) than for chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps (35.87 ± 20.18 minutes) and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (34.62 ± 11.56 minutes) (P = .05). One patient had skin edema. No other complications were recorded., Conclusions: The outside-in MELP is technically feasible and safe. Its advantage is a wide approach to the frontal sinus with development of the Lothrop cavity en route resulting in short predictable operative times. Defining the limits of the dissection early provides a robust and efficient approach., (Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.)

Background:Intra-operative bleeding diminishes visualisation during functional endoscopic sinus surgery and can cause unfavourable outcomes. Dexmedetomidine is a potent alpha-2 agonist, with sympatholytic effects. This systematic review aimed to assess whether dexmedetomidine decreases intra-operative bleeding and improves operative field quality.Methods:All randomised, controlled trials that assessed the ability of dexmedetomidine to provide good operative fields for functional endoscopic sinus surgery were identified from Medline and Embase. The outcomes of interest were: operative field quality, intra-operative bleeding, operative time and adverse events.Results:Five studies (254 patients) met the inclusion criteria. When compared to saline, dexmedetomidine improved the quality of the operative field. The operative time was similar between groups. When compared to other drugs, dexmedetomidine was as effective as esmolol and remifentanil. There were no adverse incidents.Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine is beneficial in providing good visibility during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Controlled hypotensive anaesthesia with this medicine decreases intra-operative bleeding and enhances surgical field quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]