Search

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze seasonal differences in adenoid size and related mucus levels via endoscopy, as well as to estimate changes in middle ear effusion via tympanometry., Methods: In 205 children with adenoid hypertrophy, endoscopic choanal assessment, adenoid hypertrophy assessment using the Bolesławska scale, and mucus coverage assessment using the MASNA scale were performed in two different thermal seasons, summer and winter. The study was conducted in two sequences of examination, summer to winter and winter to summer, constituting two separate groups. Additionally, in order to measure changes in middle ear effusion, tympanometry was performed., Results: Overall, 99 (48.29%) girls and 106 (51.71%) boys, age 2-12 (4.46 ± 1.56) were included in the study. The first group, examined in summer (S/W group), included 100 (48.78%) children, while the group first examined in winter (W/S group) contained 105 (51.22%) children. No significant relationship was observed between the respective degrees of adenoid hypertrophy as measures by the Bolesławska scale between the S/W and W/S groups in winter ( p = 0.817) and in summer ( p = 0.432). The degrees of mucus coverage of the adenoids using the MASNA scale and tympanograms were also comparable in summer ( p = 0.382 and p = 0.757, respectively) and in winter ( p = 0.315 and p = 0.252, respectively) between the S/W and W/S groups. In the total sample, analyses of the degrees of adenoid hypertrophy using the Bolesławska three-step scale for seasonality showed that patients analysed in the summer do not differ significantly when compared to patients analysed in the winter (4.39%/57.56%/38.05% vs. 4.88%/54.63%/40.49%, respectively; p = 0.565). In contrast, the amount of mucus on the adenoids increased in winter on the MASNA scale ( p = 0.000759). In addition, the results of tympanometry showed deterioration of middle ear function in the winter ( p = 0.0000149)., Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that the thermal seasons did not influence the size of the pharyngeal tonsils. The increase and change in mucus coverage of the adenoids and deterioration of middle ear tympanometry in winter may be the cause of seasonal clinical deterioration in children, rather than tonsillar hypertrophy. The MASNA scale was found to be useful for comparing endoscopy results.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a process involving a number of adverse changes in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses and nasal polyps. The main histological features of tissue remodeling are changes in epithelial structure, oedema, degradation of ECM (extracellular matrix), angiogenesis, and subepithelial fibrosis. In this study, patients were divided into two groups: group 1-patients with CRSwNP (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps) taking a nasal steroid and an oral steroid in the preoperative period, and group 2-patients with CRSwNP taking only the nasal steroid in the preoperative period. All samples were subject to histopatologic evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral corticosteroids and topical steroids on the tissue of paranasal sinuses. We have shown statistically significant decreases in tissue eosinophilia per 5HPF and decreased fibrosis in group 1. No significant differences were presented in the percentage of total tissue oedema, epithelium, neutrophils, basement membrane thickening and vessels. Using systemic administration of 40 mg of prednisone for seven days decreased the counts of eosinophils and decreased fibrosis in the nasal polyps tissue in CRSwNP.

There have been a few reports confirming that vitamin D (VD3) deficiency increases inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. The work brings new information that, despite the presence of inflammation before surgery, patients with higher vitamin D levels had less inflammation, and this has been proven on three levels. We show that vitamin D levels clearly correlate with the severity of the disease in chronic sinusitis. These results have been confirmed in imaging studies (Lund MacKay scale), endoscopy (Lund-Kennedy scale) and in the SNOT 20 questionnaire. 40 patients suffering from chronic sinusitis were divided into two equal groups: group 1: with less severe radiological changes (10 or less points on the Lund-Mackay scale), group 2: with a more advanced form (>10 points). The relationship between VD3 and the severity of the disease (clinical and nasal endoscopy) was assessed. The mean VD3 level in patients in group 2 before surgery was lower (23.01 ng/mL) than in group 1 (28.02 ng/mL) ( p < 0.05). They presented a higher degree of advanced changes in all the above scales, i.e., before the SNOT 20 procedure, the mean was: group 1: 30.33, group 2: 31.80 ( p < NS); Lund-Kennedy: group 1: 3.21, group 2: 6.30 ( p < 0.05). After surgery an increase in VD3 levels was observed in both study groups: in group 1 to the value of 37.98 ng/mL ( p < 0.002) and in group 2 to 27.67 ng/mL ( p < 0.004). Lower VD3 levels were found in patients with a higher stage of the disease. Reduction of inflammation increases the level of VD3 and reduces subjective and objective symptoms of chronic inflammation.

Recommendations of the Main Board of the Polish Society of Otorhinolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons for providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute the guidance to outpatient and hospital practices in all cases where contact with a patient whose status of COVID-19 is unknown. They have been created based on world publications and recommendations due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Justification for suspension of planned provision of services in the first phase of a pandemic was presented. The indication of the best medical practices for the time of stabilization, but with the persistence of the risk of COVID-19 infection in the population are discussed. The possibility of providing services in the following months of the pandemic is important. We provide the rationale for launching medical activities and indicate optimal practices until the consolidation of SARS COV-2 prevention and treatment methods.

CRS is a process involving a number of adverse changes in the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses and nasal polyps, e.g. increased fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, increased formation of fibrous tissue (subepithelial fibrosis) and tissue destruction. There are biomarkers whose levels can be increased in chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses: peripheral blood eosinophilia, IgE immunoglobulin, cytokines - IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, periostin, P-glycoprotein, CXCL-12, CXCL-13, INF-Υ, TNFα, TGFβ1, albumins, eotaxin. These biomarkers are not pathognomonic for CRS. The concentration of biomarkers is also increased in bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. The TGFβ, in particular, the β1 subunit, was identified as the main factor involved in the remodeling of tissue stroma. In conjunction with the continuous improvement of tissue testing methods, it is advisable to search for new factors that will more accurately allow the assessment of tissue remodeling in the chronic processes of paranasal sinuses.

Background: Fibrous dysplasia is a slowly progressive benign fibro-osseous disorder that involves one or multiple bones with a unilateral distribution in most cases. It is a lesion of unknown etiology, uncertain pathogenesis, and diverse histopathology. Temporal bone involvement is the least frequently reported type, especially in children. We reviewed available articles regarding fibrous dysplasia with temporal bone involvement in children and added four patients aged 7 to 17 years who were diagnosed and treated in our institution from 2006 to 2017. The patients' clinical picture comprised head deformity, external canal stenosis, headache, progressive conductive and/or sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and sudden deafness. Two patients had experienced severe episodic vertigo with nausea and vomiting. Two were referred to us with external canal obstruction and secondary cholesteatoma formation with broad middle ear destruction. One was diagnosed with acute mastoiditis and intracranial complications. Optimal management of fibrous dysplasia is unclear and can be challenging, especially in children. In our two patients with disease expansion and involvement of important structures, surgical treatment was abandoned and a "wait-and-scan" policy was applied. The other two were qualified for surgical treatment. One patient underwent two surgeries: modified lateral petrosectomy (canal left open) with pathological tissue removal, cavity obliteration, and subsequent tympanoplasty. Another patient with extensive destruction of the left temporal bone underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy with perisinus abscess drainage and revision 12 months later. Tympanoplasty was unsatisfactory in both patients because of slow progression of the middle ear pathology. None of our patients underwent pharmacological treatment., Conclusions: In younger patients, observation and a "wait-and-scan" protocol is relevant until significant function, or cosmetic deficits are obvious. Surgery is not preferred and should be delayed until puberty because fibrous dysplasia has a tendency to stabilize after adolescence. In patients with severe symptoms medical treatment can be implemented, but safety of this treatment in children remain controversial.

Background: The role of BRAF mutations in cancerogenesis has been demonstrated in several solid tumor types. However, in salivary gland tumors, this genetic alteration is very uncommon, and its role still remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression with BRAF mutation status in codon 600, in malignant and benign salivary gland tumors., Methods: Studies were performed on archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections derived from 95 patients who underwent surgery for tumors of the salivary gland. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) on tissue microarray slides was performed for evaluation of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression, and the automatic molecular diagnostics platform was used for the evaluation of mutations in codon 600 of BRAF gene., Results: IHC cytoplasmic expression of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein was found in two of 95 cases: one case of adenocarcinoma NOS (one of three; 33%) and one case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (one of five; 20%). Although, in IHC studies, nuclear BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression was found in 14 (15%) of the analyzed cases: nine of 28 (32%) cases of pleomorphic adenoma, three of five (60%) cases of ductal carcinoma, one of nine (11%) case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and in one of five (20%) case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. All cases were negative for polymerase chain reaction PCR-based analyses of BRAF mutations in codon 600., Conclusions: In studied salivary gland cancers, no PCR-based prove mutations of BRAF V600 were detected. Further molecular analyses are necessary to rapid molecular arrays for the identification of specific mutations, optimal for individualized targeted therapies., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: We reviewed functional outcomes of tympanoplasty., Study Design: The results of tympanoplastic surgery are changing in time. We present late treatment outcomes among different types of tympanoplasty., Methods: Eighty-six patients who underwent tympanoplasty were enrolled in the study. The results of pure tone audiometry performed 7 days before, then at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years after the surgery were assessed. Type II tympanoplasty involved implantation of a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis and type III tympanoplasty involved reconstruction with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis and the use of autogenous homogenous material. Statistical analysis was performed., Results: With all four types of tympanoplasty, hearing improvement was achieved at 3 months and 1 year after surgery based on the magnitude of the mean ABG reduction (p&lt;0.001). In patients who underwent type I, type III, and type IV tympanoplasty, the ABG reduction at 3 years after surgery was maintained at the level reported at 3 months and 1 year after surgery (p&lt;0.001). In patients who underwent type II tympanoplasty, however, the mean ABG value was increased at all tested frequencies (p&lt;0.05). The mean ABG values reported 3 years after type II and type III tympanoplasty were similar., Conclusions: Based on the results over time, hearing improvement seems to be less durable after reconstruction with the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis procedure compared to the total ossicular replacement prosthesis procedure.

Nasal and sinus mucositis is a significant health problem associated with significant organizational and financial burden for the health care system. In recent years, several important guidelines and positions of expert groups and scientific associations have been published with regard to the diagnostics and treatment of rhinosinusitis, including European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2012) [1] and Polish Standards for the Treatment of Rhinitis (PoSLeNN 2013) [2]. The management of viral and postviral rhinosinusitis involves systemic treatment including administration of plant origin products. The goal of this article is to present the current knowledge on the use of intranasal preparations containing natural saponin fractions from the rhizomes of Alpine cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum). Saponins contained in the extract of Alpine cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum) rhizomes are surface-active compounds that reduce the surface tension on the nasal mucosal cells while simultaneously stimulating the trigeminal nerve receptors leading to increased production of seromucous secretion and extensive drainage of the nasal and sinus cavities. The analysis of published studies on the efficacy and safety of intranasal products containing lyophilized extracts from Cyclamen europaeum tuber warrants the conclusion that these products are useful in the management of nasal and sinus mucositis due to their beneficial impact on the course of the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis. When used in patients with acute rhinosinusitis, an intranasal preparation containing lyophilized extracts from Cyclamen europaeum tuber efficiently reduces the symptoms, particularly the feeling of pressure and pain in the face. According to the authors of PROSINUS study, single-agent treatment using Cyclamen europaeum extracts is more efficient (in terms of the percentage of success) than other monotherapy or combination regimens.

Introduction: Isolated acute sphenoid sinusitis is an uncommon sinus infection, frequently misdiagnosed and not usually considered in the differential diagnosis of acute severe headache, with the potential of serious neurologic complications., Aim: Describe four patients with acute sphenoid sinusitis who presented with acute onset of severe headache and consider the role of medical or surgical management. Two patients do not required surgical intervention and medical treatment was sufficient. One patient had sphenoidotomy due to meningitis. One patient was performed surgical intervention after fail of medical therapy. Acute isolated sphenoid sinusitis appears to be difficult to diagnose. It is important to be aware of acute sphenoid sinusitis in the setting of new onset severe headache, when imaging studies are unrevealing for intracranial pathology. Medical therapy focused on infection, inflammation, and obstruction may be adequate for resolution, but surgical intervention may be required in certain situations., (Copyright © 2012 Polish Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z.o.o. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Intracranial or orbital complications after chronic and acute rhinosinusitis are rare, but could be dangerous. The complications of acute rhinosinusitis more often are observed in young patients. The combination of both intracranial and orbital complications together is found after acute inflammation., Material and Methods: We present a case of a patient with primary developed orbital complication during acute rhinosinusitis followed by intracranial abscess during the same treatment period., Results: One week after intravenous antibiotic therapy with good outcome we observed an aggravated inflammation process with osteitis of frontal bone and brain abscess formation. We performed an external approach for frontal sinus surgery combined with neurosurgical brain abscess evacuation. Swabs taken during surgery were positive for: Streptococcus constellatus and Parvimonas micra sensitive for penicillin and metronidazol. We observed a good recovery after two weeks of treatment., Conclusions: We recommend performing a complementary CT of the sinus and CT of the brain with contrast when complications of acute rhinosinusitis are suspected. The coexistence of intracranial and orbital complications could be observed in younger patients mostly after acute sinusitis.

Head and neck cancers, especially laryngeal carcinoma, are still an essential therapeutic problem worldwide. The most common risk factors which participate in initiation of cancer progression are tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse. The fundamental factor which confines effective therapy is tumor advanced stage at the moment of diagnosis. For proper determination of cancer progression there still is a need to identify new markers which can describe cancer cells and are also related in invasiveness and tumor matrix rebuild. The studies were performed on tissue samples divided in two groups: from patient who smoked less and above 20 cigarettes a day. We observed the expression of studied antigens as follows: MMP-2 in 100%, TGF-beta1 in 86% and TGF-betaRI in 79% cases. In tumor stroma we observed higher expression of MMP-2, TGF-beta1 in patients with higher exposure to tobacco smoke. Moreover in patients who smoked above 20 cigarettes, we detected higher expression of MMP-2 in tumor stroma (86% vs. 12.5%), compared with expression in cancer cells (3% vs. 3.25%). Expression of TGF-betaRI, in group I, was respectively higher in tumor stroma (16.8%) compared with cancer cells (6%). However we've found no expression of TGF-BRI in samples from patients smoking more then 20 cigarettes a day. In summary we may suggest, that the level of exposure on tobacco smoke play important role on changes in tumor markers expression.

The most common risk factors related to the occurrence of laryngeal cancer is related to tobacco smoking. It is interlinked to the presence of chemical substance in tobacco smoke. These substances are mutagenic factors and they are carcinogens. These substances penetrate cell, they penetrate cellular nucleus and in consequence, it causes damage to the genetic material. Accumulation of mutations enables cells to conduct local invasion, and it initiates tumor invasion and metastasis. We used tissue samples from 11 patients that were selected from all head and neck specimens and diagnosed at Department of Clinical Pathology in Bydgoszcz in 2008. We have made immunohistochemical staining in order to describe localization of MMP-2. Furthermore, the expression of proliferative antigens: PCNA and Ki-67 in laryngeal carcinoma and their relations to tumor invasion and metastasis were measured. We divided patients into two groups: people who smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day and people who smoke over 20 cigarettes a day. All patients were diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma with histological grade G2. Tumors were staged according to the TNM classification. Studied patients were classified ranging T2 - T4, N0 - N3 and all were M0. We found out similarities in expression of analyzing antigens in individual groups of patients. We observed decreased expression of MMP-2, PCNA and Ki-67 amongst patients who smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day in comparison with patients who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day. We noticed such trend in tumor cells and in dysplastic cells. We certify differences between levels of expression of researched markers according they intensity of exposure on tobacco smoking. Probably those differences may represent different levels of cell damage.

Introduction: Diagnosis and management of perilymphatic fistula (PLF) is a controversial topic in the international neurotologic literature. An illustrative case of post traumatic PLF with clear surgical indications is presented. This manuscript also reviews the various clinical presentations, pathogenesis, diagnostic examinations, and management options of PLF., Materials and Methods: Case report and literature review., Results: A 40 y/o female presented with paroxysmal vertigo, imbalance and severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) following minor occipital head trauma from a fall six months prior to presentation. Laboratory examination included intermittently positive fistula sign on video-nystagmography. Patient failed to respond to trials of pharmacologic treatment and bedrest and ultimately underwent surgical exploration and repair. Patient had earlobe fat placed in the round and oval windows. Postoperatively, she had prompt resolution of vestibulopathy and ultimate full return of sensorineural function., Conclusions: Patients with appropriate antecedent history demonstrating fluctuating SNHL and vestibulopathy, failing to respond to conservative medical treatments, should be considered for exploratory tympanotomy. In the absence of any other violations of labyrinthine integrity, connective tissue grafting of the round and oval windows should be performed even if no obvious flow of fluid is observed. This management protocol is safe and effective in properly selected patients.

Introduction: Malignant fibrohistiocytoma is one of the rare neoplasms of the larynx. It has nonepithelial origin. The most common sites of the neoplasm are: limbs, trunk and retroperitoneal space. Other localizations within head and neck are very rare. There are 5 histologic types. The most common is pleomorphic type. It is built of histiocytes, fibroblasts and multinuclear giant cells. An examination of the neoplasms consists of microscopic and immunohistologic examination with identification specific tissue markers and intermediate filaments of proteins. Treatment methods of the neoplasms are radical surgery, radiotherapy, chemiotherapy and associate methods of therapy. Prognosis is very bad., Material and Methods: [corrected] We present 71 years old man with croak for four mounths. The tumor of the larynx was examined in laryngoscopy. Biopsy of the tumor confirmed malignant fibrohistiocytoma. Laser surgery (chordectomy) was used to treatment this tumor without radiotherapy., Results: One year observation of the patient didn't show recurrence of neoplasm, but he had only croak., Conclusions: Malignant fibrohistiocytoma of the larynx doesn't differ from other malignant neoplasms of the larynx. Malignant fibrohistiocytoma of the larynx is very rare malignant neoplasms of the larynx.

Hunter's Syndrome (MPS II) is a class of hereditary disorder characterized by a deficiency of specific enzyme--iduronate sulphatase required to break down mucopolisacharides and occurs in Poland in one of 100-150 thousand male live births. MPS II may be lethal in the second decade of life as a result of infiltrativ cardiomiopathy leading to irreversible heart failure or upper airway obstruction caused by infiltration, granulation and deformation in trachea or larynx. We report a case of 14-year-old male with Hunter Syndrome who developed tracheal obstruction and was treated with Nd-Yag laser. We discuss the possibility of treatment and our results--improvement in patient's symptomatic and functional status.

Introduction: The most troublesome problem during endoscopic surgery is fouling of the endoscope lens (tip) with blood. Irrigating systems are available on the market but they are relatively very expensive. We present our own simple irrigating system, very effective and inexpensive., Material and Methods: The system consists of: polyethylene catheter No 6, sterile intravenous line with interposed stopcock, 500 ml saline solution, endoscope. The catheter is fixed to the endoscope with sterile sticks and connected to the bottle of saline solution with intravenous line. During the operation the irrigant solution flow is controlled with interposed stopcock., Conclusions: A simple irrigating system allows cleaning of blood from the endoscope obviating the need for frequent removal of the endoscope from the nose. This allows more rapid and safer endoscopic surgery. It is very simple and cheap.

Introduction: Rotation suction knife (shaver or microdebridor) was developed in beginning 1985 in orthopedic surgery. In the field of otolaryngology it was used in 1992-1994. Shaver is a combination of suction and cutting round knife working together. Knives of different shapes are put into handpiece. They have outer sheath with window, which protect the inner rotating blade. The blade is connected to suction and cutting tissue is removed from the operation field. In otolaryngology surgery we mostly used the oscillation cutting mode which is the most sufficient. Shaver surgery is precise in soft tissue resection, so the most advantages to powered the system is in rhinosurgery, polypectomy with extension to pansinus surgery. Microdebridor can be also used for nasopharynx-adenoidectomy, chonanal atresia surgery, turbinoplasty, dacryocystorhinostomy, sella turcica tumor resection or laryngeal surgery., Material and Methods: We used the Storz's shaver system with a handpiece with a motor in the vertical part of the T-shaped handle. Suction and transport of rejected material does not pass through the motor system. The suction channel is straight and clogging is minimized. We performed shaver surgery during functional endonasal endoscopic surgery (FESS) for polypectomy in 15 cases, medial antrostomy (uncinectomy for "swinging door" procedure) in 10 cases, nasopharyngeal-adenoidectomy in 3 cases and turbinoplasty (inferior turbinectomy) in 10 cases., Results: In our material we did not observe any complications during and after surgery. The healing process is very good without obstruction and crusting. The shaver system has an excellent protection for surrounding tissue and minimalized the tissue destruction., Conclusions: Shaver is an excellent powered instruments for rhinosurgery especially massive polyps of nose and sinuses. It is very sufficient to prevent normal tissue and remove pathological one, this can be achieved in no bleeding area.

On the base of retrospective analysis of 12,888 cases of carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx, diagnosed in 19 ENT Departments in Poland from 1991 to 2001, the assessment of basic epidemiological data, including the localization of tumor and stage of local and clinical advancement of the disease at the time of diagnosis has been conducted. In analyzed period of 11 years the trends to change of the mentioned above parameters has been examined. The significant increase of female patients in this period was observed, with average proportion M:F = 8:1. The glottis localization of carcinoma dominated (47.6%), followed by supraglottis (40.8%) and pyriform fossa (7.8%), with significant increase of pyriform fossa tumors in the analyzed period of 11 years. In the majority of cases the carcinoma of larynx and hypopharynx was diagnosed in the advanced stage (T3 + T4) of local disease, with the highest percentage in localization within the pyriform fossa (81.0%), and the lowest percentage in glottis tumors (45.6%). The regional lymph nodes metastases has been diagnosed in 46.7% of the analyzed group, with the highest percentage in tumors localized in pyriform fossa (82.9%), and the lowest percentage in tumors of glottis localization (33.1%). In the 11 years time the significant drop down of N0 cases and tendency to increase of N2 and N3 in the supraglottis localization of tumor. The distant metastases in the analyzed group at the time of diagnosis has been registered in 2.0%, with the highest percentage in posterior pharyngeal wall (7.6%) and pyriform fossa (7.4%). The authors postulate the renewal of prospective study on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment results of larynx and hypopharynx carcinoma in Poland.

Benign cartilaginous tumours of the larynx and trachea are rare. The most common is chondroma, and only 6 cases of osteochondroma of the larynx have been reported in the world literature. We present a case of 74 year's old woman with osteochondroma of the right arytenoid cartilage. This is followed by a review of the literature, diagnostic evaluation and surgical management.

The authors present outcomes concerning frequency of appearance and clinical course of aneurysms after acute myocardial infarction. The study population consisted of 730 patients (mean age 54 +/- 9 years) with acute myocardial infarction, including 579 men and 151 women. The diagnosis was based on the following criteria: 1) coronary artery disease history, 2) physical examination, 3) ECG, 4) 2-dimensional echocardiography, 5) biochemical data. Post-infarction aneurysm was revealed in 42 patients (5.8%, 33 men and 9 women); antero-lateral aneurysm--in 36 patients (85.7%), and inferior-posterior aneurysm--in 6 patients (14.3%). Ventricular arrhythmias in the first day of infarction had a high frequency in both groups; with aneurysm--92.9%, without aneurysm--82.2%. The frequency of arrhythmia in 21-st day of infarction decreased similarly in both groups with aneurysm--40.5%, without aneurysm--38.9%. There was no statistically significant difference among both groups. There was no correlation between localisation of aneurysms and degree of contractility disturbances of the heart muscle (dyskinesis, akinesis). Heart failure--class III and IVK (Killip-Kimball classification) occurred in 19.0% of patients with aneurysm and in 10.4% of patients without aneurysm. That was no essential correlation between localisation of aneurysms and advancement of the heart failure.

The authors present the surgical technique of stellate ganglion excision as a therapeutic method in patients with the long QT syndrome. The operations were performed through an anterior supraclavicular approach. Discussing the anatomic considerations, the possibilities of complications and side effects, both temporary and permanent, including Horner's syndrome are reviewed. On the base of the review of present literature and the postoperative results in patients treated in the Otolaryngological Department of the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz, the authors confirm that the results of stellate ganglion excision in patients with the long QT syndrome are encouraging, but the possibilities of complications, including sudden death after stellectomy, must be taken into consideration.