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OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the volume, quality, and impact of otolaryngology publications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. METHODS: Fifteen of the top peer-reviewed otolaryngology journals were queried on PubMed for COVID and non-COVID-related articles from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 (pandemic period) and pre-COVID articles from the year prior. Information on total number of submissions and rate of acceptance were collected from seven top-ranked journals. RESULTS: Our PubMed query returned 759 COVID articles, 4,885 non-COVID articles, and 4,200 pre-COVID articles, corresponding to a 34% increase in otolaryngology publications during the pandemic period. Meta-analysis/reviews and miscellaneous publication types made up a larger portion of COVID publications than that of non-COVID and pre-COVID publications. Compared to pre-COVID articles, citations per article 120 days after publication and Altmetric Attention Score were higher in both COVID articles (citations/article: 2.75 ± 0.45, P < .001; Altmetric Attention Score: 2.05 ± 0.60, P = .001) and non-COVID articles (citations/article: 0.03 ± 0.01, P = .002; Altmetric Attention Score: 0.67 ± 0.28, P = .016). COVID manuscripts were associated with a 1.65 times higher acceptance rate compared to non-COVID articles (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 was associated with an increase in volume, citations, and attention for both COVID and non-COVID articles compared to pre-COVID articles. However, COVID articles were associated with lower evidence levels than non-COVID and pre-COVID articles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

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OBJECTIVES: During a public health crisis, it is important for medical journals to share information in a timely manner while maintaining a robust peer-review process. This review reports and analyzes The Laryngoscope's publication trends and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and during previous pandemics. METHODS: Comprehensive review of two databases (PubMed and The Laryngoscope) was performed. COVID-19 manuscripts (published in The Laryngoscope during the first 4 months of the pandemic) were identified and compared to manuscripts pertaining to historic pandemics (published in The Laryngoscope during the first 2 years of each outbreak). Keywords included "The Laryngoscope," "flu," "pandemic," "influenza," "SARS," "severe acute respiratory syndrome," "coronavirus," "COVID-19," and "SARS-CoV-2." Data were obtained from The Laryngoscope to characterize publication trends during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: From March 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020, The Laryngoscope had 203 COVID-19 submissions. As of July 8, 2020, 20 (9.9%) were accepted, 117 (57.6%) under review, and 66 (32.5%) rejected. During the first 4 months of the pandemic, 18 COVID-19 manuscripts were published. Mean number of days from submission to online publication was 45, compared to 170 in 2018 and 196 in 2019. A total of 4 manuscripts concerning previous pandemics were published during the initial 2 years of each outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: The Laryngoscope rapidly disseminated quality publications during the COVID-19 pandemic by upholding a robust peer-review process while expediting editorial steps, highlighting relevant articles online, and providing open access to make COVID-19-related publications available as quickly as possible. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The COVID-19 health crisis abruptly disrupted the practice of otolaryngology. This article aims to define the changes needed to operate an academic otolaryngology practice safely and efficiently from within the epicenter of the pandemic. We define the areas of normal patient workflow that have been affected by COVID-19, and we offer mitigation strategies with attention paid to the specific needs of subspecialties.The article includes data specific to the office practice metrics of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, as well as publically available data from New York Presbyterian Hospital system and theExpert opinion.Through careful planning and execution, it is possible to reestablish safe otolaryngologic patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will require a significant change from prior practice models for successful implementation. Additionally, telemedicine can be positively integrated into the treatment of otolaryngology diseases for new and established patients.The information conveyed in this review can be used as a guide by large and small otolaryngology groups to identify aspects of the patient visit that are "at risk" due to COVID-19, and it suggests sensible responses that can be made without a significant disruption to normal practice. The methods used to identify vulnerabilities with the patient visit process can be applied to future unforeseen crises, such as a resurgence of COVID-19 or a novel pandemic.

Objectives First, to determine if prosthesis length plays a role in optimizing successful hearing outcomes in stapedotomy surgery; and second, to determine if patient factors such as height are correlated with prosthesis length. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing stapedotomy surgeries with adequate follow up. Length of prosthesis, pre-/postoperative audiograms, and follow-up data were obtained. Results The primary group consisted of 227 cases. The prosthesis length ranged from 3.75 mm to 4.75 mm (median 4.25 mm). The greatest improvement in postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) occurred in the 4.25 mm group, and the least in the 3.75 mm group. Patient height showed a positive, although weak, correlation with prosthesis length. No findings reached statistical significance. Conclusion Accurate measurement of prosthesis length is important for successful postoperative hearing outcomes. There is a positive but not significant correlation between patient height and prosthesis length. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Objective Most patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) have significant hearing loss in the affected ear as a result of either their tumor or treatment. There is a paucity of data on which hearing rehabilitation options, if any, are preferred by patients with VS. Our study analyzed the use of hearing rehabilitation devices among VS patients. Methods Patients with unilateral VS treated at our institution from January 2008 to August 2018 were identified. Those with bilateral VS, profound hearing loss in the contralateral ear, neurofibromatosis type 2, or inadequate follow-up were excluded. Patients who met inclusion criteria were given two online questionnaires: an 8-item instrument that assesses use of hearing rehabilitation devices and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit. Results Of 212 eligible patients, 61 completed both surveys. The majority (88%) were able to hear "poorly" or "not at all" in the affected ear, but less than one-third had ever used a hearing rehabilitation device. Most had used conventional hearing aids (30%) or contralateral routing of signal/bilateral contralateral routing of signal (30%), whereas only a handful had used bone-anchored hearing devices or cochlear implant. Patients who did not pursue hearing rehabilitation were either not bothered by their deficit or were unaware of their options. Most had good functionality despite their deficit. Conclusion Whereas 88% of patients treated for VS had a significant hearing loss, the majority did not pursue hearing rehabilitation but maintained good functional performance. Many did not remember being counseled about hearing rehabilitation options, indicating that regular and repeated counseling may be needed to increase patient utilization of hearing rehabilitation after VS treatment. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1558-1564, 2020.

Objective To evaluate hearing outcomes and incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) after stapedotomy with adipose tissue seal, and to compare adipose tissue sealing with alternative techniques. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Primary stapedotomy was performed in 179 patients using a KTP laser, microdrill, piston prosthesis, and adipose tissue seal of the oval window fenestra between 1991 and 2015. An additional 123 patients underwent stapes surgery with alternative techniques. Interventions Stapes surgery for otosclerosis. Audiograms were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures Hearing outcomes were measured as percentage of cases with closure of the air-bone gap (ABG) to within 10 and 15 dB. SNHL was identified as cases with decrement in bone conduction thresholds greater than 10 or 5 dB. The median postoperative ABG and change in bone conduction thresholds were compared between the primary stapedotomy group (KTP laser with adipose tissue seal) and various subgroups with alternative techniques. Results We found excellent hearing outcomes after primary stapedotomy with adipose tissue seal. The ABG closed to within 10 dB in 81.01% of cases and within 15 dB in 93.30% of cases. We observed a low rate of SNHL without any cases of profound hearing loss. 1.67% of cases had a decrement in bone conduction greater than 10 dB while 6.14% of cases had a decrement greater than 5 dB. Stapedotomy with adipose tissue seal compared favorably with alternative techniques with respect to hearing outcomes and SNHL. Conclusions Adipose tissue is an effective and cost-efficient tissue seal during stapedotomy with excellent hearing outcomes and low incidence of SNHL.

Objectives To determine the incidence of prolonged postoperative systemic corticosteroid therapy after surgery for acoustic neuroma as well as the indications and associated risk factors that could lead to prolonged steroid administration, and the incidence of steroid-related adverse effects. Study Designs Retrospective chart review. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing resection of acoustic neuroma between 2010 and 2017 at two tertiary care medical centers. Patient and tumor characteristics, operative approach, hospital length of stay, initial postoperative taper length, number of discrete postoperative steroid courses, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results There were 220 patients (99 male, 121 female) with an average age of 49.4 (range 16–78). There were 124 left-sided tumors and 96 right-sided tumors. Within the group, 191 tumors were operated through a retrosigmoid approach, 25 tumors through a translabyrinthine approach, and 4 tumors with a combined retrosigmoid–translabyrinthine approach under the same anesthetic. In total, 35 (15.9%) patients received an extended initial course of postoperative systemic steroids, defined as a taper longer than 18 days. Twenty six (11.8%) patients received additional courses of systemic steroids after the initial postoperative taper. There were 5 (2.3%) patients who required an extended initial taper as well as additional courses of steroids. Aseptic meningitis, often manifested as headache, was the most common indication for additional steroids (14 cases of prolonged taper and 17 cases of additional courses). None of the patient or tumor factors including age, gender, side, size, and approach were statistically significantly associated with either a prolonged initial steroid taper or additional courses of steroids. An extended hospital length of stay was associated with a prolonged initial steroid taper (p = 0.03), though the initial taper length was not predictive of additional courses of steroids. The cumulative number of days on steroids was associated with need for additional procedures (p Conclusions Systemic corticosteroids are routinely administered postoperatively for patients undergoing craniotomy for the resection of acoustic neuromas. In a review of 220 patients operated by a single neurotologist, no patient or tumor factors were predictive of requiring prolonged initial steroid taper or additional courses of steroids. The cumulative number of days on systemic steroids was associated with undergoing additional procedures and steroid-related side effects. The most common indications for prolonged or additional steroids were aseptic meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and facial paresis. Additional steroids for postoperative facial paresis did not significantly improve outcomes. Patient-reported steroid-related complications were infrequent and were most commonly psychiatric including agitation, anxiety, and mood lability.

Objective To document our experience with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the temporal bone. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Patients Patients who developed exposed necrotic bone of the external auditory canal after radiation therapy to the head and neck. Interventions Temporal bone ORN was managed conservatively in all patients with a combination of systemic antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops, and in-office debridement. Three patients required surgery, two of which were for a cholesteatoma. Main outcome measure The need for surgical intervention in the management of ORN. Results Twenty-three patients with ORN of the temporal bone comprise the study group. The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 58 years (range, 34-75 yr). The parotid gland was the most common primary tumor site (n = 10). The mean lag time from completion of radiotherapy to diagnosis of ORN was 11 years (range, 2-48 yr). The most common presenting symptom was hearing loss (n = 18), followed by tinnitus (n = 13) and otorrhea (n = 13). All 23 patients were managed conservatively with antibiotic therapy and in-office debridement of necrotic bone. None of the patients required temporal bone resection and/or free-flap reconstruction. Conclusion ORN of the temporal bone is a rare adverse event that can occur after radiotherapy for a variety of neoplasms of the head, neck, and central nervous system. Conservative management, which includes directed antibiotic therapy and regular in-office debridement of necrotic bone, can adequately control the disease process and symptomatology, thus avoiding more invasive surgical interventions.

Computer-based (in silico) protein modeling to examine genotype-phenotype relationships for a given mutation has been applied to many genes but never to NF2.Missense mutations in the merlin protein occur in approximately 9% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Within this subset of patients, no genotype-phenotype correlations have been established. The aim of this study was to determine if genotype correlates with phenotype in the cohort of NF2 patients with missense mutations as a first step to defining a method to predict clinical phenotype from genotype for these patients.We analyzed 45 patients with NF2 as a result of missense mutations drawn from the United Kingdom NF2 registry. Our analysis included 17 different NF2 mutations from NF2 patients and six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)--presumed benign because they are observed in the dbSNP National Center for Biotechnology Information database and 1000 Genomes. We analyzed the mutations using three mutation tolerance prediction approaches: Align GVGD, SIFT, and PolyPhen-2. The mutation sites were also modeled on the three-dimensional crystal structure of merlin to investigate the spatial relationship of NF2-causing mutations.Two mutation tolerance predictors (SIFT and PolyPhen-2) were able to distinguish NF2-causing mutations from non-NF2-causing SNPs (p0.05). Mapping mutations on the molecular structure of merlin suggest that mutations resulting in greater structural conflicts within the protein are more likely to correlate with severe phenotypes.This work is a step toward a better understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in NF2 caused by missense mutations using a computer-based methodology.

First, to determine if prosthesis length plays a role in optimizing successful hearing outcomes in stapedotomy surgery; and second, to determine if patient factors such as height are correlated with prosthesis length.Retrospective chart review.Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing stapedotomy surgeries with adequate follow up. Length of prosthesis, pre-/postoperative audiograms, and follow-up data were obtained.The primary group consisted of 227 cases. The prosthesis length ranged from 3.75 mm to 4.75 mm (median 4.25 mm). The greatest improvement in postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) occurred in the 4.25 mm group, and the least in the 3.75 mm group. Patient height showed a positive, although weak, correlation with prosthesis length. No findings reached statistical significance.Accurate measurement of prosthesis length is important for successful postoperative hearing outcomes. There is a positive but not significant correlation between patient height and prosthesis length.4. Laryngoscope, 128:722-726, 2018.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Cholesteatomas are epidermal inclusion cysts containing stratified squamous epithelium that arise in the middle ear and mastoid cavities resulting in a persistent inflammatory state. Complications include chronic otorrhea, granulation tissue, and bony erosion. Cholesteatoma growth patterns predict frequent involvement of the Fallopian canal of the facial nerve. Extensive disease may extend to the posterior and middle fossa dura, the otic capsule, the carotid artery, and the jugular bulb. Dehiscence of the Fallopian canal and direct involvement of the facial nerve epineurium by cholesteatoma are risk factors for intraoperative facial nerve injury during tympanomastoid surgery by exposing the facial nerve to mechanical trauma and inflammation during microdissection. We present two cases of recidivistic cholesteatoma with unusual medial involvement of the vertical segment of the facial nerve that resulted in an unsupported mastoid segment after resection. The outcomes from these two patients suggest that facial nerve function may be preserved despite circumferential exposure with appropriate preoperative planning and intra-operative techniques. STUDY DESIGN Case studies. METHODS Two patients undergoing revision tympanomastoidectomy for extensive recidivistic cholesteatoma with medial involvement of the facial nerve in the mastoid segment. In each case, the facial nerve was circumferentially exposed during the resection of the cholesteatoma. RESULTS Normal facial nerve function after surgery was confirmed in both patients at 18 months and 6 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Surgical resection of extensive cholesteatoma with medial involvement of the vertical segment of the facial nerve resulted in an unsupported mastoid segment in two patients with normal postoperative facial nerve function.

In the past century, significant advances have been made in understanding the clinical features of acoustic neuromas. Furthermore, rapid technological advances have led to the development of sensitive, rapid, and relatively noninvasive diagnostic modalities, which has allowed for earlier discovery of acoustic neuromas and has reduced the average tumor size at time of diagnosis. The ultimate result has been improved clinical outcomes after surgery and radiotherapy.

Objective: To investigate and analyze the relationship between individual ossicular erosion and air-bone gap (ABG) among patients with cholesteatoma. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods: Data from all patients undergoing an initial surgery for cholesteatoma were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the relationships between preoperative pure tone audiometry data, intraoperative assessment of individual ossicular destruction, and clinical characterization of cholesteatoma. For each patient, the cholesteatoma was categorized as primary acquired, secondary acquired, congenital, or unable to discern. Ossicular destruction was graded, and ABG was calculated. For each ossicle, the relationship between degree of cholesteatoma involvement and ossicular erosion and the ABG was analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: A total of 158 primary cholesteatoma surgeries were performed by the senior author between 1992 and 2009 that met our inclusion criteria. The status of each ossicle was significantly associated with the ABG in a graded and independent manner; this association was most significant for the incus. Cholesteatoma abutting an intact ossicle did not significantly affect the ABG. Clinical categorization of cholesteatoma was not significantly associated with the ABG. Conclusion: Previous assessments of ossicular destruction have provided limited information about the relationship between ossicular destruction and ABG in cholesteatoma patients. Through the use of a new and detailed grading scale, this study reveals that the erosion of each ossicle contributes in a graded and independent manner to the increase in ABG, with the status of the incus having the most statistically significant association with ABG. Key Words: CholesteatomaVConductive hearing lossV Ossicular erosion.

Background Patients with large vestibular schwannomas are at high risk of poor facial nerve (cranial nerve VII [CNVII]) function after surgery. Subtotal resection potentially offers better outcome, but may lead to higher tumor regrowth. Objective To assess long-term CNVII function and tumor regrowth in patients with large vestibular schwannomas. Methods Prospective multicenter nonrandomized cohort study of patients with vestibular schwannoma ≥2.5 cm who received gross total resection, near total resection, or subtotal resection. Patients received radiation if tumor remnant showed signs of regrowth. Results Seventy-three patients had adequate follow-up with mean tumor diameter of 3.33 cm. Twelve received gross total resection, 22 near total resection, and 39 subtotal resection. Fourteen (21%) remnant tumors continued to grow, of which 11 received radiation, 1 had repeat surgery, and 2 no treatment. Four of the postradiation remnants (36%) required surgical salvage. Tumor regrowth was related to non-cystic nature, larger residual tumor, and subtotal resection. Regrowth was 3 times as likely with subtotal resection compared to gross total resection and near total resection. Good CNVII function was achieved in 67% immediately and 81% at 1-year. Better immediate nerve function was associated with smaller preoperative tumor size and percentage of tumor left behind on magnetic resonance image. Degree of resection defined by surgeon and preoperative tumor size showed weak trend toward better late CNVII function. Conclusion Likelihood of tumor regrowth was 3 times higher in subtotal resection compared to gross total resection and near total resection groups. Rate of radiation control of growing remnants was suboptimal. Better immediate but not late CNVII outcome was associated with smaller tumors and larger tumor remnants. Abbreviations CNVII, cranial nerve VIIGTR, gross total resectionHB, House-BrackmannMRI, magnetic resonance imageNTR, near total resectionSTR, subtotal resection.

HYPOTHESIS: Gene therapy with an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector encoding the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in an animal model of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity can elucidate apoptotic pathways in the inner ear. BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is limited clinically by ototoxicity associated with apoptosis in the inner ear. The relevant intracellular apoptotic pathways, however, are unknown. XIAP is an antiapoptotic protein that both inhibits caspases and reciprocally regulates the proapoptotic Smac/Omi proteins. AAV-mediated delivery of various XIAP mutants could distinguish between these antiapoptotic pathways in the ear and further the development of specific reagents for gene therapy- mediated prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. METHODS: We administered unilaterally through the round-window AAV-harboring genes encoding wild-type dXIAP, yellow fluorescent protein, or either of two dXIAP point mutants-one deficient in caspase inhibition (dXIAP-d) and the other additionally deficient in the binding of Smac/Omi (dXIAP-t). All rats received a 3-day systemic course of cisplatin. Functional hearing loss was measured by shifts in auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds after cisplatin treatment, and hair-cell loss was assessed by whole-mount phalloidin staining of cochlear turns. RESULTS: Uninjected ears universally displayed high-frequency-specific hair-cell loss and ABR threshold shifts upon cisplatin treatment. Although yellow fluorescent protein had no effect, ears injected with dXIAP exhibited 68% less ABR threshold shift at 32 kHz and 50% less basal-turn outer-hair-cell loss compared with contralateral untreated ears. This protection was maintained in ears injected with dXIAP-d but was abolished in those expressing dXIAP-t, which is incapable of blocking Smac/Omi. CONCLUSION: Hair-cell apoptosis induced by cisplatin involves the Smac/Omi pathway. Thus, gene therapy with either wild-type dXIAP or Smac/Omi-selective dXIAP-d may be effective to protect against cisplatin-mediated ototoxicity.

Delivery of the gene encoding X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector can protect against cisplatin-mediated ototoxicity.Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with significant ototoxic side effects. One possible mechanism of toxicity is apoptotic death of many cochlear cell types. Acute treatment with inhibitors of caspases- enzymes critical for apoptosis- has been shown to prevent hearing loss in vivo, but is too short-acting for therapeutic use. Gene therapy provides a specific and chronic means of delivering potential therapeutic gents. Introducing an anti-apoptotic gene into the cochlea could provide long-term prophylaxis against the ototoxic effects of cisplatin.Two groups of rats were treated with unilateral injection into the round window of AAV harboring a gene encoding either XIAP or green fluorescent protein (GFP). After at least two months of gene expression, auditory-brainstem-response (ABR) threshold shifts and outer-hair-cell (OHC) number were measured in these two groups of animals after 72-hour treatment with cisplatin.Consistent with previous reports, uninjected and AAV.GFP-injected ears displayed profound ABR threshold elevations and OHC loss after cisplatin treatment. Ears that had been injected with AAV encoding XIAP, however, were significantly protected from these effects: cisplatin-induced ABR-threshold shift and hair-cell loss were attenuated by as much as 78% and 45%, respectively, when compared with contralateral (untreated) ears.XIAP delivery to the cochlea can protect against the audiometric changes and hair-cell loss associated with cisplatin ototoxicity. The efficacy, specificity, and duration of the protective effects make this a potentially attractive therapeutic paradigm.

Objective Our goal was to evaluate the use of topical mitomycin-C (MMC) in the prevention of scar tissue formation in the postsurgical external auditory canal (EAC). Study design and setting We conducted a prospective pilot study at a tertiary care institution. Methods Six patients with recurrent postoperative granulation tissue after canaloplasty, tympanomastoidectomy, or lateral temporal bone resection were included. MMC (0.5 mg/mL) was applied topically for 5 minutes to the EAC/mastoid cavity. Results Outcomes were measured at initial MMC application and 1 and 3 months thereafter using a visual analog scale score based on the degree of EAC occlusion by granulation tissue. Need for debridement of recurrent granulation tissue on follow-up was noted. Three (50%) patients had improved VAS 1 month after treatment. Two (33%) had improved visual analog scale score at 3 months. Five (83%) required at least one debridement procedure. Repeat MMC application was performed in 2 patients. Conclusion Topical MMC was ineffective in preventing scar formation in the postsurgical EAC.

Objective This study examined the clinical and pathologic features of regional spread of nonneurogenic neoplastic disease to the intratemporal segments of the facial nerve. Study design Retrospective review.SETTING Three tertiary referral centers. Patients Six patients with neoplastic disease of nonneurogenic origin involving segments of the facial nerve within the temporal bone. Interventions All patients underwent surgery with curative intent. Five patients received adjuvant radiation, and two received adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Main outcome measures Histopathology, site of primary tumor, intratemporal location of regional spread along the facial nerve, degree of facial paralysis, and presence of residual disease. Results Five cases of malignancy were reported: one case of parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma, one case of parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma, two cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and one case of an unidentified carcinoma. Perineural spread was histologically found in all cases of malignant disease. In addition, one case of benign pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland that circumferentially involved an intratemporal segment of the facial nerve was reported. Facial paralysis was present in five of six (83%) of cases. Four patients had unresectable malignant disease, and two died despite multimodality therapy. Conclusions The facial nerve provides a route for the spread of neoplastic disease into the temporal bone, and perineural invasion is an important mechanism of invasion and motility of malignant disease. Nonneurogenic intratemporal tumors of the facial nerve are a rare but significant cause of facial paralysis.

Revision stapes operations have lower success rates than primary surgeries. Success rates have increased since the introduction of the laser. Visible (KTP, argon) and infrared (CO2) spectrum lasers have been used in stapes surgery. A concern has been raised regarding the use of visible lasers in revision stapedectomy because of their properties of tissue penetrance. The objective of our study is to evaluate a series of patients who underwent revision stapedectomy with the use of KTP laser to determine whether there is an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss associated with the use of this laser.Patients with otosclerosis requiring revision stapedectomy.Revision stapedectomy or stapedotomy were performed using the KTP laser.The primary outcome evaluated was the incidence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss. Improvement in air-bone gap was evaluated as a secondary outcome.There were no cases of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss or deafness. Approximately 56.5% of patients achieved closure of the postoperative ABG to within 10 dB; 91.3% of patients achieved a postoperative ABG within 20 dB. The KTP laser was used most commonly to lyse fibrous adhesions.Although there is a theoretical risk of penetrance of the KTP laser through the oval window and underlying perilymph with resultant damage to the sense organ-containing endolymph, this theoretical risk did not translate into an increased rate of sensorineural hearing loss in our series. The KTP laser allowed for less traumatic clearing of middle ear adhesions and good hearing results.

Objective: Our goals were to define the most sensitive techniques of acoustic neuroma diagnosis, to examine their relative costs, and to propose diagnostic modality selection given the rarity of acoustic neuroma incidence and given the other costs that society faces in more commonly encountered diseases. Methods: We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English language from 1966 to 2001 using the following keywords: acoustic neuroma, acoustic tumor, vestibular schwannoma, diagnosis, cost effectiveness, MRI, auditory brainstem response, brainstem audiometric evoked response, incidence, and prevalence. Results: Although magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium remains the most sensitive diagnostic modality in the discovery of acoustic neuromas, its cost may be prohibitive for some societies. Conclusion: Which modality to use in acoustic neuroma diagnosis is just as much a philosophical and macroeconomic question as a technological one. Clinical Significance: The cost of a timely diagnosis of acoustic neuromas must be weighed against using resources for other, more pressing, health concerns. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2002;127:253-9.)

Objectives To compare different methods of measuring tumor growth after resection of vestibular schwannoma and to identify predictors of growth. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary referral center, inpatient surgery with ambulatory follow-up. Patients All patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma resection by the senior author from September 1991 to April 2012 and had two or more postoperative MRI scans. Interventions Vestibular schwannoma resection. Measurement of tumor size and enhancement pattern on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. Main outcome measures Tumor size as measured in one (linear), two (planar), and three (volumetric) dimensions using standard radiology workstation tools versus time elapsed since surgical resection. Results Eighty-eight patients were included with mean follow-up of 3.9 years. Linear measurement of tumor size was found to have modest correlation with planar and volumetric measurements. Excellent correlation was found between the planar and volumetric methods. Nodular enhancement increased risk for tumor growth (OR 6.25, p = 0.03 on planar analysis). If there was growth, tumors with nodular enhancement typically showed increase in size beginning 2 years postoperatively, whereas those with linear or no enhancement were typically stable in size through 5 years. Younger age and larger preoperative tumor size were also risk factors for growth (OR 0.9/p = 0.01 and OR 1.09/p = 0.02). Conclusion Simple planar measurement is an efficient method that correlates well with the more time-consuming volumetric method. The major risk factor for tumor growth is nodular enhancement on a baseline scan, a finding that warrants annual MRI beginning 2 years postoperatively. Younger age and larger preoperative size minimally increased risk of growth.

Objective Factors that play a role in the selection of surgical approach for acoustic neuromas include patient health and age, size of tumor, hearing status, and location of tumor in the internal auditory canal (IAC) and the cerebellopontine angle. Deep extension into the IAC makes hearing preservation extremely difficult when a retrosigmoid craniotomy is used, and the best approach is a middle fossa subtemporal route. Modern gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be inaccurate in identifying the presence of tumor laterally in the IAC. This may affect the selection of a surgical approach. Study design This study was a retrospective case review. Setting Patients were accrued from a tertiary referral otologic practice. Patients From 1997 through 2000, the authors identified six patients who had undergone acoustic neuroma surgery, had adequate imaging and intraoperative data, and demonstrated a lack of correlation between MRI and intraoperative findings of the lateral IAC. Intervention The interventions were preoperative MRI of the IAC and surgical resection of an acoustic neuroma. Main outcome measure Comparison of MRI and intraoperative findings of the lateral IAC were the main outcome measures. Results Six patients demonstrated a lack of correlation between MRI and intraoperative findings of the lateral IAC. Conclusions Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI findings of the depth of penetration into the lateral aspect of the IAC do not always correlate with intraoperative findings and thus may have implications in the selection of surgical approaches to acoustic neuromas.