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Purpose The aim of this study was to use a new biological active fat enhanced leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin membrane (L-PRF) for skull base defect reconstruction and compare its validity and reliability with the time-honored fascia lata. Methods This prospective study was conducted on 48 patients with spontaneous CSF leaks who were divided into 2 matched groups by stratified randomization, 24 patients in each group. In group A we performed multilayer repair using fat enhanced L-PRF membrane. In group B we used fascia lata for the multilayer repair. In both groups we enforced the repair with mucosal grafts/flaps. Results The two groups were statistically matched for age, sex, intracranial pressure, and site and size of the skull base defect. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the outcome of the repair or recurrence of CSF leak during the first postoperative year. Meningitis occurred in one patient in group B and was successfully treated. Another patient in group B developed thigh hematoma which resolved spontaneously. Conclusion The fat enhanced L-PRF membrane is a valid reliable option in repair of CSF leaks. The membrane is autologous, readily available, easily prepared, and has the advange of including stromal fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). The present study showed that fat enhanced L-PRF membrane is stable, non-absorbable, not liable to shrink or become necrotic, and can establish good seal of the skull base defect and further enhance the healing process. The use of the membrane also has the advantage of avoiding thigh incision and possible hematoma formation.

Smoking, whether active or passive, has proven deleterious effects on the nasal mucosa. There is also a link between smoking and development and/or maintenance of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Reversal of smoking-induced mucosal changes after quitting smoking is still unconfirmed and controversial. The present study investigated the possibility of reversal of smoking-related nasal mucosal changes back to normal after completely quitting smoking. The study was performed on 32 smokers whose nasal mucosa was previously biopsied for electron microscopic examination and then they completely quit smoking. Smoking history of the participants and duration of cessation of smoking were recorded. A tiny 1-mm3 biopsy was taken from the inferior turbinate 1 cm behind its anterior end and processed for electron microscopy. The specimens were processed for electron microscopy and the sections were examined by a pathologist who was blinded to the identity and smoking status of the participant. The results of electron microscopic examination of the nasal mucosa before and after quitting smoking were compared. The mean duration of quitting smoking was 30.75 months (± 8.26). Examination of the electron microscopic sections before quitting smoking showed variable degrees of loss of cilia and columnar cells, edema between the epithelial cells, few goblet cells, hyperplasia of seromucinous acini, and vascular congestion. The pathologic changes correlated positively with the smoking index of the participant. On the other hand, the sections after quitting smoking showed variable degrees of regeneration of the ciliated cells and decreased vascular congestion. Numerous goblet cells and seromucinous acini were seen. Less pathologic changes were observed with longer durations of cessation of smoking. The present study showed an association between smoking and the nasal mucosa. Smoking has several injurious effects on the nasal mucosa. However, the nasal mucosa has excellent regeneration potentials and quitting smoking for sufficient periods of time may reverse these deleterious changes. Considering the established link between smoking and CRS, quitting smoking may help smokers to overcome their recalcitrant disease. This should be further investigated.

Objectives: The three dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered as a new surgical tool which used in different approaches in intranasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are many advantages of the 3D endoscopy over the two dimensional (2D) one that have been demonstrated along clinical applications, surgical training and different experimental studies. Our study aimed to show the difference between using the 3D & 2D endoscopes during endonasal and anterior skull base surgery and its importance specially when used by novice users. Design: Our study is divided into two phases (clinical & cadaveric phases).In the clinical study we have done 52 endonasal & anterior skull base surgical procedures (26 study cases and 26 control cases).We recorded accuracy, duration and intraoperative complication for each case. The cadaveric study was performed on three cadavers, difference in accuracy and dissection time were recorded using 3D & 2D endoscopy for each side chosen by randomization. Results: In the clinical study, the cases done by 3D endoscope were significantly faster and more accurate with less intraoperative complications compared to cases done using 2D endoscope. In cadaveric dissection while using 3D endoscope there was better depth of perception regarding the anatomical landmarks compared to 2D endoscope. Conclusion: 3D endoscopy is an advanced instrument that allows better training for the coming generation of ENT surgeons. Both clinical and cadaveric studies offer a promising outcomes in both endonasal and anterior skull base surgery.

BackgroundOdontogenic sinusitis is an underdiagnosed entity and is one cause of failure of conventional treatments of sinusitis. Unfortunately, there is no consensus so far on the best management protocol. This retrospective study aimed to suggest a practical management protocol that can reduce misdiagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.MethodsThe study included 74 patients with confirmed odontogenic sinusitis who were diagnosed and treated over 10 years (2010–2019). The patient data were recorded and analysed.ResultsDental pain was reported in only 31.1 per cent of patients. Fifty-six patients (75.7 per cent) had received dental treatment during the last year, but only 13 (23.1 per cent) reported it. Dental pathology was missed on initial computed tomography evaluation in 24 patients (32.4 per cent). Forty-one patients (55.4 per cent) were successfully treated by dental procedures and antibiotics. Fourteen patients needed functional endoscopic sinus surgery in addition to dental procedures.ConclusionSuccessful management of odontogenic sinusitis requires good communication between rhinologists, radiologists and dentists. Dental treatment should be the logical first step in the treatment protocol, unless otherwise indicated.

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy curtails most of the negative impacts of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its efficacy is limited by its low long-term adherence. Nasal obstruction contributes to OSA pathophysiology and necessitates high CPAP titration pressures which reduce CPAP compliance.This study aims at elucidating the outcomes of surgical correction of nasal obstruction in patients intolerant to CPAP therapy.Forty-nine patients with severe OSA intolerant to CPAP secondary to surgically correctable nasal obstruction were operated upon. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at least 3 months after the surgical intervention. Subjective assessment entailed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (NOSE) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Objectively the patients were assessed by acoustic rhinometry and standard polysomnography.Nasal surgical intervention resulted in an a statistically significant decrease in the mean NOSE score, ESS and optimal CPAP titration pressure. In addition, the minimal cross-sectional area (MCA12) increased significantly postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between the improvement in NOSE score as well as the MCA12 and the postoperative decrease in CPAP titration pressure. Surgical correction of nasal obstruction improved CPAP outcomes and compliance in all patients.Nasal surgery in OSA objectively assessed by acoustic rhinometry improved nasal obstruction with a resultant decrease in the CPAP pressure requirements. Given that lower CPAP pressures improve adherence to CPAP therapy, surgical alleviation of nasal obstruction should be considered a crucial intervention in the management armamentarium of OSA.

To prospectively study a series of scleroma patients with a focus on socioeconomic status, clinical presentation, pathology, microbiology, and treatment. A total of 52 patients diagnosed with scleroma were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients were collected and clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic findings were analyzed. Biopsies from atypical patients were sent for electron microscopic examination. Patients were treated both medically and surgically with clinical follow-up to determine outcomes and the incidence of recurrence. Fifty-two patients were included in the study. There were 23 males (44.2%) and 29 females (55.8%). The highest incidence of scleroma was identified in individuals from poor, rural areas in the third to fourth decades of life. The nose was affected in all cases. Other affected sites included the nasopharynx, soft and hard palate, larynx and trachea, lacrimal passages, skin, and gingiva. Some patients had atypical presentations. Complete follow-up of all patients was hindered by non-compliance with clinic visits and the long duration of medical treatment. Recurrence or relapse of the granulomatous lesions after initial improvement occurred in 11 patients (21.2%) within 1 to 3 years. Scleroma is a stubborn, chronic, granulomatous bacterial disease. The diverse presentations may mimic neoplasms and other granulomatous conditions. We present cases with unusual presentations and demonstrate the transmission electron microscopic features of these lesions. Furthermore, we confirm the importance of achieving full eradication of the etiologic bacilli to prevent recurrent disease.

Objectives Passive exposure of children to cigarette smoke has been implicated in several recalcitrant respiratory childhood disorders. However, to our knowledge, no information is available regarding the connection between passive exposure to tobacco smoke and the formation of nasal biofilms in children. The present study was therefore geared at investigating the hypothesis that exposure of children to household passive smoking may induce the formation of nasal biofilms. Methods The study included 20 children between the ages of 6 and 12 years with a positive history of prolonged exposure to household passive smoke, and who required inferior turbinate reduction together with other procedures. Another 20 children who required similar surgeries but with negative history of exposure to household smoking formed the control group. None of children, in the study and control groups, had evidence of adenoids or infective rhinosinusitis. At the time of surgery, a tiny biopsy was taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. The specimens were processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results The nasal mucosa of 11 out of 20 children with positive history of exposure to passive smoking showed biofilm formation. Ten of these biofilms grew S. aureus. On the other hand, only one child in the control group showed nasal biofilm. Longer exposure to tobacco smoke and higher urinary cotinine levels were associated with more frequent biofilm formation. Likewise, children of heavy smokers developed biofilms more frequently than other children. On the other hand, the age of the children and nasal allergy had no effect on the chances of biofilm formation. Conclusions This is a preliminary report showing that children exposed to household passive cigarette smoking may develop nasal biofilms. Development of these biofilms may increase susceptibility of affected children to persistent sinonasal and possibly other respiratory infections.

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign tumor with a local aggressive nature and has a tendency to recur after excision. Despite the evolution of endoscopic techniques in the management of IP, external approaches still play a crucial role in frontal sinus involvement. Objective The present study aimed at planning a strategy for managing IP arising in or involving the frontal recess and/or frontal sinus. Patients and methods Ten patients with frontal sinus IP were enrolled in the present study. The type of surgical procedure was tailored according to the site of origin and extent of the tumor. Results Five combined surgeries and five extended endoscopic surgeries were performed in 1 year and 4 months with a follow up period of 2 years. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved in all the cases and no recurrences were reported at the end of the follow up period. Conclusions The exact approach to frontal sinus IP differ from one case to the other. Endoscopic frontal surgery is the mainstay in treatment of frontal sinus IP. External or combined approaches still remain a valid option for lesions affecting the mucosa of the frontal sinus extensively or extending far lateral.

ObjectiveTo study the cluster of differentiation 8 population in the laryngeal mucosa of patients with laryngeal carcinoma. To our knowledge this is the first paper to address this issue.MethodsThe study group included 40 patients with known laryngeal cancer who were scheduled for laryngectomy. The control groups included 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers who were scheduled for microlaryngeal surgery. Specimens from the three groups were processed for histopathological and histochemical evaluation.ResultsIn patients without cancer of the larynx, the number of cluster of differentiation 8 lymphocytes was greater in smokers than non-smokers. The number of cluster of differentiation 8 lymphocytes was greatest in smokers with laryngeal cancer, and the difference between this group and the two control groups was statistically significant.ConclusionThe study showed that smoking increased the number of cluster of differentiation 8 T-lymphocytes in the laryngeal mucosa. The increase was greatest in patients who had developed laryngeal cancer.

The current management options of congenital pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) are either conservative measures awaiting further growth of the bony nasal framework or surgical intervention that focuses on bone removal from the margin of the pyriform aperture (PA) without exposure of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) followed by stenting. Recently, CT measurements of the nasal cavity in CNPAS have shed light that the site of maximal bony obstruction corresponds to the bony buttress encasing the NLD rather than the margin of the PA as initially thought. Herein, we present an extramucosal pyriplasty technique that can be used without stenting to enlarge the PA and achieve immediate and sustained relief of nasal obstruction. Retrospective chart review of 4 patients with radiologically confirmed CNPAS who had undergone extramucosal pyriplasty without stenting during the period from 2012 to 2016. Three patients were full term without any clinically detectable congenital anomaly. The fourth patient was preterm infant who needed ICU management. On computerized tomography scan, the PA width ranged from 5.8 to 7.1 mm with a mean of 6.4 mm while site of maximal stenosis ranged from 5.4 to 6.8 with a mean of 6 mm. Extramucosal pyriplasty relieved nasal obstruction and restored normal oral feeding in all patients. Postoperative follow-up endoscopy revealed an adequately patent airway with no scarring, granulation or restenosis. Extramucosal pyriplasty with decompression of the NLD without stenting is a treatment modality for CNPAS that provides prompt sustainable relief of nasal obstruction and avoids the drawbacks of stenting and shortcomings of the current conservative methods.

Background:The relationship between hypertension and epistaxis is controversial and poorly understood. The present research investigated atherosclerosis as a potential risk factor in hypertensive patients with epistaxis.Methods:A prospective study of 141 hypertensive patients with epistaxis was conducted. The laboratory tests included full blood count, lipid profile and coagulation profile. All patients underwent funduscopic examination of the eye and were classified in terms of four retinopathy grades.Results:There were strong positive correlations between the number of nosebleeds and retinopathy grade and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. There were weak correlations between the number of nosebleeds and blood pressure readings and triglycerides levels. Patients with grade III retinopathy, suggesting atherosclerosis, suffered from more frequent nosebleeds than other patients.Conclusion:Atherosclerosis is one of the potential risk factors in hypertensive patients with epistaxis. This may have an impact on treatment choices.

Importance & objective Rhinoplasty for reconstruction of crooked nose continues to update over time to achieve the best results. It is not uncommon for surgeons to perform rhinoplasty in patients with facial asymmetry. The aim of the present study was to introduce a new method of assessment of crooked nose deformities and to evaluate the surgical outcomes of the corrective procedures through the assessment of deviation angles and the utilization of the quality of life (QoL) questionnaire by comparing patient satisfaction in both symmetric and asymmetric faces. Methods Patients were divided into 2 groups; the first group had rhinoplasty to correct crooked nose in patients without facial asymmetry, and patients in group 2 had rhinoplasty for crooked nose in patients with facial asymmetry. Preoperative and post operative analyses of the angles of deviation of the nose were performed. Visual Numerical Scale scores were performed using statistical analysis to assess changes of the quality of life as patient satisfaction for all patients. Results Survey responses were received from 50 patients. Group one included 30 patients and group two included 20 patients. Each group was further subdivided according to the type of deformity into C-shaped nasal deviations and I-shaped linear deviations. Data from all groups were obtained and statistically analyzed. Conclusions All patients in this study who had rhinoplasty for crooked nose either with or without facial asymmetry reported improvement in their disease-specific quality of life and a significant improvement of the nasal axis deviation.

The incidence of traumatic CSF has increased in recent years due to increased incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) as well the increasing number of endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS). The objective of this study is to present our experience in management of traumatic CSF leaks using the endoscopic multilayer repair technique. Forty-two patients (aged 10-75 years, 30 males and 12 females) presenting with confirmed post-traumatic CSF rhinorrhea were operated upon between January 2007 and December 2013. The endoscopic multilayer technique was used in all cases. Electromagnetic navigation was used in some cases. All cases presented with intermittent watery rhinorrhea. The duration of the rhinorrhea ranged from 3 days to 1 year before repair. One case presented after 10 years from the causative trauma. Ten cases had a history of meningitis. Nine cases had more than one defect. Iatrogenic defects were larger than defects following accidental trauma. Two cases, following RTA, developed pseudo-aneurysm of internal carotid artery. Ten cases had associated pneumocephalus. The mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6 days (range 4-8 days). The mean follow-up duration was 31.2 +/- 11.4 months (range 16-48 months). None of our patient developed serious intra- or postoperative complications. Only one case required another surgery to repair a missed second defect. Post-traumatic CSF leaks can be successfully managed via the endonasal endoscopic route using the multilayer repair technique. It is important to look for multiple defects in these cases. CT angiography is recommended for traumatic leaks involving the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus to diagnose or exclude the development of pseudo-aneurysm of the internal carotid artery.

Nasal valve dysfunction has a role in up to 13 % of adults complaining of chronic nasal obstruction yet it is overlooked by many physicians. In rhinoplasty and other nasal surgeries, preserving nasal function is the most significant issue. The autospreader flap has proved to be an effective spreader graft alternative. Adding the spring effect proposed in this study to the autospreader flap increases the width of the internal nasal valve, thus gaining two factors supporting the internal nasal valve. The modified autospreader flap technique is described in detail. Patients in this study were classified into two groups. The first group had no obstructive complaints and the second group had nasal obstructive complaints. Quantitative analysis of NOSE scale scores, endoscopic evaluation, and tomographic evaluation before and after the surgery were performed using statistical analysis. Survey responses were received from 22 patients. Significant improvement in the nasal valve angle width was found in both groups by the endoscopic and tomographic evaluation. Subjective evaluation using NOSE scale scores showed improvement in both groups. The greatest advantage of this technique is that it adds to the autospreader flap a spring action that widens the valve area. We found this technique to be reliable and simple to be performed with fairly good results and patient satisfaction.

A prospective study was performed on 80 cases of different types of sellar lesions during the period between January 2007 and December 2010. The binasal approach was used in all patients. Functioning lesions were diagnosed in 59 patients. The most common secretory tumors were prolactinomas (37 patients) followed by adrenocorticotropic hormone producing tumors (11 patients) and growth hormone producing tumors (11 patients). Nonfunctioning lesions included: 14 pituitary adenomas, 2 chordomas, 2 metastatic lesions (ovarian carcinoma and thyroid carcinoma), and 1 case of sarcoidosis, Rathke's cleft cyst, and craniopharyngioma. Seven nonfunctioning cases developed apoplexy. Among the 59 patients with functioning pituitary lesions, postoperative endocrinological control was achieved in 51 of them (86.5%) 3 months postoperatively with normalization of pituitary functions and complete tumor resection as proved by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative visual field defect improvement was achieved in 15 out of 23 patients (65.2%), including the cases with apoplexy, with complete tumor resection. Postoperative discomfort such as headache, vomiting, or dizziness was minimal and hospitalization period was 2 to 3 days. Postoperative leak continued in one patient in whom revision surgical repair was performed 7 days later. The merits, outcome, and limitations of the approach were discussed.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has been implicated in a number of respiratory childhood disorders. Most studies concerning smoking were directed to its carcinogenic effect on the lungs. However, the effects of smoking on nasal respiratory mucosa have not been widely studied. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to study the ultrastructural changes in the nasal mucosa of a pediatric population exposed to passive smoking. Study Design: The study included 20 children between the ages of 5 and 11 years, who were scheduled for tonsillectomy and at the same time had a positive history of prolonged exposure to household passive smoke. Another 10 children with a negative household smoking history were included as a control group. All children were nonatopic and with a negative family history of allergy. None of them had adenoids or infective rhinosinusitis. Methods: At the time of surgery, a 1-mm3 biopsy was taken was taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. The specimens were processed and examined with electron microscopy Results: Examination of the nasal mucosa showed several ultrastructural changes. These included patchy loss of cilia, generalized loss of cilia, squamous metaplasia, hyperplasia of goblet cells and seromucinous acini, and vascular congestion. More severe changes were observed with longer passive exposures to cigarette smoke. The study did not disclose any evidence of ongoing allergic reaction or neoplastic transformations. Conclusions: Children exposed to passive cigarette smoke may develop several structural changes in the respiratory nasal mucosa with subsequent negative effects on its ciliary activity and mucociliary function. As a result of these effects, defense mechanisms of the nose may be ruined or lost, and those children may develop persistent sinonasal infections. Exposure of these children to passive smoking for longer periods of time may also induce other significant changes that were not detected in the present study.

Background The reported incidence of inverted papilloma of the sinonasal areas is 0.5–4% of all primary nasal tumours. Aggressive surgical approaches and endoscopic sinus techniques have been used as the main line of management. Study design To evaluate 30 cases of inverted papilloma as regarding their clinical and radiological findings, as well as the use of the extended sublabial vestibulotomy (ESV) approach in their management. Results The age average was 56.13 years with male prevalence. The lateral nasal wall and nasal cavity were involved in all the cases. The individual sinuses were involved to a variable extent. All patients treated by extended sublabial vestibulotomy with endoscopic assistance whenever indicated with no significant complications or recurrence. Conclusion ESV approach is ideally for extensive benign lesions in the sinonasal areas; as well, it enables the access to the nasopharynx. It can be considered as a feasible approach.

Background Scleroma is a chronic granulomatous condition that particularly affects the nose in all patients and the larynx in fewer patients, and less often the trachea and bronchi. Study design Analysing the clinical and imaging data of 48 patients’ scleroma. Results Forty-eight scleroma patients were included. Their age ranged from 17 to 60 years. There was female predominance. Patients presented with laryngeal and tracheal symptomatologies were more common than nasal symptomatology. Combined nasal with laryngeal affection exhibited the most frequent occurrence. Radiologically, a new pattern of involvement of the trachea fits the description of cribriform tracheitis. The commonest naked eye appearance was fibrosis, granuloma and to a lesser extent atrophy and crusting. Conclusion A change in the pattern of presentation and regional involvement in scleroma dictated the need for a change of its name and our awareness.