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Objective: The present study objectived to investigate the influence of Ramadan fasting (RF) on olfactory function. Methods: Sixty‐two participants were included in the current prospective study. The odor threshold and identification performances were determined by using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test initially (day 0) and on the first and last day (30th) of RF. Body weight (BW)s were measured initially and at the end of the study. The results were analyzed statistically. Results: The average of baseline and last‐day BWs were 78.38 ± 12.96 and 78.36 ± 12.39 kg, respectively. No significant difference was determined in terms of BWs (p =.932, p >.05). In the evaluation of CCCRC test outcomes, significant differences were observed in the scores of butanol thresholds (p =.0001), odor identification (p =.0001), food‐related odors identification (p =.0001), and the number of normosmic individuals (p =.0001) at different times (p <.05). The thresholds scores (p =.0001, p =.0001), the identification scores (p =.0001, p =.0001), food‐related odors identification scores (p =.0001, p =.0002), and the number of normomic individuals (p =.001, p =.001) detected on 30th day were significantly higher than on 0th and 1st days; respectively (p <.05). Additionally, the threshold scores (p =.0001), the identification scores (p =.003), food‐related odors identification scores (p =.007), and the number of normosmic individuals (p =.018) detected on day 1 were significantly higher than on day 0 (p <.05). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that Ramadan fasting enhances the olfactory detection threshold and odor identification scores, significantly improving the identification of food‐related odors. The results may indicate that Ramadan fasting improves olfactory performance. Level of evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Even though it is the most effective treatment method for head and neck cancers, extensive resection may lead to some defects, which may be from time to time sizeable and trouble-making in terms of cosmetics and functionality. Various reconstruction techniques are in use to recover these defects, and to ensure maintenance of cosmetic appearance and functional ability. It is the objective of this study to detect localization and utilization rates of such reconstruction techniques as are needed to reconstruct the defects that may emerge either after excision of head and neck cancers or during post-operative period defects. Material and Methods: Thirty-nine patients, who underwent surgical operation due to head and neck cancer and to whom nearby and distant flap techniques were applied at Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital over the period 2006- 2013, were enrolled in the study. The patients under consideration have been evaluated and classified in terms of tumor size, localization and reconstruction technique used. The patients treated outside of our reconstruction clinic and head and neck cancers not requiring reconstruction are left out of the scope of this study. Special emphasis is laid on the techniques an otorhinolaryngologist may apply without the need for assistance of any other department. Results: Our sample is formed by 12 female and 27 male patients with an average age of 57.7 (15-89). Localization of tumors has the following distribution among cases: 6 auricular ca (15 %), 3 lip ca (7.5 %), 5 tongue ca (12.5 %), 10 nasal skin ca (25 %), 6 maxilla ca (15 %), 4 salivary gland ca (10 %), 3 face skin ca (7.5 %) and 3 mandible ca (7.5 %). Tumor size is found to be T1 in 17 patients (47 %), T2 in 14 patients (38 %), T3 in 2 patients (5 %) and T4 in 3 patients (8 %). On the other hand, 3 patients in the sample underwent reconstruction with myocutaneous distant flap for the repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy. Conclusion: In conclusion, proximity to surgical site and defect size are found to be primary effects in determining the reconstruction technique selected. Our motive to prefer local progression flaps for head and neck reconstruction is based on proximity to surgical site, lower rates of complication and shorter periods of surgical operation. It is very pleasing for us to see the patients satisfied with cosmetic and functional outcomes after application of reconstruction with local progression flaps in head and neck area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between smoking and otorhinolaryngological symptoms in smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers., Patients and Methods: Between March 01st, 2014 and March 31st, 2014, a total of 1,840 patients (823 males, 1,017 females) over 25 years of age who were admitted to the ear nose, and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients who were smoking at least 10 cigarettes daily for at least five years were included in the smokers group (n=514). The patients who did not smoke for at least one year following at least five years of smoking were included in the ex-smokers group (n=268). The patients who never smoked were included in the non-smokers group (n=1,058). A form containing all ENT symptoms was given to all patients and the patients were asked to fill the form with their complaints following being informed by the same doctor., Results: Cough, shortness of breath, reflux, dryness of throat, irritation, taste disorder, bad breath, toothache, nasal congestion, smell disorders, snoring, and nasal discharge were found to be significantly higher in the smokers group, compared to the non-smokers group. Cough, sputum, hoarseness, dysphagia, reflux, sore throat, dryness of throat, irritation, stinging, oral aphthae, taste disorder, toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath were significantly lower in the ex-smokers group. Nasal congestion, nosebleeds, sneezing, nasal discharge, smell disorders, headache, feeling of facial fullness, ear discharge, hearing loss, pain, fullness, dizziness, and tinnitus were statistically significantly lower in the ex-smokers group., Conclusion: Our study results show that smoking causes symptoms particularly associated with upper respiratory tract and these symptoms may persist in ex-smokers.