Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life (QOL) in patients with sinonasal symptoms in response to hypertonic saline nasal irrigation (HSNI), and to assess HSNI use patterns.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was an uncontrolled 12-month follow-up to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and used HSNI in a community setting. We included 54 participants with recurrent or chronic sinonasal symptoms. Forty participants had been in the intervention group of a previous study; 14 had been control participants. Primary outcome measures were the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), a sinus-symptom severity assessment (SIA), and the Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-20). Secondary outcome measures were frequency and pattern of HSNI use, side effects and satisfaction.

RESULTS: Among participants using HSNI in the prior RCT, RSDI scores continued to improve, from 73.2 ± 2.6 points to 80.6 ± 2.4 points (P < 0.001). SIA and SNOT-20 scores remained stable. Former control participants reported QOL improvement similar to that of HSNI users in the prior RCT. RSDI scores improved from 62.0 ± 3.9 points to 79.7 ± 3.7 points (P < 0.05), SNOT-20 scores improved from 43.5 ± 5.7 points to 28.4 ± 4.8 points, and SIA scores improved from 4.2 ± 0.3 points to 2.6 ± 0.3 points (P < 0.01). Mean HSNI use for all participants was 2.4 irrigations per week; 33% of participants used HSNI regularly, 55% when symptomatic. Side effects were minor; satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants with chronic sinonasal symptoms reported improved QOL and frequent, satisfying use of HSNI.

SIGNIFICANCE: HSNI is an effective adjunctive treatment of chronic sinonasal symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of injection immunotherapy on mucociliary clearance in allergic patients with the use of the saccharin test.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, mucociliary clearance in 42 allergic patients treated with injection immunotherapy was determined with the saccharin test. Of these patients, 23 were retested 1 year later to assess changes in mucociliary clearance times. Mean results for historical controls were determined in a review and meta-analysis of the existing literature.

RESULTS: Saccharin clearance times (SCTs) were initially prolonged in allergic patients who received injection immunotherapy when compared to historical controls (one-sided P value < 0.05). However, after 1 year of immunotherapy, there was a significant reduction in SCTs in our patient population. This finding was independent of other evaluated patient characteristics, with the exception of nasal steroid use, which was also significantly associated with a decrease in SCT.

CONCLUSIONS: After 1 year of injection immunotherapy, there was a significant reduction in mean SCT in our patient population. Of the other factors studied, only nasal steroid was associated with decreased mucociliary clearance times. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature documenting the beneficial effect of injection immunotherapy on mucociliary clearance as measured by saccharin clearance times. Nevertheless, further research is warranted, given the confounding effect of nasal steroid use.

OBJECTIVE: The study investigates the ability of the electronic nose to differentiate between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum and to identify an unknown specimen as CSF or serum.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: CSF and serum specimens were heated and tested with an organic semiconductor-based Cyranose 320 electronic nose (Cyrons Sciences, Pasadena, CA). Data from the 32-element sensor array were subjected to principal component analysis to depict differences in odorant patterns.

RESULTS: The electronic nose was able to distinguish between CSF and serum isolates with Mahalanobis distance >5. Furthermore, the electronic nose was able to place unknown specimens in the appropriate class of CSF or serum.

CONCLUSIONS: The electronic nose is a novel method that may allow rapid, low cost, and reliable distinction between CSF and serum in a clinical setting.

SIGNIFICANCE: Because the results are available almost immediately, the electronic nose is a powerful tool that in the future may allow for rapid diagnosis of CSF leaks in the office setting.

OBJECTIVE: Pathology within a lateral recess of a widely pneumatized sphenoid sinus is difficult to access with the use of traditional open and current endoscopic surgical approaches. A new surgical procedure, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach, directly accesses this region. A clinical experience over several year with this approach is reported as well as a refined and updated description of the technique.

SETTING: Tertiary care center.

METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of patients treated with the endoscopic transpterygoid approach to the lateral sphenoid recess.

RESULTS: An endoscopic transpterygoid approach was performed in 9 patients, 6 to resect a middle fossa meningoencephalocele and repair the CSF leak and associated skull base defect, 2 for possible invasive fungal sinusitis, and 1 to marsupialize a symptomatic epidermoid cyst. Patients tolerated the approach well and no significant complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: In selected cases, the endoscopic transpterygoid approach enables the otolaryngologist to meet modern demands to treat conditions in the lateral sphenoid using minimally invasive techniques that are well-tolerated by patients. The surgical approach and the initial experience described herein is presented in the hopes that it can aid fellow otolaryngologists to help patients with challenging conditions in this region of the body.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in adult Malaysians.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study involved 30 immunocompetent CRS patients who underwent surgery. Specimens were sent for mycology and histopathologic analysis for identification of fungi. Clinical and immunological workup was performed for atopy in all patients and controls.

RESULTS: Fungal cultures were positive in 5 (16.7%) and 11 (36.7%) of 30 patients from nasal secretions and surgical specimens, respectively. Allergic mucin was found in 8 surgical specimens (26.7%). Hence, prevalence of AFS was 26.7%. The most common causative agent was Aspergillus sp. (54.5%). In 3 (37.5%) of 8 patients, AFS was found to be associated with asthma. Twenty-five percent (2/8 patients) had aspirin intolerance, and 62.5% (5/8 patients) had elevated total immunoglobulin E levels. All patients had positive skin test reactivity to fungal allergen.

CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that AFS does exist in Malaysia. Proper handling of surgical specimens and accurate diagnosis by the pathologist and mycologist are essential.

OBJECTIVE: To review the demographic, microbiologic, and outcome data for children with complications of acute sinusitis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of children admitted with complications of acute sinusitis from January 1995 to July 2002 to a tertiary care children's hospital.

RESULTS: One hundred four patients were reviewed with the following complications: orbital cellullitis (51), orbital abscesses (44), epidural empyemas (7), subdural empyemas (6), intracerebral abscesses (2), meningitis (2), cavernous sinus thrombosis (1), and Pott's puffy tumors (3). Sixty-six percent were males (P < 0.001), and 64.4% presented from November to March (P < 0.001). Patients with isolated orbital complications were younger than patients with intracranial complications (mean, 6.5 versus 12.3 years), had a shorter stay (mean, 4.2 versus 16.6 days), and had shorter duration of symptoms (mean, 5.4 versus 14.3 days; all P < 0.0001). Complete resolution was documented for 54/55 patients with restricted ocular motility, 7/8 with visual loss, 3/3 patients with a nonreactive pupil, 7/7 with neurological deficits, and 2/4 with seizures. The most common organism isolated was Streptococcus milleri (11/36 patients with surgical cultures). No mortalities occurred, and persistent morbidity occurred in 4 patients (3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant deficits on presentation, permanent morbidity was low. Streptococcus milleri is a common pathogen with complications of sinusitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sinonasal manifestations of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the pediatric lung transplant population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Case series of children less than 18 years presenting with PTLD after pulmonary transplantation at St Louis Children's Hospital between Jan 1, 1990 and Dec 31, 2003.

RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-two lung transplants were performed in 246 children. Thirty-two cases of histopathologically confirmed PTLD were identified with 8 (25%) presenting in the head and neck. Sinonasal PTLD was the most common site of head and neck involvement (63%), with 40% of patients presenting with occult disease. All patients with sinonasal PTLD had longstanding nasal polyposis related to cystic fibrosis (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS: This is, to our knowledge, the first report identifying an increased frequency of sinonasal PTLD after pediatric pulmonary transplantation, particularly in children with cystic fibrosis and associated nasal polyposis. Because sinonasal PTLD may be asymptomatic, this region should receive close scrutiny on surveillance evaluations.

OBJECTIVE: Primary rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) of the nose and the paranasal sinuses occur very rarely. Treatment of these tumors usually is conducted according to standardized therapy protocols like the German Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study (CWS) or the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS). The role of surgery still remains controversial.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective analysis of 15 patients with an RMS of the nose or paranasal sinuses treated between 1979 and 2000 is presented. Patients' age ranged from 2 to 60 years, with an average of 22 years. Histologic subtypes encompassed 9 embryonal (e) and 6 alveolar (a) RMS. Resection of the tumor with subsequent radiochemotherapy (RCT) was performed in 6 cases, and primary RCT, in 9 cases. The average duration of follow-up was 4 years and 10 months.

RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival was 40%. In the patient group subjected to tumor resection with subsequent RCT, 5-year survival was 66%, compared with 33% after exclusive primary RCT. With respect to histologic subtype, 5-year survival was 55% for eRMS, as compared with 33% for aRMS. Moreover, infiltration of the skull base and the presence of a residual tumor after primary therapy constituted factors associated with an unfavorable clinical course.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of tumor with subsequent radiochemotherapy can be recommended if a complete resection and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory results appear possible. Patients with eRMS showed an overall more favorable clinical course than patients with aRMS.

OBJECTIVE: We previously compared radiofrequency (Evac) tonsillotomy with monopolar electrosurgical (Bovie) tonsillectomy and showed significantly less pain with the Evac. Tonsillotomy leaves a cuff of tonsil behind, the significance of which is unknown. We hypothesize that Evac tonsillectomy also is less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We compared Evac (ENTec Evac 70; ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA) and Bovie tonsillectomy in a prospective, blinded fashion. Each participant had 1 tonsil removed by each device. We recorded, by side, the surgical time, blood loss, operative difficulty, pain (postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14), and the side that each patient preferred.

RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 17 patients. They reported significantly less pain with the Evac (P < 0.036, F = 5.87). The Evac was preferred by 12 of 14 patients.

CONCLUSION: Evac tonsillectomy is significantly less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy. Patients blinded to treatment preferred the Evac technique.

SIGNIFICANCE: The Evac device decreases postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of successful laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-five subjects with moderately severe or severe OSAS who desired LAUP were enrolled. All patients had an overnight sleep study and CPET before and 3 months after LAUP. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the success (group I) or failure (group II) of LAUP to improve their sleep apnea.

RESULTS: Successful LAUP in group I was followed by improvement in right ventricular ejection fraction, maximal work rate (WRmax), VO₂max/kg, anaerobic threshold, oxygen pulse, and a lower breathing reserve. CPET results were unchanged after LAUP in group II subjects.

CONCLUSION: Patients with OSAS before LAUP had abnormal CPET as reflected by low VO2peak/kg, WRmax, anaerobic threshold, and oxygen pulse. All of these variables improved after LAUP that successfully ameliorated OSAS.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to present cadaver and model experiments of a technique using an instrument that may overcome the problems of achieving adaptation and suture of mucous membrane and other tissues during transoral surgery in narrow anatomical circumstances.

STUDY DESIGN: The following interventions were carried out on cadavers: adaptation and suture of mucous membrane by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP); release and anteroposition of the epiglottis and fixation to the vallecula or to the base of the tongue; denudation and closing the lumen of the larynx; release and retroposition and fixation of the epiglottis to the posterior part of the larynx; creation, adaptation, and suturing of mucosal flaps in the posterior part of the larynx; craniolateral mobilization and fixation of the vocal cord; submucous excision of excess tissues; and adaptation and suture of the edges of the mucosa.

RESULTS: The safety and reduced need for microclips in surgeries in these areas can be accomplished by introducing the Ligature-Suture device, which makes it possible to pass a suture under the tissues with a single movement.

CONCLUSIONS: This new technique and instrument for the Ligature-Suture device has the potential to be applied successfully in other fields of surgery. The main advantages of this technique are its simplicity and safety.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence of parapharyngeal space (PPS) recurrences and how they impact survival in advanced-stage soft-palate carcinoma patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: One hundred thirty-seven patients' charts were reviewed from 1971 to 1996. Inclusion criteria were patients who received a per-oral resection, discontinuous neck dissection, and postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy; 15 patients met criteria for inclusion. The incidence of PPS recurrences, regional failure, and survival were endpoints that were analyzed.

RESULTS: There were no local failures in our study. Regional failures excluding the PPS (levels I-V) were 27%, and 40% occurred within the PPS. Cervical adenopathy was associated with 83% of the PPS recurrences. Median survival for PPS recurrences was 26 months, compared with 67 months for levels I-V recurrences (n = ns).

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PPS recurrences is substantial in advanced-stage soft-palate cancer. PPS recurrences negatively impact survival; without effective salvage techniques for these recurrences or effective adjuvant therapy, poor patient outcomes can be expected.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the proinflammatory, anti-apoptosis mediator NF-kappa-B in squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: CA-9-22 cells were exposed to heat stress to induce the production of HSPs. Immunoblot and reporter gene experiments determined the inducibility of HSP production and the activation of cytokine-induced NF-kappa-B. Immunoblot experiments determined the presence of the inhibitor-k-B-α (IkBα).

RESULTS: CA-9-22 cells can be induced by heat stress to produce HSPs at 100-fold above baseline levels. The induction of HSPs prevents the activation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappa-B despite stimulation with IL-1β and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS: Constitutive activation of NF-kappa-B is prevented by HSP induction through an increase in IkBα synthesis.

SIGNIFICANCE: The induction of HSP70 alters the inflammatory milieu associated with squamous cell carcinoma progression through the inhibition of NF-kappa-B and may ultimately promote apoptosis in head and neck carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) in the treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case review of patients who underwent OCRFFF oromandibular reconstruction after resection of nonviable tissue at an academic tertiary care center because of ORN. Patients with reconstructions other than OCRFFF were excluded from this study.

RESULTS: Nine patients underwent a composite oromandibular resection for ORN with a reconstruction using an OCRFFF between April 1998 and February 2003. All patients had failed previous less aggressive surgical and medical management of the ORN. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 14-67 months). There were no flap failures or significant immediate postoperative or long-term complications observed. All patients had successful restoration of mandibular integrity and continuity, with 100% success rate of stabilization of ORN. All patients were able to tolerate PO diet, with only one third having to supplement their diet with gastrostomy feedings, compared with 89% gastrostomy dependence preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Primary or adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies can result in ORN of the mandible. This difficult problem often requires surgical intervention. In our experience, the OCRFFF can be successfully used for oromandibular reconstruction, even in the setting of the heavily radiated tissue with excellent postoperative outcomes.

SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study that demonstrates the efficacy of the OCRFFF as a treatment of mandibular ORN.

OBJECTIVES: To study the surgical anatomy of the vertebral artery at the craniocervical junction and its related structures defining reliable landmarks for its safe exposure.

DESIGN: Ten sides of 5 fresh cadavers were dissected using the lateral approach to the craniocervical junction.

RESULTS: Experience gained in studying the anatomic details of the vertebral artery at the craniocervical junction in cadavers from its exit at the transverse foramen of the second cervical vertebra to the vertebrobasilar junction provided the initial background for us to use the lateral approaches to the skull base to safely manage 4 cases with pathology reaching the close vicinity of vertebral artery at the craniocervical junction.

CONCLUSION: Thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the vertebral artery is mandatory before attempting surgery at the craniocervical junction. There are reliable landmarks that, when followed, could facilitate safe exposure and identification of the artery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term use of indwelling Blom-Singer voice prosthesis (VP) for vocal rehabilitation of patients submitted to total laryngectomy (TL). The influence of the timing (primary or secondary) of tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP), use of radiotherapy (xRT), patient age, and length of follow-up were studied to evaluate the success rate of VP use.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective clinical study in a tertiary referral center. Seventy-one patients were submitted to TL and rehabilitated with indwelling VP. All patients were evaluated for vocal functional issues by an otolaryngologist and a speech pathologist at 1 month, then at every 3 months up to 1 year, and then at every 6 months after 1 year of follow-up. The relative data on time of placement of VP, time of VP use, xRT, age, length of follow-up, and life span of each VP were recorded during the follow-up.

RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of the patients underwent primary and 13%, secondary TEP. The follow-up varied from 12 to 87 months, with an average of 38 months for primary and 51 months for secondary TEP. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were submitted to xRT. The general rate of success was 94%, with 97% for primary and 78% (P = 0.07) for secondary TEP; after 2 years, the success rate was 96% for primary and 75% for secondary (P = 0.07) TEP. The use of xRT and patient age had no influence on the success of VP use for primary and secondary TEP, independently of the length of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of voice rehabilitation with VP was 94%. In primary TEP, the success rate was 97%, whereas in secondary TEP it was 78%; 2 years later, it was 96% and 75%, respectively. A tendency for a higher success rate in voice rehabilitation after TL was observed in primary TEP. The use of xRT and age of patient had no influence on the success rate.

OBJECTIVE: To present a syndrome composed of sensorineural hearing loss, early greying of scalp hair, and adult-onset essential tremor.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital.

RESULTS: Three individuals were seen with this triad, each with family members with similar features. Our patients are a 65-year-old man and two women in their 40s. Two noted hearing loss in adulthood, one as a child. All had complete greying in their 20s. The women developed essential tremor in their 20s, and the man in his 50s. All individuals have blue eyes without heterochromia. Additional evaluation failed to further categorize these patients. Each has two or more immediate family members with a combination of these findings. Molecular genetic testing suggests this is not a variant of Waardenburg syndrome.

CONCLUSION: We believe this represents a previously unreported hereditary syndrome.

SIGNIFICANCE: This new syndrome should be considered in the context of other syndromes involving audition, pigmentation, and movement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of diabetes on cochlear elements in human beings.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-six temporal bones (mean age, 37.5 years) with type 1 diabetes and 30 age-matched controls were examined by light microscopy. We compared the findings of cochlear vessels, hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, and cochlear lateral walls.

RESULTS: In diabetics, the walls of vessels of the basilar membrane (P < 0.001) and vessels of the stria vascularis were (P < 0.01) significantly thicker in all turns and loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) was significantly greater in the lower basal turn (P < 0.01). Atrophy of the stria vascularis in all turns (P < 0.0001) and loss of spiral ligament cells in upper turns (P < 0.01) were significantly higher than controls. No significant difference was obtained in the number of spiral ganglion cells between groups.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that type 1 diabetes mellitus can cause cochlear microangiopathy and subsequently degeneration of cochlear lateral walls and OHCs.

OBJECTIVE: Although classical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo has generally been resolvable by routine manual repositioning maneuvers, nevertheless resistant cases and variants remain a significant problem. We investigated the efficacy of analyzing and treating positional vertigo with a system that provides unlimited, automated maneuverability of the patient while maintaining constant electronic monitoring of nystagmus.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A power-driven, multi-axial positioning chair combined with ongoing infrared video-oculography was used to manage 986 subjects in a tertiary clinical setting with complaints of positional vertigo. A nystagmus-based strategy and condition-specific protocols were used.

RESULTS: Significantly enhanced treatment outcomes were achieved, especially regarding intransigent and variant forms. Pertinent correlations were noted.

CONCLUSION: This multi-axial positioning chair combination provided enhanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities for managing positional vertigo, apparently due to improved analytical capability, precision repeatability, and unlimited 360-degree maneuverability.

SIGNIFICANCE: This advancement should be considered for tertiary management of complicated labyrinthine lithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence and characteristics of patients with and without dermatophytosis of the ear were investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective clinical study. In 54 patients who complained of slight itching or accumulation of cerumen, and/or who had erythema and scales in the ears, the presence of dermatophytosis was examined by potassium hydroxide and dimethyl sulfoxide (KOH-DMSO test).

RESULTS: Nineteen patients had dermatophytosis of the ear. Dermatophytosis was more frequent in May and June. Other clinical characteristics did not differ markedly from those without dermatophytosis.

CONCLUSION: About one third of patients had dermatophytosis and their characteristics were similar to those of patients without dermatophytosis except for seasonal variation.

SIGNIFICANCE: Dermatophytosis of the ear may be increased. Its diagnosis is difficult without the KOH-DMSO test.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the results obtained in otosclerosis patient undergoing stapedotomy and partial stapedectomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Retrospective review of surgical series. The guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery for the evaluation of results of treatment of conductive hearing loss were used.

RESULTS: Pure tone average (0.5 to 3 kHz) air-bone gap was 6.1 dB in the partial stapedectomy and 6 dB in the stapedotomy group. The air-bone gap (ABG) closure rate did not differ between the 2 groups, except at 4 kHz, where stapedotomy group showed greater closure (P 0.003). Mean postoperative ABG gain was significantly (P <0.05) higher in the stapedotomy group at 2, 3, and 4 kHz. Mean postoperative air-conduction gain did not differ significantly. Mean postoperative bone conduction (BC) change (1, 2, and 4 kHz) was 3.68 dB in partial stapedectomy and −0.02 dB in stapedotomy group, the difference being significant (P 0.007). Differences in BC change between the 2 groups were significant at each frequency.

CONCLUSIONS: Similar good results can be obtained in experienced hands using either partial stapedectomy or stapedotomy technique. ABG closure rates were analogous in the 2 techniques as well as the complication rate. Although stapedotomy obtain better results at high frequencies, partial stapedectomy is associated with increased BC threshold at all frequencies.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to document the diagnostic and management difficulties in masked skull base osteomyelitis secondary to malignant otitis externa, with emphasis on establishing diagnostic criteria in recurrence.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 3 cases of inadequately treated malignant otitis externa in elderly diabetic individuals leading to recurrence and atypical manifestations of skull base osteomyelitis on contralateral side with or without multiple cranial nerve involvement.

RESULTS: Two of the 3 cases died of the disease despite aggressive treatment. One case was treated successfully with combination of antipsuedamonal microbial drugs for 8 to 12 weeks and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Major complications such as thrombosis of lateral sinus and internal jugular vein, meningitis, ophthalmoplegia, blindness, cervical spine erosion and paralysis of all cranial nerves with exception of Ist cranial nerve were observed.

CONCLUSION: There is high morbitity and mortality associated with skull base osteomyelitis. In partially treated cases of malignant otitis externa, atypical symptoms and findings of unilateral severe otalgia, unremitting headache, and presence of high ESR, unilateral OME, constitute diagnostic clues of skull base osteomyelitis. Such cases require further investigation with CT, MRI, Technetium 99 and gallium 67 scintigraphy and aggressive management.

Previous studies have considered only patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) older than 12 years as candidates for an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). Our study expands the potential criteria to include both children and adult subjects with other cochlear or cochlear nerve malfunctions who either would not benefit at all from a cochlear implant (eg, cochlear nerve aplasia or avulsion) or whose benefit was or would be severely compromised (eg, cochlear ossification, cochlear fracture).

STUDY DESIGN: In our department, over the period from April 1997 to September 2002, 29 patients, 20 adults and 9 children, were fitted with ABIs. Their ages ranged from 14 months to 70 years. Thirteen subjects had tumors, 10 NF2 and 3 solitary vestibular schwannoma, and 16 patients had a variety of nontumor (NT) cochlear or cochlear nerve diseases. A retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach was used in T and a retrosigmoid approach in NT patients. The electrode array was inserted into the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and correct electrode positioning was monitored with the aid of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs).

RESULTS: Correct implantation was achieved in all patients. No complications were observed due to implantation surgery or related to ABI activation or long-term use. Auditory sensations were induced in all patients with various numbers of electrodes (from 5 to 15). Different pitch sensations were identifiable with different electrode stimulation. Closed-set word recognition, open-set sentence recognition, and speech tracking scores achieved by the patients are reported in detail. The auditory performance of the patients showed significantly better outcomes than controls (Multicentric European clinical investigations on ABI with NF2).

CONCLUSION: We have shown that the indications for the ABI can be extended to include NT patients with severe cochlear and/or cochlear nerve abnormalities. The degree of auditory benefit varies as a function of the underlying pathological conditions, with NT subjects exhibiting significantly better outcomes than the T patients.

Bacterial interactions that include antagonism (interference) and synergism help maintain balance between the members of the normal endogenous flora. Alpha-streptococci that predominate in the normal respiratory tract flora attracted most attention in studies of bacterial interference. Other organisms that possess interfering characteristics in upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are nonhemolytic streptococci, and Prevotella and Peptostreptococcus spp. The production of bacteriocins by some microorganisms is one of the important mechanisms of interference. The role of bacterial interference in the development of URTI and its effect on the eradication of these infections is discussed. These infections include pharyngo-tonsillitis, otitis media, and sinusitis. Treatment with various antimicrobial agents can affect the balance between members of the oro-pharyngeal bacterial flora and interfering organisms. Implantation into the indigenous microflora of low virulence bacterial strains that are potentially capable of interfering with colonization and infection with other more virulent organisms has been used in preliminary studies as a means of coping with the failure of antimicrobials in the treatment of several URTI.

OBJECTIVES: To implement a minimal invasive approach in cochlear implant surgery for children and adults. In order to decrease surgical complications and morbidity with the surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During a 1-year period, 12 consecutive patients (5 female and 7 male; age range, 1.5 to 78 years; mean age, 14.5 years), who had cochlear implantation (1 Nucleus and 11 Clarion) through a new surgical approach, were prospectively evaluated.

RESULTS: The surgical approach was accomplished in all the patients with no major complications. The mean surgical time was 3.2 hours and the mean time between surgery and process of programming was 2.7 weeks.

CONCLUSION: The surgical trauma and postoperatory edema was decreased and allowed programming of the implant in a shorter period of time.