Aysegul Batioglu-Karaaltin

Evaluation of life quality, self-confidence and sexual functions in patients with total and partial laryngectomy ☆

OBJECTIVE In this study patients who have undergone partial (PL) or total laryngectomy (TL) were evaluated for life quality, self-esteem and sexual dysfunctions. METHODS 108 patients who received TL or PL without tracheostoma were included in this study. During patient interview, sociodemographical data form, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Life Questionnaire Core 30 Items, Cancer and Head and Neck module-35 Items (EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35) were filled and patients were also asked to fill in Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Becks Depression Inventory (BDI), Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) forms. RESULTS Depression and anxiety scores and points taken from RSES were significantly different between TL and PL patients (p=0.045, p=0.041 and p=0.006 respectively). Although the difference was not significant in ASEX (p=0.174), the average scores of sexuality subunit (QL-35 59-60) of EORTC QLQ-H&N35 module were significantly different in these patients (p<0.001). Besides, it was shown that 90.3% of TL patients and 63.9% of PL patients have experienced negative effects in sexual functions. CONCLUSION TL patients were more often observed to have problems regarding depression, anxiety, self-esteem and sexual functions and it is concluded that they may need psychosocial support more than PL patients.

Human olfactory stem cells for injured facial nerve reconstruction in a rat model

The purpose of this study was to show the efficacy of olfactory stem cells for injured facial nerve reconstruction in a rat model.

Effects of Open Technique Rhinoplasty on Mimicry: Electroneurographic Evaluation.

Objective:This study was designed to investigate the effects of open technique rhinoplasty on facial nerve terminal branches more concerned with mimicry via electroneurography (ENoG). Methods:Twenty patients ages between 24 and 36 years were included in the study. Five nasal mimicry muscles were used to evaluate axonal loss of the facial nerve: bilateral transverse nasal, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and procerus muscles of all patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperative third month by ENoG. The patients that have abnormalities regarding the amplitude and latency at third month were reevaluated at sixth month postoperatively. Results:Mean latencies of the facial nerve were calculated to be increased for all muscles at third postoperative month, but this increase was significant only for left LLSAN (P = 0.002). Amplitudes of the facial nerve decreased in all of the groups, but this decrease was not significant (P > 0.05). Two patients with exceptionally long latency facial nerve response of transverse nasal muscle and 11 muscle recordings with abnormal low amplitudes of the facial nerve at the third month was reevaluated at sixth postoperative month and the values were improved. Conclusions:This study demonstrated that facial nerve integrity is minimally affected after rhinoplasty, yet all affected muscles were recovered on the long term.

Cochlear functions in children with familial Mediterranean fever: any role of the severity of the disease?

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to compare the cochlear functions of children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) with healthy controls and to determine their cochlear functions according to their disease severity. METHODS Seventy-three children with FMF and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. All the patients and controls were evaluated by audiologic evaluation, including high-frequency pure-tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests (DPOAE). The disease severity was evaluated by scoring systems adapted from those used by Pras et al. and with severity scoring systems from the Sheba Medical Center. RESULTS High-frequency pure-tone audiometry and DPOAE levels were normal in both patients and controls. Significant differences in the hearing levels of FMF patients were not found, according to both adapted severity scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS Cochlear functions in children with FMF had been evaluated by previous studies, but in our study we evaluated hearing functions according to both controls and disease severity. As a unique study comparing cochlear functions according to severity scores, no significant differences were shown between the groups and controls.

Can Temperament and Character Features of Patients Predict Alcohol Use after Laryngectomy

Patients with larynx cancer usually use alcohol besides tobacco. It has been reported earlier that nearly half of the patients who have undergone laryngectomy after larynx cancer diagnosis still continue to consume alcohol after the operation. The aim of this study was to compare the mood and character features of patients who do or do not consume alcohol during the postoperative period and thus to be able to predict the patients who will continue their alcohol use at the postoperative period.

A new persistent suture technique for correction of caudal septal dislocation.

INTRODUCTION Caudal septal dislocation is both a functional and an aesthetic problem. The caudal septum that causes nasal obstruction displaces the right or left of columella. Despite the various maneuvers currently available for treatment, this issue is still controversial. We describe a new technique that uses a nonabsorbable suture material to keep the septum in the midline in mild and moderate caudal septal dislocations and can be used in addition to other current techniques. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE A full-length (lengthways) pocket is opened between the medial cruras, and the dislocated caudal septum is placed in it and then fixed to the soft tissue in the region of columella under the skin by a nonabsorbable suture. It is used as a complementary technique for both the swinging door and the Goldman technique. DISCUSSION This technique prevents redeviation in the same direction, especially in the superior portion of the caudal end, due to the memory of cartilage tissue. It will therefore reduce revision rates.

The multiple osteotomized free iliac osteocutaneous flap for reconstructions of complex maxillofacial and oromandibular defects.

Abstract The vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flap has been used successfully for jaw reconstruction. To obtain a better contour of the reconstructed area in large upper and lower jaw resections, the transferred bone actually needs to be osteotomized. Single closing-wedge osteotomy of the iliac flap for mandibular reconstruction has been previously described. In this article, the modified multiple osteotomized perforator-based versatile free iliac osteocutaneous flap is described. Eleven cases were enrolled. Seven patients had wide anterior mandibular resections due to oral cavity and mandibular tumors; 3 patients had a defect due to explosive injury and 1 patient had complicated orbitomaxillary defect due to blast injury. Skin paddle was based on the perforators. In 8 patients, the bony segment was divided into 3 segments by 2 osteotomies, whereas in 2 patients the bony segment was divided into 4 segments by 3 osteotomies. In 10 cases, the flap was used for anterior mandibular defects, whereas in 1 case the flap was customized to fit an L-shaped defect at the naso-orbito-maxillary region. The overall flap success rate was 100%. No resorption or morbidity related to the osteotomy of the bony segments was observed. The size of perforator skin paddle was 6 to 8 × 15 to 18 cm. Physical and radiologic examinations showed proper bone healing without any additional complications. The modified multiple osteotomized free osteocutaneous iliac flap can provide a safe and versatile bony segment to be arranged and adapted to reconstruct complex mandibular and maxillofacial defects.

Decellularization of Trachea With Combined Techniques for Tissue-Engineered Trachea Transplantation

Objectives The purpose of this study is to shorten the decellularization time of trachea by using combination of physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques. Methods Approximately 3.5-cm-long tracheal segments from 42 New Zealand rabbits (3.5±0.5 kg) were separated into seven groups according to decellularization protocols. After decellularization, cellular regions, matrix and strength and endurance of the scaffold were followed up. Results DNA content in all groups was measured under 50 ng/mg and there was no significant difference for the glycosaminoglycan content between group 3 (lyophilization+deoxycholic acid+de-oxyribonuclease method) and control group (P=0.46). None of the decellularized groups was different than the normal trachea in tensile stress values (P>0.05). Glucose consumption and lactic acid levels measured from supernatants of all decellularized groups were close to group with cells only (76 mg/dL and 53 mg/L). Conclusion Using combination methods may reduce exposure to chemicals, prevent the excessive influence of the matrix, and shorten the decellularization time.

Effect of Spreader Graft on Nasal Functions in Septorhinoplasty Surgery

Objective: The authors aimed to investigate the effect of spreader grafts on nasal function in septorhinoplasty (SRP). Methods: A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted. Thirty patients who underwent SRP operation between October 2011 and January 2013 were divided into 2 equal groups randomly. Fifteen patients underwent SRP surgery without spreader graft technique (Group I) and 15 patients underwent SRP surgery with spreader grafts (Group II). Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included visual analog score (VAS) and acoustic rhinometry test. Results: Visual analog scores and acoustic rhinometry measurements of Group I and Group II patients were compared. Statistically significant difference was found for VAS scores of both the sides of the nasal cavity (both before and after topical decongestion) (P < 0.05), except for the VAS on the right side of the nasal cavity before decongestion (P > 0.05). On acoustic rhinometry test the difference was statistically significant for minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and volumetric values (VOL)—MCA1, MCA2, VOL1, VOL2 values on the left side of the nasal cavity (both before and after topical decongestion) (P < 0.05) but not on the right side of the nasal cavity (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Performing spreader graft technique in SRP surgery can prevent the narrowing of the internal nasal valve area after surgery and maintain adequate airway for respiration.