Hwoe-Young Ahn

Multiple osteomas in the middle ear

Osteomas in the middle ear are extremely rare and are generally solitary and small. We present a case of a 28-year-old female patient with multiple middle ear osteomas which arose from the promontory, epitympanum, and lateral semicircular canal. The osteomas were successfully removed by tympanomastoidectomy. This is the first reported case of a patient with middle ear osteomas arising from multiple sites.

Functional Benefit after Modification of Radial Forearm Free Flap for Soft Palate Reconstruction

Objectives To compare the velopharyngeal function, swallowing and speech of the conventional and modified radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for soft palate reconstruction. Methods Retrospective clinical study. Twenty-eight patients who underwent oropharyngeal reconstruction with RFFF were divided into two groups: 10 patients had conventional folded RFFF and 18 patients underwent modified method. Results The average speech intelligibility score in modified RFFF group was 8.0±2.4, and 6.2±2.2 in conventional RFFF group (P<0.05). The nasalance was 27.4±7.8% in modified group and 38.6±2.7% in conventional group during no nasal passage reading and 43.6±7.3% in modified group, 55.2±7.6% in conventional group during high nasal passage reading (P<0.05). The subjective swallowing functional score was 2.8 in modified group and 2.1 in conventional group. Conclusion The speech assessment and nasalance demonstrate a more favorable outcome in modified group than conventional group.

Facial canal dehiscence in the initial operation for chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risk of the facial nerve injury during operations for chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma by analysis of the intraoperative findings of the facial canal dehiscence. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed operative findings of 152 patients who underwent tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for chronic otitis media. We examined every segment of the facial canal from the geniculate ganglion to the mastoid segment. Facial canal dehiscence was confirmed by palpation with a Rosen pick after inspection with a surgical microscope. RESULTS The rate of facial canal dehiscence was 8.6% (13 of 152 cases), and the tympanic segment was the most commonly found region at 84.6% (11 of 13 cases). Of the 11 cases of tympanic segment dehiscence, 9 cases were involved the lateral aspect of the facial canal in the oval window area. There was one case each of facial canal dehiscence in the geniculate ganglion and the mastoid segment, respectively. CONCLUSION The rate of facial canal dehiscence of 8.6% is not a low incidence rate, so even though performing a routine chronic ear operation, surgeons may encounter facial canal dehiscence at any time and should be prepared for the emergence of such a situation.