Jon Paul Pepper

Cavernous carotid injury during functional endoscopic sinus surgery : Case presentations and guidelines for optimal management

Background Surgery in the parasellar and paranasal regions is technically challenging because of the complex anatomic relationships between the sphenoid sinus, cavernous sinus, optic nerve, and internal carotid artery. Normal anatomic variations and pathological changes can lead to disastrous outcomes including carotid artery injury. Methods We present two cases of carotid injury managed at our institution. The first case involves an elective endoscopic biopsy of a clival tumor encasing a friable carotid artery. The second case features a patient transferred emergently to our medical center when brisk bleeding was encountered during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Both carotid injuries were managed via balloon embolization with close interaction between otolaryngology and interventional radiology. We review pertinent anatomic and surgical considerations as a backdrop to a treatment algorithm for cavernous carotid hemorrhage secondary to FESS complication. Results The treatment algorithm prevented mortality and minimized morbidity in the two cases considered. Conclusion Through rare, injury to the cavernous carotid during FESS can be managed successfully given efficient hemostasis and seamless cooperation among emergency room physicians, otolaryngologists, and interventional radiologists.

Local Flaps: Cheek and Lip Reconstruction

IMPORTANCE The reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the cheek and lip is a foundational topic for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Facial defects have a significant impact on patient quality of life that has been well demonstrated. OBJECTIVE To review new findings that have an impact on the planning and understanding of local flaps for the reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the cheek and upper lip; recent research in facial soft-tissue anatomy and vascular anatomy is integrated into a discussion of local flap reconstruction. EVIDENCE REVIEW A Medline search of scientific literature was conducted, with an emphasis on 1980 to the present. Search terms included cheek; lip; reconstruction; vascular anatomy, soft-tissue anatomy, aging face, outcomes, and perforator flap. Cadaveric studies were specifically sought for anatomic review, and comparison group outcome studies are preferentially cited over clinical case series. FINDINGS Reconstruction of large medial defects of the cheek and upper lip is particularly challenging, and the V-Y subcutaneous tissue pedicle island advancement flap is valuable for repair of these defects. Outcomes analyses for local flap reconstruction are in high demand. Pedicled perforator flaps will likely see increased application for facial reconstruction in the near future. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Detailed knowledge of the soft-tissue anatomy of the cheek and lip is critical to accurate surgical planning in local flap reconstruction.

Inhibition of MAO-A fails to alter cocaine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine in rat nucleus accumbens

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are being investigated as possible medications for cocaine dependence, but there are potential problems with this approach. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of catecholamine metabolism with the MAO-A inhibitor, clorgyline, might enhance cocaine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine in rat nucleus accumbens. Male rats were pretreated with clorgyline (1 mg/kg, s.c.) or its saline vehicle (1 ml/kg, s.c.), and microdialysis probes were inserted into previously implanted guide cannulae. After overnight perfusion of the probes in situ, rats received an acute challenge injection of either cocaine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) or its saline vehicle (1 ml/kg, i.v.). Clorgyline pretreatment alone caused significant elevations in basal levels of dialysate norepinephrine but not dopamine. Cocaine administration elicited significant increases in extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine in all groups of rats, and this effect was not altered by clorgyline pretreatment. The 1 mg/kg dose of clorgyline decreased dopamine metabolites in postmortem brain tissue by more than 80%. Our data are consistent with clinical studies that demonstrate pretreatment with the MAO-B selective inhibitor, selegeline, fails to alter cocaine-induced subjective effects in human drug users. Moreover, these findings suggest that adverse consequences related to altered catecholamine transmission would not occur if patients taking phenelzine, a non-selective MAO inhibitor, relapsed and used cocaine.

Perioperative Lumbar Drain Placement: An Independent Predictor of Tension Pneumocephalus and Intracranial Complications Following Anterior Skull Base Surgery

To measure the effect of routine perioperative lumbar drain placement during anterior skull base surgery on the frequency of: 1) tension pneumocephalus and 2) total intracranial complications.

Esthesioneuroblastoma: Updating Histologic Grading as It Relates to Prognosis

OBJECTIVE The Hyams grading system has been extensively used to predict prognosis in patients with esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). However, most studies showing prognostic correlation group grading into I/II versus III/IV, essentially comparing low versus high grade. In addition, these studies include patients with variable treatment regimens, including some that were treated with chemoradiation alone. We aimed to determine whether additional histologic variables correlate with outcome with regard to disease free and overall survival in a series of patients universally treated with anterior skull base resection and +/- adjuvant chemoradiation. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of 27 patients with ENB was performed. METHODS The sections of tumor from these 27 patients were studied and reviewed with attention to percentage lobularity, degree of pleomorphism, degree of neurofibrillary matrix, and degree of apoptosis. In addition, the presence or absence of rosettes, necrosis, calcification, spindle cells, gland hyperplasia, and bone invasion were noted. Finally, the number of mitoses per high power field and the nature of chromatin (fine vs coarse) were recorded. The histopathologic features of these 27 ENBs were reviewed and correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS There were 11 patients with recurrence (40.7% recurrence). There were 5 deaths (81.5% survival). The study cohorts mean overall survival was 158 months and the mean disease-free survival was 70.6 months. In terms of overall survival, necrosis and mitosis (#/10hpf) were significant but not when multivariate analysis was performed, these were not individually significant. In terms of disease-free survival, mitosis (#/10hpf) was significant but not on multivariate analysis. Gland hyperplasia was found to be a positive prognostic variable, associated with longer overall and disease-free survival, but only in combination with no spindle features and without necrosis. CONCLUSIONS An updated histologic grading system may provide more valuable prognostic information in patients with esthesioneuroblastoma treated with a standardized treatment paradigm.Objective: The Hyams grading system has been extensively used to predict prognosis in patients with esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). However, most studies showing prognostic correlation group grading into I/II versus III/IV, essentially comparing low versus high grade. In addition, these studies include patients with variable treatment regimens, including some that were treated with chemoradiation alone. We aimed to determine whether additional histologic variables correlate with outcome with regard to disease free and overall survival in a series of patients universally treated with anterior skull base resection and +/– adjuvant chemoradiation. Study Design: A retrospective review of 27 patients with ENB was performed. Methods: The sections of tumor from these 27 patients were studied and reviewed with attention to percentage lobularity, degree of pleomorphism, degree of neurofibrillary matrix, and degree of apoptosis. In addition, the presence or absence of rosettes, necrosis, calcification, spindle cells, gland hyperplasia, and bone invasion were noted. Finally, the number of mitoses per high power field and the nature of chromatin (fine vs coarse) were recorded. The histopathologic features of these 27 ENBs were reviewed and correlated with clinical outcome. Results: There were 11 patients with recurrence (40.7% recurrence). There were 5 deaths (81.5% survival). The study cohort’s mean overall survival was 158 months and the mean disease-free survival was 70.6 months. In terms of overall survival, necrosis and mitosis (#/10hpf) were significant but not when multivariate analysis was performed, these were not individually significant. In terms of disease-free survival, mitosis (#/10hpf) was significant but not on multivariate analysis. Gland hyperplasia was found to be a positive prognostic variable, associated with longer overall and disease-free survival, but only in combination with no spindle features and without necrosis. Conclusions: An updated histologic grading system may provide more valuable prognostic information in patients with esthesioneuroblastoma treated with a standardized treatment paradigm.

Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Discussion of Clinical Presentation and Surgical Outcomes Following Excision Via the Subcranial Approach

To describe surgical outcomes and radiographic features of olfactory groove meningiomas treated by excision through the subcranial approach. Special emphasis is placed on paranasal sinus and orbit involvement.

Key issues in nasal reconstruction.

Purpose of reviewTo review recent research and advances in nasal reconstruction over the last 12 months. Recent findingsAlthough the major principles of replacing surgically ablated tissues with like tissue and respecting the nasal aesthetic subunits have not changed, recent advances in nasal reconstruction have focused on producing superior aesthetic and functional results, while minimizing deformity and morbidity. Future directions may also include the application of allotransplantation and tissue engineering. SummaryA large variety of sophisticated techniques continue to emerge with the goal of producing increasingly natural results for patients undergoing nasal reconstruction.

Synchronous ipsilateral sebaceous lymphadenoma and membranous basal cell adenoma of the parotid

A 46-year-old man presented with persistent right otalgia and hearing loss. Exam was significant for a mildly tender retromandibular mass with intact nonerythematous overlying skin. Computerized tomography with intravenous contrast of the neck revealed 2 relatively well circumscribed masses in the right parotid gland. Although 1 lesion was suspected to be a necrotic lymph node, histologic analysis after superficial parotidectomy demonstrated 2 unique salivary gland tumors. Diagnoses of both sebaceous lymphadenoma and membranous basal cell adenoma were rendered. The occurrence of unique, synchronous, ipsilateral salivary gland tumors is distinctly unusual and this combination of parotid gland neoplasms has not previously been documented. In this report, we present the case with its management, followed by a discussion of the histopathologic nature of each tumor including the possible overlap between these two entities.

Upper blepharoplasty the aesthetic ideal

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a procedure associated with a high level of patient and surgeon satisfaction. New insights into the anatomic underpinnings of the periorbital aging process have enabled more successful and reproducible surgical results. The authors provide a detailed discussion of the relevant anatomy and integrate this into their surgical philosophy for upper lid blepharoplasty. Special focus is given to presurgical planning.

Patient assessment of psychosocial dysfunction following nasal reconstruction.

Background: Postoperative psychosocial distress is a critical aspect of surgery, particularly in aesthetically sensitive areas. In this study, the authors assess the level of psychosocial distress associated with nasal reconstruction. The authors also compare postoperative distress levels associated with different reconstructive techniques throughout the healing process. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective study of patients undergoing nasal reconstruction following excision of cutaneous malignancy. The main outcome measure was the Derriford Appearance Scale 24, a measure of psychosocial distress. The Derriford Appearance Scale was administered at preoperative assessment, 1 < x < 4 weeks, 4 ⩽ x < 12 weeks, and x ≥ 12 weeks. The entire cohort was analyzed with respect to distress levels before and after surgery. Reconstructions were categorized as interpolated, local tissue, or full-thickness skin graft. Analyses were performed for reconstruction type, patient, and defect data. Results: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled. Reconstructions included 14 interpolated flaps, 17 local tissue flaps, and 28 full-thickness skin grafts. For the entire cohort, distress levels were significantly higher at the first postoperative visit (p < 0.05), with normalization at subsequent follow-up evaluations. At the first assessment, the interpolated flap group had significantly higher levels of distress in comparison with the full-thickness skin graft group (p < 0.05). At late follow-up, levels of distress were equivalent. Conclusions: Nasal reconstruction is associated with short-term increases in psychosocial distress that corrects by approximately 12 weeks after surgery. Interpolated flaps cause significantly higher distress at early assessment. Distress levels at late follow-up appear to be equivalent to those following a full-thickness skin graft despite larger and deeper initial defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.