Marek Rogowski

Preoperative corticosteroid oral therapy and intraoperative bleeding during functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with severe nasal polyposis: a preliminary investigation.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate whether orally administered steroids might improve surgical field conditions during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: Total blood loss and visualization of the surgical field during the surgical procedure were compared in 2 groups of 18 patients each with severe nasal polyposis. The groups were similar in respect to age, body mass index, general health status, incidence of allergy, bronchial asthma, aspirin triad, and stage of disease. One group received 30 mg of prednisone daily for 5 consecutive days before the operation. The second group served as a control. Results: Although the total blood loss was only slightly less in the steroid group, the visual conditions of the surgical field improved significantly. Conclusions: Better surgical field conditions were the results of the powerful anti-inflammatory and antiedematous activity of the drug, which facilitated blood and secretion evacuation from the operated area and prevented the optic system from staining.

A comparison of cephalometric analysis using radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: preliminary report

The aim of this study was to describe the similarities and differences as well as the convenience in using of cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and to demonstrate the relationship between the severity of sleep-disordered breathing and severity of cephalometric abnormalities. A total of 28 randomly selected patients with snoring, and varying degrees of sleep-disordered breathing were included in this study. A control group included 22 patients. These patients had no snoring or clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing as evaluated by polysomnographic test. No patients had prior pharyngeal or maxillomandibular surgery. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination and had polysomnography, cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial CT scans. In study group the evaluation between cephalometric analysis on radiographs and CT scans was made. The comparison between the control and the study group was also assessed as far as cephalometric data are concerned. The cephalometric parameters revealed major differences between controls and patients with OSAS regarding the size and position of soft palate and uvula, volume and position of tongue, hyoid position, mandibulo-maxillary protrusion and size of the pharyngeal airway space. OSAS is associated with statistically significant changes in cephalometric measurements. Lateral cephalometric analysis and craniofacial CT scans add further information to the anatomical assessment of patients with OSAS. We found craniofacial CT scan measurements to be easier and more accurate especially when applying to soft tissues. We believe that this method may also be useful for patient classification to surgical procedures.

Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) for patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss versus tinnitus only.

The patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis undergoing an 18-24 month period of TRT are divided into five categories of treatment. Different types of counselling and sound therapy are used in each category. Selection of patients into a specific category depends on such factors as: hyperacusis, subjective hearing loss and long-lasting effect of noise on tinnitus. The 108 cases were evaluated After 1 year of treatment. The results of therapy of 40 patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (category II) were compared with the results of therapy of patients with tinnitus only (categories 0 and I). A special questionnaire, answered before and during the treatment, was used to assess the results. Our data indicate significant improvement in about 70% of patients with tinnitus only and in about 90% of patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss after one year of therapy.

Organization of Tinnitus Management in Poland

Spontaneous idiopathic tinnitus is a significant interdisciplinary therapeutic problem. Based on different programs of tinnitus treatment, we organized a team of physicians, psychologists and engineers in order to establish the needs for the first Tinnitus Clinic in Poland. At the same time, together with number of clinical centres, scientific societies and non-governmental organizations, we carried out training and an information campaign throughout the country and initiated the first epidemiological studies/survey about tinnitus in Poland. Over a period of 2 years we have provided care for almost 1000 patients, including them in a 18-24-month therapeutic program at the clinic. As a method of choice, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) based on a neurophysiological model of tinnitus origin is used. We present here epidemiological data on tinnitus and hyperacusis in Poland.Spontaneous idiopathic tinnitus is a significant interdisciplinary therapeutic problem. Based on different programs of tinnitus treatment, we organized a team of physicians, psychologists and engineers in order to establish the needs for the first Tinnitus Clinic in Poland. At the same time, together with number of clinical centres, scientific societies and non-governmental organizations, we carried out training and an information campaign throughout the country and initiated the first epidemiological studies survey about tinnitus in Poland. Over a period of 2 years we have provided care for almost 1000 patients, including them in a IS 24-month therapeutic program at the clinic. As a method of choice, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) based on a neurophysiological model of tinnitus origin is used. We present here epidemiological data on tinnitus and hyperacusis in Poland.

Endoscopic trans-nasal approach for biopsy of orbital tumours using image-guided neuro-navigation system

SummaryBackground. Histopathological diagnosis of intraorbital tumours is of crucial value for planning further therapy. The aim of the study was to explore clinical utility of image-guided endoscopy for biopsy of orbital tumours. Method. Trans-nasal endoscopic biopsy of intraorbital mass lesions was performed in 6 patients using a neuro-navigation system (Medtronic Stealth Station Treon plus). The CT and MRI 1 mm slice images were fused by the system in order to visualise both bony and soft tissue structures. The anatomic fiducial registration protocol was used during the procedure. Results. All lesions were precisely localised and the biopsies could be taken from the representative part of the pathological mass. None of the patients developed aggravation of ocular symptoms after the procedure. The operative corridor as well as the size of orbital wall fenestration could be limited to a minimum. The accuracy of neuro-navigation remained high and stable during the entire procedure. Conclusions. The image-guided neuro-navigation system facilitated endoscopic localisation and biopsy of intraorbital tumours and contributed to the reduction of surgical trauma during the procedure. The technique was particularly useful in small, medially located, retrobulbar tumours and in unclear situations when the structure of the lesion resembled surrounding intraorbital tissue.

Falls and dizziness in the elderly

The complaint of dizziness is one of the most common reasons that older adults feel constrained to visit the doctors office. Because of a growing number of older people in the industrial society the problem grows. Therapeutic process of elderly people with vertigo and dizziness needs more than vestibular diagnostics. In addition to sufficient anamnesis, presence of visual deficits, extrasensory changes and even psychological circumstances are necessary. Frequently the indication and the encouragement of vestibular rehabilitation have significant value. The initiation of fall prevention may also be essential.

Ocena korelacji średniego ciśnienia tętniczego z krwawieniem śródoperacyjnym przy wolnej czynności serca w trakcie endoskopowej chirurgii zatok przynosowych

UNLABELLED Induced controlled hypotension is a standard method aimed at decreasing intraoperative bleeding and achieving good operative field conditions. Low hemodynamic parameters during the operation are related to increased risk of brain hypoperfusion and injury to hypoxia-sensitive nerve cells. The purpose of this study was to find the mean arterial pressure (MAP) that preserves good operative conditions at low heart rate (HR) during endoscopic sinus surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD Twenty eight patients ASA I-II were anesthetized using remifentanil and sevoflurane. The anesthetist was attempting to keep the heart rate around 60 b/min. tried to diminish the MAP gradually until good operative field conditions were achived. The surgeon blinded to the HR and MAP values rated the bleeding in the operative field on the basis of Fromm and Boezzart scale. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the statistical dependence between the variables. RESULTS The best operative conditions were achieved in patients with the lowest MAP and HR. By keeping the HR at the level of 60 b/min in about 40% of patients very good and good operative field conditions were achieved at MAP higher than 65 mm Hg. There was a significant and strong correlation between the operative field conditions and MAP (Spearman rank correlation test, R = 0.54 p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS With the stable low heart rate at the minimal physiological values the bleeding in the operative field depends on MAP. Keeping HR around 60 b/min there is no need to decrease the MAP to dangerously low levels to achieve good operative field conditions in great proportion of patients.Summary Induced controlled hypotension is a standard method aimed at decreasing intraoperative bleeding and achieving good operative field conditions. Low hemodynamic parameters during the operation are related to increased risk of brain hypoperfusion and injury to hypoxia-sensitive nerve cells. The purpose of this study was to find the mean arterial pressure (MAP) that preserves good operative conditions at low heart rate (HR) during endoscopic sinus surgery. Material and method Twenty eight patients ASA I–II were anesthetized using remifentanil and sevoflurane. The anesthetist was attempting to keep the heart rate around 60 b/min. tried to diminish the MAP gradually until good operative field conditions were achived. The surgeon blinded to the HR and MAP values rated the bleeding in the operative field on the basis of Fromm and Boezzart scale. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the statistical dependence between the variables. Results The best operative conditions were achieved in patients with the lowest MAP and HR. By keeping the HR at the level of 60 b/min in about 40% of patients very good and good operative field conditions were achieved at MAP higher than 65 mm Hg. There was a significant and strong correlation between the operative field conditions and MAP (Spearman rank correlation test, R = 0.54 p = 0.003). Conclusions With the stable low heart rate at the minimal physiological values the bleeding in the operative field depends on MAP. Keeping HR around 60 b/min there is no need to decrease the MAP to dangerously low levels to achieve good operative field conditions in great proportion of patients.

Cytology of nasal mucosa, olfactometry and rhinomanometry in patients after CO2 laser mucotomy in inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

To evaluate the cytology of nasal mucosa and sense of smell and nasal patency in patients underwent carbon dioxide laser turbinoplasty (CO2 laser mucotomy) due to chronic nasal hypertrophy. 46 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy underwent complete laryngological examination, anterior rhinomanometry, olfactory measurements and cytology of nasal mucous which were performed before and 3 months after CO2 laser mucotomy. Laser mucotomy was performed under local anesthesia. Cytograms revealed significant changes in cell proportion before and after the surgery. Goblet cells predominated in nasal smears before the laser mucotomy. An average percentage of eosinophils in evaluated cytograms before the surgery was 2.1%. Three months after laser mucotomy we observed decrease in goblet cells proportion (the mean range of goblet cells was 16.4%) in nasal cytology. We have also observed improvement in olfactory function, however only in 7 patients (20.6%). The mean value of total nasal airway resistance (NAR) before treatment was 0.98+/-0.24 Pa/cm3/s at 75 Pa. Rhinomanometry after 3 months showed a reduction in mean total resistance from the pretreatment level to 0.77 Pa/cm3/s. We believe that CO2 laser mucotomy is an efficacious, minimally invasive and easy to use treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy which is performed under local anesthesia with little discomfort for the patient and does not require hospitalization.

Possible role of α-mannosidase and β-galactosidase in larynx cancer

Background Lysosomal exoglycosidases, such as α-mannosidases (MAN) and β-galactosidases (GAL), are found in different glycoside hydrolase sequence-based families. Considerable research has proved plays the role of MAN, which play a key role in the modification and diversification of hybrid N-glycans, processes with strong cellular links to cancer. Therefore the study aim was to investigate the activities of MAN and GAL in larynx cancer compared to controls. Material and methods Larynx cancer (n = 21) and normal healthy tissue (n = 21) were collected from patients during total laryngectomy. A biopsy of macroscopically healthy tissue in the area of the lower 1/3 of omohyoid muscle was taken for frozen sections in each case and these served as controls. The release of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenol derivatives of MAN and GAL was used. Results In all specimens we observed significantly higher activity of investigated enzymes in larynx cancer compared with controls. The mean release of MAN from activated cells was 3.702 ±1.3245 nkat/g wet tissue compared to controls (1.614 ±0.8220 nkat/g wet tissue). The mean release of GAL from the activated cells was 3.383 ±2.1980 nkat/g wet tissue compared to controls (2.137 ±1.3685 nkat/g wet tissue). Differences in observed activity were statistically significant. Conclusion The present data indicate that MAN and GAL are significantly and consistently elevated in larynx cancer growth. It also means that catabolic reactions involving glycoproteins, glycolipids and proteoglycans may play a role in larynx cancer. Further research should also evaluate the relative importance of these particular exoglycosidases in indicating the progress of the disease in considering the spectrum of identified marker mediators.

Isolated sphenoid sinus pathologies--the problem of delayed diagnosis.

Summary Background Isolated sphenoid sinus pathologies are relatively rare. In the majority of cases, symptoms do not arise in the early stages of the disease or are non-specific, therefore making diagnosis difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic process and the reasons for development of complications in patients with isolated sphenoid sinus pathology. Material/Methods The clinical data and observation charts of 32 patients were investigated to determine how long the main symptoms of sphenoid pathology had been present before the patients were referred for medical treatment, and the time that elapsed from the first ambulatory medical assessment to the initial diagnosis. Results Complaints and symptoms of sphenoid sinus pathology had been present for 10.2 months before the diagnosis was established. Although the duration of complaints in “ORL” (diagnosed by otorhinolaryngologist) and “non-ORL” (diagnosed by other specialists) group of patients was similar (10.8 and 9.5 months on average, respectively), unexpectedly, in the “non-ORL” group of patients, the time necessary for making the initial diagnosis was actually shorter than in the “ORL” group (1.8 vs 4.1 months). At the time of hospital admission, endoscopic examination revealed no abnormalities in 31.2% of patients. In 28.1% of patients the pathological process in the sphenoid sinus was diagnosed only after the onset of complications. Conclusions The occult character of the disease and the lack of severe and specific symptoms, rather than the delay in getting extensive diagnostic tests, are responsible for the delayed diagnosis and treatment.