Michael S. Godin

Fourth branchial pouch sinus: Principles of diagnosis and management

The fourth branchial pouch sinus is a congenital anomaly which most frequently manifests itself by recurrent episodes of neck abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis. This lesion usually becomes symptomatic before the age of 10 years and is more common than has previously been suspected. It has been found on the left side in 93% of the 28 cases reported in the English literature. Barium swallow during periods of quiescence and nasopharyngoscopy have frequently been successful in identifying the presence of these embryological remnants. Definitive therapy consists of total excision of the sinus tract, which can be facilitated by direct endoscopic placement of a Fogarty® catheter into the sinus lumen before surgical exploration. The embryological basis for the occurrence of these sinuses is discussed.

The tension nose : open structure rhinoplasty approach

The term tension nose is known to many rhinoplastic surgeons, yet confusion exists as to its precise meaning. We define the tension deformity as excessive growth of the quadrilateral cartilage, resulting in a high nasal dorsum and anterior and sometimes inferior displacement of the nasal tip cartilages. A review of the surgical literature shows that little attention has been given to the evaluation and management of this problem. We reviewed 50 consecutive primary rhinoplasty candidates and found that 46 percent had some manifestation of tension deformity that required correction at the time of surgery. The techniques of open structure rhinoplasty are ideally suited to manage the tension nose. The essence of correction is a deprojection-reprojection process. First, excessive elements of the septal cartilage and anterior nasal spine, which comprise what we have termed the nasal pedestal, are reduced, resulting in tip deprojection. Open structure methods are then employed to achieve reprojection of the domes by using cartilage grafts and suturing techniques to build strength, support, and elegance into the nasal tip.

The transoropalatal approach to the atlantoaxial-Clival region: Considerations for the head and neck surgeon†

The transoropalatal approach to the atlantoaxial‐clival area provides excellent exposure for neurosurgical decompression and fusion procedures. The technique has been effectively applied in the treatment of bony and soft tissue abnormalities of the anterior spinal region. Although this approach is safe and reliable, it is not part of the otolaryngologists usual surgical armamentarium.