Todd T. Kingdom

Nationwide incidence of major complications in endoscopic sinus surgery

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. Major complications are estimated to occur in 1–3% of cases, based on early studies with relatively small patient cohorts in academic institutions. The aim of this study was to update data regarding major complication rates associated with ESS by analyzing a large patient database.

Transoral-transpharyngeal approach to the craniocervical junction

The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is a reliable and technically sound method for gaining anterior extradural exposure to the craniocervical junction. We report 23 patients undergoing this approach for pathology lying between the inferior clivus and third cervical vertebra. Pathology included 6 patients with congenital malformations of the odontoid process, 4 patients with basilar invagination caused by rheumatoid arthritis, 2 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation caused by Downs syndrome, and 1 each with Chiari I malformation, pseudogout of C1/C2, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and chronic dens dislocation caused by trauma. Malignant tumors included 4 chordomas, 2 giant cell tumors of C1-C3, and 1 chondrosarcoma. Orotracheal intubation without tracheotomy was used in 22 patients. Sixteen of these 22 patients were extubated either immediately or within 24 hours. Six complications occurred in 5 patients and included a palatal dehiscence in 2, delayed oropharyngeal hemorrhage, prolonged endotracheal intubation because of severe tongue edema, and 1 case each of meningitis and aspiration pneumonia responsive to intravenous antibiotics. No deaths, local infections, or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred. Neurologic symptoms of cord compression improved or stabilized in all patients. The transoral-transpharyngeal approach is an effective means for extradural decompression of the anterior craniocervical junction and for exposure of selected tumors at this site.

Image-guided surgery of the sinuses: current technology and applications

Image-guided surgery has been established as an important adjunctive tool for rhinologic surgery. The technology has evolved since the middle of the last century and continues to do so at a rapidly increasing rate. A number of systems exist, each with its relative benefits and drawbacks. Image guidance can assist the endoscopic sinus surgeon by confirming position within challenging anatomic fields. Many issues remain, however, before the widespread application of this technology can be justified. Many advantages exist, but significant limitations are also evident. Nonetheless, the role of image guidance in routine and advanced paranasal sinus surgery is certain to grow. Discussion and debate of the issues regarding the use of image guidance are likely to grow with it.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis

Isam Alobid, MD, PhD1, Nithin D. Adappa, MD2, Henry P. Barham, MD3, Thiago Bezerra, MD4, Nadieska Caballero, MD5, Eugene G. Chang, MD6, Gaurav Chawdhary, MD7, Philip Chen, MD8, John P. Dahl, MD, PhD9, Anthony Del Signore, MD10, Carrie Flanagan, MD11, Daniel N. Frank, PhD12, Kai Fruth, MD, PhD13, Anne Getz, MD14, Samuel Greig, MD15, Elisa A. Illing, MD16, David W. Jang, MD17, Yong Gi Jung, MD18, Sammy Khalili, MD, MSc19, Cristobal Langdon, MD20, Kent Lam, MD21, Stella Lee, MD22, Seth Lieberman, MD23, Patricia Loftus, MD24, Luis Macias‐Valle, MD25, R. Peter Manes, MD26, Jill Mazza, MD27, Leandra Mfuna, MD28, David Morrissey, MD29, Sue Jean Mun, MD30, Jonathan B. Overdevest, MD, PhD31, Jayant M. Pinto, MD32, Jain Ravi, MD33, Douglas Reh, MD34, Peta L. Sacks, MD35, Michael H. Saste, MD36, John Schneider, MD, MA37, Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD38, Zachary M. Soler, MD39, Neville Teo, MD40, Kota Wada, MD41, Kevin Welch, MD42, Troy D. Woodard, MD43, Alan Workman44, Yi Chen Zhao, MD45, David Zopf, MD46

Management of thyroid carcinoma invading the aerodigestive tract

Objectives: To evaluate approaches to thyroid carcinoma invading the aerodigestive tract, with particular attention to well‐differentiated carcinomas. Study Design: Retrospective review of experience with thyroid carcinoma invading the aerodigestive tract over a 20‐year period at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: The medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of thyroid cancer treated at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, from 1977 through 1997 were reviewed. Multiple clinical variables were analyzed including treatment, development of recurrence, and survival. Survival and time to local recurrence were determined by Kaplan‐Meier analysis, and statistical comparisons were made using log‐rank analysis. Results: Five hundred thirty‐six cases were identified; 28 patients (5.2%) were identified with invasive disease involving the aerodigestive tract. Histologic findings at the time of invasion included 15 well‐differentiated (WD) carcinomas and 13 poorly differentiated (PD) carcinomas. Eight of the 28 patients (5 WD, 3 PD) underwent surgical resection of some portion of the aerodigestive tract with curative intent. Ten patients (8 WD, 2 PD) underwent incomplete resection with tumor left adjacent to aerodigestive tract structures. All patients undergoing incomplete resection developed local recurrence. Six required salvage resection, as opposed to no recurrences in WD carcinomas following complete resection (P = .01). Survival at 5 years for WD carcinomas undergoing complete resection versus initial incomplete resection was 100% versus 50%, respectively (P = .27). Conclusion: Review of our experience shows that complete resection of thyroid carcinoma invading the aerodigestive tract can offer prolonged palliation, improved local control, and the opportunity for cure in selected patients.

Systematic review of topical vasoconstrictors in endoscopic sinus surgery

The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature and examine the safety for the use of topical vasoconstrictors in endoscopic sinus surgery.

Endoscopic approach to lesions of the sphenoid sinus, orbital apex, and clivus.

OBJECTIVE The expanding role of endoscopic management of sinonasal disorders includes approaches to the skull base. In this report, we review our experience approaching lesions of the sphenoid sinus, orbital apex, and clivus via a transnasal endoscopic technique. DESIGN A retrospective, case series review of 15 patients presenting with skull base lesions approached via an endoscopic approach was performed. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the preoperative planning strategy and the surgical technique. SETTING Academic referral center. RESULTS We reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent an endoscopic approach to the sphenoid sinus, orbital apex, or clivus. Ten patients presented with lesions of the sphenoid sinus and clivus. The lesions in this patient group included metastasis to the cavernous sinus and clivus (3); fibrous dysplasia (2); plasmacytoma of the clivus (2); and 1 patient each with cholesterol granuloma, meningoencephalocele, and recurrent teratoma. Five patients presented with lesions of the orbital apex. These included invasive fungal sinusitis (2), mucopyocele (2), and pseudotumor (1). Image-guided surgical navigation was used in each case, and all approaches consisted of entirely endoscopic transnasal techniques. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic approaches to the skull base are possible because of advancements in technology now available to the rhinologic surgeon. This report highlights the preoperative strategies and surgical techniques used in approaching lesions of the sphenoid sinus, orbital apex, and clivus. These extended techniques should provide a more direct, less invasive, and more cost-effective method for approaching select skull base lesions.

Solitary chemosensory cells and bitter taste receptor signaling in human sinonasal mucosa

Solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) are specialized cells in the respiratory epithelium that respond to noxious chemicals including bacterial signaling molecules. SCCs express components of bitter taste transduction including the taste receptor type 2 (TAS2R) bitter taste receptors and downstream signaling effectors: α‐Gustducin, phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5). When activated, SCCs evoke neurogenic reflexes, resulting in local inflammation. The purpose of this study was to test for the presence SCCs in human sinonasal epithelium, and to test for a correlation with inflammatory disease processes such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses.

Extracranial meningiomas are rare tumors, comprising ∼2% of all meningiomas. Previously reported sites include the orbit, parapharyngeal space, and rarely, the paranasal sinuses. A retrospective chart review of patients with meningiomas was performed over the last 25 years, and three patients were identified with meningiomas involving the paranasal sinuses. The locations included the frontal sinus, the ethmoid sinus, and the sphenoid sinus. Presenting symptoms included facial pain and nasal obstruction; two patients noted facial swelling. Diagnosis was established via endoscopic transnasal biopsy in two patients. Computed tomographic (CT) guided biopsy was utilized to confirm the diagnosis in the third patient. Surgical extirpation was successfully performed with tumors arising from the ethmoid and frontal sinuses. The patient with neoplasm in the sphenoid sinus underwent radiation therapy. Extracranial meningiomas of the paranasal sinuses are rare tumors that may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present three cases and discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options.

Outcomes after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without mucosal flap preservation

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) without the preservation of mucosal flaps for the management of acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing endoscopic DCR without mucosal flap preservation from May 2003 to October 2006 at a tertiary referral medical center. Twenty-seven procedures were performed on 20 patients with epiphora secondary to acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Main outcome measures were subjective improvement in epiphora and assessment of anatomic patency based on lacrimal irrigation. Results Mean follow-up was 16 months. Mild intermittent postoperative epiphora or complete resolution of epiphora was noted in 100% (27/27) of procedures; complete resolution was recorded in 93% (25/27) of procedures. Eighteen patients (25 procedures) were available for lacrimal irrigation at a mean of 16 months follow-up. Anatomic patency was confirmed in 100% (25/25) of procedures. Conclusion Our results with endoscopic DCR are comparable with previously published outcomes. These data suggest that successfully powered DCR may be performed without the preservation of mucosal flaps.