Five-degree, 10-degree, and 20-degree reverse Trendelenburg position during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Intravenous tranexamic acid significantly improved visualization and shortened the operation time in microscopic middle ear surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The microscopic middle ear surgery involves a limited operating space and numerous important anatomical structures in which good visualization is crucial, as even a small amount of bleeding can greatly affect the clarity of surgical field. This study aims to investigate whether intravenous 1 g of tranexamic acid can improve surgical visualization and further shorten the operation time in microscopic middle ear surgery.

METHODS

This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted from December 2021 to December 2022, enrolling patients who were scheduled for microscopic modified radical mastoidectomy due to chronic otitis media. In addition to standard techniques to optimize the surgical field, participants were randomized into the TXA (tranexamic acid) group (1 g diluted to 20 ml normal saline) and the control group (20 ml normal saline). The primary outcome was assessed based on the clarity of the surgical field using the Modena Bleeding Score. Secondary outcomes included operation time, the surgeon satisfaction with the visual clarity, postoperative 24 h coagulation parameters, and the incidence of adverse events. Student's t -test, χ2 test, and ANOVA of repeated measures were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled in each group using a 1:1 randomized allocation with similar demographic characteristics, including 24 male and 32 female individuals, and the mean age is 45.6±11.9 years. The surgical visualization in the TXA group was significantly better than that of the control group (2.29±0.46 vs. 2.89±0.31, P <0.001) as assessed by the Modena Bleeding Score. Furthermore, the TXA group demonstrated a shorter operation time compared to the control group (88.61±10.9 vs. 105.2±15.9, P <0.001) and higher surgeon satisfaction with surgical field (7.82±0.55 vs. 6.50±0.64, P <0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative coagulation parameters in the two groups. No TXA-related adverse events or complications occurred during the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous 1 g of TXA can further significantly improve the visual clarity in the microscopic middle ear surgery and shorten the operation time based on other standard measures implemented.

Measuring intraoperative anesthetic parameters during hepatectomy with inferior vena cava clamping

PURPOSE

Uncontrollable bleeding remained problematic in anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic veins. Based on the inferior vena cava (IVC) anatomy, we attempted to analyze the hemodynamic and surgical effects of the combined IVC-partial clamp (PC) accompanied with the Trendelenburg position (TP).

METHODS

We prospectively assessed 26 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical hepatectomies exposing HV trunks between 2020 and 2023. Patients were divided into three groups: use of IVC-PC (group 1), no use of IVC-PC (group 2), and use of IVC-PC accompanied with TP (group 3). In 10 of 26 patients (38%), hepatic venous pressure was examined using transhepatic catheter insertion.

RESULTS

IVC-PC was performed in 15 patients (58%). Operating time and procedures did not significantly differ between groups. A direct hemostatic effect on hepatic veins was evaluated in 60% and 70% of patients in groups 1 and 3, respectively. Group 1 showed significantly more unstable vital status and vasopressor use (p < 0.01). Blood or fluid transfusion and urinary output were similar between groups. Group 2 had a significantly lower baseline central venous pressure (CVP), while group 3 showed a significant increase in CVP in TP. CVP under IVC-PC seemed lower than under TP; however, not significantly. Hepatic venous pressure did not significantly differ between groups. Systolic arterial blood pressure significantly decreased via IVC-PC in group 1 and to a similar extent in group 3. Heart rate significantly increased during IVC-PC (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

IVC-PC combined with the TP may be an alternative procedure to control intrahepatic venous bleeding during anatomical hepatectomy exposing hepatic venous trunks.

Otolaryngology Considerations of Pituitary Surgery: What an Endocrinologist Should Know

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery is the preferred surgical approach for the management of pituitary adenomas. Perioperative management of pituitary lesions requires multidisciplinary care and typically includes a dual surgeon team consisting of a neurosurgeon and an otolaryngologist. The involvement of the otolaryngologist allows for a safe surgical approach with excellent intraoperative visualization of the tumor to enable an effective resection of the tumor by the neurosurgeon. Detection and treatment of sinonasal pathology is essential prior to surgery. Patients may experience sinonasal complaints following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, although this is typically temporary. Sinonasal care in the postoperative period can expedite recovery to baseline. Here we discuss the perioperative factors of endoscopic pituitary surgery that endocrinologists should be aware of, ranging from preoperative patient selection and optimization to postoperative care, with a particular emphasis on anatomic and surgical factors.

Hemostasis in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bleeding during endoscopic endonasal procedures can quickly obscure critical anatomic landmarks. This increases both the difficulty of the surgical procedure and the risk of complications faced by the patient. As the indications for surgical management of sinonasal pathology grow, it is important to review techniques to minimize bleeding and facilitate safe surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence continues to accumulate for best practices in the surgical management of sinonasal disease. Recently, international guidelines have attempted to summarize this body of evidence, lending further support to several interventions which have been advocated as methods to decrease bleeding during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Additional studies have specifically investigated the safety of certain commonly employed techniques. The utility of preoperative corticosteroid therapy and the use of total intravenous anesthetic techniques in increasingly validated. Further evidence supports the safety of reverse Trendelenburg positioning for surgical management of inflammatory disease.

SUMMARY

Recent wide scale systematic review of the literature regarding perioperative and intraoperative management of hemostasis has reinforced the utility of certain interventions, while others remain ambiguous.

The effects of 5-degree, 10-degree and 20-degree reverse Trendelenburg positions on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative Edemea and ecchymosis around the eye in open rhinoplasty

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the effect of reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP), with five, ten, and twenty degrees, on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative edema and ecchymosis around the eye in open rhinoplasty operations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety patients undergoing open rhinoplasty were divided into three groups, 5° angle RTP (Group 5; n = 30), 10° angle RTP (Group 10; n = 30), and 20° angle RTP (Group 20; n = 30). After 3 min of preoxygenation, anesthesia was induced with 3 mg.kg^-1 propofol, 1 μg.kg^-1 fentanyl, and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium for muscle relaxation. Maintenance of anesthesia was provided with a minimum alveolar concentration of 1-1.5 with sevoflurane, 1:1 O2/N2O. Hemodynamic variables, intraoperational bleeding, postoperative 1st, 3rd and 7th days ecchymosis and edema around the eyes of the patients were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Edema changes on postoperative 1st, 3rd and 7th days and ecchymosis changes around the eyes on postoperative 1st and 3rd days in Group 20 were found significantly lower than Group 5 (p < 0.017). Besides, the change of ecchymosis on the postoperative 1st day was found significantly lower in Group 20 compared to Group 10 (p < 0.017). The amount of intraoperative bleeding and surgical field evaluation score were found to be significantly lower in Group 10 and Group 20 compared to Group 5 (p < 0.017).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that in open rhinoplasty surgeries, 20° degree RTP reduces intraoperative blood loss and provides a more bloodless surgical field, as well as reducing edema and ecchymoses around the eyes in the postoperative period.

Updates in techniques for improved visualization in sinus surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adequate visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is one of the most critical aspects of performing well tolerated and successful surgery. The topic of visualization encompasses a broad spectrum of preoperative and intraoperative manoeuvres the surgeon can perform that aid in the understanding of the patient's anatomy and in the delivery of efficient surgical care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative considerations to improve visualization include optimization of haemostasis through management of comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, coagulopathies), medication management (e.g. blood thinners) and systemic versus topical corticosteroids. New technologies allow preoperative visual mapping of surgical plans. Advances in knowledge of intraoperative anaesthesia have encouraged a move toward noninhaled anaesthetics to reduce bleeding. High definition cameras, angled endoscopes, 3D endoscopes and more recently augmented reality, image-guided surgery, and robotic surgery, represent the state of the art for high-quality visualization. Topical interventions, such as epinephrine, tranexamic acid and warm isotonic saline, can help to reduce bleeding and improve the operative field. Surgical manoeuvres, such as polyp debulking, septoplasty, carefully controlled tissue manipulation and a consistent repeatable approach remain fundamental to appropriate intraoperative surgical visualization.

SUMMARY

This chapter delineates medical, technical and technological means - preoperatively and intraoperatively - to achieve optimized visualization of the surgical field in ESS.

The 15° reverse Trendelenburg position can improve visualization without impacting cerebral oxygenation in endoscopic sinus surgery-A prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND

In this study we compared intraoperative bleeding and regional cerebral oxygenation in patients with different degrees of the reverse Trendelenburg position (RTP) during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

METHODS

In total, 120 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis treated by ESS were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups: a horizontal position (HP) group, and 5°, 10°, and 15° RTP (5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 15-RTP, respectively) groups. The primary outcome was the Boezaart grading scale (BS). The cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO₂ ), total blood loss, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, and complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

The median BS values in the HP, 5-RTP, 10-RTP, and 15-RTP groups were 2.0, 2.0, 2.1, and 1.7, respectively. Multiple pairwise comparisons of the BS showed significant differences between the 15-RTP group and the other 3 groups (HP, 5-RTP, and 10-RTP). Regarding the NRS and bleeding rate, significant differences were found between the HP and 15-RTP groups. No difference was found in ScO₂ among the 4 groups, and no cerebral desaturation events occurred in any group. No complications, including vital organ (heart, brain, and kidney) dysfunction problems, were reported in this study during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Compared with HP, 5-RTP, and 10-RTP, 15-RTP can improve visual clarity during ESS, and ScO₂ is not affected by the degree of RTP. No cerebral deoxygenation or vital organ dysfunction was observed in this study. Therefore, we recommend 15-RTP with moderate deliberate hypotension for ESS.

Endoscopic polypectomy performed in clinic for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: study protocol for the EPIC multicentre randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common, with a Canadian prevalence of 5%, and associated with significant morbidity. Understandably, CRS impairs workplace productivity but that productivity substantially increases following surgical treatment. CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), the most common type of CRS, is usually treated with a combination of medications and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Historically, surgical treatment has only been performed in the operating room at a cost of about $C3500. However, recent studies have shown that a de-escalated procedure, endoscopic polypectomy performed in clinic (EPIC), can provide an improvement in patient symptoms to levels equal to those for ESS. Moreover, EPIC has additional proposed advantages including shorter recovery time, significantly lower cost to the healthcare system and shorter wait time for the patient. There is currently insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the superiority of polypectomy or ESS for the management of CRSwNP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We designed a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial to evaluate whether EPIC was non-inferior to the current clinical standard, ESS for the treatment of CRSwNP. The primary outcome is the Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 score measured at baseline and at 3 months after surgery. Other outcomes include peak nasal inspiratory flow, quality of life measured by the EuroQoL 5 Dimensions 5 Levels questionnaire and work impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire.We aim to recruit 140 patients from sites across Canada. Participants will be randomly assigned to EPIC or ESS and followed up for 3 months in clinic after the procedure. Additionally, participants will enter a 5-year long-term follow-up period.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Ottawa Health Sciences Network Research Ethics Board for all sites in Ontario, Canada (study number CTO0801). Sites located outside of Ontario obtained approval from their local/institutional research ethics board.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02975310.

Optimum Degree of Head Elevation/Reverse Trendelenburg Position for Sinus Surgery: Systematic Review

Background

This review aims to evaluate the effect of Reverse Trendelenburg Position (RTP) on bleeding and Boezaart score and to determine the optimum degree of head elevation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines and a literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Dental and Oral Science, Google scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English language only. We extracted all relevant data and conducted quality assessment using Cochrane risk of Bias tool (Version 2). We also performed quality assessment of the outcomes using GRADE. Meta-analysis for all the outcomes using conducted on RevMan version 5.3.

Results

The search identified 629 articles and three RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. Two were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 124 patients were assessed for bleeding during sinus surgery and there was a significant reduction in total blood loss in RTP (10–15°) when compared to horizontal position by 134 ml (Mean Difference (MD): −134.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): −184.13 to −67.27). RTP also had a significant reduction in bleeding per minute by 1.07 ml/min (MD: −1.07; 95%CI: (−1.69 to −0.44), while the Boezaart score was significantly lower in the RTP group (MD: −0.69; 95%CI: −0.94 to −0.43) when compared to horizontal position.

Conclusion

Though with limited evidence RTP for ESS reduces total blood loss, blood loss per minute and improves visualization. Further studies are needed to assess the actual impact and optimal degree of head elevation.

Perioperative management of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery

The contemporary embrace of endoscopic technology in the approach to the anterior skull base has altered the perioperative landscape for patients requiring pituitary surgery. Utility of a multi-disciplinary unit in management decisions facilitates the delivery of optimal care. Evolution of technology and surgical expertise in pituitary surgery mandates ongoing review of all components of the care central to these patients. The many areas of potential variability in the pre, intra and post-operative timeline of pituitary surgery are readily identifiable. Core undertakings and contemporary controversies in the peri-operative management of patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery are assessed against the available literature with a view to providing guidance for the best evidence-based practice.

Effect of gauze placement soaked with adrenaline at suprabullar recess on hemostasis during endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Topical application of vasoconstrictors is necessary for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for a bloodless surgical view and reduced intraoperative bleeding. We aimed to verify the effectiveness of gauze placement soaked with adrenaline at suprabullar recess, where the anterior ethmoidal artery exists, on hemostasis during ESS.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blinded trial was carried out for 26 patients receiving ESS. At the beginning of the surgery, gauze soaked with 2% lidocaine with or without 1:10 000 adrenaline was placed at the suprabullar recess for 8 minutes. Estimated blood loss, surgical field score, and operation time were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Estimated blood loss and surgical field score were significantly smaller in the adrenaline group than in the no adrenaline group. Operation time was not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Gauze placement soaked with adrenaline at suprabullar recess reduces estimated blood loss and clears the surgical field during ESS.

Optimization of the Surgical Field in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: an Evidence-Based Approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The advent of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has enabled the development of minimally invasive surgical procedures in Rhinology. However, proficiency with ESS techniques can still be hampered by poorly controlled bleeding limiting visibility of the surgical field (VSF). This can lead to increased operating time and, more importantly, increased risk of major and minor complications. To optimize the VSF and mitigate the risk of complications, many strategies have been explored.

RECENT FINDINGS

This is a narrative review of the relative risks and benefits of pre- and intra-operative interventions aimed at optimizing intraoperative conditions during ESS. The value of these interventions is determined based on their impact on intraoperative blood loss, time of surgery, and the VSF, and weighed against their adverse event profile. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence relating to the safety and efficacy of interventions used to improve intraoperative conditions during ESS.

Anesthesia for functional endoscopic sinus surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present article summarizes anesthetic techniques used during functional endoscopic sinus surgery to decrease bleeding and aid in creating a clear surgical field. The applicable physiology behind these anesthetic techniques is reviewed with emphasis on the effect on bleeding and the surgical field. Deliberate hypotension, reverse Trendelenburg positioning, regional anesthesia, and cerebral monitoring are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are mixed data as to whether traditional inhalation anesthesia or total intravenous anesthesia is superior with respect to better surgical fields and decreased blood loss. A review of the literature tends to favor total intravenous anesthesia. Cerebral oximetry and transcranial Doppler ultrasound are emerging techniques to monitor cerebral perfusion during deliberate hypotension.

SUMMARY

Total intravenous anesthesia using propofol and remifentanil is the current favored technique for producing deliberate hypotension during endoscopic sinus surgery due to its hemodynamic stability and smooth rapid emergence.

Avoiding complications in endoscopic skull base surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopic skull base surgery has become an established approach for the removal of tumors and cerebrospinal fluid fistulae repair. Compared with external approaches, it provides better aesthetic results and quality of life postoperatively. However, as it becomes popular and expands its indications possible complications should be reassessed in terms of incidence and variability in order to confirm its efficacy and safety. This article reviews the recent literature describing the main categories of possible complications suggesting strategies to minimize their incidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Detailed preoperative planning based on imaging and histology can prevent major complications. Intraoperative use of image guidance and meticulous hemostasis provide the surgical field needed to avoid complications. Postoperative patient counseling, along with close and detailed nasal postoperative care are significant factors for an optimal outcome.

SUMMARY

Monitoring of complications after endoscopic skull base surgery is necessary in order to standardize protocols of management and improve our surgical techniques. The presence of late onset complications underlines the need of a special focus in postoperative care and follow-up.

Total intravenous anesthesia improves intraoperative visualization during surgery for high-grade chronic rhinosinusitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has been proposed as a method to reduce blood loss during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Impaired sinonasal visualization due to mucosal bleeding may be burdensome in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with high-grade inflammatory disease, suggesting a role for TIVA in that disease subgroup.

METHODS

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted of adults undergoing ESS at a tertiary medical center. Patients considered for inclusion had high-grade CRS defined as either sinonasal polyposis or a preoperative Lund-Mackay score of ≥12. Subjects were randomized to receive either TIVA or inhaled anesthesia (IA) during ESS. The primary outcome measure was intraoperative visibility as rated by 3 blinded reviewers utilizing the 10-point Wormald Surgical Field Grading Scale. Secondary outcomes included operative blood loss, complications, and change in quality of life evaluated by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22).

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients were randomized into TIVA (n = 37) and IA (n = 35) study arms. Aggregate median (interquartile range) Wormald scores across all reviewers demonstrated a more favorable visual field with TIVA compared to IA (3.5 [2.4-3.9] vs IA 4.1[3.0-5.8], p = 0.0089). There was significantly less blood loss in the TIVA group compared to the IA group (200 mL [100-450] vs 300 mL [200-500], p = 0.046). Baseline patient characteristics were comparable between cohorts with no significant postoperative complications. No significant changes were detected between postoperative SNOT-22 scores at 3 months (p = 0.278) and at 6 months (p = 0.396) following ESS.

CONCLUSION

TIVA contributes to improved intraoperative visualization and decreased blood loss in patients undergoing ESS for high-grade inflammatory sinus disease.

Current Approaches to Epistaxis Treatment in Primary and Secondary Care

BACKGROUND

The lifetime prevalence of epistaxis is approximately 60%, and 6-10% of the affected persons need medical care. In rare cases, severe bleeding calls for the rapid initiation of effective treatment.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent articles that were retrieved by a selective search PubMed, and on the authors' clinical experience.

RESULTS

There are no German guidelines for the management of epistaxis. The available evidence consists mainly of retro spective analyses and expert opinions. 65-75% of the patients who require treatment can be adequately cared for by their primary care physician or by an emergency physician with baseline measures. If there is persistent anterior epistaxis, an otorhinolaryngologist can control the bleeding sastisfactorily in 78-88% of cases with chemical or electrical cauterization. Nasal packing is used if this treatment fails, or for posterior epistaxis. In a retrospective study, surgical treatment was found to be more effective than nasal packing in the treatment of posterior epistaxis (97% versus 62% treatment success). Percutaneous embolization is an alternative treatment for patients whom general anesthesia would put at high risk.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of severe or recurrent epistaxis requires the interdisciplinary collaboration of the primary care physician, the emergency physician, the practice-based otolaryngologist, and the hospital otolaryngology service. Uniform guidelines and epidemiological studies on this topic would be desirable.

Surgical Management of Severe Epistaxis

Many patients with severe epistaxis benefit from endoscopic intervention for control of bleeding. Critical maneuvers to improve endoscopic visualization during surgery include head-of-bed elevation, application of topical vasoconstrictors, and local injection of vasonstrictors. Controlled, hypotensive anesthesia may also decrease intraoperative blood loss and improve visualization during surgery. Intractable posterior epistaxis can be controlled with high rates of success with endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation. Although less common, intractable anterior epistaxis may be controlled by anterior ethmoid artery ligation once this artery is identified as the primary source. Less common sources of severe epistaxis are also discussed in this article.

Hemostasis in sinus surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optimization of the surgical field involves a complex interplay of many factors. Although it is agreed that hemostasis is critical to safe, efficient, and successful sinus surgery, a lack of consensus exists as to the best way to achieve it. This review examines the current body of evidence supporting many of the practices surgeons believe to influence hemostasis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although many of the practices discussed in this article have long been considered to influence hemostasis, it is not until recently that high-level evidence supporting their use has been available. Well designed studies now exist supporting the preoperative use of oral steroids in polyp patients, the importance of adequate reverse trendelenburg positioning, the use of flexible laryngeal mask ventilation during general anesthesia, and the increased safety and comparable efficacy of topical epinephrine over other topical and injectable agents. Controversy still exists as to the ideal method of achieving controlled hypotensive anesthesia, although new evidence has emerged as to what hemodynamic parameters should be adhered to, to reduce the risk of cerebral hypoperfusion.

SUMMARY

Numerous factors influence hemostasis and so it is important that ENT surgeons have a sound understanding of the evidence supporting their everyday surgical practice. Improved standardization of scoring and reporting of bleeding may increase the power of research studies to draw more definitive conclusions about the role that certain factors have on hemostasis.

Strategies for Improving Visualization During Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

The nasal cavity has a robust vascular supply, and bleeding is a primary obstacle to the minimally invasive skull base technique. Venous bleeding, including the cavernous sinus, can be managed with various techniques using hemostatic materials and pressure. A thorough understanding of the skull base vascular anatomy is vital for avoiding injury to major arteries and having confidence to control venous bleeding to optimize the endoscopic view and tumor resection.

The Effect of Patient Positioning on Amount of Intraoperative Bleeding in Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

There is a rich blood flow to the mucosa in the nasal region. In rhinoplasty, surgical procedures are performed in a narrow and confined space. So bleeding during surgery reduces visibility which can complicate the procedure. This study investigated the effects of the patient position on amount of intraoperative bleeding during surgical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 71 patients who underwent elective rhinoplasty. The patients were operated on in three groups. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients who were operated on in the supine position; Group 2 included 28 patients who were operated on using a 15° angle reverse Trendelenburg position; Group 3 consisted of 20 patients who were operated on at a 20° angle reverse Trendelenburg position.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the groups in regard to surgeon satisfaction and the amount of intraoperative bleeding. The amount of intraoperative bleeding in Group 1 was significantly higher than those of Groups 2 and 3, and surgeon satisfaction was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse Trendelenburg position reduces intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty patients while facilitating the procedure compared to the supine position. Surgery at a 15° angle reverse Trendelenburg position provides the optimum working conditions by both significantly reducing intraoperative bleeding and allowing for comfortable conditions for the surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

How I Do It: Medial Flap Inferior Turbinoplasty

INTRODUCTION

Techniques for inferior turbinate reduction vary from complete turbinectomy to limited cauterization. Surgical methods differ on the degree of tissue reduction and reliance on surgical tissue removal versus tissue ablation.

METHOD

The technique and surgical steps of our preferred method of turbinate reduction are presented.

RESULTS

Critical steps include proper design of the medial flap and removal of turbinate bone and lateral mucosa to allow lateral positioning of the medial flap. Bipolar cautery of the inferior turbinate artery branches allows complete haemostasis and undermining of the head allows proper debulking of the anterior aspect of the turbinate and widening of the nasal valve area.

CONCLUSION

The medial flap inferior turbinoplasty provides consistent, robust results. Long-term relief of obstructive symptoms without additional risk of complication is expected with this procedure.

Hemostatic Materials and Devices

Numerous absorbable substances have been introduced to aid hemostasis in sinus and skull base surgery. Within the confines of the sinus and nasal cavities, ideal hemostatic agents must have several qualities. They must provide hemostasis, conform to an irregular wound bed, and enable healing of the traumatized mucosa without additional detriment to the epithelium. Traditional nasal packing has been substituted largely by absorbable materials designed to improve patient comfort and outcomes. Although many promising agents exist, none have become standard therapy.

Comprehensive review on endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery

Endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery is the standard procedure for surgery of most paranasal sinus diseases. Appropriate frame conditions provided, the respective procedures are safe and successful. These prerequisites encompass appropriate technical equipment, anatomical oriented surgical technique, proper patient selection, and individually adapted extent of surgery. The range of endonasal sinus operations has dramatically increased during the last 20 years and reaches from partial uncinectomy to pansinus surgery with extended surgery of the frontal (Draf type III), maxillary (grade 3-4, medial maxillectomy, prelacrimal approach) and sphenoid sinus. In addition there are operations outside and beyond the paranasal sinuses. The development of surgical technique is still constantly evolving. This article gives a comprehensive review on the most recent state of the art in endoscopic sinus surgery according to the literature with the following aspects: principles and fundamentals, surgical techniques, indications, outcome, postoperative care, nasal packing and stents, technical equipment.

Avoiding Complications in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Complications of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can range from the mundane to the catastrophic, with nasal hemorrhage being the most common. Intraorbital and intracranial complications are much less common. Despite the rarity of complications, they are often avoidable. Certain identifiable risk factors can be appreciated during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evaluations of the sinus patient. With awareness of these risk factors the rhinologist can develop a strategic plan of risk factor mitigation. This article identifies areas of increased risk that are amenable to preventive strategies before complications become realized.

Hemostatic effect of hot saline irrigation during functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The endoscopically magnified operative field in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) makes even a small amount of bleeding a potentially significant hindrance. It is thought that irrigation with hot saline during surgery may improve surgical field of view by producing a hemostatic effect. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of hot saline irrigation (HSI) compared to room temperature saline irrigation (RTSI) in the control of intraoperative bleeding during FESS.

METHODS

Sixty-two chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients undergoing FESS were randomized to 2 treatment arms in an equal ratio. Subjects received either HSI (49°C) or RTSI (18°C), 20 mL every 10 minutes, for the duration of FESS. The Boezaart endoscopic field of view grading system was the primary outcome measure. Boezaart score, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were recorded at 10-minute intervals between irrigations.

RESULTS

Mean endoscopic surgical field of view (Boezaart score) did not significantly differ between the HSI and RTSI groups (1.5 ± 0.6 vs 1.3 ± 0.5; p = 0.23). However, when FESS was longer than 2 hours in duration, the Boezaart scores were significantly better in the HSI group (1.6 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.4; p = 0.04). We found that blood loss per minute was significantly reduced (p = 0.02) in all cases in which HSI was used (2.3 ± 1.0) compared to RTSI (1.7 ± 1.1). Despite this, heart rate (p = 0.32) and MABP (p = 0.14) did not significantly differ between treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

HSI may be beneficial in improving surgical field of view in FESS after 2 hours of operating time. A significant reduction in rate of blood loss may be attained with HSI.