Middle turbinate resection is unlikely to cause empty nose syndrome in first year postoperatively

Computational Fluid Dynamics and Its Potential Applications for the ENT Clinician

This article is an examination of computational fluid dynamics in the field of otolaryngology, specifically rhinology. The historical development and subsequent application of computational fluid dynamics continues to enhance our understanding of various sinonasal conditions and surgical planning in the field today. This article aims to provide a description of computational fluid dynamics, the methods for its application, and the clinical relevance of its results. Consideration of recent research and data in computational fluid dynamics demonstrates its use in nonhistological disease pathology exploration, accompanied by a large potential for surgical guidance applications. Additionally, this article defines in lay terms the variables analyzed in the computational fluid dynamic process, including velocity, wall shear stress, area, resistance, and heat flux.

Advances in Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is comprised of a diverse group of endotypes that cause significant morbidity for afflicted patients. While endoscopic sinus surgery helps ameliorate the disease, polyps frequently recur. Newer strategies are intended to provide access for topical steroid irrigations in attempts to improve the disease process and quality of life, and decrease overall recurrence of polyps.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature examining the latest surgical approaches for CRSwNP.

METHODS

Review article.

RESULTS

In dealing with the recalcitrant nature of CRSwNP, surgical techniques have simultaneously become more nuanced and aggressive. Bony resection in anatomically unfavorable areas such as the frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid outflow regions, replacing diseased or denuded mucosa with healthy grafts or flaps at the neo-ostia, and introducing drug-eluting biomaterials to newly opened sinus outflow tracts are highlights in the recent advancements in sinus surgery for CRSwNP. The Draf 3 or modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure has become a standard technique and demonstrated to improve quality of life and decrease polyp recurrence. A number of mucosal grafting or mucosal flap techniques have been described that cover exposed bone of the neo-ostium and evidence shows that this improves healing and diameter of the Draf 3. Partial middle turbinectomy, while controversial, appears to help decrease polyp recurrence in long-term follow-up studies. Modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy improves access to the maxillary sinus mucosa, facilitates debridement and, particularly, in the cystic fibrosis nasal polyp patient, improves overall management of the disease. Sphenoid drill-out procedure provides wider access for topical steroid irrigations and also may improve management of CRSwNP.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention remains a mainstay of therapy for CRSwNP. Newer techniques revolve around improving access for topical steroid therapy.

Optimizing Quality of Life and Minimizing Morbidity through Nasal Preservation in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: A Contemporary Review

Introduction  Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) are increasingly utilized for intracranial pathology. As opposed to sinonasal tumors, the nasal cavity is being used as a corridor to access these intracranial tumors but is not the site of primary surgical intent. Accordingly, there has been recent interest in preserving intranasal structures not directly involved by tumor and improving postoperative sinonasal quality of life (QOL). Objectives  The aim of the study is to highlight recent advances in EEA techniques focused on improving sinonasal QOL including turbinate preservation, reducing the morbidity of reconstructive techniques, and the development of alternative minimally invasive EEA corridors. Methods  The method of the study involves contemporary literature review and summary of implications for clinical practice. Results  Nasoseptal flap (NSF) harvest is associated with significant morbidity including septal perforation, prolonged nasal crusting, and external nasal deformities. Various grafting and local rotational flaps have demonstrated the ability to significantly limit donor site morbidity. Free mucosal grafts have re-emerged as a reliable reconstructive option for sellar defects with an excellent sinonasal morbidity profile. Middle turbinate preservation is achievable in most EEA cases and has not been shown to cause postoperative obstructive sinusitis. Recently developed minimally invasive EEA techniques such as the superior ethmoidal approach have been described to better preserve intranasal structures while allowing intracranial access to resect skull base tumors and have shown promising sinonasal QOL results. Conclusion  This contemporary review discusses balancing effective skull base reconstructive techniques with associated morbidity, the role of turbinate preservation in EEA, and the development of unique EEA techniques that allow for increased nasal structure preservation.

Management of the middle turbinate during and after sinus surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Treatment of the middle turbinate (MT) during and after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been controversial. Historically, there has been concern that resection of the MT may result in smell loss and frontal sinus stenosis. However, these concerns must be balanced by knowledge that a residual diseased MT may result in surgical failure. This review discusses the current evidence on treatment of the MT during and after ESS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several review articles have shown the safety of performing MT resection. Studies have not shown increase rates of frontal sinus stenosis, olfactory loss, or empty nose syndrome. However, the benefit of MT resection is highly debated. There have also been many recent advances and technological developments to assist in management of the postoperative MT.

SUMMARY

The literature supports the safety of performing MT resection, however, the benefit of resection over preservation is controversial. New technologies and techniques exist that may aid in preventing postoperative MT lateralization.