Medial flap middle turbinoplasty for solid middle turbinate hypertrophy: improving airway, speeding healing and preserving olfaction

PURPOSE

The techniques to be performed for bullous middle turbinates are well-defined and widely accepted in the literature. However, in the case of solid middle turbinate hypertrophy, information on surgical techniques that take into account function and sense of smell is very limited in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the airway patency and olfaction results of patients diagnosed with solid middle turbinate hypertrophy, who underwent subtotal (transverse) resection or medial flap turbinoplasty of the middle turbinates.

METHODS

Thirty-five adult patients who were diagnosed with solid middle turbinate hypertrophy were divided into two groups, namely medial flap middle turbinoplasty (study group = 17) and transverse resection to the middle turbinate (control group = 18). Acoustic rhinometry, anterior rhinomanometry, peak nasal inspiratory flowmeter test, odor identification test, and n-butanol threshold measurements were performed before and 3 months after the surgery. In addition, preoperative and postoperative nasal obstruction and olfactory senses of the patients were evaluated with visual analog scale and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale.

RESULTS

Visual analog scores for olfaction were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. In odor identification test, a significant improvement was observed in the study group, while a decrease was observed in the control group. While there was a decrease in the n-butanol thresholds values in the study group, there was an increase in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Medial mucosal flap technique is an effective and functional turbinoplasty technique that can be used in solid hypertrophy of the middle turbinate, which offers advantages in terms of enhanced airway healing and olfactory results.

The Arterial Pattern of the Upper Nasal Septum (S-Point) and Potential Role in Severe Epistaxis

OBJECTIVES

The previously described S-point, corresponds to the medial projection of the middle turbinate axilla in the superior nasal septum and has been identified as a common source of severe epistaxis. The objective is to define the anatomical patterns of vascularization of the S-point area that could explain its clinical relevance.

METHODS

Thirty-three nasal septums of latex-injected formalin-embalmed and fresh human cadaveric heads were dissected to analyze the arterial arrangement of the S-point area. Measurements and patterns of vascularization were described.

RESULTS

The S-point area, was consistently surrounded by a single or multiple arterial anastomotic arches consistently formed superiorly by the anterior ethmoidal and posterior ethmoidal artery branches, and inferiorly by the posterior septal artery. The caliber of the arterial arches was typically larger than the caliber of the arterial branches supplying them. A single arch was present in 36.3% of septums, and multiple arches in 63.6%. The mean distance from the S-point to the anterior limit of the arch was 9 mm, to the posterior arch when the present was 3 mm, to the superior limit 6 mm, to the inferior limit 6 mm, and to the nasal roof was 10 mm.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the dense arterial configuration of the S point area, which is characterized by a single or multiple vascular arches of greater caliber than the branches of origin. This finding could explain why the S-point area is a frequent source of epistaxis, and guide its surgical cauterization when an obvious vascular ectasia is not visualized.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:2075-2080, 2023.

MRI tractography reveals the human olfactory nerve map connecting the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb

The olfactory nerve map describes the topographical neural connections between the olfactory epithelium in the nasal cavity and the olfactory bulb. Previous studies have constructed the olfactory nerve maps of rodents using histological analyses or transgenic animal models to investigate olfactory nerve pathways. However, the human olfactory nerve map remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that high-field magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor tractography can be used to visualize olfactory sensory neurons while maintaining their three-dimensional structures. This technique allowed us to evaluate the olfactory sensory neuron projections from the nasal cavities to the olfactory bulbs and visualize the olfactory nerve maps of humans, marmosets and mice. The olfactory nerve maps revealed that the dorsal-ventral and medial-lateral axes were preserved between the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb in all three species. Further development of this technique might allow it to be used clinically to facilitate the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction.

Combined high-field MRI and DTI analyses in post-mortem mouse, marmoset, and human samples provide insight into the neural connections between nasal cavities and olfactory bulbs.

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.