Intraoperative intraorbital bleeding: considerations from a collaborative and retrospective Italian study with a management algorithm proposal

Background: Intraoperative intraorbital bleeding is a rare but potentially catastrophic event that can lead even to blindness, if not treated promptly. The goal of surgery is to quickly reduce intraorbital pressure thus restoring normal visual function. Aim of our work is to propose a practical algorithm helping the surgeon in the setting of this critical event. Methodology: An Italian multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted. All the cases of intraoperative intra-orbital bleeding requiring at least some form of surgical management were analyzed. Cases simply managed conservatively were excluded from this analysis. Results: Sixteen cases were collected. Of these, 12 were initially treated with a medial wall orbital decompression, while 4 were treated via a lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis (LCC). Ten patients recovered completely. Four patients presented post-op sequelae (diplopia, enophthalmous and/or eyelid malpositioning). Two major negative outcomes (blindness) were observed. Conclusions: Timely surgical intervention is critical. According to the setting in which the bleeding occurs, different options are available. LCC is probably the most rapid maneuver that can be done to reduce intraorbital pressure. Anyway, if the patient is still in the OR and a complete ethmoidectomy yet done we advise, as first step, to perform a medial orbital wall decompression.

Endoscopic-assisted transorbital surgery: Where do we stand on the scott’s parabola? personal considerations after a 10-year experience

Transorbital approaches are genuinely versatile surgical routes which show interesting potentials in skull base surgery. Given their “new” trajectory, they can be a very useful adjunct to traditional routes, even being a valid alternative to them in some cases, and add valuable opportunities in selected patients. Indications are constantly expanding, and currently include selected intraorbital, skull base and even intra-axial lesions, both benign and malignant. Given their relatively recent development and thus unfamiliarity among the skull base community, achieving adequate proficiency needs not only a personalized training and knowledge but also, above all, an adequate case volume and a dedicated setting. Current, but mostly future, applications should be selected by genetic, omics and biological features and applied in the context of a truly multidisciplinary environment.

Functional outcomes and complications in refractory dysthyroid optic neuropathy management: Experience with 3 different surgical protocols

INTRODUCTION

Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is the most severe complication of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and its management may require decompression surgery. Clear recommendations do not exist about which surgery should be performed and how extended the decompression should be. In this paper we present our experience regarding the management of DON via 3 different surgical protocols: a modified extended orbital apex decompression, a 2 walls decompression (inferior and lateral) and a 3 walls decompression (inferior, lateral and medial) and evaluate the functional outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of subjects affected by DON not responding to medical therapy has been performed. All patients were submitted to pre- and post-operative ophthalmologic evaluations and orbital and sinuses CT scan in order to evaluate functional and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

27 patients were enrolled in the study. Surgical procedures were performed on 42 orbits. A statistically significant post-operative improvement was recorded in visual acuity, proptosis, color vision and fundus oculi evaluation for all groups. No patient developed major or minor complications after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended endonasal approach and 3 walls decompression have been proved effective in the management of DON. The choice between them is done according to degree of proptosis, general status and eye-surface damages.

Component-Resolved Diagnosis for Endotyping Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a predominantly type 2 inflammation-mediated disease of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses that often coexists with asthma. The role of atopy in the development and severity of CRSwNP is still a controversial issue.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to propose a systematic allergy workup to identify atopic patients in the context of CRSwNP and to characterize their allergen sensitization profile (sources/molecules).

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of CRSwNP (n = 97) were studied in the otorhinolaryngologist and allergy settings. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient. Different allergen sensitization profiles (sources/molecules) were evaluated in atopic CRSwNP patients by using component-resolved diagnosis (CRD).

RESULTS

In our cohort of patients, the CRSwNP was frequently diagnosed during adulthood with significant impact on health-related quality of life. Asthma and atopy were the most common comorbidities with a prevalence of asthma in the atopic group. In CRSwNP patients sensitized to grass pollens and/or to house dust mites, the CRD analysis revealed a prevalence of sensitization to species-specific allergens of Phleum pratense (Phl p1, Phl p2, and Phl p5) or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1 and Der p2) rather than to cross-reactive ones.

CONCLUSION

To define the allergen sensitization profile in atopic CRSwNP patients by CRD, it may be useful to better characterize type 2 inflammation, thus providing a personalized endotype-driven treatment.

When multidisciplinary surgical trans-orbital approaches should be considered to reach the skull base

The transorbital approaches are a group of surgical procedures performed passing through the orbital spaces and aimed to reach deeper areas. This kind of surgery has been proved to be safe and effective in the management of selected lesions of the anterior, middle and infratemporal fossa. The aim of the present study is to perform a review of the literature, in order to draw the reader’s attention on the main features of this kind of surgery, focusing on the anatomical background and the surgical setting; we will also summary the current indications and contraindications to this approach and find out the related complications and the possible alternatives. Even if we consider the transorbital approach as a promising route to the skull base, we underline that there is no better approach over another and the choice must always consider several elements. Furthermore, as for every skull base procedure, a multidisciplinary management is strongly advisable.

Comparison of a purely endoscopic three-layer technique versus pericranial flap for reconstruction of anterior skull base defects after sino-nasal tumor resection: assessment of postoperative frontal lobe sagging and frontal lobe falling

BACKGROUND

The evolution of endoscopic skull base approaches has enabled surgeons to manage selected skull base tumors through a transnasal endoscope-assisted approach. On the other side, more extensive lesions may require a combined cranioendoscopic approach. In this paper, we analysed and compared the incidence of frontal lobe sagging after endoscopic multilayer (EM) reconstruction versus pericranial flap (PF) reconstruction.

METHODOLOGY

Subjects were selected retrospectively according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The degree of frontal lobe sagging after surgery was calculated based on the most inferior position of the frontal lobe relative to the nasion-sellar line defined on preoperative and postoperative imaging. A positive value signified upward displacement, and a negative value represented frontal lobe sagging.

RESULTS

Twenty subjects were enrolled in our study. In the EM technique group the average frontal lobe displacement was -2,34 ± 1,55 mm. The average postoperative frontal lobe sagging was -0,45 ± 8,92 mm in subjects reconstructed with the PF. The skull base defect size correlated with the degree of frontal lobe sagging in subjects reconstructed with the PF, but not in the other group and when merging the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the EM technique and the PF reconstruction showed a good reliability for the closure of anterior skull base defects. Moreover the PF seemed to prevent frontal lobe sagging but, for larger skull base defects, it could be useful to be combined with other autologous or heterologous materials to avoid the frontal lobe falling.

Transoral robotic tongue base reduction and supraglottoplasty combined with maxillomandibular advancement: a new option for selected sleep apnea patients? Preliminary report

PURPOSE

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA) are effective options for obstructive sleep apnea patients. Identification of the correct candidate is by far the most important item in achieving a succesful outcome. As a consequence, not all patients can be managed successfully via one or the other procedure. To overcome the limits of any single procedure we have combined, in a very selected population of patients, TORS tongue base reduction and MMA. Preliminary data are encouraging, in terms of both AHI and ESS.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on five patients treated with combined TORS-MMA surgery. Demographic and clinical data, pre-operative and post-operative PSG and ESS were collected.

RESULTS

Three of five patients were recruited. All patients presented severe OSAHS. Mean AHI and ESS went respectively from 48 and 12 pre-operatively to 19 and 4 post-operatively. Minor bleeding occurred in two patients. No significant sequelae have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined TORS and MMA is feasible and safe. Our very preliminary data are encouraging, in terms of both AHI and ESS. Long-term follow-up and a larger amount of subjects are needed to confirm this surgical approach as a valuable option for selected OSAHS patient.

Focus on the Involvement of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): Nasal Cytology Reveals Infiltration of Eosinophils as a Very Common Feature

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a necrotizing vasculitis that predominantly affects small- to medium-sized vessels. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of extrapulmonary symptoms, including sinonasal and paranasal sinus abnormalities. These are the most common features of this disease, constituting diagnostic criteria for EGPA. However, the actual clinical features, cellular mechanisms and impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) are still a matter of study.

METHODS

Thirty-nine EGPA patients underwent multidimensional rhinological evaluations, including rhinofibroscopy, nasal cytology, and QoL questionnaires. This was coupled with respiratory and rheumatological assessments.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Of these, 18 had nasal polyposis (NP). Chronic rhinitis was diagnosed in 10 patients. Of these, 3 had allergic rhinitis (AR) and seven had non-AR (NAR). Overall, only 1 patient (2.6%) was normal. Nasal cytology showed that hypereosinophilia was present in 17/28 patients with CRS, 4/7 patients with NAR and all patients with AR. SNOT-22 and SF-36 showed a severe impact of nasal symptoms on QoL. No differences in asthma control or rheumatological patterns for EGPA were observed among patients with or without NP.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when the rheumatological assessment scored EGPA "under control" according to the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and Vasculitis Damage Index, sinonasal diseases and related nasal inflammatory processes were not controlled. Therefore, there is a need for clinical monitoring and targeted treatment to control the inflammatory processes and improve the QoL of EGPA patients.

Focus on audiologic impairment in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the clinical features of audiologic impairment and its relationship with the nasal, vestibular, and rheumatologic profile in a cohort of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly named Churg-Strauss syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with EGPA, considered controlled according to the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and the Vasculitis Damage Index, underwent a complete audiologic evalutaion with otomicroscopy, impedance audiometry, speech audiometry, and auditory brainstem responses; rhinologic evaluation was made by means of fiberoptic endoscopy and nasal cytology; the clinical evaluation was completed with analysis of the facial function and, in patients with referred vertigo, with videonystagmography (VNG). Data were compared to the rheumatologic profile (eosinophil count, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies status).

RESULTS

Thirty-four of 39 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of those, 18 (52, 8%) were affected by variable degrees of hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL]) in four cases (11, 8%), mixed sensorineural and conductive hearing loss in two (5, 9%), presbycusis in six (17, 6%), and otitis media with effusion (OME) in six (17, 6%). Vestibular impairment was represented by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and unspecific dizziness in three (8, 8%) and four cases (11, 8%), respectively, all with normal VNG. Ear involvement was statistically related to the EGPA vasculitic pattern and independent from the nasal impairment, cytology, and duration of nasal symptoms. No facial palsy was registered.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the largest in the existing literature, the otological involvement in EGPA is common and may occur variably as SNHL or OME. Otological involvement occurs early in the course of the disease process, but is nonspecific in making the diagnosis of EGPA. Its recognition is therefore fundamental.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 126:2792-2797, 2016.