<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus (SS) varies widely among different ethnic groups. Information regarding the prevalence and significance of SS variants among Hispanic groups is limited. This study aims to describe and analyze pneumatization and septation patterns of the SS in a Hispanic population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 160 paranasal sinus computed tomographies were reviewed by a head and neck-specialized radiologist and 2 otolaryngologists. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The postsellar and sellar types were the most frequent patterns of pneumatization observed, with a prevalence of 52.5 and 40%, respectively. Accessory septations were present in 59.4% of the patients. Septa were inserting over the internal carotid artery (ICA) in 43.8% and over the optic nerve in 17.5% of the population. No significant association (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05) was observed when comparing the different accessory septation patterns among the types of the SS. The frequency of septa inserting on the ICA was significantly higher in postsellar types (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Pneumatization of the anterior clinoid process, pterygoid processes, and greater wing was present in 20, 17.5, and 45.9% of the sinuses, respectively. Onodi cells were encountered in 40% of the sinuses. There were no significant differences in any of the pneumatization and septation variables when compared by gender and age (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Differences regarding anatomical variants and septations of the SS were observed in our study when compared with findings reported in other ethnic groups. Preoperative assessment of the anatomical variants of the SS in Mexican patients is imperative to select the most optimal surgical approach and prevent iatrogenic injuries to related neurovascular structures.

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<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Deep neck infections (DNIs) are abscesses located in the profound spaces of the neck and constitute one of the most common otolaryngological life-threatening emergencies. The aim of this study is to review the clinical and demographic data of patients with DNI and identify factors associated with prolonged hospitalization, reoperation, and mortality. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective review and analysis of 75 patients with DNI admitted from January 2015 to December 2019 in a tertiary referral hospital. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 75 patients, 50 (66.6%) were males and 25 (33.3%) females. Age ranged from 18 to 91 years with a mean of 41.79 (±15.48). DNIs were odontogenic in 49 patients (65.3%). History of diabetes mellitus (DM) was positive in 26 patients (34.6%). The submandibular space was involved in 57 patients (76%). <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. were isolated in 35 patients (46%). Intubation for airway preservation was needed in 21 patients (28%) and tracheostomy in 6 (8%). Mediastinitis presented in 8 patients (10.67%), with a mortality rate of 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 5). Mean hospital stay was 9.13 days (±7.2). DM (<i>p</i> = 0.016), age (<i>p</i> = 0.001), BMI classification 3, 4, and 6 (<i>p</i> = 0.041), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (<i>p</i> = 0.009) were associated with a longer stay. Surgical drainage was performed after 1.71 days (±1.65). Surgical reintervention was needed in 6 cases (8%) and was associated with temporal (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and masticator (<i>p</i> = 0.002) space involvement and DM (<i>p</i> = 0.009). Overall mortality was 8% and decreased to 1.5% when mediastinitis was excluded. Mediastinitis (<i>p</i> = 0.001), ICU admission (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001), <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. (<i>p</i> = 0.019), and low hemoglobin levels (<i>p</i> = 0.004) were associated with mortality. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> DNIs are entities associated with high morbimortality. Mediastinitis and airway obstruction are life-threatening possible complications and should be promptly evaluated. Low HB could be used as a predicting factor for mortality.

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Presently, there is no consensus on which patient reported outcome measurement (PROM) instrument is best suited to assess the aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty. In this regard, at least seven different validated PROMs are available from the literature, each one with advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we review the development, validation, international translation, and clinical application of the Utrecht Questionnaire (UQ). The UQ was developed in 2009 with the idea to be a short and practical tool for the rhinoplasty surgeon to assess the aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty. The questionnaire was then validated in 2013. Body image in relation to nasal appearance is quantified with five simple questions on a 5-point Likert scale and a Visual Analogue Scale score. We discuss how the UQ can easily be incorporated and become an important asset in a rhinoplasty practice. Practical benefits, such as its role in the shared-decision making process, patient expectations management, identification of unsuitable patients, avoiding revision surgery, and the evaluation of the surgeon’s personal performance curve are exemplified. Currently, the UQ has been translated and validated in four languages, providing scientific opportunities to generate and compare international data for advances in rhinoplasty. We describe some of the significant scientific contributions of leaders in the field of rhinoplasty that used the UQ.

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Wound healing is a complex biological process subject to complications that might jeopardize the patient’s postoperative care. Appropriately approaching surgical wounds after head and neck surgery positively influences the quality and speed of wound healing and increases patient comfort. A large variety of dressing materials currently exist that allow the care of different types of wounds. Nevertheless, there is limited literature on the most suitable types of dressings after head and neck surgery. The objective of the present article is to review the most commonly used wound dressings, their benefits, indications, and disadvantages, and to provide a systematic approach for wound care within the head and neck. The Woundcare Consultant Society distinguishes wounds into three groups: black, yellow, and red. Each type of wound represents distinctive underlying pathophysiological processes with unique needs. Utilizing this classification along with the TIME model allows a proper characterization of wounds and the identification of potential healing barriers. This evidence-based and systematic approach can facilitate and guide the head and neck surgeon in selecting a wound dressing upon acknowledging their properties, which are herein reviewed and exemplified with representative cases.

Objective The prevalence of the optic canal anatomical variants across the sphenoid sinus varies widely among different ethnic groups. This study aimed to analyse the anatomical variants of the optic canal and their relationship to sphenoid sinus pneumatisation in a Hispanic population. Method A review of 320 sphenoid sinuses by high-resolution computed tomography was performed. DeLano's classification of the optic canal, presence of dehiscence, septa insertion, sphenoid sinus pneumatisation and presence of Onodi cells were established. Results Dehiscence of the optic canal was observed in 4.7 per cent (n = 15) of the analysed sinuses. Type 4 and 3 optic canals were significantly more frequent among postsellar sphenoid sinuses than other patterns of sphenoid sinus pneumatisation (p = 0.002 and p = 0.018). A type 4 optic canal has a higher tendency to present inserted septum than other optic canal types (p = 0.014). Conclusion This study described the optic canal variants in a Hispanic population, which complements existing literature addressing other ethnicities.