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Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury between endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery. Methods This randomized controlled clinical trial included 88 patients who were randomly divided into two groups: endoscopic stapedotomy group (n = 44) and microscopic stapedotomy group (n = 44). The incidence of chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury after surgery was determined by both subjective taste testing and chemical taste tests, before and after surgery. The results were compared between the two groups. Results The total number of patients who were identified as having CTN affection (based on the chemical testing) was 16 out of 88 (18.2%). The incidence was significantly lower in the endoscopic group (n = 2) than the microscopic group (n = 14) (p = 0.019). Conclusion Altered taste as a result of iatrogenic CTN injury can affect the patients’ quality of life. Endoscopic ear surgery offers better visualization, less need for extensive manipulation of the chorda tympani, and consequently decreased incidence of CTN injury.

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Objectives: To evaluate the role of thrombin-based haemostatic agent Surgiflo ® (Ethicon) in improving the outcome of cricotracheal resection anastomosis. Design: Randomised controlled clinical trial.

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Background Olfactory dysfunction has been reported in 47.85% of COVID patients. It can be broadly categorized into conductive or sensorineural olfactory loss. Conductive loss occurs due to impaired nasal air flow, while sensorineural loss implies dysfunction of the olfactory epithelium or central olfactory pathways. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and imaging findings in patients with COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. Methods The study included 110 patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction, and a control group of 50 COVID-negative subjects with normal olfactory function. Endoscopic nasal examination was performed for all participants with special focus on the olfactory cleft. Smell testing was performed for all participants by using a smell diskettes test. Olfactory pathway magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to assess the condition of the olfactory cleft and the dimensions and volume of the olfactory bulb. Results Olfactory dysfunction was not associated with nasal symptoms in 51.8% of patients. MRI showed significantly increased olfactory bulb dimensions and volume competed to controls. Additionally, it revealed olfactory cleft edema in 57.3% of patients. On the other hand, radiological evidence of sinusitis was detected in only 15.5% of patients. Conclusion The average olfactory bulb volumes were significantly higher in the patients’ group compared to the control group, indicating significant edema and swelling in the olfactory bulb in patients with COVID-related olfactory dysfunction. Furthermore, in most patients, no sinonasal symptoms such as nasal congestion or rhinorrhea were reported, and similarly, no radiological evidence of sinusitis was detected. Consequently, the most probable mechanism of COVID-related olfactory dysfunction is sensorineural loss through virus spread and damage to the olfactory epithelium and pathways.

Background Outside-in frontal drill out entails drilling the frontal sinus floor in the midline before identifying and dissecting the frontal recesses. It is a more direct approach, especially in revision surgery or cases with challenging anatomy. Objectives The aim of this study was to highlight the anatomical and surgical concepts for easy and safe outside-in frontal drill out by a preclinical anatomic study on cadaveric heads. In addition, to review our experience with this approach over a 5-year period for challenging frontal sinus pathologies. Methods The study included 2 sectors; a preclinical study, in which 5 cadaveric heads were dissected and studied to identify and standardize the anatomical landmarks of this approach. This was followed by a clinical case series which included 22 patients with challenging frontal sinus pathologies that were treated with this proposed approach. Results We concluded from the anatomic study that the nasal spine of the frontal bone (NSFB) and its anatomical orientation in relation to the nasal branch of the anterior ethmoidal artery (NBAEA) is a consistent landmark that enables the surgeon to identify the correct coronal trajectory of drilling to avoid injury of the cribriform and the skull base. The clinical case series included 22 patients that were successfully treated with the proposed approach. No intraoperative nor postoperative complications were reported in this study. Long-term follow-up showed that the frontal neo-ostium was patent in all cases (n  =  22). Conclusion Outside-in frontal drill-out is a safe and easy approach; especially in challenging frontal sinus pathologies; using the NSFB and its anatomical coronal orientation to the NBAEA as a consistent landmark, anterior to the skull base. This approach offers early, safe, and direct bone removal without the need for initial identification and dissection of the frontal recess.