Anterior sacral meningoceles (ASMs) are rare defects in the sacrum with thecal sac herniations and symptoms that commonly include constipation, dysmenorrhea, and urinary disturbances. An ASM causing hydronephrosis and acute renal failure from compression of the lower portion of the urinary tract is a rare clinical entity. Only one other case has been reported. The authors present the case of a 37-year-old man admitted for obstructive renal failure and hydronephrosis due to a giant ASM that measured 25 × 12 × 18 cm and compressed the ureters and bladder. The ASM was successfully treated via an anterior transabdominal approach in which the authors used a novel technique for watertight closure of the meningocele pedicle with an endoscopic cutting stapler. The authors review the literature and discuss the surgical options for the treatment of ASMs, specifically the management of ASMs in the context of obstructive renal failure and hydronephrosis.

Our study reveals that active tobacco smoking is associated with increases in markers of systemic inflammation in patients with CRS. The proinflammatory effect of smoking seems not only to act locally on sinus mucosa as previously described, but may also influence levels of inflammatory biomarkers systemically, suggesting that smoking-induced changes have profound implications for health. Nevertheless, these changes may be potentially reversible; thus smoking cessation in CRS patients is strongly advised, and may have an impact on response of CRS to therapy.

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of delayed facial nerve decompression for Bell’s palsy (BP).MethodsWe performed a retrospective case review of all patients having undergone facial nerve decompression for severe refractory BP between 1984 and 2009 at our tertiary referral center. Demographics, timing between onset of symptoms and surgical decompression, degree of facial nerve dysfunction pre- and post-operatively, follow-up length after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. Facial nerve dysfunction was assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale. Electroneuronography, electromyography and imaging results were assessed when available.ResultsEighteen patients had surgery between 21 and 60 days after onset of BP (group I), and 18 patients had surgery more than 60 days after onset of symptoms (group II). In group II, 11 patients had surgery between 61 and 89 days and 7 patients after 90 days. Groups I and II showed similar functional gain and rates of improvement to HB 3 or better (11/18 vs. 11/18, p > 0.05). In group II, patients operated 60 to 89 days after onset of BP showed a significantly higher rate of improvement to HB 3 or better (9/11 vs. 2/6, p = 0.049) with higher functional gain compared to those operated after 90 days (p = 0.0293).ConclusionsWhen indicated, facial nerve decompression for BP is usually recommended within the first 2 weeks of onset of facial paralysis. Nonetheless, our results suggest that patients with severe BP could benefit from decompression surgery within 90 days after onset of symptoms in the absence of an opportunity to proceed earlier to surgery. Further investigation is still required to confirm our findings.Trial registrationRetrospective registered. IRB# 2016–6154, CE 15.154 – CA