Abstract Objective To explore the value of serum aquaporin 8 (AQP8) expression in evaluating the degree of hydrolabyrinth and predicting prognosis in patients with Meniere’s disease. Methods 105 patients with Meniere’s disease in our hospital were included in the Meniere’s disease group.Another 102 healthy subjects in our hospital were included as the control group. The multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in patients with Meniere’s disease. Results The expression of serum AQP8 mRNA in the Meniere’s disease group was greatly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Serum AQP8 mRNA expression in severe hydrops group was greatly higher than that in mild hydrops group and no endolymphatic hydrops group, and serum AQP8 mRNA expression in mild hydrops group was greatly higher than that in no endolymphatic hydrops group (P<0.05). The course of disease, the proportion of severe hydrops and the expression of serum AQP8 mRNA in the poor prognosis group were greatly higher than those in the good prognosis group (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum AQP8 mRNA for predicting poor prognosis in Meniere’s disease patients was 0.812 (95%CI: 0.702-0.922), with a sensitivity of 81.0% and a specificity of 70.2%. AQP8 mRNA was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with Meniere’s disease (P<0.05). Conclusion AQP8 mRNA is associated with the degree of hydrolabyrinth in patients with Meniere’s disease, and has a high performance in predicting prognosis.

Key points instead of abstract as per author guidelines: • Chyle leaks (CLs) following neck dissection for metastatic head and neck malignancy are infrequent but represent a serious complication, with an incidence of 1-2.5%. • CL is associated with significant morbidity including metabolic imbalance, immunosuppression, dehydration, poor wound healing and prolonged length of hospital stay. • A protocolised approach to the management of CL post neck dissections is highlighted for expedient patient management. • Thoracic duct (TD) ligation using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an effective method of treating moderate (500-1000ml/24 hours) to high-volume CL (>1000ml/24 hours) not responding to medical therapy. • VATS TD ligation is a safe procedure to treat CL. It has a low morbidity compared to other surgical techniques (neck re-exploration or open thoracotomy).

Key Points 1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS cancer referral guidance recommended a move from face-to-face clinics to telephone appointment. In this study, we reviewed the safety of telephone clinic for urgent 2-week wait cancer referrals. 2. In the 7 months study period during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1062 urgent 2-week wait cancer referrals were received in our regional head and neck specialist unit, reflecting a 7.3% decline compared to pre-pandemic data. 3. At 6-months follow-up, 98 (9.2%) patients received a new diagnosis of malignancy. 95 of them received their diagnoses promptly after their initial telephone clinic, whereas 3 patients received a delayed diagnosis. 4. There is a late diagnosis rate of 0.28% but we discussed in our cases that late diagnosis does not inevitably lead to worse clinical outcome or harm. 5. Telephone clinics will likely remain in some capacity after the pandemic, while telephone clinics are pragmatic means to maintain patient flow during the pandemic, they could result in risk of late diagnosis.

Abstract Objectives To explore the long-term efficacy and possible mechanism of endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) in the treatment of Meniere’s disease(MD) by electrocochleography. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting “Blinded for review” Participants A total of 85 patients with MD who underwent unilateral ESD between June 2015 and November 2019 at“Blinded for review”were enrolled. Main outcome measures The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), pure tone audiometry, and electrocochleography were used for assessment. The mean follow-up time was 26 months (range: 7–60 months). Results The number of vertigo episodes was significantly reduced following ESD compared to before the surgery (P<0.005), and all patients achieved complete or basic control of vertigo as evidenced by a decrease in DHI score (P<0.005). THI scores of patients with tinnitus were also lower after as compared to before ESD (P<0.005), whereas no significant change in average hearing threshold of the affected side was observed (P>0.05). The cochlear summating potential (SP)/auditory nerve action potential (AP) area ratio in the electrocochleogram of the affected side was negatively correlated with DHI score (rs=−0.159, P=0.0074). Conclusions ESD achieved effective long-term control of vertigo in MD patients and improved the associated tinnitus without any obvious damage to hearing. Electrocochleography was useful for postoperative monitoring; the SP/AP area ratio of the affected side was closely related to the improvement of postoperative vertigo, possibly reflecting greater relief of pressure in the endolymphatic sac. Keypoints •ESD provided long-term control of vertigo in MD patients and improved the accompanying tinnitus without obviously damaging hearing. •ECochG is useful for monitoring the postoperative outcome of ESD. •The SP/AP area ratio of the affected side was closely related to the improvement of postoperative vertigo. •The endolymphatic sac is a “decompression reservoir” of the membranous labyrinth. •ESD may provide space for expansion of the endolymphatic sac and relieve pressure within the membranous labyrinth caused by endolymphatic hydrops, thereby reducing the risk of sac rupture and restoring pressure balance to reduce the sensation of vertigo.

Objectives: To compare the safety and effectiveness of tonsillectomy with three different techniques. Design: A double-blinded randomized prospective clinical trial Setting and Participants: Totally120 patients with recurrent tonsillitis between April 2018 and April 2020 were included. Main Outcome Measures: Operative time, intra and post operative bleeding loss, pseudomembrane growth time, pseudomembrane shedding time, postoperative pain, and necrosis depth of specimens were compared of harmonic scalpel(HS), coblation and cold dissection(CD) tonsillectomy. Results: The operative time and intraoperative bleeding loss was significantly less in HS and coblation group than CD group(p < 0.05). Pseudomembrane growth time and pseudomembrane shedding time were significantly longer in the HS group compared with the other groups(p < 0.05). The postoperative pain levels were significantly higher on the first postoperative day in CD group(p < 0.05), and significantly lower on the third and seventh postoperative day in coblation group(p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among three techniques in terms of postoperative bleeding loss(p > 0.05). The deepest necrosis depth in specimen was found in HS group(p > 0.05), while in CD group, only edema was observed without necrosis. Conclusion: To compared with HS and CD, coblation is a faster, safer and more painless technique for tonsillectomy in adult.

The presence of pigmented and partially pigmented skin lesions of non-univocal interpretation should always trigger a cautious approach. Albeit the diagnosis of malignant melanoma should remain our main concern, other more common skin conditions, namely basal cells carcinoma, should be taken into consideration in the diagnostic process and management plan. The following case highlights how, sometimes, the diagnosis of partially pigmented basal cells carcinoma may not appear to be immediately evident and the opportunity to deal with non-surgical approach missed. Case report 50-year-old man of Caucasian origin, phototype III in Fitzpatrick scale, initially presenting with a 6-month history of pigmented, inflamed, flat skin lesion at the base of the neck. The lesion had been noticed in the summer months due to the itching and occasional burning it caused (figure 1). Physical examination revealed a 7 mm x 8 mm superficial skin lesion, partially pigmented, not well defined, slightly hyperkeratotic, against a background with several lentigo and nevi. No particular concerns were raised by dermoscopy, or dermatoscopy, and the patient was reassured, even though a small white clod was noted.

Objectives: To compare the endoscopic approach to manage attic cholesteatoma with conventional microscopic technique. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Participants: A total of 190 patients (192 ears) diagnosed with attic cholesteatoma extending to the antrum area (stages Ib and II) were randomly assigned into two groups: one undergoing endoscopic approach and the other undergoing the microscopic technique. Main outcome measures: The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative and intraoperative findings, access to hidden areas expressed in terms of the Middle Ear Structural Visibility Index (MESVI), mean operative time, and postoperative findings. Results: No difference in the parameters of the preoperative and intraoperative findings analyzed (patient age, computed tomography findings, disease stage, and intraoperative cholesteatoma characteristics) was observed between the endoscopic and microscopic groups. The median MESVI for the endoscopic group was better than that for the microscopic group (P<0.05). The mean operating time using the endoscopic approach was less than that using the microscopic approach (P<0.05). The median postoperative pain score in the endoscopic group was lower than that in the microscopic group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of taste sensation, air-bone gap closure at the end of 4 weeks, and vertigo experienced at the end of the first week. When long-term surgical outcomes were assessed 1 year postoperatively, five patients in the microscopic group had recurrence, four had cartilage displacement, three had perforation, and five had retraction pocket formation. In the endoscopic group, four patients had disease recurrence, three had cartilage displacement, two had perforation, and four had retraction pocket formation. Conclusion: Endoscopic management of limited attic cholesteatoma showed definite advantages over the conventional microscopic approach, such as providing better visualization, requiring less postoperative time, subjecting the patients to less pain, and decreasing the incidence of complications.

Objectives: To determine the immediate post-operative course and outcome of pediatric patients with complicated acute mastoiditis (CAM) undergoing simple mastoidectomy. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with CAM who underwent a mastoidectomy during 2012-2019. Setting: Tertiary care university hospital. Participants: 33 patients were divided into two groups: 17 patients with subperiosteal abscess (SPA) alone- single complication group (SCG) and 16 patients with SPA and additional complications (sigmoid sinus vein thrombosis, perisinus fluid/abscess, epidural abscess)-multiple complications group (MCG). Main Outcome Measures: post-operative data were collected. Demographics, microbiology data, inflammatory parameters, hospitalization length, and POF pattern were recorded, compared, and analyzed. Results: Of 162 acute mastoiditis patients, 33(20.4%) underwent surgery due to CAM; 17(51%) and 16(49%) belonged to the SCG and MCG, respectively. 6/17(35.3%) SCG patients experienced POF vs. 12/16(75%) in the MCG (P=0.012). At post-operative day 2 (POD2), 10/13(77%) febrile patients belonged to MCG and 3/13(23%) to SCG (P=0.013). POF was recorded until POD6 in both groups. Seven patients, all from MCG with POF, underwent second imaging with no new findings; A total of 18 positive cultures were reported. Fusobacterium necrophorum counted for 8/18(44.5%) of all positive cultures, 7/9(77.8%) in the MCG vs. 1/9(11.1 %) in the SCG, P=0.004. Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported only in SCG (5/9, 55.5%, vs. 0/9, P=0.008). Conclusion: Post-mastoidectomy fever due to CAM is not unusual and seems to be a benign condition for the first 5-6 days following surgery. MCG patients are more prone to develop POF. F. necrophorum is more likely to be associated with MCG, and S. pneumoniae is common in SCG patients. Keywords: Mastoiditis, post-operative fever, complications, microbiology

Abstract Objectives: There is no study in the literature that patients with clinically-proven PET were evaluated by Valsalva CT. We aimed to evaluate the merit of Valsalva computed tomography (CT) in patients who had clinically-proven patulous Eustachian tube (PET). Design: Case-series Setting and participants: We recruited patients with clinically-proven PET. Participants: Main outcome measures: All participants underwent temporal bone CTs while they were performing the Valsalva maneuver in the supine position. Standard axial plane CT images, along with multiplanar reconstruction and 3D Air volume rendering, were used to visualize the ET in its entirety. Results: Three patients (2 females, one male) with a total of 6 ears were included in the study. All patients had suggestive symptoms of PET, including aural fullness, aerophony, and autophony and underwent clinical examination and audiologic tests. In all ears, the whole Eustachian tube could be visualized with Valsalva CT. Conclusion: For the first time, we demonstrated the merit of Valsalva CT in visualization of the Eustachian tube in its entirety in patients with clinically diagnosed PET.

Management of nutritional needs is of paramount importance in cancer patients and nasogastric feeding is the most common method. Nasal cavity being a richly innervated region, is also a hallway for the exposure of the same to external environment. Any trauma or pressure to these nerve endings result in unilateral headache mimicking Sluder’s neuralgia. Nasogastric tube may irritate the nasal mucosa and exert pressure on the nasal turbinates. We believe that the persistent headache in patients with NG tube is distinctly significant that it interferes with the physical comfort of patient. It also influences the sleep patterns, thereby causing repercussions in the emotional well-being. Head and neck oncologists being the primary clinicians, it is imperative to consider the Sluder’s neuralgia in patients with nasogastric tube feeding. This mandates a prospective study to describe the clinical features and the treatment of ‘NGT neuralgia’.

Background: To assess the efficacy and prognosis of computed tomography (CT)-guided 125I radioactive seeds implantation brachytherapy (RSI-BT) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Methods: Thirty-one patients with recurrent NPC (forty-one lesions) after EBRT from February 2003 to January 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The work-follow of CT-guidance RSI-BT was: indication selection, patient set-up and immobilization on CT couch, CT-simulation, preoperative planning, prescription doses (PD) definition of 110-160Gy, seed implantation, postoperative dosimetric evaluation and postoperative follow-up. Median radioactivity of RSI was 0.43 (range 0.22-0.79, average 0.61) mCi. Median actuarial number of 125I seeds was 24 (range 3-83, average 37). Median value of post-operative D90 was 118.5 (range 62.4-246, average 136.2) Gy. Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) were investigated for their relationship with the prognosis. The adverse events were evaluated by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) classification criteria. Results: Median follow-up was 41.9 (range 2.1-60.2, average 44.1) months. Median LC was 35.8 (range 2.1-60.2, average 34.9) months. LC at 1-, 3- and 5-year was 71.3%, 41.9% and 27.9%, respectively. Median OS was 22.6 (range 2.1~60.2, average 27.1) months. OS at 1-, 3- and 5-years was 57.7%, 23.8% and 11.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis suggested that sex (P=0.037) and frequency of previous EBRT (P=0.001) were prognostic factors influencing LC. Moreover, univariate analysis also suggested that frequency of previous EBRT (P=0.012) was prognostic factors influencing OS. Prevalence of side effects (≥grade 3) was 6.5%. Conclusion: 125I RSI-BT was a safe and feasible salvage treatment for recurrent NPC after EBRT. Key words: recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma; External beam radiotherapy; 125I seed implantation brachytherapy; overall survival; local control; side effects.

Objectives: In this study, we designed a new technique for open septal reduction using a polydioxanone (PDS) plate and compared it with closed reduction. Design, Setting, Participants: This study included nineteen consecutive patients with nasoseptal fracture: ten receiving open reduction with a PDS plate (PDS group) and nine undergoing closed reduction (CR group). Open septal reduction was performed after closed reduction for nasal bone fracture. A mucoperichondrial flap was unilaterally elevated, and the deviated septal cartilage was reduced. The PDS plate was inserted horizontally above the vomerine suture. Surgical outcome was analyzed with three-dimensional volumetry and with a quality-of-life scale for nasal obstruction (NOSE scale). Results: Complications included one case of septal perforation in the CR group and one case of PDS exposure and septal hematoma in the PDS group. In the 3D volumetric analysis of the PDS group, the median value of the nasal cavity change significantly differed between 1.14 mL (interquartile range; 0.46 to 2.4) at the preoperative CT scan and 0.33 mL (interquartile range; -0.22 to 1.29) at the postoperative CT scan (**p = 0.0039). The NOSE scale revealed significant improvement in nasal obstruction postsurgically (median value, 42.5 to 7.5; *p = 0.0139) in the PDS group. Conclusion: PDS plates potentially present a new concept of open septal reduction in terms of septal reinforcement compared with the subtractive approach of open septal reduction.

Objectives: Despite advances in the surgical treatment of parotid duct stenosis, it remains a surgical challenge. This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes of sialendoscopy combined with transoral sialodochoplasty for the treatment of patients with parotid duct stenosis with megaduct in parotid glands. Design: Retrospective cohort study Setting: Academic tertiary medical center Participants: This study included 13 patients with chronic obstructive sialadenitis caused by type 2 parotid duct stenosis who underwent sialendoscopy with transoral sialodochoplasty. Main Outcomes and Measures: All patients completed a three-point Likert-type rating scale 3 months postoperatively. Radiologic evaluation using magnetic resonance (MR) sialography was performed to evaluate megaduct diameter. Thirteen glands underwent sialendoscopy combined with transoral sialodochoplasty. Results: At 3 months after surgery, six (46.2%) glands showed complete resolution, and seven (53.8%) showed partial resolution of obstructive symptoms. Megaduct diameter between pre- and postoperative MR sialography significantly decreased after transoral sialodochoplasty (8.05 ± 2.675 vs. 4.15 ± 2.400, P = 0.028). Saliva excretion was improved after the transoral sialodochoplasty, as the distal ducts were visualized with sialagogues postoperatively. Conclusions: Type 2 parotid duct stenosis can be successfully treated with sialendoscopy combined with sialodochoplasty. In cases of large megaduct, transoral sialodochoplasty appears to offer benefits of reducing the diameter of dilated megaducts and improving salivary outflow.

Key Points: • Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent that has been used in variety of operations to reduce blood loss. • Post thyroidectomy haematoma can be life threatening, therefore multiple methods are used to reduce the risk of bleeding. • Tranexamic acid was given intra-operatively to 106 patients undergoing thyroid surgery. • Patients who received tranexamic acid had no return to theatre for post-operative haematoma (p=0.041). • There were no adverse events reported related to the administration of tranexamic acid.

Abstract Juvenile nasal angiofibroma is a benign tumour mainly found in adolescent males. Its primary treatment is surgical excision. Preoperative embolisation is widely peformed prior to the surgery. We propose some changes to the approach to the pre-operative navigation imaging that may help improve the resection.

Objective: Suppurative acute thyroiditis is caused by pyriform sinus fistula (PSF), and PSF frequently elicits deep neck abscess. However, complete fistulectomy is the ideal management of PSF, and studies on surgical findings of PSF are exceedingly rare. This study aimed to reveal the origins of PSF, each route, and clinical presentation. Methods: This is a multicenter study. We have conducted 19 complete fistulectomies of PSF in Japan, analyzed routes of the fistulas, estimated the origins, and investigated their histological and clinical findings. Results: No recurrence was observed in all cases. Five of 12 cases showed thymic and/or parathyroid tissues around the fistulas, passing inside the inferior horn of thyroid cartilage, were regarded as having 3rd pouch origin, and tended to have low frequency of severe deep neck abscess. The remaining seven cases originated from the 4th pouch running outside of the horn and showed frequent severe infection. Conclusion: PSF have two different routes depending on their generation and may present different clinical manifestations.

Introduction: Although the association between necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is well known, there is little knowledge in regards to the effects of DM and glycemic control (preadmission and during hospitalization) on the outcome of NOE. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of DM duration and preadmission glycemic control, and in-hospital glycemic control on NOE severity. Methods: A retrospective case series analysis, including all patients between the years 1990-2018 hospitalized due to NOE were included in the study. Data collected included NOE disease characteristics, duration of DM, DM associated comorbidities, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urine micro-albumin and in-hospital blood glucose measurements. Disease severity was defined based on duration of hospitalization (above or below 20 days) and need for surgery. Results: Eighty nine patients were included in the study. Eighty three patients (94.3%) had DM. Preadmission HbA1c was 8.13% (5.8%-12.6%). Forty nine patients (65.5%) had mean blood glucose of ≥140mg\dL and 26 patients (34.5%) had ≤ 140mg/dL. DM duration was 157.88 months among NOE patients who required surgery, and 127.6 months among patients who were treated conservatively (p-value 0.25). HbA1c in patients hospitalized < 20 days was 7.6%, and 8.7% among NOE hospitalized ≥ 20 days (p-value 0.027). Seven patients with mean blood glucose of ≤140mg\dL had Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PA-NOE) (26.7%), in comparison to 25 patients (51.0%) with mean blood glucose measurement of ≥140mg\dL (p=0.045). Conclusions: HbA1c levels at admission are associated with longer hospitalization duration among NOE patients. High mean blood glucose during hospitalization was associated with a higher likelihood for a PA infection, however it had no effect on disease outcome.

Objective Surgery is the standard treatment for most tumors in the prestyloid parapharyngeal space (PPS) but it can be a challenging procedure because of the anatomical complexity of the area. Prestyloid surgery can be performed with various lateral approaches or with a medial approach using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) – either alone or in combination with a transcervical incision. Here we report our experience in the surgical management of prestyloid PPS tumors. Design We have retrospectively compared results with lateral or medial approaches to surgical resection of prestyloid tumors. Participants Between 2015 and 2020, 28 patients with prestyloid PPS tumors underwent surgery at our center: 14 with lateral approaches, including transcervical, transcervical-parotid, and transcervical-mandibular, 12 with TORS, and two with TORS plus a transcervical incision. Main outcome measures Surgical time, post-surgical complications, length of hospital stay, need for feeding tube, and relapse-free survival in the two patient groups. Results Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumor and 60.7% of the tumors were benign. Tumor volume and maximum length were similar in patients undergoing surgery with a lateral approach and in those undergoing TORS. Intraoperative image guidance and ultrasound were used in 33% of TORS. TORS was associated with less surgical time, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. Survival rates were similar in the two groups. Conclusion The medial approach by TORS offers better surgical results in prestyloid tumors than the open lateral approach and can be refined by intraoperative guidance.