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Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common clinical problem. An unrecognized and untreated SDB is a serious threat for an intensively developing organism of a child. The consequences of SDB include cardiovascular and neurological complications, growth disorders and enuresis. Therefore, SDB in children becomes an important subject of many scientific investigations, publications, and congresses. In 2015 the European Respiratory Society Task Force published a document concerning the conclusions about the diagnostics and treatment of SDB in children and youth from 2 to 18 years of age (Fig. 1). The scientific data from 362 publications were presented in a condensed form of “seven steps”, very useful in diagnosing and treatment planning (1). The authors underline the limited number of reliable evidence about SDB: prospective studies, randomized double-blinded studies with placebo. The presented evidence was categorized depending on their quality according to the classification of the American Academy of Neurology (ANN) into classes I – IV. Previously, in 2012, the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children with tonsillar hypertrophy and/or obesity were published (2, 3) and they were a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic compendium. The European guidelines discussed in this article result from the progress of knowledge in recent years, they cover the subject broadly, consider rare and difficult cases and present the spectrum of potential therapeutic actions. The aim of the guidelines is a better recognition of SDB, a systematization of diagnosis and treatment at every stage of medical care, including the causes of this disorder and its complications.

Introduction The association between obstructive sleep apnea and atherosclerosis is confirmed for long time, but the pathomechanism is still not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of OSA in patients scheduled for endarterectomy and the influence of this procedure on the sleep study parameters and sleepiness. Materials and methods 46 patients scheduled for open carotid endarterectomy were enrolled in the study. Sleep study and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was performed preoperatively. In 11 out of 46 patients, sleep study was performed both before and after the surgery. Results The mean age of the group was 69,9 years (± 8,6), 21 patients (45,7%) were female. For 46 patients mean pAHI, ODI, pRDI and %snoring were 16,2 (± SD=15,2), 10,4 (± SD=12,2) and 18,9 (± SD=14,9), respectively. Normal pAHI was noticed in 14 patients (30%), while mild (pAHI 5-15), moderate (pAHI 15-30) and severe (pAHIgt;30) OSA was observed in 13 (38%), 11 (24%) and 8 (18%) subjects, respectively. The mean ESS score for 27 out of 46 patients was 6,3 (± SD=5,6). The postoperative results of sleep study in 11 patients showed no significant change. Conclusions This study revealed the prevalence of moderate to severe OSA in 42% of patients scheduled for endarterectomy, while no excessive daytime sleepiness was observed in this group. The results of the study show that patients with carotid atherosclerosis should undergo sleep diagnosis in order to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.

Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to present the treatment outcomes after vertical partial laryngectomy with or without pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction following the resection of neoplasm-infiltrated vocal fold. The procedure was used in a patient with glottic cancer. Oncological outcomes, morphology of neo-vocal fold and the act of swallowing were evaluated. Material and methods: 45 patients with T1-T2 glottic cancer were subjected to vertical partial laryngectomy with 26 patients undergoing a procedure with pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction and the remaining 19 patients undergoing a procedure without such a reconstruction. Two female and 43 male patients aged 35-82 years (mean age of 62.5 years) were enrolled in the study. Local tumor spread and the condition of reconstructed vocal fold were assessed in sequential videofiberoscopy examination conducted each month after surgery whereas the regional spread was assessed in ultrasound scans. Postoperative aspiration was graded according to the Pearson’s scale. Results: Six patients experienced local recurrence while 2 patients experienced regional recurrence of the tumor. The pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap neo-fold was structurally resemblant of the non-affected vocal fold. Episodic, daily dysphagia was observed in 1 patient while normal act of swallowing with no Pearson’s scale symptoms was observed in the remaining 44 patients. No necrosis of pedunculated flap was observed. Conclusions: Vertical partial laryngectomy with or without pedunculated sternothyroid muscle flap reconstruction is a good method for the treatment of low- or intermediate-stage glottic cancer, especially when endoscopic access to the tumor is limited and when CO2 laser cannot be used. No significant functional disorders were observed in operated larynges.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common defect among laryngological and phoniatric patients. Although LPR is categorized as a superficial gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), differential diagnosis should treat these two diseases separately. LPR symptoms can be assessed in the interview using as a tool the reflux symptom index (RSI). In addition, changes in the larynx that occur during LPR might be seen during laryngoscopy and classified according to the reflux finding score (RFS). One of the main mucosal irritants in LPR is pepsin which digests proteins and impairs the functions of the upper respiratory tract cells by affecting carbonate anhydrase (CAIII) and the Sep 70 protein. Pepsin initiates inflammatory changes within the larynx, nasopharynx and nasal cavity. The use of pepsin detection in upper and lower throat secretions is a new direction in LPR diagnostics.

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate usability of the piezoelectric knife in larynx surgery. Prove that the piezoelectric staff can be used to do any different shape incision within the larynx cartilages. Material and methods: 35 patients hospitalized in our Department in 2014–2016 were enrolled in our study. 24 patients went vertical partial laryngectomy and 1 patient went horizontal partial laryngectomy because of larynx cancer. 5 patients went partial laryngectomy because of low stage of piriformis recess cancer. Piezoelectric staff was used to do thyroidectomy and resection of thyroid cartilage suspected of carcinomatosis infiltration. The rest 4 patients had done widening of larynx lumen due to larynx stenosis or slenderness. The piezoelectric tool was used to do different incision or resection within the larynx cartilages in case of widening lumen of the larynx. Results: The larynx cartilages, especially thyroid cartilage could be cut in different shapes using piezoelectric tools. The usage of this equipment causes the minimal loss and small destruction of local healthy tissues. Conclusions: The Piezoelectric instrument is useful instrument suit to operate within larynx cartilages. Exchangeable tip available in different shapes enables different resections of cartilages. Using the piezoelectric staff we can remove pathological tissue with minimal local destruction. Our observation shows that larynx operation with a usage of the piezoelectric knife is safe and effective. Current English literature does not describe usage piezoelectric tools in larynx surgery. It is essential to do more observation about that type of operations.

Background: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs), especially T2R38s appear as innovative regulators of innate immunity in the respiratory system. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TAS2R38 gene may contribute to individual differences in susceptibility to respiratory infections especially chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). TAS2R38 genotypes distribution varies by geographic region, race and ethnicity. The aim of the preliminary study was the identification of SNPs in TAS2R38 encoding genes in Polish patients with CRS and finding potential correlation with CRS phenotypes. Material and methods: The preliminary study contained 20 CRS patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Fresh sinus mucosa (SM) was obtained during FESS in CRS patients. Patients were genotyped for TAS2R38 using Sanger method and the genotype occurrences of the clinically recalcitrant CRS cohort was evaluated. Analysis of TAS2R38 expression in SM of CRS patients was performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: T2R38 was highly expressed in SM of CRS patients. Patients with CRS demonstrated both common genotypes PAV, AVI. The heterozygotes frequency (AVI/PAV) was the highest. The protective genotype (PAV/PAV) was noticed in the lowest frequency and connected with lower average value of CT score compare to AVI/AVI genotypes (p=0.01). Conclusions: The work presented in this study provides the hypothesis that airway bitter T2Rs are an innovative sphere of human respiratory innate protection. TAS2R38 polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to CRS. The AVI haplotypes are an independent risk factors for CRS. Additionally, the bitter taste receptors and related signalling pathways might create an unique group of therapeutic targets to treat CRS.

INTRODUCTION Sleep-disordered breathing is an important risk factor for neurobehavioral impairment in children. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in a population of first graders and to determine the association between behavior problems, body mass index (BMI) and snoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a parent-reported questionnaire. The study evaluated 2,474 first-graders. Data including age, weight, height, BMI, snoring intensity, and problems with child behavior were analyzed. RESULTS Of 3,480 eligible children, 2,474 (71.1%) returned completed questionnaires. Of these, 72% were reported to be non-snorers, 28% snorers, and 6.4% habitual snorers. There was a positive linear association between behavior impairment and snoring severity measured on a 5-point scale, with highly significant differences between each of five snoring intensity groups (p

In recent years there has been an increasing number of cases of cancer, including cancer of the larynx. The choice of treatment should be primarily dictated by the complete elimination of cancer, but from the point of view of the patient, an important factor to keep in mind, is the quality of the voice that will be created at the end of the therapeutic process.The aim of this study was to evaluate the voice quality of patients after partial surgery of the larynx with vocal fold reconstruction pedunculated sterno-thyroid muscle flap.The study included 30 men aged 53-72 years who were treated at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology Department of Medical-Dental Medical University of Warsaw on account of cancer of the larynx, qualified according to the TNM classification T1 or T2. The radical removal of cancer was associated with resection of one vocal fold, laryngeal pouches and ventricular fold. In 15 patients, included to the group I at the end of phase oncology surgery, a reconstruction of "vocal fold" pedunculated sterno-thyroid muscle flap were performed simultaneously. The group II consisted of 15 patients who underwent surgery that removed only the cancerous lesions. Impact assessments arising after surgery of voice disorders on quality of life were made using the self-test failure of the voice (Voice Handicap Index in the Pruszewicz modification). The nature of the created voice was studied using GRBAS scale. All patients performed the laryngostroboscope examination. With "IRIS" program, prepared by a team at Wrocław University of Technology, the voice was recorded, and then was subjected to acoustic analysis. In addition, noise level and the maximum phonation time was measured.The results indicate that the patients of group I gained a better voice confirming the values of objective acoustic analysis. The assessment made by the scale GRBAS patients who supplemented the resulting loss after tumour removal, with much less hoarseness of voice, did not have the hyperkinesis and there was no puff character. They had the better flow of voice and phonation time of vowels "a" was much longer. The assessment of quality of life of patients in group I made in a test of the VHI was higher than in group II. The laryngostroboscope examination confirmed a good phonatory occlusion and a nearly regular, healthy vocal fold vibration in patients who had received flap of muscle.Evaluation of the quality of voice after removing the tumor multiplicity in the glottis with simultaneous reconstruction "vocal fold" has confirmed that this is a very good surgical technique, which allows radically curing cancer for the simultaneous preservation of a good voice. The operation has limited indications for radiotherapy because of the desire to preserve the phonatory function of the larynx, and thus avoids the negative effects of radiation.

During last decades Draf III procedure gained popularity in treatment of different pathologies of the frontal sinus such as chronic sinusitis or benign tumors. We present a series of 10 patients treated with this procedure from a 2-year-period. Indications included: chronic rhinosinusitis--four patients, frontal sinus mucocele--four patients (one with destruction of the posterior table), osteoma--one patient (stage 3 according to Kennedy's grading system), and inverted papilloma--one patient (Krouse T3 lesion). Observation period ranged from 4 months to 2 years.There were no early complications. Gradual narrowing of the created ostium was observed in all of the patients. This led to total obstruction in two, and stenosis (not allowing for passing with 4 mm endoscope) in another two patients. The patient after inverted papilloma removal showed no recurrence in 11 months follow-up.Draf III procedure is alternative for external approach that can be used for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and benign frontal sinus tumors of different size.

Osteitis has been proven to play important role in patophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Computed tomography (CT), a standard diagnostic technique used to evaluate the extent of the sinus disease, fails to show the bone involvement in patients with CRS. In contrast single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) yields adequate information on remodeling and bone turnover. Persistent osteitis may be one of the reasons of failure of adequate medical and surgical therapy for CRS and discrepancies between extent of the disease as evaluated by CT and symptom scores.is to evaluate correlation between the results of CT and SPECT in patients with CRS.29 patients with CRS (15 with nasal polyps and 14 without nasal polyps) were evaluated with CT and SPECT. The mucosal involvement of CRS graded on Lund-Mackay Scale (LMS) was compared to degree of bone involvement evaluated by SPECT with the use of modified LMS.The mean LMS grade was 13,3 for CT and 9,8 for SCPECT (modified LMS). A positive correlation between the results of two imaging methods was found r = 0.72 (p0.0001).The bone involvement as evaluated by SPECT correlates with the degree of mucosal changes showed by CT.

to evaluate CSF leak as a complication of osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus.Medical recordings of the patients that underwent osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus were analyzed.among 62 patients operated between 2000 and 2007 there were 4 cases of intraoperative CSF leak (6.5% of cases). In all complicated cases indication for surgery was benign large tumor of the frontal sinus, among them there were two cases of osteoma, one cholesterol granuloma and ossifying fibroma. All CSF leaks were successfully closed with multilayer underlay or overlay graft. The technical aspects of the osteoplastic flap surgery of the frontal sinus are discussed.

From 1996 through 2001 8 male with a diagnosis of juvenile angiofibroma were managed at the ENT Department of Medical University in Warsaw using midfacial degloving approach. Surgical technique as well as pre- and postoperative management of these patients were described. According to authors' experience midfacial degloving approach enables the broad exposition of the operating field.

A case report of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in 28 year old woman with acute myeloid leukemia is described in this paper. The diagnosis of the fungal disease was based on clinical presentation, endoscopic evaluation of nasal cavity, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses and histopathological findings. An aggressive treatment including antifungal therapy (amphotericin B), antibiotics and the surgery of paranasal sinuses was implemented. Unfortunately the underlying disease and the fungal invasion progressed rapidly and the patient died on the forth week post-op due to cardiorespiratory failure.

Thirty patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) were diagnosed of the otolaryngological outpatient clinic, a part of Department of Otorhinolaryngology Medical Academy in Warsaw, in 1996-1998. The control group was formed by thirty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Computed tomography (CT) scans were estimated in all cases. Results showed, that inflammatory changes are more advanced in patients with cystic fibrosis than in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The high progression of inflammatory changes in patients with cystic fibrosis, observed in CT scans, caused: disturbed development of a frontal and maxillary sinuses, destruction of bony structures formed the lateral wall of the nasal cavity, medical bulging of the lateral nasal wall.

The surgical management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea has changed significantly after the introduction of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis. It gave the excellent visualization and atraumatic surgical technique in the management of eight cases of cerebrospinal fluid leaks treated in Department of Otolaryngology Medical University of Warsaw. Five of them were grafted with a pedicled middle turbinate mucosal flap. In the next three cases cerebrospinal fluid leaks came from sphenoid sinus and were stopped by free autograft of temporal fascia or abdominal fat. The indications and the advantages of the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks were discussed.

Rhinosinusitis is a multifactorial disease which has been variously defined by far. There is a strong need among all physicians to create a commonly accepted classification of rhinosinusitis, providing indications for an appropriate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The goal of this review is to present leading definitions of different forms of rhinosinusitis as well as classifications based on clinical findings, temporal considerations and the patophysiology of rhinosinusitis.

30 patients diagnosed from cystic fibrosis in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the Medical University in Warsaw in 1996-1998 participated in this study. In whole group of patients the advanced inflammatory changes in paranasal sinuses were found. In 7 cases endoscopic surgery of paranasal sinuses has been performed. The follow up has been kept by 2 years. In 2 cases reappearance of symptoms and nasal polyps observed after few months post the operation. In the remaining number of patients we noticed the satisfactory result of the treatment and the improvement of the life quality. A good nasal patency and recovery od smell were gained.

The object of this study was to determine the relationship between the extent of the disease in the paranasal sinuses and the time of illness. The study included a group of 158 patients treated surgically because of CRS. The evaluation of the extent of the disease process was done according to Kennedy's classification. Statistical correlation between the time of the illness and the extent of the disease process was observed. It was shown that in the group of patients where the disease process was longer than 3 years, changes due to the disease were present on both sides in the ethmoid and dependent sinuses. A relationship was also proved between the time of the illness and the results of the surgical treatment. The patients having had the illness for less than 3 years had a complete recovery rate of 83%. However, those who were ill for over 3 years had only a 49% complete recovery rate.

Twelve cases selected from the group of 123 chronic rhinosinusitis patients are presented in the paper. Severe headaches were noted as the most typical complaints of the clinical picture of the disease. The most cases were accompanied by rhinitis and paranasal sinusitis symptoms. The best diagnostic method of mucocele is MRI. The endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe and effective method of the treatment in a case of mucocele.

This paper discusses the latest advances in diagnosis, medical treatment, and functional surgery for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The case of aspergillosis in the anterior ethmoid and maxillary sinus was described. The clinical course, diagnostic and treatment were discussed.

CT is very important diagnostic investigation before endoscopic nasal or paranasal sinuses surgery. It is basic procedure to establish indications and to make plan of the operation. The technic should take into consideration the clinical stage of the patients. The paper presents methodology of nasal and paranasal sinuses CT and describes the radiological anatomy of these regions.

Anterior (ar) and posterior (pr) active rhinomanometry is the most common technique for assessment of nasal resistancy. The curve presents the interdependence of physiological transnasal pressure and air nasal flow. Following the Versick and Clement polynominal mathematical model (delta P = K0+K1V+K2V2,0) as well as the Broms polar coordinate model best fit the recorder pressure flow data. Computer simultaneously draws the pressure/flow curve and calculates resistance at particular pressure points (75, 150, 300 Pa in ar and 50, 75, 100 Pa in pr). The paper also presents indications for application of rhinomanometry and methodology of its execution.

The aim of the paper is to present the surgical methods applied in a 76 year old patient treated for carcinoma of the larynx. As an effect of the carried out total laryngectomy, extensive pharyngeal fistula occurred. The fistula was closed with myocutaneous flap which was pedunculated on double reversed pectoral major muscle. Due to lymphatic metastases surgical dissection of lymphatic system of the left side of the neck was performed 2 years after laryngectomy. During this operation the left common cervical artery was removed (Goretex graft). Next-cobaltotherapy was applied. After following 2 years the skin necrosis just over the flap occurred. It was caused by shirt collar pressure. Because of the major bleeding common cervical artery was oligated. During this procedure the frontal wall of the oesophagus was damaged and again pharyngeal fistula appeared. Attempts at closing it with flaps pedunculated on pectoral major muscle and trapezius muscle did not succeed. Finally fistula was closed with cylindric flap from the abdomen connected with the cutaneous flap from surrounding fistula tissues. Following recognition of this illness the patient had undergo nine consecutive, extensive operations. Ten years after diagnosis he is still alive and leads a life appropriate to his age.

Eosinophil granulocyte plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of allergic and non-allergic upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. A number of diseases and syndromes of nonallergic mechanisms (non IgE mediated) with nose and sinus symptoms and the presence of eosinophilic cells have been described in the recent decade. The paper focuses on the discussion of the symptomatology and classification of such cases.

This paper presents indications for topical corticosteroidotherapy in rhinitis and nasal polyps. The differential diagnosis including etiology and pathogenesis of diseases especially aspirin intolerance, are taken into consideration. The main indication for topical corticosteroidotherapy is local nasal eosinophilia. The authors everyday clinical practice help to establish considerations for the use of corticosteroids.

The development of differential diagnosis of rhinitis has multiplied their present classification. Generally, there are known two types of classifications: a) based on nasal cytology (Connell 1983); b) arising from clinical evaluations (Mygind 1985). Zeiger's work (1989) takes into consideration both types of classifications and describes them widely. This paper presents different methods used as background in contemporary classifications rhinitis.

The endoscopic surgery of the paranasal sinuses has been introduced as a method of treating recurring sinusitis during last fifteen years. Clinical observation showed that the most of cases of sinusitis are rhinogenic. Although the clinically dominating symptoms may be due to disease inside the frontal or maxillary sinuses, the underlying causes are in the middle meatus or anterior ethmoid. Consequently, endoscopic identification and operation of these diseased ethmoid areas aim to reestablish normal function of sinuses. The endoscopic techniques are safe and effective forms of sinus surgery.

The paper presents topographic anatomy of the nose and paranasal sinuses, which excellent known is necessary for surgeon who operates using endoscopic method. The difficulties and dangerous situations during operations as a consequence of the surgical activity in such complicated region are also described.

Solcoseryl is a biological agent, which accelerates the healing tissue procedure. This influence was studied during the nasal septum surgery. In 25 patients the postoperational nasal plug was inserted with the Solcoseryl and in 10 (control) with the paraffin. The cytologic verifications were performed before and after the surgery. In the solcoseryl group the mucosa regeneration procedure was accelerated and the inflammation reduced.