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Objective: Currently, there is an intensive discussion about enhancing and expanding outpatient rhinosurgical procedures. Many questions about how to stratify into out- and inpatient procedures are still not sufficiently clarified. Particularly, the use of nasal packing materials is not adequately discussed., Material and Methods: We performed a Germany-wide survey among otorhinolaryngologists regarding the use of nasal packing materials in sinonasal surgery. Additionally, we asked for any complication in relation to nasal packing., Results: In 85,6% nasal packing was used for septal and turbinate surgery at least occasionally, in 44,2% always. In sinus surgery these numbers are 94,1% and 49%, respectively. Non-resorbable nasal packing materials were predominantly used.Most frequent complications were bleeding with nasal packing in situ (> 50% of respondents) and posterior dislocation (24% of respondents), requiring emergency treatment. Death was listed in 5 patients. One patient suffered from permanent brain damage due to hypoxia., Conclusions: Application of non-resorbable nasal packing materials with occlusion of the nasal cavity carry a substantial risk of complications, which necessitate emergency treatment, thus requiring inpatient care., Competing Interests: Rainer Weber: Empfang von Honoraren oder Beratungsgebühren: GSK, Hommel Pharma, Infectopharm, KARL STORZ, Sanofi-Aventis, Sidroga, Spiggle & Theis, Stryker. Bernhard Olzowy: Vortragshonorare für Radiofrequenzchirurgiekurse seitens der Fa. Neuwirth Medical Products, die selbstauflösende Chitosantamponaden (PosisepX) vertreibt. Frank Haubner: Honorare für Vorträge bei folgenden Firmen: Brainlab, Spiggle&Theis, Neuwirth, RG Ärzteberatung. Robert Böscke: Reisekostenerstattungen: Sanofi, GSK, Allergopharma, MedEL, Cochlear; Vortragshonorare: Sanofi, GSK Achim Beule: Vorträge für AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Happersberger otopront, Medtronic, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis, Xion; Beratertätigkeit für AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Medtronic, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis, Durchführung von wissenschaftlichen Studien an der Uniklinik Münster für Allakos, AstraZeneca, BioMed Elements/EU, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Happersberger otopront/AiF,Sanofi Aventis, Winicker Norimed; insgesamt aber keine Tätigkeiten mit Schwerpunkt „Nasentamponaden“ oder mit Bezug zu dieser Publikation Thomas Kühnel: Glaxo Smith Kline: Advisory Board; Karl Storz Endoskope: bezahlte Tätigkeit bei Operationskursen; Sanofi: Advisory Board (Einladung), Vortragstätigkeit; Dt. Fachgesellschaft für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie; Dt. Fachgesellschaft für Schädelbasischirurgie, (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: The terms "functional" and "radical" paranasal sinus surgery were often considered to be different operations which were mutually exclusive. This overview aims to look at the basics of these terms and surgical procedures and to work out the resulting surgical concepts for clinically relevant indications., Material and Methods: Selective literature analysis using the data base PubMed, corresponding textbooks and resulting secondary literature regarding functional and radical or extended paranasal sinus surgery. Similarly, the current literature regarding clinically relevant indications for sinus surgery were analyzed., Results and Conclusion: Modern pathophysiological knowledge, anatomically and pathophysiologically substantiated endoscopic surgical procedures and the usage of up to date technical possibilities have resulted in concepts which combine functional and so-called radical or extended surgery of the paranasal sinuses that complement each other and sometimes even overlap. The preoperative diagnosis and definition of underlying diseases are decisive and should be as precise as possible, as the extent and surgical details mainly depend on them: a sole creation of free drainage pathways, an additional creation of anatomical access for subsequent topical treatment or a complete (radical) removal of a pathological process., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Background and Objectives: This paper presents an overview on nasal packing materials which are available in Germany. The current literature is analyzed whether there are robust criteria regarding use nasal packing after sinonasal surgery, whether there are fundamental and proven advantages or disadvantages of products, and what this means in clinical practice., Materials and Methods: Selective literature analysis using the PubMed database (key words "nasal packing", "nasal tamponade", "nasal surgery", "sinonasal surgery", or "sinus surgery"), corresponding text books and resulting secondary literature., Results and Conclusions: Because of systematic methodological shortcomings, the literature does not help in the decision-making about which nasal packing should be used after which kind of sinonasal surgery. In fact, individual approaches for the many different clinical scenarios are recommended. In principle, nasal packing aims in hemostasis, should promote wound healing, and should not result in secondary morbidity. Nasal packing materials should be smooth (non-absorbable materials), inert (absorbable materials), and should not exert excessive pressure. Using non-absorbable packing entails the risk of potentially lethal aspiration and ingestion. For safety reasons inpatient control is recommended as long as this packing is in situ. With other, uncritical packing materials and in patients with special conditions, outpatient control could be justified., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Increasing normative demands on patient safety and quality assurance measures, but also the problem of multi-resistant germs and pathogens with a high potential for infection, increase the need for hygienically correct work.In this study, hygienically relevant potential sources of contamination in ENT examinations were to be identified and possible improvement strategies examined.A complete ENT examination was performed by 5 examiners with different professional experience, whose gloves were wetted with fluorescent lotion prior to the examination. Contaminations especially on the examination unit and on the instruments were identified. The potential risk of transmission of pathogens to subsequent patients was assessed using a specially developed score. Various strategies to reduce identified contamination possibilities were developed and thought through.The score of the investigators was very high with an average of 87.4 points (±3.6). The implementation of individual hygiene measures during the examination process would lead to a significant reduction of the score and thus to an improvement in hygiene: No shaking of hands (81.8), additional disinfection of patient's chair (79.8), disinfection of important surfaces (69.8), provision of standard instruments (60.2) or all instruments (32.2), disinfection of all relevant surfaces and provision of all instruments (7.4).The results show very clearly that an ENT examination is a complex procedure from the point of view of hygiene. For reliable protection against possible transmission events, a structured bundling of hygiene measures is therefore necessary., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Endonasal surgery has emerged as the standard procedure for the majority of nasal and paranasal sinus pathologies. However, some pathological changes beyond the maxillary sinus seem to be out of the instrumental range and are addressed by open approaches. The prelacrimal approach to the maxillary sinus published by Zhou and coworkers has stimulated a rapid development of various procedures in this field. In the current work, the possibilities of the prelacrimal approach are illustrated by means of three clinical cases. The prelacrimal approach enables isolated fractures of the orbital floor to be reconstructed without the risk of lower eyelid complications. Meningo- or encephaloceles in the far lateral aspects of the sphenoid sinus are comparatively well reached via endonasal, transantral, and transpterygoid approaches. Until recently, tumors beyond the maxillary sinus were the domain of open surgery, particularly when they extended laterally of the maxillary sinus. The technique of choice was either a Caldwell-Luc or a midfacial degloving approach. Many of these operations can now be performed via the endonasal prelacrimal approach, with lower morbidity and more rapid postoperative healing. The approach described herein is equal if not superior to the traditional approaches in terms of overview and accessibility.

Unilateral diseases of the maxillary sinus are among the most common rhinologic diagnoses. The diversity of these diseases can represent a challenge for the treating physician. The spectrum ranges from harmless maxillary sinus cysts that seldom require treatment, to highly aggressive malignant tumors. Special attention should be given to the management of inverted papilloma. These benign tumors are characterized by high recurrence rates and the potential for malignant transformation. The key to minimizing recurrence is precise surgical intervention. Other unilateral maxillary sinus diseases such as the antrochoanal polyp and the fungus ball (aspergilloma) are also discussed in depth.

Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are a family of mesenchymal neoplasms with features of both melanotic and smooth muscle differentiation. PEComa morphology is highly variable and encompasses epithelioid to spindle cells often with clear cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. Molecularly, most PEComas are defined by a loss of function of the TSC1/TSC2 complex. Additionally, a distinct small subset of PEComas harboring rearrangements of the TFE3 (Xp11) gene locus has been identified. By presenting a series of three case reports with distinct features, we demonstrate diagnostic pitfalls as well as the importance of molecular work-up of PEComas because of important therapeutic consequences.

Vascular anomalies are very rare, but can occur in children and adults in almost every region of the body. Due to the complexity of this disease, the path to a definitive diagnosis is often difficult. It requires interdisciplinary teamwork with close exchange of information between the individual treatment partners to reach the correct diagnosis and then to start the best therapy. This article provides an overview of the main types of vascular malformations from a clinical, imaging, and histological point of view, following the current classification of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA).

The aim of classical surgical correction for nasal breathing impairment is to harmonically extend the physiological space in the nose by an operation of the nasal septum and inferior nasal turbinate. In this way the airflow character should be maintained and the mucosa protected in order not to endanger the respiratory function of the nose. This article presents an operative approach developed stepwise a few years ago in which the different operative steps are carried out depending on the individual anatomical situation and the underlying mucosal disease. The focus is on partial anteromedial maxillectomy.

In endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery continuous progress has been made in the last decade due to better understanding of microanatomy, gains in adjunctive medicative therapy and technical innovations. Moreover, continuous research and clinical trials on innovative stents and spacers with and without defined drug eluting features may be mentioned in this context. A narrative review of the current development status and its therapeutic options referring to the latter is presented., Competing Interests: Die vorliegende Studie wurde unterstützt von Fa. Intersect, 1555 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA, (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Surgical management of lacrimal duct obstruction beyond the canaliculi proves to be a promising endeavor in most cases. To realize the full potential of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, some aspects of diagnosis and differential indication setting should be considered in order to avoid errors and problems during patient selection, execution of the technical procedure, and communication with ophthalmologists. These issues are described according to the clinical management of patients; current literature is cited.

Osler's disease is an autosomal dominant hereditary syndrome which belongs to the group of orphan diseases. Affected patients suffer primarily from severe epistaxis. Diagnosis is based on the Curaçao criteria and molecular genetic tests. Organ manifestations can be found in the form of arteriovenous shunts in the lung, liver, and gastrointestinal tract; more rarely also in the central nervous system (CNS) and other parts of the body. Many patients with gastrointestinal and other organ manifestations are frequently clinically asymptomatic; therefore, organ screening is essential to avoid later complications and should be performed in centers with particular expertise. No curative therapy currently exists. From the otolaryngologist's perspective, nasal mucosa treatments and endonasal laser applications are important and effective therapeutic approaches to epistaxis. Pharmacological interventions are focused on compensation of haploinsufficiency as well as antiangiogenetic approaches. Severe side effects have to be considered.

Background: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is frequently used to determine daytime sleepiness in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. It is still unclear whether different levels of alertness induced by the circadian rhythm influence ESS score., Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of circadian rhythm-dependent alertness on ESS performance., Materials and Methods: In a monocentric prospective noninterventional observation study, 97 patients with suspected sleep-disordered breathing were investigated with respect to daytime sleepiness in temporal relationship to polysomnographic examination and treatment. The Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) served as references for the detection of present sleepiness at three different measurement times (morning, noon, evening), prior to and following a diagnostic polysomnography night as well as after a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration night (9 measurements in total). The KSS, SSS, and ESS were performed at these times in a randomized order., Results: The KSS and SSS scores revealed a circadian rhythm-dependent curve with increased sleepiness at noon and in the evening. Following a diagnostic polysomnography night, the scores were increased compared to the measurements prior to the night. After the CPAP titration night, sleepiness in the morning was reduced. KSS and SSS reflect the changes in alertness induced by the circadian rhythm. The ESS score war neither altered by the intra-daily nor by the inter-daily changes in the level of alertness., Conclusion: According to the present data, the ESS serves as a reliable instrument to detect the level of daytime sleepiness independently of the circadian rhythm-dependent level of alertness.

The nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Because each tumor cell in a patient regardless of histological subtype contains an identical copy of the viral clone, the virus is easily detectable at early pre-invasive lesions. Nevertheless, the nasopharyngeal carcinoma is still usually diagnosed late, often not until they exhibit infested lymph nodes and / or distant metastases have occurred. Canadian scientists have now discovered and analyzed a new screening method.

Aerosinusitis more frequently affects the frontal sinus than the maxillary sinus and mostly occurs during descent. Sinonasal diseases and anatomic variations leading to obstruction of paranasal sinus ventilation favor the development of aerosinusitis. This Continuing Medical Education (CME) article is based on selective literature searches of the PubMed database (search terms: "aerosinusitis", "barosinusitis", "barotrauma" AND "sinus", "barotrauma" AND "sinusitis", "sinusitis" AND "flying" OR "aviator"). Additionally, currently available monographs and further articles that could be identified based on the publication reviews were also included. In part 2, diagnostic measures, drug therapy, balloon dilatation and endoscopic sinus surgery are presented, along with a discussion regarding when flight attendants and pilots are able to resume their work. Endoscopic surgery to expand the natural drainage pathways of the affected sinuses with minimal surgical trauma to the healthy mucous membranes is largely successful.

The relevance of aerosinusitis stems from the high number of flight passengers and the impaired fitness for work of the flight personnel. The frontal sinus is more frequently affected than the maxillary sinus and the condition generally occurs during descent. Sinonasal diseases and anatomic variations leading to obstruction of paranasal sinus ventilation favor the development of aerosinusitis. This Continuing Medical Education (CME) article is based on selective literature searches of the PubMed database (search terms: "aerosinusitis", "barosinusitis", "barotrauma" AND "sinus", "barotrauma" AND "sinusitis", "sinusitis" AND "flying" OR "aviator"). Additionally, currently available monographs and further articles that could be identified based on the publication reviews were also included. Part 1 presents the pathophysiology, symptoms, risk factors, epidemiology and prophylaxis of aerosinusitis. In part 2, diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatment will be discussed.

These guidelines aim to facilitate high quality medical care of adults with snoring problems. The guidelines were devised for application in both in- and outpatient environments and are directed primarily at all those concerned with the diagnosis and therapy of snoring. According to the AWMF three-level concept, these represent S2k guidelines.A satisfactory definition of snoring does not currently exist. Snoring is the result of vibration of soft tissue structures in narrow regions of the upper airway during breathing while asleep. Ultimately, these vibrations are caused by the sleep-associated decrease in muscle tone in the area of the upper airway dilator muscles. A multitude of risk factors for snoring have been described and its occurrence is multifactorial. Data relating to the frequency of snoring vary widely, depending on the way in which the data are collected. Snoring is usually observed in middle-aged individuals and affected males predominate. Clinical diagnosis of snoring should comprise a free evaluation of the patient's medical history. Where possible this should also involve their bed partner and the case history can be complimented by questionnaires. To determine the airflow relevant structures, a clinical examination of the nose should be performed. This examination may also include nasal endoscopy. Examination of the oropharynx is particularly important and should be performed. The larynx and the hypopharynx should be examined. The size of the tongue and the condition of the mucous membranes should be recorded as part of the oral cavity examination, as should the results of a dental assessment. Facial skeleton morphology should be assessed for orientation purposes. Technical examinations may be advisable in individual cases. In the instance of suspected sleep-related breathing disorders, relevant comorbidities or where treatment for snoring has been requested, an objective sleep medicine examination should be performed. Snoring is not-at least as we currently understand it-a disease associated with a medical threat; therefore there is currently no medical necessity to treat the condition. All overweight patients with snoring problems should strive to lose weight. If snoring is associated with the supine position, positional therapy can be considered. Some cases of snoring can be appropriately treated using an intraoral device. Selected minimally invasive surgical procedures on the soft palate can be recommended to treat snoring, provided that examinations have revealed a suitable anatomy. The choice of technique is determined primarily by the individual anatomy. At an appropriate interval after the commencement or completion a therapeutic measure, a follow-up examination should be conducted to assess the success of the therapy and to aid in the planning of any further treatments.

Background: Aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative level of pain and anxiety for endoscopic sinus surgery, and to compare 3 different types of nasal packing., Material and Methods: Prospective, controlled, randomized study comparing different types of nasal packing in regard to perioperative anxiety and pain. Patients suffered from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps involving all paranasal sinuses. Patients daily evaluated by standardized questionnaires (FPI-R, KASA, STAI) and also visual analog scale for pain on 5 consecutive days before and after endoscopic sinus surgery of all paranasal sinuses. Nasal packings were removed on 2(nd) postoperative day., Results: A total of 73 patients (polyvinyl acetate packing N = 14, glove packing N = 37, glove packing with breathing tubes N = 22) completed the study. Female gender, bad preoperative mood and absence of pain were associated with increased preoperative state anxiety based on regression analysis. Also, preoperative gathering of additional information from relatives and friends was correlated with increased preoperative anxiety. Patients had significantly minor preoperative anxiety if they could expect use of nasal packings with breathing tubes., Conclusion: Female patients, who gathered information about the operation from friends or relatives or patient in worse preoperative mood are at risk for increased state anxiety and should be identified prior to rhinosurgical procedures. Use of nasal packing with at least partially preserved nasal breathing is recommended in clinically anxious patients.

Due to the frequency of this phenomenon and the often considerable distress caused to the affected person, competent advice, diagnosis and treatment of snoring in adults is of particular importance. The aim of this guideline is to promote high-quality medical care for patients affected by this problem. According to the three-level concept of the AWMF, it corresponds to an S1 guideline. Prior to any therapeutic intervention, relevant sleep medical history, clinical examination, as well as a mandatory objective diagnostic measure are performed. Snoring is only treated if the patient asks for it. In general, invasive methods should be viewed critically and the patient should be advised correspondingly. In the case of surgical therapy, minimally invasive techniques are preferred. Reducing body weight (in the case of overweight snorers), abstinence from alcohol, nicotine and sleep medication, as well as maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle can be recommended from a sleep-medicine perspective, although convincing clinical studies are not yet available. Since evidence for the effectiveness of muscle stimulation or various methods for toning and training of the muscles of the floor of mouth is not available, these methods are not recommended. Snoring can be successfully treated with the use of an intraoral device; however, careful patient selection is important. Avoiding a supine position during sleep can be helpful in some cases. Only limited data is available on the success rates of the surgical approaches and long term data is often lacking, and not all techniques have been sufficiently evaluated from a scientific point of view. Nasal surgery is only indicated if the patient suffers from nasal obstruction. Extensive data supports the effectiveness of laser-assisted resection of excessive soft palate tissue (laser-assisted uvuloplasty, LAUP). In principle, however, such resections can be performed using other techniques. Placebo-controlled studies were able to prove the effectiveness of radiofrequency surgery of the soft palate. A reduction in snoring could also be achieved in many cases by means of soft palate implants with minimal post-operative morbidity. The indication for tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty should be made cautiously due to the comparatively high morbidity associated with these procedures.

The current guideline discusses conservative and surgical therapy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults from the perspective of the ear, nose and throat specialist. The revised guideline was commissioned by the German Society of Ear-Nose-Throat, Head-Neck Surgery (DG HNO KHC) and compiled by the DG HNO KHC's Working Group on Sleep Medicine. The guideline was based on a formal consensus procedure according to the guidelines set out by the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) in the form of a"S2e guideline". Research of the literature available on the subject up to and including December 2008 forms the basis for the recommendations. Evaluation of the publications found was made according to the recommendations of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM). This yielded a recommendation grade, whereby grade A represents highly evidence-based studies and grade D those with a low evidence base.