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Biomedical subjects

R Keerl

Publications and source records attributed to R Keerl.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Long-term follow-up of fronto-basal dura-plasty].

A safe closure of a dura lesion is necessary on account of the risk of potentially fatal (late) meningitis. 161 duraplasties of the frontal skull base carried out from 1979 to 1994 at the ENT-department Fulda were evaluated in a retrospective study in regard to etiology, operative techniques and results. Duraplasty of the rhinobasis was indicated in 70 cases of rhinobasal trauma, 47 cases after paranasal sinus surgery, 36 cases of tumors and 8 malformations. After an average follow-up time of 6 years the patients were interviewed for postoperative liquorrhea, sinusitis treated with antibiotics and meningitis. As an objective measure to verify the tight closure of the treated CSF-leaks a fluorescein test was performed in 50.9% 6 to 8 weeks after the operation. Duraplasty was successful in more than 96%. The approach and technique to perform a duraplasty have to be chosen individually considering size, location and etiology of the dural defect. In the majority of dural defects in the area of the frontal skull base reconstruction can be carried out now a days via an endonasal approach. By use of allogenic tissue, a mucosal flap from the surrounding area to cover the graft and fibrin clue good results were obtained.

Adolescent

[Effectiveness and tolerance of nasal irrigation following paranasal sinus surgery].

BACKGROUND: Cleaning of the nose with saline solution after endonasal sinus surgery is very often used for postoperative treatment. But the efficiency and acceptance of this method has not been examined thoroughly until now. METHODS: Performance, effectiveness and acceptance of the postoperative treatment was evaluated in a questionnaire. One hundred thirty-four of 180 patients answered. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one patients (66.1%) cleaned their nose with Ems brine; 28.1% of the patients used saline solution. The nasal douche was the cleaning device used by 39.7% of the patients, whereas 53.7% sniffed the solution from their hand. Ninety-five percent found that this kind of treatment was easy to do; 84.7% found it equally pleasant. There was no difference between using Ems brine or NaCl solution nor between using the nasal douche or sniffing out of the hand. Fifty-one point four percent of the patients with an follow-up of 27 to 36 months rinsed their nose up to now; 55.9% resumed nasal irrigation after an interval. CONCLUSIONS: Rinsing of the nose after endonasal sinus surgery is judged positively by most of our patients and is integrated well in the daily routine. Although it is most common to sniff saline solution out of the hand, existing research recommends usage of warm Ems brine in combination with the nasal douche.

Ethmoid Sinus

[Endonasal frontal sinus surgery with permanent implantation of a place holder].

BACKGROUND: Endonasal frontal sinus surgery is well established. It is not yet clear what degree of enlargement of the frontal sinus neoostium is required to achieve permanent drainage or whether stenting improves the results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective survey with two groups: Group 1. included 10 patients (15 operations) who underwent endonasal sinus surgery because of chronic polypoid sinusitis with stenting of the frontal sinus neoostium for 6 months. Group 2. included 11 patients (21 operations) without stenting. INTERVENTION: Endonasal frontal sinus surgery with extended drainage Draf Type II (NFA II according to May) with (group 1) and without (group 2) long-term stenting of the neoostium for 5 months using a silicone stent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 12-16 months postoperatively: flexible endoscopy of nose and frontal sinus; computed tomography; magnetic resonance tomography; Wilcoxon-Mann Withney-Test. RESULTS: With stenting: neoostium endoscopically patent in 80% (including 20% with edematous swelling only at the opening to the frontal sinus), occluded by scar tissue in 6.7%, occluded by polyps in 13.3%. Endoscopy and CT/MRT together: normal mucosa and aeration in 93.3%, complete opacification in 6.7%. Without stenting: neoostium endoscopically patent in 33%, occluded by scar tissue in 48%, occluded by polyps in 19%. Endoscopy and CT together: normal mucosa and aeration in 71.4%, aeration and mucosal swelling in 14.3%, complete opacification in 14.3%. With stenting of the frontal sinus neoostium for six months endoscopic evaluation of the frontal sinus was possible in a significantly higher proportion of cases (p = 0.0416). CONCLUSION: Long-term stenting of the frontal sinus significantly reduces the rate of recurrent stenosis of the frontal neoostium and is recommended in all cases where an extended frontal sinus drainage is necessary. The optimal design for such a stent has not yet been clearly defined.

Adult

[Osteoplastic surgery of the frontal sinus: indications, procedures and results apropos of 75 cases].

In a retrospective study we have evaluated 75 osteoplastic frontal sinus operations performed in Fulda (Germany) between 1979 and 1993. Fractures, infections, tumors and pneumatosinus represent the indications for surgery. The frontal sinuses were obliterated in 31 cases. The average duration of follow up was 3.8 years. The overall results were very good and without serious complications. Only one revision was necessary.

Frontal Sinus

[Role of the multimedia technology in the evolution of learning of endonasal surgery of the sinuses].

The functional endonasal sinus surgery makes great strides. In the meantime learning the surgical techniques can be difficult. A learning curve describes the evolution in mastering the surgical steps by the analysis of the number of complications. This means that each learning step presents specific risks. An interactive training system with multimedia technology has been developed to diminish the complication rate. This system is presented briefly. In our view it allows an improvement of the training of ENT surgeons. It permits the visualized reproduction of difficult surgical steps as a base to master then. We propose a plan for progressive learning including this technology.

CD-ROM

Management of dural lesions occurring during endonasal sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dural lesions incurred during endonasal sinus surgery must be repaired surgically because of the risk of potentially fatal late meningitis. DESIGN: Retrospective survey. SETTING: Ear, nose, and throat department of a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive sample of 47 patients who had undergone duraplasty for repair of a dural lesion that occurred as a complication of endonasal sinus surgery. Forty-two patients were interviewed after an average postoperative period of more than 5 years. INTERVENTION: Endonasal duraplasty, external duraplasty (fronto-orbital or transfrontal extradural approach) by underlay or onlay technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fluorescein test (intrathecal administration of fluorescein sodium and subsequent nasal endoscopy), subjective complaints, history of meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, or hyposmia. RESULTS: There were 44 endonasal and 3 external duraplasties (2 by the fronto-orbital and 1 by the transfrontal extradural approach); the underlay technique was used in 25 and the onlay technique in 22. The fluorescein test, performed in 43% (20/47) of the patients was negative in all cases. Twenty-six percent of the patients had had 1 or more episodes of bacterial sinusitis without meningitis. Duraplasty was clinically intact in 100%. Postoperative olfactory disturbances were reported in 17%. CONCLUSIONS: Duraplasty can be performed satisfactorily by the endonasal route, thus avoiding the disadvantages of the fronto-orbital approach (visible scar, risk of damage to the supraorbital nerve, and removal of bone from the floor of the frontal sinus with a tendency to stenosis of the nasofrontal duct and subsequent mucocele). Allogeneic connective tissue in combination with fibrin glue has proved suitable as a graft material.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

[Long-term results of endonasal frontal sinus surgery].

Most conditions of the frontal sinus requiring surgery can now be managed successfully by endonasal procedures. To date there has been no clear position regarding indications and results of different types of endonasal frontal sinus drainage. In a retrospective study we evaluated long-term results of Draf's type II and III endonasal frontal sinus drainages using endoscopy and computed tomography. Twelve to 98 months following type II drainage, 58% of 83 frontal sinuses were ventilated and normal. A ventilated frontal sinus but with hyperplastic mucosa was seen in 12%. Scarred occlusion with total opacification on CT occurred in 14%. Furthermore, total opacification in 16% was due to recurrent polyposis. Patients were free of symptoms or had only minor problems in 79%. Twelve to 89 months following type III drainage, 59% of 81 frontal sinuses were ventilated and normal. A ventilated frontal sinus with hyperplastic mucosa was seen in 17%. Scarred occlusion with total opacification on CT was present in 7%. Furthermore, total opacification in 16% was due to recurrent polyposis. In all, 95% of the patients were free of symptoms or had only minor problems. Combining our results with those of other authors and utilizing the physiology of wound healing after sinus surgery, we developed a protocol of differential indications for endonasal frontal sinus drainage.

Adolescent

Computer-assisted documentation and analysis of wound healing of the nasal and oesophageal mucosa.

Our aim was to analyse the dynamics of healing processes in the nose and oesophagus by videoendoscopic examination and reconstruction of the natural dynamics and continuity of a process using modern computer technology and so-called morphing software. Thirteen patients were followed-up for six months after sinus surgery and three weeks after oesophagitis. Four overlapping and meshing phases of wound healing following sinus surgery with significant interindividual differences. Topical budesonide shortened the duration of wound healing phases. Healing of oesophagitis occurred approximately symmetrically from the wound edges to the centre with constant velocity. Computer-assisted morphing enables dynamic analysing of mucosal processes under the following preconditions: Availability of a valid imaging method for documentation and measurement with the generation of congruent images. The process under analysis must run without sudden leaps and there must be adequate choice of timing of single measurement procedures.

Endoscopy

[Effects of postoperative care on wound healing after endonasal paranasal sinus surgery].

BACKGROUND: There is no standard for postoperative care after paranasal sinus surgery. METHODS: In a prospective study we evaluated the influence of modifications of postoperative care on wound healing after paranasal sinus surgery. We used a new method of documenting the natural dynamics of wound healing after endonasal paranasal sinus surgery that combines morphing and time-lapse video. Computer-assisted morphing means transformation of one shape into another by means of two-dimensional interpolation. The computer reconstructs the changes between the single frames taken by videoendoscopy at each examination by morphing. Editing all single frames from videoendoscopy and from morphing together resulted in a 60-second video showing wound healing over a period of six months. We documented wound healing 23 operations. Twelve patients with chronic polypoid sinusitis of similar extent were documented in a similar manner. Minimal postoperative care consisted of packing the operative cavity with rubber fingers for three days and irrigation with Ems brine. The effect of long-term packing and topical application of budesonide were studied. Analysis consisted of evaluating the time-lapse videos and final flexible endoscopy of the sinuses. RESULTS: Wound healing after complete endonasal sinus surgery varies greatly. In the first 7-12 days blood crusts covered the whole wound. Granulation was visible for 2-4 weeks. The increasingly edematous swelling reached its maximum in the 3rd-5th week and decreased in 7th-12th week. A macroscopically normal mucosa was observed from the 12th-18th weeks. Subepithelial changes occurred for longer than 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The following measures are recommended for decreasing postoperative granulations, edema and swelling: minimizing the surgical trauma, long-term packing with a occlusive, nonadherent material (rubber finger packing), topical steroids (Budesonide). Stenosis of paranasal sinuses due to excessive scarring could not be prevented (especially in the frontal sinus).

Administration, Topical

[Dura-plasty in the area lf the sphenoid sinus].

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of CSF leakage in the sphenoid sinus is difficult for several reasons: 1. the close neighbourhood between the sphenoid sinus and the internal carotid artery, the cavernous sinus and cranial nerves (II, III, IV, VI), 2. a strong liquorrhoea caused by basal cisterns surrounding the sphenoid sinus, 3. it can be difficult to visualise completely the sphenoid sinus depending on the extent of pneumatisation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study 20 cases of duraplasty around the sphenoid sinus were evaluated. The approach, materials, operative techniques and results are described. RESULTS: 90% of the dura lesions were closed successfully by one operation (average follow-up time 5 years). Including our two revisions all defects have been sealed effectively. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the endonasal approach using microscope and endoscope is the technique of choice for dura repair in the sphenoid sinus. The different techniques and materials vary in order of size, location and etiology of the dura lesion.

Aged

[Individual learning curves with reference to endonasal micro-endoscopic pan-sinus operation].

BACKGROUND: We examined how surgeons in training will develop into experienced surgeons in sinus surgery by analysing their individual learning curve. METHODS: In a retrospective study we evaluated complications in 818 surgical procedures (362 revisions = 44.3%) performed by four different surgeons. RESULTS: We found a dural lesion in six cases (0.75%), opening of the periosteum of the orbit in 30 cases (3.7%), and control of bleeding from the anterior ethmoidal artery in 36 cases (4.4%). No lesions of the internal carotid artery or lacrimal duct system occurred. The complications were not distributed equally. We observed a three-phase learning process which we describe using the example of a traffic light: red with a high risk of complications, yellow with a minor one, and green for the experienced surgeon. The first phase consists of the first 20 procedures, yellow from the 20th to the 100th, and green for procedures performed thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Each inexperienced surgeon has to determine his position on the learning curve. He or she should be supervised accordingly.

Clinical Competence

[Orbital hematomas].

BACKGROUND: Orbital hematomas may occur spontaneously, as a result of vascular anomalities, or they may be induced by trauma or occur following paranasal sinus surgery. The retrobulbar hematoma requires special attention because of its potential compression of the optic nerve may compromise vision or cause blindness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on four cases: two subperiostal orbital hematomas, a spontaneous retrobulbar hematoma, and one orbital hematoma due to trauma. RESULTS: In one case a vascular anomality was detected by angiography. Though temporary blindness occurred in this case, it was possible to preserve 30% vision by surgery. An infected subperiostal hematoma was successfully treated using an endonasal approach. Two cases (a traumatic and a subperiostal orbital hematoma) required no operative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of an orbital hematoma should be made as quickly as possible to permit adequate early therapy. Decrease of vision or blindness caused by orbital hematoma may be improved through a lateral canthotomy as emergency measure and subsequently by draining the hematoma to relieve compression of the optic nerve.

Adult

[Dynamic imaging of gastric ulcer healing using the most modern Morph-Software].

The presentation of gastric ulcer healing taken from video endoscopy as a dynamic process could not be realized till now. The documentation of the dynamic healing process shattered either on the patient's compliance or on the inconstancy of the image cut due to wobbling. The replay should be performed as a time lapse whereby the picture disturbances would become an essential part.-Instead of presenting a continuous film, instant takes of ulcer healing were processed. A dynamic effect was produced by computer-assisted production of intermediate pictures. A video was created in which short video sequences in definite time intervals were recorded endoscopically. Single stills-so-called original pictures-fitting together from each sequence were selected and spliced together. The missing intermediate pictures were made with a special computer technique according to the mathematical concept of interpolation. With this technique, the dynamic documentation of gastric ulcer healing in a 47-year-old male patient was performed. The technique enables an almost natural and real observation of ulcer healing and promises new physiological and patho-physiological knowledge in gastroenterologic endoscopy.

Amoxicillin

Surgery of the lacrimal system.

Several surgical techniques of the lacrimal system are presented and analyzed regarding indications and results. Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy is performed in cases of postsaccal stenosis. Pre- and intrasaccal stenosis are operated on with conjunctivorhinostomy or with placement of Heermann-Jones tubes. After interruption of the canaliculi, splinting and primary suturing are best suited. During tumor surgery, the nasolacrimal duct can be temporarily or permanently relocated in the soft tissues of the cheek. Performing these techniques, a good lacrimal drainage is usually achieved. The results are based upon subjective and objective findings.

Conjunctiva

Magnetic resonance imaging after frontal sinus surgery with fat obliteration.

The obliteration of the frontal sinus via an osteoplastic approach is performed with the aim of achieving a permanent 'switching off' by final and conclusive clearing out. For this, freshly harvested abdominal fat has shown itself to be the best clinically. It is possible to demonstrate the vitality of fat transplanted into the frontal sinus without an operation, i.e. by a macroscopical and histological examination using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The magnetic resonance examinations were carried out on a supraconductive 0.5 T Magnet (Gyroscan T.S.II, Philips Medicine Systems, Eindhoven, Netherlands) with a quadrature (square) head spool. We produced T1-weighted spin echo images (TR: 450-550 ms; TE: 20-25 ms), T2-weighted fast spin echo images or in double-echo technique in transverse orientation (Turbo SE or TR: 2000-2500 ms; TE: 50-90 ms) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences for fat suppression (TJ: 140 ms; TR: 1400 ms; TE: 30 ms). The fat implanted into the frontal sinus of 11 patients aged 22-65 years, having undergone an osteoplastic frontal sinus operation with obliteration, was examined post-operatively by MRI. Objectives were the time-dependent distribution of portions of vital fatty or connective tissue, the eventual development of necroses or cysts as well as recurrences, inflammatory complications or re-epithelization of the frontal sinus four to 24 months post-operatively. In only six out of 11 cases was vital fatty tissue found. Fatty necrosis occurred five times, whereas in four cases a transformation into granulation tissue and in one case into connective tissue could be seen. All 11 patients were complaint-free. Long-term observations are needed to see if differences in the recurrence rate of frontal sinus disease are dependent on whether the implanted fat remains vital or necrosed and transformed.

Adipose Tissue