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Timothy L Smith

Publications and source records attributed to Timothy L Smith.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Contemporary use of image-guided systems.

Technologic advancements in radiographic imaging and interactive computers have allowed image-guided systems to be developed, which have been used to characterize surgical anatomy with greater accuracy and detail. Early generations of image-guided systems were difficult to use; however, recent modifications have allowed it to become more user friendly and less cumbersome. As a result, the application of image-guided systems has expanded and its use has become more frequent. Two major designs, optical and electromagnetic, have been used. Although most image-guided systems use computed tomography digital images, magnetic resonance image-based image-guided systems serve a unique and useful purpose. Future directions for image-guided surgery include smaller flexible instrumentation and simplified registration. As image-guided systems continue to evolve, they will enable otolaryngologist to broaden the horizon of minimally invasive techniques and operations.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Hemangioma of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses: two case reports.

Hemangiomas of the paranasal sinuses are rare, particularly those of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses. Although imaging of the sinuses is key to determining the extent of involvement, the diagnosis is based on the lesion's histologic appearance. Obtaining an adequate biopsy can be difficult in light of the risk of bleeding and the relative inaccessibility of lesions in this region. These obstacles can make the diagnosis and management of these lesions particularly challenging. We describe two new cases of sinonasal hemangioma--one in the ethmoid sinus and one in the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses--and we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that are needed to manage these lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation and surgical management of isolated sphenoid sinus disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pathologic conditions, preoperative evaluation, treatment, and clinical outcomes associated with sphenoid sinus disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary university-based referral center. PATIENTS: All patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease managed surgically or in which surgery was considered a primary treatment option. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data, presenting signs and symptoms, endoscopic and imaging findings, surgical management, surgical pathology, and clinical outcomes were investigated in patients presenting with sphenoid sinus disease to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, between January 1, 1991, and December 31, 2001. RESULTS: The study population included 17 women and 12 men with a mean age of 52.3 years (range, 15-82 years). The most common presenting symptom was headache (20 patients [69%]). Imaging evaluation included computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging studies in all cases. Sphenoid sinus abnormality was variable and included sinusitis (11 patients [38%]), tumor (7 [24%]), mucocele (5 [17%]), fungal process (3 [10%]), and cerebrospinal fluid fistula (3 [10%]). Twenty-one cases (72%) were managed endoscopically and 4 (14%) were managed with a transseptal approach. One patient (3%) underwent combined extracranial-endoscopic transnasal approach, while another (3%) underwent a midface degloving approach. The remaining 2 patients (7%) did not undergo surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of noninflammatory lesions within the sphenoid sinus, thorough preoperative evaluation is imperative. Initially, this should include nasal endoscopy and computed tomography to help define the location, extent, and character of the lesion. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging may help further define the nature and extent of a lesion. Angiography should be considered if a vascular lesion is suspected. The clinical and imaging findings should all be taken into consideration when the surgical approach is planned.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Autonomic dysfunction, vasomotor rhinitis, and extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux.

OBJECTIVE: Several recent reports suggest there may be a relationship between chronic rhinitis and extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux (EER). It is hypothesized that this relationship is a result of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with isolated vasomotor rhinitis (VR), both VR and EER, and a control group were studied by a battery of tests designed to objectively evaluate ANS function. In addition all 3 groups underwent barium esophagogram and 4-site (proximal pharynx, distal pharynx, proximal esophagus, and distal esophagus) ambulatory pH monitoring. Adult patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for VR, and with both VR and EER underwent objective ANS testing in a recently developed ANS testing laboratory. The control group consisted of age- and sex-matched adults without diagnostic criteria for VR or EER. RESULTS: In patients with VR only (n = 9), 2 patients had a positive esophagogram, whereas a positive pharyngeal reflux probe was found in 1 and an abnormal composite autonomic scoring scale (CASS) was found in 8 (mean VR CASS = 1.750 vs control CASS 0.556, P =.02). The group with VR and EER (n = 12) had a positive esophagogram in 10 patients, positive pharyngeal reflux by probe in 9, and all 12 had an abnormal CASS (mean CASS VR/EER = 2.909 vs CASS control = 0.556, P =.001 and vs VR CASS = 1.750, P =.05). The control patients (n = 9) had normal transesophageal gastroduodenoscopy in 8, 1 had a positive pharyngeal probe study, and all 9 had a normal CASS. In addition ANS testing in patients with diagnostic criteria for both VR/EER revealed statistically significant evidence of an adrenergic deficit as compared with control patients on the basis of mean phase II blood pressure response to Valsalva maneuver (mean phase II VR/EER = -16.730 vs control = -7.780, P =.05). In the VR only group, the phase II blood pressure decrease was greater than in control patients, but did not reach statistical significance (mean phase II VR = -9.370 vs control = -7.780, P = 0.672). CONCLUSION: Patients with VR and VR/EER have objective evidence of ANS dysfunction when compared with a group of age- and sex-matched control patients. Patients with both VR/EER demonstrate a significantly greater degree of ANS dysfunction than patients with isolated VR. The mechanism by which VR and EER interact is not entirely clear, but ANS dysfunction is objectively associated with both disorders. In addition, patients with VR/EER seem to demonstrate hypofunction of the adrenergic component of the ANS, in contrast to the generally held hypothesis that VR results from increased cholinergic activity. Further characterization of the type of ANS abnormality may allow the development of novel pharmacologic therapies for these disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Endoscopic management of the frontal recess in frontal sinus fractures: a shift in the paradigm?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate alternative management strategies for anterior table frontal sinus fractures involving the frontal sinus outflow tract. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort of patients with anterior table frontal sinus fracture with frontal outflow tract involvement documented by computed tomography (CT) scan was examined between 1999 and 2001. METHODS: A select group of patients with anterior table frontal sinus fracture involving the frontal outflow tract was treated with open reduction of bony fracture without osteoplastic obliteration of the frontal sinus. Serial CT scans were obtained starting at 8 weeks after injury. Patients with persistent frontal sinus obstruction after medical treatment underwent an extended endoscopic frontal sinusotomy or a modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure. RESULTS: Fourteen patients sustained frontal sinus fractures and were treated during the study period. Seven patients were included in the modified treatment algorithm, with a mean follow-up of 18 months. All patients had concurrent facial fractures: superior orbital rim (n = 5), naso-orbital-ethmoid complex (n = 2), mandible (n = 2), and midface (n = 2). All 7 patients underwent open repair of the facial fractures. Postoperatively, 5 patients had spontaneous frontal sinus ventilation. Two patients, both of whom had naso-orbito-ethmoid fractures, had persistent frontal sinus obstruction clinically and radiographically. These patients were successfully managed with an endoscopic frontal sinus procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A select group of patients with frontal sinus and outflow tract fracture may be managed with open repair of the anterior table fracture without obliteration. In these cases, suspected frontal outflow tract obstruction can be managed expectantly. Failed frontal sinus ventilation may require endoscopic frontal sinus surgery to reestablish mucociliary clearance.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Perspectives in laryngopharyngeal reflux: an international survey.

OBJECTIVES: Although data exists to support the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and laryngitis, there is variability among otolaryngologists regarding the methods and criteria used to make the diagnosis. This study was undertaken to discern the current attitudes and practices of a select cohort of otolaryngologists in regards to LPR. METHODS: Four hundred fifteen surveys were mailed to members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association. Survey recipients were asked to rate patient symptomatology and physical examination findings in terms of their relationship to LPR and their preferred laryngeal visualization procedure in terms of clinical use and diagnostic accuracy. The role and validity of adjunctive diagnostic tests were also surveyed. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 38%. Symptoms felt to be most related to reflux were: throat clearing (98.3%), persistent cough (96.6%), heartburn/dyspepsia (95.7%), globus sensation (94.9%), and voice quality change (94.9%). The physical examination findings felt to be most related to reflux included: arytenoid erythema (97.5%), vocal cord erythema (95.7%) and edema (95.7%), posterior commissure hypertrophy (94.9%), and arytenoid edema (94.0%). Fiberoptic laryngoscopy was the most commonly performed diagnostic visualization procedure (75.7%) and was also considered to be most sensitive and specific (45.0%). The most commonly ordered adjunctive test was a double pH probe (37.2%), which was also felt to be the most sensitive and specific adjunctive test (75.9%). CONCLUSION: A polling of a select group of otolaryngologists demonstrated agreement in the criteria used to diagnose reflux laryngitis, although some variability exists. The development of objective guidelines for the diagnosis of LPR is a critical initial step toward evaluating the manifestations and therapeutic interventions for this disease process.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changing trends in the nature of vocal fold motion impairment.

PURPOSE: Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) continues to be a dominant issue in laryngology. The objective of this study is to examine a contemporary population of patients with newly diagnosed VFMI and detect changes in the nature of the cases compared with previous reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients with newly diagnosed VFMI are identified from the first author's clinic over a recent 1-year period. Patient demographics, etiology, side, and nature of the impairment are determined from retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Of the 84 patients, 47 (56%) are women and 37 (44%) are men. The average age of all patients is 53.4 years. Seventy-five (89.3%) of the 84 VFMIs were unilateral, with 11% (9/84) being bilateral. The left side was affected in 52% (39/75) of the patients; the right side was affected in 48% (36/75) of the unilateral cases. The motion impairment was complete in 61.3% (46/75) of the unilateral cases and partial in the remaining 38.7% (29/75). With regard to etiology, iatrogenic causes were the most prevalent with 47.6% (40/84) of the patients. Idiopathic cases comprised 36.9% (31/84) of the patients. Neoplasms (7.1%, 6/84) and miscellaneous causes (7.1%, 6/84) accounted for smaller portions of the remainder. Of the iatrogenic VFMI cases, 27.5% (11/40) followed cervical spine operations. Chest, intracranial, and thyroid surgery accounted for 6 (15%) patients each, as did endotracheal intubation (n = 6, 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with previous reports, the incidence of iatrogenic cases reviewed here is relatively high. Anterior cervical spine surgery surpassed thyroidectomy and all other procedures as the most common cause of iatrogenic VFMI in this contemporary study.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term asthma outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery in aspirin triad patients.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin triad disease (ATD) is a well-known clinical entity characterized by asthma, polyposis, and aspirin intolerance. Using subjective and objective clinical data, this study examines the short- and long-term outcomes of asthma after sinus surgery in patients with ATD. METHODS: A retrospective review and standardized survey in the setting of an academic tertiary rhinology program. Eighty-five patients with ATD who had endoscopic sinus surgery between 1986 and 1998 were identified from an internal database. Standardized surveys were sent to each patient to assess both objective and subjective improvement of their asthma. RESULTS: The address and location of 20 of 85 patients could not be ascertained. Thirty-four of the remaining 65 patients (52.3%) with ATD who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery responded to the survey. Respondents had a mean follow-up of 10 years. Overall, 29 (94%) of 31 patients who reported asthma symptoms preoperatively noted long-term postoperative improvement. Furthermore, 21 of these 31 patients (68%) reported further improvement of their asthma beyond the first postoperative year. Emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations decreased in 17 (94%) of 18. Inpatient hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations also decreased in the first postoperative year in 10 (91%) of 11 patients. Asthma attacks declined in 12 (41%) of 27 patients the first year, whereas 24 (88.9%) of 27 patients had fewer asthma attacks in the last 12 months of follow-up. Peak flow rates improved from an average of 60% of the predicted value preoperatively to 86% at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The asthma component of ATD continues to improve with time after endoscopic sinus surgery. Although the most dramatic decrease occurs in the first year after sinus surgery, the majority of patients noted further improvement in subsequent years.

Aspirin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enlarged vomeronasal organ in a child: imaging findings.

The vomeronasal organ is a special sensory organ that exists in both animals and humans. It is located on the sides of nasal septum and although it involutes with age, occasionally it may be seen in humans. We present the imaging findings in a child with an enlarged nasal septum whose features we believe are compatible with a vomeronasal organ.

Contrast Media↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Outcomes research in rhinology: chronic rhinosinusitis.

Measuring 'outcome' in rhinology has been challenging investigators for decades. With the introduction of patient-based, quality of life outcomes, investigators have developed rhinologic-specific outcomes tools for allergic rhinitis, nasal obstruction, and chronic rhinosinusitis. Outcomes research in rhinology, however, is a nascent field. This article focuses on outcomes research in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis, especially as it relates to endoscopic sinus surgery. Quality of life outcomes are addressed not only as outcomes but as measures of disease and how they relate to other commonly used measures of disease such as CT and endoscopy.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Outcomes of the modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the long-term outcomes of the modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure for the management of the most severe forms of recalcitrant chronic frontal sinusitis. METHODS: This case series evaluated 13 consecutive cases of the modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure for chronic frontal sinusitis from April 1996 to December 1999. Patent communication to the frontal sinus was evaluated by postoperative endoscopic exam. Postoperative patient symptomatology and medication requirements were assessed during clinic evaluation and by standardized telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up period of 34.5 months, a 77% patency rate was obtained, with 2 of the 13 patients requiring an osteoplastic flap with obliteration. Telephone questionnaire results indicate improved symptoms and decreased medication requirements in the majority of patients who maintained patency. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure provides a good alternative to the osteoplastic flap with obliteration for patients with the most severe forms of chronic frontal sinusitis. Initially, high patency rates decline with longer-term follow-up, and severe forms of chronic rhinosinusitis continue to significantly impact patient-perceived quality of life in some patients. The modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure should be reserved for patients who have failed more conservative endoscopic approaches to the frontal recess.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic sinonasal disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to explore the possible relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic sinonasal disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken of 241 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis from a tertiary medical center IBD clinic. Patient demographic data and information regarding IBD diagnosis and management, sinonasal disease diagnosis and management, and complications related to these diagnoses were gathered by retrospective chart review and a standardized patient survey. RESULTS: One hundred sixty surveys (67%) were returned and analyzed. Overall 48% of patients with IBD reported chronic sinonasal disease symptoms. Patients with CD had a higher prevalence of sinonasal disease than patients with ulcerative colitis (53% versus 32%; p < 0.02). The subgroup of CD patients with obstructive bowel complications had the highest prevalence of sinonasal disease (68% versus 27%; p = < 0.001), with 23% reporting chronic rhinosinusitis, 13% reporting chronic rhinitis, and an additional 32% reporting chronic nasal or sinus symptoms. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of chronic sinonasal disease is elevated in patients with IBD, occurring in approximately one-half of patients followed at a tertiary IBD center. Patients with CD experiencing obstructive complications had significantly increased rates of sinonasal disease. The relationship between chronic sinonasal disease and obstructive CD is not defined, but several hypotheses are generated.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Coronal computed tomography analysis of frontal cells.

BACKGROUND: Described by Schaefer in 1916, frontal cells have been implicated as a cause of frontal recess obstruction. In this cross-sectional study, we determine the prevalence of frontal cells and other anatomic variants and examine their relationships. METHODS: Coronal computed tomography scans of the sinuses performed from January 2000 to June 2001 were evaluated for frontal cells, other anatomic variants, and sinus disease. Of 1009 scans evaluated, 768 scans were included for data collection. Frontal cells were classified. RESULTS: In this population, 20.4% of individuals had frontal cells (14.9% had type I, 3.1% had type II, 1.7% had type III, and 2.1% had type IV). The presence of frontal cells was positively associated with hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinus (p = 0.01) and negatively associated with hypopneumatization of the frontal sinus (p < 0.01). Individuals with frontal cells had an increased prevalence of concha bullosa compared with individuals without frontal cells (41.4% versus 24.1%, p < 0.01). The prevalence of frontal mucosal thickening was increased in individuals with type III and type IV cells compared with individuals without frontal cells (38.5 and 69.0% versus 17.1%, p = 0.04 and p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of frontal cells among a population undergoing sinus computed tomography is 20.4%. Frontal cells are associated with other variants of sinonasal pneumatization and should be suspected when these variants are noted. The presence of frontal cells does not invariably lead to frontal sinusitis but may contribute to the mechanical obstruction of the frontal recess and should be appropriately addressed during the surgical management of frontal sinusitis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Objective testing and quality-of-life evaluation in surgical candidates with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Discordance has been reported between patient symptoms and objective measures of disease in chronic sinusitis, such as radiographic evaluation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between presurgical objective studies and presurgical quality of life (QOL). This work was designed as a cross-sectional study of 90 consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary rhinology practice for surgical management of sinonasal disease. METHODS: QOL assessment was performed using disease-specific instruments (Chronic Sinusitis Survey and Rhinosinusitis Disability Index). Computed tomography (CT) scans were scored according to the Lund-Mackay CT scoring system and endoscopy evaluation was scored by the system proposed by Lund and Kennedy. RESULTS: Ninety surgical candidates were enrolled and included in the analysis. Correlation between the QOL total scores and subscale scores was excellent (r = 0.39; p = 0.0001) as was the correlation between CT and endoscopy scores (r = 0.59; p = 0.0001). In contrast, correlation between QOL and objective measures was poor. These results were not significantly influenced by subgroup analysis by diagnosis, comorbidity, and other patient factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative objective measures of CRS disease show little, if any, correlation with disease-specific QOL measures in surgical candidates. It is likely that CT and endoscopy are measuring a different aspect of CRS disease than the QOL measures. In addition, it is possible that preoperative QOL, either alone or in combination with CT and endoscopy, may prove important in selecting patients most likely to benefit from surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic management of sinonasal tumors: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: The increased experience with the endoscopic approach to sinonasal inflammatory disease has resulted in the increased use of endoscopes to manage many different sinonasal pathologies. METHODS: A chart review of patients with sinonasal tumors treated with primary endoscopic management, from January, 1993 to November, 2003 was performed. RESULTS: Forty patients were identified (26 men and 14 women). The mean age was 53.2 years, and the mean follow-up was 31.1 months. For benign tumors, 24 patients were identified with a mean age of 50.7 years, a mean follow-up of 17.5 months, and a recurrence rate of 4.2%. For malignant tumors, 16 patients were identified, with a mean age of 57.3 years, a mean follow-up of 51.5 months, and a recurrence rate of 31.3%. The overall survival rate was 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic surgical excision of selective sinonasal tumors may be an effective therapeutic modality. In some cases, adjuvant external procedures may be required based on tumor location.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pharyngeal pH probe findings in patients with postnasal drainage.

BACKGROUND: Patients commonly present with complaints of postnasal drainage (PND). This study reports the pharyngeal pH probe findings in patients without rhinitis/rhinosinusitis who present with complaints of PND. METHODS: This is a prospective study of patients presenting with PND but no historical or endoscopic evidence of rhinitis/rhinosinusitis. Twenty-four-hour pharyngeal pH probe studies were done on 32 consecutive patients and compared with historical controls. RESULTS: There were a total of 32 patients with PND (mean age, 54 years) and 51 controls (mean age, 49 years). The proportion of patients with positive pH probe studies was higher in PND (28.1%) versus controls (17.6%) but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.27). However, when comparing the mean number of pharyngeal acid exposure events, patients with PND had significantly more events (1.6) than controls (0.3; p < 0.002). In addition, the mean acid exposure time was significantly higher in PND (0.18%) versus controls (0.01%; p < 0.004). CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients with PND displaying positive pharyngeal 24 pH probe studies is not significantly greater than controls. However, patients with PND do exhibit a statistically greater degree of pharyngeal acid exposure as compared with controls. Additional research is required to delineate the role of pharyngeal reflux in patients with PND.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical revision of the post-Caldwell-Luc maxillary sinus.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sinus surgeons are commonly faced with the management of patients with persistent maxillary sinusitis despite previous Caldwell-Luc surgery. Given the potential for altered mucociliary clearance in the post-Caldwell-Luc maxillary sinus, the optimal approach for surgical revision has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to review our experience in endoscopic versus repeat Caldwell-Luc approaches in patients who have failed Caldwell-Luc surgery for chronic maxillary sinusitis. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who had a history of a Caldwell-Luc procedure and who then underwent a surgical revision for persistent maxillary sinusitis at the Oregon Health and Science University and Medical College of Wisconsin between 1983 and 2002. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were identified, with a total of 156 revision procedures performed on 103 maxillary sinuses. Fifty-three percent of the sinuses underwent endoscopic maxillary antrostomy as the first surgical revision, while 47% underwent a revision Caldwell-Luc procedure. Sixty-seven percent of the sinuses in the revision endoscopic group had clinical resolution with a single surgical revision, and 60% of the sinuses in the revision Caldwell-Luc group had clinical improvement with one surgical revision (p = 0.46). The endoscopic group averaged 1.3+/-0.5 revision procedures per sinus to achieve clinical resolution, and the revision Caldwell-Luc group averaged 1.7+/-1.0 revision procedures per sinus (p = 0.3). Mean follow-up was 25 months. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic revision of the maxillary sinus yields comparable outcomes to repeat Caldwell-Luc procedure in patients with a history of previous failed Caldwell-Luc surgery. Endoscopic revision surgery is a viable alternative for surgical rehabilitation of the post-Caldwell-Luc maxillary sinus.

Adolescent↗