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Biomedical subjects

W Draf

Publications and source records attributed to W Draf.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

[Is chronic laryngitis associated with Helicobacter pylori? Results of a prospective study].

H. pylori is found in the stomach of patients with chronic gastritis. The infection is usually transmitted by the gastro-oral route and bacteria could be identified in saliva and dental plaque. An essential cause of chronic laryngitis is gastroesophageal reflux. The aim of the study was to evaluate if a H.pylori-associated chronic laryngitis exists. 38 patients with chronic laryngitis underwent gastroscopy. Biopsies were taken from the gastric antrum and body, lower, middle and upper esophagus. H. pylori was diagnosed by rapid urease test and histology. 14 of the patients (36.8%) were H.pylori-positive, but the bacteria could not be identified between stomach and larynx. 24 patients were H. pylori-negative. Seven patients (18.4%) suffered from esophagitis, six of these patients were H. pylori-negative. The H. pylori-infected patients received triple therapy for one week, in case of esophogitis Omeprazole 20 mg BID was prescribed. Six weeks later a follow-up endoscopy was performed. The eradication rate was 12/14 (85.7%), in all patients with reflux the esophagitis was cured. The laryngitis was clinically and endoscopically unchanged in ten of the twelve (83.3%) patients after successful treatment for H. pylori; in the remaining two patients as well as in the two H. pylori-positive patients the laryngitis was improved. In six out of the seven patients with esophagitis the laryngitis had healed completely and was improved in the remaining patient. It may be concluded that there is no evidence for the existence of H. pylori-associated laryngitis, suggesting that acid reflux is the underlying etiology.

Adult↗

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma in a 15-month-old child.

Angiofibromas are usually characterized by typical location with involvement of the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx. They are most commonly found in adolescent males. Despite these facts, a case of an angiofibroma presented in a 15-month-old boy at an atypical site anterior and medial to the lacrimal sac. The tumor was resected via an endonasal, micro-endoscopic approach avoiding an external incision.

Angiofibroma↗

Occult malformations of the skull base.

Occult malformations of the skull base are rare anomalies. They are often not detected until they give rise to complications such as meningitis or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. We used high-resolution computed tomography, fluorescein endoscopy, cisternography, magnetic resonance imaging, and duraplasty to diagnose occult malformations of the skull base in 4 patients. The four patients had had between 4 and 6 attacks of meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was confirmed in 3 cases. The following occult malformations were found: (1) an encephalocele of the glabella/cribriform plate and a meningocele at the petrous bone apex, (2) a meningoencephalocele at the petrous bone apex, (3) dural lesions in the regions foramen rotundum/sphenoid sinus and frontal sinus/cribriform plate, and (4) a dural lesion of the sphenoid sinus. In patients presenting with recurrent meningitis, meningitis with isolation of upper airway pathogens, or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, modern diagnostic methods should be used to search for dural lesions. Diagnosis of an occult malformation makes it possible to perform the necessary surgical repair and thus prevent the further occurrence of potentially fatal episodes of meningitis.

Adolescent↗

[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↗

[Early childhood angiofibroma in an unusual site].

Angiofibromas are usually characterized by their occurrences in adolescent males with a typical localization and involvement of the posterior nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Even the suspicion of an extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma or an angiofibroma in young children must be viewed in general with skepticism, although reports of angiofibromas with atypical localizations and manifestations in young children have appeared in the literature. Three cases of this fibro-vascular neoplasm with manifestations in the first decade of life and atypical localizations are presented: (1) an angiofibroma medial to the left lacrimal sac in a 15-month old boy, (2) a right paranasal localization in a 9-year-old boy and (3) an angiofibroma limited to the right sphenoid sinus in a 6-year old boy. In all three cases the neoplasm was resected via an endonasal, micro-endoscopic approach that avoided an external incision. According to the literature and based on our own experiences with typical histological findings in all three cases, the clinician has to be aware that the rare angiofibroma can occur in preadolescent children with atypical localizations. The endonasal surgical approach is without any doubt the least traumatic one and in selected cases allows resection of a circumscribed tumor considering functional and aesthetic aspects.

Angiofibroma↗

[Malignant degeneration of juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis?].

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous malignant transformation of laryngeal papillomatosis was in the past mostly negated, or the discussion in literature was rather toned down and reserved. Therefore, from a biological and prognostic point of view, HPV infection of the larynx seems to carry a different weight than a viral infection in genital region. According to general consensus, secondary, malignant transformation in juvenile papillomatosis occurs in irradiated patients and leads to the conclusion that radiation therapy of this disease is presently contraindicated. Because there is as yet no causal and curative treatment, repeated and frequent removal of papillomatous tissue by microlaryngoscopy may often be necessary to keep the airway patent. PATIENT, METHOD AND RESULTS: We diagnosed and treated an advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with lymphatic metastasis in a 50-year old male. Juvenile papillomatosis had been diagnosed already at the age of five, and at the patient's last presentation 5 years ago (age 45), typical clinical and histological features of laryngeal papillomatosis had been observed. Furthermore, virus infection of the papillomatous tissue (HPV-6/11) was proved by using the technique of in-situ hybridisation. Risk factors for malignant transformation, such as smoking, alcohol or radiation, were denied by the patient. CONCLUSIONS: From these aspects, a spontaneous, malignant transformation of laryngeal papillomatosis must be considered with regard to six similar observations in the German and English literature. In the reported case, a tumoural origin in the flat laryngeal mucosa in close neighbourhood to the former site of papillomas, is less probable, albeit not ruled out completely, since continuous changes from benign squamous papilloma to atypical, invasive tumour and a HPV-infection in the carcinomatous tissue could not be proved by in-situ hybridisation.

Carcinoma in Situ↗

[Possible indications for temporalis muscle flaps in plastic-reconstructive surgery of the head and neck].

BACKGROUND: In reconstructive plastic surgery, the temporalis muscle has proven to be a reliable and versatile flap for a wide field of indications. The temporalis muscle is a flat, fanshaped muscle with a generous blood supply and innervation from the trigeminal nerve. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on our own experiences in a total of 25 cases (12 cases involving muscle transposition for mouth reanimation, six cases involving stabilisation of a duraplasty including protecting the internal carotid artery in one case, four cases involving reconstruction of the orbital floor or the base of the skull, and three cases involving recontouring the lateral face) and a review of the literature we give an up-to-date overview of the different indications for the temporalis muscle flap. These include: a) treatment of facial nerve paralysis, b) recontouring of the lateral face, c) reconstruction of skull base, orbita, and oropharynx, d) stabilization of duraplasty, e) protection of internal carotid artery, f) in temporomandibular joint surgery, and g) for obliteration in ear surgery. CONCLUSION: Because of the wide range of indications, the temporalis muscle flap remains a versatile and important tool in plastic reconstructive surgery.

Adolescent↗

[Anatomic terminology and nomenclature for paranasal sinus surgery].

A consensus on the preferred modern usage of potentially confusing or ambiguous terms in sinus anatomy and nomenclature is described. These terms are intended to provide clear communication among otorhinolaryngologists worldwide and serve as a basis for discussion among anatomists. Terminology is based on Latin nomenclature. An attempt has been made to reconcile or eliminate duplication, redundancy, and overlap in terminology that have arisen over the past century. A key concept is that the ethmoid complex is divided into anterior and posterior sections by the basal lamella of the middle turbinate.

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↗

Late manifestations of traumatic lesions of the anterior skull base.

The authors review their experience in detecting occult traumatic dural lesions. In a retrospective study covering the period from January 1, 1984 to December 31, 1996, 23 patients were evaluated for occult traumatic dural lesions. Clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management of the dural lesions were analyzed.The clinical presentations of the previously undetected dural lesions of the anterior skull base were meningitis in eight cases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea in eight cases, both meningitis and CSF rhinorrhea in five cases, and a pulsating swelling in the region of the right upper eyelid in one case. In another case a fracture of the posterior frontal wall was detected incidentally on the preoperative CT scan performed prior to surgery for chronic sinusitis. One patient had a CSF fistula of the lateral skull base in addition to the frontobasal fistula. The interval between trauma and diagnosis varied from 1 to 48 years. Dural lesions were localized by high-resolution CT, fluorescein nasal endoscopy, CT cisternography, and MRI. Intraoperative exposure of the dural lesions and duraplasty were possible in all cases. During the first attempt successful repair of the dural lesions was accomplished in 22 (95.7%) of the 23 patiants. Two interventions were necessary to close a CSF leak of the cribriform plate.Modern clinical and radiologic diagnostic methods should be employed to search for an occult dural lesion in patients with recurrent meningitis, meningitis caused by upper airway pathogens, or CSF rhinorrhea. The patient will remain at risk of potentially fatal meningitis until the lesion is appropriately repaired by duraplasty.

Journal Article↗

[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↗

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↗

Effect of omeprazole on the course of associated esophagitis and laryngitis.

Esophagitis has increasingly been implicated as a cause of chronic laryngitis and there is some evidence that gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common in patients with laryngitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with esophagitis and laryngitis responded to treatment with omeprazole. Of 74 consecutive patients with endoscopically proven GERD, 21 had laryngitis. These 21 patients with associated esophagitis and chronic laryngitis were treated for 4 weeks with omeprazole 40 mg per day. After 2 weeks of treatment and at the conclusion of the study, 2 weeks later, esophagoscopy and laryngoscopy were performed and the patients responded to a questionnaire on their symptoms. The follow-up period was 1 year. Twenty-one of the 74 patients (28.4%) had esophagitis (grade I, n = 12; grade II, n = 9) and associated laryngitis (grade I, n = 14; grade II, n = 7). The severity of the esophagitis accorded with the severity of the laryngitis. After 2 weeks' treatment with omeprazole, both the esophageal and the laryngeal symptoms had improved in all 21 patients. Endoscopically, the healing rates were 62% for esophagitis and 33.3% for laryngitis. At the end of the study period, at 4 weeks, all patients were symptom-free and the esophagitis and laryngitis had healed completely. No patient suffered from drug-induced side effects. Patients with associated laryngitis and esophagitis should be given adequate anti-reflux therapy. Both the laryngeal and esophageal symptoms improved with the omeprazole treatment, suggesting that reflux was the underlying etiology.

Adult↗

[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↗