Extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the suprasellar area: Anatomic considerations - Part I

INTRODUCTION: Interest in using the extended endonasal transsphenoidal approach for management of suprasellar lesions, with either a microscopic or endoscopic technique, has increased in recent years. The most relevant benefit is that this median approach permits the exposure and removal of suprasellar lesions without the need for brain retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen human cadaver heads were dissected to evaluate the surgical key steps and the advantages and limitations of the extended endoscopic endonasal transplanum sphenoidale approach. We compared this with the transcranial microsurgical view of the suprasellar area as explored using the bilateral subfrontal microsurgical approach, and with the anatomy of the same region as obtained through the endoscopic endonasal route. RESULTS: Some anatomic conditions can prevent or hinder use of the extended endonasal approach. These include a low level of sphenoid sinus pneumatization, a small sella size with small distance between the internal carotid arteries, a wide intercavernous sinus, and a thick tuberculum sellae. Compared with the subfrontal transcranial approach, the endoscopic endonasal approach offers advantages to visualizing the subchiasmatic, retrosellar, and third ventricle areas. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal transplanum sphenoidale technique is a straight, median approach to the midline areas around the sella that provides a multiangled, close-up view of all relevant neurovascular structures. Although a lack of adequate instrumentation makes it impossible to manage all structures that are visible with the endoscope, in selected cases, the extended endoscopic endonasal approach can be considered part of the armamentarium for surgical treatment of the suprasellar area

Neck dissection versus “watchful-waiting” in early squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue our experience on 127 cases

Background Early oral squamous cell carcinoma (EOSCC) represents about 90% of the oral cancers especially in older males. The etiology is multifactorial, strongly related to tobacco and alcohol abuse, but also infective agents, Human papillomaviruses (HPV16-18), genetic factors and pre-neoplastic lesions seem to be implicated. There is no consensus in the literature for the treatment of early squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (stages I–II); both an elective neck dissection policy and a watchful-waiting policy have their proponents in the different centers. Methods The records of 127 patients with EOSCC of the tongue treated in our Department between 2007 and 2011, with cN0 neck staging, who underwent resection of the primary tumor with or without elective neck dissection, were reviewed. Results We divided the patients into two groups, in Group 1 the 66 patients who received an elective neck dissection 30 days later from the primary surgery have been included, and in Group 2 the 61 patients undergoing “watchful waiting” observation for the development of nodal metastases have been collected. Statistical calculations were performed using Chi-square and t student test. Conclusions A significant difference was found between the two groups as concerns tumor stage and pathologic tumor classification (p < 0.001). No significant differences were present between the two groups as concerns mean follow up (P = 0.2), relapse rate (p = 0.3) and relapse-free survival time (p = 0.2). In T1 stage tumors with depth of infiltration ≤4 mm, or low grade (G1-G2), the “watchful waiting” strategy for cervical metastases is appropriate, given the low regional recurrence rate (15%) and overall survival of 100%. In case of T2 lesions with depth of infiltration ≥4 mm or high grade (G3) we prefer to perform the elective neck dissection, with 13% of local recurrence and 100% of survival at 6 years

Sphenopalatine ganglion deficit syndrome: An unusual complication after septoplasty

Abstract Background In 1908 Sluder described a clinical picture of unilateral facial pain, lachrymation, rhinorrhea and mucosal congestion deriving from the Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) irritation. We described a case of monolateral xerophthalmia, dry palate and mouth, deriving from SPG lesion after septoplasty that we called "SPG Deficit Syndrome". Methods In our study a woman complaining functional nasal disorders and Computer Tomography (CT) images of a huge condro-vomerian septal spur in right nasal cavity, was underwent to septoplasty. After surgery she complained monolateral xerophthalmia, xerostomia and migraine. Results We formulated hypothesis of parasympathetic postgangliar nerve transmission interruption due to a lesion of effector fibers, supported by post-operative CT images of posterior wall of maxillary sinus lesion and by endoscopic evaluation of dryness of palatal mucosa and right nasal cavity. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of this kind of symptomatology reported as complication after septoplasty

A comparison of a SARS-CoV-2 rapid-test and serological-test in a Public Health Hospital

Nowadays, with the start of the vaccination campaign is very important to assess the extent of exposure of the population and identifying rapid, sensitive and accurate test to quickly identify new cases of SARS-CoV-2. The rapid test, cheap and easy to perform, is therefore very useful in developing countries, where the vaccination campaign has not yet reached adequate coverage

Clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland: Case report and review of literature

Abstract Myoepithelial carcinoma (MC), also known as malignant myoepithelioma, shows an infiltrative and destructive growth [1]. Myoepithelial neoplasms account for about 1.5% of all salivary tumors, and MC is even more rare, representing about 10% of myoepitheliomas [1–3] with a reported incidence of 0.2% of all salivary gland tumors. In this case, the cytological diagnosis (pleomorphic adenoma) and negative lymph nodes, addressed the surgeon for a parotidectomy, following guidelines and literature [27]. The best treatment for huge, relapsing tumors, notwithstanding cytological diagnosis, is not only parotidectomy, as lymphadenectomy should be performed too, given myoepithelial carcinoma's high-grade potential and unpredictable biologic behavior. Careful patient follow-up and staging, is therefore essential for better characterization and understanding of this tumor's behavior in the future. We also considered a more conservative treatment following guidelines, as this case was lacking metastases and lymphatic involvement, considering that application of guidelines, surgical and clinical expertise and appropriate technology can contain potential medicolegal implications [28]

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma extended to nose bridge: A one-time reconstruction treatment report

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumour. This tumour often carries a poor prognosis because of local invasion and early distant metastasis. It's, in fact, an aggressive, fortunately rare, disease. It's more common among population in their seventies, with a prolonged course due to innocuous symptoms. We report a case of sinonasal mucosal melanoma in a 56-years old male who presented with a brownish sinonasal mass involving right nasal fossa, swelling and spontaneous epistaxis. We report this case for the one-time reconstruction treatment performed by our team

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of accessory parotid gland: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract Accessory parotid gland (APG) is a small salivary gland tissue ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm diameter in size, located almost 7 mm anterior to the main parotid gland. APG is a common anatomical variant, but accessory parotid gland tumors are very rare, accounting for only 1%–7.7% of all parotid gland tumors. We present a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma involving accessory parotid gland, a very rare condition with only, to the best of our knowledge, other 7 cases described in literature. Surgical excision was performed and eventful postoperative recovery, without severe surgical complications and no signs of recurrence at 12 months of follow-up was obtained, with a good cosmetic result. An extensive review of the literature has been performed and the results are presented in order to establish a correct diagnostic-therapeutic protocol for these oncologic patients