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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022 Jun 10;279(6):3089-3093. Epub 2021 Oct 10.

Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.

Objective: To assess efficacy and safety of tonsil reduction with bipolar forceps electrocautery as treatment of paediatric obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Study Design: Prospective interventional study.

Methods: Two hundred and sixty-three children aged 4-10 years with OSAHS and an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 3 were enrolled from March 2013 to January 2016. Read More

Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2022 05 18;59(5):629-636. Epub 2021 May 18.

Speech-Language Pathology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Objective: To assess outcomes after conversion Furlow palatoplasty with and without routine preoperative flexible fiberoptic video nasendoscopy (FFVN).

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary Children's Hospital. Read More

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2021 Jan-Feb;35(1 Suppl. 2):27-32

Consultant allergist, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, Genoa, Italy.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disorder in childhood. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea represents a demanding challenge for both paediatricians and otolaryngologists. This real-life study investigated the association of demographic and clinical factors on snoring and sleep apnea in children consecutively visited. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021 10 5;165(4):578-591. Epub 2021 Jan 5.

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York, USA.

Objective: To develop an expert consensus statement on pediatric drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) that clarifies controversies and offers opportunities for quality improvement. Pediatric DISE was defined as flexible endoscopy to examine the upper airway of a child with obstructive sleep apnea who is sedated and asleep.

Methods: Development group members with expertise in pediatric DISE followed established guidelines for developing consensus statements. Read More

Sleep Med 2020 08 23;72:20-27. Epub 2020 Mar 23.

Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Objective: Due to the complexity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), engaging patients in the right treatment poses a constant challenge. A novel oral pressure therapy device, the intermittent negative air pressure Sleep Therapy System (iNAP), has proven to ameliorate respiratory events for OSAS patients. However, the mode of action and the characteristics of its responders are not yet fully understood. Read More

BMC Med Imaging 2019 07 8;19(1):54. Epub 2019 Jul 8.

Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Fujita Health University, School of Medicine, 1-98, Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.

Background: Nasopharyngoscopy is a common method to evaluate velopharyngeal closure in patients with cleft palate. However, insertion of a fiberoptic nasopharyngoscope causes discomfort in patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the reliability of short-time exposure images obtained using 320-row area detector computed tomography (320-ADCT) as a novel evaluation method for the assessment of velopharyngeal function. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018 Dec;26(6):356-366

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the latest advances in diagnosis and management of velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) as it pertains to swallowing deficits in children. This is timely and relevant as otolaryngologists are often amongst the first to diagnose and treat VPI. Although nasal regurgitation of a bolus is frequently transient, persistent problems can be associated with other swallowing problems and other significant medical problems. Read More

Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018 04 23;13(1):63. Epub 2018 Apr 23.

Center for Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Malformations, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany.

Background: Infants and children with syndromic craniosynostosis (SCS), such as Apert-, Crouzon- or Pfeiffer syndrome, are prone to sleep disordered breathing (SDB) including obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome (OSAS, UARS), potentially leading to tracheostomy. We modified the Tübingen Palatal Plate (TPP), an oral appliance with a velar extension effectively treating airway obstruction in Robin sequence, by attaching a tube to its velar extension to bridge the narrow pharyngeal airway in SCS patients. Here, we evaluated this treatment concept. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Jan 31;104:51-53. Epub 2017 Oct 31.

Department of Pathology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Fatih, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey.

We report a case of low-grade nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma in a 9 year-old male that was diagnosed incidentally after an adenoidectomy procedure and treated with endonasal endoscopic nasopharyngectomy without any adjuvant therapy. The patient has been followed up for 3 years with no evidence of recurrence. We point out the importance of preoperative fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy in the absence of longstanding symptoms in school-aged children and histopathologic examination of adenoidectomy specimens in the presence of atypical findings. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2017 Nov 30;18:1266-1270. Epub 2017 Nov 30.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Celal Bayar University , Uncubozkoy, Manisa, Turkey.

BACKGROUND Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor arising in the salivary gland. The signs and symptoms of pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands vary, depending on the anatomical site involved. A rare case of pleomorphic adenoma of the posterior surface of the soft palate is reported that caused sleep disturbance, which was resolved with endoscopic surgical treatment. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2017 09;38(8):1133-1139

*Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Holon †Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv ‡Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Zerifin, Israel.

Background: The Eustachian tube (ET) has a major role in the middle ear (ME) pressure homeostasis. ET dysfunction is the accepted paradigm for pressure-related ME disorders. We studied the ME status in patients with severely diminished ET opening abilities, and anticipated to find ME disorders in most of them. Read More

Head Face Med 2017 Mar 30;13(1). Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Interdisciplinary Centre for Craniofacial Malformations, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.

Background: Infants with Robin sequence (RS) suffer from upper airway obstruction (UAO) and feeding problems. We developed an oral appliance with a velar extension in combination with functional treatment and appropriate feeding techniques, which was proven effective in isolated RS. As the above problems are particularly challenging in syndromic RS, we set out to evaluate our treatment concept also in these patients. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017 Jun 12;274(6):2513-2519. Epub 2017 Mar 12.

Department of Otolaryngology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, No. 95, Wen-Chang Road, Shih-Lin District, Taipei, Taiwan.

The objective of this retrospective review is to evaluate the ability of the Murray secretion scale to predict aspiration as determined by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. Patients with dysphagia undergoing a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing study between January 2013 and November 2015 from a single, tertiary care institution were retrospectively reviewed. The Murray secretion scale and penetration aspiration scale on fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination were determined. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 10;142(10):994-1001

Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Importance: Injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most serious complications of thyroid surgery. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been introduced to verify RLN function integrity and may be a helpful adjunct in nerve dissection.

Objective: To determine whether the use of IONM can reduce the incidence of RLN injury in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Read More

J Clin Anesth 2016 Nov 3;34:336-8. Epub 2016 Jun 3.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH. Electronic address:

A 62-year-old man with a left temporal lobe tumor was scheduled for a semiurgent craniotomy for tumor excision. Previously, the patient had a laryngeal carcinoma that was resected and treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and a history of laryngeal biopsy with awake fiberoptic intubation. Because a difficult airway was anticipated, awake fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy of the airway was performed under topical anesthesia in the operating room. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 10 28;155(4):710-3. Epub 2016 Jun 28.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA.

Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope (FN) examinations are important to the practice of otolaryngology (ENT). We sought to assess whether a portable recording adaptor for the FN can enhance resident learning and improve patient management. The adaptor was used prospectively on consultations by first- and second-year ENT residents, and changes in diagnosis and management were recorded in the patient care workflow. Read More

Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg 2016 May-Jun;26(3):129-34

Department of Otolaryngology, Medipol University, 34214 Bağcılar, İstanbul, Turkey.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of adenotonsillar hypertrophy on general development, as well as fine and gross motor capabilities, social communication, and language development in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy by applying the Denver Developmental Screening Test-II.

Patients And Methods: The study included 30 patients (12 boys, 18 girls; mean age 53.3±12. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2015 Aug 11;79(8):1330-2. Epub 2015 Jun 11.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Health, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of flexible and rigid endoscopes using a visual analog scale and reveal which one is better tolerated by children.

Material And Methods: The pediatric patients with voice disorders examined between July 2012 and October 2014 were included the study. Patients to whom endoscopic visualization had been applied several times were recalled for information about their preference of scope. Read More

Endocrine 2016 Feb 21;51(2):308-16. Epub 2015 Jun 21.

Medicina Generale e Malattie Aterotrombotiche e Degenerative, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.

Pathogenesis and long-term outcome of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in acromegalic patients are still under debate. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and long-term follow-up of a series of acromegalic patients with OSAS and to investigate site, degree, and possible causes of upper airway obstruction by morphological study. Cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted in 58 acromegalic patients (33 active, 25 controlled) with polysomnography in all subjects, repeated in 25 patients with OSAS, and echocardiography. Read More

J Voice 2015 Jul 19;29(4):484-9. Epub 2015 Feb 19.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Health, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Introduction: Inhaled steroids are widely used for persistent cough treatment. Although the side effects of long-term inhaled steroids have been well described in the literature, their laryngeal side effects after short-term use have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 1 month application of inhaled steroid treatment on voice parameters in patients with subacute or chronic cough. Read More

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015 Jul 9;272(7):1793-9. Epub 2015 Jan 9.

Otolaryngology Section, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy,

The aim of the present study was to investigate if any of the three awake procedures [fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with modified Müller Maneuver (FNMM), nasal snoring endoscopy (NSE), or oral snoring endoscopy (OSE)] could efficiently predict the grade or pattern of upper airway (UA) collapse found with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), which is considered by many authors as the current gold standard in optimizing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patient selection for UA surgery. Twenty consecutive patients (simple snorers and OSAS patients) were studied with FNMM, NSE, OSE, and DISE. The inter-test agreement was evaluated with Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). Read More

Sleep Breath 2015 May 5;19(2):661-7. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, 100730, Beijing, China.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy during Mueller's maneuver (FNMM) with fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with simulation of snoring (FNSS) for upper airway (UA) assessment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome. We also investigated the relationship between daytime endoscopic examinations and nocturnal pressure measurements.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, case-series study at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Read More

Laryngoscope 2015 Feb 14;125(2):286-90. Epub 2014 Aug 14.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine whether findings on fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy beyond the nasal cavity can aid in diagnosis of atopy.

Study Design: Case control analysis of patients undergoing fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy and allergy testing at a single academic institution.

Methods: Patients who underwent flexible nasolaryngoscopy for either laryngeal or nasal symptoms and allergy testing by in vitro methods were divided into an atopic group and a nonatopic control group based on results of allergy testing. Read More

Ear Nose Throat J 2012 Nov;91(11):E1-3

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Konya Education and Research Hospital, Meram, Konya, Turkey 42100.

We describe 2 cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) that were found to be caused by the presence of laryngeal masses. Both patients presented with a long-standing history of snoring, gasping for air while sleeping, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. In both patients, the lesions were discovered by fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2010 Jul;143(1):85-9

Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Department, Athens Medical Center, Marousi, Athens, Greece.

Objective: To analyze computer-assisted quantitative measurements of endoscopic images taken during fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with Müller's maneuver that were processed with the use of fractal geometry and correlate them with the apnea-hypopnea index of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome as well as habitual snorers.

Study Design: Diagnostic test assessment for the analysis of images acquired through fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with Müller's maneuver and processed with the use of fractal geometry.

Setting: Sleep laboratory in a tertiary care private hospital in Athens, Greece. Read More

Kulak Burun Bogaz Ihtis Derg 2009 Sep-Oct;19(5):246-52

Department of Otolaryngology, Keçiören Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare nasopharyngeal examination findings with those of polysomnography, which is considered to be the gold standard, in positional and nonpositional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients.

Patients And Methods: The study included 374 patients (215 males, 159 females; mean age 44.9 years; range 11 to 77 years) presenting with OSAS or simple snoring. Read More

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2009 May-Jun;75(3):463-6

EPM, UNIFESP.

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome was described twenty years ago, and since then there have been doubts and controversies regarding it. Fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with Muller's maneuver, first described by Borowieck and Sassin (1983), is among them.

Aim: Careful literature review on Muller's maneuver, regarding whether it can predict the sucess of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, location of upper airway obstruction and severity of the disorder. Read More

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2008 Mar;138(3):289-93

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between the degree or shape of pharyngeal narrowing as observed during the Muller maneuver and the severity of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Subjects And Methods: We enrolled 33 patients with SDB, and they underwent polysomnography (PSG). The degree of pharyngeal narrowing (grade I-IV) according to fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy with the Muller maneuver (FNMM) and the shape of pharyngeal narrowing were evaluated at different anatomical levels. Read More

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2007 Aug;40(4):845-53

Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Center, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the result of upper airway obstruction during sleep. Hypopharyngeal airway obstruction can be caused by the prominence or relaxation of the base of the tongue, lateral pharyngeal wall, and occasionally, the aryepiglottic folds or epiglottis. Although nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is considered as the first treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, surgery has been shown to be a viable option for patients who are intolerant of positive pressure therapy. Read More