The utility of cadaver dissection in endoscopic sinus surgery training courses.

Background: Understanding paranasal sinus anatomy is crucial for successful outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This study was designed to evaluate subjective and objective differences in ESS cadaver dissections among participants of varying experience levels in association with the use of image guidance and computer-aided technologies in a physician training cadaver dissection laboratory.

Methods: Participants in a 2-day cadaver dissection course completed daily predissection surveys evaluating subjective comfort with ESS.

Pathophysiology of nasal polyposis: the role of desmosomal junctions.

Background: Many mucosal inflammatory conditions are associated with alterations in epithelial intercellular junctions and barrier function; however, little is known about the role of intercellular junctions in inflammatory diseases of the upper airways. In this study, we examined nasal polyps for altered intercellular junctions and protein expression.

Methods: Biopsy specimens of nasal polyps and normal tissue were obtained intraoperatively from 11 patients and 6 controls.

Single-stage choanal atresia repair in the neonate.

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative results of patients treated with and without the use of stents at the time of initial surgical treatment of choanal atresia (CA). Surgical treatment of CA in the neonatal period is complicated by postoperative stenosis, often necessitating multiple revision surgical procedures.

Design: Retrospective medical record review.

Utility of preoperative high-resolution CT and intraoperative image guidance in identification of cerebrospinal fluid leaks for endoscopic repair.

Background: Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks is a well-established procedure. The radiological workup and use of intraoperative image guidance (IGS), lumbar drain (LD), and intrathecal fluorescein (IF) are less universally accepted. This study examines endoscopic repair of CSF leaks using preoperative high-resolution CT (HRCT) and intraoperative IGS without IF or LD.