Preoperative Quality of Life in Patients with Small Vestibular Schwannomas.

Background: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors arising from the eighth cranial nerve. They often cause no symptoms for a long period of time. Due to the improved availability and quality of magnetic resonance imaging diagnostics, even small tumors can be diagnosed at an early stage.

Improved radiological imaging of congenital aural atresia using flat-panel volume CT.

Background: Precise preoperative radiological evaluation of aural atresia is of utmost importance for surgical planning. Until now, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used but it cannot adequately visualize small structures such as the stapes. Flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) with its secondary reconstructions (fpVCT) offers a high-resolution visualization of the middle ear.

[Improved radiological imaging of congenital aural atresia using flat-panel volume CT. German version].

Background: Precise preoperative radiological evaluation of aural atresia is of utmost importance for surgical planning. Until now, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used but it cannot adequately visualize small structures such as the stapes. Flat-panel volume CT (fpVCT) with its secondary reconstructions (fpVCT) offers a high-resolution visualization of the middle ear.

Effects of α‑solanine on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells .

α-solanine is a glycoalkaloid that is commonly found in nightshades () and has a toxic effect on the human organism. Among other things, it is already known to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in tumor cell lines. Due to its potential as a tumor therapeutic, the current study investigated the effect of α-solanine on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

The Photon-Counting CT Enters the Field of Cochlear Implantation: Comparison to Angiography DynaCT and Conventional Multislice CT.

Introduction: Cochlear duct length (CDL) measurement plays a role in the context of individualized cochlear implant (CI) surgery regarding an individualized selection and implantation of the CI electrode carrier and an efficient postoperative anatomy-based fitting process. The level of detail of the preoperative temporal bone CT scan depends on the imaging modality with major impact on CDL measurements and CI electrode contact position determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of perioperative CDL measurements and electrode contact determination in photon-counting CT (PCCT).

Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation.

Background: The size of the human cochlear, measured by the diameter of the basal turn, varies between 7 and 11 mm. For hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI), the size of the cochlear influences the individual frequency map and the choice of electrode length. OTOPLAN® (CAScination AG [Bern, Switzerland] in cooperation with MED-EL [Innsbruck, Austria]) is a software tool with CE marking for clinical applications in CI treatment which allows for precise pre-planning based on cochlear size.

Online training for hearing implant surgery : A new approach to otological training.

Objective: Education in microsurgery of the ear includes staged training to allow for mastering of the complex microsurgical procedures, particularly in the context of middle ear reconstruction and cochlear implantation. Traditional surgical training includes temporal bone preparations by cadaver dissection and supervised operating room practice. As these on-site trainings are limited, there is a need to broaden education facilities in an on-line format.

[Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological-surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation. German version].

Background: The size of the human cochlear, measured by the diameter of the basal turn, varies between 7 and 11 mm. For hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI), the size of the cochlear influences the individual frequency map and the choice of electrode length. OTOPLAN® (CAScination AG [Bern, Switzerland] in cooperation with MED-EL [Innsbruck, Austria]) is a software tool with CE marking for clinical applications in CI treatment which allows for precise pre-planning based on cochlear size.

Holistic assessment of cochlear implant outcomes using the international classification of functioning disability and health model: data analysis of a longitudinal prospective multicenter study.

Purpose: To study outcome after cochlear implantation using the Cochlear Implant (CI) outcome assessment protocol based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model (CI-ICF).

Methods: Raw data of a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study was analyzed. Seventy-two CI candidates were assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively using the CI-ICF protocol.

A Retrospective Analysis of Temporal Lobe Gliosis after Middle Fossa Resection of Small Vestibular Schwannomas.

Introduction: The middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach is a well-established procedure in surgery of the internal auditory canal, as well as with the retrosigmoid and translabyrinthine approaches. It is commonly used in the hearing-preserving microsurgery of small vestibular schwannomas (VS). The debate about the "best" approach for the microsurgery of small VS without contact to the brainstem is controversial.

[Online training for hearing implant surgery : A new approach to otological training. German version].

Objective: Education in microsurgery of the ear includes staged training to allow for mastering of the complex microsurgical procedures, particularly in the context of middle ear reconstruction and cochlear implantation. Traditional surgical training includes temporal bone preparations by cadaver dissection and supervised operating room practice. As these on-site trainings are limited, there is a need to broaden education facilities in an on-line format.

Effect of Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion Depth on Speech Perception Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The suitable electrode array choice is broadly discussed in cochlear implantation surgery. Whether to use a shorter electrode length under the aim of structure preservation versus choosing a longer array to achieve a greater cochlear coverage is a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to identify the impact of the insertion depth of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array on CI users' speech perception outcomes.

[Initial assessment of ENT emergencies-a feasibility study].

In Germany, an increased volume of patient cases in the emergency department has been observed for several years, many of which do not represent hospital emergencies. To improve the triage and management of patient flows, the Structured Initial Medical Assessment (Strukturierte medizinische Ersteinschätzung in Deutschland, SmED) triage system was developed. This certified medical product is intended to assess both the urgency of everyday complaints and their adequate medical care in a targeted, faster, and safer manner.

Dependence of Cochlear Duct Length Measurement on the Resolution of the Imaging Dataset.

Hypothesis: Measurements of the cochlear duct length (CDL) are dependent on the resolution of the imaging dataset.

Background: Previous research has shown highly precise cochlear measurements using 3D-curved multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT). Thus far, however, there has been no systematic evaluation of the imaging dataset resolution required for optimal CDL measurement.

Differentiation of Salivary Gland and Salivary Gland Tumor Tissue via Raman Imaging Combined with Multivariate Data Analysis.

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are a relevant, highly diverse subgroup of head and neck tumors whose entity determination can be difficult. Confocal Raman imaging in combination with multivariate data analysis may possibly support their correct classification. For the analysis of the translational potential of Raman imaging in SGT determination, a multi-stage evaluation process is necessary.

[Repetitio est mater studiorum-implementation of ENT cases in case-based e-learning].

Background: German university otorhinolaryngology has a need for digital teaching content. Case-based e‑learning represents a digital teaching methodology. The data on student use of case-based e‑learning in university teaching of ENT medicine are limited.

[F]FDG PET/CT can trigger relevant oncological management changes leading to favorable outcome in iodine-negative thyroid cancer patients.

Background: In patients with iodine-negative thyroid cancer (TC), current guidelines endorse an [F]FDG PET/CT to identify dedifferentiated sites of disease. We aimed to determine the rate of oncological management changes triggered by such a molecular imaging approach, along with the impact on outcome.

Methods: 42 consecutive patients with negative findings on [I] whole body scan were scheduled for [F]FDG PET/CT and treatment based on PET results were initiated.

Computed tomographic 3D analysis of the cochlear aqueduct-potential and limitations of clinical imaging.

The cochlear aqueduct (CA), which connects the scala tympani and the subarachnoid space, and its accompanying structures appear to have a significant relevance during cochlear implantation and an accurate visualization in clinical imaging is of great interest. This study aims to determine which potential and limitations clinically available imaging modalities have in the visualization of the CA. Micro-CT, flat-panel volume computed tomography with and without secondary reconstruction (fpVCT, fpVCTseco) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of 10 temporal bone specimen were used for 3D analysis of the CA.

The Stapes Head Coupler-A Flexible and Safe Option for Vibroplasty.

Objective: To investigate the surgical approach and the audiological outcome of a stapes head coupler in active middle ear implant surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis.

Setting: Tertiary referral center with a large active middle ear implant program.

Diagnostic efficacy of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4-directed PET/CT in newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - a head-to-head comparison with [F]FDG.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the read-out capabilities of the novel C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-targeting radiotracer [Ga]Ga-PentixaFor compared to the reference radiotracer [F]FDG in untreated individuals with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Material And Methods: 12 patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC were scheduled for [F]FDG and [Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) and target-to-background ratios (TBR) were applied with vena cava superior serving as reference.

Ag- but Not ZnO-Nanoparticles Disturb the Airway Epithelial Barrier at Subtoxic Concentrations.

Inhalation is considered to be the most relevant source of human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs); however, only a few investigations have addressed the influence of exposing the respiratory mucosal barrier to subcytotoxic doses. In the nasal respiratory epithelium, cells of the mucosa represent one of the first contact points of the human organism with airborne NPs. Disruption of the epithelial barrier by harmful materials can lead to inflammation in addition to potential intrinsic toxicity of the particles.

Radiotherapy and long-term sequelae in pediatric patients with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma: Results of two Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry.

Background: Parameningeal location of rhabdomyosarcoma (PM RMS) is known to be an unfavorable prognostic factor. Scarce data are available on radiotherapy (RT) concepts with regard to outcome.

Methods: Treatment and outcome of 395 children with PM RMS registered within two Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry (1995-2021) were evaluated.

Discontinuation of anti‑programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibition after complete remission in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibition plays a central role in the current treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC). Some patients achieve a durable response, and even complete remission (CR) is possible, though it occurs rarely. In cases of durable CR, there are no guidelines regarding a possible discontinuation of immunotherapy.

mRNA Abundance of Neurogenic Factors Correlates with Hearing Capacity in Auditory Brainstem Nuclei of the Rat.

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have previously been described up to the adult stage in the rat cochlear nucleus (CN). A decreasing neurogenic potential was observed with critical changes around hearing onset. A better understanding of molecular factors affecting NSCs and neurogenesis is of interest as they represent potential targets to treat the cause of neurologically based hearing disorders.