Folia Otorhinolaryngologiae et Pathologiae Respiratoriae

Olfactory training, proposed as a rehabilitation direction for nondrug recovery and treatment of olfaction, can be useful for various patients, including those with post-infection loss of sense of smell. Currently, significant variability exists in flavors used and duration and schemes of olfactory training. This analytical review is devoted to the methods of olfactory training to classify and systematize the techniques. The first successfully conducted and described study of olfactory training for the treatment of patients with loss of sense of smell of various etiologies was conducted for 12 weeks twice a day, where patients inhaled four fragrant substances isolated from essential oils (aromas: pink, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove). During rehabilitation, aromatic substances of various compositions were used — monocomponents, synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and household aromatic substances. The duration of olfactory training varied from 4 to 56–84 weeks. The training was most effective in the long-term exposure groups from 20 to 56 weeks. By selecting certain components and observing the training duration, this technique can improve the quality of the threshold sensitivity of aromas and their identification, which has a positive effect on health and many areas of human life and can be used in the rehabilitation of the sense of smell.

BACKGROUND: Medical treatment often provides only short-term relief and is ineffective in many cases. Although surgical interventions for vasomotor rhinitis are effective, they are also associated with significant bleeding, nasal tamponade, and hospitalization.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the optimal parameters for laser treatment using a 1.94-µm wavelength on nasal turbinates in vasomotor rhinitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The coagulation potential of the 1.94-µm wavelength on calf kidney tissue was investigated to guide the selection of laser parameters for nasal turbinates. Interstitial coagulation was performed on calf kidney tissue at power levels ranging from 1 to 5 W, with an interval of 1 W. The fiber movement speed was set at 4 mm/s. Each power level was tested five times for statistical analysis, and 10 samples were obtained for histological assessment.

RESULTS: With interstitial exposure, the largest coagulation area was observed at 3 W, and the overall diameter of the effect was on average 2.57 ± 0.1 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: The optimal balance between coagulation and ablation was achieved at a power level of 3 W during interstitial exposure.

BACKGROUND: Tympanoplasty is mainly indicated for the surgical debridement of the middle ear and the creation of a closed tympanic cavity and a mobile and functional sound transmission system.

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the state of hearing according to pure tone threshold audiometry before and after hearing-improving operations in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the hearing state according to pure tone threshold audiometry data before and after tympanoplasty in 65 children aged 5–17 years. Hearing status was assessed before surgery and on 18–21 days and 6–12 months after surgery. The patients underwent tympanoplasty types I, II, and III according to H. Wullstein. To close the tympanic membrane defect, restore the lateral wall of the attic, and replenish the elements of the chain of auditory ossicles, the following materials were used: perichondrium of the tragus and auricle, cartilage of the tragus and auricle, perichondrial–cartilaginous flaps, and periosteum.

RESULTS: In this study, patients’ satisfaction rates of the anatomical and functional results of tympanoplasty were 86% and 78%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Cartilaginous ossiculoplasty was performed on the head of stapes and oval window, and a perichondrial–cartilaginous flap was used to form the tympanic membrane. This method was effective in creating a sound-conducting system of the middle ear in children.

BACKGROUND: Biocompatible polymer matrices are extensively investigated as materials for the reconstruction of chronic tympanic perforations.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the general and local toxicity and biodegradation and biocompatibility mechanism of samples of two-layer polymer films based on chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilayer polymer films were prepared by the casting method using CS solutions with molecular weights of 500 and 900 kDa (CS500 and CS900, respectively) and HA with a molecular weight of 1300 kDa. The samples were also treated at 100°C for 5 min (samples marked with t). The toxicity, biodegradation rate, and biocompatibility of the materials were evaluated in 20 Wistar rats weighing 220–240 g. The rats were observed on days 7, 14, 30, and 50 after subcutaneous implantation.

RESULTS: No acute toxicity, septic or allergic inflammation, or scarring of surrounding tissues was observed during the post-implantation period. The biodegradation rate decreased in the following order: CS500-HA (whitout t) ≥ CS900-HA (whitout t) > CS500-HA (t) > CS900_HA (t). The study demonstrated the effect of CS in different molecular weights and thermal treatment on the degradation rate and polymer implant biodegradation as well as the type of reactive proliferation of the connective tissue.

CONCLUSIONS: These results support further preclinical research on polymer film samples for the development of matrices for tympanoplasties.

BACKGROUND: Among patients who consult ear–nose-throat specialists for dysphonia, 50% were found to have pharyngolaryngeal reflux, often combined with benign neoplasms of the vocal folds, which require phonosurgical intervention. No comparative data in the literature indicate the rationality of the prescription of anti-reflux therapy as part of preoperative preparation.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative antireflux therapy on the functional results of phonosurgical interventions performed using a 445-nm semiconductor laser.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 59 surgical interventions for dysphonia caused by vocal fold lesions were performed in patients with concomitant objective signs of pharyngolaryngeal reflux. In each case, the intervention was performed using a 445-nm semiconductor laser under direct microlaryngoscopy and general anesthesia with high-frequency ventilation. Group 1 (n = 27) was prescribed a course of anti-reflux therapy 1 month before the planned intervention, and group 2 (n = 32) did not receive this therapy at the preoperative stage. Both groups received the prescribed therapy in the postoperative period. Comparative analysis was carried out according to the results of objective and subjective assessments of the voice function quality (acoustic voice analysis; VHI-10rus questionnaire).

RESULTS: No significant differences in the objective and subjective changes in voice quality were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Preventive prescription of anti-reflux therapy before the planned phonosurgical intervention does not guarantee the more successful restoration of vocal function. All patients with signs of pharyngolaryngeal reflux should be prescribed anti-reflux therapy in the postoperative period.

Despite the wide variety of conservative and surgical methods of treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, choosing therapeutic techniques in affected patients remains relevant. Diagnosis of the level and degree of obstruction of the upper respiratory tract can be carried out by endoscopic examination in both the waking state and during drug-induced sleep. Considering that most patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are older people with a burdened somatic history, with high anesthesiological risk, thorough examination is necessary for the selection of optimal treatment techniques. The article presents in detail the choice and justification of therapeutic techniques in a patient with moderate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

The Congress “Pluzhnikov Readings: The First Eurasian International School of Young Otorhinolaryngologists” was held in Astana in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The congress was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Astana Medical University and the memory of the iconic otorhinolaryngologist Professor Marius Pluzhnikov, who became a mentor for a whole generation of otorhinolaryngologists. This congress for “extraordinary” Pluzhnikov readings was originally conceived by Academician of the National Academy of Sciences Rice Tulebayev and Professor Sergey Karpishchenko. During the congress, a master class on modern endoscopic surgery was held at the otolaryngological clinic of BMC UDP and NCC ENT Center at the first city hospital of Astana. Well-known scientists and experts from different cities and countries spoke to the participants, who shared their rich experiences. Specialists-otorhinolaryngologists, immunologists, radiologists, therapists, and pediatricians had a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the latest international achievements in otorhinolaryngology, ask questions to lecturers, and take part in discussions.

Valentina P. Bykova, MD, Professor, Full Member of the International Academy of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Board Member of the Moscow Society of Pathologists, passed away on May 19, 2024. Valentina Pavlovna was the head of the pathological anatomy laboratory of the of the National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia.