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Myles L Pensak

Publications and source records attributed to Myles L Pensak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Revision ossiculoplasty.

Although ossiculoplasty, also known as ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR), was attempted initially in the early 1900s, it was not until the 1950s that it became commonplace and relatively well understood. Since then, there have been numerous technologic advances and a gain in the understanding of ossiculoplasty. However, successful OCR with resulting long-term stability can be a daunting task. Typically, the most common condition requiring revision OCR is chronic suppurative otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma. Primary and revision OCR are performed also for blunt and penetrating trauma-induced conductive hearing loss, congenital defects (eg, atresia), and benign and malignant tumors. Typically, reconstruction in ears with COM is more difficult than in ears without infection. This article discusses the key factors involved in successful revision OCR.

Ear Diseases↗
PubMed2006

An anatomic and radiologic evaluation of access to the lateral internal auditory canal via the retrosigmoid approach and description of an internal labyrinthectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The retrosigmoid approach to the posterior petrous bone may be used as a hearing preservation operation for extirpation of posterior fossa and internal auditory canal (IAC) lesions. However, it is usually not possible to remove tumor from the most lateral portions of the IAC even after removing the retrolabyrinthine bone down to the posterior semicircular canal. Our goal was to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the retrosigmoid approach with respect to approaching the lateral IAC, to find what is gained by drilling down the retrolabyrinthine bone, and to describe an internal labyrinthectomy whereby the labyrinth is removed via a retrosigmoid approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a 3.5-cm craniotomy, a retrosigmoid approach was performed on one side in each of five whole fresh cadaveric heads. The IAC was identified, and the length of the IAC and the depth of the acoustic porus from the center of the craniotomy were measured. The bone posterior to the labyrinth was removed, and the length of the portion of the IAC still inaccessible was measured. These measurements were compared with measurements using computed tomography (CT) scans of each cadaveric head. Additionally, we present the findings of 11 patients who had an internal labyrinthectomy performed by the senior author. RESULTS: The average length of the IAC based on CT scanning was 11.2 mm (SD, 0.84 mm; range, 10-12 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.44-12.96). The potential gain predicted by the CT scans was 8.4 mm (SD, 0.9 mm; range, 7-9 mm). In the anatomic study, the average length of the IAC was 11.0 mm (SD, 2.3 mm; range, 8.0-13.0 mm; 95% CI, 9.26-12.78). The average length of the IAC that was inaccessible after removing the retrolabyrinthine bone was 6.7 mm (SD, 1.5 mm; range, 5.0-7.8 mm), or 61%. The average gain in access to the lateral IAC was 4.3 mm (SD, 1.0 mm; range, 2.7-5.2 mm). After performing an internal labyrinthectomy, the fundus was accessible, as was the labyrinthine segment of Cranial Nerve VII and the geniculate ganglion. CONCLUSION: The retrosigmoid approach provides access to the posterior petrous bone, and removal of the bone posterior to the labyrinth provides some additional access to the lateral IAC. However, an internal labyrinthectomy is necessary to provide access to the fundus of the IAC via the retrosigmoid approach.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2006

Who should be a stapes surgeon? An otologist or a generalist?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The overall experience with stapes surgery has declined, both within residency training programs, as well as in clinical practice. Does this change in the environment suggest that subspecialists rather than generalists manage patients with otosclerosis? RECENT FINDINGS: A decreasing availability of patients with clinical otosclerosis has encouraged trainees and practitioners to adopt strategies that will enable the maintenance of quality care to these patients. SUMMARY: Well trained generalists should be prepared to perform stapes surgery. Lack of experience or infrequent exposure to disease suggests that optimal care can be achieved by referring the patient to an experienced otologic surgeon.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2005

Facial paralysis and surgical rehabilitation: a quality of life analysis in a cohort of 1,595 patients after acoustic neuroma surgery.

OBJECTIVES: On the basis of survey results of the Acoustic Neuroma Association, we report patient ratings of facial dysfunction and outcomes for various facial rehabilitative therapies after surgical treatment of acoustic neuroma (AN). We assessed patients' perceived quality of life (QOL) and reviewed the literature regarding facial dysfunction and its management associated with AN. STUDY DESIGN: The Acoustic Neuroma Association mailed a detailed questionnaire to 2,372 members to identify preoperative and postoperative symptoms, complications, and long-term effects on physical and psychosocial function. A cohort of 1,595 (82.2%) respondents who underwent surgical treatment of ANs reported their experiences with facial dysfunction. PATIENTS: Of all 1,940 survey respondents, 1,682 of 1,875 that had ANs underwent surgical treatment. The study included 1,595 patients with ANs (82.2% of all respondents) who underwent surgical treatment by way of the translabyrinthine, suboccipital, or middle fossa approaches and excluded 87 respondents who did not report the type of surgical approach. METHODS: Respondents answered questions intended to qualify and quantify the degree that facial dysfunction impacted QOL parameters. Responses were analyzed for tumor size, surgical approach, patient age, and sex. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: In our analysis, 11% of all respondents experienced some degree of preoperative facial weakness or eye problems. Of all respondents, 45.5% (725 patients) experienced worsened facial weakness caused by surgery, and of these, 72% reported that it was permanent. The most commonly used successful therapy for facial reanimation for 271 (19.6%) patients was placement of a gold weight. The factor most often associated with poor outcome was a large tumor. Of all respondents, 28% felt significantly affected by facial weakness, 63% felt their smile was symmetric, and 70% were content "quite a bit" or "very much" with their QOL. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort study of AN patients, facial dysfunction was a significant morbidity. Physicians should be aware of the risk factors identified, specifically large tumor size and the impact facial dysfunction has on QOL, when counseling patients regarding optimal management of AN.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Headache: a quality of life analysis in a cohort of 1,657 patients undergoing acoustic neuroma surgery, results from the acoustic neuroma association.

OBJECTIVES: On the basis of survey results of the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA), we report patient ratings of postoperative headache (POH) symptoms, determine its effect on quality of life (QOL), and review the literature regarding POH after acoustic neuroma (AN) treatment. STUDY DESIGN: In this cohort study, 1,657 patients who underwent surgical treatment of AN reported their experiences of POH. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was mailed to members of the ANA to identify preoperative and postoperative headache symptoms, complications, and long-term effects on physical and psychosocial function. Questions were answered by 1657 (85.4%) respondents that were intended to qualify and quantify the effects of POH, including QOL issues. Responses were analyzed by tumor size, surgical approach, and patient age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software. RESULTS: Preoperative headache was reported in approximately one third of respondents. Typical POHs occurred more than once daily (46%), lasted 1 to 4 hours in duration (43.1%), and were of moderate intensity (62.6%). The worst headaches were rated as "severe" by 77% of respondents. Treatment most often reported for typical headaches were nonprescription medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 61.3% (P < .01) and regular use of narcotics in 15%. Patients who underwent the retrosigmoid approach were significantly more likely to report their worst POH as "severe" (82.3%) compared with the translabyrinthine (75.2%) and middle fossa approaches (63.3%). Women and younger patients tended to have poorer outcomes with regard to POHs. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort study of AN patients, POH was a significant morbidity among AN patients with persistent headaches. Treating physicians should be aware of the risk factors identified and the effect POH has on the QOL when counseling patients regarding optimal treatment management.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Temporal bone encephaloceles.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper reviews the latest literature relating to the diagnosis and treatment of temporal bone encephaloceles, defined as the herniation of meninges or brain tissue into areas of the temporal bone, for example, the petrous apex, tegmen tympani or mastoid cavity. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS: The diagnosis of temporal bone encephaloceles can be challenging. The condition is commonly presented as cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea or rhinorrhea in addition to a variety of symptoms such as conductive hearing loss. Imaging is also important in the diagnosis stage. Management of the condition is surgical, and this review outlines the surgical options. SUMMARY: Encephaloceles of the temporal bone are encountered rarely in otologic medicine. Given the possibility of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and meningitis, however, the otolaryngologist or otologist must have a working knowledge of the correct diagnostics and treatments.

Encephalocele↗
PubMed2004

Patient perception of comorbid conditions after acoustic neuroma management: survey results from the acoustic neuroma association.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Based on survey results of the Acoustic Neuroma Association, the patient ratings of the most difficult aspects of acoustic neuroma management were reported and a review of the literature was made regarding comorbid conditions associated with acoustic neuroma treatment and their impact on patient quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study of 1940 patients who were members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was mailed to 2372 members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association to identify preoperative and postoperative symptoms, complications, and long-term effects on physical and psychosocial function. For 1940 respondents (81.8%) who reported the "most difficult aspect of the AN [acoustic neuroma] experience," the responses were analyzed by tumor size, surgical approach, and patient age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Respondents reported that the most difficult aspect of the acoustic neuroma experience was hearing loss (25.8%), followed by facial weakness (17.9%), eye problems (10.8%), and headache (10.5%). In order of frequency, men reported hearing loss, balance problems, perioperative surgical experience, and eye and facial weakness, and women reported hearing loss, facial weakness, eye problems, and headache. Facial weakness was a morbidity more often reported for men and women who had large tumors, who were young, or who had undergone the retrosigmoid approach. Balance dysfunction was significant in patients older than 75 years of age. In patients with small tumors, headaches and balance problems were frequently reported. CONCLUSION: In the large cohort study of patients with acoustic neuroma, perceptions regarding the impact of treatment illustrated why it is incumbent on physicians to understand the sentiments of patients with acoustic neuroma when counseling them and recommending optimal management strategies.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in skull base surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines disturbances of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics after skull base surgical and endoscopic approaches. Despite the continuing advancements and the effectiveness of skull base surgery, the incidence of postoperative rhinorrhea remains problematic. This adverse event carries a significant potential for major neurologic insult related to infection of the central nervous system. RECENT FINDINGS: The contemporary literature provides excellent reports that summarize the management of this important clinical entity focusing on particular aspects of its diagnosis and treatment. Advances in various imaging technologies have enabled the accurate localization of CSF fistulas. However, their complexity requires physicians to have significant knowledge about the advantages and limitations of each test. SUMMARY: Patients with CSF leaks are often referred to otolaryngologists to undergo transnasal endoscopic treatment. When CSF leaks are severe, recurrent, or not amenable to endoscopic treatment (previous posterior fossa or transpetrosal approach), the treatment choice is open repair through craniotomy.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed2004

Roof of the parapharyngeal space: defining its boundaries and clinical implications.

The roof of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) is poorly defined. Although it is generally described as having prestyloid and poststyloid compartments, we believe that these terms are imprecise. Therefore, we define its boundaries, partition, and compartments. We completed macroanatomical and microanatomical dissections in 10 specimens from 5 human cadaver heads; bone measurements in 50 dry skulls; and axial and coronal cross-sectional studies in 2 cadaveric specimens. The PPS roof is bordered laterally by the medial pterygoid fascia and medially by the pharyngobasilar fascia. The tensor veli palatini fascia (TVPF) partitions this roof into an anterolateral compartment containing fat and part of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, and a posteromedial compartment containing the cartilaginous part of the eustachian tube, internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and cranial nerves IX through XII. The anteroposterior length measures 32 mm (range, 26.1 to 36.9 mm), and the mediolateral width measures 16.3 mm (range, 12.1 to 21.3 mm). The PPS roof has 3 important bony landmarks (ie, scaphoid fossa, styloid process, sphenoid spine); 3 important fasciae (ie, medial pterygoid fascia, TVPF, pharyngobasilar fascia); and 2 compartments, which are anterolateral and posteromedial to the TVPF. We believe that this is the first report to specifically focus on the roof of the PPS.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2003

The superior petrosal triangle as a constant anatomical landmark for subtemporal middle fossa orientation.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS; Anatomical landmarks including the arcuate eminence and the superficial petrosal nerve serve as orienting landmarks for middle fossa dissection. However, because of considerable variation among patients, these landmarks are not always readily identifiable. We expand on a previously described method for identifying the head of the malleus as a constant anatomical landmark to optimize exposure when employing a middle fossa approach. METHODS; We completed an anatomical study using 10 preserved human cadaveric temporal bones to define the anatomical relationship among the root of the zygoma, the posterior-lateral lip of the foramen spinosum, and the bony tegmen over the head of the malleus. Subsequently, 5 fresh whole human cadaveric heads (10 temporal bones) were dissected using a surgically oriented anterior petrosectomy-middle fossa approach to evaluate the consistency of localizing the head of the malleus. RESULTS; We defined the superior petrosal triangle as a stable anatomical relationship. Our cadaveric data demonstrated that the distance from the root of the zygoma to the head of the malleus was 18.7 mm (SD = 1.7 mm) and the distance from the foramen spinosum to the head of the malleus was 19.2 mm (SD = 1.0 mm). The intersection of an arc transcribed 19 mm from the root of the zygoma and an arc transcribed 19 mm from the foramen spinosum localized the head of the malleus within 2.5 mm (SD = 2.4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The landmarks defined by the superior petrosal triangle represent a means to localize the bony tegmen over the head of the malleus. Identification of the head of the malleus as a landmark in middle fossa surgery when other landmarks are not recognizable optimizes patient safety and surgeon confidence during complex surgical procedures.

Cranial Fossa, Middle↗
PubMed2002

Transpetrosal surgery techniques.

The complex anatomy of the region necessitates thorough study if transpetrosal surgery is to be performed with minimal patient morbidity. Furthermore, by using flexibility, a team approach, and preoperative planning, the surgical procedure can be tailored to the patient, rather than fitting the patient to a fixed surgical procedure. Finally, minimizing patient morbidity is equivalent to preservation of cranial nerves and crucial vascular structures. Close surveillance and judicious postoperative radiotherapy following cytoreductive surgery provides improved patient outcomes compared with radical surgery that results in cranial nerve deficits.

Humans↗
PubMed2002

Commentary.

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Commentary.

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Commentary.

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Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Facial nerve neuromas: report of 10 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed the management and outcomes of facial neuromas during the past decade at our institution. The goal was to analyze differences in presentation on the basis of location of the facial neuroma, review facial nerve function and hearing preservation postoperatively, and understand the characteristics of patients with tumors limited to the cerebellopontine angle or internal auditory canal. We also report an unusual case of a facial neuroma limited to the nervus intermedius. METHODS: Nine patients with facial neuromas and one with Jacobson's nerve neuroma underwent surgery, and total resection was accomplished in nine patients. A chart review for pre- and postoperative data was performed, after which all patients were evaluated on an outpatient basis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47 years; mean follow-up time was 33.1 months. The most common presenting symptoms were hearing loss (six patients) and facial paresis (five patients). A total of five patients had progressive (four patients) or recurrent (one patient) facial paresis. No patient experienced worsened hearing as a result of surgery, and one experienced improvement in a conductive hearing deficit. Five patients required cable graft repair of the facial nerve; four improved to House-Brackmann Grade 3 facial paresis. Four of five patients with preserved anatomic continuity of the facial nerve regained normal facial function. There were no surgical complications. No tumors have recurred during follow-up. We report the second nerve sheath tumor limited to the nervus intermedius. CONCLUSION: This series documents that facial neuromas can be resected safely with preservation of facial nerve and hearing function. Preservation of anatomic continuity of the facial nerve should be attempted, and it does not seem to lead to frequent recurrence. Tumors limited to the cerebellopontine angle/internal auditory canal are a unique subset of facial neuromas with characteristics that vary greatly from facial neuromas in other locations, and they are indistinguishable clinically from acoustic neuromas.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Limitations to mobilizing the intrapetrous carotid artery.

The irregular and complex osteology of the bony skull base houses the intrapetrous internal carotid artery (ICA), which represents a potential obstacle to the complete extirpation of benign skull base lesions. This 2-part study 1) investigated the cadaveric basis for the mobilization of the intrapetrous ICA and 2) correlated the cadaveric anatomic findings with the authors' clinical experience. We conclude that the ICA can be mobilized relatively safely. The degree of mobility achieved directly relates to the surgical approach and exposure. Limited mobility is achieved when an anterior petrosal approach is used with various neurosurgical procedures. Conversely, transcochlear and infratemporal approaches allow for optimal ICA translation. The safety of ICA mobilization is documented by the low complication rate in our series.

Adolescent↗