Nasal & Upper Respiratory Surgery Flashcards
What makes up the upper respiratory tract?
nose to larynx
What is a common complication after nasal surgery? How can it be avoided?
stenosis can lead to fluid buildup and infection - stents can be placed to minimize narrowing, but some narrowing is expected following their removal
(TISSUE DOES NOT HEAL WELL)
In what situations is a nasal planum resection most likely necessary? What can help for planning?
SCC and other neoplasia
CT —> complete most commonly done, but can be done unilateral
Nasal planum resection:
How are nosectomies closed?
skin is brought down to the turbinates, leaving the animal with one large nostril
How can scarring following a nosectomy be avoided?
tack skin line down to the mucosal lining of turbinates
What are the 2 most common complications associated with nosectomies?
- dehiscence
- stenosis
Other than stents, how can complications following nosectomies be avoided?
radiation can be used to decrease cell proliferation and steroids can decrease inflammation
What fungal diseases are most common in the nasal cavity?
Aspergillosis and Rhinosporidiosis
(Nocardiosis is common in the “fungal belt” in KY)
What does nasal cavity lysis typically indicate?
fungal disease or tumors
What is characteristic of nasal Aspergillosis? What does it typically mimic? Where is it most commonly found?
infection of the nasal cavity and often frontal sinus by large colonies of green fungal hyphae
nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, invasion of cranial vault is less common
How is nasal Aspergillosis treated? What complication is possible?
1% Clotrimazole over one hour - place a 24 Fr foley catherter into the oral cavity dorsal to the soft palate and a 10 Fr infusion catheter into each nostril - inflate the balloon to occlude the nostril
leakage into lungs can cause fatal pneumonitis
What is trephination? How is it done into the frontal sinus?
creating a burr hole into the skull
- include the zygomatic process of the frontal bone
- midline of skull
- ventral of orbital rim
(can use Michel trephine or large Steinmann pin)
What are 4 major surgical approaches to nasal cavity surgery?
- mini/modified rhinotomy between the eyes - more minimally invasive and allows for suction and lavage
- dorsal - large window flap is made and wired back down gives large access to nasal cavity and frontal sinus
- oral - through gumline
- ventral - through hard palate gives good access to ventral meatus, caudal nasal cavity, and choanae, but is prone to dehiscence
Nasal cavity surgery, oral approach:
Why is endoscopy difficult for assessing the nasal cavity?
cannot go past healthy choana, discharge may disrupt views, and may only get a small biopsy
CT of nasal cavity:
turbinate destruction in both cavities through the hard palate —> imaging of choice, good for hard tissue
Radiograph of frontal sinus:
increased density of the right frontal sinus may represent fluid or neoplasia
(open mouth, no mandible or tongue superimposing)
What are 3 primary complications of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome?
- stenotic nares - diminishes airways
- elongated soft palate
- hypoplastic trachea - contracted, stented
What are 2 secondary complications of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome?
- everted laryngeal saccules
- laryngeal collapse
How do animals with BOAS typically present anatomically?
- 100% elongated soft palate
- 50% stenotic nares
- 30% everted laryngeal saccules, laryngeal collapse, or both
CT of brachycephalic vs. mesocephalic skull:
What does prolonged obstruction due to BOAS lead to?
pharyngeal edema or collapse
What is the goal of BOAS surgery? In what 3 ways is this done?
reducing intra-airway pressure
- shortening of the soft palate (staphylectomy)
- removal of laryngeal saccules
- widening nares
What is the gold standard to diagnosing BOAS?
laryngoscopy —> can view obstruction from soft palate or laryngeal saccules
What is the point of thoracic and head/neck radiographs when diagnosing BOAS?
THORACIC - rule out lower airway disease
HEAD/NECK - assess soft palate length and screen for hypoplastic trachea