Abstract: Objective: The current study was conducted to review and compare PEG and Gastrostomy in terms of early complications in head and neck cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This was prospective comparative study recruited total 60 patients as per the inclusion criteria, 30 in each group. Patients were assigned to the groups based on the surgeon’s choice. Ethical clearance was taken from ethical review board. Informed consent was taken from patients before enrolling them into the study. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used to enroll study participants. Data was collected on pre-designed performa and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Setting: Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. Results: The two groups did not differ on basis of age, gender and tumor site. The outcomes variables including pain and bleeding from post-operative day1 to day 5 were significantly lower in patients who underwent PEG placement as compared to patients whom we performed OPEN gastrostomy. None the patient had peristomal infection in PEG group throughout the study. However, difference between the groups was statistically significant from post-operative day 3 to day 5. Conclusion: In our study, PEG was associated with lesser complications than open gastrostomy. Recently clinicians are using newer modalities like radiological and laparoscopic gastrostomy at various centres in Pakistan as the first option for placing feeding gastrostomy. Therefore, future studies are warranted to compare their efficacy and post-operative complications PEG. Keywords: Head and neck cancer, Open gastrostomy, Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, Complications, Pain, Peristomal infection, Bleeding

Background Traditionally, fine needle aspiration cytology was the primary diagnostic investigation for head and neck lumps; however, ultrasound-guided core biopsy offers the advantage of preserving tissue architecture with increased tissue yield. This study reviews the diagnostic utility of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for investigating head and neck lumps. Methods Overall, 287 ultrasound-guided core biopsies were reviewed between May 2017 and April 2019 at a single tertiary site for head and neck cancer. Results On initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy, a diagnostic sample was obtained in 94.4 per cent of patients and in 83.7 per cent of patients with lymphoma. Where the initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy was non-diagnostic, 50 per cent of samples were diagnostic on repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy. Overall, five complications were seen related to ultrasound-guided core biopsy, and all were managed conservatively. No cases of disease recurrence were identified at the biopsy site. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided core biopsy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield when investigating head and neck lumps. Patients whose ultrasound-guided core biopsies were non-diagnostic should be considered for excisional biopsy over repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy.

Introduction Otosclerosis is a disorder in which the footplate of the stapes is replaced by an abnormal bone, thereby affecting sound transmission to the inner ear at the level of the oval window. The solution to this condition is to reestablish this mechanism back to normal via the ossicular chain to the inner ear. The aim of stapes surgery is to improve the hearing level to thresholds appropriate enough to obviate the need for hearing aid. The hearing improvement achieved after surgery often lasts for many years. The purpose of the current study was to review our experience and find out the rate of success related to hearing outcomes after stapedotomy. Methods The patients who were operated for otosclerosis between January 2000 and December 2010 at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan were included in the study. The charts were reviewed to collect clinical data regarding stapes surgery. The values of speech reception threshold (SRT) were recorded, and the preoperative and postoperative means were compared with a t-test. The bone conduction (BC) and air conduction (AC) thresholds were evaluated at 0.5 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 2.0 kHz, and 3.0 kHz. The preoperative and postoperative means of air-bone gap (AB-gap) were compared with a t-test. The descriptive frequency was calculated to evaluate postoperative AB-gap in individual patients; patients were grouped with a difference of 10 dB of AB-gap. The SPSS Statistics software (IBM, Armonk, NY) was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 46 patients were included in the study. There were 15 males and 31 females. The mean age was 35 years (range: 20-56). Thirty-three patients had bilateral otosclerosis; two patients had surgery for both ears, taking the total number of ears operated to 48. The mean preoperative AB-gap was 39, while the mean postoperative AB- gap was 11. The means were compared with a t-test and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The means of preoperative and postoperative SRT were 56.25 and 24.27 respectively. Both means were compared with a t-test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considred significant. Postoperatively, 34 ears had AB-gap of 10 dB (70.8%), 11 (22.9%) had within 20 dB, and three (6.3%) had within 30 dB. Conclusions The success rate related to hearing outcomes in patients operated for otosclerosis was excellent and comparable to that found in the current literature. The wide AB-gap noticed in the majority of our patients may represent a delayed presentation to otolaryngologists, which requires further evaluation.

Introduction Rhinitis is a common respiratory disorder that can be broadly defined as an inflammation of nasal mucosa. Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of chronic rhinitis characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and rhinorrhea. Montelukast is an antagonist to the leukotriene receptor. It is non-sedating, dosed once daily, and has a safety profile similar in adults and children, with approval down to six months of age. The purpose of the study was to see the improvement in the severity of symptoms of the patients with allergic rhinitis treated with montelukast. Methods The symptom severity score for allergic rhinitis was calculated by asking the patient to evaluate the severity of individual symptoms (sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip) against the 4-point scoring scale over the last 24 hours. After explaining the scoring system to the patient, a proforma was filled before starting the treatment. A dose of 10 mg of montelukast once daily was prescribed. On the follow-up visit after four weeks of therapy, compliance was ensured and then the symptom severity score was recorded again on the proforma. The total nasal symptom severity score (TNSSS) was calculated as a sum of all four nasal symptoms. Pre- and post-treatment mean of TNSSS was compared using a t-test. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 140 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 30 years. The minimum age was 15 years and the maximum age was 45 years. There were 93 males and 47 females. The difference between pre- and post-mean values of TNSSS was 5.82. Both pre- and post-mean of TNSSS were compared using the t-test, and P-value was significant, i.e., <0.005. Conclusions The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis evaluated in the study showed improvement in response to the treatment with montelukast. The improvement in symptom severity score was maximum in sneezing and least in rhinorrhea. In light of recent developments on neuropsychiatric adverse effects and FDA warnings, caution needs to be exercised to reserve the use of montelukast for the selected patients.

Introduction The larynx is a part of the upper respiratory tract that performs many essential functions including breathing, speaking, and swallowing. For this reason, the quality of life is significantly affected by laryngeal cancer and its treatment. Therefore, the focus of management for the last few decades has been on preserving the function of a larynx without compromising survival. This study was done with the purpose of reviewing our experience of organ preservation approach with concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) for locally advanced cancers of larynx. Methods A retrospective chart review was carried out for the data of pathology reports and clinical notes of the patients who were diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and primarily treated with CCRT at our tertiary care institute from November 2010 to June 2015. Results Of 25 patients included in the study, there were 19 males and six females. The mean age was 56 years. On comparison of post-treatment CT scan following eight weeks of completion of therapy, 21 patients showed complete resolution of the disease and four patients had persistent disease who were later treated with salvage laryngectomy. The speech was understandable in 18 patients and poor or not understandable in seven patients. Three patients had chronic aspiration and breathing difficulties necessitating permanent tracheostomy. Three patients required permanent gastrostomy due to chronic dysphagia, one of them belonged to those who were also tracheostomized. Conclusions Our experience with CCRT as an organ preservation approach for advanced laryngeal cancers was promising. When considering the functional organ preservation, the proportion of success is remarkably less; however, the overall impression is worthy enough to uphold the sentiment in favor of non-surgical organ preservation. The debate is ongoing in the quest of finding a balanced approach with acceptable toxicity and decent functional outcome with adequate speech, breathing, and swallowing.

BACKGROUND:Re-admission following day care surgery in ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) results in significant morbidity to patient & massive load to hospital & also raises the question on the safety of day care surgery. Only a small number of published studies emphases on return to hospital within 30 days following day care surgery in otorhinolaryngology especially from our region. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of re-admission after day care surgery in ENT.METHODS:We prospectively studied consecutive patients who underwent ENT procedures [i.e., septoplasty, tympanoplasty type I & functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for deviated nasal septum (DNS), chronic suppurative otitis media tubotympanic (CSOM TT) variety & ethmoidal nasal polyposis (ENP) respectively] as day care surgery case under general anaesthesia at the Section of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital & Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi from January 2015 to December 2016. All patients aged 20- 60 years of both genders were included in the study. SPSS software version 20 was used for data compilation and analysis. p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as significant.RESULTS:In the phase of 24 months, total 317 cases met the inclusion criteria & were included in the study. There were 205 males & 112 females in the study population. One hundred & twenty-two patients having DNS, 128 having CSOM TT & 67 suffering from ENP & underwent septoplasty, tympanoplasty type I & FESS respectively. Complications were observed in a total of 7 (2.2%) patients in our study group & required re-admission within 1 month of surgery. Stratification was done between re-admission & all effect modifiers, with all showing insignificant results.CONCLUSIONS:Our results demonstrate that ENT surgeries (septoplasty, tympanoplasty type I & FESS) are safe procedures which can be performed as a day care case with acceptably low readmission rates.

BACKGROUND:Early laryngeal cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy or surgery has a high cure rate. This study evaluated the patterns of treatment failure and long-term results of early laryngeal cancers treated with definitive radiotherapy.METHOD:From January 2002 to December 2014, a total of 242 patients with early-stage laryngeal cancers were treated with radical radiotherapy.RESULTS:All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (92 per cent male and 8 per cent female). Median follow-up was 4.5 years. The majority of patients were smokers (57.4 per cent). Local failure was seen in 12.5 per cent of stage I patients and 22.8 per cent of stage II patients. The 5-year overall survival and disease specific survival were 84 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively.CONCLUSION:In summary, radiotherapy is a suitable treatment modality for patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer, with an overall locoregional control rate of 84 per cent. Patients who fail radiotherapy may still undergo salvage laryngectomy.

Objective: Postoperative nasal bleeding is a common complication of septoplasty and may lead to painful procedure of nasal packing to stop bleeding. Since Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been reported to reduce bleeding, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of single dose of intravenous TXA on postoperative nasal bleed associated with septoplasty. Materials and methods: This prospective randomized, double-blinded clinical trial consisted of 176 patients aged 18-55 years who underwent septoplasty for symptomatic deviated nasal septum. These participants were randomly divided into 2 groups; 88 patients were given normal saline (Control group) and 88 patients were administered a single shot of intravenous TXA 10 mg/kg (TXA group). Operative technique applied was same in all cases. At the end of surgery nasal packs, nasal splints or trans-septal suturing were not done. Nasal bleeding was monitored after surgery and up to 2 weeks postoperatively. Results: Patients receiving TXA showed significantly less postoperative nasal bleeding compared with controls. Extensive bleeding in terms of number of gauze pads used and duration was also higher in placebo with a statistically significant difference (all P = < 0.05). Seven patients required nasal packing in control group to stop bleeding as compared to one patient in TXA group. Adverse reactions to TXA were minimal, and these were easily managed conservatively. Conclusion: Single intravenous dose of TXA is shown to be effective and safe agent in preventing postoperative nasal bleeding after septoplasty therefore avoiding additional techniques of nasal packing, intranasal splint or trans-septal suturing during surgery. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Le saignement postopératoire est une complication classique de la septoplastie pouvant conduire à un méchage douloureux pour arrêter le saignement nasal. L’acide tranexamique (TXA) étant réputé réduire le saignement, le but de cette étude est d’étudier l’effet d’une dose unique de TXA intraveineuse sur la prévention du saignement nasal postopératoire après septoplastie. Cet essai clinique prospectif randomisé, à double insu se composait de 176 patients âgés de 18 à 55 ans ayant subi une septoplastie pour déviation septale symptomatique. Les participants ont été répartis aléatoirement en 2 groupes ; 88 patients ont reçu une solution saline normale (groupe témoin) et 88 patients ont bénéficié d’une seule injection intraveineuse de TXA 10 mg/kg (groupe TXA). La technique opératoire a été la même dans tous les cas. À la fin de l’intervention il n’a été réalisé ni méchage, ni mise ne place d’attelles nasales ni sutures trans-septales. Les patients ont été surveillés pendant deux semaines pour dépister la survenue d’un éventuel saignement. Les patients chez lesquels on a injecté du TXA ont présenté nettement moins d’hémorragies nasales postopératoires que les sujets témoins. L’importance du saignement analysé par la consommation des compresses imbibées de sang et par la durée du saignement a été également supérieure dans le groupe placebo, avec une différence statistiquement significative (p tous <0,05). Sept patients ont du être méchés dans le groupe témoin pour arrêter le saignement et un seul dans le groupe TXA. Les effets indésirables du TXA ont été minimes, et traités facilement. L’injection d’une dose intraveineuse unique de TXA s’est avérée efficace pour prévenir la survenue d’une hémorragie nasale après septoplastie, permettant donc d’éviter les autres techniques de prévention des hémorragies comme le méchage, la mise en place d’attelles ou la réalisation de sutures trans-septales peropératoires.

Introduction Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are the most common benign neoplasms of a cerebellopontine angle (CPA), which arise from the Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Eighty percent of CPA tumors are VS followed by meningioma as the second common mass lesion in this critical potential space. Treatment options range from watchful waiting with serial imaging studies to radiosurgery or a microsurgical excision or a combination of surgery and radiation therapy. The primary objective of the study was to assess hearing and facial nerve status before and after the surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Methods The database of Aga Khan University Hospital was searched for diagnoses of vestibular schwannomas between 2000 and 2007. A total of 35 patients were identified; among them, 27 were selected for the study who met the inclusion criteria. The variables of the study were age, gender, presenting symptoms, size of the tumor, surgical approach, hearing levels, and facial nerve function. Hearing loss was categorized according to the Gardener-Robertson hearing classification and the House-Brackmann Scale was used for facial nerve assessment. Results Out of the 27 patients, 18 were male and nine were female. The mean age was 43 years. The most common presenting complaint was hearing loss and tinnitus, seen in 21 patients. Headache was present in six patients, ataxia in five, and vertigo in three. Facial nerve weakness was noticed in six patients. Two patients had Grade-III paralysis, three had Grade-IV paralysis, and one had Grade-V paralysis. The audiogram confirmed the presence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in all patients. Twelve patients out of 27 had Class II hearing with the threshold between 31 and 50 decibels and a Speech Discrimination Score (SDS) of 50% to 69%. Ten patients had non-serviceable hearing and the remaining five had poor hearing. The audiogram was repeated after surgery for those 12 patients who had Class II hearing and showed that seven out of 12 patients maintained a hearing threshold within the range of Class II at the one-year follow-up (hearing preservation 58%). The facial nerve preservation rate was 56% considering House-Brackmann Grade III or less as acceptable facial nerve function. Conclusion The optimal treatment for small vestibular schwannomas is a matter of controversy; however, the choice of treatment for large vestibular schwannomas in patients without significant comorbidity is generally microsurgical excision. The surgical excision of a large VS with the retrosigmoid approach is found to be safe consistently. The hearing and facial nerve preservation in our study were found comparable with the literature.

OBJECTIVES:The submental flap provides an alternative technique in orofacial reconstruction, especially in situations where free flap services are not available. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the oncological safety and benefits of this flap in oral cavity reconstruction in a tertiary care cancer hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 27 patients with oral cavity cancers, which underwent submental flap reconstruction from 2015 to 2017 at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Memorial Hospital, were included in the study. We have retrospectively reviewed records of these patients. RESULTS:There were 25 male and 2 female patients with age ranging from 21 to 73 years. Most common primary tumor sites were buccal mucosa (13), tongue (7), and lower alveolus (7). All patients underwent ipsilateral selective neck dissection after flap was harvested. Complete flap loss was observed in three, whereas one patient had flap dehiscence that subsequently healed. Mean follow-up was 11 months. There were four regional recurrences but no local recurrence. On the last follow-up (minimum 6 months), 15 patients were alive without any disease, 4 were alive with disease, and 3 had died. CONCLUSION:Submental flap is a satisfactory option for oral cavity reconstruction. However, preoperative selection of clinically neck node-negative patient is extremely important as it has potential risk of occult metastasis.

BACKGROUND:The new AJCC staging system (8th edition) incorporates depth of invasion to stage oral cancers. It is a recognized predictor for neck nodal metastasis and local recurrence, the associated risk is not well defined. The aim of this study was to explore the risk of occult neck nodal metastasis and local recurrence in relation to depth in early stage squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue.METHODS:We have evaluated records of 179 patients with early tongue cancer treated in our unit from 2006-2015 with a mean age of 57.92 ± 11.93 years. Treatment modalities used were surgery (26%), surgery followed by radiotherapy (64%) and chemo-radiation (10%). Neck dissection was ipsilateral in 94% and bilateral in 6% of the patients. Patients were grouped according to the AJCC cut off points in 8th edition for depth; group A: 1-5 mm (35%), group B: 6-10 mm (47%) and group C: > 10 mm (18%).RESULTS:Risk of local recurrence and nodal metastasis for Group A was 15% (10/63) and 23% (15/63), group B 20% (17/84) and 34% (29/84), and group C 40% (13/32) and 53% (17/32).CONCLUSIONS:Depth more than 10 mm is associated with significantly increased risk of recurrence and nodal metastasis. Elective neck dissection should be a consideration for tumors having depth less than 5mm.

Introduction The incidence of salivary gland tumors is influenced by geographical and racial factors resulting in diverse histology. While salivary gland tumors account for a low proportion of head and neck cancers, most malignant tumors of the salivary gland are located in the parotid gland. The goals of this study are to describe the clinicopathological behavior of malignant parotid tumors and explore oncological outcomes related to survival in our Pakistani tertiary care cancer hospital. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 209 patients diagnosed with malignant parotid tumors from 2004 to 2016. Data such as demographics, age, gender, histology, grade, clinical and pathological stage, surgical treatment types and adjuvant modalities used were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. We used Kaplan Meier curves to analyze survival data. Results The median patient age at diagnosis was 40 years, and the ratio of men to women was 1.2:1. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common histological variant (with a 50% incidence rate) followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (13%), and adenocarcinoma (10%). Histology has further categorized these malignant tumors into low (34%), intermediate (28%), and high (21% ) grades. The American Joint Committee on Cancer, seventh edition, clinical staging was Stage I (21%), II (28%), III (15%), and IV (34%). The 5-year survival was 68%, and the 10-year survival was 45%. Conclusion Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant parotid histology in our patient population. Advanced age, increased T stage (size > 4 cm), high-grade histology, and cervical nodal involvement decrease overall survival. Open biopsies, piecemeal excisions, and delayed presentation for radiotherapy post-surgery may also have role in adverse outcomes in these malignancies.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of second primary malignancy (SPM) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 221 patients who underwent surgery with or without adjuvant treatment for head and neck cancer from 2000 to 2002. Data of age, sex, risk factors, sites of primary and SPM, TNM stage of primary tumor, incidence of SPM, and survival were collected from medical charts. Results Eighteen patients developed SPM during a median follow-up of 67 months, with an overall incidence of 8.14%. In addition, 77.7% of SPMs occurred in the oral cavity, followed by 11% in the lungs. The 5-year overall survival after the diagnosis of SPM in the head or neck was 70%, compared to 30% for SPM in other body regions. Conclusion Considering a high incidence of SPM, i.e., 8.14%, in a mean follow-up period of 67 months suggests the need for long-term follow-up. Since treatment of SPM has shown an acceptable survival rate, early detection and curative therapy should be emphasized.

Background Salivary gland tumors are rare salivary gland malignancies with resemblance to ductal breast carcinoma. We have described clinicopathological behavior and treatment outcomes of this rare malignancy. Methods Salivary duct carcinoma patients treated from 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed for clinicopathological characteristics and treatment-related outcomes of the disease. Results A total of 12 patients with salivary duct carcinoma were included in the study. All were males with mean age of 52.58 ± 13.43. Parotid gland was the most commonly involved major salivary gland while buccal mucosa and anterior tongue were most common oral cavity sub-sites involving minor salivary glands. The disease-free survival was 75% at 10 months and 25% at 20 months. The mean follow-up time was 12 months. There were three local recurrences and one distant metastasis. Conclusion Salivary duct carcinoma is a locally aggressive tumor with tendency for local recurrence and distant metastasis. Adverse features such as perineural invasion, extra-capsular spread and advanced nodal disease may worsen prognosis.

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss may be one of the outcome of chronic suppurative otitis media. Objective: To evaluate the association of chronic suppurative otitis media with sensorineural hearing loss and also to find out whether the disease duration had any impact on hearing. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital. st st Charts of all patients who underwent surgery for chronic suppurative otitis media from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2009 were reviewed. One hundred and fifty five patients out of 562 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The contralateral ear was taken as control. History record and audiograms were reviewed from the patient charts for the duration of disease and evidence of SNHL at three speech frequencies ((500, 1000, and 2000 Hz). The data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 16. Results: Of 155 patients, 46 (29.6%) had SNHL. In a group of patients with epithelial disease(cholesteatoma) 16 out of 45 patients had SNHL whereas in the group of patients with mucosal disease (formerly known as tubotympanic type) 30 out of 110 patients had SNHL. This hearing loss found to be worsening with the duration of disease in both groups (p=0.000).Conclusion: A significant association of SNHL was found with CSOM and disease duration. Early surgicaltreatment should be offered in order to prevent irreversible SNHL.

Introduction Development of laryngeal cancer is multifactorial, and management is surrounded with controversies. Recent reports suggest a decline in the survival of these patients. We conducted a study to analyze the clinicopathological parameters and compute the outcomes in terms of survival in patients with laryngeal cancer treated at our institution. Methods Electronic charts of 515 patients with Laryngeal cancer treated at our Hospital and Research Center from 2004 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Median age was 62 years. Male: female ratio 91%: 9%. Sixty-two percent were smokers. Histologically, all were squamous cell carcinoma. Most common subsite was glottis (88%). Treatment was non-surgical in 92% and surgical in 8%. The five-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC) were 67%, 74%, 59% and 70%, respectively. OS, DSS, DFS and LRC for early stage (I-II) and advance stage (III-IV) were 81 and 54%, 86 and 63%, 75 and 45%, and 83 and 57%, respectively. Twenty-two percent recurred locally. Of these failures, 19% were inoperable, 36% were surgically salvaged and 34% refused laryngectomy. Conclusions Our survival rates are comparable with published data. The high refusal rate for salvage total laryngectomy is concerning and needs further study to evaluate the reasons.

Introduction Ameloblastoma is a locally destructive tumor with a propensity for recurrence if not entirely excised. Management of ameloblastoma poses a challenge for all involved in the field of head and neck surgery because successful treatment requires not only adequate resection but also a functional and aesthetically acceptable reconstruction of the residual defect. Methods Patients who had histologically proven ameloblastoma between 1991 and 2009 were identified from the database of Aga Khan University Hospital. A review of all medical records, radiological images, operative reports and pathology reports was undertaken. Results A total of 15 patients with histologically confirmed ameloblastoma were identified. Out of 15 patients nine were males and six were females with age range from 20 to 60 years (mean age 43 years). The most common symptom found in our patient group was painless facial swelling. In 13 patients the origin of tumor was mandible and in the remaining two the tumor originated from maxilla. Eleven out of 15 patients underwent segmental mandibulectomy, two had maxillectomy and two had enucleation. All patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy required reconstruction. Reconstruction was done with microsurgical free tissue transfer in eight patients, non-vascularized iliac crest bone graft was used in one patient and two had plating only. All free flaps survived with no evidence of flap loss. The mean follow-up was eight years. There was no evidence of graft failure which was used in one patient. Complication was seen in only one of our patients in the form of plate exposure. Recurrence was seen in two of our cases who primarily underwent enucleation. All patients had satisfactory speech, cosmesis and mastication. Conclusion The management of ameloblastoma still poses a big challenge in spite of being the most common odontogenic tumor. In our study we have found that segmental mandibulectomy with disease-free margin of around 1 cm and immediate reconstruction with free tissue transfer have shown good results.

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) is a rare disease of nose and paranasal sinuses. In contrast to other regions SCNEC of this region has been reported to be recurrent and locally aggressive. No definite treatment has been established till date because of rarity of this disease. The purpose of this descriptive study is to present the series of 8 cases with SNEC of nose and paranasal sinuses. Retrospective review of 8 patients presenting with Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of nose and paranasal sinuses, from January, 2005 to December, 2014 treated at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Lahore was performed to determine the clinical characteristics and outcome of this disease. The subjects were 7 males and 1 female with a mean age of 45±15 years (range 24 to 59 years). Tumours were present in nasal cavity (n=4), ethmoid sinus (n=3) and maxillary sinus (n=1). Almost 50% of patients presented with AJCC stage IV-A. All patients had immunohistochemistry proven diagnosis. All patients (08) received radiotherapy with mean doses 58±Gy (Range 54-66Gy). Surgery was performed in 2 while chemotherapy was administered in 4 patients. Recurrence occurred in 3 patients, one each with loco-regional, distant and both. At a median follow up of 38 months, 5 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. SCNEC is a rare but aggressive neoplasm. Current standard of care varies but multi-modality approach should be the cornerstone in management of SCNEC. Early diagnosis and intervention improve the final outcome.

Background: Like many other countries, the elderly population is on rise in Pakistan. Increasing age has an impact on hearing. Patterns of hearing loss in patients presenting to our clinic was never studied before hence, we decided to analyze the audiological profile of elderly patients undergoing audiometry in our clinic and to see genders differences if there are any. Materials and Methods: It was a Cross-sectional study conducted at Aga Khan Hospital, from January to May 2013. Data was collected regarding audiological complaint, type, degree of hearing loss and hearing thresholds by chart review of 246 patients above age 60 who underwent audiometry at our clinic from Jan to May 2013. The results were statistically analyzed by using t-test for continuous variables and Chi-Square and Fischer exact where appropriate for categorical variables. Results: In audiologic complaints (hearing loss, tinnitus, Vertigo). We noted a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between the genders; tonal audiometry showed a non-significant difference (p=.307). Among men and women, the most common type of hearing loss was sensorineural. No statistical difference (p=.527) was noted in prevalence of presbycusis among gender. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss in both genders. We had a variable degree of hearing loss ranging from mild to profound. The highest prevalence was seen to be that of moderate hearing loss. Comparison of higher frequencies with lower ones on audiometry amongst both gender showed a higher involvement of higher frequencies that gives rise to descending audiometric curves suggestive of presbycusis.