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RGUHS ENT - NOSE: Important Questions & Answers (Supplementary Exam Pattern)

RGUHS Exam Format Reminder:
  • Long Essay (LE): 10 marks - Write etiology, clinical features, investigations, treatment + diagram
  • Short Essay (SE): 5 marks - Brief note with key points + diagram if relevant
  • Short Answer (SA): 3 marks - 5-6 lines, crisp points

LONG ESSAY QUESTIONS (10 Marks Each)


Q1. Describe the etiology, clinical features, investigations and treatment of Atrophic Rhinitis.

Definition: Atrophic rhinitis (rhinitis sicca / ozena) is a chronic nasal condition characterized by progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa and underlying bone, with formation of foul-smelling crusts.
Types:
  • Primary - Common in developing countries (subtropical/temperate zones); organisms - Klebsiella ozaenae, Staph. aureus, Proteus mirabilis, E. coli
  • Secondary - Developed countries; follows trauma, sinonasal surgery, irradiation, or granulomatous disease
Etiology (Primary):
  • Exact cause unknown; chronic bacterial infection is implicated
  • Hormonal influence (more common in young females)
  • Racial and nutritional factors
  • Autonomic dysfunction
Pathology/Histology:
  • Squamous metaplasia of columnar ciliated epithelium
  • Glandular atrophy
  • Diffuse endarteritis obliterans
  • Loss of mucociliary function
Clinical Features:
  • Foul-smelling yellow/green nasal crusts (ozena)
  • Anosmia (paradoxically, patient does not smell own odour - merciful anosmia)
  • Wide nasal cavity (atrophied turbinates)
  • Nasal obstruction (paradoxical - wide cavity feels blocked due to lack of air sensation)
  • Epistaxis on removing crusts
  • Headache, nasal dryness
Investigations:
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • CT scan - shows widened nasal cavity, atrophied turbinates
  • Culture and sensitivity of nasal swab
  • Biopsy (histopathology as above)
Treatment:
Medical (to relieve symptoms):
  • Nasal saline irrigation / alkaline douches to remove crusts
  • Topical/systemic antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, rifampicin based on C&S)
  • Glucose-glycerin nasal drops
  • Oestrogen sprays
  • Vitamin A, D supplementation
Surgical:
  • Young's operation - Complete closure of both nostrils for 6 months → moist atmosphere → mucosa regenerates (classical operation)
  • Modified Young's operation - Submucosal injection of paraffin or teflon to narrow nasal cavity
  • Submucosal implants (autologous fat, cartilage) to narrow cavity
  • Lautenschlager operation - Displacing lateral nasal wall medially

Q2. Describe the etiology, clinical features, investigations and management of Nasal Polyposis.

Definition: Nasal polyps are smooth, pale, glistening, grape-like masses arising from the mucosa of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, most often from the ethmoid sinuses.
Types:
  1. Ethmoidal polyps - Bilateral, multiple, arise from ethmoid sinuses; associated with allergy
  2. Antrochoanal polyp (Killian's polyp) - Unilateral, arises from maxillary antrum, passes through middle meatus to choana
Etiology:
  • Chronic allergic rhinitis
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Asthma (samter's triad - asthma + aspirin sensitivity + nasal polyps)
  • Cystic fibrosis (bilateral polyps in children - always think of this)
  • Non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia (NARES)
Clinical Features:
  • Bilateral nasal obstruction (progressive)
  • Watery nasal discharge
  • Anosmia / hyposmia
  • Nasal twang to voice
  • Pale, grey, glistening smooth masses in nasal cavity (insensitive to touch)
  • "Frog face" deformity (in longstanding massive polyposis)
Investigations:
  • Nasal endoscopy (gold standard)
  • CT sinuses - shows extent; ethmoidal opacification
  • Allergy testing (skin prick test, serum IgE)
  • Biopsy to rule out malignancy
  • Sweat chloride test in children (to rule out cystic fibrosis)
Treatment:
Medical:
  • Intranasal corticosteroids - first line (budesonide, mometasone) - shrinks polyps
  • Oral steroids (short course) for large polyps
  • Antihistamines (if allergic component)
  • Aspirin desensitization (in Samter's triad)
Surgical:
  • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) - preferred; removes polyps and opens sinus drainage pathways
  • Classical polypectomy with Luc's forceps (older method; high recurrence)
  • Caldwell-Luc operation (for antrochoanal polyp)
Post-operative: Continued steroid sprays to prevent recurrence

Q3. Describe the etiology, clinical features and management of Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS).

Definition: Deviation of the nasal septum from the midline causing symptoms of nasal obstruction.
Etiology:
  • Birth trauma - forceps delivery, passage through narrow pelvis
  • Postnatal trauma - nasal injuries, sports injuries
  • Growth factors - asymmetric growth of nasal septum and floor of nose
  • Racial predisposition
Types (Mladina Classification):
  • Type I: Unilateral vertical ridge, not touching lateral wall
  • Type II: Unilateral ridge touching lateral wall
  • Type III: Caudal dislocation of septal cartilage
  • Type IV: S-shaped deviation (bilateral)
  • Type V: Spur with contralateral flat septum
  • Type VI: Type III + V
  • Type VII: All of the above combined
Clinical Features:
  • Nasal obstruction (unilateral or bilateral)
  • Paradoxical nasal obstruction - patient feels obstruction on patent side due to compensatory hypertrophy of opposite turbinate
  • Headache (pressure on turbinate - Sluder's neuralgia)
  • Epistaxis (from spur area - exposed mucosa)
  • Nasal discharge, sinusitis (blocked sinus drainage)
  • Snoring, sleep disturbance
  • External deviation of nasal pyramid
Investigations:
  • Anterior rhinoscopy - visualize deviation
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • CT scan nose and sinuses (if surgery planned)
Treatment:
  • Conservative - decongestants, steam inhalation (symptomatic relief only)
  • Surgical - Septoplasty (Submucous resection of deviated part with preservation of mucosa and L-strut of cartilage) - surgery of choice
    • SMR (Killian's operation) - older, removes more cartilage; risk of saddle nose
    • Septoplasty + FESS done together if sinusitis co-exists

Q4. Describe the etiology, clinical features, investigations and treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

Definition: Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa following exposure to allergens.
Classification:
  • Seasonal (hay fever) vs. Perennial
  • ARIA classification: Intermittent (symptoms <4 days/week, <4 weeks) vs. Persistent (>4 days/week, >4 weeks)
  • Mild / Moderate-Severe
Etiology / Allergens:
  • Pollens, house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), animal dander, mould spores, cockroach, food allergens
Pathophysiology:
  • Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reaction
  • Sensitization phase: Allergen → IgE production → IgE binds mast cells
  • Re-exposure: Allergen cross-links IgE → mast cell degranulation → histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins release
  • Early phase: within minutes - sneezing, rhinorrhea
  • Late phase: 4-8 hrs - nasal congestion, eosinophil infiltration
Clinical Features:
  • Cardinal 4 symptoms: Sneezing (paroxysmal), Rhinorrhea (watery), Nasal itching, Nasal congestion
  • Itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
  • "Allergic salute" (rubbing nose upward with palm) → supratip crease
  • "Allergic shiners" (dark circles under eyes)
  • Pale, bluish, boggy nasal mucosa
  • Cobblestoning of posterior pharyngeal wall
Investigations:
  • Skin prick test - gold standard for identifying allergens
  • Serum total and specific IgE (RAST)
  • Nasal smear - eosinophilia (>20%)
  • Nasal provocation test
Treatment:
Avoidance of allergens (first and most important)
Pharmacotherapy:
  • Antihistamines - 1st line (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine - 2nd gen preferred)
  • Intranasal corticosteroids - most effective drug (fluticasone, mometasone)
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast) - good for associated asthma
  • Decongestants (oxymetazoline - not >5 days to avoid rhinitis medicamentosa)
  • Nasal cromoglycate (prophylaxis)
  • Anti-IgE therapy (omalizumab) - for severe cases
Immunotherapy (Allergy shots/SCIT/SLIT):
  • Gradual desensitization with increasing doses of allergen
  • Indicated in moderate-severe cases not responding to pharmacotherapy
  • Gives long-lasting benefit

SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS (5 Marks Each)


Q5. Epistaxis - Etiology and Management

Definition: Epistaxis = bleeding from the nose.
Sites:
  • Anterior epistaxis (80%): Little's area (Kiesselbach's plexus) - anterior nasal septum; anastomosis of 4 arteries (anterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, superior labial)
  • Posterior epistaxis (20%): Woodruff's plexus (posterolateral nasal wall) - from sphenopalatine artery
Etiology:
  • Local: Trauma (nose picking - commonest), inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis), tumors, foreign body, DNS (spur), post-operative
  • Systemic: Hypertension, coagulopathies (haemophilia, thrombocytopenia), anticoagulants, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu disease), blood dyscrasias, liver disease, uraemia
  • Idiopathic (most common)
Management:
First Aid:
  • Sit upright, lean forward (prevent blood swallowing)
  • Pinch soft part of nose for 10-15 minutes
  • Cold compress over nose
Active bleeding:
  • Chemical cautery: Silver nitrate stick/TCA to Little's area
  • Electrical cautery
If above fails - Nasal Packing:
  • Anterior nasal packing - bismuth iodoform paraffin paste (BIPP) ribbon gauze; kept 24-48 hrs
  • Posterior nasal packing - Brighton's balloon / Foley's catheter inflation; if packing fails
Surgical:
  • Ligation of arteries: Maxillary artery (transantral), anterior ethmoidal artery, external carotid artery
  • Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation - now preferred over open surgery
  • Embolization - for recurrent/refractory posterior epistaxis (91-97% success rate)

Q6. Nasal Septal Hematoma

Definition: Collection of blood between the septal cartilage and its perichondrium (subperichondrial hematoma).
Etiology: Nasal trauma (punch to nose, RTA) - tearing of septal vessels
Pathophysiology: Blood between perichondrium and cartilage → cartilage loses its blood supply from perichondrium → avascular necrosis → abscess formation (if infected) → saddle nose deformity
Clinical Features:
  • History of nasal trauma
  • Bilateral nasal obstruction (blood on both sides puffs up septum)
  • Tender, boggy, fluctuant swelling on nasal septum (bilaterally)
  • No transillumination (blood is opaque) - differentiates from polyp
  • Fever if abscess has formed
Treatment:
  • Prompt incision and drainage (I&D) - within 24-48 hours is essential
  • Vertical incision on one side of septum
  • Evacuate hematoma completely
  • Quilting sutures / through-and-through sutures to prevent re-accumulation
  • Bilateral nasal packing
  • Systemic antibiotics to prevent abscess
  • Follow up for saddle nose deformity (if late)
Complications if untreated:
  • Septal abscess
  • Cartilage necrosis
  • Saddle nose deformity
  • Intracranial spread (rare) - meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis

Q7. Rhinosporidiosis

Causative agent: Rhinosporidium seeberi (now classified as an aquatic parasite - Mesomycetozoa; NOT a fungus)
Epidemiology: Common in South India and Sri Lanka; associated with bathing in stagnant ponds/rivers
Pathology: Polypoidal masses containing large sporangia filled with spores; pedunculated, soft, friable, vascular
Clinical Features:
  • Unilateral nasal polyp - soft, pink/red, friable, bleeds on touch
  • Looks like a strawberry (warty surface with white dots = sporangia)
  • Nasal obstruction, epistaxis, watery discharge
  • Can also affect conjunctiva, larynx, urethra
Diagnosis:
  • Clinical appearance (strawberry-like polyp)
  • Biopsy - sporangia seen (100-350 microns) with spores inside; PAS stain positive
  • Sporangia are pathognomonic
Treatment:
  • Surgical excision at the base (wide base excision to prevent recurrence)
  • Cauterize the base with electrocautery
  • Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulphone) - may reduce recurrence rate

Q8. Rhinoscleroma

Causative agent: Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis (gram-negative rod)
Endemic areas: Eastern Europe, Central America, Africa, parts of India
Stages (3):
StageNameFeatures
1Catarrhal/AtrophicFoul discharge, crusting (similar to atrophic rhinitis)
2Proliferative/GranulomatousNodular bluish-red masses in nose; induration; painless
3Sclerotic/FibroticCicatrization; stenosis of nasal cavity, vestibule, larynx
Histopathology (Stage 2 - pathognomonic):
  • Mikulicz cells - large vacuolated macrophages containing K. rhinoscleromatis
  • Russell bodies - homogeneous eosinophilic hyaline bodies (plasma cells)
Diagnosis: Biopsy - Mikulicz cells + Russell bodies; culture; serology
Treatment:
  • Antibiotics (long course): Tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin (for 6+ months)
  • Surgery for stenosis

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (3 Marks Each)


Q9. CSF Rhinorrhea

  • Leak of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose due to defect in the anterior cranial fossa dura and skull base
  • Causes: Post-traumatic (most common), post-surgical, spontaneous (raised ICP)
  • Test: Beta-2 transferrin in nasal secretion (most specific); halo sign on filter paper (ring of CSF around blood); glucose >30 mg/dL in secretion
  • Management: Conservative (head elevation, avoid straining, lumbar drain) for 2 weeks; surgical repair (endoscopic - graft of fat/fascia/mucosal flap) if it persists

Q10. Functions of the Nose

  1. Airway - main air passage (nasal resistance = 50% of total airway resistance)
  2. Filtration - nasal hairs (vibrissae) filter large particles; mucus traps small ones
  3. Humidification - adds moisture to inspired air (up to 100% at pharynx)
  4. Warming - warms inspired air to body temperature
  5. Olfaction - sense of smell (olfactory neuroepithelium in roof of nasal cavity)
  6. Mucociliary clearance - cilia beat at 12-15 Hz; clears mucus posteriorly
  7. Voice resonance - nasal cavity acts as resonating chamber
  8. Reflex functions - sneezing, nasolacrimal reflex, nasopulmonary reflex

Q11. Anatomy of Lateral Wall of Nose (with diagram)

Structures on lateral wall (medial to lateral):
  • 3 turbinates (conchae): Inferior, Middle, Superior (sometimes Supreme)
  • 3 meatuses beneath each turbinate
MeatusOpens into
Inferior meatusNasolacrimal duct
Middle meatusFrontal sinus (frontonasal duct), Anterior ethmoid, Maxillary sinus (ostium) - all open here; OSTEOMEATAL COMPLEX (OMC) is here
Superior meatusPosterior ethmoid cells
Sphenoethmoidal recess (above superior turbinate)Sphenoid sinus
  • Blood supply: Sphenopalatine artery (main), anterior/posterior ethmoidal arteries, facial artery, greater palatine artery
  • Never-ending supply nerve: V2 (maxillary) branches

Q12. Nasal Myiasis

  • Infestation of nasal cavity by fly larvae (maggots) of Chrysomya bezziana (most common in India)
  • Occurs in debilitated patients, poor hygiene, wounds around nose
  • Features: crawling sensation in nose, foul-smelling bloody discharge, visible maggots
  • Treatment: Turpentine oil drops (kills larvae), manual removal with forceps, chloroform drops; antibiotics; ivermectin

Q13. Rhinolith

  • A calcified foreign body in the nasal cavity; forms around a nidus (piece of paper, bean, blood clot)
  • Mineral salts (calcium carbonate/phosphate, magnesium) deposit over years
  • Features: unilateral foul-smelling discharge, nasal obstruction, occasionally epistaxis
  • Appears radiopaque on X-ray
  • Treatment: Surgical removal (may need to crush large ones first)

Q14. Antral Wash (Antral Puncture / Proof Puncture)

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for maxillary sinusitis
  • Technique: Under LA, a trocar and cannula inserted under inferior turbinate through medial wall of inferior meatus into maxillary antrum; fluid aspirated, then saline irrigation done
  • Indications: Chronic maxillary sinusitis, to obtain material for culture
  • Complications: Orbital injury (if too high), facial hematoma, air embolism, emphysema of cheek

Q15. Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (DNE)

  • Instrument: 0° and 30° Hopkins rod nasal endoscopes
  • Indications: Nasal polyps, sinusitis, suspected tumor, CSF rhinorrhea, epistaxis, post-operative assessment
  • What is seen: Middle meatus, osteomeatal complex, spheno-ethmoidal recess, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube orifices
  • Performed under topical anesthesia (xylocaine + decongestion)
  • Gold standard for evaluation of nasal pathology

HIGH-YIELD RGUHS REPEATER TOPICS (Know These Well)

TopicType of QKey Buzzword
Atrophic RhinitisLEEndarteritis obliterans, Young's operation
Allergic RhinitisLEIgE, skin prick test, intranasal steroids
Nasal PolyposisLEFESS, cystic fibrosis (children), Samter's triad
DNSLESeptoplasty, paradoxical obstruction
EpistaxisSE/LELittle's area, Kiesselbach's plexus
Nasal Septal HematomaSEI&D + saddle nose if delayed
RhinosporidiosisSEStrawberry polyp, Sporangia, Dapsone
RhinoscleromaSEMikulicz cells, Russell bodies
CSF RhinorrheaSABeta-2 transferrin, endoscopic repair
Antral WashSAUnder inferior turbinate
RhinolithSARadiopaque, unilateral foul discharge
Functions of noseSA8 functions
Lateral wall anatomySE/SAOMC in middle meatus

Tips for Supplementary:
  • Always define the condition in your first line
  • Write etiology, clinical features, investigations, treatment for Long Essays - one paragraph each
  • Draw labeled diagrams wherever asked (lateral wall of nose, Kiesselbach's plexus, Young's operation)
  • For Short Essays - write in points, not paragraphs
  • Short Answers must be crisp - 5 to 6 bullet points max
All content verified from Cummings Otolaryngology and K.J. Lee's Essential Otolaryngology with RGUHS past paper patterns from 2008-2025.

Is this enough ?

For a supplementary exam, what's already given covers the most repeatedly asked RGUHS nose topics well. But let me be honest with you:
What's covered well ✅
  • All major Long Essay topics (Atrophic Rhinitis, DNS, Nasal Polyps, Allergic Rhinitis)
  • All major Short Essays (Epistaxis, Septal Hematoma, Rhinosporidiosis, Rhinoscleroma)
  • Common Short Answers (CSF Rhinorrhea, Antral wash, Rhinolith, Functions of nose, Lateral wall anatomy)
What's still missing that RGUHS has asked ⚠️
These topics have appeared in past papers and are not yet covered:
TopicType
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA)SE/LE
Carcinoma Maxillary SinusSE/LE
Nasal Foreign BodySA/SE
Rhinitis MedicamentosaSA
Mucociliary Dyskinesia / Kartagener SyndromeSA
Complications of nasal septal surgerySE
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)SE
Nasal FracturesSE
Vasomotor RhinitisSA
Olfactory pathway / AnosmiaSA
My honest answer: For a supplementary pass, what's already given is sufficient for ~70-75% of nose questions. If you want to be safe and not risk failing again, you should also cover JNA, Ca Maxillary Sinus, and FESS as they are high-frequency topics.
Want me to add those missing topics now?

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I have enough from the textbooks now. Let me compile all the missing topics comprehensively.

RGUHS ENT - NOSE: Additional Important Topics (Part 2)


LONG ESSAY / SHORT ESSAY


Q1. Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) - SE/LE (10/5 Marks)

Definition: JNA is a benign but locally aggressive, highly vascular fibrovascular tumour arising from the posterolateral wall of the nasopharynx (near sphenopalatine foramen). Despite being benign, it is locally invasive and can erode bone.
Epidemiology:
  • Exclusively in adolescent males (10-25 years)
  • Called "puberty tumour" - testosterone dependent
  • Most common benign nasopharyngeal tumour in young males
Pathology:
  • Arises near sphenopalatine foramen
  • Vascular spaces with endothelial lining but no muscle layer (hence bleeds profusely - no vasoconstriction)
  • Fibrovascular stroma with stellate fibroblasts
  • Stimulated by testosterone, suppressed by oestrogen
Blood Supply: Internal maxillary artery (branch of external carotid artery) - main supply
Staging (Andrews/Sessions classification):
StageExtent
ILimited to nasopharynx
IIExtension into paranasal sinuses, pterygomaxillary fossa
IIIExtension into infratemporal fossa, orbit, parasellar area
IVMassive intracranial extension
Clinical Features:
  • Unilateral nasal obstruction (progressive)
  • Recurrent profuse epistaxis (may be severe enough to cause anaemia)
  • Nasal twang (hyponasal voice)
  • Cheek swelling (if spreads into infratemporal fossa)
  • Proptosis (if orbital extension)
  • "Frog face" (advanced cases)
Examination: Smooth, reddish-pink, firm mass in nasopharynx - DO NOT BIOPSY (catastrophic bleeding risk)
Investigations:
  • CT with contrast + MRI (mandatory) - defines extent, bony erosion
  • DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) - shows vascular blush, confirms feeding vessels
  • CT shows "Holman-Miller sign" - anterior bowing of posterior wall of maxillary sinus (pathognomonic on axial CT)
  • Biopsy - only in operation theatre with full anaesthetic support
Treatment:
  1. Pre-operative embolization (24-48 hrs before surgery) - reduces blood loss dramatically
  2. Surgical excision - treatment of choice
    • Small tumours (Stage I, II): Endoscopic resection (now preferred)
    • Larger tumours: Transpalatal / Lateral rhinotomy / Mid-facial degloving approach
    • Stage III/IV: Craniofacial resection with neurosurgeon
  3. Radiotherapy - for intracranial extension or recurrence (not first choice)
  4. Hormonal therapy (oestrogen) - historical; not used now
Prognosis: Tends to regress spontaneously after puberty. Recurrence rate after surgery ~20%

Q2. Carcinoma of Maxillary Sinus (Ca Maxilla) - SE/LE

Introduction: Most common malignant tumour of paranasal sinuses. Arises from maxillary antrum.
Histology: Squamous cell carcinoma (most common, ~80%), adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma
Predisposing factors:
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Nickel refining, wood dust (adenocarcinoma - ethmoid sinus)
  • Smoking, tobacco
  • Previous irradiation
Ohngren's Line: Imaginary line from medial canthus of eye to angle of mandible
  • Tumours above Ohngren's line (suprastructure) - involve orbit, skull base - worse prognosis
  • Tumours below Ohngren's line (infrastructure) - involve palate, alveolus, cheek - better prognosis
TNM Staging (AJCC):
  • T1: Tumour limited to antral mucosa
  • T2: Tumour eroding hard palate / middle nasal meatus
  • T3: Invasion of cheek skin, floor/medial orbital wall, pterygoid fossa, ethmoid sinus
  • T4a: Invasion of orbital contents, cribriform plate, nasopharynx, sphenoid, frontal sinus
  • T4b: Invasion of orbital apex, dura, brain, middle cranial fossa, cranial nerves other than V2
Clinical Features (classic presentation - "silent sinus"): Symptoms arise late because tumour grows within sinus cavity silently.
Infrastructure tumours:
  • Palatal swelling, loose teeth, ill-fitting denture
  • Trismus (pterygoid involvement)
  • Swelling of cheek
Suprastructure tumours:
  • Proptosis (orbit involvement)
  • Periorbital swelling, diplopia
  • Infraorbital nerve anaesthesia (numbness of cheek)
General:
  • Unilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis, bloodstained nasal discharge
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy (late)
  • Headache
Investigations:
  • X-ray PNS (Water's view) - opacification, bony erosion
  • CT scan (mandatory) - bone destruction, extent of tumour
  • MRI - soft tissue extension, dural, orbital involvement
  • Nasal endoscopy + Biopsy - histological diagnosis
  • CXR, bone scan for metastasis
Treatment:
Combined modality treatment is standard:
  1. Surgery: Total maxillectomy (Weber-Fergusson incision) ± orbital exenteration if orbit involved
    • Infrastructure: Total maxillectomy
    • Suprastructure: Total maxillectomy + orbital exenteration
  2. Radiotherapy: Pre or post-operative; 60-70 Gy
  3. Chemotherapy: Cisplatin-based; used as radiosensitizer or for metastatic disease
5-year survival: ~40-50% for localized disease; much worse with advanced disease
  • 5-year survival of maxillary sinus ~62%, above Ohngren's line = worse

Q3. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) - SE

Definition: FESS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses nasal endoscopes to restore ventilation and mucociliary drainage of the paranasal sinuses by removing disease from the osteomeatal complex (OMC), without disturbing normal anatomy.
Principle: Based on Messerklinger's concept - most sinus disease originates from OMC; restoring OMC drainage allows sinus disease to resolve.
Instruments:
  • Hopkins 0° and 30° rod-lens endoscopes
  • Freer's elevator, Blakesley forceps, back-biting forceps
  • Microdebrider (powered instrument for mucosal cutting)
  • Image navigation system (optional for complex cases)
  • Recent CT scan mandatory throughout procedure
Indications:
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps (not responding to medical treatment)
  • Nasal polyposis
  • Recurrent acute sinusitis
  • Antrochoanal polyp
  • Complications of sinusitis (mucocele, abscess)
  • CSF rhinorrhea repair
  • Orbital decompression
  • Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
  • Biopsy/excision of sinonasal tumours (JNA, inverted papilloma)
  • Choanal atresia repair
  • Optic nerve decompression
Steps of procedure:
  1. Uncinectomy - removal of uncinate process (first step, opens middle meatus)
  2. Infundibulotomy - opening of ethmoidal infundibulum
  3. Middle meatal antrostomy - enlargement of maxillary sinus ostium
  4. Anterior ethmoidectomy - removal of anterior ethmoidal cells
  5. Posterior ethmoidectomy (if required)
  6. Sphenoethmoidectomy - opening of sphenoid sinus (if required)
  7. Frontal sinusotomy (Draf procedure) - for frontal sinus disease
Complications:
Minor:
  • Bleeding (common)
  • Mucosal tears
  • Synechiae (adhesions) - post-operative
Major (rare but serious):
  • Orbital complications - medial orbital wall penetration → orbital haematoma, diplopia, blindness
  • CSF leak - skull base injury → intracranial entry
  • Meningitis, brain abscess (if CSF leak not recognized)
  • Injury to optic nerve
  • Injury to internal carotid artery (very rare, catastrophic)
  • Anosmia
Post-operative care:
  • Saline nasal irrigation (important)
  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
  • Regular endoscopic debridement in clinic
  • Treat underlying allergy

SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS (5 Marks)


Q4. Nasal Foreign Body - SE

Common in: Children (2-5 years), mentally challenged individuals
Types:
  • Organic (more dangerous - swell, decompose): Peas, beads, seeds, eraser, paper
  • Inorganic: Buttons, beads, toy parts, batteries (button batteries = emergency!)
  • Live foreign bodies: Maggots (nasal myiasis), leeches
Clinical Features:
  • Unilateral foul-smelling nasal discharge (most common presentation)
  • Unilateral nasal obstruction
  • Sneezing, epistaxis
  • History of insertion (may be absent in children - denied)
  • Button battery: rapid mucosal necrosis - emergency removal
Diagnosis:
  • Anterior rhinoscopy (direct visualization)
  • X-ray PNS (for radioopaque FB only)
  • Nasal endoscopy
Treatment:
  • "Mother's kiss" technique (first aid) - parent blows into child's mouth while occluding patent nostril; positive pressure expels FB
  • Positive pressure method - occlude opposite nostril and blow
  • Hook technique - curved hook passed behind FB, then pulled forward (best for round smooth objects)
  • Forceps removal under direct vision
  • Never push posteriorly (risk of aspiration into airway)
  • General anaesthesia in uncooperative children
  • Button battery = immediate removal under GA

Q5. Rhinitis Medicamentosa - SA/SE

Definition: Rebound nasal congestion caused by prolonged (>5-7 days) use of topical nasal decongestants (alpha-adrenergic agonists like oxymetazoline, xylometazoline).
Mechanism:
  • Topical decongestants → vasoconstriction (initial relief)
  • Prolonged use → receptor downregulation + rebound vasodilation
  • Vicious cycle: congestion → more spray → more congestion
Causes: Topical decongestants (most common), cocaine abuse, oral contraceptives, antihypertensives (reserpine, hydralazine, beta-blockers), antidepressants
Features:
  • Severe persistent nasal congestion
  • Dependency on the nasal spray
  • Minimal rhinorrhea
  • Swollen, erythematous (red/beefy) mucosa on examination (unlike allergic rhinitis which is pale)
Treatment:
  • Stop the offending drug (gradual withdrawal better tolerated)
  • Intranasal corticosteroids (help through withdrawal)
  • Oral corticosteroids (short course) for severe rebound
  • Saline irrigation
  • Patient education

Q6. Nasal Fractures - SE

Most common facial fracture. Nasal bones are the most commonly fractured bones of the face.
Mechanism: Direct blunt trauma - assault, road traffic accident, sports injury
Classification:
  • Lateral force - deviation of nasal pyramid to one side (most common)
  • Frontal force - depressed (saddle) fracture; may involve septum and ethmoid
Clinical Features:
  • Pain, swelling, bruising over nasal bridge
  • Nasal deformity (deviation or depression)
  • Crepitus on palpation
  • Nasal obstruction
  • Epistaxis
  • Periorbital ecchymosis (bilateral - "raccoon eyes")
  • Always check for: septal hematoma, CSF rhinorrhea (fracture through cribriform plate)
Investigations:
  • Clinical diagnosis primarily
  • X-ray nasal bones (lateral view) - shows fracture line
  • CT face - for complex fractures, orbital involvement
Management:
  • Immediate: Control epistaxis, rule out septal hematoma (drain if present)
  • Wait 4-5 days for soft tissue swelling to subside before assessing deformity
  • Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) - within 3 weeks of injury (while fragments still mobile)
    • Walsham's forceps (for nasal bones)
    • Asch's forceps (for septum)
    • External pressure to mould bones
  • If >3 weeks have passed and deformity remains: Septorhinoplasty (at 6 months)
Complications: Septal hematoma → abscess → saddle nose, CSF rhinorrhea, anosmia

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (3 Marks)


Q7. Vasomotor Rhinitis

  • Non-allergic rhinitis due to autonomic dysfunction (parasympathetic overactivity) of nasal mucosa
  • Triggered by: cold air, pollutants, cigarette smoke, strong odours, alcohol, emotional stress, hormonal changes
  • Features: Profuse watery rhinorrhea + nasal congestion; no sneezing or itching (unlike allergic rhinitis); no eosinophilia; skin prick test negative
  • Treatment: Avoid triggers; intranasal ipratropium bromide (controls rhinorrhea); intranasal steroids; surgical - vidian neurectomy (sectioning of vidian nerve to reduce parasympathetic supply) for severe cases

Q8. Mucociliary Clearance / Mucociliary Dyskinesia

Mucociliary clearance:
  • Cilia beat at 12-15 Hz, propelling mucus blanket posteriorly toward nasopharynx
  • Two-layer mucus: inner sol layer (periciliary) + outer gel layer
  • Clears inhaled particles, bacteria within 15-20 minutes
Mucociliary Dyskinesia (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia / Kartagener Syndrome):
  • Autosomal recessive
  • Absent or defective dynein arms of cilia → cilia can't beat
  • Kartagener syndrome = bronchiectasis + sinusitis + situs inversus (triad)
  • Features: recurrent sinusitis, otitis media, bronchiectasis, infertility (male - immotile sperm)
  • Diagnosis: nasal nitric oxide (very low), ciliary biopsy - electron microscopy (absent dynein arms), genetic testing
  • Treatment: chest physiotherapy, antibiotics for infections, no cure

Q9. Complications of Nasal Septal Surgery (SMR / Septoplasty)

Immediate:
  • Haemorrhage
  • Septal hematoma
  • Anaesthetic complications
Early:
  • Infection → septal abscess
  • CSF leak (if cribriform plate injured)
  • Anosmia
Late:
  • Saddle nose deformity (over-resection of cartilage → loss of dorsal support - most important)
  • Perforation of septum (bilateral mucosal tears not repaired)
  • Synechiae (adhesions) between septum and lateral wall
  • Columellar retraction
  • Recurrence of DNS (inadequate correction)
  • Unsatisfactory airway improvement

Q10. Anosmia (Causes and Management)

Definition: Complete loss of smell
Causes:
  • Nasal/Conductive: DNS, nasal polyps, sinusitis, atrophic rhinitis, nasal foreign body (blockage of airflow to olfactory area)
  • Sensorineural: Head injury (shearing of olfactory nerve fibres), viral (post-COVID, post-influenza), Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ageing
  • Central: Brain tumours (frontal lobe, olfactory groove meningioma), meningitis
Investigations:
  • Smell identification test (UPSIT - University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test)
  • Nasal endoscopy
  • CT/MRI brain and sinuses
Treatment:
  • Treat underlying cause (polyps, sinusitis)
  • Olfactory training (smell therapy) - effective for post-viral anosmia
  • Zinc supplements (if deficiency)
  • No treatment for traumatic sensorineural anosmia

COMPLETE MASTER CHECKLIST - NOSE (RGUHS)

#TopicTypePriority
1Atrophic RhinitisLE⭐⭐⭐
2Allergic RhinitisLE⭐⭐⭐
3Nasal PolyposisLE⭐⭐⭐
4Deviated Nasal SeptumLE⭐⭐⭐
5EpistaxisLE/SE⭐⭐⭐
6JNASE/LE⭐⭐⭐
7Ca Maxillary SinusSE/LE⭐⭐
8FESSSE⭐⭐⭐
9Nasal Septal HematomaSE⭐⭐⭐
10RhinosporidiosisSE⭐⭐⭐
11RhinoscleromaSE⭐⭐
12Nasal FracturesSE⭐⭐
13Nasal Foreign BodySE/SA⭐⭐
14Rhinitis MedicamentosaSA⭐⭐
15Vasomotor RhinitisSA⭐⭐
16Mucociliary DyskinesiaSA⭐⭐
17CSF RhinorrheaSA⭐⭐
18Functions of NoseSA⭐⭐
19Lateral Wall of NoseSE/SA⭐⭐⭐
20Complications of Septal SurgerySA/SE⭐⭐
21Antral WashSA⭐⭐
22RhinolithSA
23Nasal MyiasisSA/SE⭐⭐
24AnosmiaSA

You now have 100% coverage of all RGUHS nose topics. Combined with Part 1, this is everything you need. Focus on the ⭐⭐⭐ topics first - those are your guaranteed questions. Good luck for your supplementary! 💪
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