Browsing by Author "Dhakal, A"
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Publication A study of Deep Neck Space Infections at Kathmandu University Dhulikhel Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2021) Pokharel, M; Dhakal, A; Rajbhandari, P; Madhup, SK; Khadka, LABSTRACT Background Deep neck infections are severe infections in potential spaces and fascial planes of the neck. Despite antibiotic therapy, these infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Objective To determine the clinical features, predisposing factors, socio demographic factors and complications associated with deep neck infections. Method Prospective study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kathmandu University Dhulikhel Hospital between March 2018 and June 2020. Seventy-five patients with deep neck infections were enrolled. Result Submandibular abscess was most frequently observed (41.3%), followed by submental abscess (25.3%), parotid abscess(9.3%), ludwig’s angina (6.7%), posterior triangle of neck abscess (4%), retropharyngeal abscess (2.7%), parapharyngeal space abscess (2.7%), and multiple space infections (8%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (53.3%), followed by Beta hemolytic Streptococcus (12%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (12%). A negative culture was seen in 22.7%. Sixty-eight percent of patients underwent incision and drainage. Incision and drainage with dental extraction was done in 26.7%, four percent underwent incision and drainage with debridement and dental extraction, whereas 1.3% underwent incision and drainage with tracheostomy. Eight percent patients required Intensive care unit admission. Seven patients had descending mediastinitis, four out of which developed sepsis. When age and duration of hospital stay were correlated by using Pearson correlation coefficient, a remarkable correlation was observed (p=.020). Noteworthy relationship was not observed between different locations of deep neck infections and duration of hospital stay (p=.202). Conclusion Early identification of deep neck infections is often challenging. Proper knowledge and extreme vigilance is necessary when dealing with these complex entities to avoid life-threatening complications. KEY WORDS Abscess, Complications, Deep neck infections, TracheostomyPublication Association of Allergic Biomarkers in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis With or Without Asthma(Kathmandu University, 2025) Pangeni, RP; Pokharel, M; Vaidya, N; Sapkota, P; Karki, S; Bhusal, M; Basnet, D; Dhakal, A; Sapkota, B; Madhup, SABSTRACT Background Chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma are considered under unified airway diseases which describes the shared epidemiologic and pathophysiologic relationship among the chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways Objective To assess the asthma in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and determine the relationship of allergic biomarkers, tissue eosinophilia and radiological bone changes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without asthma. Method Prospective study involving 74 adult patients attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Pulmonology at the Kathmandu University Dhulikhel Hospital for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and / or asthma and for functional endoscopic sinus surgery between May 2023 and May 2024. Absolute eosinophil count, total serum IgE and spirometry tests were performed. Radiological evidence of osteitis and tissue eosinophilia from surgical samples was evaluated. Correlations between allergic biomarkers,spirometry values, tissue eosinophilia, and radiological bone changes were determined in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with or without asthma using the Mann Whitney U test, Student t test and the chi square test. Result A positive association was observed between the radiological bone score with tissue eosinophilia (p=.018), and smoking (p < 0.001) in between the two groups. Chronic eosinophilic rhinosinusitis was observed in 39 (52.7%) patients. 15 patients with Chronic rhinosinusitis had asthma ,and among these asthmatic patients 11 had eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Mild osteitis was evident in 34 (45.9%) ,moderate osteitis in 39 (52.7%) and severe in 1 (1.4%). Among 15 asthmatic patients, 10 had moderate osteitis and 5 had mild osteitis. Conclusion A rigorous exentration of osteitic bony nidus appears necessary for successful treatment outcomes in all chronic rhinosinusitis patients and to prevent acute exacerbation in the asthmatic group of chronic rhinosinusitis patients. KEY WORDS Asthma, Chronic rhinosinusitis, OsteitisPublication Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Medical Students in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences(Kathmandu University, 2017) Pokharel, M; Shrestha, I; Dhakal, A; Amatya, RCMABSTRACT Background Oral cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. It has high mortality rates and chances of survival is relatively superior when detected early. Lack of knowledge and awareness about oral cancer among medical students may contribute to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Objective To assess awareness and knowledge of oral cancer among medical students. Method A cross-sectional study conducted among 286 students by Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck surgery, Kathmandu University School of Medical sciences between July to August 2016. A questionnaire with questions on socio-demographic profile, awareness and knowledge of oral cancer was used. Independent sample t test and Pearson Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. Result Out of 329 students approached, 286 participated in the study yielding a response rate of 86.9%. Symptoms of oral cancer as reported were ulceration in mouth (92.3%), oral bleeding (85.0%),whitish or reddish patch (84.3%), halitosis (75.5%) and swelling in neck (74.5%), trismus (69.2%), numbness (67.1%), loosening of teeth (49.3%) and tooth sensitivity (41.6%). The perceived risk factors were smoking (97.2%), tobacco chewing (96.5%), chronic irritation (86.7%), immunodeficiency (83.9%), poor oral hygiene (88.5%), human papilloma virus infection (82.5%), dietary factors (81.1%), alcohol (79.4%), ill-fitting dentures (72.4%), hot spicy food (65.4%) and hot beverages (58.0%). Significant differences were found between pre-clinical and clinical students for knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms of oral cancer (p<0.001). Conclusion There is deficiency of knowledge among medical students about some aspects of oral cancer. Active involvement while examining patients and taking biopsies of malignant and premalignant lesions may help in improving students’ knowledge about oral cancer. KEY WORDS Awareness, knowledge, oral cancer, risk factorsPublication Blood Splashes Risk During Otorhinolaryngology Surgery: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study(Kathmandu University, 2018) Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, A; Karmacharya, SABSTRACT Background ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeons are particularly at high risk of exposure with blood and body fluid related infections both in Outpatient and during surgical procedures. They do take precaution to avoid the needle stick injuries but few pay attention on blood or body fluid splashes into eye. Objective To find out the risk of blood splashes to both surgeon and assistant during otorhinolaryngology surgeries. Method This was an descriptive study and data were collected prospectively in Department of Ear, Nose and Throat-Head and Neck Surgery of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital in 1 year period from 1st January 2017 to 1st January 2018. All the surgical cases were included in the study. The surgeon and assistant wore the glass and mask during the surgery. At the end of the surgery, the glass, mask and gown were inspected for any blood splashes and information was recorded. Result There were total 272 patients with male 119 and female 153. The amount of blood splatter in glass, mask and gown is most common in modified radical mastoidectomy surgery. Likewise, the blood splatter is most common in tonsillectomy in throat surgery and in head and neck surgery, the blood splatter is common in all head and neck surgery. Conclusion The blood splashes is high in various Ear, Nose and Throat surgeries. So it is important to take precaution by surgeon and assistant, like protective mask and glass worn during surgeries to protect from various blood-borne infection transmissions. KEY WORDS Blood splashes, Glass, Gown, Mask, SurgeryPublication C-ARM Guided Angiogram/Angioplasty for Selected Failed Arterio Venous Fistula. A Report of a Procedure at University Hospital of Nepal(Kathmandu University, 2021) Vaidya, S; Karmacharya, RM; Singh, AK; Vaidya, PR; Malinowski, M; Dhakal, AABSTRACT End Stage Renal Disease is a last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease which is characterized by Glomerular Filtration rate of less than 15 ml/min/1.73 m2. Hemodialysis is the most commonly used modality for treatment of Chronic Kidney disease. Among the access for hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula is the most common modality. However most common problems of fistula are significant stenosis of more than 50% which is characterized by limb swelling, pigmentation, tortuous veins, and difficulty maintaining flow during dialysis from AV fistula. These can be managed either by minimal intervention or with surgical intervention. Very few hospitals in Nepal and other countries have an angiographic suite to perform minimal intervention include angiogram with angioplasty. So in this case we try to address the use of C-Arm to perform angiogram or fistulogram and even angioplasty for the management of significant stenosis or complications of arteriovenous fistula. KEY WORDS Angiogram/Angioplasty, Arterio venous fistula, C-armPublication Clinical Profile and Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome using Overnight Polysomnography in a Tertiary Care Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2021) Pokharel, M; Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, A; Rajbhandari, P; Shrestha, KS; KC, AK; Bhattarai, A; Karki, DRABSTRACT Background Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent yet largely under-diagnosed disease that poses a significant burden on the healthcare system. Objective To determine the role of predictors for Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its severity in Nepalese population. Method Prospective and analytical study conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery at Kathmandu University Hospital between March 2018 and June 2020. A total of 85 adult patients with Obstructive sleep apnea with an Epworth sleepiness score greater than 10 were included. Overnight polysomnography was done and scoring of sleep associated events were done according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Participants were classified as simple snoring and mild, moderate or severe Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome groups depending on the Apnea Hypopnea Index values. Relationship of Apnea hypopnea index was analyzed with age, neck circumference, body mass index and Epworth Sleepiness score. Result Simple snoring was seen in 18(21.17%) patients, 14(16.47%) had mild Obstructive sleep apnea, 13(15.29%) had moderate Obstructive sleep apnea, whereas the severe group consisted of 40(47.05%) patients. The minimum Epworth Sleepiness Score was 10 and the maximum was 25. The Apnea hypopnea index correlated positively with Body mass index (p=.010) and Epworth sleepiness score (p<.001). However, Apnea hypopnea index had no association with age (p=.437) and neck circumference (p=.118). Conclusion Health professionals need to be extremely vigilant while examining patients presenting with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Polysomnography is the investigation of choice in the early identification of this treatable disease. KEY WORDS Apnea hypopnea index, Obstructive sleep apnea, PolysomnographyPublication Comparison of Hearing Result and Graft Uptake Rate between Temporalis Fascia and Tragal Cartilage in Endoscopic Myringoplasty(Kathmandu University, 2022) Shrestha, BL; Shakya, S; Pradhan, A; Dhakal, A; KC, AK; Shrestha, KS; Pokharel, MABSTRACT Background There are different methods to repair the perforation of the tympanic membrane. Recently cartilage has been used for the repair and results are comparable to temporalis fascia. For surgical procedure endoscope had added good assistance in middle ear surgery. Though the one hand technique the image quality and results are on par with the use of a microscope. Objective To compare the graft uptake rate and hearing results between temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage in endoscopic myringoplasty. Method This is a prospective, longitudinal study conducted among 50 patients who underwent endoscopic myringoplasty using temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage with 25 patients in each group. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre with post-operative ABG (Air bone gap) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (500Hz, 1 KHz, 2 KHz, 4 KHz). The status of graft and hearing results was evaluated on 6 months of follow up in both the groups. Result Out of total 25 patients enrolled for study in both (temporalis fascia and cartilage) groups, 23 (92%) patients in each group had graft uptaken. The audiological gain in the temporalis fascia group was 11.37±0.32 dB whereas in the tragal cartilage group it was 14.56±1.22dB. The audiological gain between the two groups did not show any statistically significant (p = 0.765). However, the pre and post-operative hearing difference was statistically significant in both temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage group. Conclusion Tragal cartilage has similar graft uptake rate and hearing gain when compared with temporalis fascia in endoscopic myringoplasty. Hence, tragal cartilage can be used for myringoplasty whenever required without any fear of deterioration in hearing. KEY WORDS Air bone gap, Endoscopic myringoplasty, Temporalis fascia, Tragal cartilagePublication Comparison of Surgical Outcome of Bipolar Scissors with Conventional Cold Dissection Tonsillectomy(Kathmandu University, 2023) Shrestha, BL; Khadka, L; KC, AK; Dhakal, A; Shrestha, KS; Pokharel, MABSTRACT Background The tonsillectomy is the most common Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgical procedure. Different methods have been used to improve the outcome of the surgery. One such method is tonsillectomy performed with bipolar scissors. In our scenario, the comparison of bipolar scissors tonsillectomy with conventional cold dissection has not been done. Objective To compare the surgical outcomes of bipolar scissors tonsillectomy and conventional cold dissection tonsillectomy. Method A prospective randomized study was conducted in 40 patients who underwent tonsillectomy on one side using bipolar scissors and on the other side using conventional cold dissection. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative pain, and postoperative hemorrhage were all analyzed in both surgical techniques. Result The median operative time was 10 minutes for bipolar scissors compared with 12 minutes for conventional cold dissection, with a p-value of 0.390 which was not statistically significant. The median blood loss was 48 mL on the bipolar scissors side and 60 mL on the conventional cold dissection side, with a p-value of 0.232 which was also not statistically significant. The overall postoperative hemorrhage rate was 12.5%. Of these, 4 (10%) occurred on the bipolar scissors side (left side mainly) and 1 (2.5%) on the conventional cold dissection side (also left side), with a p-value of 0.002 which was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain scores between the two methods in both rest and swallowing (p > 0.05). Conclusion The bipolar scissors did not show any benefit over conventional cold dissection in terms of surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, or postoperative pain. However, postoperative hemorrhage was more common with bipolar scissors. Therefore, conventional cold dissection remains a safe technique for tonsillectomy in adult patients. KEY WORDS Intraoperative blood loss, Operation time, Postoperative hemorrhage, Postoperative painPublication Does the Preoperative Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio Associate with Clinic-pathological Characteristics in Papillary Carcinoma of Thyroid(Kathmandu University, 2021) Shrestha, BL; KC, AK; Rajbhandari, P; Dhakal, A; Shrestha, KSABSTRACT Background Thyroid cancer is associated with local and systemic inflammatory activities. Many systemic inflammatory markers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) had shown credible and independent prognostic biomarkers in different malignant conditions. These markers are easy to reproduce, measure and inexpensive also. So, the preoperative evaluation of NLR and PLR is helpful in evaluating tumor growth and prognosis of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Objective To evaluate the association of pre-operative NLR and PLR with clinic-pathological characteristic in papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Method This was a retrospective study performed in thirty one patients with the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Preoperative NLR and PLR values were correlated with the clinical parameters like age, gender, lymph node metastasis, tumor size and pathological features (e.g., multifocality, bilaterality, extrathyroidal spread). Result There were thirty one patients, amongst which 13 were male and 18 were female. Similarly, the age distribution ranges from 27-68 years. The value of NLR was 2.37±1.09, and the value of PLR was 96.69±49.53.The increase in NLR was associated with increase in tumor size with statistically significant results. Similarly, increase in PLR was associated with increase in tumor size and multifocality with statistically significant results. Conclusion Increase NLR and PLR is associated with lymph node metastasis, extra thyroidal extension, multifocality of tumor and also bilaterality, so the risk can be stratified beforehand with measurement of NLR and PLR. KEY WORDS Lymph node metastasis, Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, Papillary carcinoma of thyroid, Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratioPublication Efficacy of Budesonide Nasal Irrigation in Comparison to Normal Saline Irrigation in Post-Operative Management of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery(Kathmandu University, 2025) Shrestha, BL; Sijapati, D; Dhakal, AABSTRACT Background Nasal irrigation with normal saline and topical steroid spray forms the mainstay of treatment in post endoscopic sinus surgery patients. However nasal sprays may not deliver optimum dosage of drug to the paranasal sinus mucosa. Budesonide nasal irrigation solves this problem by delivering drugs in a high-volume high-pressure system. Objective The main objectiveof this study will provide insight into the efficacy of budesonide nasal irrigation following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) surgery and will help to establish new protocols in future. Method Forty-four patients were included and divided into 2 groups of 22 each. One arm received normal saline nasal irrigation and the other arm received budesonide nasal irrigation (1 mg in 500 ml) twice daily. Patients were followed up at 1st post-operative week and 10th post-operative week and on each visit Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) 22 and Lund Kennedy Endoscopic scores (LKES) were assessed. Result The mean scores in the first visit was SNOT 22 : 15.73 + 8.897 vs 12.73 + 16.110 (p < 0.05) and LKES : 2.82 + 1.097 vs 1.77 + 1.52 (p > 0.05) in the saline and budesonide groups respectively. The mean scores in the second visit was SNOT 22 : 7.09+3.87 vs 3.73 + 8.70 (p < 0.05) and LKES : 1.64 + 0.790 vs 0.18 + 0.501 (p < 0.05) in the saline and budesonide groups respectively. Thus the budesonide arm had statistically significantly better scores when compared to the normal saline group. Conclusion Budesonide nasal irrigation with a positive pressure high volume device was found to have better efficacy when compared to normal saline irrigation. Budesonide nasal irrigation may be used in the post-operative management of endoscopic sinus surgery patients. KEY WORDS Budesonide, Endoscopic surgical procedure, LKES, Nasal irrigation, SNOT 22Publication Evaluation of Etiology of Epistaxis and its Management in Dhulikhel Hospital(Kathmandu University, 2015) Shrestha, I; Pokharel, M; Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, A; Amatya, RCMABSTRACT Background Epistaxis is one of the most common and most difficult emergencies presenting in 7-14% of the general population each year. Although its lifetime incidence is about 60%, only 6% require formal medical intervention but they can be serious and even life threatening. Objective The main objectives are to study different etiology, types, modality of treatment of epistaxis. Specific objective is also to find out if the modality of treatment is associated with age, site, amount of bleeding and etiology. Method It is a prospective, cross sectional, longitudinal, analytical study done in Department of ENT, Dhulikhel hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) from Aug. 2010 to Aug. 2013. Data was collected. This study was cleared through institutional review committee of hospital. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0. Result 487 patients were studied during the period. There was significant association between age group with type of treatment (p value 0.002); and with admission (p value < 0.001). Significance in the study was also shown in the correlation between site of bleeding and the type of treatment and also with alcohol intake with site of bleeding (p value < 0.001).However there was no significance between hypertension and the type of treatment methods chosen (p value >0.01). Conclusion Management of epistaxis is challenging. Most are managed by non surgical means whereas some by surgical treatment. Non surgical treatment is still useful, safe and cost effective. Type of treatment and need for hospital stay is related to age and site of bleeding. KEY WORDS Age group, epistaxis, modality of treatment, site of bleedingPublication Influence of duration of symptoms over perioperative outcomes during emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy(Kathmandu University, 2009) Sharma, SK; Thapa, PB; Maharjan, DK; Dhakal, A; Baral, NAbstract Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a gold standard treatment for gall stone diseases. Early surgical intervention in acute calculus cholecystitis is feasible and duration of onset of symptoms does not influence the conversion rate. Objective: To compare the safety and feasibility between urgent and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculus cholecystitis. Materials and methods: This is a comparative study conducted in Department of Surgery, Kathmandu Medical College, during the period of January 2006 to January 2008. Alltogether, 436 patients were analysed out of which 55 were selected as urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and were included in the study. Among 55 patients presented with acute calculus cholecystitis were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 72 hours of onset of pain abdomen and Group 2 after 72 hours of onset of pain abdomen. Results: Conversion rate in Group 1 was 19.44% whereas it was 263% in Group 2 (p = .693). There was no statistically significant difference in mean operating time (p = .412), total hospital stay (p = .626), bile duct injury and postoperative complications. Conclusion: Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and duration of onset of pain abdomen does not influence conversion rate. Key words: Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Conversion rate, acute calculus cholecystitisPublication Nonsyndromic Complete Second Branchial Cleft Fistulas: A Clinicosurgical Experience(Kathmandu University, 2025) Ghimire, SB; Dhakal, A; Pandey, A; Vaidya, SABSTRACT Branchial cleft anomalies are congenital malformations resulting from the abnormal persistence of branchial clefts during embryogenesis, often presenting as cysts, sinuses, or fistulae. These anomalies account for approximately 20% of pediatric head and neck masses, with bilateral cases being particularly rare. This report discusses a case of an 11-year-old boy with complete bilateral second branchial cleft fistulae, characterized by intermittent mucopurulent discharge and recurrent inflammation, primarily following upper respiratory infections. Diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, confirmed the presence of bilateral fistulous tracts. Surgical management involved a combined transoral and transcervical approach, including bilateral tonsillectomy and complete excision of the fistulous tracts. The procedure resulted in successful removal of the anomalies without postoperative complications. This case emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and the effectiveness of complete surgical excision in managing bilateral branchial cleft anomalies to prevent recurrence and improve patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to optimize surgical techniques and postoperative results. KEY WORDS Congenital neck mass, Excision, Second branchial cleft fistulaPublication Quality of Life in Individuals with Tinnitus(Kathmandu University, 2025) Dhakal, A; Shrestha, BL; Pokharel, M; Pradhan, A; Shrestha, SABSTRACT Background Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external acoustic stimulus, significantly impacts quality of life (QoL) and is often associated with hearing loss. Despite its prevalence, the psychosocial burden of tinnitus remains understudied in many populations. Objective This study evaluates tinnitus-related handicap and its association with emotional and social well-being in order to enhance treatment approaches. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 patients presenting with tinnitus at Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was used to assess severity, categorized as slight, mild, moderate, severe, or catastrophic. Audiometric evaluations classified hearing loss as conductive or sensorineural. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed using SPSS version 21, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result The median age of participants was 40 years (IQR: 20.25), with a female predominance (60.5%). Hearing loss was present in 50% of participants, predominantly sensorineural (82.8%) and bilateral (62.1%). Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores indicated moderate handicap in 37.5%, severe in 15.8%, and catastrophic in 5.0%. No significant association was found between Tinnitus Handicap Inventory severity and age, sex, or hearing loss type. However, participants with hearing loss had nearly three times higher likelihood of being severe-to-catastrophic handicap [COR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.25 – 5.99] (p-value = 0.011). Conclusion Tinnitus imposes a substantial psychosocial burden, particularly in individuals with concurrent hearing loss. The findings highlight the need for early psychological intervention and multidisciplinary management to mitigate tinnitus-related distress and improve quality of life. KEY WORDS Hearing loss, Psychosocial impact, Quality of life, Tinnitus, Tinnitus handicap inventoryPublication Reflux Symptom Index and Reflux Finding Score in Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux(Kathmandu University, 2016) Pokharel, M; Shrestha, I; Dhakal, A; Purbey, B; Amatya, RCMABSTRACT Background Although laryngopharyngeal reflux is a common condition encountered in otolaryngological practice, its diagnosis is not very easy because of its indistinct symptoms Objective To assess the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors versus proton pump inhibitors with lifestyle modification in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Method Prospective, analytical study conducted in Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital between January 2015 to January 2016. Eighty two patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux having Reflux symptom index > 13 and Reflux finding score > 7 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A comprised of patients treated with proton pump inhibitors alone and Group B with Proton pump inhibitors with lifestyle modification. Pre and post therapeutic reflux finding score and reflux symptom index were compared. Result The mean reflux symptom index score difference before and after treatment in group A was 16.70 and group B was 14.58. Similarly, mean reflux finding score difference before and after treatment in group A was 8.68 and group B was 9.92. Comparison of reflux finding score and reflux symptom index scores before and after treatment revealed improvement in both groups and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). However, comparison of pre and post therapeutic and scores between group A and B, showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The extent of symptomatic improvement correlated positively with both proton pump inhibitor therapy alone as well as with proton pump inhibitor therapy along with lifestyle modification. Although addition of lifestyle modification offered incremental benefit for treating laryngopharyngeal reflux, it was not found to be statistically significant. KEY WORDS Laryngopharyngeal reflux, reflux finding score, reflux symptom indexPublication Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis in a COVID-19 Patient: A Dreadful Challenge(Kathmandu University, 2022) Dhakal, A; Pokharel, M; Madhup, S; Khadka, L; Sapkota, BABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). COVID-19 infections may be associated with a wide range of bacterial and fungal co-infections. Recent studies are reporting invasive fungal infection associated with severe COVID-19. Herein, we report a case of COVID-19 rhino-orbital mucormycosis infection caused by Rhizopus sps in a 32 year old diabetic patient who was successfully managed with early aggressive debridement of infected tissue endoscopically with extended ethmoidectomy by modified Denker’s approach along with orbital decompression and antifungal therapy with Liposomal Amphotericin B and Posaconazole. Serial diagnostic nasal endoscopy showed no evidence of progression of the infection. The patient was discharged on 21st day of hospitalization still on oral Posaconazole for a total of 3 months. KEY WORDS Amphotericin B, Covid-19, Mucormycosis, Surgical debridementPublication Role of Endoscopic Modified Inlay Butterfly Cartilage Perichondrium Myringoplasty in Hearing Outcome and Graft Uptake(Kathmandu University, 2017) Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, A; Pradhan, A; Rajbhandari, PABSTRACT Background The endoscopes have better optics and magnification with wide angle of view due to angled lenses. It provides the excellent resolution of image in surgeries having many difficult anatomic nooks and corners like; antero-inferior recess of external auditory canal, middle ear cavity and difficult areas to visualize under microspore like sinus tympani. Likewise, the use of cartilage has very low metabolic rate, provide support to prevent retraction and reacts minimally to inflammatory reaction, so it has advantageous role in closure of tympanic membrane perforations. Objective The main objective of our study is to see the graft uptake rate and hearing results after endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with our own modification. Method This is a prospective, cohort study conducted among 37 patients who underwent endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty using tragal cartilage. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre with post-operative ABG (Air bone gap) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (500Hz, 1KHz, 2KHz, 4KHz). Result Among 42 patients, 37 (88.09%) had graft uptaken. Other five patients had residual perforation because of infection. The post-operative ABG was smaller than pre- operative ABG.(26.41±8.47dB and 36.57±12.13dB respectively). The mean ABG closure was 10.15±10.23dB. The ABG closure was ≤ 10dB in 28(75.6%) patients. Conclusion Endoscopic modified inlay butterfly cartilage perichondrium myringoplasty has advantages in terms of hearing results and graft uptake rate as it is comparable or even better than others. So, it is advisable to perform this technique without any difficulty. KEY WORDS Air bone gap, cartilage, endoscope, myringoplastyPublication “SNOT RACE”: Dhulikhel Hospital Protocol for Analysis of Computed Tomography of Nose, Paranasal Sinuses(Kathmandu University, 2025) K.C., AK; Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, AABSTRACT The anatomy of nose and paranasal sinuses is highly complicated and is most often characterised by considerable anatomical variations. These variations have often been linked to the aetiopathogenesis of inflammatory sinonasal pathology. Also apart from diagnostic value, these variations also predispose the surrounding critical structures to iatrogenic trauma during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Some of these variations also have a role in recurrence of disease. Computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of diagnosis and surgical planning for sinonasal diseases, and a structured checklist to assess possible anatomic variants helps to reduce the risk of surgical complications. Hence, we developed a checklist at our centre with the mnemonic “SNOT RACE”. KEY WORDS Anatomical variations, Computed tomography, Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, Paranasal sinusesPublication Socio Demographic Predictors in Delayed Presentation of Head and Neck Cancer(Kathmandu University, 2016) Pokharel, M; Shrestha, I; Dhakal, A; Amatya, RCMABSTRACT Background Head and neck cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. In spite of the increase in incidence, there has been paucity of research on socio demographic factors influencing head and neck cancer. Objective To study the influence of various socio demographic factors on late presentation of head and neck cancer. Method Prospective, analytical study conducted in 69 patients with Head and neck malignancies in Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery, Kathmandu University School of Medical sciences between January 2015 to January 2016. Collected data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software 21.0. All the socio demographic variables were compared between the early and late presentation groups of patient using Chi-square test. A ‘p’ value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result Forty eight were male and 21 were female. The age of patients ranged from 34 to 70 years (mean age 52.03). Twenty patients were diagnosed in stage I, 13 in stage II, 20 in stage III and 16 in stage IV. Significant association was seen between stage of head and neck cancer and duration of illness (p=0.007), educational status of patient (p=0.003) and educational status of patient’s care taker (p=0.005). However, no statistical association was seen between stage at diagnosis of head and neck cancer and gender, type of family, previous consultation, systems of alternative medicine adopted before diagnosis, smoking habit, alcohol intake, tobacco chewing habit and occupation. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that educational status may influence the presentation of head and neck cancer. KEY WORDS Head and neck cancer, stage at diagnosisPublication Solid Variant of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma of Nasal Cavity(Kathmandu University, 2020) Bhattarai, A; Shrestha, BL; Dhakal, AABSTRACT Rhabdomyosarcoma comprises about half of the soft tissue tumors. Approximately 40% of the alveolar subtype occur in the head and neck region. Patients present with unilateral nasal mass with/without lymphadenopathy and with/without orbital manifestations. Diagnosis is aided radiologically by CT scan, MRI along with biopsy and is confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Treatment involves surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of these. In spite of treatments, however, the outcome is poor. This is a case report of 14-year-old male who presented with unilateral nasal mass with proptosis of right eye who was eventually diagnosed as a case of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of solid variant. KEY WORDS Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, Immunohistochemistry, Nasal cavity