Open repair of non-ruptured JAA using suprarenal cross-clamping can be performed with acceptable perioperative mortality; however, postoperative deterioration of renal function is a common complication. Preservation of renal function after JAA repair requires further investigation.

ObjectiveOtitis media with effusion is common in infants with an unrepaired cleft palate. Although its prevalence is reduced after cleft surgery, many children continue to suffer from middle ear problems during childhood. While the tensor veli palatini muscle is thought to be involved in middle ear ventilation, evidence about its exact anatomy, function, and role in cleft palate surgery is limited.This study aimed to perform a thorough review of the literature on (1) the role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in the Eustachian tube opening and middle ear ventilation, (2) anatomical anomalies in cleft palate infants related to middle ear disease, and (3) their implications for surgical techniques used in cleft palate repair.Materials and methodsA literature search on the MEDLINE database was performed using a combination of the keywords “tensor veli palatini muscle,” “Eustachian tube,” “otitis media with effusion,” and “cleft palate.”ResultsSeveral studies confirm the important role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in the Eustachian tube opening mechanism. Maintaining the integrity of the tensor veli palatini muscle during cleft palate surgery seems to improve long-term otological outcome. However, anatomical variations in cleft palate children may alter the effect of the tensor veli palatini muscle on the Eustachian tube’s dilatation mechanism.ConclusionMore research is warranted to clarify the role of the tensor veli palatini muscle in cleft palate-associated Eustachian tube dysfunction and development of middle ear problems.Clinical relevanceOptimized surgical management of cleft palate could potentially reduce associated middle ear problems.

PurposeA high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is seen in edentulous individuals. Treatment options for edentulous OSA patients however are limited with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) remaining the current therapy of choice. As CPAP is associated with high non-adherence rates and oral appliance therapy requiring sufficient dentition, there is a clinical need for effective treatment strategies aimed at edentulous OSA patients. The purpose of this study was to present a thorough overview of the literature regarding (1) the effects of nocturnal denture wearing on OSA, (2) the outcomes of oral appliance therapy, and (3) surgical treatment in edentulous OSA patients.MethodsA computer-assisted literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database on “edentulism” and “obstructive sleep apnea.” The search yielded a total of 34 original articles.ResultsA total of 20 studies were included after exclusion of non-relevant, duplicate, and non-English publications, comprising 4 randomized clinical trials, 12 case reports, and 4 cohort or cross-sectional studies. The outcomes of these studies were addressed in detail concerning nocturnal wearing of dentures, oral appliance therapy, and surgical treatment.ConclusionCurrently, there is no consensus in the literature on the effects of nocturnal wearing of dentures on OSA. Several studies report the successful use of oral appliance therapy, including implant-retained mandibular advancement devices (MADs), in selected cases of edentulous patients with varying stages of OSA. Little evidence is available regarding outcomes of surgical procedures in edentulous patients. Based on the results of this literature overview, the paucity of effective evidence-based treatment strategies for edentulous OSA patients indicates the further need of clinical studies to improve clinical management.