Sage Otolaryngology

This podcast highlights original research published in the October 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of posttracheostomy tracheal stenosis and to investigate variables related to the patient, hospitalization, or operation that may affect stenosis rates. In conclusion, greater than 10 days of orotracheal intubation prior to tracheostomy and endotracheal tube cuff pressure ≥30 mm H2O were associated with greater rates of subsequent tracheal stenosis. The only patient-related factor associated with tracheal stenosis was obesity. Surgical variables associated with increased rates of subsequent stenosis included placement of a tracheostomy tube size >6, use of percutaneous technique, and failure to create a Bjork flap.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the September 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The purpose of this study was to characterize industry payments to otolaryngologists in 2016 versus 2014 and 2015. In conclusion, industry compensation to otolaryngologists is increasing and increasingly unequal, although it is still less than that in most other specialties. In otolaryngology, the Open Payments Database has not decreased physician-industry relationships as intended.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the August 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective of this study was to determine factors that influence cost variability in septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction. For septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction, the greatest driver of cost variation was operative time. Resident involvement correlated with increased time and cost. Supply costs had a much smaller impact. When subanalyzed by resident year, junior resident–involved cases were significantly longer than no-resident cases.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the July 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective of this study was to determine if balloon catheter dilation of sinus ostia affects the severity or frequency of headache among patients who have barometric pressure–related “sinus” headache. Subjects with sinus pressure headache without evidence of mucosal thickening on computed tomography had no significant difference in outcomes between active treatment (balloon dilation of sinus ostia) and placebo (nasal dilation). Further study on the etiology and effective treatment of barometric pressure / “sinus” headache is needed.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the June 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Professional burnout is a barrier to physician wellness. Burnout is prevalent across medicine, and otolaryngology as a specialty ranks near the mean. We review burnout levels in various subgroups of otolaryngology, including academic chairs, faculty, and residents. Risk factors of burnout are discussed, which differ by subgroup. Finally, we propose measures that could help minimize burnout and promote healthy and satisfying careers.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the May 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The purpose of this study is to identify and clarify current evidence supporting and disputing the effectiveness of perioperative antibiotic use for common otolaryngology procedures. Evidence does not support the use of perioperative antibiotics for most otolaryngologic procedures. Antibiotic overuse and variability among providers may be due to lack of formal practice guidelines. This review can help otolaryngologists understand current evidence so they can make informed decisions about perioperative antibiotic usage.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a state-of-the-art literature review published in the April 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The aim of this report is to present a cohesive evidence-based approach to reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. VTE prevention includes deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Despite national efforts in VTE prevention, guidelines do not exist for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery in the United States. Otolaryngologists should consider an individualized and risk-stratified plan for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in every patient. The risk of bleeding must be weighed against the risk of VTE when deciding on chemoprophylaxis.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast discusses the implications for non-otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update)", published as a supplement to the March 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on treating patients who present with dysphonia, which is characterized by altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication and/or quality of life. Dysphonia affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in its life. This guideline applies to all age groups evaluated in a setting where dysphonia would be identified or managed. It is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and treat patients with dysphonia.   Click here to read the Guideline.

This podcast discusses the implications for otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Hoarseness (Dysphonia) (Update)", published as a supplement to the March 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on treating patients who present with dysphonia, which is characterized by altered vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or vocal effort that impairs communication and/or quality of life. Dysphonia affects nearly one-third of the population at some point in its life. This guideline applies to all age groups evaluated in a setting where dysphonia would be identified or managed. It is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and treat patients with dysphonia.   Click here to read the Guideline.

This podcast highlights original research published in the March 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Objectives: (1) Evaluate changes in subjective symptoms in patients following transmastoid canal plugging for superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome. (2) Quantify changes in hearing in patients who have undergone transmastoid canal plugging for SSCD syndrome. In our study, patients with SSCD demonstrated excellent hearing outcomes and resolution of most otologic symptoms after surgical repair. Transmastoid canal plugging, which has been described to date only in smaller case series, is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional middle cranial fossa approach.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the February 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. This study was performed to determine whether the efficacy and safety of medical management of uncomplicated peritonsillar abscess (PTA) presenting in the emergency department is equivalent to medical plus surgical therapy. In conclusion, compared to ST, MT appears to be equally safe and efficacious, with less pain, opioid use, and days off work, especially if patients with PTA present without trismus. MT for PTAs reduces the possibility of surgical complications, as well as the cost and inconvenience associated with ST.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the January 2018 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Home oximetry is commonly used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children; however, normal oxygen desaturation levels by disease severity are not well known. It was our objective to determine if oxygen saturation levels differed by OSA severity category in children and if these differences were similar for preteen children and adolescents. In conclusion, adolescents have longer sleep times and higher obstructive apnea-hypopnea indexes than preteens, but oxygen saturations and desaturation indices were similar. This supports current triage algorithms for children with OSA, as we found no significant age-based differences   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the December 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of residual cholesteatoma during planned second-look procedures in pediatric patients following primary cholesteatoma resection using endoscopic and microscopic operative approaches. In conclusion, residual cholesteatoma rates during planned second-look procedures were similar between the study groups. Use of the endoscope led to a lower rate of mastoidectomy for cases with similar disease extent.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the November 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective of this study was to characterize the relationship between industry payments and use of paranasal sinus balloon catheter dilations (BCDs) for chronic rhinosinusitis. Physicians with Medicare claims with Current Procedural Terminology codes 31295 to 31297 were identified and cross-referenced with industry payments. Multivariate linear regression controlling for age, race, sex, and comorbidity in a physician’s Medicare population was performed to identify associations between use of BCDs and industry payments. The final analysis included 334 physicians performing 31,506 procedures, each of whom performed at least 11 balloon dilation procedures. Payments by manufacturers of BCD devices were associated with increased use of BCD for chronic rhinosinusitis. On separate analyses,

This podcast highlights original research published in the October 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears moderate-risk devices via the 510(k) process based on substantial equivalence to previously cleared devices; evidence of safety and effectiveness is not required. We characterized the premarket evidence supporting FDA clearance of otolaryngologic devices. The FDA cleared most moderate-risk otolaryngologic devices for marketing via the 510(k) process without clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness. Otolaryngologists should be aware of limitations in premarket evidence when considering the adoption of new devices into clinical practice.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast discusses the implications for non-otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults", published as a supplement to the September 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Neck masses are common in adults, but often the underlying etiology is not easily identifiable. While infections cause most of the neck masses in children, most persistent neck masses in adults are neoplasms. Malignant neoplasms far exceed any other etiology of adult neck mass. Importantly, an asymptomatic neck mass may be the initial or only clinically apparent manifestation of head and neck cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lymphoma, thyroid, or salivary gland cancer. Evidence suggests that a neck mass in the adult patient should be considered malignant until proven otherwise. Timely diagnosis of a neck mass due to metastatic HNSCC is paramount because delay

This podcast discusses the implications for otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults", published as a supplement to the September 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Neck masses are common in adults, but often the underlying etiology is not easily identifiable. While infections cause most of the neck masses in children, most persistent neck masses in adults are neoplasms. Malignant neoplasms far exceed any other etiology of adult neck mass. Importantly, an asymptomatic neck mass may be the initial or only clinically apparent manifestation of head and neck cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lymphoma, thyroid, or salivary gland cancer. Evidence suggests that a neck mass in the adult patient should be considered malignant until proven otherwise. Timely diagnosis of a neck mass due to metastatic HNSCC is paramount because delayed d

This podcast highlights original research published in the September 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective for this study was to describe the cost, length of stay, and incidence of postoperative hemorrhage associated with Down syndrome (DS) patients undergoing tonsillectomy in a national sample of inpatient children. Across the United States, children with DS hospitalized for tonsillectomy have an increased length of stay and cost of care. These data also suggest an increased risk of postoperative hemorrhage during the initial admission without an increased risk of respiratory complications.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the August 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Our objectives were (1) to assess patterns of intranasal steroid administration when otitis media with effusion (OME) has been diagnosed in children, (2) to investigate whether usage varies according to visit setting, and (3) to determine if practice gaps are such that quality improvement could be tracked. Despite randomized controlled trials showing a lack of efficacy for isolated OME, nasal steroids continue to be used in treating children with OME in the United States. Related quality improvement opportunities to prevent usage of an ineffective treatment exist.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the July 2017 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. A pilot study of an anonymous, voluntary, event reporting system made available to all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery was performed. The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) index was used to classify error types. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize submissions to the database. This preliminary descriptive analysis of a novel otolaryngology patient safety event reporting tool shows that this platform brings unique value to the identification of errors and adverse events in our specialty. Most reported events were classified as errors resulting in harm. The most common type of reported event was a technical error, most often resulting in a nerve injury.   Click here to read the full article.