Total laryngectomy negatively impacts sinonasal and olfactory-specific quality of life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to characterize deficits in olfactory-specific and sinonasal-specific QoL after total laryngectomy (TL) with validated patient reported outcome measures. METHODS: Thirty patients who had a TL were prospectively enrolled. Patient demographics, as well as scores from the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS) and the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to assess associations between patient characteristics and QoL scores. RESULTS: The average QOD-NS score was 37.9 ± 11.4 (<38.5 is considered abnormal) and average SNOT-22 score was 32.0 ± 3.8 (>20 indicates a moderate/severe impact on QoL). The abnormal QOD-NS group had a greater percentage of former smokers compared to the normal group (77.8% vs. 58.1%; P = 0.56) and more median days from surgery compared to the normal group (904 vs. 477 days; P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Olfactory dysfunction associated with TL results in blunting of olfactory-specific QoL.

Nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab.

IMPORTANCE: A case of nasal septal perforation secondary to systemic bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer is reported. Bevacizumab is a vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitor that is becoming more widely utilized in the oncologic community. There is only one prior report of septal perforation secondary to bevacizumab in the Otolaryngology specific literature. The purpose of this report is: 1) to raise awareness and discuss the literature surrounding the sinonasal complications of bevacizumab and 2) provide workup and treatment recommendations based on the sum of the available literature. OBSERVATIONS: We review the clinical record of a 59year old patient who presented with an anterior septal perforation while taking bevacizumab therapy for ovarian cancer. She had mild symptoms. Her oncologist held bevacizumab and topical moisture therapy was started. After several weeks, the perforation remained stable and bevacizumab was restarted for her ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Bevacizumab is associated with both septal perforation and more widespread sinonasal toxicity. These lesions tend to produce only mild symptoms and can usually be managed conservatively. The decision to hold bevacizumab therapy should be made in conjunction with the patient and medical oncologist. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the toxicity from this increasingly common oncologic therapy.

Ultrasonic bone aspirator assisted endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ultrasonic bone aspirator versus traditional powered drill technique for use in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Academic institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy from June 2010 through May 2014 was performed. Data were collected from 63 eyes of 63 patients. Recorded data points include: age, gender, etiology of epiphora, procedure type, success rate, need for septoplasty, and length of follow-up. Surgical failure was defined as no improvement in epiphora, postoperative dacryocystitis, or inability to irrigate the lacrimal system post-operatively. RESULTS: Sixty three consecutive patients underwent endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Twenty nine patients underwent powered microdrill DCR (pDCR); 34 patients underwent ultrasonic bone aspirator DCR (uDCR). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of age or gender. The success rates were: pDCR 86.2% and uDCR 94.1% (p=0.4). Concurrent septoplasty was performed in 48% of pDCR patients and 21% of uDCR patients (p=0.03) There was no significant difference in surgical success when septoplasty was controlled for (p=0.39). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic bone aspirator dacryocystorhinostomy has a similar success rate to traditional powered microdrill dacryocystorhinostomy.

Severe epistaxis after posterior nasal nerve ablation requiring surgical intervention: A multi-center case series.

KEY POINTS: Severe epistaxis occurs in 2% of PNN ablation cases, independent of method or device type. Major epistaxis requiring intervention after PNN ablation can occur on average 20 days post-procedure.

The Impact of Surgical Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation on Symptoms and Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary data have demonstrated long-term efficacy of posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation in reducing rhinitis symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). We sought to evaluate the impact of procedural cryoablation of the PNN on quality of life (QOL) in patients with AR and NAR. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing PNN cryoablation for AR or NAR after appropriate medical therapy were included for analysis. Demographics, medical therapies, baseline rhinitis symptom (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]), and disease-specific QOL (mini-rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire [mini-RQLQ]) were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significant changes in baseline test scores posttreatment. Absolute and relative improvement in outcomes was determined for each participant. Secondary outcomes were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 16.5 weeks. The TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores significantly improved after PNN cryoablation (median δs [interquartile range]: -4 [3] and -1.61 [1.08], respectively; both P = .0002). The minimal clinically important difference for the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was obtained in 92.9% of patients in each category. Relative mean percentage (%) improvement after PNN cryoablation in the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was 40.7% and 40.5% (standard deviation = 24.9 and 29.5, respectively), respectively, for all patients. Patients with NAR (n = 10) reported mean improvement of 41.3% (29.1) as measured by the TNSS and 49.6% (25.9) by mini-RQLQ. Patients with AR reported mean percentage improvement in TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores of 39.5% (12.1) and 24.6% (28.5), respectively. Patients who had been prescribed a nasal anticholinergic for management prior to PNN cryoablation had statistically significantly increased improvement in mini-RQLQ scores from pre- to post-procedure (P = .0387). CONCLUSION: Surgical cryoablation of the PNN significantly improves both symptoms and disease-specific QOL in majority of patients with AR and NAR.

Efficacy of Cryoablation on Chronic Rhinitis Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: ClariFix for posterior nasal nerve ablation has been approved for use since 2017, and this is the first study attempting to synthesize and assess the efficacy of this new device on the management of chronic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of ClariFix in the symptomatic management of patients with chronic rhinitis. The main outcome measure is the mean difference in the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS). METHODS: A systematic search of Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost was conducted from inception to May 2022. Peer-reviewed clinical trials reporting postcryotherapy rTNSS at both 1- and 3-month intervals for patients with chronic rhinitis were included. A random-effects model was utilized for meta-analysis. Study heterogeneity, bias, and overall quality were all assessed. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The primary outcome measures included mean differences in rTNSS from baseline to both 1- and 3-month postoperative time points. Secondary measures included other questionnaires including the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). RESULTS: There were 5 studies that met the criteria (247 individuals). The pooled rTNSS mean difference from baseline to 1 and 3 months postoperatively was found to be -3.48 points (95% CI: -3.73 to -3.23, I2 = 0.13). and -3.50 (95% CI: -3.71 to -3.29, I2 = 0.00), respectively. The mean difference from baseline to 3 months postoperatively regarding the RQLQ was found to be -1.53 (95% CI: -1.74 to -1.31, I2 = 0.00). The most common adverse effects included facial or surgical site pain (40.4%), followed by headache (18.2%), oral numbness (11.1%), and sinusitis (4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review suggest that cryoablation with Clarifix is an effective treatment modality for chronic rhinitis. However, higher-quality randomized controlled trials will need to be performed to affirm the findings of this study.

Treatment Outcomes With Conservative Management of Frontal Sinus Outflow Tract Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Historically, early surgical management of frontal sinus outflow tract (FSOT) fractures has been standard practice. There has been a paradigm shift toward nonsurgical or delayed management. Unfortunately, clinical indications and treatment outcomes for this approach are poorly understood. This study evaluates radiologic indicators, as well as sinus reaeration and complication rates for FSOT injuries treated nonsurgically. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of FSOT injuries between 2005 and 2019. SETTING: Academic, tertiary care medical center. METHODS: Radiographic fracture patterns of the frontal ostia (FO) and frontal recess (FR) were recorded as either patent, disrupted, or obstructed. Sinus reaeration, surgical rescue, and complication rates were documented. Patients with follow-up imaging >42 days were included. Patients undergoing immediate surgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred patients were identified and 44 met the criteria (88 sinuses). Among nonobstructed FSOT injuries (ie, patent or disrupted), reaeration occurred in 91% of the FO and 98% of FR injuries. Two sinuses required surgical rescue including 1 Draf IIB (1%), and 1 obliteration (1%). Two sinuses had complications including 1 mucocele (1%) and 1 cerebrospinal fluid leak (1%). FO and FR fracture patterns had no identifiable correlation with long-term reaeration rates or the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Among nonobstructive injuries to the FSOT, average reaeration rates in observed patients were high (91%-98%). Rescue surgery (2%) and complication rates (2%) were low, suggesting that nonsurgical management of nonobstructed FSOT is a viable strategy. No radiographic features were clearly identified to be predictive of sinus reaeration.

A Geospatial Analysis of the Rhinologist Workforce in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Six percent of practicing otolaryngologists identified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) are rhinologists. This is the first study to investigate both the distribution of rhinologists in the United States and the sociodemographic characteristics that may predict their practice locations. OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the geospatial distribution of the rhinology workforce and analyze sociodemographic characteristics associated with practice distribution. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 662 rhinologists queried from the 2020 American Rhinologic Society (ARS) database. Rhinologist practice addresses were compared with ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) sociodemographic data from the 2010 US Census Bureau and from the 2014 to 2018 American Community Surveys. Geospatial mapping and multivariate statistics were employed to visualize rhinologist practice locations and analyze which community characteristics were associated with greater densities of rhinologists in ZCTAs. RESULTS: The largest and smallest densities of rhinologists were in coastal areas and in the Central and Midwestern US, respectively. Population characteristics that significantly predicted a higher number of practicing rhinologists included: greater percentage of non-citizens and greater educational attainment (p < 0.001). Population characteristics that significantly predicted a lower number of practicing rhinologists included: greater percentage of self-identified white/Caucasians, median household income, and greater percentage of population aged 65 or older (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Disparities in healthcare access in the US is evident and applies to rhinologic subspecialty care. Through visual geospatial analysis, we demonstrate the distribution of rhinologists and the population characteristics that may be predictive of whether patients have access to rhinological care.

Comorbidities Known to Affect Physical Function Negatively Impact Baseline Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Medical comorbidities are commonly encountered in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and may impact both physical function and patient reported health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL). The functional comorbidity index (FCI) is designed to elucidate the role of comorbidities on functional prognosis. The objective of this study was to understand the impact of comorbidities known to impact physical function on baseline HRQOL using the FCI.Methodology: Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS were prospectively enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Responses from the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22), a measure of patient HRQOL, as well as the Lund-Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores were recorded at enrollment. FCI was calculated retrospectively using the electronic medical record. Information was collected and compared for patients without (CRSsNP) and with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) using chi-square and t-tests. Spearman's correlations, followed by multivariate regression analysis, were used to assess the association between FCI and SNOT-22 scores. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and SNOT-22 scores between patients with CRSsNP and those with CRSwNP. FCI was significantly and independently associated with worse SNOT-22 scores (P = .012). FCI did not correlate with endoscopy and computed tomography scores. The mean FCI for patients with CRSsNP and CRSwNP was 2.02 and 2.24, respectively, and did not differ significantly between the two cohorts (P = .565). CONCLUSIONS: Major medical comorbidities known to affect physical function are associated with worse SNOT-22 scores in patients with CRS as measured by the FCI.

Surgeon education through a surgical cost feedback system reduces supply cost in endoscopic skull base surgery.

OBJECTIVE: A large proportion of healthcare expense is operating room (OR) costs. As a means of cost mitigation, several institutions have implemented surgeon education programs to bring awareness about supply costs. This study evaluates the impact of a surgical cost feedback system (surgical receipt) on the supply costs of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) procedures. METHODS: The supply costs of each ESBS surgical case were prospectively collected and analyzed before and after the implementation of a nonincentivized, automated, and itemized weekly surgical receipt system between January 2017 and December 2019. Supply cost data collected 15 months prior to intervention were compared with cost data 21 months after implementation of the surgical receipt system. Demographics, surgical details, and OR time were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Of 105 ESBS procedures analyzed, 36 preceded and 69 followed implementation of cost feedback. There were no significant differences in patient age (p = 0.064), sex (p = 0.489), surgical indication (p = 0.389), or OR anesthesia time (p = 0.51) for patients treated before and after implementation. The mean surgical supply cost decreased from $3824.41 to $3010.35 (p = 0.002) after implementation of receipt feedback. Usage of dural sealants (p = 0.043), microfibrillar collagen hemostat (p = 0.007), and oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostat (p < 0.0001) and reconstructive technique (p = 0.031) significantly affected cost. Mediation analysis confirmed that the overall cost reduction was predominantly driven by reduced use of dural sealant; this cost saving exceeded the incremental cost of greater use of packing materials such as microfibrillar collagen hemostat. CONCLUSIONS: Education of surgeons regarding surgical supply costs by a surgical receipt feedback system can reduce the supply cost per case of ESBS operations.

Health Literacy and Web-Based Audiovisual Multimedia in Pituitary and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

Introduction The internet presents a rich milieu of multimedia options relating to pituitary and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). Misinformation can create discordance between patient and provider expectations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the understandability and actionability of available ESBS and pituitary surgery audiovisual information on YouTube and Google. Methods The top 50 videos generated by searching "pituitary surgery/transsphenoidal surgery" and "endoscopic skull base surgery" in both YouTube and Google were sorted by relevance. Two independent reviewers evaluated each for understandability and actionability based on the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for audiovisual material (PEMAT-A/V). Source, authorship, audience, and education/advertisement variables were collected. Chi-square test followed by univariate and multivariate regression analyses assessed the association between these variables and quality. Results A total of 85 videos (52 YouTube and 33 Google) met inclusion criteria for analysis. There was no significant difference in the presence of the aforementioned variables between YouTube and Google ( p < 0.05). Also, 72% of videos targeted patients and 28% targeted surgeons. Academic institutions uploaded 58% of videos. Surgeon-targeted videos were more educational ( p = 0.01) and patient-targeted videos involved more advertisement ( p = 0.01). Understandability and actionability scores were below the 70% threshold for both YouTube (65 ± 15, 38 ± 33, p = 0.65) and Google (66 ± 12, 38 ± 26, p = 0.94). Patient-targeted videos ( p = 0.002) were more understandable, while surgeon- ( p < 0.001) and education-focused videos ( p < 0.001) were more actionable. Conclusion Understandability and actionability of YouTube and Google audiovisual patient information on ESBS and pituitary surgery is poor. Consideration should be given to the formation of a standardized patient information resource.

Metastatic skull base chordoma: A systematic review.

Objective/Hypothesis: To investigate the clinical features, management strategies and outcomes for patients with metastatic primary skull base chordomas. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic search through Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost (CINAHL) was conducted without restriction on dates. After study screening and full-text assessment, two authors independently extracted all data using a pre-established abstraction form. Results: Forty cases were included from 38 studies. The average age (standard deviation [SD]) of the sample at presentation was 28.5 (23.3) and was equally distributed across genders. The average time (SD) between initial diagnosis to local recurrence was 40.1 (60.3) months. The average time (SD) from primary tumor detection to the diagnosis of metastatic disease was 55.2 (49.0) months. The most common subsite for metastatic spread were the lungs (32.5%). Of the 33 patients with data on outcomes, 48.5% were found to have expired by the time of publication. The median overall survival was estimated to be 84 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.3-105.7). Conclusions: The most common subsites for metastatic spread of skull base chordoma were the lungs and bone. Overall survival for patients in the current cohort was a median of 84 months, with no significant differences noted when stratifying by the extent of surgery or the site of metastases. Level of Evidence: 3a.

Pituitary stalk gangliogliomas: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Gangliogliomas rarely occur in the sella or suprasellar region and are almost never seen in the pituitary stalk. Seven cases of gangliogliomas occurring in this region have been reported; only one case involved a tumor within the pituitary stalk. Of the six tumors external to the pituitary stalk, two occurred in the neurohypophysis, one was in the adenohypophysis, the location of one was unspecified, and two extensively invaded the optic chiasm, hypothalamus and brainstem. This is only the second reported case of a pituitary stalk ganglioglioma, and it is unique in its use of an extended endoscopic endonasal approach for biopsy. CASE REPORT: A 51-year old woman presented with an eleven-month history of polydipsia and polyuria leading to the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain revealed contrast-enhanced thickening and anterior bowing of the hypophyseal stalk. An extended endoscopic endonasal approach permitted midline removal of the tuberculum sella, opening of underlying dura, and exposure of the pituitary stalk. A firm, white, 4 mm diameter mass, integral to the right side of the enlarged pituitary stalk was seen and biopsied. Histopathological analysis was consistent with WHO grade 1 ganglioglioma. The patient tolerated the procedure well and required no endocrinologic treatment other than desmopressin. CONCLUSION: Pituitary stalk gangliogliomas are extremely rare. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with pituitary stalk enlargement. Endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe surgical approach to establish a tissue diagnosis which is essential for pathologic certainty given the wide differential diagnosis of stalk lesions.

Diagnosis and Management of Depression in CRS: A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey.

Introduction Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) is present in up to 25% of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) cases and provides prognostic information for patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Clinical visits offer an opportunity to identify at-risk patients. Objective The purpose of the present study is to evaluate practice patterns among members of the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) in screening for/diagnosing MDD. Methods A 21-question survey was distributed to 1,206 members of the ARS from May 26, 2018 to June 12, 2018. The impact of demographic factors, including hospital setting, fellowship status, and experience were assessed through chi-squared analysis. Results A total of 80 members of the ARS completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 7%. Half of the respondents worked in academic settings and 43% had completed a rhinology fellowship. Twenty percent of the participants felt comfortable diagnosing or managing MDD, while only 10% of participants screened for MDD in patients with CRS. Respondents cited a lack of training (76%) and unfamiliarity with diagnostic criteria (76%) as barriers to the routine assessment of MDD. Most respondents (95%) considered comorbid psychiatric illness to negatively impact outcomes following ESS. Fellowship-trained respondents were significantly more likely to implement screening tools in their practice ( p = 0.05), and believe in the negative impact of MDD on postoperative outcomes ( p = 0.007), cost of care ( p = 0.04) and quality of life ( p = 0.047). Conclusion Amongst ARS members, 95% of the respondents consider comorbid MDD to negatively impact patient outcomes following ESS. Regardless, a large proportion of surgeons neither screen nor feel comfortable diagnosing MDD.

The digital doctor: telemedicine in facial plastic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the setting of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the demand for and use of telemedicine has surged in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This review aims to objectively review and summarize the existing evidence for the use of telemedicine within facial plastic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Telemedicine has been successfully implemented among subsets of facial plastic surgery patients, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Although the technology to facilitate telemedicine exists and preliminary studies demonstrate promise, multiple technological, financial, and medical barriers may persist in the postpandemic era. SUMMARY: Telemedicine will likely continue to grow and expand within facial plastic surgery moving forward, and we should continue to critically evaluate patient selection, access to care, and strategies for effective implementation to enhance current clinical practices.

Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Management: A Survey Assessment of Current Practice Patterns.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is highly controversial with a lack of substantiated evidence to support the use of corticosteroids or surgical decompression of the optic nerve. The aim of the study was to determine if there was a general consensus in the management of TON despite controversy in the literature. METHODS: An anonymous survey of members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society regarding their practice patterns in the management of patients with TON was performed. RESULTS: The majority of 165 respondents indicated that they treated TON with corticosteroids (60%) while a significant minority (23%) performed surgical interventions (P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis comparing rates of treatment with steroids among oculoplastic surgeons and neuro-ophthalmologists (67% vs. 47%) was not significant (Fisher's Exact test [FET], P =0.11) while results did suggest that a higher proportion of oculoplastic surgeons (33%) than neuro-ophthalmologists (11%) recommended surgical intervention (FET, P =0.004). In cases where visual acuity exhibited a downward trend treatment with steroids was the most commonly employed management. In general, neuro-ophthalmologists trended toward observation over treatment in TON patients with stable visual acuity while oculoplastic surgeons favored treatment with corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the lack of class I evidence supporting intervention of TON, the majority of respondents were inclined to offer corticosteroid treatment to patients whose visual acuity showed progressive decline following injury.

Preoperative Gabapentin Administration and Its Impact on Postoperative Opioid Requirement and Pain in Sinonasal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of preoperative gabapentin on patient-reported pain levels and postoperative opioid requirements following sinonasal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Academic institution. METHODS: Patients undergoing sinonasal surgery between July 2019 and January 2020 were followed. Groups were divided into those that received 600 mg of oral gabapentin 1 hour preoperatively (gabapentin) and those that did not (control). Postoperatively, each patient was counseled to use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and oxycodone as needed for pain control. Patients completed a daily postoperative pain and medication log. Pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and opioid use by morphine equivalent dose (MED). Chi-square test and Wilcoxon test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included (control, n = 28; gabapentin, n = 29). There was no significant difference in age, sex, or baseline Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 scores between the groups. The total MED, postoperative day (POD) 1-2 MED, POD 3-4 MED, and POD 5-6 MED did not differ significantly between the control (17.9, 12.2, 4.6, 1.5) and gabapentin (19.0, 8.9, 7.2, 3.5) groups (P = .98, .25, .16, .44). The mean daily VAS score did not differ significantly between the control (3.1) and gabapentin (2.8) groups (P = .81). The mean daily VAS score decreased significantly in both groups with each successive POD (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Preoperative gabapentin did not significantly reduce postoperative pain or opioid use. Postoperative discomfort following sinonasal surgery is mild, and opioid intake is minimal.

The Impact of Medical Comorbidities on Patient Satisfaction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction has a significant bearing on medical therapy compliance and patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe patient satisfaction, as characterized by the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18), in the care of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and (2) analyze the impact of comorbidities on satisfaction using the functional comorbidity index (FCI). METHODS: Patient demographics, disease severity measures, and PSQ-18 scores for patients with CRS presenting to a tertiary rhinology clinic between November 2019 and April 2020 were collected and analyzed. FCI was calculated retrospectively using the electronic medical record; individual comorbidities were tabulated. Spearman's correlations followed by multivariate regression was used to assess the relationship between medical comorbidities and PSQ-18. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients met criteria for analysis. There were no significant differences in age, gender, and Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 scores between CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps. There was no significant difference in the mean FCI for patients with CRSwNP versus CRSsNP (5.1 and 4.3, respectively) (P = .843). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the mean sum PSQ-18 score (78/100 in both) between these cohorts (P = .148). The mean sum PSQ-18 score was not significantly associated with anxiety (P = .728), depression (P = .624), or FCI (P = .282), but was significantly associated with hearing impairment (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction in the care of CRS is generally high with a diagnosis of comorbid hearing impairment demonstrating a negative association with satisfaction in this cohort.

Telemedicine, Patient Satisfaction, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis Care in the Era of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has become increasingly popular in the care of rhinologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This change in practice patterns may place patients at risk of a perceived lower-quality exchange with their healthcare provider, which may in turn impact satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study compares patient satisfaction scores between in-person clinic visits and telemedicine video visits in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with CRS presenting to an academic rhinology clinic between March to April 2020 were retrospectively divided into video visits (VV) and clinic visits (CV) groups based on mandated state quarantine orders on March 19. Patient demographics, disease severity measures, and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18) scores were collected and analyzed. Chi square test and Fisher's exact test were performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age (p = 0.81), gender (p = 0.55), CRS phenotype (p = 0.16), and disease severity measures (Sinonasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) (p = 0.92); Lund-Mackay score (p = 0.96)) between the video and clinic visit groups. There were no significant differences in PSQ-18 total scores (VV PSQ-18 mean score = 78.1, CV PSQ-18 mean score = 78.4; p = 0.67) or the following subdomain scores between the two groups: general satisfaction (p = 0.73), technical quality (p = 0.62), interpersonal manner (p = 0.41), communication (p = 0.31), financial aspects (p = 0.89), time spent with doctor (p = 0.88), and accessibility and convenience (p = 0.47). CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with telemedicine in the COVID-19 pandemic parallels that of traditional in-person visits. Video visits can serve as a viable alternative to clinic visits, while still maintaining high satisfaction.

Oncocytic Cysts of the Nasopharynx: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal oncocytic lesions are a spectrum of benign lesions that represent a reactive or hyperplastic response to chronic inflammation. Though oncocytic lesions are typically asymptomatic, unilateral, and benign, this article discusses a rare case of large, bilateral oncocytic cysts and downstream otologic sequelae with a focus on identifying and discussing similar disease processes. METHODS: Case report and literature review.Case Presentation: A 67-year-old patient with 57 pack year smoking history presented for one year of left sided hearing loss and aural fullness. Clinic endoscopic exam demonstrated severe inflammatory and cystic changes lining the bilateral tori. Imaging and tissue sampling confirmed the cause was minor salivary gland cysts with papillary projections lined by oncocytic cells within bilateral tori tubarius. He was successfully treated with myringotomy with pressure equalizing tube, counseling on tobacco cessation, and surveillance with serial nasopharyngoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic eustachian tube dysfunction is a possible rare presentation and sequelae of large oncocytic cysts of the nasopharynx. Oncocytic cysts should be considered on the differential diagnosis for nasopharyngeal masses causing such dysfunction.