Assessing the Quality and Readability of Online Patient Information: ENT UK Patient Information e-Leaflets versus Responses by a Generative Artificial Intelligence.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of artificial intelligence has introduced new ways to disseminate health information, including natural language processing models like ChatGPT. However, the quality and readability of such digitally generated information remains understudied. This study is the first to compare the quality and readability of digitally generated health information against leaflets produced by professionals. METHODOLOGY: Patient information leaflets from five ENT UK leaflets and their corresponding ChatGPT responses were extracted from the Internet. Assessors with various degrees of medical knowledge evaluated the content using the Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) tool and readability tools including the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences between leaflets, assessors, and sources of information. RESULTS: ENT UK leaflets were of moderate quality, scoring a median EQIP of 23. Statistically significant differences in overall EQIP score were identified between ENT UK leaflets, but ChatGPT responses were of uniform quality. Nonspecialist doctors rated the highest EQIP scores, while medical students scored the lowest. The mean readability of ENT UK leaflets was higher than ChatGPT responses. The information metrics of ENT UK leaflets were moderate and varied between topics. Equivalent ChatGPT information provided comparable content quality, but with reduced readability. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT patient information and professionally produced leaflets had comparable content, but large language model content required a higher reading age. With the increasing use of online health resources, this study highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers both the quality and readability of patient education materials.

Asciminib Monotherapy as Frontline Treatment of Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Results from the ASCEND Study.

Asciminib is a myristoyl site BCR::ABL1 inhibitor approved for chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CP-CML) patients failing ≥2 prior lines of therapy. The Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG) conducted the ASCEND study to assess efficacy of asciminib for newly-diagnosed CP-CML. Patients commenced asciminib 40 mg twice daily (BID) and thereafter were managed according to molecular milestones. Patients with treatment failure, defined as BCR::ABL1 >10% (IS) at 3 or 6 months, or >1% at 12 or 18 months, received either imatinib, nilotinib or dasatinib in addition to asciminib. In patients with suboptimal response, defined as levels of 1-10% at 6 months, >0.1-1% at 12 months, or >0.01%-1% at 18 months, the asciminib dose was increased to 80 mg BID. With a median follow-up of 21 months (range 0-36), 82/101 patients continue asciminib. The most frequent reasons for treatment discontinuation were adverse events (6%), loss of response (4%) and withdrawn consent (5%). There were no deaths; one patient developed lymphoid blast crisis at 6 months. The co-primary endpoints were early molecular response (BCR::ABL1 ≤10% at 3 months), achieved in 93% (96% CI 86-97%), and major molecular response by 12 months achieved in 79%; (95% CI 69.7-86.8%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of MR4.5 was 53% by 24 months. One patient had 2 cerebrovascular events; no other arterial occlusive events were reported. Asciminib as frontline therapy in CP-CML produces high rates of molecular response with excellent tolerance and a low rate of discontinuation for toxicity. (ANZ Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000851965).

Osteotomy Techniques in Preservation Rhinoplasty with an Analysis of a Radix-Skull Base Computed Tomography Series.

This study aims to explain our experience with dorsal preservation osteotomies, focusing on transverse, lateral, and dorsal aesthetic lines (DAL) osteotomies. We describe the utilization of a variety of surgical instruments, including osteotomes, saws, burrs, and piezo. This paper describes our concept of transcutaneous ultrasonic osteotomy, microedged-specific osteotomy, applying drills for lateral wall reshaping, and integrating piezo technology to establish new DAL. Furthermore, we present a radix-skull base computed tomography series analysis to evaluate the safety of transverse and radix osteotomies.

Doxycycline Sclerodesis-"Rhinodesis"-for Enhanced Soft Tissue Adhesion in Rhinoplasty: A Preliminary Study.

The use of doxycycline as a sclerosing agent is well-established. Given the clinical efficacy of doxycycline sclerosant therapy, we embarked upon a study to evaluate the efficacy of small-volume liquified doxycycline particularly in thick skinned rhinoplasty patients to promote re-adhesion of the nasal skin-soft tissue envelope (SSTE) thereby minimizing surgical dead space and enhancing surface contour, to improve the eventual outcome of surgery.We present two clinical case series using rhinodesis. All patients were treated with the same rhinodesis protocol that included conventional splinting and taping. The first series consisted of 102 consecutive primary rhinoplasties with medium to thick nasal skin treated via open rhinoplasty. Doxycycline solution at a concentration of 20 mg/mL was applied beneath the skin flap using a 14-gauge angiocath inserted through small gaps in the marginal suture line following closure, retained for 2 to 3 minutes, and then expressed from the dead space. Firm manual compression of the SSTE was maintained for at least 1 additional minute, and the splint was then applied. The second series consisted of 25 thick-skinned primary rhinoplasties that were also treated with open rhinoplasty using the same rhinodesis protocol. However, the second group was evaluated with serial postoperative ultrasonography to characterize the soft-tissue response to rhinodesis, particularly within the tip and supra-tip regions.Results revealed enhanced skin adherence in nearly all patients when compared to traditional taping and splinting alone. Ultrasonic examination demonstrated enhanced adherence of the subcutaneous tissue to the nasal framework and suggests that rhinodesis is effective at minimizing dead space in majority of thick-skinned rhinoplasty patients. No complications were observed. Doxycycline can be used easily and safely to seal the surgical dead space post-rhinoplasty and minimize degradation of nasal contour with excellent outcome.

Myomodulation Using Botulinum Toxin in Septorhinoplasty for Crooked Noses: Introducing the Concept and Application of Nasal Muscle Imbalance Theory.

The role of septorhinoplasty for adequate correction of deviated nose is well documented, but the rationales and patterns for recurrences after proper rhinoplasty remain unclear. There has also been little attention given to the influence of nasal musculatures on the stability of nasal structures after septorhinoplasty. The aim of this article is to propose our nasal muscle imbalance theory, which may explain the potential reason for redeviation of the noses in the initial period after septorhinoplasty. We postulate that in a chronically deviated nose, the nasal muscles on the convex side will be stretched and develop hypertrophy after prolonged period of increased contractile activity. On the contrary, the nasal muscles on the concave side will undergo atrophy due to reduced load requirement. In the initial period of recovery after a septorhinoplasty to bring the nose back to midline, this muscle imbalance is still uncorrected with unequal pulling forces on the nasal structure because the stronger nasal muscles on the previously convex side is still hypertrophied and exert stronger forces compared with the previously concave side, therefore increasing the risk of redeviation of the nose back to the preoperative side until muscle atrophy occurs in the convex side and a balanced nasal muscle pull is achieved. We believe that postseptorhinoplasty botulinum toxin injections can be used as an adjunct in rhinoplasty surgery to effectively block the pulling actions of the stronger or overacting nasal muscles by speeding up the atrophy process while allowing patient's nose to heal and stabilize in the desired position. However, further studies to objectively confirm this hypothesis is required, which include comparing topographic measurements, imaging and electromyography signals before and after injections in postseptorhinoplasty patients. The authors have already planned a multicenter study to further evaluate this theory.

The Fish Bone Technique: An Innovative Approach for the Bony Nasal Pyramid.

Among many contributions to the world of art and science, Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci created the technique known as sfumato. In this technique, da Vinci considered that the regions to be highlighted should be lit up, while the regions to be hidden should be darkened. Drawing parallel with the face, we can work on the anatomical structures underlying the skin and create a favorable surface anatomy for the entire face, including the nose. However, to achieve the ideal hourglass shape of the nose, the bones must be shaped, and a variety of osteotomies are described and used to achieve this. The new and innovative Fish Bone technique, described in this article, allows for the bony nasal pyramid to be shaped and adapted to the hourglass shape, resulting in a harmonious contour, with smooth transitions and preservation airway.

Localised swelling at sites of dermal filler injections following administration of Covid-19 vaccines: a systematic review.

Introduction: Localised swelling at sites of filler injections has been reported in the Moderna mRNA-1273 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine trial. Methods: We conducted a review of the existing data and literature on the potential pathophysiology for this adverse event and its potential management. Results: Data from the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Phase 3 trial and one case series were available. Three out of 30,400 subjects developed possible filler reaction in the Moderna trial. Two other cases were reported after emergency use authorisation. Reactions occurred at a mean of 1.4 days post-vaccination. Fillers were injected at a mean of 14.1 months before vaccination. Areas involved included lips, infraorbital areas and tear troughs. Treatment included observation, corticosteroids, antihistamine, hyaluronidase and 5-fluorouracil. Conclusion: Rare, self-limiting adverse reactions to dermal fillers have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians should be aware of this clinical phenomenon and its management, as vaccination is carried out globally.

Management of Wide Alar Lobule Using Preservation Rhinoplasty Philosophy: Alar Coring Technique.

A broad alar base disrupts nasal harmony and facial aesthetic balance and is an aesthetic concern for many patients. This wide appearance may be related to excessive nostril sill, alar flare, wide alar lobule, or a combination. Many techniques are described in literature to address the alar base with resultant scars to a variable degree. Management of alar lobule thickness is particularly challenging. Our technique presented here introduces a novel method to reduce the thickness of the alar lobule with excellent aesthetic outcome.

Are Antibiotics Needed in Septorhinoplasty? An Evidence-Based Approach.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in the context of septorhinoplasty (SRP) is a frequently debated topic among plastic surgeons. Most surgeons routinely use antibiotics to prevent the dreaded physical and psychological morbidity of postoperative infections, although this practice is controversial. With antimicrobial resistance becoming a global threat, however, optimizing antibiotic prescribing is essential. The current evidence would suggest that the rate of postoperative infection is low and routine antibiotic use is unnecessary in SRP surgery. Rates range from 0.5 to 2% in simple SRP surgery, majority of which are minor nasal infections which respond to oral antibiotics and do not require hospital admission. In cases of complex SRP, defined as revision cases or where grafts or implants have been utilized, infection rates can be much higher with an incidence of 7 to 11%, and as such utilization of antibiotics is reasonable. When considering the regime to be utilized, a single preoperative dose of intravenous antibiotics has the same efficacy in reducing the incident of postoperative infection as a postoperative 7-day course of oral antibiotics. In the authors' practice, all patients receive a single intravenous dose of antibiotics on induction, and in the case of utilization of a graft from a nonnasal site, this is complimented with an oral course of postoperative antibiotics. With this approach, infections rates are at the lowest range of available published literature.

The Quality of Online Information on Cosmetic Injectable Fillers: Current Status.

Web-based health information plays an increasingly vital role in spreading health information. Many patients interested in aesthetic surgery study the procedure on the Internet. This study aims to evaluate the quality of online health information on injectable fillers using the modified "Ensuring Quality Information for Patients" (EQIP) tool. Nine different search terms, including "fillers," "fuller cheeks," "wrinkle removal," and "antiwrinkle treatment" were identified and queried on Google. Unique links from the first three pages of each search term were identified and evaluated if the contents were in English language and were for general non-medical public use. A total of 172 websites were analyzed, with a median EQIP score of 20. In total 129 websites belonged to aesthetic practitioners, of which 81 were operated by medical doctors. Eighty-three percent of websites disclosed some forms of postoperative complications, most commonly edema (74%) and bruising (73%). Blindness and tissue necrosis were only mentioned by 12 and 10% of the websites, respectively. The current health information available on injectable fillers is of poor quality. While many do provide some information on risks, the majority of websites fail to disclose severe complications and quantifying risks. This poses a barrier against informed decision-making and may lead to unrealistic expectations. Patient satisfaction and expectations may be improved by developing better online education resources on fillers.

Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: Long-Term Follow-Up of High G' HA Nasal Injections.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most requested aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons world-wide and nonsurgical rhinoplasty is becoming the gold standard in aesthetic nasal treatment. Follow-up clinical examinations were performed on all 107 patients, being a safe and predictable technique with a high degree of satisfaction for the patients. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty using hyaluronic acid is an effective, fast, and safe nasal reshaping procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Generally, due to the gradual reabsorption of the filler, the results last up to 8 to 12 months after treatment, making it a valid minimally invasive alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. Consequently, to maintain the effects it is necessary to repeat the treatment once a year.

A Quality Assessment of Online Patient Information Regarding Rhinoplasty.

There is a large demand for online patient information for patients considering rhinoplasty. While there are many resources available, the quality and content of the information provided are unknown. This study aimed to assess the quality of the most popular information available online, using the "Ensuring Quality Information for Patients" (EQIP) tool to evaluate the content, structure, and readability of patient information on websites. Search terms including nose operation, nose job, nose reshaping, nose tip surgery, rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, were identified using Google AdWords and Trends. Unique links from the first 10 pages for each term were identified and evaluated with websites written in English and for general non-medical public use were included. 295 websites met the eligibility criteria with a median overall EQIP score of 17. Only 33% contained balanced information on the risks and benefits. Bleeding and infection risk was only mentioned in 29% and 27% of websites, respectively. Two percent described complication rates of the procedures and only 20% of articles explained further surgery may be required to achieve patient cosmetic or functional satisfaction. Information regarding rhinoplasty available online is currently of poor quality. The lack of effective risk counselling, possible outcome management, and complications may likely lead to unrealistic expectations of rhinoplasty. It is crucial the risks of surgery are communicated to the patient to ensure they can make an informed decision. Improved education through online resources would likely help to promote more realistic patient expectations.

Surgical and Nonsurgical Management of the Nasal Skin-Soft Tissue Envelope.

Management of the skin-soft tissue envelope (SSTE) in rhinoplasty is challenging and critical for the overall outcome. The preoperative identification of patients with thick or thin skin and with preexisting skin conditions may contribute significantly to the postsurgical result. Most publications and textbooks focus on the management of the osseocartilaginous framework, but the SSTE management is often not addressed in detail. However, nonsurgical treatments, such as skin preconditioning, topical steroid-injections, oral isotretinoin, and topical vitamin A derivatives, may provide strong benefits. In this article, we reviewed the literature to present a comprehensive review on the available surgical and nonsurgical approaches pre-, intra-, and postoperatively dealing with SSTE in rhinoplasty.

Update on the role of emerging stem cell technology in head and neck medicine.

Head and neck surgery is a broad discipline that involves the management of complex conditions such as burns, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, congenital abnormalities, and facial rejuvenation. For patients with cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are often the main modes of treatment. Many patients require follow-up reconstructive surgery, and the use of stem cells offers novel treatments that could aid recovery. Laryngeal, tracheal, and neuronal tissues are frequently damaged by surgery in the head and neck and these tissues have little intrinsic regenerative ability. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cells meaning that large tissue defects can be reduced by stimulating new cell growth. Research has demonstrated potential benefits of using stem cells in facial rejuvenation procedures and the management of burns sequelae. The advancements made in the use of adult progenitor stem cells as a possible source for pluripotent stem cells (induced pluripotent stem cells) mean that ethical considerations around the use of embryological tissue can be minimized, allowing for more research to take place. Currently, the evidence base for the use of stem cells in head and neck surgery is limited, but it has now been proven that stem cells can act as a source for lost or damaged tissue in the head and neck. With continuous advancements being made in the fields of tissue engineering, it is likely that stem cells will play a major role in head and neck surgery in the future.