COVID-19 in the Clinic: Trial of an Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) for common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures which also provides nanoparticle-level protection to patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective feasibility study. SETTING: In-person testing with a novel ACM. METHODS: The mask was designed in Solidworks and 3-dimensional printed. Measurements were made on 100 consecutive clinic patients who underwent medically necessarily endoscopy, 50 rigid nasal and 50 flexible, by 9 surgeons. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients who underwent rigid nasal endoscopy with the ACM, 0 of 25 patients with the suction off and 0 of 25 patients with the suction on had evidence of leakage of 0.3 µm particles. Of the 50 patients who underwent flexible endoscopy with the ACM, 0 of 25 patients with the suction off and 0 of 25 patients with the suction on had evidence of leakage of 0.3 µm particles. In terms of comfort, 73% of patients found the ACM somewhat or very comfortable without suction, compared to 86% with the suction on. Surgeons were able to visualize all necessary anatomic areas in 98% of procedures. In 97% of procedures, the masks were able to be placed easily. CONCLUSION: ACM can accommodate rigid nasal and flexible endoscopes and may prevent leakage of patient-generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The level of evidence is 2.

Systemic Steroids for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Disorders: An Evidence-Based Primer for Clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: To offer pragmatic, evidence-informed guidance on the use of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) for common otolaryngologic disorders. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guidelines. REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive search of published literature through November 2021 was conducted on the efficacy of SCS, alone or in combination with other treatments, for managing disorders in otolaryngology and the subdisciplines. Clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials, when available, were preferentially retrieved. Interventions and outcomes of SCS use were compiled to generate summary tables and narrative synthesis of findings. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on the effectiveness of SCS varies widely across otolaryngology disorders. High-level evidence supports SCS use for Bell's palsy, sinonasal polyposis, and lower airway disease. Conversely, evidence is weak or absent for upper respiratory tract infection, eustachian tube dysfunction, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, adenotonsillar hypertrophy, or nonallergic rhinitis. Evidence is indeterminate for acute laryngitis, acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, angioedema, chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps, Ménière's disease, postviral olfactory loss, postoperative nerve paresis/paralysis, facial pain, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians should bring an evidence-informed lens to SCS prescribing to best counsel patients regarding the risks, anticipated benefits, and limited data on long-term effects. Alternate routes of corticosteroid administration-such as sprays, drops, inhalers, and intralesional injections-may be preferable for many disorders, particularly those that are self-limited or require a prolonged duration of therapy. Prudent use of SCS reduces the risk of medication-related adverse effects. Clinicians who are conversant with high-level evidence can achieve optimal outcomes and stewardship when prescribing SCS.

Pediatric Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Survival.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFS) is a devastating infection that manifests almost exclusively in immunocompromised children. The goal of this work was to determine which clinical features carry prognostic value for survival. METHODS: A retrospective review of children with a histopathological diagnosis of IFS was performed at an academic tertiary care institution from 1990 to 2021. Clinical variables were collected to generate survival and life-table estimators at 6-months and 1-year. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included in this analysis, with a mean age of 9.8 years (range, 1-17 years). Most children were neutropenic (n = 15, 83.3%), with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 10, 55.6%) representing the most common primary diagnosis. A mean of 3.2 operations (range 1-7 operations) was performed per patient for either mucormycosis (n = 10, 55.6%) or aspergillosis (n = 8, 44.4%). The mean time to absolute neutrophil count recovery was 65.8 days (range 20-137 days), with a 6-month and 1-year survival rate of 47.6% and 41.7%, respectively. Gross total resection (p = 0.006, p < 0.001), number of antifungals (p = 0.0004, p = 0.0003), and total operation number (p = 0.0032, p = 0.0035), served as positive prognostic factors for 6-month and 1-year survival. Conversely, altered mental status (p = 0.0026), cerebral involvement (p = 0.0010), cranial neuropathies (p < 0.0001), hyperglycemia (p = 0.0445, p = 0.0208), and intensive care unit status (p = 0.0013) served as negative prognostic factors for 6-month and 1-year survival. CONCLUSION: Several key elements were identified and found to play a vital role in influencing survival for pediatric IFS. Early diagnosis, prompt medical therapy, and aggressive surgical intervention remain at the forefront in the treatment of this complex opportunistic infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:1239-1250, 2023.

Retained Dental Implant in the Maxillary Sinus.

Implant dentistry has become a popularized means of replacing damaged or missing teeth. Although it has become common practice, there are accounts of implants displacing into surrounding structures, commonly the maxillary sinus. We present the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with chronic left sided pain and pressure found to be secondary to a displaced implant obstructing the left maxillary outflow sinus tract. A systematic review was conducted to assess the current management and treatment options for dental implants displaced into the maxillary sinus. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and the lateral window approach were both found to be safe techniques with minimal postoperative complications.

Robotic and robot-assisted skull base neurosurgery: systematic review of current applications and future directions.

OBJECTIVE: The utility of robotic instrumentation is expanding in neurosurgery. Despite this, successful examples of robotic implementation for endoscopic endonasal or skull base neurosurgery remain limited. Therefore, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature to identify all articles that used robotic systems to access the sella or anterior, middle, or posterior cranial fossae. METHODS: A systematic review of MEDLINE and PubMed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines performed for articles published between January 1, 1990, and August 1, 2021, was conducted to identify all robotic systems (autonomous, semiautonomous, or surgeon-controlled) used for skull base neurosurgical procedures. Cadaveric and human clinical studies were included. Studies with exclusively otorhinolaryngological applications or using robotic microscopes were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 561 studies were identified from the initial search, of which 22 were included following full-text review. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) using the da Vinci Surgical System was the most widely reported system (4 studies) utilized for skull base and pituitary fossa procedures; additionally, it has been reported for resection of sellar masses in 4 patients. Seven cadaveric studies used the da Vinci Surgical System to access the skull base using alternative, non-TORS approaches (e.g., transnasal, transmaxillary, and supraorbital). Five cadaveric studies investigated alternative systems to access the skull base. Six studies investigated the use of robotic endoscope holders. Advantages to robotic applications in skull base neurosurgery included improved lighting and 3D visualization, replication of more traditional gesture-based movements, and the ability for dexterous movements ordinarily constrained by small operative corridors. Limitations included the size and angulation capacity of the robot, lack of drilling components preventing fully robotic procedures, and cost. Robotic endoscope holders may have been particularly advantageous when the use of a surgical assistant or second surgeon was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic skull base neurosurgery has been growing in popularity and feasibility, but significant limitations remain. While robotic systems seem to have allowed for greater maneuverability and 3D visualization, their size and lack of neurosurgery-specific tools have continued to prevent widespread adoption into current practice. The next generation of robotic technologies should prioritize overcoming these limitations.

Pediatric chronic sinusitis: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Review the diagnosis and management of pediatric chronic sinusitis given recent advances in both surgical and medical management. RECENT FINDINGS: Balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of the sinuses has been used as an adjunct to adenoidectomy or in lieu of traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. BCD has been shown to be a safe technique in children although its efficacy compared to maxillary sinus irrigation or traditional sinus surgery cannot be determined based on current studies. SUMMARY: New advances in BCD and biologics may serve as useful adjuncts in surgical and medical therapy respectively with additional research needed to better delineate the optimal indications for each in the treatment continuum.

Geographic Distribution of Otolaryngology Advance Practice Providers and Physicians.

OBJECTIVES: Advanced practice providers (APPs), namely physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), play an increasing role in meeting growing demands for otolaryngologic services, particularly in rural communities. This study analyzes the geographic distribution of otolaryngology providers, which is essential to addressing future demands. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data for 2017. METHODS: Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify APPs providing 10 common otolaryngologic services. Geographic distribution was evaluated by calculating densities of APPs and otolaryngologists per 100,000 persons in urban versus rural counties as defined by the National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme. RESULTS: We identified cohorts of 8573 otolaryngologists, 1148 NPs, and 895 PAs. There were significantly higher population-controlled densities of otolaryngologists and APPs in urban counties as compared with rural counties. The majority of otolaryngologists (92.1%) and APPs (83.3%) were in urban counties. However, the proportion of APPs (16.7%) in rural counties was significantly higher than the proportion of otolaryngologists (7.9%) in rural counties (P < .01). A significant majority of rural counties (72.2%) had zero identified providers, and a greater proportion of rural counties (5.0%) were served exclusively by APPs as compared with urban counties (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Although otolaryngologists and APPs mostly practiced in urban counties, a relatively higher proportion of APPs practiced in rural counties when compared with otolaryngology physicians. The majority of rural counties did not have any otolaryngologic providers. Given the expected shortages of otolaryngology physicians, APPs may play a critical role in addressing these gaps in access.

Respiratory Particle Emission During Voice Assessment and Therapy Tasks in a Single Subject.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via respiratory particles. Respiratory particle emission is impacted by manner of breathing and voicing, as well as intersubject variability. Assessment and treatment of voice disorders may include tasks that increase respiratory particle emission beyond typical breathing and speaking. This could increase the risk of disease transmission via respiratory particles. METHODS: Respiratory particle emission was measured during a single-subject, repeated measures clinical simulation of acoustic and aerodynamic assessment and voice therapy tasks. An optical particle sizer was used to measure particle count (1-10 µm in diameter). Assessment and therapy tasks were completed in three conditions: (1) 15 cm from the device, (2) 1 m from the device, and (3) 1 m from the device with the subject wearing a surgical mask. RESULTS: Condition 1 generated the highest particle count, with a median of 5.1 (13) additional particles above baseline, which was statistically significant (U = 381.5, P= 0.002). In condition 1, therapy and acoustic tasks combined produced more particles compared to the baseline and speech tasks, with a median difference of 6.5 additional particles per time point (U = 309.0, P= 0.002). This difference was not significant for conditions 2 and 3. Peak particle generation occurred in specific phonatory tasks, which was most pronounced in condition 1. Voice therapy tasks during condition 1 generated the highest peaks of normalized total particles with classical singing and expiratory muscle strength training. There was a significant difference in the amount of particle generation between condition 1 and 2, with a median difference of 5.2 particles (U = 461.0, P= 0.002). The particle count difference between conditions 2 and 3 was 2.1 (U = 282.0, P= 0.292), and this difference was not significant. The normalized total particles were assessed over time for each condition. For all conditions, there was no significant accumulation of particles. CONCLUSIONS: For a single subject, production of voice assessment and therapy tasks combined resulted in an increased number of respiratory particles compared to speech and baseline (1-10 µm). EMST and classical singing generated the greatest concentration of particles. Respiratory particle counts were higher at 15 cm from the particle sizer compared to 1 m from the particle sizer, suggesting that physical distancing may reduce immediate clinician exposure to respiratory particles. Particle concentration did not accumulate over time.

COVID-19 in the Clinic: Human Testing of an Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) for common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures that also provides nanoparticle-level protection to patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective feasibility study . SETTING: In-person testing with a novel ACM. METHODS: The mask was designed in Solidworks and 3D printed. Measurements were made on 10 healthy volunteers who wore the ACM while reading the Rainbow Passage repeatedly and performing a forced cough or sneeze at 5-second intervals over 1 minute with an endoscope in place. RESULTS: There was a large variation in the number of aerosol particles generated among the volunteers. Only the sneeze task showed a significant increase compared with normal breathing in the 0.3-µm particle size when compared with a 1-tailed t test (P = .013). Both the 0.5-µm and 2.5-µm particle sizes showed significant increases for all tasks, while the 2 largest particle sizes, 5 and 10 µm, showed no significant increase (both P < .01). With the suction off, 3 of 30 events (2 sneeze events and 1 cough event) had increases in particle counts, both inside and outside the mask. With the suction on, 2 of 30 events had an increase in particle counts outside the mask without a corresponding increase in particle counts inside the mask. Therefore, these fluctuations in particle counts were determined to be due to random fluctuation in room particle levels. CONCLUSION: ACM will accommodate rigid and flexible endoscopes plus instruments and may prevent the leakage of patient-generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 Screening Fails to Detect Viral Particles Prior to Airway Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Children have higher rates of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections or milder courses of infection, and their carrier status may potentially impact viral transmission to those providing them care. The aim of this study is to compare the existing COVID-19 preoperative screening protocols to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in surgical samples. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study with consecutive convenience sampling of children undergoing adenoidectomy between January and April 2021. Total nucleic acid was extracted from adenoid tissue and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was conducted to test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles. Univariate logistic regression was used to summarize the effect size of variables of interest on the odds of having SARS-CoV-2 positive adenoid tissue. RESULTS: Forty adenoid samples were collected and 11 (27.5%) had a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients with positive adenoids were older (11.8 vs. 7.9 years, odds ratio: 1.3, P = .01) and more likely to have had a positive nasopharyngeal swab in the previous 90 days (4/11 or 36% vs. 0). CONCLUSION: These data are the first report on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in pediatric adenoidectomy specimens, with a high percentage of patients showing evidence of viral particles within the adenoid. This finding calls in to question the utility of preoperative COVID screening protocols which have yet to be rigorously validated in asymptomatic patients and have the potential to delay patients' surgical care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1665-1667, 2022.

Discordance Between Subjective and Objective Measures of Smell and Taste in US Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the rates and factors associated with under- and overreporting of subjective changes in smell or taste as compared with objective measures. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2014). METHODS: We examined participants ≥40 years old who completed subjective questionnaires (smell, n = 3510; taste, n = 3089), validated objective 8-odor pocket smell tests, and NaCl/quinine taste tests. Over- and underreporting was determined by the difference in subjective and objective results. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses incorporated sampling weights. RESULTS: A majority of participants correctly classified impairment: smell (73.7%; 95% CI, 71.2%-76.1%) and taste (78.3%; 95% CI, 75.6%-80.7%). Age ≥65 years (odds ratio, 2.23; P = .001) was associated with underreporting impairment, and persistent cold symptoms (odds ratio, 2.15; P = .001) were associated with overreporting smell impairment. Smoke, onion, and natural gas scents were incorrectly identified more frequently by individuals aged ≥65 years after Bonferroni correction. No factors were associated with under- and overreporting taste impairment. CONCLUSION: Although the concordance rate between subjective and objective assessment of smell and taste impairment remains high, we found that older age was associated with incorrect report of impairment. This suggests that the subjective perception of smell varies across demographical and clinical factors, and it is important to not overlook such factors in clinical practice. Potentially using a simplified odor assessment regularly in the clinical setting may aid in early detection and intervention.

COVID-19 in the Clinic: Aerosol Containment Mask for Endoscopic Otolaryngologic Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To create an aerosol containment mask (ACM) that contains aerosols during common otolaryngologic endoscopic procedures while protecting patients from environmental aerosols. STUDY DESIGN: Bench testing. SETTING: Mannequin testing. METHODS: The mask was designed in SolidWorks and 3-dimensional printed. Mannequins were fitted with a nebulizer to generate aerosols. Commercial particle counters were used to measure mask performance. RESULTS: The ACM has 2 ports on either side for instruments and endoscopes, a port for a filter, and a port that can evacuate aerosols contained within the mask via a standard suction pump. The mask contained aerosols on a mannequin with and without facial hair when the suction was set to 18.5 L/min. Other types of masks demonstrated substantial aerosol leakage under similar conditions. In a subsequent experiment, the ACM contained aerosols generated by a nebulizer up to the saturation of the particle detector without measurable leakage with or without suction. CONCLUSION: The ACM will accommodate rigid and flexible endoscopes plus instruments and prevent leakage of patient-generated aerosols, thus avoiding contamination of the room and protecting health care workers from airborne contagions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Aerosol Generation During Laryngology Procedures in the Operating Room.

OBJECTIVE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 spreads through respiratory fluids. We aim to quantify aerosolized particles during laryngology procedures to understand their potential for transmission of infectious aerosol-based diseases. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective quantification of aerosol generation. METHODS: Airborne particles (0.3-25 µm in diameter) were measured during live-patient laryngology surgeries using an optical particle counter positioned 60 cm from the oral cavity to the surgeon's left. Measurements taken during the procedures were compared to baseline concentrations recorded immediately before each procedure. Procedures included direct laryngoscopy with general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA), direct laryngoscopy with jet ventilation, and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser use with or without jet ventilation, all utilizing intermittent suction. RESULTS: Greater than 99% of measured particles were 0.3 to 1.0 µm in diameter. Compared to baseline, direct laryngoscopy was associated with a significant 6.71% increase in cumulative particles, primarily 0.3 to 1.0 µm particles (P < .0001). 1.0 to 25 µm particles significantly decreased (P < .001). Jet ventilation was not associated with a significant change in cumulative particles; when analyzing differential particle sizes, only 10 to 25 µm particles exhibited a significant increase compared to baseline (+42.40%, P = .002). Significant increases in cumulative particles were recorded during CO2 laser use (+14.70%, P < .0001), specifically in 0.3 to 2.5 µm particles. Overall, there was no difference when comparing CO2 laser use during jet ventilation versus GETA. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser use during laryngology surgery is associated with significant increases in airborne particles. Although direct laryngoscopy with GETA is associated with slight increases in particles, jet ventilation overall does not increase particle aerosolization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2759-2765, 2021.

Crayon in the Orbit and Sinuses in a Pediatric Patient.

Penetrating transorbital injury with skull base involvement is a rare occurrence from a crayon. We report a case of a 2-year-old male who sustained a penetrating crayon injury through the right orbit and lamina papyracea into the posterior ethmoid sinus complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leak. There have been no other reported cases of this type of injury by a crayon.

Smell and Taste Impairment in a Nationwide Sample of US Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of objectively confirmed olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in US adults reporting chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms in a nationally representative database. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiologic analysis. SETTING: Data were analyzed from the smell and taste component of the 2013-2014 NHANES data set (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). METHODS: Individuals reporting the presence of ≥2 cardinal CRS symptoms (nasal blockage, sinus pain, discolored mucus, and dysosmia) were identified as patients with a potential diagnosis of CRS. Associations were examined between the presence of CRS symptoms and both self-reported and objectively measured smell and taste. RESULTS: One-third (33%) of adults who have ≥2 CRS symptoms report subjective olfactory impairment, though only 18% of these adults have quantifiable olfactory dysfunction on objective testing. Of these adults, 27% report subjective taste impairment, but just 17% have quantifiable gustatory dysfunction on objective testing. The presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms was not significantly associated with objective olfactory or gustatory dysfunction, although the individual symptoms of subjective dysosmia and discolored mucus were associated with objectively confirmed olfactory dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of objective olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was higher among adults reporting the presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms, but the differences were not statistically significant. Specific sinonasal symptoms, including discolored mucus and subjective smell dysfunction, were significantly associated with objective smell impairment.

CSF Leaks due to Electric Scooter Injury.

BACKGROUND: There has been a rapid increase in electric motorized scooter (e-scooter) usage after the introduction of dockless, shareable devices. METHODS: Case series from three tertiary hospitals in Los Angeles between May-September 2019. RESULTS: Five patients had skull base fractures and CSF leaks or pneumocephalus after e-scooter accident, none wore helmets. Two patients were treated with observation alone, two patients were treated with lumbar drain or external ventriculostomy placement, and one patient died of their injuries prior to definitive management. CONCLUSION: Without appropriate safety policies in place, the number of such injuries may increase as the use of e-scooters increase. Laryngoscope, 131:E1035-E1037, 2021.

Advanced Practice Providers Utilization Trends in Otolaryngology From 2012 to 2017 in the Medicare Population.

OBJECTIVE: Nurse practitioners and physician assistants form a growing advanced practice provider (APP) group. We aim to analyze the trends and types of services provided by APPs in otolaryngology. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Public Use Files, 2012-2017. METHODS: The Medicare database was searched for 13 commonly used otolaryngology-specific Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, and 10 evaluation and management (E/M) codes were evaluated by provider type. Changes in code utilization were compared between physicians and APPs over time. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2017, there was a 51% increase in the number of otolaryngology APPs, compared to a 2.2% increase in physician providers. APPs increased their share of new and established patient visits from 4% to 7%d 11% to 15%, respectively. There was not a significant difference over time in number of patient visits performed annually per provider according to provider type. The increase in number of APP vs physician providers was significantly greater for every procedure except for balloon sinus dilation and tympanostomy tube placement. CONCLUSION: Due to increasing numbers, APPs are accounting for more patient visits and procedures over time. The physician workforce and the numbers of procedures performed per physician have remained relatively stable from 2012 to 2017. Increasing complexity of patients seen and a broader range of procedures offered by work-experienced or postgraduate-trained APPs may further improve access to health care in the face of possible physician shortages.