Which Provider Specialties are Performing Diagnostic Procedures for Dysphagia in the United States?

OBJECTIVE: Care of patients with dysphagia occurs at the intersection of several different medical specialties. Otolaryngologists are uniquely equipped to diagnose dysphagia given their specialized training, yet the extent to which otolaryngologists perform diagnostic procedures for dysphagia is unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the specialty-level variation among providers performing diagnostic assessments for dysphagia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of dysphagia care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2021 using the CMS Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service dataset. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) data reports were used to determine the total number of providers per specialty. For each procedure and specialty, the percentage of providers performing >10 procedures annually and the average annual number of procedures per performing provider (non-radiology) were calculated. RESULTS: We analyzed nine common dysphagia diagnostic procedures, including manometry, 24-h pH testing, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and modified barium swallow study (MBSS). Mean 3.7 (SD 1.4) otolaryngologists (0.04% of practicing) performed manometry testing annually, compared to 493 (69.3) gastroenterologists (3.3%). Less than 1% of practicing otolaryngologists (37.8 (8.0) (0.04%)) and gastroenterologists (51.6 (8.4), 0.35%) performed 24-h pH testing annually. FEES testing was most commonly performed by otolaryngologists; however, only 48 (6.3) providers (0.51% of practicing) performed these procedures annually. For MBSS, fewer otolaryngologists (5.2 (1.0), 0.05%) perform these assessments than other medical specialties. Each otolaryngologist performed 110.7 (52.5) studies annually, compared to 200.1 (68.0) per gastroenterologist. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists represent a small fraction of providers performing dysphagia-related diagnostic procedures despite a unique training within our specialty to comprehensively diagnose and manage this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Adult Laryngomalacia: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: This review sought to determine the characteristics of adults diagnosed with new onset laryngomalacia including airway symptoms, laryngoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes. Moreover, we wanted to highlight suspected limitations in the literature. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified through CINAHL, Cochrane Review, PubMed, and Scopus published between 1966 and 2023. REVIEW METHODS: The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist by 2 independent investigators. A meta-analysis of proportions and continuous measures was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 1121 abstracts identified, 33 articles pertaining to laryngomalacia in the adult population were included. The most common presenting symptoms were stridor at rest (78.3%, 65.1-88.3) and dyspnea with exertion (83.8%, 64.8-96.3). The most suspected etiology was exercise-induced (86.0%, 69.4-95.5), and the most common description of laryngomalacia on visualization was collapse of supraglottic structures during exercise (93.3%, 79.0-99.1). Nonsurgical options were attempted in 87.0% (54.0-99.1), which included oral appliances, respiratory retraining, breathing techniques, and working with a speech pathologist. Surgical options were ultimately performed in 84.2% (75.0-91.0). Complete resolution of symptoms following therapy was seen in 61.9% (48.0-74.6). CONCLUSION: Adult onset laryngomalacia is difficult to characterize. It typically presents in patients during exercise, with neurological injury, or idiopathically. Surgical management can lead to improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The need for a universal nomenclature is highlighted in this review, as it is inconsistently classified.

The Dubai Definition and Diagnostic Criteria of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: The IFOS Consensus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to gather an international consensus group to propose a global definition and diagnostic approach of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) to guide primary care and specialist physicians in the management of LPR. METHODS: Forty-eight international experts (otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and physiologists) were included in a modified Delphi process to revise 48 statements about definition, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to LPR. Three voting rounds determined a consensus statement to be acceptable when 80% of experts agreed with a rating of at least 8/10. Votes were anonymous and the analyses of voting rounds were performed by an independent statistician. RESULTS: After the third round, 79.2% of statements (N = 38/48) were approved. LPR was defined as a disease of the upper aerodigestive tract resulting from the direct and/or indirect effects of gastroduodenal content reflux, inducing morphological and/or neurological changes in the upper aerodigestive tract. LPR is associated with recognized non-specific laryngeal and extra-laryngeal symptoms and signs that can be evaluated with validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires and clinical instruments. The hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing can suggest the diagnosis of LPR when there is >1 acid, weakly acid or nonacid hypopharyngeal reflux event in 24 h. CONCLUSION: A global consensus definition for LPR is presented to improve detection and diagnosis of the disease for otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care practitioners. The approved statements are offered to improve collaborative research by adopting common and validated diagnostic approaches to LPR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 134:1614-1624, 2024.

A Systematic Review of Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry Normative Data.

PURPOSE: The utilization of high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRPM) in the evaluation of pharyngeal dysphagia has been increasing; however, standardization of its use has lagged behind. Without standardization using normative values, it is difficult for clinicians to adopt this emerging technology into meaningful use. Our goal is to map and compare the published normative values for common HRPM metrics in order to help establish consensus reference values. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted on prospective and retrospective studies that included HRPM metrics, defined by an international working group consensus, in healthy adult populations. Data on the following variables were extracted when available: contractile integrals of the pharynx (PhCI), velopharynx, mesopharynx, and hypopharynx, as well as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), relaxation time (RT), maximum admittance, and hypopharyngeal intrabolus pressure. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included. Significant variation existed in the technique and equipment used to perform procedures between the different studies. Lower PhCIs and UES IRPs were seen in younger compared to older individuals. Higher UES RTs were found in individuals in the upright position compared to the supine position and in those using larger boluses sizes or smaller catheters. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the wide variety of protocols, catheter configurations, manufacturers, and software used in the existing literature, it is difficult to formulate consensus on HPRM normative values using pooled data. Prospective studies adhering to standardized HRPM protocols for specific catheter configurations and manufacturers with larger cohorts of normal individuals are necessary to establish proper reference values for HRPM metrics. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24843753.

Supragastric belching and rumination syndrome: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article aims to discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis of rumination syndrome and supragastric belching, as well as treatment options for both diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as rumination syndrome and supragastric belching may be effectively treated using biofeedback. SUMMARY: A comprehensive approach that includes potential pharmacologic treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback should also be considered for optimal management of supragastric belching and rumination.

The Efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Neurogenic Cough: A Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic cough is a common and debilitating problem. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block for neurogenic cough through a placebo-controlled, prospective trial. METHODS: Patients were recruited in an outpatient tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria included a history consistent with neurogenic cough and age ≥ 18. Exclusion criteria included patients with untreated other etiologies of chronic cough (i.e., uncontrolled reflux) and current neuromodulating medication use. Patients were randomized into the treatment (1-2 mL of a 1:1 triamcinolone 40 mg: 1% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrines) or placebo (saline) group and received two unilateral injections at approximately 2-week intervals. Outcomes were measured primarily by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and a patient symptom log including a visual analog scale of cough severity. RESULTS: 17 patients completed the study, including 10 in the treatment group and seven in the placebo group. Eight (80%) patients in the treatment group reported improvement with at least one of the injections, whereas only 1 (14.3%) patient reported improvement in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Average total LCQ scores increased in the treatment group from 10.09 to 13.15 (p = 0.03), with the most change occurring in the social domain. There was no statistically significant change in LCQ scores for the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: An SLN block is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of neurogenic cough. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment protocol and assess long-term follow-up of patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 133:3068-3074, 2023.

Diagnostic accuracy and management concordance of otorhinolaryngological diseases through telehealth or remote visits: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has led to delays in providing healthcare in both emergency and non-emergency settings, especially in surgical subspecialties which rely heavily on referrals and in-person visits. Without an established telehealth infrastructure, many otorhinolaryngological departments experienced decreases in consultations. Telemedicine has attempted to bridge the gap between pre- and post-pandemic periods by creating a safe avenue of communication between otorhinolaryngologists and patients. This review hopes to address the accuracy of telemedicine in patient diagnosis and management. METHODS: Searches were conducted since study conception until June 30, 2022, on multiple databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Diagnostic accuracy, management accuracy, kappa, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were meta-analyzed by comparing virtual visits to in-person visits (gold standard). RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in this review. A total of 1518 patients were included across all studies. When comparing virtual visits against in-person visits, accurate diagnosis was made in 86.2% [82.1,89.9, I2 = 73.5%, P < 0.0001] of patients and management accuracy was 91.5% [86.1,95.7, I2 = 81.8%, P < 0.0001] when treating patients. Kappa value determining interrater reliability was 0.8 [0.7,0.9, I2 = 81.8%, P < 0.0001]. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that diagnostic and management concordance is above 80% when comparing diagnosis and management strategies in patients who underwent both telehealth and in-person visits with an otorhinolaryngologist. In uncomplicated patients, telehealth might be a reliable source for diagnosis and management however, in-person consultation is likely still required for pathologies in which physical exam, imaging or procedural elements represent a vital component of the work-up.

Characterizing Swallowing Impairment in a Post-Lung Transplant Population.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplant recipients carry significant pre- and post-lung transplant dysphagia risk factors related to altered respiratory-swallow coordination as well as acute injury and decompensation resulting in the acute post-lung transplant recovery period. However, we are only beginning to understand the potential physiological contributors to altered swallowing in this population. METHOD: A retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study of post-lung transplant patients was performed. All participants received a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) as part of standard care during their acute hospitalization using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) protocol and scoring metric. A combination of MBSImP scores, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) scale levels, and the time from lung transplant to MBSS was collected, as well as measures of swallowing impairment and swallowing-related outcomes. Differences in swallowing physiology and swallowing-related outcomes between participants with typical versus atypical PAS were explored. RESULTS: Forty-two participants met our prespecified inclusion criteria. We identified atypical laryngeal penetration and/or aspiration in 52.4% of our post-lung transplant cohort. Silent aspiration occurred in 75% of those patients who aspirated. Comparing typical versus atypical PAS scores, we found statistically significant associations with laryngeal elevation (Component 8), p < .0001; anterior hyoid excursion (Component 9), p = .0046; epiglottic movement (Component 10), p = .0031; laryngeal vestibule closure (Component 11), p < .0001; pharyngeal stripping (Component 12), p = .0058; pharyngeal total scores, p = .0001; FOIS scores, p = .00264; and IDDSI liquid levels, p = .0009. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing impairment resulting in abnormal bolus invasion is prevalent in post-lung transplant patients. Airway invasion in this cohort was related to pharyngeal swallow impairment and resulted in modified oral intake. Our findings help expand upon prior literature, which only reported the incidence of aspiration and pathological laryngeal penetration. Our results suggest that the potential for aerodigestive system impairment and negative sequela should not be underestimated in the post-lung transplant population.

The Impact of Cervical Spinal Disease on Pharyngeal Swallowing Function.

PURPOSE: Spinal pathology is very common with advancing age and can cause dysphagia; however, it is unclear how frequently these pathologies affect swallowing function. This study evaluates how cervical spinal pathology may impact swallowing function in dysphagic individuals observed during videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs). METHOD: A retrospective case-control study was performed on 100 individuals with dysphagia as well as age-/gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) with available VFSS. Spinal anatomy of patients was classified into two predetermined categories, and a consensus decision of whether spinal pathology influenced swallowing physiology was made. Validated swallow metrics, including Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) component scores, Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) maximum scores, and 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores, were compared between the spine-associated dysphagia (SAD), non-SAD (NSAD), and HC groups using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Most patients with dysphagia had spinal pathology. Spinal pathology was judged to be the primary etiology of dysphagia in 16.9% of patients with abnormal spine pathology. Median EAT-10 scores were statistically different among the three groups, with the NSAD group scoring the highest and the HC group scoring the lowest. Similarly, median PAS scores were significantly different between dysphagic groups and HCs. Median MBSImP Oral Total scores were significantly different only between the NSAD group and HCs, whereas Pharyngeal Total score was not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal pathology is commonly observed during VFSS and can contribute to dysphagia, resulting in worse swallowing-related outcomes when compared with HCs. Patients judged to have SAD tended to have better outcomes than patients with dysphagia from other etiologies, perhaps due to the progressive nature of spinal disease that allows for compensatory swallowing physiology over time.

Best Practices in Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Multidisciplinary Modified Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common otolaryngologic diagnosis. Treatment of presumed LPR remains challenging, and limited frameworks exist to guide treatment. METHODS: Using RAND/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Methods, a modified Delphi approach identified consensus statements to guide LPR treatment. Experts independently and blindly scored proposed statements on importance, scientific acceptability, usability, and feasibility in a four-round iterative process. Accepted measures reached scores with ≥ 80% agreement in the 7-9 range (on a 9-point Likert scale) across all four categories. RESULTS: Fifteen experts rated 36 proposed initial statements. In round one, 10 (27.8%) statements were rated as valid. In round two, 8 statements were modified based on panel suggestions, and experts subsequently rated 5 of these statements as valid. Round three's discussion refined statements not yet accepted, and in round four, additional voting identified 2 additional statements as valid. In total, 17 (47.2%) best practice statements reached consensus, touching on topics as varied as role of empiric treatment, medication use, lifestyle modifications, and indications for laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Using a well-tested methodology, best practice statements in the treatment of LPR were identified. The statements serve to guide physicians on LPR treatment considerations.

Abnormal Esophageal Clearance Identified During Modified Barium Swallow Study in an Acute Poststroke Cohort.

PURPOSE: Dysphagia impacts many poststroke survivors with wide-ranging prevalence in the acute and chronic phases. One relatively unexplored manifestation of poststroke swallowing impairment is that of primary or co-occurring esophageal dysphagia. The incidence of esophageal dysphagia in this population is unknown despite the shared neuroanatomy and physiology with the oropharynx. We aimed to determine the presence of abnormal esophageal clearance in an acute poststroke sample using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) Component 17 (esophageal clearance) as our outcome measure. METHOD: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study of 57 poststroke patients with acute, first-ever, ischemic strokes. All participants received a modified barium swallow study (MBSS) using the MBSImP protocol and scoring metrics. Swallowing impairment was determined using a combination of MBSImP scores and Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores. Swallowing outcome measures were collected including Functional Oral Intake Scale and International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) scores. We performed tests of association and logistic regression analysis to determine if statistically significant associations exist between judgments of esophageal clearance and other swallowing impairments and/or swallowing outcome measures. RESULTS: In our study of poststroke patients who received an MBSS as part of their care, 57.9% had abnormal esophageal clearance. Statistically significant associations were also identified in measures of pharyngeal physiology (MBSImP scores) and swallowing outcome measures (IDDSI scores and alternate means of nutrition). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal esophageal clearance was identified in greater than half of our poststroke patients. There is a dearth of scientific research regarding esophageal function poststroke. While esophageal visualization during the MBSS is not diagnostic of esophageal impairment, it may serve as an indicator for those poststroke patients who require dedicated esophageal testing to best determine the full nature of their swallowing pathophysiology and make the most effective treatment recommendations.

Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy, or flexible or rigid septotomy for Zenker's diverticulum: a multicenter retrospective comparison.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of Zenker's diverticulum has evolved from open surgery to endoscopic techniques, including flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy, and more recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM). This study compared the effectiveness of flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy with that of Z-POEM. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic septotomy (flexible/rigid) or Z-POEM for Zenker's diverticulum between 1/2016 and 9/2019 were included. Primary outcomes were clinical success (decrease in Dakkak and Bennett dysphagia score to ≤ 1), clinical failure, and clinical recurrence. Secondary outcomes included technical success and rate/severity of adverse events. RESULTS: 245 patients (110 females, mean age 72.63 years, standard deviation [SD] 12.37 years) from 12 centers were included. Z-POEM was the most common management modality (n = 119), followed by flexible (n = 86) and rigid (n = 40) endoscopic septotomy. Clinical success was 92.7 % for Z-POEM, 89.2 % for rigid septotomy, and 86.7 % for flexible septotomy (P = 0.26). Symptoms recurred in 24 patients (15 Z-POEM during a mean follow-up of 282.04 [SD 300.48] days, 6 flexible, 3 rigid [P = 0.47]). Adverse events occurred in 30.0 % rigid septotomy patients, 16.8 % Z-POEM patients, and 2.3 % flexible septotomy patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in outcomes between the three treatment approaches for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum. Rigid endoscopic septotomy was associated with the highest rate of complications, while flexible endoscopic septotomy appeared to be the safest. Recurrence following Z-POEM was similar to flexible and rigid endoscopic septotomy. Prospective studies with long-term follow-up are required.

Characterization of dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative dysphagia is one of the most common complications of anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). OBJECTIVE: Examine post-operative structural and physiologic swallowing changes in patients with dysphagia following ACSS as compared with healthy age and gender matched controls. METHODS: Videofluoroscopic swallow studies of adults with dysphagia after ACSS were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-five patients were divided into early (≤2 months) and late (> 2 months) post-surgical groups. Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores, and pharyngeal wall thickness (PWT) metrics were compared. RESULTS: Significant differences were identified for all parameters between the control and early post-operative group. MBSImP Pharyngeal Total (PT) scores were greater in the early group (Interquartile Range (IQR) = 9-14, median = 12) versus controls (4-7, 5, P < 0.001) and late group (0.75-7.25, 2, P < 0.001). The early group had significantly higher maximum PAS scores (IQR = 3-8, median = 7) than both the control group (1-2, 1, P < 0.001) and late post-operative group (1-1.25, 1, P < 0.001). PWT was significantly greater in the early (IQR = 11.12-17.33 mm, median = 14.32 mm) and late groups (5.31-13.01, 9.15 mm) than controls (3.81-5.41, 4.68 mm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dysphagic complaints can persist more than two months following ACSS, but often do not correlate with validated physiologic swallowing dysfunction on VFSS. Future studies should focus on applications of newer technology to elucidate relevant deficits.

Moving Forward with Dysphagia Care: Implementing Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Growing numbers of SARS-CoV-2 cases coupled with limited understanding of transmissibility and virulence, have challenged the current workflow and clinical care pathways for the dysphagia provider. At the same time, the need for non-COVID-19-related dysphagia care persists. Increased awareness of asymptomatic virus carriers and variable expression of the disease have also focused attention to appropriate patient care in the context of protection for the healthcare workforce. The objective of this review was to create a clinical algorithm and reference for dysphagia clinicians across clinical settings to minimize spread of COVID-19 cases while providing optimal care to patients suffering from swallowing disorders. Every practitioner and healthcare system will likely have different constraints or preferences leading to the utilization of one technique over another. Knowledge about this pandemic increases every day, but the algorithms provided here will help in considering the best options for proceeding with safe and effective dysphagia care in this new era.

Radiation exposure in modified barium swallow studies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is an X-ray examination of swallowing used to detect the presence and type impairment, aspiration risk, and to develop intervention plans. In this review, we will cover the use of ionizing radiation in MBSSs and review recent literature concerning radiation exposure and cancer risks to patients undergoing MBSSs. Lastly, we will discuss the clinical implications of these findings. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature confirms that the MBSS is a low-dose examination and that reducing pulse rate negatively impacts diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, cancer risks to adults undergoing MBSSs were also reported to be low. SUMMARY: An adult undergoing MBSS using a standardized, valid protocol, like the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), has low-radiation exposure and very low associated cancer risks. MBSSs should be used whenever relevant to adult patient care without undue concern regarding radiation exposure. Children also have low radiation exposure from MBSSs; however, cancer risks from that exposure remain unknown. Best practices in radiation safety must always be followed. Reducing pulse rates in the adult or pediatric population to reduce radiation exposure is not a valid strategy because of the resulting reduction in diagnostic accuracy.

A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between the Voice Handicap Index and Objective Voice Analysis.

Purpose Dysphonia can be evaluated by both patient-reported quality of life instruments and objective acoustic and aerodynamic analyses. However, less is known about the association between the two metrics. The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the correlation of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30) with the following objective parameters: fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics to noise ratio, noise to harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, and the Dysphonia Severity Index. Method A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. Inclusion criteria were subjects age 18 years and older with voice complaints and assessed by both VHI-30 and objective voice analysis. Results A literature search resulted in 1,297 unique articles, of which 310 underwent full-text review and 17 studies were included in quantitative analysis. Significant pooled correlation was observed for VHI-30 total with jitter (.301 [.177; .416]), shimmer (.255 [.162; .344]), noise to harmonic ratio (.200 [.111; .285]), maximum phonation time (-.227 [-.352; -.094]), and Dysphonia Severity Index (-.254[-.455; -.0286]). Significant correlations were observed in 4/7 objective parameters with the Physical subscale, 3/7 with the Functional subscale, and 2/7 with the Emotional subscale. All significant correlations were negligible (0-.3) or low (.3-.5). Conclusions Results from meta-analysis showed that correlations between objective voice parameters and the VHI-30 were negligible or low. Further study is needed to determine if correlations vary by patient demographics or specific pathology.

Tracheostomy protocols during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the implementation of rapidly changing protocols and guidelines related to the indications and perioperative precautions and protocols for tracheostomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current guidelines for tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a framework for health systems to prepare as the science evolves over the upcoming months and years. METHODS: Literature review was performed. Articles reporting clinical practice guidelines for tracheostomy in the context of COVID-19 were included. RESULTS: A total of 13 tracheotomy guidelines were identified. Two were available via PubMed, five in society or organization websites, and six identified via health system websites or other sources. Five were from Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery specialties, six from Anesthesiology and one from Pulmonary/Critical Care. All (100%) studies recommended postponing elective OR cases in COVID-19 positive patients, while seven recommended reducing team members to only essential staff and three recommended forming a designated tracheostomy team. Recommendations with supporting references are summarized in the article. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic vary by physician groups and specialty, hospital systems, and supply-chain/resource availability. This summary is provided as a point-in-time current state of the guidelines for tracheotomy management in April 2020 and is expected to change in coming weeks and months as the COVID-19 pandemic, virus testing and antibody testing evolves.

Pharyngeal swallowing mechanics associated with upper esophageal sphincter pressure wave.

BACKGROUND: Opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a critical element of swallowing. Understanding the functional pharyngeal anatomy during UES opening would be clinically useful for dysphagia evaluation and treatment. METHODS: Simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal manometry and videofluoroscopy (VFS) videos for 18 nondysphagic subjects were evaluated. UES pressure readings were segmented into six pressure phases, including a poorly understood pre-relaxation contraction. Anatomic landmarks were tracked in VFS imaging and evaluated morphometrically to determine the movement of key swallowing structures within each UES pressure phase. RESULTS: There were significant differences in pharyngeal mechanics by UES pressure stage (range of D-values = 1.7-2.2, P < .0001). The soft palate maximally elevates during the pre-relaxation contraction of the UES. Early during UES relaxation, the hyolaryngeal complex and pharyngeal structures maximally elevate and pharyngeal structures constrict around the bolus. CONCLUSION: The mechanics underlying the UES pressure wave suggest generation of a sealed pharyngeal cavity, possibly integral to pharyngeal pressure generation and bolus propulsion.

Opioid prescribing patterns within otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE: Determine current opioid prescribing patterns for adult procedures within an academic Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery training program in order to establish a general guideline and more uniform approach to narcotic prescribing practices. METHODS: The is a prospective, single-center pilot study. An online, anonymous survey was sent to all members of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery training program at Medical University of South Carolina including residents, fellows, and attending surgeons, and advanced practice providers (APP). The survey consisted of questions including demographics, most commonly prescribed analgesic and the average number of opioid tablets prescribed post-operatively for eleven of the most common adult procedures within Otolaryngology. RESULTS: Forty-two participants responded to the survey. Of the 42 respondents, 20 were attending surgeons, 11 junior level residents (year 1-3), 6 senior level residents (year 4-5), and 5 A.P.P.s. The most commonly prescribed narcotic was hydrocodone-acetaminophen with 83.3% (35/42) of respondents prescribing this medication. Tonsillectomy or uvulopalatopharyngoplasty had the highest average number of tablets prescribed at 32.3 (Range: 5 to 90). Neck dissection, parotidectomy, and thyroidectomy procedures all averaged over 20 tablets. Direct laryngoscopy opioid dose was the lowest at 4.8 tablets (range 0-20). Opioid prescriptions by surgery were broken down by provider class with only septoplasty showing a significant difference with attending physicians prescribing an average of 20 tablets vs 14.1 tablets for residents (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: We believe there remains an unacceptably high variability in current opioid prescribing patterns within otolaryngology especially within more painful procedures. Establishment of standardized post-operative narcotic guidelines is warranted.