The diagnosis and management of primary and iatrogenic soft tissue sarcomas of the sella.

PURPOSE: Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the sella is exceptionally rare. We conducted a case series, literature review, and nationwide analysis of primary and iatrogenic (radiation-associated) STS of the sella to define the clinical course of this entity. METHODS: This study employed a multi-institutional retrospective case review, literature review, and nationwide analysis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). RESULTS: We report five patients who were diagnosed at three institutions with malignant STS of the sella. All patients presented with symptoms related to mass effect in the sellar region. All tumors extended to the suprasellar space, with the majority displaying extension into the cavernous sinus. All patients underwent an operation via a transsphenoidal approach with a goal of maximal safe tumor resection in four patients and biopsy for 1 patient. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated STS in all patients. Post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were given to 2 and 1 out of 4 patients with known post-operative clinical course, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 100% (5/5) and 25% (1/4). Twenty-two additional reports of primary, non-iatrogenic STS of the sella were identified in the literature. Including the three cases from our series, treatment included resection in all cases, and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were utilized in 50% (12/24) and 17% (4/24) of cases, respectively. The national prevalence of malignant STS is estimated to be 0.01% among all pituitary and sellar tumors within the NCDB. CONCLUSIONS: We report the prevalence and survival rates of STS of the sella. Multimodal therapy, including maximal safe resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are necessary to optimize outcomes for this uncommon pathology.

Oversight in Surgical Innovation: A Response to Ethical Challenges.

BACKGROUND: Surgical innovation has advanced outcomes in the field, but carries inherent risk for surgeons and patients alike. Oversight mechanisms exist to support surgeon-innovators through difficulties associated with the innovation process. METHODS: A literature review of ethical risks and oversight mechanisms was conducted. RESULTS: Oversight mechanisms range from the historical concept of surgical exceptionalism to departmental, hospital, and centralized committees. These fragmentary and non-standardized oversight mechanisms leave surgeon-innovators and patients open to significant risk of breaching the ethical principles at the core of surgical practice. A systematized approach that mitigates these risks while maintaining the independence and dignity of the surgical profession is necessary. We propose an oversight framework that incorporates multiple structures tailored toward the ethical risk introduced by different forms of innovation. DISCUSSION: We summarize ethical risks and current regulatory structures, and we then use these findings to outline an oversight framework that may be applied to surgical practice.

Impact of operative length on post-operative complications in meningioma surgery: a NSQIP analysis.

Many studies have implicated operative length as a predictor of post-operative complications, including venous thromboembolism [deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)]. We analyzed the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2014, to evaluate whether length of operation had a statistically significant effect on post-operative complications in patients undergoing surgical resection of meningioma. Patients were included for this study if they had a post-operative diagnosis of meningioma. Patient demographics, pre-operative comorbidities, and post-operative 30-day complications were analyzed. Of 3743 patients undergoing craniotomy for meningioma, 13.6 % experienced any complication. The most common complications and their median time to occurrence were urinary tract infection (2.6 %) at 10 days postoperatively (IQR 7-15), unplanned intubation (2.5 %) at 3 days (IQR 1-7), failure to wean from ventilator (2.4 %) at 2.0 days (IQR 2-4), and DVT (2.4 %) at 6 days (IQR 11-19). Postoperatively, 3.6 % developed VTE; 2.4 % developed DVT and 1.7 % developed PE. Multivariable analysis identified older age (third and upper quartile), obesity, preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative steroid use, anemia, and longer operative time as significant risk factors for VTE. Separate multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated longer operative time as a significant risk factor for VTE, all complications, major complications, and minor complications. Meningioma resection is associated with various post-operative complications that increase patient morbidity and mortality risk. this large, multi-institutional patient sample, longer operative length was associated with increased risk for postoperative venous thromboembolisms, as well as major and minor complications.

Novel Use of Feminization Laryngoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Wendler glottoplasty is a voice feminization surgical procedure designed to increase the fundamental frequency (F0) in male-to-female transsexual patients with gender dysphoria. On average, Wendler glottoplasty has the most significant effect on F0 among voice feminization surgical procedures. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a young female patient with a testosterone-producing adrenocortical adenoma who underwent irreversible vocal changes secondary to virilization, which impacted her self-esteem and quality of life (QOL). Voice feminization surgery using Wendler glottoplasty was performed with significant improvement in F0 and QOL. DISCUSSION: Sex hormones have a profound impact on the voice. Increased testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are known to cause hypertrophy of the laryngeal muscles and ligaments, which leads to a drop in F0. However, women who present androphonia rarely require surgical management and improve with vocal therapy alone. Few cases of voice feminization procedures for the treatment of androphonia have been described in the literature. Our patient presented with severe masculinization of her voice with a F0 lower than the average adolescent male, which led to the requirement of surgical management. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe androphonia that significantly affect their QOL and show no improvement after the management of the underlying pathology and intense vocal therapy are candidates for voice feminization surgeries. These procedures offer positive results both in terms of F0 and in improving patient's self-esteem and QOL.

3D Printed Larynx as a Novel Simulation Tool for Window Elaboration in Medialization Laryngoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical simulation training in residents has declined due to the limited exposure to cadaveric specimens. Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is rapidly taking an important role in different medical areas, especially in surgical specialties. It provides an alternative for resident simulation practices and for developing surgical skills before exposure to real settings. The elaboration of the thyroid window in the medialization laryngoplasty procedure requires high technical precision and experience for better outcomes. METHODS: The computer-based 3D reconstruction model was created using computed tomograph scan images from a standard larynx. The final model was created using a deposition modeling 3D printing technique with polylactic acid filament. The model was tested for surgical simulation practice in three otolaryngology residency programs in Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS: The model had similar anatomic detail and it was considered very useful, safe, and relevant for surgical simulation. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printed models are a cost-effective alternative for resident training.

Surgical and Peri-Operative Considerations for Brain Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Brain metastases are the most common brain tumors in adults, whose management remains nuanced. Improved understanding of risk factors for surgical complications and mortality may guide treatment decisions. METHODS: A nationwide, multicenter analysis was conducted with a retrospective cohort. Adult patients in the 2012-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) databases who received a craniotomy for resection of brain metastasis were included. RESULTS: 3500 cases were analyzed, of which 17% were considered frail and 24% were infratentorial. The most common 30-day medical complications were venous thromboembolism (3%, median time-to-event [TTE] 4.5 days), pneumonia (4%, median TTE 6 days), and urinary tract infections (2%, median TTE 5 days). Reoperation and unplanned readmission occurred in 5% and 12% of patients, respectively. Infratentorial approach and frailty were associated with reoperation before discharge (OR 2.0 for both; p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively), but not after discharge. Infratentorial approaches conferred heightened risk for readmission for hydrocephalus (OR 5.1, p=0.02) and reoperation for cerebrospinal fluid diversion (OR 7.1, p<0.001).Overall 30-day mortality was 4%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after discharge. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with increased odds for post-discharge mortality (OR 1.7 and 2.7, p<0.05), but not pre-discharge mortality. We developed a model to identify pre-/peri-operative variables associated with death, including frailty, thrombocytopenia, and high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (AUROC 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of metrics contributing to patient frailty and heightened surveillance in patients with infratentorial metastases may be considered in the peri-operative period.

Factors associated with discharge opioid prescription after hip fracture fixation.

OBJECTIVE: Opioid prescribing after hip fracture fixation is variable, but the factors that drive this prescribing variation are not well-described. The purpose of this study was to determine independent factors associated with increased opioid prescription upon discharge after hip fracture fixation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 296 adult patients who underwent hip fracture fixation between January 2016 and December 2017 at two Level I trauma centers were included in our study. The primary outcome measurement was opioid prescription at discharge in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Bivariate analysis was used to screen for factors, and multivariable regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with opioid prescription upon discharge from the hospital. RESULTS: Discharge opioid prescription amounts were available for 280 out of 296 patients (95%). The mean (±standard deviation) discharge opioid prescription was 212 (±319) MME. Multivariable regression analysis showed that younger age (p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.02), smoking (p < 0.001), treatment at hospital #2 (p < 0.001), and weekend discharge (p = 0.03) were associated with increased opioid prescription at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Increased opioid prescribing after hip fracture fixation is associated with patient- and system-related factors. Prescriber education programs, prescription guidelines, and safe handoff practices that focus on these factors may help to decrease prescription variability and opioid overprescription across institutions.

Día del otorrinolaringólogo en Colombia / Otolaryngologist Day in Colombia

En varios países se celebra el día del otorrinolaringólogo y tiene una fecha distinta en cada uno de ellos por diferentes motivos. Hemos formado parte importante de la historia y nuestro aporte en las diferentes áreas de la especialidad es y deberá ser siempre reconocido por la sociedad entera; sin embargo, en Colombia no teníamos una fecha definida para celebrarlo, por lo que recibimos palabras de felicitación en diferentes días del año. Como Asociación Colombiana de Otorrinolaringología (ACORL), debemos procurar visibilizar nuestro trabajo como especialistas y darle el lugar que merece en la sociedad civil y científica; es por esto por lo que, atendiendo y gestionando la inquietud de una querida asociada, les comparto que esta Junta Directiva ha oficializado el 26 de septiembre como el día del otorrinolaringólogo en nuestro país. Qué mejor oportunidad que esta para hacerles un homenaje a quienes tuvieron la determinación de fundar ACORL el 26 de septiembre de 1961 en Bogotá.

In several countries the Otolaryngologist day is celebrated and it has a different date in each one for different reasons. We have made an important part in history and our contribution in the different areas of the specialty is and should always be recognized by the entire society. However, in Colombia we did not have a defined date to celebrate it. As Association (ACORL), we must try to make our work visible as specialists and give it the place it deserves in civil and scientific society. This is why I share with you that this Board of Directors has made September 26 official as the Otolaryngologist day in our country. What better opportunity than this, to pay tribute to those who had the determination to establish the Colombian Association of Otolaryngology on September 26, 1961 in Bogota

Laringología en tiempos de COVID-19 / Laryngology in the COVID­19 era

El tracto aerodigestivo superior es un lugar donde se ha detectado alta concentración y tropismo por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Por esta razón, existe una alta probabilidad de infección nosocomial en la práctica de otorrinolaringología. Los procedimientos en laringología, para exploración y evaluación de la laringe y la faringe, representan un riesgo alto para los pacientes y el equipo médico. Dado esto, consideramos importante resaltar la cuidadosa selección de pacientes, el conocimiento claro del equipo de protección personal necesario, dependiendo de la actividad que deba realizarse, la desinfección correcta de los equipos y los cuidados generales para el personal de la salud y el paciente. Presentamos una serie de recomendaciones e indicaciones de procedimientos frecuentes y pertinentes de patologías relevantes, que pueden requerir una atención prioritaria o urgente, según criterio médico, en consultorio, sala de procedimientos o salas de cirugía.

The aerodigestive tract has been identified as a high concentration and tropism level location for SARS-CoV-2 virus. Hence, there is high risk of nosocomial infection during the practice of Otolaringology procedures. In view of this, we consider the importance to highlight the careful selection of patients as well as having into account the required equipment for personal protection for each procedure. Additionally, we give emphasis to the proper disinfection of the equipment and general safety precautions for health personnel and patients. In the following, we present a series of recommendations and indications of frequent and pertinent procedures for relevant pathologies that might require urgent approach in the office, procedure or operating room according to the physician's discretion.

Acuerdo entre los hallazgos de la cinedeglución con esofagograma con respecto a la evaluación funcional endoscópica de la deglución, en pacientes con disfagia / Agreement between the findings in barium swallow pharyngoesophagography and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, in patients with dysphagia

Introducción: La disfagia y sus complicaciones son una consulta frecuente en nuestra práctica clínica. En nuestro medio y en la literatura, el trago de bario ha sido tradicionalmente considerado el patrón de oro en la evaluación de los trastornos de la deglución; sin embargo, hemos observado que existen casos donde la sintomatología del paciente no concuerda con los resultados reportados en el examen. Revisando la literatura no encontramos un estudio comparativo entre la evaluación endoscópica y radiológica de la disfagia que soporte la necesidad de realizar ambas pruebas de forma no exclusiva. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de acuerdo entre los hallazgos en la Evaluación Euncional Endoscópica de la Deglución (EFED) y la Cinedeglución con Esofagograma (CE) en pacientes con disfagia. Diseño: Estudio de evaluación de la concordancia. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de evaluación de la concordancia con 47 pacientes, donde por medio de la revisión de historias clínicas se analizó la presencia o no de vertimiento, residuo faríngeo, penetración o aspiración en los reportes de CE y EFED, así como las características de la población estudiada. Resultados: El nivel de acuerdo (coeficiente de kappa) para residuo faríngeo fue de 0,123 (IC 95% -0.075; 0.321), para el hallazgo de penetración fue de 0,382 (IC 95% 0.158; 0.605) y para aspiración fue de 0,356 (IC 95% 0.086; 0.626). Para vertimiento no pudo ser calculado. Conclusiones: Reconociendo las limitaciones del estudio y conociendo las ventajas y desventajas de estos exámenes, consideramos que el no acuerdo justifica la realización de ambos exámenes porque según lo observado no hay un nivel de concordancia suficiente para realizar uno solo como método diagnóstico en algunos pacientes.

Background: Dysphagia and its complications are a frequent chief complaint in our clinical practice. Barium Swallow Pharyngoesophagography (BSP) has been traditionally considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of swallowing disorders. However, we have observed that in some cases the symptoms referred by the patient do not match the results reported by this test. As far as we know, there is no study that compares the endoscopic and radiological evaluation of swallowing disorders, in order to explain the importance of performing both tests in a non-exclusive way. Objectives: To determine the level of agreement between the findings in Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and BSP when evaluating patients with dysphagia. Methods: Agreement evaluation study, of medical records form 47 patients. An analysis of the reports for BSP and FEES was made, evaluating the presence or not of premature spillage, pharyngeal residue, penetration and aspiration. The characteristics of the population studied were also analyzed. Results: The level of agreement (kappa's coefficient) for pharyngeal residue was 0.123 (CI 95% -0.075; 0.321), for penetration was 0.382 (CI 95% 0.158; 0.605) and for aspiration was 0.356 (CI 95% 0.086; 0.626). The value for premature spillage could not be calculated. Conclusion: Recognizing the limitations of the study and acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages of both exams, we believe the non-agreement supports the fact of performing both exams, because according to the results, there is not enough concordance between the findings on FEES and the BSP in order to perform only one of them in some patients.

Experiencia del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en el manejo con microcirugía transoral con láser robótico de CO2 para carcinoma glótico temprano / Experience of San Ignacio University Hospital in the management of early glottic carcinoma with transoral CO2 robotic laser microsurgery

Objetivo: Evaluar de manera retrospectiva el rol de la microcirugía transoral con láser robótico de CO2 para el tratamiento del carcinoma glótico temprano de laringe. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo de registros médicos. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de 8 casos de carcinoma glótico temprano (7 T1a y 1 Tis) llevados a cordectomía con láser robótico de CO2 en un período comprendido entre los años 2012 y 2014. Resultados: La tasa de control local global fue del 75%, con una supervivencia libre de enfermedad estimada por el método de Kaplan y Meier del 75% y una supervivencia global del 100%. Conclusiones: La cordectomía con láser robótico de CO2 frente a otras terapias tiene beneficios relacionados con costoefectividad, preservación laríngea, posibilidad de seguimiento y alternativa como terapia de salvamento.

Objetives: To evaluate retrospectively transoral CO2 robotic laser microsurgery role for treatment of early glottic carcinoma of the larynx. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of medical records. Methods: Retrospective study of eight cases of early glottic carcinoma (7 T1a y 1 Tis) treated with transoral CO2 robotic laser microsurgery in the period between 2012 and 2014. Results: Global local control rate was 75%, with a disease-free survival rate of 75% according to the Kaplan ­ Meier method, and a global survival rate of 100%. Conclusions: Transoral CO2 robotic laser microsurgery in comparison with other alternatives has benefits related to costs, laryngeal preservation, follow up and finally as salvage surgery.

Marcadores de inmunohistoquímica P63 y Ki67 como factores pronósticos en recurrencia temprana y malignidad en paciente con lesiones premalignas en laringe / Immunohistochemical markers P63 and Ki67 as prognostic factors for early recurrence and malignancy in patients with precancerous lesions in the larynx

No existe un consenso sobre el manejo de las lesiones premalignas de laringe, en especial cuando se trata de displasias severas y carcinomas in situ. Por esto, se decidió evaluar el papel de los marcadores de inmunohistoquímica en displasias epiteliales, con el fin de definir su rol como factor de pronóstico durante el seguimiento. Se presenta una cohorte de pacientes mayores de 18 años, con diagnóstico de displasias laríngeas leves, moderadas y severas, con seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. Se encontraron 4 pacientes con marcadores positivos con recidiva antes de los 6 meses, uno de ellos con malignización temprana. Un paciente adicional con recidiva y malignización 25 meses después del procedimiento inicial, 4 pacientes con marcadores positivos sin recidiva y un paciente con marcadores negativos sin recidiva. Tras más de 36 meses de seguimiento, se encontró una baja incidencia de displasias laríngeas, sin poder determinar la efectividad de los marcadores como factores pronósticos. Se analizan los datos como serie prospectiva, sentando una base para un estudio multicéntrico.

There is no consensus on the management of premalignant lesions of the larynx, especially when talking about severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the role of immunohistochemical markers as prognostic factors in epithelial dysplasia. A cohort of patients, 18 years old and older, diagnosed with mild, moderate and severe laryngeal dysplasia was followed since 2012 for up to at least 6 months. Four patients with positive markers had recurrence before 6 months of follow up, with one of them having an early malignancy. An additional patient had malignant recurrence identified 25 month after surgery. We found 4 markerpositive patients without recurrence, and one patient with negative markers with no recurrence. At 36 months follow-up, we found a low incidence of laryngeal dysplasia, therefore these results cannot rule out the effectiveness of immunohistochemical markers as prognostic factors for laryngeal dysplasia. The data are analyzed as a prospective series, laying the ground for an upcoming multicenter study.

Manejo de carcinoma glótico temprano: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio / Management of Early Glottic Cancer: Hospital Universitario San Ignacio Experience

Objetivos: Exponer la experiencia de la Unidad de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en el manejo del cáncer glótico en estadios tempranos. Establecer la tasa de recurrencias y la calidad de la voz postratamiento. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes con cáncer glótico en estadios I y II, manejados con cirugía y/o radioterapia. Revisión de historias clínicas, 2004- 2012. Resultados: 63 pacientes con cáncer de laringe en estadios tempranos, 53 hombres y 10 mujeres, con edad promedio de 66,5 años; 48 recibieron manejo quirúrgico y 60 se trataron con radioterapia. 90% presentaron mejoría en el VHI y solo 10% sufrieron empeoramiento del mismo; la mejoría promedio fue de 19 puntos. En cuatro pacientes hubo recurrencia local y en dos a distancia. Conclusiones: Con el enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico que realizamos en el Hospital San Ignacio, para el manejo del carcinoma glótico en estadios tempranos, hemos obtenido una adecuada tasa de curación de la enfermedad y mantenido una apropiada calidad de la voz postratamiento...

Objectives: To describe the experience of the ENT unit of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, in the management of glottic cancer in early stages with surgery and/ or radiotherapy. Establish the rate of recurrence and speech quality after treatment. Type of study: Descriptive study. Patients and Methods: Patients with glottic cancer at early stages managed with conservative surgery and/or radiotherapy. Medical charts of 2004 to 2012. Results: 63 patients with laryngeal cancer in the early stages (stages I and II), mean age 66.5 years. 48 patients underwent surgical treatment and 60 radiotherapy. Of the 31 patients, 28 showed improvement (90%) of de VHI and only 3 (10%) worsed, with an average improvement of 19 points. 4 patients developed local recurrence and 2 recurred in distance. Conclusions: The therapeutic approach in San Ignacio Hospital of glottic carcinoma stages I-II, obtained adequate cure rate with good voice quality after treatment...

Estado de los profesionales de la voz en Colombia / State of the professional voice in Colombia

Objetivos: Evaluar las características patológicas más frecuentes en los profesionales de la voz colombianos. Mostrar los factores de riesgo en esta población, individualizándolos según cada profesión. Diseño: Estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal. Métodos: Revisión de historias clínicas y estroboscopias realizadas entre los años 2006 y 2010. Encuestas personales, para preguntar sobre las características de la población evaluada. Se hallaron medidas de tendencia central para las variables cuantitativas y porcentajes para las cualitativas. Resultados: 825 pacientes, 39% hombres y 60,1% mujeres, dentro de los cuales el 22,4% eran profesores; 9% tuvieron entrenamiento vocal; 80,4% presentaron disfonía como síntoma principal. El hallazgo estroboscópico más frecuente fue tensión muscular supraglótica. El 72% no conocen el término “profesional de la voz”, el 78% trabajan con su voz entre un 70-100%, y los pacientes esperan alrededor de seis meses para ser valorados por laringología. Conclusión: Los profesionales de la voz en Colombia tienen una alta prevalencia de trastornos de la voz, similares a los reportados en la literatura mundial, que se correlacionan con la ausencia de entrenamiento vocal y atención tardía...

Objectives: Evaluation of a specific professional voice user’s population in Colombia. Determine the professions more often related to voice issues, their most frequent clinical and stroboscopic findings, preference in gender, lack of voice training, knowledge on voice care and the proficiency in medical attention in the context of a 3rd world country. We propose the potentially related risk factors in each job. Design: Descriptive observational study. Cross sectional. Methods: Data was extracted from the principal author’s patient database. Interviews and stroboscopies made between January 2006 and December 2010. Medical attention perspectives and knowledge on voice care was obtained form a survey conducted in 100 professional voice users included in the study. Results: 1334 patients were included. 825 of them were professional voice users, 39% males and 60.1% females. Teachers represented 22.4% of the population. 9% of the patients had professional voice training. 80.4 % presented with dysphonia as their principal symptom. The most frequent stroboscopic finding was augmented suppraglotic activity. Surveys shows 72% of the patients were not familiarized with the term “professional voice user”. 78% of the patients use their voice 70-100% of their work time. Most patients waited over 6 months to have consultation with a laryngologist. Conclusions: There is a higher prevalence of voice disorders among voice professional users in Colombia with numbers similar to those reported worldwide. There is a correlation with the lack of voice training, delayed health care, lack of knowledge on voice training and voice hygiene and voice disorders...

Laringitis por reflujo: La perspectiva del otorrinolaringólogo / Reflux laryngitis: an Otolaryngologist's perspective

La laringitis por reflujo es una patología reconocida como una de las manifestaciones extradigestivas del reflujo gastroesofágico que se ha convertido en uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en la práctica del otorrinolaringólogo. En esta revisión buscamos exponer el punto de vista del otorrinolaringólogo frente a esta enfermedad y mostrar la controversia que aún existe sobre su fisiopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Reflux laryngitis is recognized as an extra-digestive manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux. It has become one of the most frequent reasons patients consult with otolaryngologists. In this review we present the otolaryngologist's point of view on this disease, and discuss the continuing controversy about its pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

Lineamientos ante el COVID-19 para la práctica de la otorrinolaringología: procedimientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos / COVID-19

La pandemia de infección por Coronavirus 2019 ha revolucionado el ejercicio médico, en especial para los otorrinolaringólogos debido a su alto riesgo de infección, dado el contacto con secreciones de vía respiratoria superior. En la actualidad enfrentamos uno de los desafíos más grandes a nivel mundial; como médicos y personal de la salud es nuestro deber estar informados, promover prevención de la enfermedad y actuar acorde a los lineamientos basados en la evidencia. Por lo anterior, se presentan las siguientes recomendaciones basadas en información recolectada de guías y lineamientos a nivel mundial hasta marzo de 2020, relacionado con la práctica del otorrinolaringólogo en los procedimientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos durante esta pandemia. Algunas recomendaciones no se aplican en Colombia debido a que los insumos o infraestructura no se encuentran disponibles o no se consiguen. Sin embargo, se considera que deben estar incluidas para que, en la medida de lo posible, se pueda contar con las mismas más adelante. El contenido de estos lineamientos debe ser actualizado a medida que se conozca nueva información o evidencia, ya que esta se encuentra en constante cambio.