Surgical management of facial dog bite trauma: A contemporary perspective and review.

Objective: To perform a review evaluating management of and complications stemming from dog bite trauma sustained to the head and neck over the past decade. Data Sources: PubMed and Cochrane Library. Methods: The authors searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for relevant published literature. A total of 12 peer-reviewed canine-exclusive series inclusive of 1384 patient cases describing facial dog bite trauma met inclusion criteria. Wounds including fractures, lacerations, contusions, and other soft-tissue injuries were evaluated. Demographics related to clinical course and management, operating room requirements, and antibiotic usage were compiled and analyzed. Initial trauma and surgical management complications were also assessed. Results: 75.5% of patients sustaining dog bites required surgical intervention. Of these patients, 7.8% suffered from postsurgical complications, including hypertrophic scarring (4.3%), postoperative infection (0.8%), or nerve deficits and persistent paresthesias (0.8%). Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to 44.3% of patients treated for facial dog bites and the overall infection rate was 5.6%. Concomitant fracture was present in 1.0% of patients. Conclusion: Primary closure, often in the OR may be necessary, with few cases requiring grafts or flaps. Surgeons should be aware that the most common complication is hypertrophic scarring. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of prophylactic antibiotics.

Diagnosis and Management of Barosinusitis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review to investigate the common presenting symptoms of barosinusitis, the incidence of those findings, the methods for diagnosis, as well as the medical and surgical treatment options. METHODS: A review of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for articles published between 1967 and 2020 was conducted with the following search term: aerosinusitis OR "sinus squeeze" OR barosinusitis OR (barotrauma AND sinusitis) OR (barotrauma AND rhinosinusitis). Twenty-seven articles encompassing 232 patients met inclusion criteria and were queried for demographics, etiology, presentation, and medical and surgical treatments. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 33.3 years, where 21.7% were females and 78.3% were males. Causes of barotrauma include diving (57.3%), airplane descent (26.7%), and general anesthesia (0.4%). The most common presentations were frontal pain (44.0%), epistaxis (25.4%), and maxillary pain (10.3%). Most patients received topical steroids (44.0%), oral steroids (28.4%), decongestants (20.7%), and antibiotics (15.5%). For surgical treatment, most patients received functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) (49.6%). Adjunctive surgeries include middle meatal or maxillary antrostomy (20.7%), septoplasty (15.5%), and turbinate surgery (9.1%). The most efficacious medical treatments are as follows: 63.6% success rate with oral steroids (66 treated), 50.0% success rate with topical steroids (102 treated), and 50.0% success rate analgesics (10 treated). For surgical treatments received by greater than 10% of the sample, the most efficacious was FESS (91.5% success rate, 108 treated). CONCLUSION: Oral and topical steroids should be first line therapies. If refractory, then functional endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Type and Screens in Select Endonasal Skull Base Surgeries.

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of obtaining preoperative type and screens (T/S) for common endonasal skull base procedures, and determine patient and hospital factors associated with receiving blood transfusions. Study Design Retrospective database analysis of the 2006 to 2015 National (nationwide) Inpatient Sample and cost-effectiveness analysis. Main Outcome Measures Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with transfusions. A cost-effectiveness analysis was then performed to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of obtaining preoperative T/S to prevent an emergency-release transfusion (ERT), with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $1,500. Results A total of 93,105 cases were identified with an overall transfusion rate of 1.89%. On multivariate modeling, statistically significant factors associated with transfusion included nonelective admission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78-3.02), anemia (OR: 4.42; 95% CI: 3.35-5.83), coagulopathy (OR: 4.72; 95% CI: 2.94-7.57), diabetes (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), liver disease (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.27-4.43), pulmonary circulation disorders (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.71-6.29), and metastatic cancer (OR: 5.85; 95% CI: 2.63-13.0; p < 0.01 for all). The ICER of preoperative T/S was $3,576 per ERT prevented. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the risk of transfusion should exceed 4.12% to justify preoperative T/S. Conclusion Routine preoperative T/S does not represent a cost-effective practice for these surgeries using nationally representative data. A selective T/S policy for high-risk patients may reduce costs.

Flipping the Classroom: An Evaluation of Teaching and Learning Strategies in the Operating Room.

OBJECTIVES: With increasing restraints on resident's experiences in the operating room, with causes ranging from decreased time available to increasing operating room costs, focus has been placed on how to improve resident's education. The objectives of our study are to (1) determine barriers in education in the operating room, (2) identify effective learning and teaching strategies for residents in the operating room with a focus on the tonsillectomy procedure. METHODS: An online survey was sent to all otolaryngology residents and residency programs for which contact information was available from January 2016 to March 2016 with 139 respondents. The 12-question survey focused on information regarding limitations to learning how to perform tonsillectomies as well as difficulties with teaching the same procedure. Resident responses were separated based on PGY level, and analysis was performed using t-tests and Chi squared analysis. RESULTS: Common themes emerged from responses for both teaching and learning how to perform tonsillectomies. A significant limitation in learning the procedure was lack of visualization during the surgery (57% learning vs 60% teaching). For both learners and teachers, the monopolar cautery instrument was found to be the most preferred instrument to use during tonsillectomy (80% each). The majority of resident respondents (93%) felt that an instructional video would be beneficial for both learning and teaching the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Significant limitations for learning and teaching in the operating room were identified for performing tonsillectomies. Future endeavors will focus on resolving these limitations to improve surgical education. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level IV.

Otologic Manifestations of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review to investigate common otologic manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, the incidence of these findings, methods for diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical management. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all articles published between 1963 to 2020 was performed with variations and combinations of the following search terms: Langerhans cell histiocytosis, eosinophilic granuloma, Letterer-Siwe, Hand-Schüller-Christian, otitis, otologic, ear. A review of the references of all included articles was also conducted. RESULTS: Sixty-two articles encompassing 631 patients met inclusion criteria. Otologic symptoms at presentation were found in 246 (39%) patients in the reported studies with 48% reporting bilaterality. The mean age was 14.8 years with a male predominance (64%). The most common otologic presenting symptom was otorrhea (46%). A majority had the multisystem variant (52%). The most common treatment modalities were chemotherapy (52%), followed by surgery (50%), systemic steroids (45%), and radiotherapy (31%). Surgery was performed in 75.8% with unisystem involvement and in 50.6% with multisystem involvement. The most effective treatments included radiotherapy (56% success rate, 17% of treated patients), systemic steroids (44% success, 20% treated), chemotherapy (41% success, 21% treated), and surgical modalities (36% success, 19% treated). CONCLUSIONS: Otologic manifestations that occur with the multisystem variant or are at high risk for central nervous system involvement necessitate systemic treatment. For unifocal lesions, surgery is recommended. Lastly, radiotherapy should be reserved for extensive lesions involving vital structures or presenting in older patients.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic otitis media: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic Otitis Media (EOM) is a relatively newly defined entity of recurrent and resistant otitis media. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of otologic manifestations, diagnosis and management of eosinophilic otitis media (EOM). METHODS: 393 patients diagnosed with EOM of 26 studies met inclusion criteria and were assessed for demographics, otologic manifestations, diagnostic criteria fulfilled, and medical and surgical treatments. RESULTS: Most common otologic manifestations were hearing loss (65%), otitis media with effusion (16%), tympanic membrane perforation (13%), and otorrhea (13%). 93% had a predominantly eosinophilic middle ear effusion, 95% had asthma, 85% had a highly viscous middle ear effusion, 71% had nasal polyposis, and 58% had resistance to conventional treatment. For treatment, 39% received intratympanic steroid injections, 33% received systemic steroids, 17% received steroid ear drops and 13% received a biological agent. 39% of patients underwent a surgical intervention with 26% receiving functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 18% receiving myringotomy with tube insertion. Success rates were highest with use of intratympanic steroids (45%), systemic steroids (26%), and biological agents (58%). CONCLUSION: Intratympanic steroids show the most efficacy in treating EOM, and aggressive optimization of asthma may be beneficial in resolving otologic symptoms. Surgery should be reserved for refractory cases and complications.

Otologic Manifestations of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with otologic manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. DATABASES REVIEWED: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane. METHODS: A systematic search for relevant published literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases was done. Data was collected on demographics, otologic manifestations, specific diagnostic criteria fulfilled, common clinical, and imaging findings as well as medical and surgical treatments received. RESULTS: Fifteen articles encompassing 219 patients met inclusion criteria including 8 case reports and 7 case series. The mean age was 52.8 (range of 24-70). The most common otologic presenting symptoms were hearing loss (76%), otitis media with effusion (44%), vertigo (22%), tinnitus (21%), and chronic otitis media (20%). The most common diagnostic criteria observed in these patients were paranasal sinus abnormalities (75%), asthma (66%), and eosinophilia >10% (44%). The most common treatment was systemic steroids (66%), followed by surgery (52%), with myringotomy with tube insertion (M&T) (32%) and endoscopic sinus surgery (21%) being the most prevalent. Thirty-four percent of patients received an immunosuppressive agent. Successful treatments included systemic steroids (23%), surgical modalities (13%) with M&T being the most common (7%), topical nasal steroids (12%), and cyclophosphamide (10%). CONCLUSION: Hearing loss and a middle ear effusion are the most common presenting otologic manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Sinonasal disease was more prevalent in patients with otologic manifestations. Primary treatment consists of systemic steroids and immunomodulation. M&T, endoscopic sinus surgery, and local steroid administration can be adjunctive measures to alleviate local disease.Level of Evidence: Level 1.

Tracheal Resection in the Management of Thyroid Cancer: An Evidence-Based Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effect of patient demographics and surgical approach on patient outcomes after tracheal resection in the management of thyroid cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Systematic review of literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent tracheal resection. Pooled estimates for patient demographics, presenting findings, complications, and outcomes are determined using random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Ninety-six relevant studies encompassing 1,179 patients met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis pooled rates of complications: 1.7% (confidence interval [CI] 0.8-2.5; P < .001; I2 = 1.85%) airway complications, 2.8% (CI 1.6-3.9; P < .001; I2 = 13.34%) bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, 2.2% (CI 1.2-3.1; P < .001; I2 = 6.72%) anastomotic dehiscence. Circumferential resection pooled estimates major complications, locoregional recurrence, distal recurrence, overall survival: 14.1% (CI 8.3-19.9; P < .001; I2 = 35.26%), 15% (CI 9.6-20.3; P < .001; I2 = 38.2%), 19.7% (CI 13.7-25.8; P < .001; I2 = 28.83%), 74.5% (CI 64.4-84.6; P < .001; I2 = 85.07%). Window resection estimates: 19.8% (CI 6.9-32.8; P < .001; I2 = 18.83%) major complications, 25.6% (CI 5.1-46.1; P < .014; I2 = 84.68%) locoregional recurrence, 15.6% (CI 9.7-21.5; P < .001; I2 = 0%) distal recurrence, 77.1% (CI 58-96.2; P < .001; I2 = 78.77%) overall survival. CONCLUSION: Management of invasive thyroid carcinoma may require tracheal resection to achieve locoregional control. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are not insignificant, and therefore this risk cannot be overlooked when counseling patients perioperatively. Laryngoscope, 131:932-946, 2021.

Orbital Roof Fractures: An Evidence-Based Approach.

Importance: There is controversy surrounding the management of orbital roof fractures. Guidelines with regard to when to operate and type of reconstruction are lacking. Categorizing these data will help clinicians make informed decisions about the management of orbital roof fractures and avoid preventable complications. Objective: To perform a systematic review evaluating underlying causes, associated complications, and management of orbital roof fractures including reconstructive options in the general population of children and adults. Evidence Review: A systematic review using the PubMed, EmBase, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases identified relevant studies for inclusion. Studies were included from 1987 to 2017. Demographics, symptoms, management, reconstruction, and outcomes were reported following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria included articles discussing management of traumatic orbital roof fractures across all ages. Included studies were assessed for level of evidence. Findings: Forty-seven studies encompassing 526 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 28 case reports, 15 retrospective case series and 4 retrospective cohort studies. The most common etiologies were motor vehicle accidents (39.5%), falls (30.3%), and assault (11.8%). Periorbital ecchymosis, exophthalmos, and dystopia were the most common initial symptoms. In total, 60.0% of patients underwent surgical repair and 40% of patients were managed conservatively. The most common surgical approach was bicoronal (94.8%), followed by a superolateral orbital rim approach and transpalpebral (5.1%). A variety of grafting materials were utilized, including titanium miniplates (46.2%), bone graft (37.7%), porous polyethylene (2.8%), and silastic implants (2.8%). Overall patients undergoing surgery were adults with clinical symptoms including exophthalmos, diplopia, and gaze restriction as well as patients with dura exposure. Most patients undergoing surgery were those with concomitant fractures. The most common fractures among the surgical patients were frontal bone (32.2%), ethmoid (25.2%), and zygomaticomaxillary complex/zygoma (12.2%). Conclusions and Relevance: Management of orbital roof fractures varies based on individual clinical features including the presence of exophthalmos, gaze restriction, and concomitant injuries such as dural tears. Surgically, bicoronal approaches were performed most commonly along with reconstruction utilizing titanium miniplates. Conservative management was more common among the pediatric population. This systematic review demonstrates both conservative and surgical measures can lead to positive outcomes in appropriately selected patients.

Perioperative Analgesia for Sinus and Skull-Base Surgery.

Perioperative analgesic management is multifaceted, and an individualized approach should be taken with each patient. Preoperative discussion of the plan for pain control and the patient's postoperative expectations is a necessary facet for optimal outcomes of analgesia. There is the potential for significant abuse and development of dependence on opioids. Nonopioids, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and gabapentinoids, provide reliable alternatives for analgesic management following sinus and skull-base surgery. There is a paucity of literature regarding perioperative pain regimens for sinus and skull-base surgery, and the authors hope that this review serves as a valuable tool for otolaryngologists.

Pain Management for the Otolaryngologist: Overview of Perioperative Analgesia and Introduction to Opioids.

Nearly 50,000 US adults experience opioid-overdose deaths annually and 1.7 million experience a substance use disorder from prescription opioids. Hence, understanding analgesia strategies is of utmost importance. A pre-operative analgesic plan can consist of a brief conversation between the surgeon, patient, and anesthesiologist in an uncomplicated case or range all the way to an involved, multidisciplinary plan for a chronic pain patient. Over the past several decades, there have been myriad studies examining perioperative analgesic regimens for otolaryngologic procedures, many of which have demonstrated the efficacy of nonopioid analgesics.

Perioperative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy: An Evidence-Based Review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an evidence-based systematic review evaluating perioperative analgesia, including opioid alternatives, used for patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search from 1997 to January 2018 of Pubmed, Cochrane, and EmBase libraries was performed for studies reporting analgesic administration following thyroid or parathyroid surgery. This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were evaluated for level of evidence and given a Jadad score to assess for risk of bias. Outcomes gathered included postoperative pain scores, time to rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic consumption, and adverse events. RESULTS: Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. The GRADE criteria determined the overall evidence to be moderate-high. Studies utilizing NSAIDs reported reduced requirements for rescue analgesics. Acetaminophen studies presented with conflicting data on effectiveness. Gabapentinoid studies demonstrated lower pain scores and an increased time to rescue analgesic. Local anesthetics were effective at decreasing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores while also reducing rescue analgesic consumption. Ketamine was shown to increased postoperative nausea and vomiting. NSAIDs and local anesthetic studies had an aggregate grade of evidence A, while all others had grade B evidence. CONCLUSION: There is significant evidence supporting the use of NSAIDs and local anesthetics in the perioperative period for pain management for thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Acetaminophen, gabapentinoid and ketamine have some supporting evidence and may serve as adequate alternatives. Further multi-institutional RCTs are warranted to delineate optimal analgesic regimens. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery: An evidence-based review.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Opioid misuse and diversion is a major concern, with a negative impact on both the individual and society. The objective of this study was to perform an evidence-based systematic review of the efficacy of perioperative analgesic regimens following otologic surgery. METHODS: Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases (January 1, 1947 to June 30, 2018) were searched for studies investigating pain management in otologic surgeries. All studies were assessed for quality and bias using the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographics, type of surgery, medication class, dose, administration characteristics, pain scores, and adverse events were reported. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies encompassing 1,842 patients met inclusion criteria. In 21.4% of studies, an overall reduction in pain scores was reported when the treatment group included more than one analgesic. Nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events across all medication types (10.2%), with local anesthetic patients experiencing these side effects most frequently (38.0%). Perioperative acetaminophen was reported to have the fewest adverse drug reactions overall (6.1%), but did not reduce pain scores as much as other modalities, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that combination analgesics, such as acetaminophen plus codeine, provide superior pain relief to monotherapy analgesics in the perioperative pain management of otologic surgeries. NSAIDs, α-agonists, and nerve blocks may also be viable single-therapy options. Further prospective randomized controlled trials into perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery may be helpful in establishing a definitive consensus. Laryngoscope, 130:190-199, 2020.

Endoscopic Resection of Pediatric Skull Base Tumors: An Evidence-Based Review.

Objectives To perform a systematic review examining experiences with endoscopic resection of skull base lesions in the pediatric population, with a focus on outcomes, recurrence, and surgical morbidities. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were evaluated. Studies were assessed for level of evidence. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias tool, Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Patient characteristics, pathology, site of primary disease, presenting symptoms, stage, procedure specific details, and complications were evaluated. Results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results Ninety-three studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 574 patients with skull base tumors. The GRADE and MINORS criteria determined the overall evidence to be moderate quality. The most common benign and malignant pathologies included juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas ( n = 239) and chondrosarcomas ( n = 11) at 41.6 and 1.9%, respectively. Of all juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma tumors, most presented at stage IIIa and IIIb (25.8 and 27.3%, respectively). Nasal obstruction (16.5%) and headache (16.0%) were common symptoms at initial presentation. Surgical approaches included endoscopic endonasal ( n = 193, 41.2%) and endoscopic extended transsphenoidal ( n = 155, 33.1%). Early (< 6 weeks) and late (>6 weeks) complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak ( n = 36, 17.3%) and endocrinopathy ( n = 43, 20.7%). Mean follow-up time was 37 months (0.5-180 months), with 86.5% showing no evidence of disease and 2.1% having died from disease at last follow-up. Conclusion Endoscopic skull base surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective method of treating a variety of pediatric skull base tumors. If appropriately employed, the minimally invasive approach can provide optimal results in the pediatric population.

Targeting the unfolded protein response in head and neck and oral cavity cancers.

Many FDA-approved anti-cancer therapies, targeted toward a wide array of molecular targets and signaling networks, have been demonstrated to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Despite a critical role for UPR signaling in the apoptotic execution of cancer cells by many of these compounds, the authors are currently unaware of any instance whereby a cancer drug was developed with the UPR as the intended target. With the essential role of the UPR as a driving force in the genesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype, a great number of pre-clinical studies have surged into the medical literature describing the ability of dozens of compounds to induce UPR signaling in a myriad of cancer models. The focus of the current work is to review the literature and explore the role of the UPR as a mediator of chemotherapy-induced cell death in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and oral cavity (OCSCC), with an emphasis on preclinical studies.

Perioperative Desmopressin for Patients Undergoing Otolaryngologic Procedures: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a hemostatic agent used to manage bleeding in patients with hemostatic disorders, and there is a lack of published data to guide its use during otolaryngology procedures. The objective of this study was to conduct an evidence-based systematic review of the reported uses, efficacy, and adverse effects of DDAVP in the otolaryngology surgical setting. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, and EmBase were searched for articles on the use of DDAVP in otolaryngology. REVIEW METHODS: The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria and Cochrane bias tool were used to assess study quality. Patient demographics, DDAVP dosing and route, and outcomes such as bleeding and adverse events were collected. A summary of evidence table was created specifying levels of evidence, benefits, and harm. RESULTS: Nineteen studies encompassing 440 patients were included. Sixteen studies discussed DDAVP for prophylaxis, and 3 discussed postoperative use. DDAVP effectively prevented bleeding in high-risk patients and successfully facilitated a dry surgical field when necessary. DDAVP had a 100% success rate when used symptomatically. Five studies described adverse effects, including hyponatremia (12.3%), nausea (2.0%), emesis (0.9%), and seizure (0.2%). The aggregate level of evidence for its use was Level B for adenotonsillectomy, septoplasty, and turbinate procedures and Level C for rhinoplasty. CONCLUSION: Current literature supports the use of DDAVP in otolaryngology surgical procedures as both a perioperative prophylactic agent and a postoperative symptomatic intervention for bleeding. Both modalities are effective with minimal adverse events. Further well-designed randomized trials are necessary to conclusively formulate guidelines for DDAVP use in otolaryngology.

Disparities in impact of nasopharyngeal cancer: An analysis of global health burden.

OBJECTIVES: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has a unique worldwide racial and geographic distribution. Our objective was to evaluate socioeconomic disparities in the burden of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) between endemic and nonendemic regions. METHODS: To demonstrate trends regarding societal burden of NPC and socioeconomic development, national disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates and human development indices (HDI) between 1990 and 2015 were evaluated. Countries were divided based on the endemic versus nonendemic presence of NPC and further analyzed by HDI status as specified by the United Nations Development Program. Gini coefficients and concentration index were used to evaluate global equality in NPC burden over this period. RESULTS: Age-standardized DALYs dropped from 36.1 in 1990 to 26.5 in 2015 (26.6% decline) (r = -0.991, P < 0.001). Lower socioeconomic countries harbored greater NPC burden upon controlling by endemic and nonendemic regions, as demonstrated by progressively negative concentration indexes. Health inequality was greater in nonendemic countries than in endemic countries (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate socioeconomic-related changes in NPC burden using statistical tools such as the Gini coefficient and concentration index. Although the burden of NPC has steadily decreased, there remain persistent inequalities associated with socioeconomic disparities. Nasopharyngeal cancer burden is more pronounced in countries with lower HDI. Our results reinforce the importance of increasing resources for developing countries and continuing inquiry into the screening, diagnosis, and management of NPC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:2482-2486, 2019.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Head and Neck: An Evidence-Based Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an evidence-based review with recommendations that evaluates the indications and utility of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the head and neck. METHODS: The authors searched the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. The primary outcome was successful intended use of NPWT, be it for granulation tissue formation, infection control, or complete wound closure. Patient demographics, etiology, and other clinical characteristics were explored. Meta-analysis of observational studies was used to examine response rates and wound sizes. RESULTS: Fifty-seven articles encompassing 522 patients were included. The most common etiologies reported included: neoplasm (343 patients [65.7%]), oro-/pharyngocutaneous fistula (9.8%), infection (10.5%), and trauma (9.6%). The majority of wounds treated were in the neck (61.6%). Potential risk factors that may compromise wound healing were noted in 217 of 522 patients (41.6%). Of these 217 patients, 135 had properly documented risk factors, with the most common being prior irradiation (63%). The overall mean response across studies was 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.806-0.896, P < 0.001, I2 = 0 %). CONCLUSION: Negative pressure wound therapy is useful for the management of head and neck wounds and should be considered for patients in whom wound healing is progressing insufficiently, including those with a history of head and neck cancer, oro-/pharyngocutaenous fistula, and trauma. Randomized controlled trials further comparing NPWT versus other modalities may be invaluable in further delineating its appropriate role. Laryngoscope, 129:671-683, 2019.

Effect of elderly status on postoperative complications in patients with sinonasal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities may be at higher risk of postoperative complications. With an increasingly aging population, more data assessing for predisposing factors are needed in this at-risk group. In this study, we analyzed the effect of elderly status on relative comorbidities and complications of sinonasal cancer (SNC) patients receiving surgery. METHODS: A retrospective database analysis was performed using cases from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2003 to 2012. Patients with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, who received surgery for sinonasal malignancy, including neck dissections, were selected. Demographics of interest included age, sex, race, type of admission, mean length of stay, and median hospital charges. Elderly and nonelderly patients were compared for differences in rates of acute medical complications, acute surgical complications, and relevant procedures during hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 920 cases identified in the NIS, 382 (41.5%) were elderly (≥65 years). Cases of SNC were more frequently seen in males than females (p < 0.001). Elderly patients had significantly higher comorbidity rates compared with nonelderly patients, which included congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, and chronic renal failure (p < 0.001 for all). Elderly patients more frequently had postoperative cardiac complications (6.0% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001), but this finding was not statistically significant on multivariate analysis when controlling for race, sex, and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Elderly status is not an independent factor for postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for sinonasal malignancy.

Characteristics and management of sinonasal paragangliomas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Paragangliomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, although exceedingly rare, can exhibit frequent and aggressive recurrences. Our objective was to evaluate tumor characteristics, clinical course, management, and associated complications of sinonasal paragangliomas METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, searching for sinonasal paraganglioma. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for level of evidence. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, primary intervention, and other clinical characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five relevant studies encompassing 54 patients with sinonasal paraganglioma were identified. The most common tumor locations were the nasal cavity (66.7%), ethmoid sinuses (22.2%), maxillary sinuses (7.4%), and sphenoid sinuses (3.7%). Common presenting symptoms included recurrent epistaxis (68.5%), nasal obstruction (53.7%), and headache (13.0%). Tumors were malignant in 28.6% of patients. Only 4 cases (7.4%) involved functional tumors. Initial management was always surgical, via either an open (63.0%) or endoscopic (33.3%) approach. Radiotherapy was used as adjunctive treatment in 10 cases (18.5%). Recurrence rate was 21.7% and occurred between 12 to 156 months after initial resection. The overall survival was 87.0% with a metastatic rate of 8.7%. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal paragangliomas are vascular neoplasms manifesting clinically with recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Management goals are total resection with clear margins and long-term follow-up due to tendency for local recurrence. Radiotherapy has been utilized as adjuvant therapy with variable results. Further randomized controlled studies may be invaluable in elucidating these findings.