Rapid telehealth implementation into an otolaryngology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Report outcomes of rapid implementation of telehealth across an academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-institution study of rapid deployment of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Characteristics of patients were compared between those who agreed and those who declined telehealth care. Reasons for declining telehealth visits were ascertained. Characteristics of telehealth visits were collected and patients were asked to complete a post-visit satisfaction survey. RESULTS: There was a 68% acceptance rate for telehealth visits. In multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to accept telehealth if they were being seen in the facial plastics subspecialty clinic (odds ratio [OR] 59.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.21-1607.52; P = .015) compared to the general otolaryngology clinic. Patients with Medicare (compared to commercial insurance) as their primary insurance were less likely to accept telehealth visits (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.77; P = .027). Two hundred and thirty one patients underwent telehealth visits; most visits (69%) were for established patients and residents were involved in 38% of visits. There was an 85% response rate to the post-visit survey. On a scale of one to ten, the median satisfaction score was 10 and 99% of patients gave a score of 8 or higher. Satisfaction scores were higher for new patient visits than established patient visits (P = .020). CONCLUSION: Rapid implementation of telehealth in an academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery department is feasible. There was high acceptance of and satisfaction scores with telehealth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Surge after the surge: Anticipating the increased volume and needs of patients with head and neck cancer after the peak in COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have extensive effects on public health as it spreads rapidly across the globe. Patients with head and neck cancer are a particularly susceptible population to these effects, and we expect there to be a potential surge in patients presenting with head and neck cancers after the surge in COVID-19. Furthermore, the impact of social distancing measures could result in a shift toward more advanced disease at presentation. With appropriate anticipation, multidisciplinary head and cancer teams could potentially minimize the impact of this surge and plan for strategies to provide optimal care for patients with head and neck cancer.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with previous renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with previous renal transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone RARP for localized prostate cancer between 2005 and 2008 at a single institution (N=228). Of these, three patients were renal transplant recipients. A four-arm robotic configuration was used in all patients. Port placement was modified in two of the three renal transplant recipients to avoid trauma to the renal allograft. Preoperative demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: RARP was completed successfully in all three renal transplant recipients. As expected, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score (3.3 vs 2.4) and Charlson weighted index of comorbidity (4.7 vs 2.4) were greater in previous transplant patients. There were no major differences in mean age, Gleason score, body mass index, estimated blood loss, operative time, complications, or oncologic outcomes between the two groups. Each of the patients with renal allografts had an undetectable prostate-specific antigen level and was continent (needing no pads) at 13 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: RARP is feasible in patients with a previous renal transplant. Although technically more challenging, RARP can be performed in previous transplant patients with acceptable morbidity and oncologic outcomes similar to those of other prostate cancer patients.

A prospective randomized comparison of traditional laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with needlescopic-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in the porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery produces virtually no scar but is technically challenging because of the loss of triangulation. The objective of this study is to compare classic transumbilical LESS nephrectomy with needlescopic-assisted laparoscopy (NAL) surgery. In doing so, we evaluated whether the addition of a single 2-mm subcostal port could restore triangulation while not jeopardizing recovery or cosmetic outcome in the porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten female farm pigs were randomized to laparoscopic nephrectomy with either LESS or NAL. In LESS, a TriPort was placed through a single 2.5-cm umbilical incision. In NAL, 5- and 10-mm ports were placed in the umbilicus and a 2-mm port was placed in the midclavicular line. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative parameters were compared. Variables were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and two-tailed Fisher exact test. Cosmesis was evaluated objectively using the Vancouver Scar Scale and subjectively by a blinded dermatologist. A cost analysis was performed. RESULTS: Estimated blood loss was minimal in both groups (28.8 mL in LESS and 9.4 mL in NAL). Operative time was significantly shorter in NAL (103 vs 150 min; P<0.001). There was no difference in complications (2 vs 1; P=0.500), objective cosmesis (3.9 vs 3.8; P>0.2), or subjective cosmesis (2 vs 3; P=0.500). The NAL protocol had significantly lower disposable equipment costs ($363 vs $1696). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a 2-mm subcostal port and the restoration of triangulation in the NAL protocol enable shorter operative times, increased surgeon comfort, improved technical ease, and lower costs while maintaining the scarless cosmesis of the traditional LESS protocol.

Comparison of a reduced radiation fluoroscopy protocol to conventional fluoroscopy during uncomplicated ureteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: Although the long-term effects of radiation exposure are not completely predictable, the principle of keeping radiation exposure "as low as reasonably achievable" should be used. The purpose of this study was to compare fluoroscopy times before and after the implementation of a protocol designed to reduce fluoroscopy usage during ureteroscopy. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 300 consecutive ureteroscopy patients at a single institution. Patients undergoing simple ureteroscopy without ancillary procedures or balloon dilation were further evaluated to determine the effect of a reduced fluoroscopy protocol. The protocol included several measures, including use of a laser-guided C-arm, use of a designated fluoroscopy technician and substitution of visual for fluoroscopic cues during ureteroscopy. Fluoroscopy times were compared between groups using a paired t test with P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: Ureteroscopy cases before protocol implementation (n = 30) were compared with procedures after implementation (n = 30). Stone size and location were similar between groups. Protocol implementation significantly reduced the mean fluoroscopy exposure from 86.1 seconds (range 30-300) to 15.5 seconds (range 0-54; P < .001). There was no difference in mean operative time (74.2 vs 65.1 minutes; P = .14), or complications (2 patients vs 2 patients; P = 1) between groups. No complication in either group could be ascribed to the fluoroscopic technique. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced fluoroscopy protocol resulted in an 82% reduction in fluoroscopy time without altering patient outcomes. These simple radiation-reducing techniques add no technical difficulty and improve safety for the patient, surgeon, and operating room staff by lowering radiation exposure.

Hybrid transureteral natural orifice translumenal endoscopic nephrectomy: a feasibility study in the porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Natural orifice approaches for nephrectomy have included access via the stomach, vagina, bladder, and rectum. The use of the ureter as a natural orifice for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy has not been previously reported. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of transureteral laparoscopic NOTES nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three female farm pigs (29.2-30.8 kg) were placed into the lithotomy position. A cystoscopically placed extra-stiff guidewire was used to place a prototype dilating sheath into the left ureter. After dilation of the ureter and urethra, the sheath was exchanged for a 12-mm bariatric laparoscopic trocar. A 10.5-inch long 10-mm offset operating laparoscope with an internal 5-mm working port was used for the nephrectomy. One 2-mm and one 2/3-mm port were placed transabdominally to facilitate in situ morcellation. The kidney was cut into slices using the bipolar device and extracted via the ureteral port using the housing of a 12-mm bariatric stapling device. RESULTS: All three transureteral nephrectomies were successfully completed. The total mean operative time was 220 minutes (range 113-346 min). Component portions of the procedure were: Ureteral access (mean 21 min), nephrectomy (mean 70 min), and kidney morcellation (mean 103 min). Mean estimated blood loss was 20 mL (range 5-50 mL). There were no intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This nonsurvival porcine feasibility study demonstrates the successful performance of transureteral nephrectomy. This approach shows promise as a way to decrease the invasiveness of NOTES nephrectomy by using the ureteral orifice as an access site.

Fluoroscopic organ and tissue-specific radiation exposure by sex and body mass index during ureteroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Although radiation exposure from CT and plain film imaging has been characterized, the radiation received by patients during modern-era fluoroscopy has not been well described. The purposes of this study were to measure absolute organ and tissue-specific radiation doses during ureteroscopy and to determine the influence of body mass index (BMI) and sex on these doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight cadavers underwent a simulated left ureteroscopy. Using a modern C-arm with automatic exposure control settings, thermoluminescent dosimeters were exposed for a fluoroscopy time of 145 seconds (mean time of clinical ureteroscopies from 2006 to 2008). Total tissue exposures were compared by BMI and between sexes using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and the Mann-Whitney test with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Among all cadavers, radiation doses were significantly lower in all contralateral organs excluding the gonad (p < 0.012). Doses were similar bilaterally in the gonad in cadavers with BMI <30, and in all organs in cadavers with BMI >30 (p > 0.05). There were significantly higher mean bilateral gonadal doses in female cadavers (3.4 mGy left and 1.9 mGy right) compared with male cadavers (0.36 mGy left and 0.39 mGy right). The highest cancer risk increase was seen at the posterior skin equivalent to 104 additional cancers per 100,000 patients. CONCLUSION: Contralateral doses were lower for all organs except the gonad when the BMI was <30. In contrast, when the BMI was >30, there was no difference in radiation dose delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral organs. Gonadal doses were significantly higher in female cadavers. Modern-era fluoroscopy remains a significant source of radiation exposure and steps should be taken to minimize exposure during ureteroscopy.