Fibrosarcomas of the Paranasal Sinuses: A Systematic Review.

Fibrosarcomas are rare, malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. Fibrosarcomas appear to be sporadic, but cases of fibrosarcomas secondary to radiation of nasopharyngeal carcinomas have been reported. Paranasal sinus fibrosarcomas (PNFS) are even rarer with few cases being reported since the 1950s. There have been several retrospective cohort studies examining PNFS; however, to our knowledge, no comprehensive review exists. This review aims to summarize the findings of all published cases of PNFS from the 1950s to the 2020s. We hope that a comprehensive review will assist in accurate and early diagnoses of PNFS, and help guide treatment as early treatment is associated with a favorable prognosis.This systematic review reports results following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies were screened using established inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 26 studies were included for data extraction, and relevant data were collected and analyzed.In our study, the most common study type was case reports (n = 19). The most common presentation for PNFS included male gender (n = 17) with maxillary sinus (n = 57) involvement. Patients commonly presented with complaints of nasal obstruction (n = 15), epistaxis (n = 11), and facial fullness/pain (n = 9). Surgical resection was the mainstay treatment, with the use of chemotherapy or radiation depending on surgical margins and resectability. The diagnosis was commonly made with histological analysis. This review of the literature provides a summary and reference of important presenting factors, elements of diagnosis, and treatment options regarding PNFS to help bring awareness and guide the treatment of such a rare disease. Moving forward, there is a greater need for larger standardized studies that can further complement our findings, as well as more consistent reporting of cases.

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.

Ewing Sarcoma of the Craniofacial Bones: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review on the demographics, characteristics, management, treatment, complications, and outcomes of Ewing sarcomas in the craniofacial bones. DATA SOURCES: Using Cochrane Library, EmBase, and PubMed, the authors identified 71 studies to be included. REVIEW METHODS: The Cochrane Library, EmBase, and PubMed databases were used to identify literature relating to Ewing sarcomas in the craniofacial bone to conduct a systematic review. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies were extracted. RESULTS: Seventy-one studies encompassing 102 patients were identified. The most common craniofacial locations involved were the frontal bone (16.7%, n = 17), nasal cavity (16.7%, n = 17), and temporal bone (14.7%, n = 15). Stratified by location, the most common presenting symptoms were frontal bone (palpable mass, n = 8, 47.1%), nasal cavities (epistaxis, n = 9, 52.9%), and temporal bones (headache, n = 5, 33.3%). The 3 most commonly used treatment strategies were a combination of surgical intervention/radiotherapy/chemotherapy (n = 43, 43%), a combination of radiotherapy/chemotherapy (n = 18, 18%), and a combination of surgical intervention/chemotherapy (n = 15, 15%). Patients who received a combination of surgical intervention/radiotherapy/chemotherapy experienced local recurrence rate of 16.6%. However, other combinations of therapies such as surgical intervention/chemotherapy and radiotherapy/chemotherapy had a lower local recurrence rate but were limited by small sample size. Most patients (79.0%) were disease free without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Ewing Sarcoma of the craniofacial bones has a good prognosis when treated appropriately. Given that our study was limited by retrospective data, we advise clinicians to use the findings of this article with their own clinical judgment to determine which treatment strategy they should pursue.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations.

OBJECTIVE: Opioid use disorder (OUD), which includes the morbidity of dependence and mortality of overdose, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Overprescription of opioids can lead to chronic use and misuse, and unused narcotics after surgery can lead to their diversion. Research supports that most patients do not take all the prescribed opioids after surgery and that surgeons are the second largest prescribers of opioids in the United States. The introduction of opioids in those with OUD often begins with prescription opioids. Reducing the number of extra opioids available after surgery through smaller prescriptions, safe storage, and disposal should reduce the risk of opioid use disorder in otolaryngology patients and their families. PURPOSE: The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation. Employing these action statements should reduce the variation in care across the specialty and improve postoperative pain control while reducing risk of OUD. The target patients for the guideline are any patients treated for anticipated or reported pain within the first 30 days after undergoing common otolaryngologic procedures. The target audience of the guideline is otolaryngologists who perform surgery and clinicians who manage pain after surgical procedures. Outcomes to be considered include whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.The guideline addresses assessment of the patient for OUD risk factors, counseling on pain expectations, and identifying factors that can affect pain duration and/or severity. It also discusses the use of multimodal analgesia as first-line treatment and the responsible use of opioids. Last, safe disposal of unused opioids is discussed.This guideline is intended to focus on evidence-based quality improvement opportunities judged most important by the guideline development group. It is not a comprehensive guide on pain management in otolaryngologic procedures. The statements in this guideline are not intended to limit or restrict care provided by clinicians based on their experiences and assessments of individual patients. ACTION STATEMENTS: The guideline development group made strong recommendations for the following key action statements: (3A) prior to surgery, clinicians should identify risk factors for opioid use disorder when analgesia using opioids is anticipated; (6) clinicians should advocate for nonopioid medications as first-line management of pain after otolaryngologic surgery; (9) clinicians should recommend that patients (or their caregivers) store prescribed opioids securely and dispose of unused opioids through take-back programs or another accepted method.The guideline development group made recommendations for the following key action statements: (1) prior to surgery, clinicians should advise patients and others involved in the postoperative care about the expected duration and severity of pain; (2) prior to surgery, clinicians should gather information specific to the patient that modifies severity and/or duration of pain; (3B) in patients at risk for OUD, clinicians should evaluate the need to modify the analgesia plan; (4) clinicians should promote shared decision making by informing patients of the benefits and risks of postoperative pain treatments that include nonopioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and nonpharmacologic interventions; (5) clinicians should develop a multimodal treatment plan for managing postoperative pain; (7) when treating postoperative pain with opioids, clinicians should limit therapy to the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration; (8A) clinicians should instruct patients and caregivers how to communicate if pain is not controlled or if medication side effects occur; (8B) clinicians should educate patients to stop opioids when pain is controlled with nonopioids and stop all analgesics when pain has resolved; (10) clinicians should inquire, within 30 days of surgery, whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations Executive Summary.

OBJECTIVE: Opioid use disorder (OUD), which includes the morbidity of dependence and mortality of overdose, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Overprescription of opioids can lead to chronic use and misuse, and unused narcotics after surgery can lead to their diversion. Research supports that most patients do not take all the prescribed opioids after surgery and that surgeons are the second largest prescribers of opioids in the United States. The introduction of opioids in those with OUD often begins with prescription opioids. Reducing the number of extra opioids available after surgery through smaller prescriptions, safe storage, and disposal should reduce the risk of opioid use disorder in otolaryngology patients and their families. PURPOSE: The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation. Employing these action statements should reduce the variation in care across the specialty and improve postoperative pain control while reducing risk of OUD. The target patients for the guideline are any patients treated for anticipated or reported pain within the first 30 days after undergoing common otolaryngologic procedures. The target audience of the guideline is otolaryngologists who perform surgery and clinicians who manage pain after surgical procedures. Outcomes to be considered include whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.The guideline addresses assessment of the patient for OUD risk factors, counseling on pain expectations, and identifying factors that can affect pain duration and/or severity. It also discusses the use of multimodal analgesia as first-line treatment and the responsible use of opioids. Last, safe disposal of unused opioids is discussed.This guideline is intended to focus on evidence-based quality improvement opportunities judged most important by the guideline development group. It is not a comprehensive guide on pain management in otolaryngologic procedures. The statements in this guideline are not intended to limit or restrict care provided by clinicians based on their experiences and assessments of individual patients. ACTION STATEMENTS: The guideline development group made strong recommendations for the following key action statements: (3A) prior to surgery, clinicians should identify risk factors for opioid use disorder when analgesia using opioids is anticipated; (6) clinicians should advocate for nonopioid medications as first-line management of pain after otolaryngologic surgery; (9) clinicians should recommend that patients (or their caregivers) store prescribed opioids securely and dispose of unused opioids through take-back programs or another accepted method.The guideline development group made recommendations for the following key action statements: (1) prior to surgery, clinicians should advise patients and others involved in the postoperative care about the expected duration and severity of pain; (2) prior to surgery, clinicians should gather information specific to the patient that modifies severity and/or duration of pain; (3B) in patients at risk for OUD, clinicians should evaluate the need to modify the analgesia plan; (4) clinicians should promote shared decision making by informing patients of the benefits and risks of postoperative pain treatments that include nonopioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and nonpharmacologic interventions; (5) clinicians should develop a multimodal treatment plan for managing postoperative pain; (7) when treating postoperative pain with opioids, clinicians should limit therapy to the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration; (8A) clinicians should instruct patients and caregivers how to communicate if pain is not controlled or if medication side effects occur; (8B) clinicians should educate patients to stop opioids when pain is controlled with nonopioids and stop all analgesics when pain has resolved; (10) clinicians should inquire, within 30 days of surgery, whether the patient has stopped using opioids, has disposed of unused opioids, and was satisfied with the pain management plan.

Acute epiglottitis: Analysis of U.S. mortality trends from 1979 to 2017.

PURPOSE: Evaluate trends in mortality due to acute epiglottitis before and after adoption of Haemophilus influenza Type b vaccination (Hib) in pediatric and adult populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who died from acute epiglottis from 1979 to 2017 identified using National Vital Statistics System. Mortality rates calculated using age-adjusted US census data expressed in rate per 100,000 individuals. Trends analyzed using the National Cancer Institute Joinpoint Regression Program (version 4.7.0; Bethesda, Maryland). RESULTS: 1187 epiglottitis-related deaths were identified over thirty-nine years. Total deaths decreased from 65 in 1979 to 15 in 2017. Adult deaths accounted for 63.5% and decreased from 0.015 per 100,000 individuals (24 deaths) in 1979 to 0.006 per 100,000 individuals (14 deaths) in 2017. Best fitting log-liner regression model showed APC of -3.5% (95% CI, -4.2 to -2.7%) from 1979 to 2017. Pediatric and adolescent deaths accounted for 443 (37.3%) deaths, decreasing from 0.064 per 100,000 individuals (41 deaths) in 1979 to 0.001 per 100,000 individuals (1 death) in 2017. APC was -11.1% (95% CI, -13.8% to -8.3%) in 1979 to 1990; 46.5% (95% CI, -16.6% to 157.3%) in 1990 to 1993; -61.6% (95% CI, -88% to 23%) in 1993 to 1996; and 1.1% (95% CI, -2.4% to 4.7%) in 1996 to 2017. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from acute epiglottitis decreased after widespread adoption of Hib vaccination in the US. Adults are now more likely than children to die of acute epiglottitis. Further research including multi-institutional cohort studies must be done to elucidate causative factors contributing to remaining cases of mortality.

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.

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.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS). METHODS: Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus. RESULTS: The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated. CONCLUSION: A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

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.

Perioperative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty: An Evidence-Based Review.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Opioid misuse and diversion is a pressing topic in today's healthcare environment. The objective of this study was to conduct a review of non-opioid perioperative analgesic regimens following septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based systematic review. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were reviewed for articles related to perioperative analgesic use in septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. Quality of studies were assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria, Jadad scores, and the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographic data and clinical outcomes, including medication type, dose, administration time, pain scores, and adverse events, were obtained from included studies. Summary tables detailing the benefits and harms of each investigated regimen are included. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria for this evidence-based review. The quality of the studies was determined to be of moderate quality based off of GRADE standardized criteria with a mean Jadad score of 3.1. A preponderance of evidence showed reduced perioperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements, supporting the use of local anesthetics for analgesic control. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) demonstrated similar decreased visual analog scores and postoperative analgesic demand; however, increased adverse events in this class warrant caution. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary literature supports the use of NSAIDs, gabapentin, local anesthetics, and α-agonists as effective perioperative analgesic opioid alternatives for septoplasty and septorhinoplasty. Local anesthetic use is a cost-effective option resulting in decreased postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements. Further large-scale, multi-institutional, controlled studies are needed to provide definitive recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:E200-E212, 2019.

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.

Incorporation of antibiotics and systemic steroids by sinus surgeons: is there widespread consensus?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to evaluate factors associated with antibiotic and oral corticosteroid (OCS) prescription among otolaryngologists regularly performing sinus surgery. METHODS: Fellowship-trained rhinologists, including fellowship directors, were identified via the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) website. Non-fellowship-trained otolaryngologists performing ≥25 balloons (frontal/maxillary) or ≥25 functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESSs) (frontal/maxillary/ethmoids) were also included in "balloon surgeons" and "sinus surgeon" cohorts, respectively. Prescribing data for Medicare Part D beneficiaries was obtained for 2015. RESULTS: Otolaryngologists included in this analysis wrote a median of 54 scripts for antibiotics, with a 15.1% antibiotic prescription rate. The overall script length per antibiotic was 11.1 days. Of fellowship-trained rhinologists, 90.2% wrote fewer than 100 scripts, compared to 25.6% and 32.5% of sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons, respectively. Fellowship-trained rhinologists wrote lengthier antibiotic scripts (14.1 vs 10.3 days, p < 0.05). Clinicians who have been in practice longer prescribed antibiotics significantly more frequently. Fellowship-trained rhinologists had a greater OCS rate (8.9%) than balloon and sinus surgeons (7.1%), also writing lengthier courses (15.0 vs 8.1 days). Early-career otolaryngologists wrote lengthier steroid prescriptions than those with 11 to 20 years and >20 years in practice. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic and OCS utilization varies by type of training, as non-fellowship-trained sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons tend to utilize antibiotics more aggressively, and fellowship-trained rhinologists utilize OCS more frequently. Otolaryngologists with more years in practice are more likely to incorporate antibiotics in the management of sinus disorders, although these conclusions must be considered in the context of this resource's limitations. Further clarification of guidelines may be helpful for minimizing divergent practices and maintaining a consensus.

Opioid Prescription Among Sinus Surgeons.

Background Misuse and diversion of opioids have contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis, making an understanding of specialty-specific and procedure-specific trends essential. Objective The objective of this analysis was to evaluate nationwide trends in opioid prescribing patterns among sinus surgeons performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus balloon dilation, specifically examining factors associated with variations. Methods High-volume sinus surgeons were identified through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database and cross-referenced against prescriptions to Medicare Part D beneficiaries during 2013 through 2015. Number of opioid prescriptions, prescription lengths, and demographic information were obtained. Results This cohort of 570 surgeons wrote 21,042 opioid prescriptions (5.4 days per prescription) in 2015, with 80.3% and 54.7% writing >10 and >25 prescriptions, respectively. Surgeons writing a greater amount of prescriptions wrote lengthier courses throughout all 3 years ( P = .01, P = .002, P = .003). Female otolaryngologists wrote lengthier prescriptions (6.2 vs 5.3 days, P = .01). Early career otolaryngologists (≤10 years) offered fewer prescriptions compared to those who had greater experience (31.1 vs 39.3, P = .02). Moreover, 73.6% of fellowship-trained otolaryngologists offered >10 prescriptions versus 82.7% of nonfellowship-trained otolaryngologists ( P = .02). Practitioners in the South on average prescribed the greatest amount of opioids ( P < .05). Conclusion A majority of sinus surgeons prescribe ≥25 opioid prescriptions annually, with otolaryngologists who write a greater amount of prescriptions writing lengthier courses. As the mean opioid prescription length is 5.4 days, recent legislation limiting opioid prescriptions to 5 days may only have a modest impact for preventing the diversion of perioperative opioid prescriptions. These data suggest further standardized guidelines may be beneficial in elucidating the appropriate indications for the prescription of opioids among sinus surgeons.