In-Office Corticosteroid Placement in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVES: Corticosteroids represent one of the mainstays of medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in both locally acting topical and systemic derivations. The application of topical corticosteroids is limited by a variety of factors including patient compliance, positioning, and nasal anatomy. Systemic corticosteroids confer a risk of medical complication that restricts their ability to be used repeatedly. The objective of this publication is to review the evolution of the in-office intranasal placement of corticosteroids in the management of CRS. The efficacy, outcomes, and safety of a variety of corticosteroid-containing devices meant to be placed in an office setting are reviewed. METHODS: Pertinent literature was reviewed and summarized beginning with the earliest reports of direct intralesional injection of corticosteroids up through manufactured modern-day bioresorbable implants that contain corticosteroids. RESULTS: The utilization of in-office placement of corticosteroid-containing material and implants has rapidly evolved since the concept was introduced, particularly in the last decade. Modern-day corticosteroid-eluting implants are reliably placed in the office, yield results across a range of objective and subjective outcomes, may decrease the need for revision endoscopic sinus surgery, and have a favorable safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: In-office placement of corticosteroid-containing stents are a viable treatment option for select patients, particularly those wishing to avoid revision surgery, and should be considered an important adjunct for treatment of refractory CRS in an otolaryngologist's armamentarium.

Upper lip frenotomy for neonatal breastfeeding problems.

OBJECTIVES: Upper lip tie, without concomitant tongue tie, can prevent proper flanging of the upper lip during breastfeeding, resulting in a poor seal and suck for the infant with nipple pain and maternal dissatisfaction. Due to the lack of published studies on this subject, we report our technique and outcomes for in-office release of isolated upper lip tie. METHODS: Using CPT Code 40,806 for 'incision of labial frenulum', 22 mother-infant dyads with infant age under 60 days with breastfeeding problems and a restrictive upper lip frenum were identified. These infants underwent in-office release of upper lip tie as detailed below. Outcomes of the procedure were assessed by a telephone survey to mothers within the 4-week period post-procedure. RESULTS: 82% of mothers reported an improved latch and 73% noted increased satisfaction with breastfeeding. Lip pain, if present, resolved within 24 h for most children. Recurrence was reported by 9% of mothers; no infection or other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Upper lip frenotomy, in properly selected infants, has favorable short-term outcomes with mild transient discomfort and a low rate of recurrence. Since our study was short-term and did not include a control group, we are unable to comment on procedure efficacy or long-term impact.