Otolaryngology Residency Match During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective To review changes made by otolaryngology residency program directors (PDs) during the 2020-2021 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match cycle and describe their attitudes toward the 2021-2022 match cycle. Methods Cross-sectional study using an anonymous 31-item online survey in Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) with questions regarding the 2020-2021 NRMP match. This survey was distributed to 125 PDs from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited otolaryngology residency programs. Results Thirty-three PDs responded (26.4%). Of the PDs, 78.8% had an online info-session prior to the start of the cycle, and 30.3% reported that an increased number of applicants contacted them compared to the prior cycle. There were no changes made in Step 1 criteria (72.7%), and 81.8% reported no changes in interview selection. Of the PDs, 54.5% reported interviewing more candidates. Respondents reported a decreased cancellation rate (66.7%) and cost of recruiting (87.9%); 87.9% said that they did not change the way they developed their rank order list (ROL), and 84.8% reported matching at their usual level compared to prior years. Of the respondents, 42.4% reported making a change that was an overall improvement for their program. Of the PDs, 34.4% were unsure whether they would sustain virtual interviews in 2021-2022, 25% stated that they would not incorporate virtual interviews, and 40.7% stated that they would incorporate a virtual interview in some part of the cycle. Conclusion Otolaryngology PDs approached virtual interviewing in different ways. Despite the changes made, applicants can find comfort in knowing that match outcomes were perceived as typical by a majority of PDs.

Laryngeal surgery for congenital laryngomalacia: NSQIP-P analysis of complications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictors of complications in children with congenital laryngomalacia who underwent laryngeal surgery. METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons-NSQIP-P database (2014-2019). CPT code 31541 and ICD-10 code Q35.1 (congenital laryngomalacia) were used to select patients <18 years. Variable predictors included demographics and medical co-morbidities. Main outcomes assessed included total length of hospital stay (LOS), reintubation, reoperation and readmission. RESULTS: 1092 children were identified, 450 (41.1%) females and 642 (58.6%) males, with a mean age of 1.1 years (95% CI 1.0-1.2). Mean LOS was 3.9 days (95% CI 3.3-4.6). Sixteen (1.5%) were reintubated, 30 (2.7%) were readmitted, and 18 (1.6%) were reoperated within 30 days. Thirty-one (2.8%) were still in hospital at 30 days. Regression analysis revealed an increase in LOS for several groups; the largest effect was seen for patients with preoperative ventilator dependence, admission within the first 28 days of life, and those who were discharged to other healthcare facilities (p < .001). Preoperative co-morbidities significantly associated with a higher frequency of reintubation included ventilator dependence (p = .003), history of prematurity (p = .016) and chronic lung disease (p = .041). Children undergoing surgery in the first 28 days of life were 10.16 times as likely to return to the OR for a related reason within 30 days than older children (p = .038). CONCLUSION: Complications were rare after laryngeal surgery with a postop diagnosis of laryngomalacia. Recognizing pertinent clinical factors can help with risk assessment and management.

Readmission and reoperation after laryngeal dilation in children: NSQIP-P analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify specific comorbidities and their relationship to complications in children who underwent laryngeal dilation, specifically comparing children with tracheostomy versus no tracheostomy as well as differences in outcomes between age groups. METHODS: Retrospective study analyzing data collected in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Improvement - Pediatric Database (2015-2018). Patients were selected using Current Procedural Terminology code 31528. Variables analyzed include demographics, comorbidities, readmission, reoperation, reintubation and total length of stay. RESULTS: 982 cases were identified. Comorbidities significantly higher (p < .001) in age group 1 (Age ≤ 1 year, N = 245) versus age groups 2 (Age >1 but ≤ 3 years, N = 151) and 3 (Age > 3 years, N = 270) include premature birth, ventilator dependent, oxygen support, cardiac risk factors, steroid use, nutritional support, and hematologic disorders. Comorbidities significantly higher (p < .001) in children without a tracheostomy include premature birth, history of asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease, oxygen support, structural pulmonary/airway abnormality, esophageal/gastric/intestinal disease, history of previous cardiac surgery, developmental delay/impaired cognitive status, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorder, steroid use, and nutritional support. Younger children were significantly more likely (p < .001) to require reintubation and remain in the hospital longer. Children without a tracheostomy were significantly more likely (p < .001) to return to the operating room and remain in the hospital longer. CONCLUSION: Younger children and those without a tracheostomy are more likely to have adverse outcomes after laryngeal dilation. Awareness of these associations and outcomes is helpful in establishing benchmarks for outcomes in this group.