Impact of facility volume on survival in primary endoscopic surgery for sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of facility volume on outcomes following primary endoscopic surgical management of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). METHODS: The 2010-2016 National Cancer DataBase (NCDB) was queried for patients diagnosed with T1-T4a SNSCC surgically treated endoscopically as the primary treatment modality. Factors associated with overall survival (OS) were evaluated, including facility volume. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients who underwent endoscopic surgical management of SNSCC were treated at 356 unique facilities designated as either low-volume (LVC; treating 1-2 cases; 0-75th percentile), intermediate-volume centers (IVC; 3-4 cases total; 75th-90th percentile), or 144 high-volume (HVC; treating 5+ cases total; >90th percentile) centers. HVC treated patients with higher T staging (42.1 % vs. 29.8 %) and tumors in the maxillary sinus (26.9 % vs. 13.2 %) and ethmoid sinus (10.3 % vs. ≤8.3 %), while LVCs treated lower T stage tumors (70.2 % vs. 57.9 %) and tumors that were located in the nasal cavity (70.2-78.5 % vs. 62.8 %). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with decreased OS included higher T stage (T3/T4a vs. T1/T2; OR 1.92, 95 % CI 1.06-3.47) and older age (>65 vs. <65; OR 2.69, 95 % CI 1.62-4.49). Cases treated at high-volume centers were not associated with a higher likelihood of OS when compared to low-volume centers (OR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.36-1.35). CONCLUSIONS: HVC are treating more primary tumors of the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses and tumors with higher T stages with endoscopic approaches, although this does not appear to be associated with increased OS. SHORT SUMMARY: Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) presents late in disease process with poor prognosis. We investigated the impact of facility volume on outcomes following endoscopic treatment of SNSCC. High-volume centers treat more advanced and complex disease with comparable OS.

Medicare volume and reimbursement trends in lingual and hyoid procedures for obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze utilization and reimbursement trends in lingual and hyoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Annual retrospective data on lingual and hyoid OSA surgeries was obtained from the 2000-2021 Medicare Part B National Summary Datafiles. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes utilized included 21,685 (hyoid myotomy and suspension [HMS]), 41,512 (tongue base suspension [TBS]), 41,530 (radiofrequency ablation of the tongue [RFT]) and 42,870 (lingual tonsillectomy [LT]). RESULTS: The number of lingual and hyoid OSA surgeries rose 2777 % from 121 in 2000 to 3481 in 2015, before falling 82.9 % to 594 in 2021. Accordingly, Medicare payments rose 17,899 % from an inflation-adjusted $46,958 in 2000 to $8.45 million in 2015, before falling drastically to $341,011 in 2021. As the number of HMSs (2000: 91; 2015: 84; 2021: 165), TBS (2009: 48; 2015: 31; 2021: 16), and LTs (2000: 121; 2015: 261; 2021: 234) only experienced modest changes in utilization, this change was largely driven by RFT (2009: 340; 2015: 3105; 2021: 179). Average Medicare payments for RFT rose from $1110 in 2009 to $2994 in 2015, before falling drastically to $737 in 2021. CONCLUSION: Lingual and hyoid surgery for OSA has overall fallen in utilization among the Medicare population from 2000 to 2021. However, there was a brief spike in usage, peaking in 2015, driven by the adoption (and then quick dismissal) of RFT. The rise and fall in RFT use coincide with the rise and fall in reimbursement.

Transoral robotic surgery in HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer of unknown primary.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess trends in and outcomes associated with TORS-treated HNCUP using a large national database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HPV+ oropharyngeal HNCUPs were isolated from the 2004-2017 National Cancer Database. Overall survival (OS) was assessed, with patients stratified by 1) use of TORS and 2) whether the occult tumor was ultimately located. Demographic and oncologic predictors of survival were evaluated on regression. RESULTS: The cohort contained 284,734 cases, of which 8336 were HNCUPs. HNCUPs represented 2.49 % of all HNSCC in 2010 versus 3.13 % in 2017. 3897 (46.7 %) of these unknown primaries were ultimately identified. The proportion of cases treated with TORS increased from 6.9 % in 2010 to 18.1 % in 2017 (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis of 2991 HPV+ oropharyngeal HNCUPs demonstrated higher 5-year overall survival (OS) for patients treated with robotic surgery versus no robotic surgery (95.4 % ± 1.7 % standard error [SE] versus 84.0 % ± 0.9 % SE; p < 0.001). Patients with primary tumors identified during treatment had improved OS compared to those whose tumors were not located (5-year OS was 90.5 % ± 0.9 % SE and 77.3 % ± 1.5 % SE, respectively; p < 0.001). For patients in which the primary tumor was found, those who received robotic surgery survived longer than those who did not (96.5 % ± 1.4 % SE versus 89.1 % ± 1.0 % SE 5-year OS; p < 0.001). The relationship between TORS and OS remained significant on Cox regression controlling for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Use of TORS in the workup for HPV+ HNCUP is associated with higher rates of tumor identification and improved OS.

Characterizing the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Most Important to Patients, Surgeons, and the General Population.

Understanding rhinoplasty characteristics important to patients, physicians, and society is essential for evaluating outcomes and designing optimal treatment plans. The authors aimed to elucidate specific rhinoplasty-related outcomes that are most important to patients, surgeons, and the general population. A cross-sectional survey comprising 11 rhinoplasty-specific characteristics, was distributed to patients, facial plastic surgeons, and the general population. Adult patients presenting for rhinoplasty consideration or follow-up after undergoing rhinoplasty were recruited. Characteristics rankings were compared between the 3 respondent groups using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Responses from 150 surgeons, 111 patients, and 102 lay individuals from the general population were included for analysis. When ranking rhinoplasty-specific characteristics in order of importance, patients and the general population ranked "ability to breathe through nose while awake" first and "overall appearance of nose" as second. Surgeons ranked "overall appearance of nose" first and "ability to breathe through nose while awake" second. There were strong correlations between patients' and surgeons' rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.836, P =0.002), between patients' and the general population's rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.773, P =0.007), and between surgeons' and the general population's rankings (Spearman's ρ=0.782, P =0.006). Our results highlight a significant correlation between characteristics of the "ideal" nose as determined by patients, surgeons, and the general population.

Variability of Guidelines and Disclosures for AI-Generated Content in Top Surgical Journals.

Background: When properly utilized, artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) may improve virtually every aspect of research, from data gathering to synthesis. Nevertheless, when used inappropriately, the use of AIGC may lead to the dissemination of inaccurate information and introduce potential ethical concerns.Research Design: Cross-sectional. Study Sample: 65 top surgical journals. Data Collection: Each journals submission guidelines and portal was queried for guidelines regarding AIGC use.Results: We found that, in July 2023, 60% of the top 65 surgical journals had introduced guidelines for use, with more surgical journals (68%) introducing guidelines than surgical subspecialty journals (52.5%), including otolaryngology (40%). Furthermore, of the 39 with guidelines, only 69.2% gave specific use guidelines. No included journal, at the time of analysis, explicitly disallowed AIGC use.Conclusions: Altogether, this data suggests that while many journals have quickly reacted to AIGC usage, the quality of such guidelines is still variable. This should be pre-emptively addressed within academia.

The rising cost of rhinologic medications.

BACKGROUND: The high prescription drug cost in the United States may negatively affect patient prognosis and treatment compliance. OBJECTIVE: To fill the knowledge gap and inform clinicians regarding rhinology medications price changes by evaluating trends in price changes of highly used nasal sprays and allergy medications. METHODS: The 2014-2020 Medicaid National Average Drug Acquisition Cost database was queried for drug pricing information for the following classes of medications: intranasal corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, antileukotrienes, intranasal antihistamines, and intranasal anticholinergics. Individual medications were identified by Food and Drug Administration-assigned National Drug Codes. Per unit, drug prices were analyzed for average annual prices, average annual percentage price changes, and inflation-adjusted annual and composite percentage price changes. RESULTS: Beclometasone (Beconase AQ, 56.7%, QNASL, 77.5%), flunisolide (Nasalide, -14.6%), budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, -1.2%), fluticasone (Flonase, -6.8%, Xhance, 11.7%), mometasone (Nasonex, 38.2%), ciclesonide (Omnaris, 73.8%), combination azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista, 27.3%), loratadine (Claritin, -20.5%), montelukast (Singulair, 14.5%), azelastine (Astepro, 21.9%), olopatadine (Patanase, 27.3%), and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent, 56.6%) had an overall change in inflation-adjusted per unit cost between 2014 and 2020 (% change). Of 14 drugs evaluated, 10 had an increase in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average increase of 42.06% ± 22.27%; 4 of 14 drugs had a decrease in inflation-adjusted prices, for an average decrease of 10.78% ± 7.36%. CONCLUSION: The rising cost of highly used medications contributes to increased patient acquisition costs and may pose barriers of drug adherence to particularly vulnerable populations.

The impact of facility type and volume on treatment and overall survival in craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngiomas are uncommon benign sellar and parasellar tumors with high overall survival (OS) and recurrence rates. Treatment is often surgical but may include adjuvant therapies. The impact of adjuvant therapy and surgical approach have been evaluated, however, facility volume and type have not. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of facility volume and type on treatment modalities, extent of surgery and survival of craniopharyngioma. METHODS: The 2004-2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients diagnosed with craniopharyngioma. Facilities were classified by type (academic vs. non-academic) and low-volume center (LVC) (Treating < 8 patients over the timeline) versus high-volume center (HVC), (Treating ≥ 8 patients over the timeline). Differences in treatment course, outcomes, and OS by facility type were assessed. RESULTS: 3730 patients (51.3% female) with mean age 41.2 ± 22.0 were included with a 5-year estimated OS of 94.8% (94.0-95.5%). 2564 (68.7%) patients were treated at HVC, of which 2142 (83.5%) were treated at academic facilities. Patients treated at HVC's were more likely to undergo both surgery and radiation. Surgical approach at HVC was more likely to be endoscopic. Patients treated at HVC demonstrated significantly higher 5-year OS compared to patients treated at LVC (96% [95% CI 95.6-97.1% versus 91.2% [95% CI 89-92.7%] with lower risk of mortality (Hazard ratio [95% CI] = 0.69 [0.56-0.84]). CONCLUSION: Treatment of craniopharyngioma at HVC compared to LVC is associated with improved OS, lower 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality risk, and more common use of both radiotherapy and endoscopic surgical approach.

A comparative analysis of treatment efficacy in intermediate-risk thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment combinations on patient survival in intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS: The 2004-2017 National Cancer Database was queried for intermediate-risk papillary (PTC), follicular (FTC), or Hurthle cell (HTC) thyroid cancer patients. Four treatments were analyzed using Kaplan Meier and multivariable Cox regression: surgery, surgery with adjuvant radioiodine ablation (S + RAI), surgery with adjuvant thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy (S + THST), and S + RAI + THST. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analyses evaluated treatment-associated overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of 65,736 patients, 72.2% were female and the average age was 45.4 ± 15.4 years. The 10-year OS rates for PTC, FTC, and HTC were 93.2%, 85.2%, and 78.5%, respectively. S + RAI + THST exhibited higher OS than surgery alone and S + RAI (all p < 0.05). Compared to surgery alone, S + RAI + THST demonstrated reduced mortality in PTC (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.628, p < 0.001), FTC (HR: 0.490, p < 0.001), and HTC (HR: 0.520, p = 0.006). Similarly, adjuvant RAI + THST reduced mortality regardless of lymphovascular invasion (HR: 0.490, p < 0.001), N1a (HR: 0.570, p < 0.001) or N1b metastasis (HR: 0.621, p < 0.001), or positive margin status (HR: 0.572, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment combinations demonstrated varying efficacies in intermediate-risk DTC depending on histology and tumor characteristics, with S + RAI + THST exhibiting the greatest treatment response.

Five-item odorant test as an indicator of COVID-19 infection in a general population.

PURPOSE: To analyze the utility of a 5-item odorant test (U-Smell-It™) in determining COVID-19 status in COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive and -negative participants. METHODS: Symptoms, COVID-19 status, and 5-item odorant test results were collected from general population COVID-19 testing in Louisiana (n = 1042), and routine COVID-19 screening of healthcare workers in a nursing home in Florida (n = 278) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04431908). RESULTS: In the general population COVID-19 testing site, a cutoff point of ≤2 (0, 1, or 2 correct answers out of 5) achieved sensitivity of 40.0% (95% CI: 26.4%-54.8%) and specificity of 89.2% (95% CI: 87.1%-91.1%) in detecting COVID-19 infection. Within this population, analysis of individuals with no self-reported loss of smell/taste and runny/stuffy nose resulted in sensitivity of 38.1% (95% CI: 18.1%-61.6%) and specificity of 92.3% (95% CI: 89.1%-93.4%), while analysis of individuals with self-reported loss of smell/taste and/or runny/stuffy nose resulted in sensitivity of 41.4% (95% CI: 23.5%-61.1%) and specificity of 82.4% (95% CI: 77.7%-86.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The quick turnaround time, low cost, reduced resource requirement, and ease of administering odorant tests provide many advantages as an indicator sign to help flag a molecular diagnostic COVID-19 test with relatively high specificity. Our results suggest that this odorant testing for olfactory dysfunction may be a viable option in pre-screening COVID-19 infection. This tool has the potential to allow for continued monitoring and surveillance, while helping mitigate surges of COVID-19 variants. Further investigation is warranted to observe the extent to which odorant testing might be applied in a serial testing scenario.

Surfing-Related Craniofacial Injuries: A NEISS Database Study.

INTRODUCTION: Surfing is a popular pastime in coastal areas around the world with increasing numbers of participants. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding surfing-related head and neck (HN) injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, injury subsite, and emergency department (ED) disposition status associated with surfing-related HN injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the United States. RESULTS: A total of 54,978 estimated national cases were reported from 2009 to 2020. Injuries to the head (36.0%) and neck (35.8%) were most common. Young adults (ages 18-35) made up most ED visits, whereas older adults (>35) made up most (63.5%) admissions. Laceration (46.1%) was the most common injury among ED visits, whereas fracture (30.5%) and internal injury (29.2%) were most common in admitted patients. Concussions represented 7.5% of injuries overall, 9.1% of pediatric injuries, and 9.9% of young adult injuries. CONCLUSIONS: When treating a patient who presents with injury suffered during surfing, a thorough examination of the HN should be performed. Specific attention should be given to evaluation of lacerations, fractures, internal ear injuries, and concussions. Pediatric and young adult patients are at increased risk of concussion. The majority of surfing injuries can be treated in an outpatient context.

Characterizing the providers of and reimbursement for chronic migraine chemodenervation among the Medicare population.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize reimbursement trends and providers for chronic migraine (CM) chemodenervation treatment within the Medicare population since the introduction of the migraine-specific CPT code in 2013. METHODS: We describe trends in procedure volume and total allowed charge on cross-sectional data obtained from 2013 to 2018 Medicare Part B National Summary files. We also utilized the 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data to analyze higher volume providers (>10 procedures) of this treatment modality. RESULTS: The total number of CM chemodenervation treatments rose from 37,863 in 2013 to 135,023 in 2018 in a near-linear pattern (r = 0.999) and total allowed charges rose from ~$5,217,712 to $19,166,160 (r = 0.999). The majority of high-volume providers were neurologists (78.4%; 1060 of 1352), but a substantial proportion were advanced practice providers (APPs) (10.2%; 138 of 1352). Of the physicians, neurologists performed a higher mean number of procedures per physician compared to non-neurologists (59.6 [95% CI: 56.6-62.6] vs. 45.4 [95% CI: 41.0-50.0], p < 0.001). When comparing physicians and APPs, APPs were paid significantly less ($146.5 [95% CI: $145.6-$147.5] vs. $119.7 [95% CI: $117.6-$121.8], p < 0.001). As a percent of the number of total beneficiaries in each state, the percent of Medicare patients receiving ≥1 CM chemodenervation treatment from a high-volume provider in 2017 ranged from 0.024% (24 patients of 98,033 beneficiaries) in Wyoming to 0.135% (997 of 736,521) in Arizona, with six states falling outside of this range. CONCLUSION: Chemodenervation is an increasingly popular treatment for CM among neurologists and other providers, but the reason for this increase is unclear. There is substantial geographic variation in its use.

High-Volume Billing and Reimbursement Trends for Endoscopic Swallowing Studies in the Medicare Population.

The aim of this study is to delineate the reimbursement trends in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing (FEESST) and without sensory testing (FEES) in relation to that of speech-language pathology's (SLP) portion of modified barium swallow studies (MBS), as well as to document the types of providers billing for these procedures. We performed descriptive analyses of the volume of FEES/FEESST and MBS, and total reimbursements data obtained from 2013-2018 Medicare Part B National Summary files. We also utilized the 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data to analyze the higher volume providers (> 10 procedures annually) of either FEES and/or FEESST. From 2003 to 2018, there has been an average, annual increase of approximately 318 FEES/FEESST performed within the Medicare fee-for-service population (R = 0.9505 [95% CI 0.860-0.983]; p < 0.001) covered under Part B (which is largely outpatient coverage). Similarly, there was an increase in Medicare-specific FEES/FEESST reimbursement from $302,840 in 2003 to $1.2 million in 2018 (R = 0.9721 [95% CI 0.920-0.990; p < 0.001]). Prior to 2010, FEESST was performed more frequently than FEES (maximum annual difference of 1174), though from 2010 onward, relatively more annual FEES was performed. From 2003-2018, the reimbursement per procedure increased by $16.79 and $35.36 for FEESST and FEES, respectively, and by $32.84 for the SLP portion of the MBS. Among high-volume FEES/FEESST billers, 65.4% were otolaryngologists and 32.3% were independently billing SLPs. From 2003 to 2018, there has been a significant rise in the number of performed and reimbursed FEES/FEESST. From 2014 onward, compared to SLP-involved MBS, there has been a relative increase in performance of FEES/FEESST.

Billing patterns for in-office computerized tomography scans of the face/sinus by otolaryngologists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate billing trends, Medicare reimbursement, and practice setting for Medicare-billing otolaryngologists (ORLs) performing in-office face computerized tomography (CT) scans. METHODS: This retrospective study included data on Medicare-billing ORLs from Medicare Part B: Provider Utilization and Payment Datafiles (2012-2018). Number of Medicare-billing ORLs performing in-office CT scans, and total sums and medians for Medicare reimbursements, services performed, and number of patients were gathered along with geographic and practice-type distributions. RESULTS: In 2018, roughly 1 in 7 Medicare-billing ORLs was performing in-office CT scans, an increase from 1 in 10 in 2012 (48.2% growth). From 2012 to 2018, there has been near-linear growth in number of in-office CT scans performed (58.2% growth), and number of Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients receiving an in-office CT scan (64.8% growth). However, at the median, the number of in-office CT scans performed and number of Medicare FFS patients receiving an in-office CT, per physician, has remained constant, despite a decline of 42.3% (2012: $227.67; 2018: $131.26) in median Medicare reimbursements. CONCLUSION: Though sharp declines have been seen in Medicare reimbursement, a greater proportion of Medicare-billing ORLs have been performing in-office face CT scans, while median number of in-office CT scans per ORL has remained constant. Although further investigation is certainly warranted, this analysis suggests that ORLs, at least in the case of the Medicare FFS population, are utilizing in-office CT imaging for preoperative planning, pathologic diagnosis, and patient convenience, rather than increased revenue streams. Future studies should focus on observing these billing trends among private insurers.

Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: Characterization of the One-Team and Two-Team Approaches.

PURPOSE: To the best of our knowledge, no studies have compared the patient profiles for 1- versus 2-team surgery within head and neck oncosurgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the data from 2968 patients who had undergone concurrent head and neck extirpative and reconstructive surgery in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2010 to 2017) was conducted. Patients were stratified into 1- and 2-team surgery groups, and the demographic data were compared. Univariate analyses of the outcomes before and after propensity score matching were conducted. RESULTS: Most ablative and reconstructive head and neck procedures (68.5%) were performed using a 1-team approach. The patients who had undergone 2-team surgery were more likely to have a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P < .001), to require mandibulectomy (P < .001) or glossectomy (P < .001), and to receive a microvascular free flap (P < .001) but were less likely to require parotidectomy (P < .001) or to receive a rotational flap (P < .001). Before propensity score matching, the patients undergoing 2-team surgery had longer operative times (P < .001), longer postoperative stays (P < .001), greater rates of a return to the operating room (P = .001), and an increased rate of complications (P < .001). After propensity score matching, the 2-team approach continued to have longer operative times (P < .001) and an increased incidence of complications (P < .001) but no significant differences in the length of stay or rate of return to the operating room after Bonferroni's correction. CONCLUSIONS: Nationally, most head and neck ablative and reconstructive surgeries were completed by 1 team. More complicated reconstructive procedures involving microvascular free flaps have been more commonly performed by 2 teams, resulting in slightly longer operative times and greater associated complication rates.

Risk factors and effects of hypocalcemia prior to discharge following thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: To find patient and surgical characteristics associated with hypocalcemia prior to discharge (HPTD) in thyroidectomy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of the 2016-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, eligible total thyroidectomy patients were stratified into cohorts based on development of HPTD. We identified demographic and surgical risk factors for the development of hypocalcemia via binary logistic regression and identified the negative sequelae of HPTD utilizing univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: We identified a total of 6519 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, of which 450 (6.9%) had HPTD. Predictors associated with an increased incidence of HPTD included female sex (OR: 1.737 [95% CI: 1.319-2.288]; p < .001), increased operative time (OR: 1.003 [1.002-1.004]; p < .001), and central neck dissection (OR: 1.484 [1.190-1.850]; p < .001). However, factors that decreased incidence of HPTD included increased age, obesity (OR: 0.648 [0.501-0.837]; p = .001), and the use of vessel sealant devices (VSD) (OR: 0.650 [0.527-0.803]; p < .001). Multivariate analysis further revealed that HPTD independently led to an increased hospitalization length after surgery (B: 0.708 [0.607-0.809]; p < .001) and an increased 30-day readmission rate (OR: 2.429 [1.594-3.704]; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Obesity, increased age, and intra-operative VSD use were significantly associated with decreased rates of HPTD after total thyroidectomy. Female sex, longer operations, and central neck dissections were associated with HPTD. Delineating risk factors and protective factors for HPTD in total thyroidectomy patients is important as patients with HPTD were found to be at a significantly higher risk for longer post-operative stays, increased odds of 30-day readmission, and increased hypocalcemia-related event.

Variations in the management of acute Bell's palsy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify presiding practices among neurotologists (ORL) in the care of acute Bell's palsy, and to compare them to neurologists' treatment patterns. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study. SUBJECTS: Neurotologists and neurologists. RESULTS: Ninety-one responses to the survey were obtained. The majority of participants (87.9%) always prescribe steroids. ORL were more likely to prescribe higher doses (≥60 mg) than neurologists (89.7% vs. 58.0%) (p = 0.001). Anti-viral medication was initially prescribed by 46.2% of respondents (56.1% ORL vs. 38.0% neurologists; p = 0.085). An MRI was always ordered by 17 participants (18.7%), while an MRI was sometimes ordered by 45 participants (49.5%). ORL were not only more likely to always order an MRI (24.4% vs. 14.0%), but also more likely to never order an MRI (43.9% vs. 22.0%) (p = 0.009). Laboratory blood work was never ordered by 45.1% of respondents, with 70.7% of OTO and 24.0% of neurologists indicating that they would never order labs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ORL almost always prescribe steroids, prescribe antivirals around 50% of the time, and only sometimes obtain imaging for acute Bell's palsy. Compared to neurologists, ORL are more likely to order high dose steroids (≥60 mg), more commonly prescribe antivirals, and are less likely to order laboratory blood work. Regarding the treatment of acute Bell's palsy, there are discrepancies both within otolaryngology, and between otolaryngology and neurology, despite recently published guidelines from both specialties.

An Epidemiological Analysis and Comparison of Single Site and Multiple Site Fracture Repair: An NSQIP Analysis.

We aimed to utilize the 2010 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to evaluate the epidemiology and efficacy of facial fracture repairs, specifically comparing multiple fracture site repairs (MFR) compared to single fracture site repairs (SFR). Of 4739 patients, 718 (15.2%) were found to have undergone MFR. A total of 577 (80.4%) of the MFRs involved the midface only. A total of 2114 (52.6%) of the SFRs were mid-face fractures, while 1825 (45.4%) involved the lower-face and only 82 (2.0%) involved the upper-face. The most frequent MFR was combined orbital and malar/zygoma repair (230 cases [32.0%]). When comparing MFR and SFR of the mid-face, MFR patients were more commonly male, White, operated on by plastic surgeons, presented with contaminated wounds, and active smokers. While MFRs were associated with a longer operative time (P < 0.001) and a longer postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001), there were no differences in reoperation or readmission. Overall, complication rates were low, but slightly higher in the mid-face MFR group (1.4% in mid-face SFR and 3.0% in mid-face MFR; P = 0.019). Sub-analysis of mid-face only MFRs and middle-lower-face MFRs revealed no difference in postoperative complication rates (3.0% and 7.0%, respectively; P = 0.071). The data presented suggests that MFR are a relatively common occurrence. Although plastic surgeons perform MFRs more frequently, it is currently unclear whether the underlying reason is a product of differences in training, coding patterns, or referral patterns. Though MFRs require more hospital resources, complications rates are low. This will help manage patient expectations and guide patient counseling before surgery, as well as help to plan postoperative care.

Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty in 1720 Patients: Are National Practices Consistent With Guidelines?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the timing, type, and associated adjunct procedures for secondary cleft rhinoplasty nationally. DESIGN: Data were extracted from a national database of all secondary cleft rhinoplasty procedures (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 30460 and 30462). Frequency statistics were utilized to analyze demographics, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and timing. Chi-squared analysis and Fisher exact test were used for analysis. SETTING: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Database. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1720 patients met inclusion criteria for secondary cleft rhinoplasty repair. INTERVENTIONS: No relevant intervention. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Age, demographics, comorbidities, and associated procedures. RESULTS: Over 5 consecutive years, 1720 patients underwent secondary cleft lip rhinoplasty nationally. Mean patient age was 9.3 ± 5.3 years. Unilateral cleft rhinoplasty patients were older (9.0 years) than bilateral patients (7.8 years; P = .001). Rib grafting was performed in 6.3% of patients at a mean age of 10.6 years with a higher proportion of Asian and female patients. Auricular grafts were more commonly performed by otolaryngology than plastic surgery. The most common adjunct procedures included secondary cleft lip revision (33.1%) and tympanostomy tube placement (10.2%). When subdividing by type of cleft rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty was performed at a mean age of 7.3 years compared to rhinoplasty with osteotomies and a major septal component at 12.1 years (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that a large proportion of cleft rhinoplasties are performed in skeletally immature patients. Although patients undergoing rib grafting, nasal osteotomies, and a major septal component were older, these procedures are still performed in a large proportion of patients who are younger than expected.

Hypopharyngeal Diverticulum: Toward a Unified Understanding of Its Etiopathogenesis.

The etiopathogenesis of Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) remains uncertain. Increased hypopharyngeal pressure due to a hypertonic upper esophageal sphincter results in herniation proximal to the sphincter producing a pulsion diverticulum. Gastroesophageal reflux, which is known to induce shortening of the injured esophagus, likely plays a prominent role in ZD formation by pulling the cricopharyngeus muscle (CPM) away from the anchored inferior constrictor muscle. This creates a "weak zone" encouraging herniation. A bilobed diverticulum may originate from continuation of the fibrous midline raphe inferiorly to developmentally include part of the CPM. We report using laser endoscopy to divide the inter-diverticular septum followed by transmucosal cricopharyngeus myotomy. Presentation of a rare, bilobed diverticulum emphasizes the importance of the midline prevertebral raphe in anchoring the pharyngeal constrictor muscles with respect to the CPM. This lends support to the hypothesis that the etiopathogenesis of ZD is multifactorial while guiding us to a unified understanding of ZD.