Factors Associated With Otolaryngologists Performing Tracheotomy.

Importance: Tracheotomies are frequently performed by nonotolaryngology services. The factors that determine which specialty performs the procedure are not defined in the literature but may be influenced by tracheotomy approach (open vs percutaneous) and other clinicodemographic factors. Objective: To evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics associated with tracheotomies performed by otolaryngologists compared with other specialists and to differentiate those factors from factors associated with use of open vs percutaneous tracheotomy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent a tracheotomy for cardiopulmonary failure at 1 of 8 US academic institutions between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to July 2023. Exposure: Tracheotomy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was factors associated with an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy. The secondary outcome was factors associated with use of the open tracheotomy technique. Results: A total of 2929 patients (mean [SD] age, 57.2 [17.2] years; 1751 [59.8%] male) who received a tracheotomy for cardiopulmonary failure (652 [22.3%] performed by otolaryngologists and 2277 [77.7%] by another service) were analyzed. Although 1664 of all tracheotomies (56.8%) were performed by an open approach, only 602 open tracheotomies (36.2%) were performed by otolaryngologists. Most tracheotomies performed by otolaryngologists (602 of 652 [92.3%]) used the open technique. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that self-reported Black race (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.52-2.35), history of neck surgery (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.06-3.57), antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.29-2.36), and morbid obesity (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.24-1.92) were associated with greater odds of an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy. In contrast, history of neck surgery (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96-1.92), antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56-1.14), and morbid obesity (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74-1.19) were not associated with undergoing open tracheotomy when performed by any service, and Black race (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.71) was associated with lesser odds of an open approach being used. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score greater than 4 was associated with greater odds of both an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.53) and use of the open tracheotomy technique (OR, 1.48, 95% CI, 1.21-1.82). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, otolaryngologists were significantly more likely than other specialists to perform a tracheotomy for patients with history of neck surgery, morbid obesity, and ongoing anticoagulation therapy. These findings suggest that patients undergoing tracheotomy performed by an otolaryngologist are more likely to present with complex and challenging clinical characteristics.

Clinicodemographic Predictors of Tracheotomy Tube Size and Decannulation: A Multiinstitutional Retrospective Cohort Study on Tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation. METHODS: We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and <8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060 per inch; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.1891.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Is it Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Primary Thyroid Lymphoma, or Rosai Dorfman Disease? An Elusive Histopathologic Diagnosis of a Thyroid Mass.

The aim of this study is to present an elusive case of primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL), initially thought to be anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, then Rosai Dorfman disease, before the final diagnosis of PTL was made. An elderly female with hypothyroidism presented with compressive airway symptoms secondary to an enlarging neck mass. Imaging was suggestive of undifferentiated thyroid cancer. The initial biopsy was unexpectedly consistent with a lymphoproliferative disorder such as Rosai-Dorfman disease. A repeat biopsy with immunohistochemical analysis yielded a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of germinal center subtype. The patient was spared thyroid surgery and started on appropriate chemotherapy. PTL is within the differential diagnosis that physicians must consider in a patient with a rapidly-enlarging neck mass. A clinical index of suspicion and early accurate diagnosis may spare the patient from unnecessary surgery that is required of most other non-hematopoeitic thyroid malignancies.

Elective neck dissection in salivary gland malignancies: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

We defined the occult nodal metastasis (ONM) rate of clinical node-negative salivary gland malignancies and examined the role of elective neck dissection (END). Meta-analysis querying four databases, from inception of databases to March 25th, 2020. Fifty-one studies with 11 698 patients were included. ONM rates were 64% for salivary ductal carcinoma (SDC), 51% for undifferentiated carcinoma, 34% for carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA), 32% for adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ANOS), 31% for lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LE), 20% for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 17% for acinic cell carcinoma, and 17% for adenoid cystic carcinoma. T3/T4 tumors had a 2.3 times increased risk of ONM than T1/T2 tumors. High-grade tumors had a 3.8 times increased risk of ONM than low/intermediate-grade tumors. ONM rates were exceedingly high for T3/T4, high-grade, and undifferentiated, SDC, ANOS, CXPA, and LE tumors, indicating the potential role of END.

Endonasal resection of orbital cavernous venous malformations with septal preservation.

PURPOSE: Multiple surgical approaches have been described to maximize visualization and accessibility for resection while minimizing morbidity in the patient with orbital intraconal tumors. Transnasal endoscopic approaches have become increasingly standard in select orbital cavernous venous malformations but often require a partial septectomy. The purpose of this manuscript is to communicate a septal preserving modified transseptal approach. METHODS: A 37-year old male was found to have an inferomedial intraconal orbital mass, measuring up to 2.6 cm on magnetic resonance imaging. Binarial transseptal access with septal preservation was obtained with a Killian incision on the right and a small incision in the midseptum on the left. RESULTS: Successful tumor delivery through the nasal cavity resulted in orbital relaxation. Postoperative evaluation of the septum demonstrated an intact septum with nearly no evidence of septal trauma from surgical manipulation. CONCLUSION: This technique is easily performed and affords adequate visualization and freedom of movement as traditional binarial transseptal approaches without the disadvantages of partial septal loss such as increased crusting, olfactory disturbance, and loss of nasoseptal flaps.

Comorbid Dysphagia and Malnutrition in Elderly Hospitalized Patients.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Elderly individuals account for one-third of all hospitalizations. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dysphagia in elderly patients admitted to a tertiary care center. It also sought to investigate how dysphagia is identified, how it covaries with malnutrition and other conditions, and how it impacts hospital stay. STUDY DESIGN: Case Series. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed. All patients >65 years admitted to a tertiary care center in January and February 2016 were included. Patients with primary psychiatric diagnoses and patients with upper aerodigestive tract malignancy or surgery were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 655 patients were identified. Mean age was 76.6 years. Twenty-four percent (155 patients) had dysphagia while 43% (282 patients) had malnutrition. Thirteen percent (84 patients) had both dysphagia and malnutrition. Fifty percent of patients who had malnutrition were seen by speech language pathology (SLP). One hundred percent of malnourished patients that saw SLP were identified as having dysphagia. Three hundred and eighty-two patients (58%) were seen by the dietician but not by SLP. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the presence of dysphagia was positively associated with age, presence of malnutrition, admission to either cardiology or neurology service as compared to medicine service, and history of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: One-quarter of elderly patients admitted to our tertiary care center had dysphagia. Dysphagia, especially when linked with malnutrition, has poorer outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Our data suggests a possible disconnect between malnutrition diagnosis and dysphagia identification. This is an important area of intervention that has the potential to improve the treatment and outcomes of these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2441-2447, 2021.

Combined endoscopic and transoral resection of a high-staged juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: A pictorial essay.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) are highly vascular and benign tumors that can expand into the skull base. Delay of treatment can result in intracranial invasion, requiring extensive open approaches such as a facial translocation, maxillary swing, or an orbitozygomatic craniotomy. We describe a single-stage, combined endoscopic and transoral approach on a 14-year-old male with extensive high-stage dumbbell-shaped JNA involving the infratemporal fossa, orbit, buccal space, and intracranial extension into Meckel's cave. Successful resection of the tumor and good postoperative outcome was achieved. A transoral approach allowed for greater access to the infratemporal fossa, where endonasal resection was not possible, allowing for improved visualization, greater traction, and dissection. In select highly staged JNAs with significant lateral extension and intracranial involvement, successful and complete resection may be accomplished with this combined approach. Utilization of this approach avoids the morbidity of more invasive open approaches.

Transoral Excision of Parapharyngeal Tumors.

OBJECTIVES: The transoral approach for parapharyngeal space tumors has been criticized due to its restrictive exposure and increased rate of vascular and nerve injuries. However, for certain tumors-namely those that are prestyloid, benign, and well-encapsulated-the transoral approach reduces overall morbidity while providing direct access. Transoral surgeons can rely on this approach for select tumors seen clearly on intraoral examination in the bulging lateral pharynx. In this article and with a supplemental operative technique video, we demonstrate our transoral approach in these select patients. METHODS: We reviewed our 26 cases using this approach and chose a representative case of a 50-year-old man who presented with a large, prestyloid, encapsulated parapharyngeal mass affecting his voice and swallowing. A transoral approach to the parapharyngeal tumor is illustrated. RESULTS: A vertical curvilinear incision is completed from the hamulus to below the inferior extent of the tumor. Blunt dissection of the tumor capsule proceeds inferiorly. Controlled violation of the tumor capsule can aid in visualization. After tumor delivery, the wound is irrigated and closed. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the transoral approach is an effective method to access well-encapsulated, prestyloid parapharyngeal space tumors. Patient selection is important when considering a transoral approach.

Is SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) different from other PVOD?

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread rapidly across the globe afflicting many with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the infection rates rise, a growing number of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals have been reported to complain of olfactory disturbances at an alarming rate. Postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) is a well-known phenomenon that may explain the olfactory dysfunction reported by SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. METHODS: A scoping literature review was performed to identify studies that investigated the mechanisms of postviral olfactory dysfunction. Studies demonstrating pathophysiological, histological, immunochemical, and epidemiological outcomes of PVOD were included. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in addition to one international news article. Three studies reported destruction of the olfactory epithelium following intranasal inoculation of various viral strains in mice. Three studies isolated pathogenic, anosmia inciting viruses (Parainfluenza virus, Human Coronavirus, Rhinovirus) through nucleic acid amplification. Eleven studies demonstrated female predilection in patients with PVOD and COVID-19 associated olfactory dysfunction, of which the majority were over 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS: PVOD and COVID-19 associated olfactory dysfunction demonstrates considerable similarities in epidemiological trends and disease sequela of other viruses to suggest identical pathophysiological mechanisms. Further studies such as intranasal inoculation and histological biopsies are needed to support our hypothesis.

Mixed olfactory neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma: An unusual case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to present a case of mixed olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and carcinoma, an extremely rare tumor with only a few cases in the published literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: An otherwise healthy 27-year-old male presented with sinus complaints, headache, and unilateral eye discharge. Imaging and endoscopy revealed a mass presumed to represent a juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Unexpectedly, the final pathology report revealed high grade mixed ONB and carcinoma. This tumor is the sixth and youngest documented patient with mixed ONB and carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Physicians should remain vigilant for the possibility of malignancy in their approach to nasal cavity masses, even in young otherwise healthy patients. Careful review of the immunohistopathology should also be taken, as mixed olfactory tumors such as these are aggressive, rare entities that require multidisciplinary oncologic care.