Septal Perforation Repair Using a Temporoparietal Fascia and Polydioxanone Plate Construct: A Multi-Institutional Analysis.

Background: Nasal septal perforations (NSPs) are notoriously difficult to fix and closure can paradoxically lead to worsening of symptoms, prompting numerous techniques for repair including temporoparietal fascia (TPF)-polydioxanone (PDS) plate interposition grafting. Objectives: To compare rates of NSP closure with TPF-PDS interposition grafting among a variety of institutions with diverse environmental influences and patient-specific factors. Methods: Retrospective review of patients undergoing TPF-PDS interposition grafting at seven different U.S. institutions over 5 years. Outcomes include closure rate, self-reported symptom improvement, change in Nasal Obstruction Symptomatic Evaluation (NOSE) score, and postoperative complications. Results: Sixty-two patients (39 female) with a mean age of 41.5 years were included. Most common perforation location was anterior (53%), and average size was 1.70 cm2. NSP closure with symptomatic improvement was achieved in 95% of participants. Postoperative NOSE scores decreased on average by 42 points. Residual crusting occurred in 29% of patients, independent of external factors. Conclusions: TPF-PDS interposition grafting is highly effective for NSP repair in a wide variety of settings, and NOSE scores correspond well with patient-reported outcomes.

Hyaluronic acid fillers may be longer-lasting than previously described: A case report of delayed filler-associated facial cellulitis.

Hyaluronic acid-based filler is the most popular injectable augmentation preparation due to its efficacy and safety compared to other injection fillers. The complication of infected filler is known, but it is unknown exactly how long filler persists prior to reabsorption. A case was presented of filler-exacerbated facial cellulitis that occurred 2.5 years after hyaluronic acid-based filler administration. The presence of residual filler was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, suggesting that hyaluronic acid-based fillers may persist longer than previously thought and act as a reservoir for regional bacterial infections refractory to antibiotics.

Flipping the Classroom: An Evaluation of Teaching and Learning Strategies in the Operating Room.

OBJECTIVES: With increasing restraints on resident's experiences in the operating room, with causes ranging from decreased time available to increasing operating room costs, focus has been placed on how to improve resident's education. The objectives of our study are to (1) determine barriers in education in the operating room, (2) identify effective learning and teaching strategies for residents in the operating room with a focus on the tonsillectomy procedure. METHODS: An online survey was sent to all otolaryngology residents and residency programs for which contact information was available from January 2016 to March 2016 with 139 respondents. The 12-question survey focused on information regarding limitations to learning how to perform tonsillectomies as well as difficulties with teaching the same procedure. Resident responses were separated based on PGY level, and analysis was performed using t-tests and Chi squared analysis. RESULTS: Common themes emerged from responses for both teaching and learning how to perform tonsillectomies. A significant limitation in learning the procedure was lack of visualization during the surgery (57% learning vs 60% teaching). For both learners and teachers, the monopolar cautery instrument was found to be the most preferred instrument to use during tonsillectomy (80% each). The majority of resident respondents (93%) felt that an instructional video would be beneficial for both learning and teaching the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Significant limitations for learning and teaching in the operating room were identified for performing tonsillectomies. Future endeavors will focus on resolving these limitations to improve surgical education. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level IV.

Pediatric sublingual dermoid and epidermoid cysts: A 20-year institutional review.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric cystic sublingual masses often present a diagnostic dilemma for practitioners. Though uncommon, dermoid or epidermoid cysts can present in the sublingual space at any age and are often misdiagnosed as an inflammatory pseudocyst (ranula) or lymphatic malformation. Imaging may not always identify the underlying etiology, requiring physicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for these relatively rare oral cysts. OBJECTIVES: To describe the presentation and treatment of sublingual dermoid and epidermoid cysts presenting to a tertiary children's hospital over 20 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of all pathology specimens identified as dermoid or epidermoid cysts within the sublingual space from 1999 to 2019. Patient charts were then reviewed for relevant clinical, imaging, and operative data. RESULTS: Twelve pediatric patients were identified (8 female, 4 male) with a mean age of 7.2 years (SD 5.6). Eighty six percent (6/7) of dermoid cysts were found in female patients, while 60% (3/5) of epidermoid cysts were in male patients. Multiple dermoid and epidermoid cysts were each found in one patient (8%). Two epidermoid cysts presented in the neonatal period. Preoperative diagnosis included nondiagnostic "cystic mass" (33%), ranula (25%), lymphatic malformation (LM) (17%), and dermoid/epidermoid cyst (17%). Two thirds of patients (8/12) underwent imaging, with all receiving either MRI or CT. Although MRI was the most likely to suggest the possibility of a dermoid/epidermoid cyst (2/4), ranula was the most common primary radiographic diagnosis (5/8). One patient underwent sclerotherapy for presumed LM one year prior to surgical excision of the cyst. Eleven patients (92%) underwent intraoral excision, one (8.3%) underwent a combined intraoral/extraoral approach. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this review represents the largest case series of pediatric sublingual dermoid and epidermoid cysts to date. This series contained higher levels of epidermoid cysts and female patients than previously reported in the literature. Identifying more dermoid cysts in females and epidermoid cysts in males is also a new finding. MRI was superior to CT and US regarding the presence of a dermoid/epidermoid cyst. Frequently misdiagnosed, it is important to consider these relatively rare pathologies when treating children presenting with sublingual masses in order to avoid delayed and/or inappropriate treatment.

High-Risk Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: Identification, Management, and Reconstruction.

High-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers of the head and neck may be identified through a variety of tumor risk factors, including location on the lips or ears, size > 2 cm, recurrence, patient immunocompromised status, poor tumor differentiation, > 6 mm thickness, Clark level V depth of invasion, and presence of perineural spread. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, with Mohs' micrographic surgery typically preferred to standard surgical excision. When reconstructing these defects, ensuring negative margins is of utmost importance and delaying reconstruction until confirmation of margins is recommended. Attention to the impact of immunosuppression and adjunct radiation therapy on wound healing is important for an optimal cosmetic outcome. As with all high-risk cancer patients, close follow-up and surveillance of these patients is imperative.

Perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery: An evidence-based review.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Opioid misuse and diversion is a major concern, with a negative impact on both the individual and society. The objective of this study was to perform an evidence-based systematic review of the efficacy of perioperative analgesic regimens following otologic surgery. METHODS: Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases (January 1, 1947 to June 30, 2018) were searched for studies investigating pain management in otologic surgeries. All studies were assessed for quality and bias using the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographics, type of surgery, medication class, dose, administration characteristics, pain scores, and adverse events were reported. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies encompassing 1,842 patients met inclusion criteria. In 21.4% of studies, an overall reduction in pain scores was reported when the treatment group included more than one analgesic. Nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events across all medication types (10.2%), with local anesthetic patients experiencing these side effects most frequently (38.0%). Perioperative acetaminophen was reported to have the fewest adverse drug reactions overall (6.1%), but did not reduce pain scores as much as other modalities, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that combination analgesics, such as acetaminophen plus codeine, provide superior pain relief to monotherapy analgesics in the perioperative pain management of otologic surgeries. NSAIDs, α-agonists, and nerve blocks may also be viable single-therapy options. Further prospective randomized controlled trials into perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery may be helpful in establishing a definitive consensus. Laryngoscope, 130:190-199, 2020.

Risks of Intracochlear Pressures From Laser Stapedotomy.

HYPOTHESIS: Surgical manipulations during laser stapedotomy can produce intracochlear pressure changes comparable to pressures created by high-intensity acoustic stimuli. BACKGROUND: New-onset sensorineural hearing loss is a known risk of stapes surgery and may result from pressure changes from laser use or other surgical manipulations. Here, we test the hypothesis that high sound pressure levels are generated in the cochlea during laser stapedotomy. METHODS: Human cadaveric heads underwent mastoidectomy. Fiber-optic sensors were placed in scala tympani and vestibuli to measure intracochlear pressures during key steps in stapedotomy surgery, including cutting stapedius tendon, lasering of stapedial crurae, crural downfracture, and lasering of the footplate. RESULTS: Key steps in laser stapedotomy produced high-intensity pressures in the cochlea. Pressure transients were comparable to intracochlear pressures measured in response to high intensity impulsive acoustic stimuli. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that surgical manipulations during laser stapedotomy can create significant pressure changes within the cochlea, suggesting laser application should be minimized and alternatives to mechanical downfracture should be investigated. Results from this investigation suggest that intracochlear pressure transients from stapedotomy may be of sufficient magnitude to cause damage to the sensory epithelium and affirm the importance of limiting surgical traumatic exposures.

Management of Complex Mandible Fractures.

Mandible fractures represent a common sequela of craniomaxillofacial trauma encountered by reconstructive surgeons. Management of complex mandibular fractures, and reestablishment of the occlusal relationship, represents a challenging reconstructive endeavor for even the most skilled surgeon. In this article, the authors review the treatment options for particularly complex presentations of this injury pattern.

Dental Injuries and Management.

Traumatic dental injuries affect 1 to 3% of the population, and disproportionately affect children and adolescents. The management of these injuries incorporates the age of patients, as children between 6 and 13 years of age have a mixed dentition. This helps to preserve the vitality of teeth that may be salvaged after a traumatic event. The clinical examination of these cases involves a thorough examination of the maxilla and mandible for associated fractures and any lodged debris and dislodged teeth or tooth fragments. The objective is to rule out any accidental aspiration or displacement into the nose, sinuses, or soft tissue. After ruling out any complications, the focus is on determining the type of injury to the tooth or teeth involved. These include clinical examination for any color change in the teeth, mobility testing, and testing for pulp vitality. Radiographic evaluation using periapical, occlusal, panoramic radiographs, and cone beam computed tomography is performed to view the effect of trauma on the tooth, root, periodontal ligament, and adjoining bone. The most commonly used classification system for dental trauma is Andreasen's classification and is applied to both deciduous and permanent teeth. Managing dental trauma is based on the type of injury, such as hard tissue and pulp injuries, injuries to periodontal tissue, injuries of the supporting bone, and injuries of the gingiva and oral mucosa. Hard-tissue injuries without the involvement of the pulp typically require restoration only. Any pulp involvement may require endodontic treatment. Fractures involving the alveolar bone or luxation of the tooth require stabilization which is typically achieved with flexible splints. The most common procedures employed in managing dental injuries include root canal/endodontics, surgical tooth repositioning, and flexible splinting. Recognition and treatment of these injuries are necessary to facilitate proper healing and salvage of a patient's natural dentition, reducing future complications to patients.

Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Scalp.

Reconstruction of scalp defects can be accomplished by many methods, but larger defects, especially those in which the periosteum is absent or calvarial defects are present, require free tissue transfer. Various methods of scalp reconstruction, as guided by the defect components and size, are presented herein, with a focus on free tissue transfer. Different free flaps for scalp reconstructed are described with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, free tissue transfer for scalp defects provides a reliable, durable, and cosmetically adequate reconstructive option.

Utilization of emergency department computed tomography and otolaryngology consultation in the diagnosis of pediatric peritonsillar abscess.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether obtaining a computed tomography (CT) scan in the emergency department (ED) is predictive of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in the pediatric population, and to evaluate for clinical characteristics that may suggest whether a CT is beneficial in the diagnosis of pediatric PTA. METHODS: Single-institution retrospective chart review at Rush University Hospitals. Study included pediatric patients, aged 17 or younger, who presented to the ED with suspected PTA over a 6-year period. Patients received a neck CT and/or an official otolaryngology consultation. Relevant demographic and study parameters were collected and statistically analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 36 pediatric patients with suspected PTA. Of these, 47.2% (17/36) received a diagnosis of PTA while 52.8% (19/36) received an alternative diagnosis. Patients with PTA were more likely to have trismus (41.2% vs 5.3%; p < .01), uvular deviation (94.1% vs 15.8%; p < .01), and palatal edema (52.9% vs 10.5%; p < .01), compared to patients without PTA. Fewer CT scans were ordered when comparing PTA positive versus negative cohorts (35% vs 63.2%; p = .10), however this was not statistically significant. An otolaryngology consult prior to imaging did significantly reduce the frequency of ordered CT scans (12.5% vs 63.6%; p < .01). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate the benefit of CT imaging in the diagnosis of pediatric PTA and impact of an otolaryngology consult on the frequency of CT scans. Pediatric patients at high risk for PTA based on clinical findings may not require CT imaging for diagnosis. Patients at lower risk may benefit from imaging based on the availability of an otolaryngology consult or expertise of the examiner.

Intimate partner violence and breastfeeding in Africa.

We examined the associations of maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization with early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in eight African countries. For mothers 15-49 years with an infant aged less than 6 months from national Demographic and Health Surveys since 2007 for Ghana (n = 173), Kenya (n = 449), Liberia (n = 313), Malawi (n = 397), Nigeria (n = 2007), Tanzania (n = 549), Zambia (n = 454), and Zimbabwe (n = 480), logistic regression was used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted associations of lifetime maternal emotional, physical, and sexual IPV victimization with early initiation (less than 1 hour of birth) and exclusive breastfeeding in the prior 24 hours. Maternal lifetime IPV victimization often was adversely associated with optimal breastfeeding practices. Physical IPV in Zimbabwe (aOR 0.40, p = 0.002), sexual IPV in Zambia (aOR 0.42, p = 0.017), and emotional IPV in Kenya (aOR 0.54, p = 0.050) and Tanzania (aOR 0.57, p = 0.088) were associated with lower adjusted odds of early initiation. Sexual IPV in Liberia (aOR 0.09, p = 0.026), Ghana (aOR 0.17, p = 0.033), and Kenya (aOR 0.34, p = 0.085) were associated with lower adjusted odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Atypically, physical IPV in Tanzania (aOR 2.11, p = 0.042) and sexual IPV in Zambia (aOR 2.49, p = 0.025) were associated with higher adjusted odds of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, respectively. Across several settings, maternal IPV victimization may adversely influence breastfeeding practices. Longitudinal research of these relationships is warranted. Screening for IPV victimization and breastfeeding counseling in prenatal and postpartum care may mitigate the potential intergenerational effects of IPV.

The role of adipocyte XBP1 in metabolic regulation during lactation.

The adipocyte is central to organismal metabolism and exhibits significant functional and morphological plasticity during its formation and lifespan. Remarkable transformations of this cell occur during obesity and lactation, and thus it is essential to gain a better understanding of adipocyte function in these two metabolic processes. Considering the critical importance of the cellular organelle endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in adapting to fluctuations in synthetic processes, we explored the role of XBP1, a central regulator of ER adaptive responses, in adipocyte formation and function. Unexpectedly, deletion of adipocyte-XBP1 in vivo in mice (XBP1ΔAd) had no effect on adipocyte formation or on systemic homeostatic metabolism in mice fed a a regular or high-fat diet. However, during lactation, XBP1ΔAd dams displayed increased adiposity, decreased milk production, and decreased litter growth as compared with control dams. Moreover, we demonstrate that XBP1 is regulated during lactation and responds to prolactin to alter lipogenic gene expression. These results demonstrate a role for adipocyte-XBP1 in the regulation of lactational metabolism.