Choice of suture technique may mitigate figure-of-8 deformity in slide tracheoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate varying degrees of immediate postoperative figure of 8 deformity following three different methods of tracheal suturing. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative ex-vivo study. METHODS: A fresh, unfixed rabbit trachea was harvested and bisected at its midpoint. The posterior membranous trachea was excised from both segments to mimic the anatomy of complete tracheal rings following longitudinal release. A slide tracheoplasty was performed on the same tracheal segments as an internal control, using three different methods of closure: simple running, running horizontal mattress, and a modified baseball stitch. Endoscopic and external photographs were taken immediately following repair to document the effect of closure technique on external and endoluminal anatomy. RESULTS: A simple running closure, in which traveling occurs between needle passes, showed the greatest degree of postoperative figure of 8 deformity. A running horizontal mattress suture closure showed less deformity and a modified running closure, in which traveling occurs within needle passes, showed the least deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a minor modification of standard running closure techniques may help limit the common figure-of-8 deformity often noted following slide tracheoplasty. LAY SUMMARY: Figure of-8 deformity is a problem that can occur when repairing a narrow trachea referred to as tracheal stenosis. This deformity may be prevented using particular suture techniques which may decrease the likelihood that the trachea becomes blocked again following repair.

Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Pathologic Scars Within a Pediatric Otolaryngology Practice.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to review the spectrum of scarring that may present to an urban, pediatric otolaryngology practice and determine if associations exist between race, scar location, treatment modality, and outcomes following interventions for scarring. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study among 115 pediatric patients with 138 unique keloids or hypertrophic scars (HTS), and 141 children presenting for tonsillectomy at Tufts Medical Center. Age at presentation and sex assigned at birth were collected for both populations. For those presenting for pathologic scars, income quintile, self-identified race/ethnicity, anatomical location, treatment number and type, and clinical outcome were also analyzed. Multivariate analyses calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals to assess associations between scar subsite, intervention type, and persistence after treatment. RESULTS: Compared to individuals presenting for tonsillectomy, a disproportionate percentage of patients presenting for scarring identified as Black (26.6% vs. 13.5%) or Asian (17.4% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.016) or were male (61.7% vs. 49.7%, p = 0.053). Individuals identifying as Black or Asian were more likely to present with ear lobe and neck scars, respectively (50.0% vs. 45.5%, p = <0.001). Ear scars were significantly more likely to receive excision at initial treatment (aOR = 5.86 [1.43-23.96]) compared to other subsites, and were more likely to require >1 treatment (aOR = 5.91 [1.53-22.75]). CONCLUSION: Among pediatric patients presenting with keloids or HTS, children who identified as Black or Asian were more likely to present with ear and neck scars, respectively. Ear scars were frequently treated with excision and appear more likely to require adjuvant treatments and multiple interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3127-3135, 2024.

Children's Visual Perception of Facial Scarring and Cleft Lip Deformity Using Eye Tracking Data.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine children's perception of secondary cleft lip deformity (SCLD) using objective eye tracking technology and subjective responses on a survey to understand pediatric perceptions of facial scarring. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of participants aged 5-17 years old. METHODS: Participants viewed images of children's faces with an eye tracking device. Sixteen images were displayed, 12 with unilateral SCLD and four with no facial scarring. Eye tracking data were obtained. Gaze samples were analyzed for areas of interest (AOIs). Immediately after viewing each image, participants answered two survey questions relating to facial asymmetry attitude toward the child pictured. For analysis, participants were divided into age groups. RESULTS: A total of 259 participants were enrolled (42.5% female). Mean age was 10.5 years and 78% identified as White. In all age groups, total fixation time was greater for SCLD compared to control images. Early elementary age children spent significantly less time assessing the nose AOI compared to other groups, and also spent the least total fixation time and had the lowest visit count on all AOIs. Subjective survey questions showed similar trends with elementary age not noticing facial asymmetry compared to older age groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the successful use of eye tracking technology in children as young as 5 years old. This study suggests that SCLD is perceived as less noticeable in elementary age children and becomes more noticeable to older groups. Understanding peer perception on SCLD from this study may impact decision on revision surgery for SCLD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 134:2726-2733, 2024.

Tender Cervical Lymphadenopathy in a Pediatric Patient.

An 11-year-old boy presented with enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes that showed areas of central hypodensity and necrosis with histiocytes and an absence of neutrophils. What is your diagnosis?

Medical School Factors Associated With Students Entering Otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE: To determine medical school characteristics that are associated with medical students entering otolaryngology residency programs. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Publically available data on otolaryngology residents and academic otolaryngology programs. METHODS: Publicly available websites were used to collect demographic and bibliometric characteristics for 1527 residents in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited otolaryngology programs accounting for the 2017 to 2021 match periods. For each medical school, information on class size, number of otolaryngology faculty, presence of a home academic otolaryngology program, NIH research funding, presence of a student interest group, and top 10 ranking by Doximity or U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed between the medical school factors and the percentage of each medical school class that matriculated into an otolaryngology residency program. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, the following factors were found to be associated with a higher percentage of graduates entering an otolaryngology residency program: presence of a home academic otolaryngology program (standardized beta value (ß) = 0.397, p < 0.0001), a 2021 top 10 ENT ranking according to USNWR (ß = 0.206, p = 0.0028), and the average h-index of students from a medical school (ß = 0.327, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for multiple factors including research productivity, we found that the presence of a home academic program and a top 10 ranking on USNWR were associated with an increasing percentage of medical school graduates entering otolaryngology. NIH funding and the number of otolaryngology faculty were not associated with more students matriculating into an otolaryngology residency program. These findings can help guide medical schools and otolaryngology programs to recruit students into the field.

Decision Considerations and Strategies for Lip Surgery in Patients with Cleft lip/Palate: A Qualitative Study.

Objective: To qualitatively assess surgeons decision making for lip surgery in patients with cleft lip/palate (CL/P). Design: Prospective, non-randomized, clinical trial. Setting: Clinical data institutional laboratory setting. Patients Participants: The study included both patient and surgeon participants recruited from four craniofacial centers. The patient participants were babies with a CL/P requiring primary lip repair surgery (n=16) and adolescents with repaired CL/P who may require secondary lip revision surgery (n=32). The surgeon participants (n=8) were experienced in cleft care. Facial imaging data that included 2D images, 3D images, videos, and objective 3D visual modelling of facial movements were collected from each patient, and compiled as a collage termed the Standardized Assessment for Facial Surgery (SAFS) for systematic viewing by the surgeons. Interventions: The SAFS served as the intervention. Each surgeon viewed the SAFS for six distinct patients (two babies and four adolescents) and provided a list of surgical problems and goals. Then an in-depth-interview (IDI) was conducted with each surgeon to explore their decision-making processes. IDIs were conducted either in person or virtually, recorded, and then transcribed for qualitative statistical analyses using the Grounded Theory Method. Results: Rich narratives/themes emerged that included timing of the surgery; risks/limitations and benefits of surgery; patient/family goals; planning for muscle repair and scarring; multiplicity of surgeries and their impact; and availability of resources. For diagnoses/treatments, surgeons agreed, and level of surgical experience was not a factor. Conclusions: The themes provided important information to populate a checklist of considerations to serve as a guide for clinicians.

Acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis after radiation treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is a rare and morbid complication following radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This review provides an update on management and prognosis. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed review using the terms "nasopharyngeal stenosis," "choanal stenosis," and "acquired choanal stenosis" was performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies identified 59 patients who developed NPS after radiotherapy for NPC. 51 patients underwent endoscopic nasopharyngeal stenosis excision by cold technique (80-100% success). The remaining 8 underwent carbon dioxide (CO2) laser excision with balloon dilation (40-60% success). Adjuvant therapies included postoperative topical nasal steroids in 35 patients. The need for revision was 62% in the balloon dilation group, vs 17% in the excision group (p-value <0.01). CONCLUSION: When NPS occurs after radiation, primary excision of scarring is the most effective method of management with less need for revision surgery relative to balloon dilation.

Longitudinal Anatomic Analysis of Primary Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty Outcomes.

Background: The unilateral cleft lip deformity is associated with nasal deformities with secondary functional and aesthetic challenges. Objectives: Compare the change in nasal symmetry before and incrementally after primary endonasal cleft rhinoplasty concurrent with lip repair. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of infants undergoing unilateral cleft lip repair. Data collection included demographics, surgical history, and pre- and postoperative alar and nostril photographs analyzed with Image J. Statistical analysis was done using linear and multivariable mixed effect models. Results: Twenty-two patients with a near even gender distribution (46% female) and primarily left-sided cleft lips underwent unilateral lip repair at a mean age of 3.9 months (median 3.0, range 2-12). Mean pre- and postoperative alar symmetry ratios were 0.099 (standard error [SE] 0.0019) and -0.0012 (SE 0.0179), with zero representing perfect symmetry and negative values indicating overcorrection. These values at 1, 2-4, 5-7, 8-12, 13-24, and 25+ months were 0.026, 0.050, 0.046, 0.052, 0.049, and 0.052 (SE range: 0.0015-0.0096), respectively, demonstrating stability of the alar symmetry 4 months postrepair. Conclusions: In this study, patients who underwent an overcorrective primary cleft rhinoplasty concurrent with lip repair had an initial regression of symmetry within the first 4 months postoperatively, followed by observed stabilization.

Identification of micrognathia by prenatal ultrasound may improve timely diagnosis and management of infants with Robin sequence.

OBJECTIVE: Robin sequence (RS) is a craniofacial anomaly characterized by small jaw (micrognathia) with associated tongue base airway obstruction. With advances in fetal imaging, micrognathia may be detected prenatally. This study aims to determine if prenatal recognition of micrognathia offers any advantage over being unaware of the condition until after delivery and to assess if prenatal consultation for micrognathia adds benefits beyond merely noting the presence of the condition. METHOD: Retrospective chart review examining cases from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2020 at an urban tertiary medical center. RESULTS: Forty seven infants with RS were included. 40.4% (n = 19) had micrognathia/retrognathia noted on prenatal ultrasound. 47.4% (n = 9) of those 19 pregnancies saw a maternal fetal medicine (MFM) program with craniofacial consultation. Compared to 28 infants not diagnosed with micrognathia until after birth, the 19 infants identified prenatally required fewer transfers from birth hospital (p = 0.02). Additionally, those referred to MFM with craniofacial consultation had shorter lengths of stay when airway intervention was required (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prenatal recognition of micrognathia may lead to early detection and management of RS. When RS is suspected, prenatal consultation with MFM and craniofacial team may further optimize care of the infant following delivery.

Symptomatic Lingual Thyroglossal Duct Cyst in Children: A Laryngomalacia Phenotype.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with lingual thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) can present as symptomatic with obstructive airway and feeding difficulties. METHODS: We present 3 cases of symptomatic lingual TGDC. RESULTS: All 3 patients were diagnosed with laryngomalacia and underwent further concurrent or delayed airway intervention, in addition to cyst removal. CONCLUSIONS: We reason that there is a phenotype of laryngomalacia in the symptomatic lingual thyroglossal duct cyst patients who present with symptoms due to disruption in laryngeal anatomy rather than the cyst itself causing obstructive symptoms. Distinguishing this phenotype, especially in comparison to other pathologies such as vallecular cysts, may better allow for planning of concurrent or delayed airway procedures and overall counseling of parents.

Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admission Following Cleft Palate Repair by Head and Neck Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission following primary repair of cleft palate by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons at 2 tertiary centers. To identify potential diagnoses associated with admission or unanticipated PICU transfer. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional case series with chart review. SETTING: Two tertiary pediatric medical centers. METHODS: Children who underwent primary repair of cleft palate at 2 cleft centers over a 10-year period were identified. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and whether PICU admission was required. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2019, 464 patients underwent primary repair of a cleft palate by 1 of 6 otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons with subspecialty training in cleft surgery; 459 patients had sufficient postoperative documentation and 443 children met inclusion criteria. The incidence of PICU admission was 9.3% (41/443), with 33 (7.4%) planned admissions and 8 (1.8%) unexpected PICU transfers. Syndromic conditions were associated with both planned and unanticipated PICU admissions. CONCLUSION: The incidence of unanticipated postoperative PICU admission following cleft palate repair by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons was low. Risk stratification by surgeons with expertise in airway management may inform decisions regarding postoperative disposition of patients with medical or airway complexity who are undergoing cleft palate repair.

Decision Considerations and Strategies for Lip Surgery in Patients with Cleft lip/Palate: A Qualitative Study.

Objective: To qualitatively assess surgeons' decision making for lip surgery in patients with cleft lip/palate (CL/P). Design: Prospective, non-randomized, clinical trial. Setting: Clinical data institutional laboratory setting. Patients Participants: The study included both patient and surgeon participants recruited from four craniofacial centers. The patient participants were babies with a CL/P requiring primary lip repair surgery (n=16) and adolescents with repaired CL/P who may require secondary lip revision surgery (n=32). The surgeon participants (n=8) were experienced in cleft care. Facial imaging data that included 2D images, 3D images, videos, and objective 3D visual modelling of facial movements were collected from each patient, and compiled as a collage termed the 'Standardized Assessment for Facial Surgery (SAFS)' for systematic viewing by the surgeons. Interventions: The SAFS served as the intervention. Each surgeon viewed the SAFS for six distinct patients (two babies and four adolescents) and provided a list of surgical problems and goals. Then an in-depth-interview (IDI) was conducted with each surgeon to explore their decision-making processes. IDIs were conducted either 'in person' or virtually, recorded, and then transcribed for qualitative statistical analyses using the Grounded Theory Method. Results: Rich narratives/themes emerged that included timing of the surgery; risks/limitations and benefits of surgery; patient/family goals; planning for muscle repair and scarring; multiplicity of surgeries and their impact; and availability of resources. In general, there was surgeon agreement for the diagnoses/treatments. Conclusions: The themes provided important information to populate a checklist of considerations to serve as a guide for clinicians.

Type IA Oromandibular-Limb Hypogenesis Syndrome: A Case Report and A Case Update.

Hypoglossia is a rare congenital anomaly resulting in a small rudimentary tongue. It is classified under the oromandibular-limb hypogenesis syndrome and can be found in isolation (Type IA) but is more often associated with other congenital disorders, such as limb defects. Isolated hypoglossia cases are rare, and while feeding disorders are common, in some cases, neonatal airway obstruction is the most problematic. In the present report, we discuss two cases of newborns presenting with hypoglossia without limb deformities or visceral anomalies: one new case and a 10-year update of a previously reported case. These two cases highlight the variability in presenting symptoms and the challenges in diagnosis and management of a rare clinical entity. We focus on the discussion of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and shared decision-making, with emphasis on the current therapeutic strategies available to the clinician and their limitations during the neonatal period. Early surgical multivector mandibular distraction osteogenesis can be proposed with minimal short- and long-term morbidity, pending a consistent follow-up. This clinical entity will require multidisciplinary team care into adult years.

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators Reduce Scarring After Cleft Lip Repair.

Objective: Residual scarring after cleft lip repair surgery remains a challenge for both surgeons and patients and novel therapeutics are critically needed. The objective of this preclinical experimental study was to evaluate the impact of the methyl-ester of pro-resolving lipid mediator lipoxin A4 (LXA4-ME) on scarring in a novel rabbit model of cleft lip repair. Methods: A defect of the lip was surgically created and repaired in eight six-week old New Zealand white rabbits to simulate human cleft lip scars. Rabbits were randomly assigned to topical application of PBS (control) or 1 ug of LXA4-ME (treatment). 42 days post surgery all animals were euthanized. Photographs of the cleft lip area defect and histologic specimens were evaluated. Multiple scar assessment scales were used to compare scarring. Results: Animals treated with LXA4-ME exhibited lower Visual Scar Assessment scores compared to animals treated with PBS. Treatment with LXA4-ME resulted in a significant reduction of inflammatory cell infiltrate and density of collagen fibers. Control animals showed reduced 2D directional variance (orientation) of collagen fibers compared to animals treated with LXA4-ME demonstrating thicker and more parallel collagen fibers, consistent with scar tissue. Conclusions: These data suggest that LXA4-ME limits scarring after cleft lip repair and improves wound healing outcomes in rabbits favoring the resolution of inflammation. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms that underlie the positive therapeutic impact of LXA4-ME on scarring to set the stage for future human clinical trials of LXA4-ME for scar prevention or treatment after cleft lip repair.

Pharyngeal wall and soft palate motion after two common speech surgeries.

PURPOSE: To assess how pharyngeal wall and soft palate motion are affected after two common interventions for velopharyngeal insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed. A database of patients who had undergone Furlow palatoplasty or pharyngeal flap surgery between 2011 and 2019 and had video-archived preoperative and postoperative nasopharyngoscopy recordings was created. Recordings were deidentified and randomized, with 5 randomly-selected videos duplicated to determine intra-rater reliability. The videos were scored by 3 experienced raters using a modified Golding-Kushner scale. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using paired t-test. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were estimated using intra-class correlation (ICC). RESULTS: There were 17 patients who met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 6.9 years (range 3-22 years, 59% male). In the Furlow palatoplasty group (n = 9), an increase in left soft palate motion was noted postoperatively (t(8) = 2.71, p = 0.02). In the pharyngeal flap group (n = 8), increases in lateral pharyngeal wall motion (left: t(7) = 3.58, p = 0.008, right: t(7) = 3.84, p = 0.006) and right soft palate motion (t(6) = 2.49, p = 0.04) were identified. Intra-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement were lower than prior studies utilizing the Golding Kushner scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide objective evidence that Furlow palatoplasty and pharyngeal flap surgeries achieve velopharyngeal closure by increasing movement at different anatomical sites. Palatal and pharyngeal wall motion observed during preoperative nasopharyngoscopy may influence a surgeon's choice of intervention.

Ambient noise limits efficacy of smartphone-based screening for hearing loss in children at risk.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if hearScreen®, a smartphone-based pure tone audiometric screen, serves as an effective hearing screen for identifying hearing loss in children at risk, such as those with chronic otitis media and/or craniofacial anomalies. METHODS: A cross-sectional, single-center, prospective study at an urban tertiary care hospital was completed. From June to October 2019, a total of 208 pediatric ears at risk for hearing loss were evaluated by both hearScreen® and conventional pure tone audiometry. The efficacy of hearScreen® for detecting hearing loss in a pediatric population at risk was determined. RESULTS: A total of 208 pediatric ears at risk for hearing loss were screened. HearScreen® demonstrated a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 41%, a positive predictive value of 36%, and a negative predictive value of 87%. Subgroup analysis stratified by hearing loss type showed that hearScreen® screens for conductive hearing loss with increased sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation suggests that hearScreen® may serve as a an accessible, low-cost, and sensitive pure tone audiometric screen for hearing loss in children at risk, particularly those with conductive hearing loss, with the caveat that it may generate a high proportion of false positives due to the influence of ambient noise, especially when screening at 500 Hz. Future investigations should weigh the utility of including 500 Hz in the screening protocol as well as assess methods that may mitigate the influence of ambient noise during a pure-tone audiometric screen.

The Safety and Efficacy of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis Among Infants Less Than 3 kg.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a safe and effective surgery to address respiratory and feeding issues due to micrognathia in patients with Robin Sequence (RS). Previous studies examining postoperative complications in neonates receiving MDO have considered 4 kg as the cut-off for low weight; however, an increasing number of MDO interventions are performed in infants <4 kg. To determine if a weight <3 kg at time of MDO is a risk factor for postoperative complications or need for subsequent tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube (G-tube). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: A retrospective review of all infants <6 months of age undergoing MDO at two tertiary pediatric hospitals from 2008 to 2018. Demographic data, syndromic status, weight, and age at time of surgery, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative outcomes were recorded including tracheostomy placement, G-tube placement, hardware infection, reintubation, facial/marginal mandibular nerve damage, and need for revision MDO. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients with RS were included. The mean age at MDO was 25 ± 20 days and mean weight was 3.32 ± 0.44 kg. There was no statistically significant correlation between weight (P = .699) or age (P = .422) and unfavorable postoperative outcomes. No patients (0%) underwent tracheostomy pre-MDO. Two patients (2.9%) required tracheostomy postsurgery; neither was <3 kg. Eight patients (11.6%) required a G-tube postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Newborns <3 kg who undergo MDO experience the same rates of success and complication as larger infants, suggesting that MDO is a safe and efficacious procedure in infants less than 3 kg. Laryngoscope, 132:1295-1299, 2022.