Do Otologists and Other Otolaryngologists Manage Single-Sided Deafness Differently?

BACKGROUND:  The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge and treatment management practices for single-sided deafness (SSD) among different subspecialties of otolaryngology. METHODS:  A questionnaire was sent via Google Sheets to members of the Turkish and Egyptian Otorhinolaryngology Societies between December 2021 and February 2022. For the statistical analysis, the respondents were divided into 3 groups as otologists, non-otologists, and residents at the department of otolaryngology-head and neck department. RESULTS:  There were no statistically significant differences between otologists and non-otologists in radiological imaging (child P = .469, adult P = .140) and preferred treatment method (child P = .546, adult P = .106). However, otolaryngologists showed significant differences in radiological evaluation (P <.001), vestibular evaluation (P = .000), and frequency of treatment options recommended for pediatric and adult SSD patients (P = .000). CONCLUSION:  There were no significant differences in SSD diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation between otologists and non-otologists. However, when comparing pediatric and adult patients, there was a difference in the treatment management of SSD patients.

Representativeness of U.S. News & World Report Outcome and Volume Measures for Otolaryngology.

Although outcomes account for 45% of the total ranking score in otolaryngology in the 2023-2024 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, little attention has been paid to the representativeness of their outcomes or volume analyses. Through retrospective review of finance data from an academic otolaryngology department, we found the overall 2023-2024 USNWR volume estimate accounted for only 10.0% (n = 2, usw 024/20,334) of all adult admissions and outpatient procedures and did not adequately represent the overall case mix or caseload.

Which Provider Specialties are Performing Diagnostic Procedures for Dysphagia in the United States?

OBJECTIVE: Care of patients with dysphagia occurs at the intersection of several different medical specialties. Otolaryngologists are uniquely equipped to diagnose dysphagia given their specialized training, yet the extent to which otolaryngologists perform diagnostic procedures for dysphagia is unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the specialty-level variation among providers performing diagnostic assessments for dysphagia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of dysphagia care utilization among Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2021 using the CMS Physician & Other Practitioners by Provider and Service dataset. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) data reports were used to determine the total number of providers per specialty. For each procedure and specialty, the percentage of providers performing >10 procedures annually and the average annual number of procedures per performing provider (non-radiology) were calculated. RESULTS: We analyzed nine common dysphagia diagnostic procedures, including manometry, 24-h pH testing, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and modified barium swallow study (MBSS). Mean 3.7 (SD 1.4) otolaryngologists (0.04% of practicing) performed manometry testing annually, compared to 493 (69.3) gastroenterologists (3.3%). Less than 1% of practicing otolaryngologists (37.8 (8.0) (0.04%)) and gastroenterologists (51.6 (8.4), 0.35%) performed 24-h pH testing annually. FEES testing was most commonly performed by otolaryngologists; however, only 48 (6.3) providers (0.51% of practicing) performed these procedures annually. For MBSS, fewer otolaryngologists (5.2 (1.0), 0.05%) perform these assessments than other medical specialties. Each otolaryngologist performed 110.7 (52.5) studies annually, compared to 200.1 (68.0) per gastroenterologist. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists represent a small fraction of providers performing dysphagia-related diagnostic procedures despite a unique training within our specialty to comprehensively diagnose and manage this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3698-3705, 2024.

Insurance Status and Access to Otolaryngology Care: National Mystery Caller Study in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential differences in new patient appointment wait times for otolaryngology care based on insurance types and explore factors influencing these wait times. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional audit study, using a "mystery caller" approach, analyzed with a linear mixed Poisson model to adjust for confounding factors. SETTING: A total of 612 physicians across 49 states and the District of Columbia, representing 6 otolaryngology subspecialties, were included. METHODS: Otolaryngology physicians were contacted by mystery callers via telephone with scripted clinical vignettes as patients with either Medicaid or Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance. Callers requested next available appointment. Wait times for new patient appointments were recorded and analyzed in R using a generalized linear mixed Poisson model. RESULTS: A total of 1183 of 1224 calls reached a representative. Medicaid patients waited 5.73% longer (P < .001) compared to BCBS patients (IRR: 1.06; confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.09; P < .001), with respective mean wait times of 36.8 days (SE ± 1.6) and 32.4 days (SE ± 1.6). Longer waiting times were also associated with physicians affiliated with universities (P = .001) and certain subspecialties, such as pediatric otolaryngology (P < .001) and neurotology (P = .008). Regional differences were also observed, with specific AAO-HNS regions showing shorter wait times. The model achieved a conditional R-squared value of 0.947. CONCLUSION: This study reveals disparities in wait times for otolaryngology care based on insurance type, with extended wait times for Medicaid beneficiaries. The findings highlight a potential access to care disparity, which begets the need for strategies that ensure equitable access to otolaryngology care and further research to understand the underlying reasons for these potential disparities.

Clinical Productivity and Patient Complexity of Academic Rhinologists: An Analysis of Medicare Metrics.

INTRODUCTION: Current data regarding reimbursement trends in Medicare services and the complexity of patients treated as physicians' progress in their academic career are conflicting. In otolaryngology, there are no data examining these metrics. METHODS: Medicare services, reimbursement, and patient complexity risk scores (based on hierarchical condition category coding) of US rhinology fellowship-trained faculty were stratified and compared by rank and years in practice. RESULTS: A cohort of 209 rhinologists were included. Full professors were reimbursed more per service than assistant professors ($791.53 [$491.69-1052.46] vs. $590.34 [$429.91-853.07] p = 0.045) and had lower risk scores (1.37 [1.26-1.52] vs. 1.49 [1.29-1.68], p = 0.013). Full professors had similar risk scores to associate professors (1.47 [1.25-1.64], p = 0.14). Full professors ($791.53 [$491.69-1,052.46], p < 0.001), associate professors ($706.85 [$473.48-941.15], p < 0.001), and assistant professors ($590.34 [$429.91-853.07], p < 0.001) were all reimbursed more per service than non-ranked faculty ($326.08 [$223.37-482.36]). As a cohort, significant declines in risk scores occurred within the 10th-14th year of practice (p = 0.032) and after the 20th year (p = 0.038). Years in practice were inversely correlated with risk score (R = -0.358, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Full professors were reimbursed more per service and treated less comorbid Medicare patients than junior academic colleagues. Patient comorbidity was correlated negatively with years in practice, with significant drops in mid and late career. Rhinologists employed at academic institutions had greater total reimbursement and reimbursement per service than non-ranked faculty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:3960-3964, 2024.

Patient Factors Associated with Missed Otolaryngology Appointments at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if patient factors related to ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), medical comorbidities, or appointment characteristics increase the risk of missing an initial adult otolaryngology appointment. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case control study at Boston Medical Center (BMC) in Boston, Massachusetts, that took place in 2019. Patient demographic and medical comorbidity data as well as appointment characteristic data were collected and compared between those that attended their initial otolaryngology appointment versus those who missed their initial appointment. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to calculate differences between attendance outcomes. Multivariate analysis was used to compare the odds of missing an appointment based on various patient- and appointment-related factors. RESULTS: Patients who were more likely to miss their appointments were more often female, of lower education, disabled, not employed, Black or Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking. Spring and Fall appointments were more likely to be missed. When a multivariate regression was conducted to control for social determinants of health (SDOH) such as race, insurance status, employment, and education status, the odds of females, Spanish-speaking, students, and disabled patients missing their appointment were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A majority of patients at BMC come from lower SES backgrounds and have multiple medical comorbidities. Those who reside closer to BMC, often areas of lower average income, had higher rates of missed appointments. Interventions such as decreasing lag time, providing handicap-accessible free transportation, and increasing accessibility of telemedicine for patients could help improve attendance rates at BMC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 134:4003-4010, 2024.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Otolaryngology Office Visit and Tympanostomy Tube Placement in Children with Otitis Media.

OBJECTIVES: Racial disparities are pervasive in access to pediatric surgery. The goal of this study was to test the hypotheses that, compared with White children, non-White and Hispanic children: (1) were less likely to attend evaluations by otolaryngologists after a diagnosis of otitis media (OM) eligible for surgical referral, and (2) these children were less likely to receive tympanostomy tube (TT) after surgical consultation. METHODS: The OptumLabs Data Warehouse is a de-identified claims database of privately insured enrollees. Guidelines on the management of OMs suggest that children should be evaluated for surgery if they have recurrent acute OM or chronic OM with effusion. A cohort of children who were diagnosed with OM were constructed. For Hypothesis 1, the primary outcome was otolaryngology office visit within 6 months of a diagnosis of recurrent or chronic OM. For Hypothesis 2, the outcome was TT placement within 6 months following the otolaryngology office visit. Cox regression models were used to determine the relationship between race/ethnicity and the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Among 187,776 children with OMs, 72,774 (38.8%) had otolaryngology visits. In a multivariate Cox model, the hazard ratios of attending otolaryngology visit for Black, Hispanic, and Asian children were 0.93 (95% CI,0.90, 0.96), 0.86 (0.83, 0.88), and 0.74 (0.71, 0.77), compared with White children. Among the children evaluated by otolaryngologists, 46,554 (63.97%) received TT. Black, Hispanic, and Asian children with recurrent acute OM had lower likelihood of receiving TT. CONCLUSIONS: Racial disparities in attending otolaryngology office visit contributed to the disparities in receiving TT. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3846-3852, 2024.

Access to Otolaryngologic Telemedicine Care Across the COVID-19 Pandemic at an Urban Tertiary Hospital System.

Objective: To describe associations between patients' demographic characteristics and access to telemedicine services in an urban tertiary academic medical system across the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify potential barriers to access. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single-center tertiary academic medical center. The study included adult patients undergoing outpatient otolaryngologic care in person or via telemedicine during 8 week timeframes: before the pandemic, at the onset of the pandemic, and during later parts of the pandemic. Patients were characterized by age, sex, race, insurance type, primary language, portal activation status, income estimate, and visit type. Where appropriate, chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and logistic regression were used to compare demographic factors between the cohorts. Results: A total of 14,240 unique patients [median age, 58 years (range, 18-107 years); 56.5% were female] resulting in a total of 29,457 visits (94.8% in-person and 5.2% telemedicine) were analyzed. Patients seen in person were older than those using telemedicine. Telemedicine visits included a higher proportion of patients with private insurance, and fewer patients with government or no insurance compared to in-person visits. Race, income, and English as primary language were not found to have a significant effect on telemedicine use. Conclusion: In an urban tertiary medical center, we found significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics between patients who accessed otolaryngologic care in person versus via telemedicine through different phases of the COVID pandemic, reflecting possible barriers to care associated with telemedicine. Further studies are needed to develop interventions to improve access.

Factors Associated with Research Productivity and National Institutes of Health Funding in Academic Otology.

OBJECTIVES: Bibliometrics, such as the Hirsch index (h-index) and the more recently developed relative citation ratio (RCR), are utilized to evaluate research productivity. Our study evaluates demographics, research productivity, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in academic otology. METHODS: Academic otologists were identified, and their demographics were collected using institutional faculty profiles (N = 265). Funding data were obtained using the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Reports Database. The h-index was calculated using Scopus and mean (m-RCR) and weighted RCR (w-RCR) were calculated using the NIH iCite tool. RESULTS: H-index (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10-1.27, p < 0.001), but not m-RCR (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 0.97-2.31, p = 0.069) or w-RCR (aOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.231), was associated with receiving NIH funding. Men had greater h-index (16 vs. 9, p < 0.001) and w-RCR (51.8 vs. 23.0, p < 0.001), but not m-RCR (1.3 vs. 1.3, p = 0.269) than women. Higher academic rank was associated with greater h-index and w-RCR (p < 0.001). Among assistant professors, men had greater h-index than women (9.0 vs. 8.0, p = 0.025). At career duration 11-20 years, men had greater h-index (14.0 vs. 8.0, p = 0.009) and w-RCR (52.7 vs. 25.8, p = 0.022) than women. CONCLUSION: The h-index has a strong relationship with NIH funding in academic otology. Similar h-index, m-RCR, and w-RCR between men and women across most academic ranks and career durations suggests production of similarly impactful research. The m-RCR may correct some deficiencies of time-dependent bibliometrics and its consideration in academic promotion and research funding allocation may promote representation of women in otology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:3786-3794, 2024.

An Integrative Model of ENT Healthcare for the Homeless Population.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the need for otolaryngology care within the homeless population, identify barriers to access that the homeless population may face, and develop a model system which would address these needs with respect to the barriers. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 812 patients seen between 1/25/16-3/21/2020 was performed. Charts were obtained from homeless patients seen at free general clinics held shelters in Chicago, IL (781 charts) and in Champaign, IL (31 charts). Records reporting at least one otolaryngology disease in a patient experiencing homelessness were included in this study. Patients were considered homeless if they resided at the shelter at the time of their appointment. To determine common barriers to care, a simple yes/no questionnaire was administered to residents at west-side Chicago homeless shelters. Questions addressed barriers to health care access that had been mentioned by patients seen at free clinics. RESULTS: Chart review findings demonstrated that 14.3% (n = 142) of all homeless patients seen at free in-shelter clinics were seen for ENT-related disorders. Survey results revealed that 76.3% (n = 71) of respondents believed that telemedicine services would be useful in shelters. 74.2% (n = 69) stated they were unable to afford prescribed medications. 93.5% (n = 87) stated that better access to transportation would increase their likelihood of seeking care. CONCLUSIONS: In our attempt to bridge this inequity, we have launched a hybrid in-person/virtual care program to improve access to otolaryngology care for the homeless community. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:2705-2709, 2024.

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.

Prescribing Practices and Barriers of Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Amongst Otolaryngologists.

OBJECTIVE(S): Biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) are an evolving therapeutic option, but there are limited data on physician experiences in prescribing them. The goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of these experiences including prescribing practices, patient factors which guide prescriber decision, and physician and patient-reported issues which might limit cost-effectiveness of these therapies. METHODS: A survey was distributed to attending otolaryngologists using the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology (CSOHNS) email distribution and eSurvey program. Responses were tabulated for the entire cohort and compared between rhinologists and non-rhinologists where appropriate. Frequencies and proportions were expressed as a percentage of total respondents. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis between groups. RESULTS: Seventy-nine total survey responses were recorded representing a response rate of 43%. Significantly more rhinologists reported prescribing biologic medications on their own (100% vs. 50%; p < 0.001) and a higher proportion (1 to 10% vs. <1%) of their patients were on biologics compared with non-rhinologists (p = 0.023). Rhinologists were more likely to consider poor response to medical therapies, need for rescue steroids, and comorbid type 2 conditions in their decision to pursue biologics than non-rhinologists, but they also experienced poorer assistance from patient support programs and less availability to medications. CONCLUSION: Rhinologists are more comfortable with prescribing and managing biologics for CRSwNP compared with non-rhinologist colleagues. Clinicians prescribing biologic medications for CRSwNP should be familiar with guidelines, indications, and potential adverse events. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 134:3493-3498, 2024.

Impact of Early Research Productivity on Future Academic Output Among Head and Neck Fellows.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of pre-fellowship publications on future research productivity and career placement among head and neck (H&N) surgery fellowship graduates. METHODS: H&N surgery fellowship graduates between 2014 and 2022 were identified from publicly available data. Timing of fellowship graduation, number of publications during each stage of education and training, and number of first authorship publications were analyzed for association with scholarly productivity and academic career placement. RESULTS: In our analysis of 409 H&N fellowship graduates, there was a strong positive correlation between the year of fellowship graduation and the average number of publications in residency (R2 = 0.82) and fellowship (R2 = 0.79). Graduates producing more than the average of 2.37 publications prior to residency had a significantly higher average number of publications during residency and fellowship compared to those who published below average (p < 0.001). A higher number of publications prior to and during residency were both independently associated with a higher likelihood of academic career placement (p = 0.015 and p = 0.002, respectively). More first-author publications prior to residency were associated with a higher number of publications during residency and fellowship (p = 0.015). In sub-analyses, gender did not impact the average number of publications during residency and fellowship. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact the average number of publications during the fellowship when comparing the classes of 2020-2022 to 2017-2019. CONCLUSION: Research productivity among H&N fellowship graduates has increased in recent years. Research productivity in medical school and residency is associated with scholarly output in later stages of training and academic career placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:3165-3169, 2024.

Characteristics of pediatric patients claimed with acute upper respiratory infection during otorhinolaryngology consultations: A descriptive study of a large Japanese medical claims database.

This study aimed to clarify other diseases claimed simultaneously with acute upper respiratory infection (URI), antibiotic prescriptions, and examinations associated with infectious diseases in pediatric patients with acute URI insurance claims at otorhinolaryngology outpatient visits. Pediatric patients who visited an otolaryngology department between 2019 and 2021 and were definitively diagnosed with URI were selected using a large Japanese medical claims database. Patient backgrounds, antibiotic use, and examinations were descriptively evaluated. In total, 8010 patients were included in the analysis. The median number (interquartile range) of diseases claimed in the same month as acute URI was 4 (3-6). Only 519 (6.5 %) patients were claimed as acute URI alone. Regardless of the prescription of antibiotics, the most commonly redundantly claimed disease in these patients was allergic rhinitis, followed by acute bronchitis, acute sinusitis, and earwax impaction. The frequently prescribed antibiotics were third-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, and penicillins with extended-spectrum, including amoxicillin which was recommended by the Japanese manual; the proportion of patients with examinations was low (2.9-21.7 %). Among patients with acute URI, diagnoses requiring antibiotics were also claimed; therefore, when evaluating acute URI using the Japanese medical claims database, care must be taken in patient selection. Moreover, the implementation rate of examinations necessary for diagnosis was low, so there is an urgent need to develop an environment where examinations can be conducted in outpatient settings.

¿Igualdad de género en otorrinolaringología? / Gender equality in otolaryngology?

RESUMEN Introducción: Cada día son más las mujeres que ingresan a las escuelas de medicina y a los programas de especialización tradicionalmente considerados como de "predominancia masculina" (especialidades quirúrgicas y médico-quirúrgicas). Internacionalmente se han hecho esfuerzos por conocer la realidad de igualdad de género en otorrinolaringología, pero poco se sabe del escenario chileno. Objetivo Evaluar la percepción de igualdad de género en otorrinolaringología en residentes y médicos de la especialidad en Chile. Además evaluar la asociación entre género y aspectos de vida laboral y personal. Material y método Elaboración y distribución de encuesta que recopila información epidemiológica, de formación, de vida personal y laboral, además de preguntas relacionadas con percepción de acoso y/o discriminación de género. Resultados 139 encuestados (55% hombres, 75% ≥40 años, 72% especialistas). Se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en percepción de discriminación negativa de género hacia mujeres tanto durante la residencia como en el lugar de trabajo, mayor reporte de cuestionamiento de habilidades quirúrgicas y de comentarios sexistas en desmedro de mujeres. Sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa en percepción de acoso sexual ni en variación de horas de trabajo luego de ser padre o madre. Conclusión En la población encuestada, la población femenina reportó mayor percepción de discriminación de género. Se deben aumentar los esfuerzos por estudiar la situación de igualdad de género en nuestro medio y generar ambientes amigables para el desarrollo profesional indiferente del género.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Everyday more women enter medicine schools and to traditionally known as "male predominant" specialization programs (surgical and medical-surgical specialties). Internationally, efforts have been made to understand the reality regarding gender equality in otolaryngology, but little is known about the Chilean scene. Aim: To evaluate the perception on gender equality in otolaryngology of residents and physicians of the specialty in Chile. Also, to evaluate the association between gender and aspects of labor and personal life. Material and methods: Elaboration and distribution of a survey that collects epidemiologic, schooling, personal and labor life information, additionally questions related to perception of harassment and/or gender discrimination. Results: 139 people surveyed (55% men, 75% ≤40 years old, 72% specialists). Statistically significant difference was found in the perception of negative discrimination against women during residency and in work places, greater report of questioning of surgical abilities and sexist comments against women. No statistical difference was found in the perception of sexual harassment nor variation of work hours after mother or fatherhood. Conclusion: The female population surveyed reported a greater perception of gender discrimination. Efforts to study gender equality situation should be increased and friendly environments for professional development independent of gender should be generated.

Análisis de la producción científica en otorrinolaringología en España durante el periodo 2011-2015 / Analysis of scientific production in otolaryngology in Spain in the period 2011-2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: La publicación de artículos científicos es un indicador de calidad del hospital y se ha convertido en un criterio de excelencia entre los indicadores clínicos que acreditan a un profesional o a una institución. Se evaluaron las publicaciones científicas realizadas en los servicios de otorrinolaringología españoles durante el período 2011-2015 comparándolas con el periodo 1998-2002. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se extrajeron los artículos de Pubmed publicados por los servicios de ORL de España en el periodo 2011-2015, clasificándose según el tipo de revista (Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española o internacional) y el área de conocimiento: otología, audiología y otoneurología, cirugía de cabeza y cuello incluyendo oncología, rinología y ORL pediátrica. Se estableció un ranking de hospitales considerando el número total de originales, el factor de impacto acumulado y el número total de publicaciones. RESULTADOS: En el periodo 2011-2015 se han identificado 49.342 publicaciones, de las cuales el 1,44% proceden de España, mientras que entre 1998-2002 el 3,80% proceden de España. De los 712 artículos hay 389 publicados en Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española y 323 internacionales. De estas últimas el 20,7% pertenecen a la sección de otología, el 19,2% a audiología-otoneurología, el 30,6% a cirugía de cabeza y cuello, el 15,2% a rinología y el 3,4% ORL pediátrica. Cinco centros hospitalarios publicaron al menos 10 artículos originales en el período estudiado. CONCLUSIONES: La producción científica de la ORL española a nivel internacional ha descendido en los últimos 12 años. Se observa un fenómeno de concentración en determinados centros, asociado a un incremento considerable del factor de impacto acumulado

INTRODUCTION: Publishing in scientific journals is an indicator of hospital quality and has become a standard of excellence for medical doctors and institutions. The aim of the study is to identify the scientific publications performed by Otolaryngology Departments in Spain within the period 2011-2015 and to compare them to a previous period between 1998-2002. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Original papers published by Otolaryngology Departments in Spain in PubMed within 2011-2015 were retrieved. They were classified according to the type of journal published (international or Acta ORL Española) and the following subspecialty areas: Otology, Audiology and Neuro-Otology, Head and Neck Surgery (including Oncology), Rhinology and Paediatric ENT. Hospitals were ranked according to: number of original papers, accumulated impact factor and total number of publications. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2015, 49342 publications were included in PubMed, 1.44% from Otolaryngology Departments in Spain. Between 1998 and 2002, 3.80% publications were from Spanish ENT departments. Of the 712 papers published within the period 2011-2015, 389 were published in Acta ORL Española and 323 in international journals. From the latter, 20.7% belong to the Otology area, 19.2% to Audiology-Neuro-otology, 30.6% to Head and Neck Surgery, 15.2% to Rhinology and 3.4% to Paediatric ENT. Five tertiary centres published at least 10 original papers in the same period. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish otolaryngology's contribution to international journals has decreased in the last 12 years. A few institutions are responsible for the majority of publications and they have notably increased the cumulative impact factor

Utilidad de la evaluación por otorrinolaringología en atención primaria de salud: Evaluación piloto / Usefulness of otolaryngology evaluation in primary health care: Pilot evaluation

Introducción: En Atención Primaria de Salud (APS), las consultas por causas otorrinolaringológicas alcanzan hasta el 40%-50%. De éstos, muchos son enviados para evaluación al nivel secundario de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de una atención de otorrinolaringología en APS para tamizar el número de interconsultas al especialista. Explorar estrategias que permitan replicar la experiencia. Material y método: Se consideran las consultas de otorrinolaringología realizadas en dos escenarios diferentes, donde se evaluaron pacientes que se encontraban a la espera de atención formal por el nivel secundario. Resultados: Se evaluaron 201 pacientes. El 60,9% fueron de sexo femenino y el 39,1% masculino. La mediana de tiempo de espera para la derivación fue de 20 meses, con un rango intercuartil de 8-29 meses. El tiempo máximo de espera de interconsulta fue de 6 años (73 meses). Del total de interconsultas, 71,7% fueron dadas de alta con tratamiento según la causa, mientras que sólo en el restante 28,3% de las interconsultas se consideró necesario mantener la interconsulta al nivel secundario. Conclusión: Los resultados de la presente evaluación permiten plantear la utilidad de una evaluación otorrinolaringológica en APS. Esto permitiría reducir el flujo de derivaciones y listas de espera hacia el sector secundario, descongestionar el sistema, priorizar las derivaciones más pertinentes, crear canales de comunicación expeditos entre los niveles de atención, contribuir a la capacitación continua en ambos equipos y niveles.

Introduction: In primary health care, medical appointments for otorhinolaryngological causes reach up to 40%-50%. Of these cases, many are referred for the evaluation of the tertiary level of health. Aim: Assess the usefulness of an otorhinolaryngology evaluation at the primary health care level to screen the number of referrals to specialist. Explore strategies to replicate the experience. Material and method: Attention by otorhinolaryngologist is considered in two different scenarios, where patients who were waiting for formal care by the secondary level were evaluated. Results: 201 patients were evaluated. 60.9% of the patients were females and 39.1% were males. The median waiting time for referral was 20 months, with an interquartile range of 8 - 29 months. The maximum waiting time for consultation was 6 years (73 months). Of the total number of consultations, 71.7% were discharged with treatment according to the cause, while only the remaining 28.3% of the consultations were considered necessary to maintain consultation at the tertiary level. Conclusion: The results of this evaluation allow us to propose the usefulness of an otorhinolaryngological evaluation in primary health care. This would reduce the flow of referrals and waiting lists to the secondary sector, decongest the system, prioritize the most relevant referrals, create expedited channels of communication between levels of care, contribute to continuous training in both teams and levels.

Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de pacientes presentados al Comité de Oído del Servicio de ORL del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2004 y 2011 / Descriptive epidemiological study of patients presented at Ear committee of the ORL Department of the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile between the years 2004 and 2011

Introducción: En el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, existe una instancia de revisión semanal de los casos que generan más discusión diagnóstica en patología de oído y del sistema vestibular, que denominamos Comité de Oído. Objetivos: En este trabajo se pretende describir las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes evaluados en este comité. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de tipo retrospectivo donde se revisaron los registros del libro del Comité de Oído entre los años 2004 y 2011. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 1.081 diagnósticos realizados en el Comité de Oído. El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 39,9 años, siendo el 57% de sexo femenino. La patología de oído medio fue la más frecuente representando el 71%% del total de las consultas. El diagnóstico individual más frecuente fue la otitis media crónica colesteatomatosa en el 19,3% de los casos. Conclusión: Estos resultados nos permiten conocer las características de los pacientes con patologías de oído y sistema vestibular que generan más controversia en nuestro servicio.

Introduction: At the Otolaryngology Department of the Hospital Clinico de la Universidad de Chile, there is a committee of weekly meeting that reviews cases that generate the most controversy in ear and vestibular system pathology. Aim: This paper aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients evaluated at this committee. Material and method: We performed a retrospective study that reviewed the records of the ear committee between the years 2004 and 2011. Results: A total of 1081 diagnostics were made at the committee. The average age was 39.9 years, and 57% were female patients. Middle ear pathology was the most frequent, accounting for 71%% of all diagnostics. The most frequent individual diagnostic was cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media in 19.3(0)% of cases. Conclusion: These results allow us to know epidemiological characteristics of patients with ear and vestibular system diseases, and those cases that generate the most controversy in our service.

Neurolaringología / Neurolaryngology

La neuroanatomía de la voz y el habla es compleja. Una intrincada red neural se responsabiliza de que se ejecuten las principales funciones de la laringe: la protección de la vía aérea, la producción de la tos y el Valsalva y la fonación. La coordinación de esos roles es muy susceptible de verse afectada por enfermedades neurológicas, tales como la enfermedad de Parkinson, los accidentes cerebrovasculares, la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica, la esclerosis múltiple, la distonía y el temblor. Una cuidadosa evaluación neurológica debe ser llevada a cabo en todo paciente que presente síntomas vocales que orienten a una causa neurológica. La visualización endoscópica mediante fibrolaringoscopio, que permita una evaluación dinámica de la voz, es una parte esencial de la valoración y en algunas ocasiones se emplean otras pruebas complementarias. La evaluación otorrinolaringológica es importante en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las enfermedades neurológicas con expresión al nivel laríngeo(AU)

The neuroanatomy of voice and speech is complex. An intricate neural network is responsible for ensuring the main functions of the larynx: airway protection, cough and Valsalva production, and providing voice. Coordination of these roles is very susceptible to disruption by neurological disorders. Neurological disorders that affect laryngeal function include Parkinson's disease, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, dystonia and essential tremor. A thorough neurological evaluation should be routine for any patient presenting with voice complaints suggestive of neurogenic cause. Endoscopic visualisation of the larynx using a dynamic voice assessment with a flexible laryngoscope is a crucial part of the evaluation and ancillary tests are sometimes performed. Otolaryngologic evaluation is important in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders that affect laryngeal function(AU)