Online Training or Face-to-Face Training from the Perspective of Ear, Nose, and Throat and Head and Neck Surgeons?

PURPOSE: To determine the preferences of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Head-Neck Surgery (HNS) specialists and residents undergoing training for online or face-to-face training and the factors affecting the preference. METHODS: An 16-item questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was administered to residents undergoing training in ENT departments and to specialists working in the same field. The questionnaires were distributed online and requested to be completed between August and October 2020. The study participants were analyzed in two groups according to the preference for online training or face-to-face training. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of a total of 173 participants, as 68 (39.3%) in online training, and 105 (60.7%) in face-to-face training. Online training comprised 47 (69.1%) females and 21 (30.9%) males with a mean age of 38.9 ± 8years and face-to-face training comprised 68 (64.8%) females and 37 (35.2%) males with a mean age of 37.9 ± 7.5years (gender: P = 0.55, age: P = 0.10). Of the total sample, 39 (22.5%) subjects were single and 134 (77.5%) were married. Face-to-face training was preferred by 61.2% of the married respondents and by 59% of those who were single. While 43.4% stated that visuals and documents were similar in both forms of training, those who stated that documentation was better in face-to-face training constituted 90.2% of the group that preferred face-to-face training (P = 0.0001). Of the total participants, 65.4% stated that concentration was easier in face-to-face training (P = 0.0001). When the groups were compared according to areas of interest, more of those involved in rhinology and head-neck surgery were in face-to-face training, and those with an interest in otology were seen to be in online training (P = 0.002). A wish to continue online training after the pandemic was expressed by 80.9% of the whole sample, and 68.6% wished to continue with face-to-face training (P = 0.0001). Hybrid meetings were determined to have been selected by 86.1% (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Online web seminars have an important role as a teaching and learning tool. There is a need for further research to evaluate how these clinically focused seminars can be presented at high quality and how they can provide benefit in training.

Development of a Voice Handicap Index for Clergymen: An Investigation of Its Validation and Reliability.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to is to develop a disorder-specific patient-reported outcome measure to be used in Islamic clergymen with voice disorders and to investigate its validity and reliability. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, this study conducted in two phases. Initially, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 clergymen experiencing voice disorders. Subsequently, the questionnaire underwent rigorous validation, encompassing content, construct, and criterion validity assessments, in addition to test-retest reliability and internal consistency analyses. The index was administered to a sample of 110 male clergy, including imams, muezzins, and Quran course teachers, with an age range from 19 to 61years. RESULTS: Construct validity was established through factor analysis, resulting in a final 23-item scale categorized into two factors: physical-functional and emotional. Known group validity demonstrated a significant distinction between the study and control groups. Criterion validity reinforced the index's validity, displaying a correlation coefficient of 0.758 between the Voice Handicap Index for Clergymen and the well-established Voice Handicap Index. The questionnaire exhibited commendable internal consistency, with a Cronbach's Alpha (α) coefficient value of 0.971. Test-retest reliability analysis exhibited strong consistency, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.863. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that the developed valid and reliable handicap index in the present study be included in the voice assessment batteries of Islamic clergymen with voice complaints with the clinical and research purposes. In future studies, the validity of the questionnaire can be investigated more by examining the difference between the Voice Handicap Index for Islamic Clergymen (CVHI) scores obtained before and after treatment. Identifying a cut-off point that discriminates between dysphonic and normophonic clergymen may allow the use of the CVHI as a screening tool for this population.

Impact of the Severity of Reinke's Edema on the Parameters of Voice.

Objective: This study aimed to classify the degree of edema in patients with Reinke's edema (RE) and examine its impact on their voice parameters using both objective and subjective assessment methods. Methods: Objective and subjective voice data of 104 patients diagnosed with RE between 2018 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. RE is classified into 4 groups (types 1, 2, 3, and 4). The evaluation included videolaryngostroboscopic examination, acoustic voice analysis, and aerodynamic measurements, GRBAS, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Voice-Related Quality of Life Scale (V-RQOL), and Reflux Septum Index (RSI). Results: Patients with type 1 RE had a significantly lower mean age than those with types 3-4. Although there were no significant differences in acoustic and aerodynamic parameters between the groups, it was observed that F0 and the maximum phonation time decreased as the degree of edema increased. The GRBASTotal, G, and R scores of types 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those of types 3 and 4, as were the scores of type 1 S. There were no statistically significant differences between the RE groups in terms of VHI-10, V-RQOL, and RSI scores. Conclusion: It has been observed that as the severity of RE increases, voice perception and quality (especially types 3 and 4) are negatively affected. Determining the degree of edema will guide the clinician in both the planning of the intervention phase and the follow-up phase.

Investigation of Validity and Reliability of Voice Activity and Participation Profile-Turkish Version (VAPP-TR).

A voice activity and participation profile (VAPP) is a self-assessment tool used to measure activity and participation limitations resulting from voice disorders. This study aims to demonstrate the adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the VAPP scale. A total of 231 individuals, 155 with voice disorders (patient group) and 76 without voice disorders (normal group), were included in this study. With reliability, internal consistency, and test-retest methods; validity was evaluated with criterion and convergent validity methods. The Cronbach α coefficient calculated for internal consistency was found to be 0.985 for the VAPP total and between 0.914 and 0.978 for the subsections. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was found to be 0.974 for the VAPP total and between 0.800 and 0.981 for the subsections. Total and subsection scores of the VAPP scale had correlation coefficients ranged between 0.725 and 0.903 with VHIT and V-RQOLT in the whole sample (all P<0.001). The cut-off point was determined as ≥ 8 by ROC curve analysis for criterion validity. VAPP-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to evaluate the quality of life of Turkish patients with voice disorders, particularly those with activity limitations and participation restrictions.

Prognostic and Clinical Role of Contrast Enhancement on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Bell's Palsy.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of the magnetic resonance imaging in Bell's palsy patients. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed and treated with Bell's palsy between October 2013 and March 2016 retrospectively selected. House-Brackmann grades, pre- and post-treatment pure tone audiograms, stapedial reflexes were analyzed and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with gadolinium-based contrast agents were evaluated. Contrast-enhanced segments of the facial nerve were determined. MRI findings were compared statistically with pre- and post-treatment grade, recurrence rate of Bell's palsy, MRI scanning timing, presence of stapes reflexes and posttreatment recovery data. Results: No significant correlation was observed between pretreatment House-Brackmann grades and enhancement (p>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between clinical recovery and enhancement (p>0.05). Also, no significant correlation was observed between MRI scanning time, the recurrence rate of Bell's palsy and MRI findings (p>0.05). None of the MRIs showed neoplastic contrast enhancement. Conclusion: The routine use of the contrast-enhanced temporal MRI is not recommended in the diagnosis and monitoring of Bell's palsy patients, because the contrast enhancement pattern of the facial nerve has no effect on the prognosis of Bell's palsy. MRI should be used in cases that do not heal despite treatment, for the differential diagnosis of facial nerve tumors and in patients who are candidates for surgical decompression.

Turkish Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (ART).

OBJECT: To prepare a national guideline for Otorhinolaryngologist who treat allergic rhinitis patients. METHODS: The study was conducted by three authors, namely the writing support team. The support team made the study plan, determined the writing instructions, chose the subgroups including the advisory committee, the advisors for authors and the authors. A workshop was organized at the very beginning to explain the details of the study to the team. Advisors took the chance to meet their coworkers in their subgroups and determined the main headings and subheadings of the guideline, together with the authors. After key words were determined by the authors, literature search was done in various databases. The authors keep in touch with the advisors and the advisors with the advisory committee and the support group at every stage of the study. National and International published articles as well as the abstracts of unpublished studies, imperatively presented in National Congresses, were included in this guideline. Only Guideline and meta-analyses published in last seven years (2013-2017) and randomized controlled studies published in last two years (2015-2017) were included. After all work was completed by the subgroups, support team brought all work together and edited the article. RESULTS: A detailed guideline about all aspects of allergic rhinitis was created. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this guideline will enable a compact and up-to-date information on allergic rhinitis to healthcare professionals. This guideline is the first in the field of Otolaryngology in Turkey. It should be updated at regular intervals.

How important is the Sphenoseptal cell in identifying the skull base? Recent incidence and demonstration of endoscopic surgical steps

Background/aim: Because of close relations to important anatomical structures such as cavernous sinus and optic nerve, sphenoid sinus variations must be well trained by the otolaryngologist who has an interest in endoscopic sinus surgery. Newly defined sphenoseptal cell (SSC) is one of those variations that may lead to insufficient endoscopic sinus surgery outcomes if not defined preoperatively with imaging studies. The present study aimed to present the main characteristics of this special type of nasal cell. Materials and methods: In this study, 610 paranasal sinus CT scans were analyzed and reviewed retrospectively between May 2018 and December 2019. Also, endoscopic findings of SSC that cause a surgical catastrophe in identifying skull base and sella are presented during transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Results: According to its definition and relation to the sphenoid sinus and the skull base, an SSC was seen in 21 scans of 610 patients (3.4%), 11 were women (55%) and 10 were men (45%). Conclusion: Although an SSC is a rare variation of nasal air cells, preoperative diagnosis of this cell is of paramount importance in some patients during endoscopic transnasal surgery for the identification of skull base.

Impact of fetal brain tissue derived mesenchymal stem cell and fibrin glue on facial nerve crash injury

Background/aim: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological effects of fetal brain tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (FBTMSC) and fibrin glue (FG) on the facial nerve (FN) regeneration in rats with traumatic FN injury. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study and divided into 4 groups. Traumatic FN injury (FP) was created by a surgical clamp compression to the main trunk of left FN in all groups. In the control group (group 1) no treatment was applied, in group 2 (FBTMSC group) 2 × 106 FBTMSC was injected, in group 3 (FG group) only FG was applied, in group 4 (FBTMSC and FG groups) both FBTMSC and FG were applied to the injured section of the nerve. The FN functions were evaluated clinically, immediately after the procedure and at 3rd, 5th, and 8th weeks postoperatively. The FNs of all subjects were excised after the 8th week; then the rats were sacrificed. The presence of stem cells in the injured zone was assessed using bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU), and apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL method. Results: After the damage, total FP was observed in all subjects. Statistically significant functional improvement was observed in group 4 compared to all other groups (P < 0.005). TUNEL-positive cell count was statistically significantly higher in the control group than the other groups (P < 0.001). TUNEL-positive cell count was statistically significantly lower in group 4 than the other groups. The proportion of BrdU-stained cells in group 4 (5%) was higher than group 2 (2%). Conclusion: Clinically and histopathologically FBTMSC applied with FG may play a promising role as a regenerative treatment in posttraumatic FP.

Inflammatory complications of vocal fold injection with hyaluronic acid: a multiinstitutional study

Background/aim: This study aimed to assess the inflammatory adverse reactions of vocal fold injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid. Materials and methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent vocal fold injection augmentation with HA injection from January 2005 to September 2016 in nine different institutions. Demographic data, indication for injection, injection techniques, types of injection material, settings of procedure, and complications were reviewed. The types of complication, onset time, and management of complications were also noted. Results: In all, 467 patients were identified. The majority of patients had been injected under general anesthesia (n = 382, 84.7%). For injection material, two different types of hyaluronic acid were used: hyaluronic acid alone or hyaluronic acid with dextranomer. Complications occurred in nine patients (1.9%). The majority of complications were inflammatory reactions (n = 7, 1.47%). Main symptoms were dysphonia and/or dyspnea with an onset of 0 h to 3 weeks after the hyaluronic acid injection. Three patients were hospitalized, one of which was also intubated and observed in the intensive care unit for 24 h. Systemic steroids and antibiotics were the main medical treatment in the majority of cases. There was no statistical difference in complication rates between patients who received hyaluronic acid and those who received hyaluronic acid with dextranomer (P = 0.220). Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid can be considered as a safe substance for the injection of vocal folds with a low risk of inflammatory reaction.

Prognostic role of homeostasis model assessment and oral glucose tolerance test in nondiabetic patients with Bell's palsy

Background/aim: We aimed to revealthe incidence and predictive role of insulin resistance and distorted oral glucose tolerance test in nondiabetic patients withBell's Palsy (BP). Materials and methods: Eighty-sixpatients with BP and 28 control subjects; all with normal blood glucose levels and no history of diabetes, were enrolled in the study. We investigated insulin resistance (IR) in all subjects, in terms of HOMA-IR greater than 2.7. Sixty-two of the patients also underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Results: The mean HOMA-IR value was significantly increased in patients, compared to the control group (3.2 vs 1.6; P < 0.01). IR was detected more in BP patients than in controls (P < 0.05). The patients with higher HOMA-IR values had more severe facial dysfunction at the initial presentation and complete recovery time took longer than the patients with normal HOMA-IR value (75 days vs 42 days; P < 0.05). Following a 2h-OGTT, impaired glucose tolerance and newly diagnosed DM were found in 60% of the patients. Recovery time was significantly longer in prediabetics and newly diagnosed diabetic patients than in patients with normal glycemia (68 days, 52 days, and 32 days, respectively; P < 0.01). Conclusion: There is a strong linkage between HOMA-IR value and BP prognosis so HOMA-IR value may have a significant role of predicting BP prognosis at presentation.

Addition of intratympanic steroid or hyperbaric oxygen treatment to systemic steroid treatment in sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and long-term results of salvage treatment

Background/aim: This study aims to determine the therapeutic superiority of the addition of intratympanic steroid or hyperbaric oxygen therapy to systemic steroid treatment in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss as initial treatment, and evaluate the long- term results of salvage treatment. Materials and methods: This study was a retrospective clinical trial with a total of 96 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n: 32) received systemic steroid treatment. Group 2 (n: 32) received the Group 1 protocol plus intratympanic steroid treatment. Group 3 (n: 32) received the Group 1 protocol plus hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Pretreatment and postinitial audiologic evaluations were performed, and the hearing outcome was analyzed with Furuhashi criteria. All patients, except those who experienced total recovery after initial treatment, were directed to salvage treatment. Audiologic assessment was performed again after salvage treatment and a mean follow-up period of 36.5 months. Results: Each group was homogenous according to demographics, audiologic data, and prognostic factors. There was no statistically significant difference in recovery and success rate within the 3 groups after initial treatment. (P: 0.66, P: 0.248, respectively). Successful results were obtained after salvage treatment in only 3 patients (5%). These patients received follow-up treatment at a mean of 36.5 months, but there was no spontaneous recovery after the end of salvage treatment. Conclusion: The addition of intratympanic steroids or hyperbaric oxygen to systemic steroids caused no significant hearing improvement as the initial treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The efficacy of salvage treatment was limited, and there was no spontaneous hearing improvement after the long-term follow-up.

Effects of phenytoin injection on vocal cord healing after mechanical trauma: An experimental study

Background/aim: Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant drug which causes fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and an increase in epidermal growth factor. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of phenytoin injection on the wound healing process in rats with vocal cord injury by histopathological methods. Materials and methods: The vocal cords of 10 albino Wistar rats were damaged bilaterally; the left vocal cord was kept as the control group. Phenytoin was injected in the right vocal cord. Ten rats were sacrificed. The thickness of the lamina propria and density of the fibroblast and collagen were evaluated histopathologically. Results: Thickness of the lamina propria was 18.0 ± 7.1 µm in the control group, 65.5 ± 10.7 µm in the phenytoin group. The density of fibroblast and collagen were statistically lower in the control group compared the phenytoin group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Phenytoin injection in rats after vocal cord injury significantly increased the thickness of the lamina propria and density of fibroblast and regular and mature collagen in the lamina propria. The findings in our study provide a feasible scientific view for adding phenytoin treatment to vocal cord surgeries in otolaryngology practice, but further studies are needed in order to evaluate the use of phenytoin in preventing the formation of scar tissue and possible effects on vocal cord vibration in humans after vocal cord injury.

Glomus tumors of the head and neck: thirteen years' institutional experience and management.

Background: Head and neck paragangliomas are slowly growing benign tumors and they originate from specialized neural crest cells. Aims/objectives: This study aimed to express the safety of paraganglioma surgery regarding complications, treatment, and outcomes of patients with head and neck glomus tumors. Materials and methods: Medical records of patients who were operated because of head and neck paraganglioma between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Results: The study group consisted of 49 patients (M/F: 6/43). The patients were distributed as follows: 22 glomus caroticum (GC) (44.8%), 8 glomus jugulare (GJ) (16.3%), 10 glomus tympanicum (GT) (20.4%), 4 glomus vagale (GV) (8.1%), 2 GC + GV (4%), 2 bilateral GC (4%) and 1 thyroidal glomus tumor (2%). All GC and GV tumors were resected via cervical approach. Three of GJ tumors were resected through transmastoid approach while five of them were resected through both transmastoid and cervical approach. Nine GT tumors were resected via transmastoid approach. One patient received cyberknife. Thyroid paraganglioma was diagnosed incidentally after total thyroidectomy. Mean follow-up period was 61.92 ± 35.11 months (1-124 m). Conclusions and significance: The choice of treatment depends on the size, location and biologic activity of tumor as well as the physical condition of the patient. Our results show that glomus tumors can be resected with low mortality and morbidity rates due to developing imaging and microsurgical methods.

The Malignancy Risk Assessment of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules Improves Markedly by Using a Predictive Model.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of thyroid nodules are discovered incidentally, and the management may be a challenge if the fine needle aspiration specimen yields indeterminate findings. Our aim was to develop an individualized risk prediction model to provide an accurate estimate of cancer risk in patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records, ultrasound images, and cytopathology reports of patients who underwent thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictive ability of each variable for malignancy, and a nomogram was built by integrating patients' age, multiplicity of nodules, cytology results, and suspicious ultrasound features, such as microcalcifications and irregular margins. RESULTS: For the 233 indeterminate nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, the malignancy rates of the subgroups "atypia of undetermined significance," "suspicious follicular neoplasia," and "suspicious for malignancy" were 44.3, 47.7, and 88.0%, respectively. It was found that the Bethesda category "suspicious for malignancy," microcalcifications, and irregular margins were independent risk factors for malignancy. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.784, which suggested that the presented nomogram had considerable discriminative performance. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram developed in our study accurately predicts the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology by using clinical, cytological, and ultrasonographic features.

Anatomic Derkay Score Is Associated with Voice Handicap in Laryngeal Papillomatosis in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The Derkay staging system quantifies recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) severity based on involvement of laryngeal structures. Despite its broad use in the laryngology literature, the association between Derkay score and voice-related quality of life has not previously been studied. It is hypothesized that Derkay score positively correlates with the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-six adult RRP patients treated from 2007 to 2013 at a tertiary medical center were included. Anatomic Derkay scores at the time of each RRP procedure were calculated. VHI-10 scores obtained within 30 days preceding the procedures were used to assess for correlation between Derkay staging system and VHI-10. RESULTS: Ninety-three procedures performed on 46 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean Derkay score was 11.9 (range, 2-28), and mean VHI-10 was 18.0 (range, 0-40). There was a significant positive correlation between Derkay score and VHI-10 (Spearman coefficient r = 0.42, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The anatomic burden of RRP as assessed by Derkay staging system is positively correlated with voice-related quality of life as quantified by the VHI-10.

Does CPAP treatment affect the voice?

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in voice parameters among patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with an indication for CPAP treatment without any voice problems and with normal laryngeal findings were included and voice parameters were evaluated before and 1 and 6 months after CPAP. Videolaryngostroboscopic findings, a self-rated scale (Voice Handicap Index-10, VHI-10), perceptual voice quality assessment (GRBAS: grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain), and acoustic parameters were compared. RESULTS: Data from 70 subjects (48 men and 22 women) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 6.0 years were evaluated. When compared with the pre-CPAP treatment period, there was a significant increase in the VHI-10 score after 1 month of treatment and in VHI- 10 and total GRBAS scores, jitter percent (P = 0.01), shimmer percent, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and voice turbulence index after 6 months of treatment. Vague negative effects on voice parameters after the first month of CPAP treatment became more evident after 6 months. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated nonsevere alterations in the voice quality of patients under CPAP treatment. Given that CPAP is a long-term treatment it is important to keep these alterations in mind.