Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a Complication of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Vaccine.

The relationship between COVID-19 and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) continues to solidify in light of a growing body of evidence. In addition to the well-established COVID-19 symptoms and sequelae, otolaryngologists have observed an increased incidence of SNHL in patients with COVID-19 and following COVID-19 immunizations. Although the precise mechanisms behind this association remain unclear, various hypotheses are discussed within the scientific literature. This case report expands on the relationship between COVID-19 and SNHL by discussing a unique case of bilateral tinnitus and subsequent SNHL shortly following COVID-19 immunization. It contributes to the growing body of evidence associating COVID-19 with SNHL, underlining the importance of further research to understand potential causal mechanisms. It underscores the clinical importance of monitoring hearing in COVID-19 patients and those receiving immunizations, advocating for increased awareness among clinicians to facilitate early identification and appropriate intervention in cases of COVID-19-related hearing loss.

Impact of a postgraduate year one (PGY-1) otolaryngology bootcamp on procedural skill development.

Background: To measure the impact of an intensive eight-week postgraduate year one (PGY-1) otolaryngology bootcamp on the acquisition and retention of otolaryngology residents' procedural skills compared to the traditional method of skill acquisition through clinical exposure. Methods: Residents at our institution were evaluated on their performance of flexible laryngoscopy, suture ligature, and rigid bronchoscopy setup at three time points: pre-bootcamp, one-week post-bootcamp, and one-year post-bootcamp. Video recordings were scored by two blinded faculty reviewers using a multipoint rating system. A control group of rising postgraduate year two (PGY-2) residents who did not participate in bootcamp were recorded performing these same skills. Scores in the three skills were compared between groups via t-tests. The eight-week bootcamp curriculum for PGY-1s was held at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Innovation in Simulation at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. The participants were two classes of PGY-1 residents (n=8) at our institution who participated in a bootcamp at the beginning of residency, and one class of rising PGY-2 residents (n=3) who did not participate in a bootcamp (control group). Results: A comparison of pre-bootcamp scores to one-week post-bootcamp scores showed significant improvement in suture ligature ( P<0.05) and rigid bronchoscopy ( P<0.05), but no difference in flexible laryngoscopy ( P=0.54). Suture ligature ( P=0.09) and rigid bronchoscopy ( P=0.25) skills were not significantly different from one-week post-bootcamp to one-year post-bootcamp; however, a significant skill improvement was observed in flexible laryngoscopy ( P<0.05). By June of PGY1 year, the two bootcamp cohorts were similar to controls in all three skills: flexible laryngoscopy ( P=0.05), rigid bronchoscopy ( P=0.26), and suture ligature ( P=0.10). Conclusions: Participation in PGY-1 bootcamp was associated with improved acquisition and short-term retention of basic procedural skills, suggesting that bootcamps can be an effective arena to teach basic skills in otolaryngology. PGY-1 bootcamp is a promising arena for multi-institutional development.

The Comparative Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Versus E-Module on the Training of Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment: A Randomized, Simulation-Based Educational Study.

Introduction Preventing errors in donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for limiting the spread of infectious diseases. Virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated itself as an effective tool for asynchronous learning, but its use in PPE training has not been tested. The objective of this study was to compare donning and doffing performance between VR and e-module PPE training. Methods A prospective randomized open-blinded controlled trial was conducted to determine differences in donning and doffing performance after VR and e-module PPE training among medical staff and medical students at a single institution. The primary outcome was donning and doffing performance with real PPE, assessed using a 64-point checklist. The secondary outcome was participant preparedness and confidence level after training.  Results Fifty-four participants were randomized, mostly consisting of medical students (n=24 {44%}) or emergency medicine and otolaryngology residents (n=19 {35%}). The VR group (n=27 {50%}) performed better than the control in the overall PPE scores but this was not statistically significant (mean {SD}, VR: 55.4 {4.4} vs e-module: 53.3 {8.1}; p = 0.40). VR participants also reported higher levels of preparedness and confidence after training. Residents as a subgroup achieved the highest increases after VR training compared to their counterparts in the control training group (mean {SD}, VR: 55.6 {4.9} vs e-module 48.4 {5.5}, p = 0.009).  Conclusion In this randomized trial, VR training was found to be non-inferior to e-module for asynchronous PPE training. Our results suggest that in particular residents may benefit most from VR PPE training. Additionally, VR participants felt more confident and prepared to don and doff PPE after training compared to e-module participants. These findings are particularly relevant given the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Future studies need to focus on VR integration into residency curriculum and monitoring for long-term skill retention.

Traumatic Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Presenting as Spontaneous Hemothorax.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM), also known as pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas, are abnormal connections between the pulmonary arterial and venous systems. The majority occur secondary to the congenital syndrome hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu disease. Trauma is an extremely rare etiology of PAVM, comprising less than 1% of all reported cases. Trauma can be associated with both immediate and delayed development of PAVM, and present similarly to PAVM associated with HHT. We report a case of a traumatic PAVM that developed in a patient one year following blunt thoracic trauma with a rib fracture. The patient subsequently developed a rupture of the PAVM, resulting in spontaneous hemothorax. She required multi-unit blood transfusion and multiple thoracostomy tube placements. The patient subsequently underwent a failed attempt at angioembolization of the PAVM. She eventually required a thoracotomy for surgical excision of the PAVM. We discuss the traumatic etiologies, clinical presentation, diagnostic assessments, and therapeutic modalities for the management of PAVM.

Sinus Surgery Is Associated with a Decrease in Aspirin-Induced Reaction Severity in Patients with Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

BACKGROUND: Nasal polyps influence the burden of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) by contributing to eicosanoid production. AERD is diagnosed through graded aspirin challenges. It is not known how sinus surgery affects aspirin challenge outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on aspirin-induced reaction severity and on the levels of eicosanoids associated with these reactions. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with AERD were challenged with aspirin before and 3 to 4 weeks after ESS. Respiratory parameters and plasma and urine levels of eicosanoids were compared before and after challenges. RESULTS: Before ESS, AERD diagnosis was confirmed in all study patients by aspirin challenges that resulted in hypersensitivity reactions. After ESS, reactions to aspirin were less severe in all patients and 12 of 28 patients (43%, P < .001) had no detectable reaction. A lack of clinical reaction to aspirin was associated with lower peripheral blood eosinophilia (0.1 K/µL [interquartile range (IQR) 0.1-0.3] vs 0.4 K/µL [IQR 0.2-0.8]; P = .006), lower urinary leukotriene E4 levels after aspirin challenge (98 pg/mg creatinine [IQR 61-239] vs 459 pg/mg creatinine [IQR 141-1344]; P = .02), and lower plasma prostaglandin D2 to prostaglandin E2 ratio (0 [±0] vs 0.43 [±0.2]; P = .03), compared with those who reacted. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus surgery results in decreased aspirin sensitivity and a decrease in several plasma and urine eicosanoid levels in patients with AERD. Diagnostic aspirin challenges should be offered to patients with suspected AERD before ESS to increase diagnostic accuracy. Patients with established AERD could undergo aspirin desensitizations after ESS as the severity of their aspirin-induced hypersensitivity reactions lessens.

Introductory TORS training in an otolaryngology residency program.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is becoming an integral part of the otolaryngology resident experience. While there is widespread agreement that a formal, validated curriculum for TORS training is needed for residents, none presently exists. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate an introductory resident curriculum for TORS training that could be easily adopted at other institutions. This is a prospective study of otolaryngology residents (PGY1-5) in an academic medical center from 2015 to 2016. Trainees completed an introductory TORS training program consisting of online modules, logistic training, and hands-on training consisting of 12 tasks on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS). The primary outcomes were completion of training and time to completion. The secondary outcomes included resident attitudes regarding TORS as reflected on post-training survey. A total of 20 resident trainees participated in the study. 85% of trainees completed the hands-on robotic training in the allotted 3-h time limit. The average time to completion for those who finished was 91.53 min (SD 33.59 min). There was no statistically significant correlation between time to completion and PGY, number of robotic first assists, or total number of robotic cases. An introductory, resident-directed TORS training curriculum using the dVSS on an active surgical console is feasible in an academic medical center and may contribute to basic robotic competency among residents. Institutions with a dVSS may replicate this training in a resource-efficient manner prior to implementation of more comprehensive training. Robotic skills are likely trainable and independent from surgical skills learned during residency.

Improving Rhinology Skills with Simulation.

The convergence of technology and medicine has led to many advances in surgical training. Novel surgical simulators have led to significantly improved skills of graduating surgeons, leading to decreased time to proficiency, improved efficiency, decreased errors, and improvement in patient safety. Endoscopic sinus surgery poses a steep learning curve given the complex 3-dimensional anatomy of the nasal and paranasal cavities, and the necessary visual-spatial motor skills and bimanual dexterity. This article focuses on surgical simulation in rhinological training and how innovative high-fidelity and low-fidelity simulators can maximize resident training and improve procedural skills before operating in the live environment.

Formation and assessment of a novel surgical video atlas for thyroidectomy.

Within surgery, interactive media have previously been used to educate medical students and residents. Here, we develop and assess the efficacy of a novel surgical video atlas in teaching surgically relevant head and neck anatomy to medical students. A total thyroidectomy was recorded intraoperatively and subsequently narrated to develop a video atlas. Medical students were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two interventions. One group was assigned to the video atlas, while the other was supplied with a traditional textbook atlas. Both groups underwent pre- and post- tests to evaluate anatomical knowledge and satisfaction. Thirty-seven students completed the study, with 18 students in the experimental group and 19 students as control. In the video atlas arm, mean pre and post-test scores were 57.2% and 84.5%, respectively. In the traditional textbook arm, the mean pre- and post-test scores were 55.3% and 76.51%, respectively. Students with the video atlas had a mean post-test score 8.07% points higher than those without (p = .035). Overall, students were significantly more satisfied with the surgical video atlas than with the standard traditional textbook. A surgical video atlas was shown to more effectively teach head and neck anatomy to medical students compared to standard textbook atlases.

Plasma 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Predicts Treatment Outcomes in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin desensitization followed by daily aspirin provides therapeutic benefits to patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). It is not well understood how eicosanoid levels change during aspirin treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between clinical outcomes of aspirin treatment and plasma eicosanoid levels in patients with AERD. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with AERD were offered aspirin treatment (650 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks. Respiratory parameters and plasma levels of multiple eicosanoids were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks of aspirin therapy using the Asthma Control Test and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. Respiratory function was evaluated using the FEV1 and nasal inspiratory peak flow. RESULTS: After aspirin treatment, respiratory symptoms improved in 16 patients, worsened in 12 patients, and did not change in 4 patients. Seven patients were unable to complete the desensitization protocol. Patients with symptom improvement had higher baseline plasma 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) levels than did patients with symptom worsening: 7006 pg/mL (interquartile range, 6056-8688 pg/mL) versus 4800 pg/mL (interquartile range, 4238-5575 pg/mL), P = .0005. Baseline 15-HETE plasma levels positively correlated with the change in Asthma Control Test score (r = 0.61; P = .001) and in FEV1 after 4 weeks of aspirin treatment (r = 0.49; P = .01). It inversely correlated with Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score (r = -0.58; P = .002). Black and Latino patients were more likely to have symptom worsening on aspirin or fail to complete the initial desensitization than white, non-Latino patients (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AERD, low baseline 15-HETE plasma levels and black or Latino ethnicity are associated with worsening of respiratory symptoms during aspirin treatment.

Resident and student education in otolaryngology: A 10-year update on e-learning.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: E-learning, in its most rudimentary form, is the use of Internet-based resources for teaching and learning purposes. In surgical specialties, this definition encompasses the use of virtual patient cases, digital modeling, and online tutorials, as well as standardized video and imaging. As new technological frontiers rapidly emerge within otolaryngology, e-learning may be an effective alternative to traditional teaching. Here we present a systematic review of the literature assessing the efficacy of e-learning for otolaryngology education and a discussion of the relevance of these programs for both medical students and residents within the field. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted according to the guidelines defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. These studies measured a range of outcomes from basic science anatomical knowledge to clinically relevant endpoints such as diagnostic accuracy. Nearly all of the studies reported greater satisfaction and/or significantly increased objective knowledge using the e-learning intervention compared to traditional techniques. CONCLUSIONS: E-learning proves to be a powerful alternative to standard teaching techniques within otolaryngology education for both residents and medical students. Future work should focus on validating specific e-learning programs and accessing long-term knowledge retention using these innovative platforms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:E219-E224, 2017.

Association of Nasal Mucosal Vascular Alterations, Gastrointestinal Arteriovenous Malformations, and Bleeding in Patients With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether the nasal mucosa can serve as a surrogate for evaluating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) related gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF LVADs). BACKGROUND: Bleeding from the mucosal surfaces of GI tract, particularly AVMs, is the most common complication of CF LVAD support. The pathophysiology of AVM formation during CF LVAD support is of critical interest yet poorly understood; in large part because of the length and accessibility of the GI tract. Nasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive, bedside test giving access to a mucosal surface possibly representative of the GI tract. METHODS: Eighty subjects (35 with CF LVAD, 30 with heart failure reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF], and 15 controls without heart failure) underwent nasal endoscopy for systematic evaluation of the intranasal mucosa for the presence of hypervascularity (HV). Patient records were reviewed for episodes and etiology of GI bleeding. RESULTS: Nasal HV was present in 63%, 57%, and 20% of the LVAD, HFrEF, and control groups, respectively (p = 0.018). Although the prevalence was similar, the severity of nasal HV was significantly higher in the CF LVAD group compared with the HFrEF group. Of the baseline characteristics in the entire cohort, only a history of heart failure was associated with HV (odds ratio: 4.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 22.31; p = 0.040) in adjusted logistic regression modeling. HV was strongly associated with GI bleeding in the CF LVAD cohort: the incidence was 32% in subjects with HV compared with 0% in subjects with normal mucosa (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, HV of the nasal mucosa was associated with GI bleeding in subjects with CF LVADs. Nasal endoscopy has significant potential to further investigation into mechanisms of bleeding and risk stratification during CF LVAD support.

Closer to the Mean: An Argument for Decreased Variance in Surgery.

Variation, long accepted to be the norm in otolaryngologic surgical practice, has recently come under scrutinization. Efforts can be seen daily in the operating room to standardize procedures with time-outs, checklists, and protocols. The thought is that by enforcing repetition and eliminating variation, it is possible to decrease human error and reduce cost. However, there is understandable resistance from surgeons in removing the "art" from surgery. We propose that standardization, if appropriately put into practice, can improve surgical outcomes and efficiency and even enhance resident education.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation: successful transplantation after 155 days of support.

We present a case of a woman with acute respiratory distress syndrome and irrecoverable lung function that was successfully bridged to lung transplantation after 155 consecutive days of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Subscapular system of flaps: An 8-year experience with 105 patients.

BACKGROUND: Review patient and defect factors in which this donor site is an optimal choice for reconstruction and to discuss strategies to overcome the perceived drawbacks of this system of flaps. METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent the subscapular system of free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. RESULTS: Ninety-eight reconstructions were performed for mandibular defects, 4 for maxillary defects alone and 3 for combined mandible-maxilla defects. The overall success rate was 98%. CONCLUSION: The subscapular system of free flaps is an excellent option in patients for whom the alternative donor sites are either not usable or lack the associated soft tissue elements required for a successful reconstruction. This flap should also be considered as a first choice for patients with complex/extensive surgical defects requiring multiple, independently mobile, soft tissue components; in patients who will benefit from a large muscle flap placed over the vital structures in the neck; patients of advanced age; and patients in whom early mobilization is critical.

Is there a role for robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass in patients with a colostomy?

Preoperative colostomy presents a significant risk of sternal wound complications, mediastinitis, and ostomy injury in patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting. Less invasive procedures in coronary surgery have a potential to reduce the risk of sternal wound healing problems. Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with a colostomy has not been reported. We describe a case of completely endoscopic coronary surgery using the da Vinci Si system in a patient with a transverse colostomy. Single left internal mammary artery grafting to the left anterior coronary artery was performed successfully on the beating heart. We regard this technique as the least invasive method of surgical coronary revascularization with a potential to reduce the risk of surgical site infection and mediastinitis in patients with a colostomy.

Reoperative lung transplantation for donor-derived pulmonary mucormycosis.

A 64-year-old male with end-stage lung disease underwent right orthotopic lung transplantation. After doing well initially, he developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with allograft pneumonia. Donor operative cultures demonstrated mold of the Mucor species, which were corroborated by donor endobronchial cultures obtained near the right mainstem bronchial anastomosis. The patient was treated with reoperative bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation in combination with antifungal agents. The operation was performed successfully, using lungs donated after cardiac death and treated with ex vivo lung perfusion. The patient has recovered well, remaining on room air with good allograft function, without evidence of fungal disease.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting in men and women: are there sex differences in outcome?

BACKGROUND: According to several studies, women are at higher risk for mortality and experience less relief of angina after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) than men. Sex-related differences in patients undergoing totally endoscopic coronary bypass grafting (TECABG) have not been investigated thus far. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of sex on the outcome of patients undergoing TECABG. METHODS: The data of 500 consecutive patients (364 male, 136 female) undergoing TECABG using the da Vinci telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) from 2001 to 2011 at two institutions were investigated regarding sex-related differences in short-term and long-term outcome. RESULTS: In all, 334 single, 150 double, 15 triple, and 1 quadruple TECABG procedures were carried out. Female patients were significantly older (63 years [range, 26 to 90] versus 59 years [range, 31 to 85], p = 0.001) and had higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score levels (3 [range, 0 to 11] versus 2 [range, 0 to 13], p < 0.001). Male patients received slightly more grafts (1 [range, 1 to 4] versus 1 [range, 1 to 3], p = 0.028), female patients were more likely to undergo beating heart surgery (20% versus 28%, p = 0.042). In-hospital mortality was 3 of 364 men (0.8%) and 2 of 136 women (1.5%; p = 0.513). Comparison of long-term-survival revealed 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 96%, 96%, and 95% in men and 96%, 96%, and 96% in women, respectively, without any significant difference. Analysis of freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events revealed 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of 86%, 84%, and 82% in men and 85%, 81%, and 81% in women, respectively, without any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that women undergoing TECABG have outcomes similar to those of men.

Criterion-based (proficiency) training to improve surgical performance.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether training otorhinolaryngology residents to criterion performance levels (proficiency) on the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Simulator produces individuals whose performance in the operating room is at least equal to those who are trained by performing a fixed number of surgical procedures. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING Two academic medical centers in New York City. PARTICIPANTS Otorhinolaryngology junior residents composed of 8 experimental subjects and 6 control subjects and 6 attending surgeons. INTERVENTION Experimental subjects achieved benchmark proficiency criteria on the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Simulator; control subjects repeated the surgical procedure twice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Residents completed validated objective tests to assess baseline abilities. All subjects were videotaped performing an initial standardized surgical procedure. Residents were videotaped performing a final surgery. Videotapes were assessed for metrics by an expert panel. RESULTS Attendings outperformed the residents in most parameters on the initial procedure. Experimental and attending groups outperformed controls in some parameters on the final procedure. There was no difference between resident groups in initial performance, but the experimental subjects outperformed the control subjects in navigation in the final procedure. Most important, there was no difference in final performance between subgroups of the experimental group on the basis of the number of trials needed to attain proficiency. CONCLUSIONS Simulator training can improve resident technical skills so that each individual attains a proficiency level, despite the existence of an intrinsic range of abilities. This proficiency level translates to at least equal, if not superior, operative performance compared with that of current conventional training with finite repetition of live surgical procedures.