RESUMEN
Background: In endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), surgical landmarks such as the maxillary line (ML) and the axilla of the middle turbinate (MT) guide the surgeon in identifying the lacrimal sac. The primary surgical risk associated with the classical technique, which involves directly opening the lacrimal sac, is the height of the bone drilling on the projection of the lateral wall of the nasal fossa. This poses a significant risk of damaging the orbit, the floor of the frontal sinus, and the anterior skull base. Furthermore, the anatomical variability in size and location of the lacrimal sac poses a risk for difficult and precise surgical identification. Recently, a 'retrograde' technique has been introduced to safely identify and expose the lacrimal sac. The aim of this study is to compare the results of retrograde DCR (rDCR) to a classic technique (clDCR), in terms of clinical recurrence and complications. Methods: A retrospective study on a cohort of 35 patients who underwent DCR at the ENT Department of the Modena University Hospital between January 2010 and October 2022 (18 clDCR and 17 rDCR) was performed. Minimum postoperative follow-up for inclusion was 12 months. We used the Fisher's exact test to compare the two techniques, comparing functional outcomes and clinical recurrence rates. Results: Clinical recurrence of nasolacrimal stenosis in clDCR patients was 50%, compared to 6% in those who underwent rDCR (p-value 0.005). Postoperative surgical complications were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: rDCR is a safe technique and has been shown to be a statistically more effective surgical technique than clDCR in reducing clinical recurrence rates.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend that the vast majority of patients with severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) should have at least one endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) prior to starting biologics. Because ESS can be performed with a variable extension, the aim of this study would be to evaluate the association between surgical extensiveness, as measured by ACCESS score, and outcomes collected in patients treated with Dupilumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicentric retrospective study; patients affected by CRSwNP who were subjected to Dupilumab therapy and who underwent at least one ESS prior to Dupilumab initiation were included. ACCESS score was assigned to each patient's pre-Dupilumab CT scan. Subjective and objective parameters (SNOT-22, NPS, VAS scores, Sniffin' Sticks) were collected before and during the administration of therapy. Statistical correlations between ACCESS scores and clinical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 145 patients were included; mean time from last previous ESS was 68.6 months, and on average, patients were subjected to 2.2 surgeries. Many correlations with ACCESS scores were demonstrated: better NPS at all timepoints and subjective scores (30-days SNOT-22, VAS nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea) were achieved in patients with low ACCESS score (more extensive ESS). On the other hand, significantly worse VAS loss of smell values were demonstrated in patients with lower ACCESS scores. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab patients subjected to a prior extensive ESS may have reduced size of polyps and improved subjective indicators, together with a decreased chance to recover smell, when compared with patients who underwent a minimal excision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1556-1563, 2024.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados , Pólipos Nasales , Rinitis , Sinusitis , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Rinitis/complicaciones , Rinitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Rinitis/cirugía , Sinusitis/complicaciones , Sinusitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Sinusitis/cirugía , Pólipos Nasales/complicaciones , Pólipos Nasales/tratamiento farmacológico , Pólipos Nasales/cirugía , Enfermedad Crónica , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a disease with a significant impact on quality of life. The overall goal of CRSwNP management, as with other chronic conditions, is to achieve "disease control", and for that reason, a definition of control of disease is pivotal in deciding the best treatment strategy. Although many staging systems have already been developed to evaluate the disease, disease control is not yet to be standardized, and a specific tool that is consistently applied and accepted by all practitioners is still missing in daily clinical practice. To gain an overview of the implementation and limitations of existing guidelines and to shed light on real-life definitions of control and disease severity, we conducted a nationwide survey of otorhinolaryngologists routinely treating CRSwNP to identify unmet clinical needs in Italy. The results showed homogeneous responses regarding the knowledge contained in international guidelines while highlighting the difficulty of their implementation in day-to-day practice. Respondents called attention to the importance of clinical symptoms, giving more weight to the patient's perspective. Among the symptoms to be considered, respondents emphasized nasal obstruction, followed by loss of sense of smell and rhinorrhea. Others also believe that the physician's perspective should be considered, and the inclusion of endoscopy as a measure of control was warranted by many. The need for a specific tool that is able to unequivocally ascertain disease control is increasingly pivotal in this new era of biologics for treating CRSwNP.
RESUMEN
Introduction: To investigate the differences in the professional and personal life and the perception of gender-bias, among Italian female surgeons working in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS), as compared to those involved in other surgical fields (overall group [OG]). Materials and Methods: An online survey was administered to female medical doctors working in all surgical fields in Italian hospitals. Results: Of the 1963 responders included, 153 (7.8%) were part of the ONHS group and 1810 (92.3%) of the OG. In both cohorts, female represented approximately one-third of the surgical staff. At least one female in the staff did not regularly attend the operating room (OR), especially in the OHNSG group. OHNS responders had to abandon the surgical activities in favour of outpatient services more than OG. A higher proportion of OHNS surgeons encountered gender-related difficulties in the OR. Discussion: Several gender-related issues emerged among OHNS responders, the most relevant being involvement in surgical activities and number/complexity of surgical cases.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology. METHODS: Following PRISMA statement recommendations, 338 abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Inclusion criteria were research articles of human patients affected by BFP, either central or peripheral; English, Italian, French or Spanish language; availability of the abstract, while exclusion criteria were topics unrelated to FP, and mention of unilateral or congenital FP. Only full-text articles reporting the diagnostic work-up, the management, and the prognosis of the BFP considered for further specific data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 143 articles were included, resulting a total of 326 patients with a mean age of 36 years. The most common type of the paralysis was peripheral (91.7%), and the autoimmune disease was the most frequent aetiology (31.3%). The mean time of onset after first symptoms was 12 days and most patients presented with a grade higher than III. Associated symptoms in idiopathic BFP were mostly non-specific. The most frequently positive laboratory exams were cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening and peripheral blood smear, and the most performed imaging was MRI. Most patients (74%) underwent exclusive medical treatment, while a minority were selected for a surgical or combined approach. Finally, in more than half of cases a complete bilateral recovery (60.3%) was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: BFP is a disabling condition. If a correct diagnosis is formulated, possibilities to recover are elevated and directly correlated to the administration of an adequate treatment.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades del Nervio Facial , Parálisis Facial , Humanos , Adulto , Parálisis Facial/etiología , Parálisis Facial/terapia , Parálisis Facial/diagnóstico , Causalidad , Imagen por Resonancia MagnéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the type of maintenance anesthesia on the bleeding conditions of the surgical field and hemodynamic parameters during endoscopic ear surgery (EES), comparing totally intravenous inhalational anesthesia (TIVA) with inhalational anesthesia (IA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Fifteen consecutive EES cases performed with TIVA between 2019 and 2020 at our Institution were matched to a control group of patients who underwent EES with IA in the same period. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists IV grade, acute otitis before surgery, congenital or acquired coagulopathies, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiaggregant or anticoagulant therapy in the 5 days before the intervention were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Both primary and revision tympanoplasty and stapes surgery were considered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical videos were reviewed to quantify the entity of bleeding according to the Modena Bleeding Score. Hemodynamic parameters during surgery were retrospectively collected. A comparison between the two groups was performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of bleeding were found at any of time point evaluated. The tympanomeatal flap elevation resulted in the bloodiest step in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters were similar in both groups ( p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data do not support a significant difference in bleeding conditions and hemodynamic parameters between EES patients receiving TIVA and those receiving IA. Further studies involving a higher number of patients will improve our understanding on how maintenance anesthesia with TIVA may be beneficial in terms of bleeding control as compared with IA for patients undergoing EES.
Asunto(s)
Anestesia por Inhalación , Endoscopía , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Anestesia por Inhalación/métodos , Endoscopía/efectos adversos , Endoscopía/métodos , HemorragiaRESUMEN
Objective: We conducted a national survey to understand how rhinology practice has changed with the advent of biologics and how this affected patients with uncontrolled, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). We aimed to analyse the results of the survey and infer practical recommendations for clinical practice. Methods: A group of ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs) experienced in the management of CRSwNP developed a 74-question survey. ENTs from rhinology centres authorised to prescribe biologics in the context of the national health system were invited to answer it between 01/05/2022 and 31/07/2022. The responses underwent descriptive analyses, and the authors discussed the results and derived practical recommendations for clinical practice. Results: ENTs working in rhinology centres changed their practices coinciding with the advent of biologics. CRSwNP evaluations have become more complex because they involve diagnostic confirmation, determining the patients' immunologic profile, and other factors. We observed heterogenous behaviours in practice that may be conditioned by the novelty of the topic. The results of the survey were used to develop practical recommendations for ENTs and are summarised herein. Conclusions: Clinical practice in rhinology outpatient clinics has changed profoundly in the era of biologics. Our practical recommendations for clinicians working in rhinology centres are expected to help standardise practice and improve care.
Asunto(s)
Productos Biológicos , Pólipos Nasales , Rinitis , Sinusitis , Humanos , Pólipos Nasales/complicaciones , Pólipos Nasales/terapia , Rinitis/complicaciones , Rinitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Productos Biológicos/uso terapéutico , Sinusitis/complicaciones , Sinusitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Nariz , Enfermedad CrónicaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with significant morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life. Findings from clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of dupilumab in CRSwNP, although real-world evidence is still limited. METHODS: This Phase IV real-life, observational, multicenter study assessed the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP (n = 648) over the first year of treatment. We collected data at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. We focused on nasal polyps score (NPS), symptoms, and olfactory function. We stratified outcomes by comorbidities, previous surgery, and adherence to intranasal corticosteroids, and examined the success rates based on current guidelines, as well as potential predictors of response at each timepoint. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in NPS from a median value of 6 (IQR 5-6) at baseline to 1.0 (IQR 0.0-2.0) at 12 months (p < .001), and a significant decrease in Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) from a median score of 58 (IQR 49-70) at baseline to 11 (IQR 6-21; p < .001) at 12 months. Sniffin' Sticks scores showed a significant increase over 12 months (p < .001) compared to baseline. The results were unaffected by concomitant diseases, number of previous surgeries, and adherence to topical steroids, except for minor differences in rapidity of action. An excellent-moderate response was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months based on EPOS 2020 criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from this large-scale real-life study support the effectiveness of dupilumab as an add-on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP in reducing polyp size and improving the quality of life, severity of symptoms, nasal congestion, and smell.
Asunto(s)
Pólipos Nasales , Rinitis , Sinusitis , Humanos , Pólipos Nasales/complicaciones , Pólipos Nasales/tratamiento farmacológico , Calidad de Vida , Rinitis/complicaciones , Rinitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Corticoesteroides/uso terapéutico , Sinusitis/complicaciones , Sinusitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad CrónicaRESUMEN
Background: Gender inequity in surgery has increasingly been a matter of debate. Contributions of female neurosurgeons to academic medicine and societies are poorly highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate several aspects of the professional and work-life balance of female neurosurgeons in Italy. Methods: Data of the female neurosurgical population were extracted from a general 83-item questionnaire administered to a total of 3242 respondents. The survey was composed of multiple-choice questions investigating demographics, surgical training and practice, satisfaction, mentorship, discrimination, and harassment. Results: A total of 98 female neurosurgeons were included. Most responders were married or cohabiting (49%). Thirty-nine (43%) were planning to have children, and 15 of them (44%) stated the reason they still didn't have any was because of professional constraints. Seventy (71%) women were neurosurgeons with an academic position (residents or academics) and 28 (29%) were full-time attendings. Most of the female neurosurgeons are satisfied with their work: sometimes (35%), often (20%), and always or almost always (20%). Most of them (45%) stated they are rarely victims of harassment, but 66% think that they are treated differently because they are women. A similar rate for a poor and fulfilling work-life balance (34% and 35%, respectively) was detected. The majority of participants (89%) had encountered a role model during their career, but in only 11% of cases was that person female. Conclusions: Even though the rate of satisfaction among female neurosurgeons in Italy is high, some of them experienced gender discrimination, including incidents of sexual harassment and microaggressions. Policies including job sharing paradigms, consistent and meaningful options for parental leave, mentorship programs, equal and fair remuneration for equal work, and zero tolerance for harassment should be encouraged.
RESUMEN
Sinonasal neoplasms are uncommon diseases, characterized by heterogeneous biological behavior, which frequently results in challenges in differential diagnosis and treatment choice. The aim of this review was to examine the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumor initiation and growth, in order to better define diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as well as the prognostic impact of these rare neoplasms. A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria was conducted between September and November 2022. The authors considered the three main histological patterns of sinonasal tumors, namely Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma, and Olfactory Neuroblastoma. In total, 246 articles were eventually included in the analysis. The genetic and epigenetic changes underlying the oncogenic process were discussed, through a qualitative synthesis of the included studies. The identification of a comprehensive model of carcinogenesis for each sinonasal cancer subtype is needed, in order to pave the way toward tailored treatment approaches and improve survival for this rare and challenging group of cancers.
Asunto(s)
Adenocarcinoma , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Neoplasias Nasales , Neoplasias de los Senos Paranasales , Senos Paranasales , Humanos , Adenocarcinoma/patología , Neoplasias Nasales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Nasales/genética , Neoplasias Nasales/terapia , Neoplasias de los Senos Paranasales/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de los Senos Paranasales/genética , Neoplasias de los Senos Paranasales/terapiaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To compare hearing results and complication rates between two groups of patients operated on by endoscopic stapes surgery (ESS) for otosclerosis, either with CO2 fiber laser or microdrill. METHODS: A case-control study was performed. All consecutive cases of CO2 fiber laser ESS operated at a single center during the period 2017-2020 (case group) were matched to a control group of patients operated by traditional technique, according to year of surgery, preoperative mean air-bone gap, sex and age. Audiological data from preoperative and postoperative examinations and complication rates were compared. RESULTS: 46 cases were included. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the laser cohort (65 min) than in the drill one (45 min) (p = 0.003). Similar results were found in the two groups regarding the mean postoperative BC-PTA. The high-frequency bone conduction resulted significantly higher in the laser group (p = 0.002), suggesting an overclosure effect in the laser group. Consistently, a significant improvement of the BC-PTA threshold at 2000 Hz postoperatively was found in the laser group (p = 0.034). The postoperative AC-PTA significantly improved in both groups at all frequencies (p < 0.05), except for the AC threshold at 8 kHz. Similar rates of complications were found in the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to compare hearing results and complications between CO2 fiber laser and microdrill in ESS. Our results demonstrated similar functional outcomes between the two groups, confirming ESS as safe and effective, regardless of the technique used.
Asunto(s)
Otosclerosis , Cirugía del Estribo , Humanos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Dióxido de Carbono , Resultado del Tratamiento , Estribo , Cirugía del Estribo/métodos , Otosclerosis/cirugía , Conducción Ósea , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Background: Women's participation in the surgical workforce has increased. The aim of the study is to acquire objective data regarding practice, training, satisfaction, and discrimination of women surgeons working in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery in Italy. Methods: An 83-item questionnaire was distributed through social media and sent to e-mails of women surgeons from November through December 2020. A sub-analysis on women working in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery was performed. Results: Overall, 222 respondents were included (48 cardiac, 62 thoracic, and 112 vascular surgeons). Thirty-six percent partially abandoned surgical activities in favor of other professional activities, not including the operating room. On average, our respondents took part in 33% of all surgical cases performed in their units; however, of 12 high complexity surgeries per month, less than one is performed by them. Only 7 female participants who answered the questionnaire were in leadership positions. Many respondents struggle with lack of mentorship and missing opportunities in operating room. A high percentage of women experienced discrimination due to their gender in their professional life, and 59% claimed to have been subject to sexual harassment. Conclusions: In Italy, women thoracic, cardiac, and vascular surgeons face lack of mentorship, opportunities in the operating room, and gender-related issues including some episodes of sexual harassment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion should become strategic priorities in all institutions. Among our respondents, surgical exposure is limited, which may deter a surgical career and play a crucial role in surgeons' dissatisfaction, that also include poor work-life-balance, and a large amount of administrative work. Surgical societies may address these issues by providing structured mentorship programs and networking opportunities. Societies' contributions might substantially impact supporting and retaining women at different stages of their careers.
RESUMEN
This systematic review aims to (a) define what instruments are available to measure quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media (COM) and what is the most commonly selected timing to do so; (b) compare outcomes from different surgical techniques; and (c) describe any reported correlation between subjective and functional results. This review was conducted following the PRISMA statement recommendations. Of the 151 articles screened, 24 were included. Most studies had a prospective design. The mean age at surgery was 44.5 years. A microscopic retroauricular approach was the most common surgical technique. Most articles included both primary and revision surgeries. The most commonly used questionnaire was the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), followed by the Chronic Ear Survey (CES), the Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test 15 (COMOT-15) and the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21). Questionnaires were administered about 12 months after surgery in most studies. Ten studies reported possible associations between hearing results and QoL. QoL assessment after COM surgery variably relies on disease-specific and non-specific questionnaires. Patients are usually evaluated 12 months after surgery, and this appears to be a suitable timing to contrast the possible bias effect of different tympanoplasty techniques associated with different healing times. A comparison between QoL outcomes in different surgical approaches cannot be made, as several influencing factors have not been detailed in the included studies. Few studies have investigated the correlation between subjective and objective outcomes of tympanoplasty for COM so far.
RESUMEN
Management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a complex process aimed at identifying a clinical indication for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (sRT) or microsurgical resection or wait and scan (WS). The aim of the review was to clarify which patient and tumor parameters may lead to different therapeutic choices, with a view to a personalized VS approach. A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria was conducted between February and March 2022. The authors defined six parameters that seemed to influence decision-making in VS management: 1-incidental VS; 2-tumor size; 3-tumor regrowth after sRT; 4-subtotal resection; 5-patients' age; 6-symptoms. The initial search yielded 3532 articles, and finally, 812 articles were included. Through a qualitative synthesis of the included studies, management strategies were evaluated and discussed. An individualized proposal of procedures is preferable as compared to a single gold-standard approach in VS decision-making. The most significant factors that need to be considered when dealing with a VS diagnosis are age, tumor size and hearing preservation issues.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ossiculoplasty is aimed at improving or maintaining the conductive portion of hearing in patients subjected to otologic surgery. However, satisfying hearing is frequently observed after tympanoplasty even in the absence of ossicular chain reconstruction. Aims of this article would be to evaluate hearing outcomes, in terms of pure tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG), in patients subjected to tympanoplasty for middle ear disease whose ossicular chain has not been reconstructed, and then to investigate factors influencing those outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ear surgery from year 2003 to 2021 at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery department of the University Hospital of Modena was performed. Audiometric test results from patients who did not receive any ossicular chain reconstruction were collected and analyzed. SETTING: Tertiary University referral center. RESULTS: The mean patients' follow-up was 34.1 months. Overall, mean PTA-ABG in the study population was 23.5 dB. Integrity of stapes superstructure, malleus handle and malleus head, together with the use of tragal cartilage graft over autologous temporalis fascia to reconstruct the tympanic membrane were found to be significantly associated with better hearing outcomes, as demonstrated by lower PTA-ABG values. Stapes superstructure was found to be associated with more favorable outcomes in multivariate analysis, net of confounding factors. CONCLUSION: Good hearing performance can be obtained in patients subjected to middle ear surgery, even if the ossicular chain is not reconstructed. Presence of ossicular chain remnants and the use of a rigid material for tympanic membrane reconstruction are the factors that seem to most favorably influence hearing outcomes after surgery for middle ear disease.
Asunto(s)
Prótesis Osicular , Reemplazo Osicular , Audición , Humanos , Reemplazo Osicular/métodos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Timpanoplastia/métodosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Primary mucosal melanoma of the larynx (PLM) is a rare entity among head and neck cancers. Due to its rarity, clear protocols of management are not available. A deeper knowledge of the clinical and biological behaviour of PLM is strongly needed. METHODS: According to PRISMA process, we searched through electronic databases case reports, case series and review articles providing relevant clinical data. The survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves, using disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as endpoints. RESULTS: 1074 articles were initially screened, of which 37 studies describing 44 PLM cases were selected and included in the analysis. Mean age was 59.7 years with a mean follow-up time of 25.4 months. The most common symptom at presentation was hoarseness (52%), while the most involved laryngeal subsite was supraglottic region (62%). Most patients presented with an advanced stage. Tumour (T) and node (N) status at presentation did not influence OS nor DFS, whereas distant metastases (M) status resulted significantly associated with the reduction of OS and DFS time (Mantel-Cox: p < 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The laryngeal subsite and the type of surgery performed did not significantly impact on OS and DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for PLM remains debated. Surgery with safe margins is recommended due to the high rates of local recurrence. Systemic therapy is advised for metastatic disease. However, the prognosis remains poor even after radical resection or targeted therapy.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello , Laringe , Melanoma , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Supervivencia sin Enfermedad , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/patología , Estimación de Kaplan-Meier , Laringe/cirugía , Laringe/patología , Melanoma/cirugía , Pronóstico , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Background: Local and systemic corticosteroids have long been the workhorse in management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), although there is no universally accepted modality of prescription. We carried out a survey in Italy to capture current trends in the use of topical and systemic corticosteroids in patients with CRSwNP. Methods: A survey was set up on Survey Monkey®. Each author distributed the link to the survey in an ad hoc manner and a total of 437 participants filled out the survey. Results: Mometasone furoate (79.3%) was the most frequently prescribed, administered daily by 61.9% of participants; the remaining preferred to discontinue treatment for brief periods to reduce side effects or to modulate the therapy in mild cases. The majority believe that a short cycle of systemic steroids should be prescribed for re-exacerbation of symptoms and that the number of cycles in the previous year should be evaluated to define control of the disease even if international guidelines do not provide clear indications on this topic. A certain degree of divergence emerged from responses regarding how long and the maximal dose of systemic steroids which place patients at high risk for adverse events. Finally, systemic corticosteroids seem to offer only temporary benefit on recovery of smell without guaranteeing long-term control even if the patient is adherent to topical corticosteroids. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for clear guidelines on oral steroids, which could help supporting the use of a precision medicine approach, including indications for new biological agents.
RESUMEN
Many studies documented the "glass ceiling" effect for women in surgery: achievements in academic and leadership positions are not consistent with the percentage of female surgeons in practice. A solid surgical case volume and expertise in high-complexity cases are required to pursue leadership positions. The aim of the study was to determine whether part of the difficulties encountered by female surgeons may lie in reduced surgical opportunities. This is the first study to investigate this issue in Italy. An online survey, conceived and promoted by Women in Surgery Italia, was administered through the RedCap platform, between November and December 2020, and female surgeons actively working in Italian academic and non-academic hospitals were invited to answer anonymously. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the role of different factors on two main variables: overall procedures done and a sub-analysis of complex cases performed as first surgeon. 1810 respondents were included; the women who responded participated in 3% fewer cases on average, when compared to the mean staff case volume, and were significantly more often listed as the assistant surgeon and as primary surgeons in low-complexity cases. 36.5% of the respondents declared that at least one female physician on staff had to abandon the operatory room (OR) and does not regularly perform any surgical procedure. 73% female surgeons would like to spend more hours in the OR. While acquiring skills and surgical autonomy, many obstacles still exist for female surgeons. A portion of women are relegated to non-surgical activities, irrespective of their specialty, and these results confirm the theory that gender-biased underemployment still exists in surgical fields.