Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Change in Pharyngeal Bacterial Cultures After Pediatric Tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To review all available biomedical literature to assess published data regarding the effect of pediatric tonsillectomy on the culture results of potentially pathogenic respiratory pharyngeal bacteria before and after surgery. DATA SOURCES: Biomedical literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) from January 1970 to December 2019. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed with the assistance of a medical librarian. Inclusion criteria consisted of pediatric patients and extractable data regarding respiratory bacteria culture data before and after tonsillectomy. Meta-analysis with random effects modeling was used on a limited basis. RESULTS: Only 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. The grand mean age was 5.9 years; the sample size range was 31 to 134; and the range of follow-up was 1 to 12 months. Group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus was generally the least commonly cultured pathogenic bacteria on preoperative cultures. Qualitative culture data generally showed an overall decrease in potentially pathogenic bacteria and some increase in nonpathologic respiratory flora after tonsillectomy. Meta-analysis showed significant reductions in postoperative culture rates for group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus (positive post- vs preoperative culture: risk ratio [RR], 0.144; 95% CI, 0-0.342), Haemophilus influenzae (RR, 0.437; 95% CI, 0.266-0.608), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (RR, 0.268; 95% CI, 0-0.567) and mixed results for Moraxella catarrhalis (0.736; 95% CI, 0.446-1.03) but no significant reduction for Staphylococcus aureus (RR, 0.774; 95% CI, 0.157-1.39). CONCLUSION: The majority of published evidence shows that pediatric tonsillectomy appears to reduce the quantity of most cultured potentially pathogenic respiratory bacteria in the pharynx after surgery. The implications and possible benefits of this favorable change in the microbiologic environment after surgery require further study.

Clinical Consensus Statement: Ankyloglossia in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and seek consensus on issues and controversies related to ankyloglossia and upper lip tie in children by using established methodology for American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical consensus statements. METHODS: An expert panel of pediatric otolaryngologists was assembled with nominated representatives of otolaryngology organizations. The target population was children aged 0 to 18 years, including breastfeeding infants. A modified Delphi method was used to distill expert opinion into clinical statements that met a standardized definition of consensus, per established methodology published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. RESULTS: After 3 iterative Delphi method surveys of 89 total statements, 41 met the predefined criteria for consensus, 17 were near consensus, and 28 did not reach consensus. The clinical statements were grouped into several categories for the purposes of presentation and discussion: ankyloglossia (general), buccal tie, ankyloglossia and sleep apnea, ankyloglossia and breastfeeding, frenotomy indications and informed consent, frenotomy procedure, ankyloglossia in older children, and maxillary labial frenulum. CONCLUSION: This expert panel reached consensus on several statements that clarify the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ankyloglossia in children 0 to 18 years of age. Lack of consensus on other statements likely reflects knowledge gaps and lack of evidence regarding the diagnosis, management, and treatment of ankyloglossia. Expert panel consensus may provide helpful information for otolaryngologists treating patients with ankyloglossia.

Association of Preoperative, Subjective Pediatric Tonsil Size With Tonsillectomy Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

IMPORTANCE: Tonsil size assessment on physical examination is often used as a key component of clinical decision-making, specifically in estimating the success or failure of adenotonsillectomy surgery. The accuracy of this approach is not specifically known. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the biomedical literature for data comparing subjective preoperative tonsil (and adenoid) size (0- to >4-point scale) with adenotonsillectomy outcomes using polysomnography and/or quality of life outcomes. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A PubMed and Embase search was conducted from June 1, 2018, through November 1, 2018, to identify articles comparing preoperative subjective tonsil and adenoid size with surgical outcomes. Key search terms included adenotonsillectomy, tonsil size, Brodsky scale, apnea-hypopnea index, OSA-18, polysomnography, and quality of life, with limits of 0 to 18 years of age. Inclusion criteria included articles on pediatric patients only, articles on patients who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy, and articles that included presurgical and postsurgical data. Exclusion criteria included patients who received surgery beyond adenotonsillectomy and studies that did not compare tonsil and adenoid size grades with surgical outcomes. FINDINGS: A total of 27 studies were included in the final data set. The mean sample size was 79.7 (range, 17-250), and the mean age was 6.3 years (range, 4.2-12.8 years). Case series was the predominant study design (20 studies). Fourteen studies specifically excluded obesity and craniofacial syndromes, whereas 2 studies addressed patients with trisomy 21 only, and 5 studies focused on patients with obesity. Outcome measures included polysomnography (19 studies), Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18 survey (4 studies), Obstructive Sleep Apnea 6 (1 study), oxygen desaturation index (1 study), and overnight pulse oximetry (1 study). Ten studies conducted postoperative evaluations within 90 days of the intervention, and 17 studies had greater than 90-day follow-up. A total of 22 of the 27 studies (81.5%) concluded that there was no association between tonsil and adenoid size and surgical outcome, whereas 5 studies (18.5%) concluded that there was an association. Studies that found no association had a higher mean quality score than those that found an association (15.6 vs 14.5; difference in means, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.07-2.19). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Most published clinical evidence suggests that subjective tonsil and adenoid size is not reliably associated with adenotonsillectomy success or failure because success rates are typically high regardless of tonsil size. Physicians should understand the potential limitations of using tonsil size alone as the key component of clinical decision-making for adenotonsillectomy.

Cost Benefit and Utility Decision Analysis of Turbinoplasty with Adenotonsillectomy for Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

OBJECTIVES: Use decision analysis techniques to assess the potential utility gains/losses and costs of adding bilateral inferior turbinoplasty to tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy (T/A) for the treatment of obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) in children. Use sensitivity analysis to explore the key variables in the scenario. STUDY DESIGN: Cost-utility decision analysis model. SETTING: Hypothetical cohort. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Computer software (TreeAge Software, Williamstown, Massachusetts) was used to construct a decision analysis model. The model included the possibility of postoperative complications and persistent oSDB after surgery. Baseline clinical and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) parameters were estimated using published data. Cost data were estimated from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 2018 databases ( www.cms.gov ). Sensitivity analyses were completed to assess for key model parameters. RESULTS: The utility analysis of the baseline model favored the addition of turbinoplasty (0.8890 vs 0.8875 overall utility) assuming turbinate hypertrophy was present. Sensitivity analysis indicated the treatment success increase (%) provided by concurrent turbinoplasty was the key parameter in the model. A treatment success increase of 3% of turbinoplasty was the threshold where concurrent turbinoplasty was favored over T/A alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $27,333/QALY for the baseline model was favorable to the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 to $100,000/QALY for industrialized nations. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of turbinoplasty for children with turbinate hypertrophy to T/A for the treatment of pediatric oSDB is beneficial from both a utility and cost-benefit analysis standpoint even if the benefits of turbinoplasty are relatively modest.

Injection laryngoplasty in neonates and young children with unilateral vocal fold immobility.

INTRODUCTION: Although injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a well-accepted treatment strategy in older children and adults with unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI), its efficacy and safety have not been well studied in neonates and young children. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic effects of IL on aspiration & dysphagia in neonates and young children with UVFI. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of infants and children who underwent IL at a tertiary children's hospital. The primary endpoints were improved aspiration and avoidance of gastrostomy tube placement. Additional endpoints included adverse airway and swallowing effects of IL. RESULTS: Eight patients were included in this case series. A total of 10 injection laryngoplasties were performed. Average corrected age of patients undergoing IL was 1.22 years(range 0.5-3.6 y). Seven out of 8 patients had preoperative modified barium swallow (MBS). Five out of seven showed improvement in aspiration. Three out of six (50%) patients who did not have gastrostomy tube preoperatively, were able to avoid gastrostomy tube. No adverse effects were noted following IL. One patient with severe tracheomalacia ultimately required tracheostomy 5 months after IL. CONCLUSION: Injection laryngoplasty appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option in neonates and young children with unilateral vocal cord immobility and associated aspiration. It may be an effective treatment to improve aspiration and avoid gastrostomy tube placement. Further investigation is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

The relationship of the uvula with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

Currently, the relationship between uvula size and sleep-disordered breathing (snoring and obstructive sleep apnea) lacks data for objective interpretation. This study conducted a systematic review of the international literature for research describing the measurable characteristics of the uvula (i.e., size, length, width) and any association with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). PubMED, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were each systematically searched from inception through November 15, 2016. We screened 1037 titles and abstracts. We conducted a full review of 54 downloaded articles. Sixteen articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 16 studies included a total of 2604 patients. The selected articles included data and information for (1) normative data for uvular size in the control groups, (2) snoring and uvula size, (3) OSA and uvula size, and (4) overall uvula function. Our review noted variability in findings; however, in general, a uvular length > 15 mm was considered elongated and a uvular width > 10 mm was considered to be wide. The studies included in this systematic review reveal a relationship between uvula size, snoring, and OSA. Further, larger uvulas appear associated with more severe snoring and OSA. The direct correlation between uvula size and its relationship specifically to snoring and OSA remain as topics for future prospective research.

Comparison of Pediatric Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Extracapsular Tonsillectomy: A Cost and Utility Decision Analysis.

Objectives To use decision analysis modeling to compare utility and cost outcomes of intracapsular tonsillectomy (ICT) and extracapsular tonsillectomy (ECT). To use sensitivity analysis to determine the most important factors influencing outcomes favoring one surgical method versus another. Study Design Decision analysis model. Setting Hypothetical cohort. Subjects and Methods A decision analysis model was created with computer software comparing the results of ICT and ECT. The model featured complications with completion tonsillectomy, such as postsurgical bleed, dehydration, and tonsillar regrowth. Outcomes were quantified with a utility scale ranging from 0.95 (1 surgical procedure without complications) to 0.55 (ICT, regrowth requiring completion ECT, post-ECT bleeding). Costs measured out-of-pocket costs for an insured patient and factored in different recovery times for ECT versus ICT. Results Based on baseline parameters, ECT had higher cumulative utility than ICT. Utility model results were highly dependent on the value of having a single uncomplicated surgery, as well as on the tonsillar regrowth rate. Utility was equal at a regrowth rate of 1.64%; rates above this value favored ECT. The base cost model showed that ICT ($4177.92) was less expensive than ECT ($4546.91), although ICT with regrowth had the highest outcome cost ($8393.91). ECT and ICT costs were equal at a tonsil regrowth rate of 17.8% and at a recovery period of 7.4 days. Conclusion Utility decision modeling based on best estimates for baseline parameters suggests that ECT may be slightly superior to ICT, but cost analysis suggests the opposite. However, the comparative results are highly dependent on subtle changes in the tonsil regrowth rate and the potential difference in recovery time.

Polysomnography results versus clinical factors to predict post-operative respiratory complications following pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Systematically review the published literature comparing the presence of clinical features (age, BMI, co-morbidities, etc.) versus polysomnogram (PSG) results in the prediction of major post-operative respiratory complications following pediatric adenotonsillectomy (T/A) for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: A systematic review of the PUBMED and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies containing both clinical and PSG data predicting major post-operative respiratory complications following T/A. Inclusion criteria included English language and extractable data. Major respiratory complications were defined as events that required significant intervention (intubation, CPAP,etc.) and/or altered patient disposition. Random effect modeling was performed and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria with a median sample size of 157 (range 26-1735) and published between 1992 and 2015. The most common study design was a case series. Most studies included multiple patients at high risk for respiratory complications (Syndromic, obese, etc.). The summary estimate of the major respiratory complication rate following T/A was only 5.8% (95% CI = 4.2-7.4%, p < 0.001, I2 = 99%). For studies with extractable data, 102 of 112 patients (91.1%) with a post-operative respiratory complication had a clearly identifiable clinical risk factor, the remainder (8.9%) had only moderate or severe OSAS on PSG and no other predictor. CONCLUSION: The major respiratory complication rate following pediatric T/A for OSAS is low even amongst series of high risk patients. The majority of the published literature report that readily identified clinical factors predict the large majority of post-operative respiratory complications following T/A.

National Database Analysis of Single-Level versus Multilevel Sleep Surgery.

Objective Recent evidence suggests that multilevel sleep surgery improves outcomes when compared with palate surgery alone for most patients. The study objective was to compare demographic and outcomes data for palate surgery (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]) alone versus multilevel surgery through a national insurance claims database. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting National insurance claims database. Subjects and Methods An adult cohort undergoing single-level UPPP versus UPPP with nasal and/or tongue/hypopharyngeal surgery was identified in the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Research Databases for the years 2010 through 2012. Demographic and outcomes data were assessed at short-term (≤14 days), intermediate (15-60 days), and long-term (61-183 days) intervals via a multivariate regression model adjusted for age, sex, geographic region, insurance type, and the Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. The primary long-term complication considered was positive airway pressure (PAP) equipment supply, implying possible treatment failure. Results The cohort included 14,633 patients: 7559 (51.6%), UPPP alone; 5219 (35.7%), UPPP + nasal surgery; 1164 (7.95%), UPPP + tongue/hypopharyngeal surgery; and 691 (4.7%), UPPP + nasal + tongue/hypopharyngeal surgery. Demographic data were similar among the groups. UPPP alone had lower rates of postoperative bleeding than UPPP + tongue/hypopharyngeal surgery (4.31% vs 6.19%, P = .004). Multivariate modeling indicated that the addition of either nasal surgery (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.10-1.34, P < .001) or tongue/hypopharyngeal surgery (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.00-1.32, P = .048) to UPPP was associated with increased odds of postoperative continuous positive airway pressure. Conclusions UPPP alone is currently the predominant form of sleep surgery in the United States. Multilevel surgery had greater odds of postoperative bleeding and positive airway pressure equipment supply than UPPP alone. Dedicated studies formally evaluating single- versus multilevel sleep surgery and the impact of possible surgeon/patient selection bias should be a priority.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Surgery: Malpractice Litigation Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined malpractice claims related to cleft lip and cleft palate surgery to identify common allegations and injuries and reviewed financial outcomes. DESIGN: The WestlawNext legal database was analyzed for all malpractice lawsuits and settlements related to the surgical repair of cleft lip and palate. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing surgical repair of a primary cleft lip or palate or revision for complications of previous surgery. Data evaluated included patient demographics, type of operation performed, plaintiff allegation, nature of injury, and litigation outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 36 cases were identified, with 12 unique cases from 1981 to 2006 meeting the inclusion criteria. Six cases (50%) were decided by a jury and six by settlement. Five cases involved complications related to the specific surgery, and the other seven were associated with any surgery and perioperative care of children and adults. Cleft palate repair (50%) was the most frequently litigated surgery. Postoperative negligent supervision was the most common allegation (42%) and resulted in a payout in each case (mean = $3,126,032). Death (42%) and brain injury (25%) were the most frequent injuries reported. Financial awards were made in nine cases (after adjusting for inflation, mean = $2,470,552, range = $0 to $7,704,585). The awards were significantly larger for brain injury than other outcomes ($4,675,395 versus $1,368,131 after adjusting for inflation, P = .0101). CONCLUSION: Malpractice litigation regarding cleft lip and palate surgery is uncommon. However, significant financial awards involving perioperative brain injury have been reported.

Transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective is to determine if apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) improve after transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty (TPAP) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults, using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nine databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, were searched through April 1, 2016. All studies that included patients who underwent TPAP alone were included in this analysis. Fifty-six studies were potentially relevant, 37 were downloaded and five studies met criteria with 199 patients (age: 42.5 ± 9.7 years and body mass index: 29.0 ± 4.0 kg/m2). The grand mean (M) and standard deviation (SD) for AHI (199 patients) pre and post-TPAP decreased from 54.6 ± 23.0 [95 % CI 51.4, 57.8] to 19.2 ± 16.8 [95 % CI 16.9, 21.5] events/h (relative reduction: 64.8 %). Random effects modeling demonstrated a mean difference (MD) of -36.3 [95 % CI -48.5, -24.1], overall effect Z = 5.8 (p < 0.00001), and I 2 = 85 % (significant inconsistency). The standardized mean difference (SMD) for TPAP demonstrated a large magnitude of effect for AHI -1.76 [95 % CI -2.4, -1.1]. For LSAT (70 patients), the pre and post-TPAP M ± SD improved from 81.9 ± 8.1 [95 % CI 80.0, 83.8] to 85.4 ± 6.9 [95 % CI 83.8, 87.0], with a MD of 3.55, overall effect Z = 1.79 (p = 0.07). Thus far, few studies have evaluated transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty; therefore, we recommend additional studies, especially prospective studies. Research comparing TPAP to pharyngoplasty procedures without palatal advancement would help determine the optimal role for this procedure.

Reliability of a Standardized Nasal Anatomic Worksheet and Correlation With Subjective Nasal Airway Obstruction.

IMPORTANCE: Nasal obstruction is a common chief concern; however, a comprehensive standardized worksheet for evaluating nasal obstruction has not been developed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interrater reliability between staff surgeons and otolaryngology residents using a worksheet-based standardized nasal examination and to identify specific examination findings correlated with the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation quality-of-life score. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional study conducted from June to July 2012 involved 50 adults presenting to an otolaryngology clinic at a tertiary care hospital. The patients were examined by 2 board-certified facial plastic surgeons and 2 otolaryngology residents. EXPOSURES: The inferior turbinates, septum, and internal and external nasal valve narrowing and collapse were graded bilaterally from a scale of 0 to 3 with the aid of a standardized nasal anatomy worksheet. The findings were compared between the attending staff, residents, and the entire group. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The Cohen κ coefficient for interrater reliability was calculated for each of the graded metrics. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores were correlated with anatomic scores. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients included in the final analysis, the mean age was 43.6 years (range, 21-82 years), and 31 were male (66.3%). Among all attending and resident examiners, a moderate to fair, statistically significant interrater reliability coefficient (P < .001) was observed in the following nasal anatomic measurements: left and right Cottle (κ = 0.582 [95% CI, 0.463-0.700] and κ = 0.580 [95% CI, 0.461-0.698], respectively), modified Cottle (κ = 0.491 [95% CI, 0.373-0.609] and κ = 0.560 [95% CI, 0.442-0.679], respectively), dynamic internal nasal valve collapse (κ = 0.204 [95% CI, 0.118-0.290] and κ = 0.232 [95% CI, 0.140-0.323], respectively), and inferior turbinate hypertrophy (κ = 0.252 [95% CI, 0.152-0.352] and κ = 0.235 [95% CI, 0.153-0.317], respectively). The trend of examination interrater reliability was similar for attending staff and the otolaryngology residents. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score correlated with the mean total anatomic worksheet score (Spearman ρ = 0.301; P = .048). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Interrater reliability is high in both residents and attending staff for dynamic nasal airway examinations evaluating the internal and external nasal valves and for turbinate hypertrophy assessment. The total nasal anatomic score using a standardized worksheet correlates to patient-reported nasal-specific quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the international biomedical literature evaluating the effectiveness, complications, and safety of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and EMB Reviews databases were searched up to November 27, 2015. REVIEW METHODS: Two authors systematically and independently searched for articles on TORS for the treatment of OSA in adults that reported either outcomes for the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxygen saturation percentage (LSAT) or changes in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and/or rates and types of complications associated with the operation. RESULTS: In total, 181 records were identified and 16 articles met inclusion criteria. Transoral robotic surgery was almost always combined with other sleep surgery procedures. The summary estimate of the decrease in AHI using TORS as part of a multilevel surgical approach was 24.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.1-25.8; P < .001, I(2) = 99%). The summary estimate of a decrease in ESS score was 7.2 (95% CI, 6.6-7.7; P < .001, I(2) = 99%) and of the overall surgical "success" (defined as AHI <20 and 50% reduction) was 48.2% (95% CI, 38.8%-57.7%; P < .001, I(2) = 99%). Three large studies reported on their total complication rates with an average of 22.3% (range, 20.5%-24.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The initial results for the use of TORS as part of a multilevel surgical approach for OSA are promising for select patients. However, the cost and morbidity may be greater than with other techniques offsetting its advantages in visualization and precision. More prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal role of this tool.

Tonsillectomy for adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine if sleepiness and sleep study variables (e.g., Apnea-Hypopnea Index [AHI] and lowest oxygen saturation) improve following isolated tonsillectomy for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Nine databases (PubMed/MEDLINE included) were searched through November 24, 2015. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (n = 216 patients, 34.4 ± 10.0 years and body mass index: 29.0 ± 6.1 kg/m(2) ) met criteria. Tonsils sizes were hypertrophied, large, enlarged, extremely enlarged, or grades 2 to 4. Apnea-Hypopnea Index decreased by 65.2% (from 40.5 ± 28.9/hour to 14.1 ± 17.1/hour) (n = 203). The AHI mean difference (MD) was -30.2 per hour (95% confidence interval [CI] -39.3, -21.1) (P value < 0.00001). The AHI SMD was -1.37 (-1.65, -1.09) (large effect). Lowest oxygen saturation improved from 77.7 ± 11.9% to 85.5 ± 8.2% (n = 186). Lowest oxygen saturation MD was 8.5% (95% CI 5.2, 11.8) (P value < 0.00001). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale decreased from 11.6 ± 3.7 to 6.1 ± 3.9 (P value < 0.00001) (n = 125). Individual patient outcomes (n = 54) demonstrated an 85.2% success rate (AHI < 20/hour and ≥ 50% reduction) and a 57.4% cure rate. Individual patient data meta-analysis showed preoperative AHI < 30 per hour to be a significant predictor of surgical success (P value < 0.001) and cure (P value = 0.043); among patients with preoperative AHI < 30 per hour, tonsillectomy success rate was 100% (25 of 25) and cure rate was 84% (21 of 25) with a mean postoperative AHI of 2.4 ± 2.1 per hour; this compares to tonsillectomy success rate of 72.4% (21 of 29), cure rate of 10 of 29 (34.4%), and mean postoperative AHI of 14.3 ± 13.9 per hour for patients with preoperative AHI ≥ 30 per hour. CONCLUSION: Isolated tonsillectomy can be successful as treatment for adult OSA, especially among patients with large tonsils and mild to moderate OSA (AHI < 30/hour). Laryngoscope, 2016 Laryngoscope, 126:2176-2186, 2016.

Radiofrequency Ablation Turbinoplasty versus Microdebrider-Assisted Turbinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review published literature for treatment-related outcomes for bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (IFTR) via either microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) or radiofrequency turbinoplasty. The primary outcomes were relief of nasal obstruction according to visual analog scale and nasal airflow, volume, and resistance measures based on acoustic rhinomanometry. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Catalog, and CINAHL. REVIEW METHODS: The databases were searched with the terms "turbinoplasty" and "turbinate reduction." Inclusion criteria were English language, human subjects, and studies specifically relating to IFTR with radiofrequency turbinoplasty or MAT. Exclusion criteria were pediatric patients and concurrent nasal procedures. Results were tabulated, and the data were analyzed per random effects modeling. Subgroup analysis and quality assessment were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 976 articles were initially identified, with 26 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Random effects modeling demonstrated a significant improvement after IFTR, as measured with the visual analog scale (4.26-point improvement, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 3.32-5.20, P < .001, k = 21 studies, I(2) = 99%) and with acoustic rhinomanometry measurements of volume (2.43-cm(3) improvement, 95% CI = 0.48-4.38, P = .015, k = 6 studies, I(2) = 99%), flow (203-mL/s improvement, 95% CI = 131-276, P < .001, k = 4 studies, I(2) = 99%), and resistance change (2.78-Pa/cm(3) improvement, 95% CI = 0.433-5.13, P = .020, k = 5 studies, I(2) = 99%). There was no difference in outcome by technique, allergic rhinitis, or quality score. The 2 highest-quality papers favored MAT. The median follow-up was 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: IFTR produces a significant subjective and objective improvement in nasal airflow in the short term. This change does not appear to be related to the technique used for IFTR.

How much does the type of tympanostomy tube matter? A utility-based Markov decision analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To use a utility-based Markov decision analysis model to compare outcomes of short-term grommet tympanostomy tubes (TTs), intermediate-type tubes, and permanent T-Tubes and to use a detailed sensitivity analysis to determine the most important factors influencing outcomes with one type of TT versus another. STUDY DESIGN: Markov decision analysis. SETTING: Hypothetical cohort. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A Markov cohort decision analysis model was created using computer software (TreeAge Software, Inc, Williamstown, Massachusetts) comparing the 3 types of TT. Published data were used to determine key baseline model parameters. The model featured potential complications including eardrum perforation, early TT extrusion/blockage, and the need for possible repeat TT placement after extrusion. Outcomes were quantified using a 0.95 (1 procedure, full recovery) to 0.6 (failed myringoplasty) utility scale. Utility values were discounted over time to incorporate real-life inconvenience. RESULTS: The intermediate TT accumulated superior total utility in 2-, 4-, and 6-year models (2.48, 3.96, and 5.27 total utility) compared with grommets (2.32, 3.82, 5.18) and T-Tubes (2.42, 3.86, 5.18). Examining a hypothetically otherwise healthy 3000-child cohort, T-Tubes resulted in an increased overall persistent perforation rate (7.9% vs 0.2%, P < .001, χ(2)). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the rate of repeat TT placement, the utility assigned to having a functional tube in place, and the inconvenience utility discount factor over time were the driving factors of the model. CONCLUSION: The intermediate TT may produce optimal outcomes as it combines a balance of a lower perforation rate than T-Tubes and a longer period of ventilation than grommet tubes.