Telephone versus face-to-face clinics for the management of new rhinology referrals: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare outcomes of telephone and face-to-face consultations for new rhinology referrals and discuss the wider use of telemedicine in rhinology. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study of new rhinology referrals seen in either a telephone or face-to-face clinic. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients given a definitive outcome at initial appointment (discharged or added to waiting list) versus those requiring follow up. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients (70 telephone, 67 face-to-face) were included. A total of 45 of 67 patients (67 per cent) undergoing a face-to-face consultation received a definitive outcome following initial review, versus 11 of 70 (16 per cent) telephone patients. Of 70 telephone patients 57 (81 per cent) were followed up face-to-face for examination. CONCLUSION: The role of telephone clinics in the assessment of new rhinology referrals is currently limited by the lack of clinical examination. Further research on developing remote assessment pathways that incorporate asynchronous review of recorded examinations are needed before telemedicine can become established within the rhinology clinic.

Secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage: is there evidence of diurnal and monthly variation in haemorrhage rates?

BACKGROUND: Anecdotally, secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage tends to occur out-of-hours. This study sought to establish whether there is a link between haemorrhage and time of day, and examined correlations with month and with monthly temperature. METHODS: Data were obtained for patients in our hospital undergoing surgical arrest of secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage between January 2002 and December 2020. Haemorrhage timing was categorised into daytime (07:00-18:00), evening (18:00-22:00) and overnight (22:00-07:00). The chi-square test was used to assess diurnal and monthly variation in haemorrhage rates (p < 0.05). Pearson's correlation test was used to analyse monthly haemorrhage rates and average monthly temperature. RESULTS: Fifty per cent of patients suffered post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage overnight and 28.1 per cent haemorrhaged in the evening, representing a significant difference (p = 0.018). The highest rate of haemorrhage was in July (2.96 per cent), which was statistically significant (p = 0.0024). There was a positive correlation between average monthly temperature and haemorrhage rate (Pearson's correlation = 0.478, p = 0.116004), although this was not significant. CONCLUSION: Most post-tonsillectomy haemorrhages occur out-of-hours (78.1 per cent), which could be conveyed during the consent process. The haemorrhage rate is lower in winter, which may influence planned operating theatre scheduling.

Evaluating the perceptions of workplace-based assessments in surgical training: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Workplace-based assessments (WBAs) are intended to maximise learning opportunities in surgical training. There is speculation as to whether mandatory assessments in this form contribute to a tick-box culture. The objective of this review was to investigate surgical trainees' attitudes towards WBAs. METHODS: This systematic review of qualitative studies was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The literature was searched on the Medline®, Embase™, PubMed and Web of Science™ databases on 22 March 2022. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the review, mostly carried out on users of the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme portfolio in the UK. Trainees felt that WBAs were educationally useful, providing opportunity for feedback, but this was overshadowed by a pressure to reach a set annual quota for WBAs and achieve high scores. Other themes included inaccurate recording of WBAs, the role of WBAs as formative or summative assessments, engagement and accessibility of trainers, and lack of time to complete WBAs. CONCLUSIONS: Negative perceptions about WBAs were widespread among surgical trainees despite a recognition of their capacity to facilitate learning. This review supports the recent removal of the annual quota for WBAs in UK surgical training programmes.

How good is a chest CT scan at predicting the risk of pulmonary metastatic disease in patients with head and neck cancer? A retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to assess whether a CT chest, when performed as part of initial staging investigations, is a robust method to identify lung metastases or synchronous primary lung cancers in patients with head and neck squamous cell and whether small nodules are likely to represent metastases in this group of patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study performed between 1994 and 2005. SETTING: Head and neck cancer department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. PARTICIPANTS: All patients that were included had a new head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and underwent a CT chest as part of their staging investigation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence of lung masses on the initial screening CT of the chest as determined by the radiologist's report. The development of lung metastases or primary bronchogenic carcinoma in any patient. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. 38 (16%) patients had a CT chest report for a lung malignancy (either metastatic or primary bronchogenic), 33 of these 38 (87%) patients actually had a lung malignancy. 32 (13%) patients had a CT chest report for a small nodule, three of these 32 (9%) patients were later diagnosed with a lung malignancy, all at a different site to the nodule. 169 (71%) patients had normal CT chest reports, of these 3 (2%) patients were later diagnosed with a lung malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The CT chest is a useful screening tool but is not infallible. Small nodules should be taken seriously and monitored, but should not alter the initial decision as to the management of the patient.

A haemangiopericytoma of the ethmoid sinus causing oncogenic osteomalacia: a case report and review of the literature.

Oncogenic osteomalacia is a rare cause of osteomalacia. It is caused by a tumour which is generally benign. These tumours, when identified, are often found in the head and neck region. The case is reported here of a haemangiopericytoma isolated in the ethmoid sinus, and the literature regarding tumours at this site is reviewed. Including the present case there are five reported in the world literature of an ethmoid sinus tumour causing oncogenic osteomalacia. The treatment for this disease is excision of the mass, which is where the head and neck specialist's expertise is required.

Three-Dimensional Hand-to-Gland Combat: The Future of Endoscopic Surgery?

Objective To compare two dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D) non-high-definition (HD), and 3D HD endoscopic surgical techniques. Methods We describe our initial operative experience with a novel 3D HD endoscopic endonasal approach involving a pituitary adenoma resection, provide a case series, and review the current literature. This is the first case in Europe using the new 3D HD endoscope. Results Although research evidence remains limited, there are no significant negative perioperative or postoperative outcomes when compared with 2D endoscopic techniques. In our experience the narrow operating corridors of endoscopic surgery cannot be addressed with 3D endoscopic techniques. The new 3D HD endoscope creates imaging quality similar to conventional 2D HD systems. Conclusion Three-dimensional endoscopic endonasal techniques provide an exciting new avenue, effectively addressing potential depth perception difficulties with current 2D systems.

What comprises appropriate therapy for children/adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma arising in the abdominal wall? A report from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define clinical features and determine the best therapy for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the abdominal wall. METHODS: We examined the demographic, clinical features, therapy (especially surgical), and outcome of 34 patients. Patients received combination chemotherapy after complete surgical resection (group I, n = 14; 41%); resection with microscopic residual followed by local irradiation (RT; group II, n = 8; 24%); partial resection or biopsy only plus RT with gross locoregional residual tumor (group III, n = 4; 12%); or biopsy only plus RT with metastatic disease (group IV, n = 8; 24%). Patients with group I or group II tumors had undergone partial abdominal wall resection (ie, involved muscle only with preservation of peritoneum, n = 11) or complete abdominal wall resection (n = 7). Four additional patients had groin lesions. RESULTS: Thirty-four children or adolescents with abdominal wall RMS (about 1% of all patients) were treated on Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study I (IRS-I) through IRS-IV. Overall, adolescents comprised 14 of 34 eligible patients (41%), and 10 of 14 (71%) adolescents had alveolar or undifferentiated tumors versus 8 of 20 (40%) younger children (P= .07). Failure-free survival (FFS) rate and survival rate at 5 years was 65%. Treatment outcome was poorer for patients with group III-IV tumors (P = .01), adolescents (P = .09) and patients with alveolar or undifferentiated sarcomas (P = .12). CONCLUSION: Patients with localized tumors appear to fare better if they undergo complete abdominal wall resection (long-term survival rate, 100%) versus partial resection (long-term survival rate, 62% [P = .12]).

The effect of anti-reflux treatment on subjective voice measurements of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of anti-reflux treatment and speech therapy on subjective voice measurements of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux. METHODS: This paper reports a prospective study of patients seen in a voice clinic over a three-year period who were being treated for laryngopharyngeal reflux. Patients were assessed at presentation using the reflux symptom index and voice symptom scale, and were reassessed at three months and six months post-treatment. Treatment entailed twice daily proton pump inhibitor therapy and speech therapy. RESULTS: The study comprised 74 patients. The reflux symptom index and voice symptom scale scores significantly improved following treatment at both three and six months. There was a correlation between improved reflux symptom index scores and improved voice symptom scale scores. CONCLUSION: Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux with twice daily proton pump inhibitors and speech therapy resulted in improved subjective voice measurements for patients.

Is there a role for flexible oesophagogastroscopy in upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma?

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence to suggest that reflux (both laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal) has a role in the development of upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma. This study discusses the role of identifying reflux in this patient group, and its prevalence. METHODS: Prospective review of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing flexible oesophagogastroscopy as part of their diagnostic investigation. RESULTS: Forty-five consecutive patients were identified. All patients were found to have evidence of oesophagitis, with 28 having oesophageal erosions and two Barrett's oesophagitis. CONCLUSION: Flexible oesophagogastroscopy is a useful test in patients with upper aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinoma.

Investigation and management of adult periorbital and orbital cellulitis.

BACKGROUND: Orbital cellulitis has important complications. Despite this, there are few studies in the literature of large groups of cases of this condition. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case analysis of all patients admitted with periorbital and orbital cellulitis between 2002 and 2004. RESULTS: A total of 27 cases were included in the study. Of these, 25 had undergone a computed tomography scan, 19 of which had revealed significant sinus disease; 10 had had a microbiology result, with the most common organism being Streptococcus milleri; 20 had had a white cell count taken, with raised results in only 10; 12 had undergone surgery; and 25 had made a good recovery. One case had been found to be squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, sinus disease was the commonest cause of orbital cellulitis, with the commonest organism being Streptococcus milleri. Only 50 per cent of cases with proven disease had had a raised white cell count; this is therefore not a very sensitive test.

Increased Soil Salinity Causes Elevated Cadmium Concentrations in Field-Grown Potato Tubers.

Elevated Cd concentrations have been observed in potato (Solatium tuberosum L.) tubers from commercial crops in certain regions of southern Australia. Reasons for enhanced Cd uptake by tubers were investigated by a survey of commercial crops and associated soils. Eighty-nine sites were selected and paired tuber and soil samples taken. Concentration of Cd in tubers was compared to potato variety, tuber elemental composition, and chemical-physical characteristics of topsoil (0-150) and subsoil (150-300 mm). Tuber Cd concentrations were positively related to soil electrical conductivity (EC) and extractable Cl (R2 = 0.62, P < 0.001) in the topsoil, with extractable Cl accounting for more variation than EC. Tuber Cd concentrations were not strongly related (R2 = 0.23, P < 0.05) to potato variety alone. However, inclusion of variety and EDTA-extractable Zn with water-extractable Cl in a multivariate model resulted in a small but significant improvement in the variance accounted for by the model (R2 =0.73, P < 0.001). Tuber Cd was unrelated to tuber concentrations of P or S, but was positively related to concentrations of major cations in the tuber, particularly Na. Soil pH, total C, EDTA-extractable Cd, or particle-size distribution were not correlated to tuber Cd concentrations, either singly or after inclusion in a multivariate model with soil Cl concentrations. As Cl is known to mobilize soil Cd and increase its phytoavailability, elevated Cd concentrations in potato tubers in southern Australia appear to be largely a result of the use of saline irrigation waters.