Utilization of Prophylactic Antibiotics After Nasal Packing for Epistaxis.

BACKGROUND: There have been few investigations examining the benefits, consequences, and patterns of use for prophylactic antibiotics for nasal packing in the emergency department setting. Given the frequency of epistaxis in the emergency department, it is an ideal setting to study the efficacy and utilization patterns of prophylactic antibiotics in nasal packing. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess both rates of utilization and evidence of benefit for prophylactic antibiotics in patients with nasal packing for epistaxis. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review of 275 cases of anterior nasal packing in an urban emergency department between September 2013 and April 2017 was performed. Chi-square statistical analysis was used to evaluate results. RESULTS: Among 275 cases studied, there were no instances of toxic shock syndrome. Roughly 73% of patients with nonabsorbable packing received prophylactic antibiotics. Only one (1.1%) case of sinusitis was noted among the nonabsorbable packing with prophylaxis group, with no such complication in the nonprophylaxis group. In contrast, 95% of patients with absorbable nasal packing were not given prophylactic antibiotics. Analysis of all cases given prophylactic antibiotics vs. no prophylaxis, regardless of packing type, revealed no statistically significant difference in the development of acute sinusitis (1% vs. 0.56%; p = 0.6793). CONCLUSIONS: There was no observed advantage or disadvantage to using prophylactic antibiotics in anterior nasal packing in the emergency department, regardless of whether patients received absorbable or nonabsorbable packing. However, patients who receive nonabsorbable nasal packing were more likely to receive antibiotic prophylaxis.

Understanding Patient Utilization Patterns of Cochlear Implant Processors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the extent of benefit the second processor provides and to better understand utilization patterns regarding cochlear implant (CI) sound processors. BACKGROUND: Institutional contracts determine the external CI sound processor hardware that a patient is eligible for. Despite the high prevalence of CI worldwide, there is a paucity in the literature regarding patient preferences and how patients utilize provided external hardware. METHODS: A close-ended, multiple-choice survey was mailed to all patients over the age of 18 years who underwent CI between 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients who received their CI hardware prior to 2018 were provided 2 processors, whereas those who received their hardware in 2018 or later were provided 1 processor. RESULTS: A total of 100/263 surveys were returned for a response rate of 38.0%. Of the cohort with 1 processor, 31.3% experienced a period without a functioning processor and access to sound compared to 5.6% of the cohort with 2 processors (P = -.003). Of the cohort with 2 processors, 24.3% noted that they often or always utilize their second processor. When asked how important having a second processor was, 62.9% of the 2-processor group responded that it was very important (P = .001). The most common reason for utilizing the second processor was a damaged primary processor. Patients who received 2 processors had a significantly lower number of postoperative audiology clinic visits for device troubleshooting (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients who have 2 CI external processors identify this as being very important to them and experience significantly less time without access to sound due to lack of a functioning processor. As institutional contracts often dictate whether a patient will receive 1 or 2 sound processors with their CI hardware, it is important to understand patient preferences and utilization patterns in order to guide patient-centric policies.

Expanding Understanding of Electrocochleography in Cochlear Implantation: Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder With Normal Pure Tone Average.

Objective: Describe the preoperative decision-making, intraoperative electrocochleographic (ECoG) findings, and outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) in a patient with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and normal pure-tone thresholds. Patients: A 19-year-old with a history of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and seizures was referred for hearing rehabilitation in the setting of typical hearing by pure tone audiometry but poor speech understanding. A diagnosis of ANSD was made based on acoustic brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission, and acoustic reflex testing. Imaging revealed no central cause of hearing impairment. Interventions: Right-sided CI. Main Outcome Measures: Preoperative and postoperative audiometric data. Intraoperative ECoG. Results: Preoperatively the patient underwent comprehensive audiologic testing with behavioral audiometry, ABR testing, and CI candidacy evaluation. In the right ear, the pure tone average (PTA) was 15 dB and word recognition score was 36%. ABR confirmed ANSD. Preoperative CNC and AzBio in quiet were 8% and 0%, respectively. Intraoperative ECoG amplitudes and audiometry showed responses in the 100 uV range and estimated PTA of 42 dB HL. Postoperative testing at 1-month post-initial activation revealed PTA of 45 dB HL and unchanged word and sentence scores. However, the patient cites an improved ability to communicate and increased confidence and averages over 14 hours of device use daily. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CI in an ear with normal PTA. Given that nearly all presently available ECoG data comes from patients with greater degrees of hearing loss, this unique case adds to our understanding of hearing preservation in CI.

Delayed cochlear implantation in congenitally deaf children-identifying barriers for targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVES: Age of cochlear implantation (CI) is an important predictor of language development in those with congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Despite universal newborn hearing screening initiatives and the known benefits of early CI, a subset of congenitally deaf children continue to be evaluated for cochlear implants later in childhood. This study aims to identify the barriers to early cochlear implantation in these children. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for all pediatric cochlear implants aged 3 years or older performed at a single academic institution between 2013 and 2017. Children implanted before the age three, those with a prior unilateral cochlear implant, and those with progressive or sudden hearing loss were excluded. Variables included newborn hearing screen results, age at hearing loss diagnosis, time of initiation and documented benefit of hearing aids, age of implantation, pre/post-implantation evaluation scores, and reason for delayed referral for cochlear implantation. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were identified meeting these inclusion criteria. Twenty-one children were subject to UNBS in the U.S. Fourteen of those children failed their newborn hearing screening. Average age at implantation was 6.2 years. Four reasons were identified for increased age at cochlear implantation. Two categories represent delays related to (1) Amplification continually prescribed even though the range of hearing loss and speech development assessment suggests CI may have been more appropriate well before referral (N = 13) (2) Patients were not subject to newborn hearing screening and/or timely diagnosis of their hearing loss (N = 8). In other cases, patients were appropriately fit with hearing aids until evidence that they derived limited benefit and then referred for CI (N = 8). Lastly, in a few cases, records were indeterminate with regards to the timing and appropriate diagnosis of their hearing loss (N = 2). CONCLUSION: Understanding the reasons for delayed cochlear implantation in congenitally deaf children might allow the development of targeted interventions to improve outcomes. Specifically, those children who were not referred before age 3 despite use of amplification with limited benefit offer one potential target population for earlier CI.

Auricular Cartilage Resection for Treatment-Refractory Idiopathic Chronic Chondritis: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Describe a series of cases of idiopathic chronic auricular chondritis refractory to antibiotics and steroids treated successfully with surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Two tertiary academic medical centers. PATIENTS: We analyzed four patients diagnosed with chronic auricular deformity, pain, and drainage for a period of 1 to 5 years who had failed prolonged treatment consisting of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and incision and drainage. All four patients were smokers, three were diabetic, and two had a history of bariatric surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Operative subcutaneous partial auriculectomy (removal of diseased cartilage and excess skin) was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of pain and drainage, need for additional procedures, and reduction in narcotics required for pain control were analyzed. RESULTS: Two of the four patients were given an immediate postoperative course of doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. With a minimum of 6 weeks' follow-up, all four patients had complete resolution of pain and recurrent drainage postoperatively. One patient requiring daily narcotic medication for pain and benzodiazepine for sleep preoperatively no longer required prescription medication. All specimens revealed chronic dermal and cartilage inflammation. Three of four cases had polymicrobial infection. One case had only skin contaminant growth on culture following multiple oral and parental antibiotic regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of diseased cartilage as a result of idiopathic chronic chondritis is an effective treatment in those cases refractory to antibiotics and incision and drainage, and should be considered in the treatment algorithm for similar patients, potentially offering definitive cure.

Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Known Cognitive Impairment: What Are the Benefits?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in adults with preoperatively diagnosed cognitive impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care academic center. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing CI with preexisting cognitive impairment. INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) Hearing improvement after CI; 2) morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. RESULTS: Eight patients met inclusion criteria with mean age 77.8 years (SD, 9.6 y) at time of implantation; 7 were included in subsequent analysis as one did not have speech recognition scores. Average preoperative MoCA cognitive score of 22.6 (SD, 3.9, ≤25 demonstrates cognitive impairment). Average follow-up was 29.0 months (SD, 33.3 mo). Two patients passed away at an average 58.0 months (SD, 31.1 mo) after surgery. Median preoperative pure tone average was 86.3 dB HL ( interquartile range 31.3 dB HL) compared with 33.8 dB HL (IQR 5.0 dB HL) postoperatively ( p = <0.001). Median preoperative speech testing score (AzBio/HINT) was 21% (IQR, 24%) compared with 44% (IQR, 21%) postoperatively ( p = <0.001). There were no observed surgical complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients with cognitive impairment before CI can experience improved hearing, no increased risk of complications, and good longevity after CI. Further prospective studies are needed to further define the utility of CI in patients with impaired cognition.

Caregiver Quality of Life After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors affecting quality of life (QOL) in caregivers of older cochlear implant (CI) recipients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Adults over age 65 receiving CI between July 13, 2000 and April 3, 2019. INTERVENTIONS: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Linear regression models for caregiver QOL measured by Significant Other Scale for Hearing Disability (SOS-HEAR), with independent variables: caregiver role, patient gender, 11 factor modified frailty index (mFI), duration of hearing loss, hearing aid use, age at surgery, time since surgery, change in pure tone average (PTA), processor input type and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ). Correlations between SOS-HEAR and patient speech recognition scores. RESULTS: Questionnaires were mailed to all 294 living CI recipients. Seventy-one caregivers completed the questionnaire. Only patient gender and mFi were significant predictors of caregiver QOL on both univariate (p ≤ 0.001, ß= -20.26 [95% confidence interval -30.21, -10.3]; 0.005, -0.72 [-1.20, -0.23], respectively) and multivariate (p = 0.005, ß = -20.09, -33.05 to -7.13; 0.003, -0.93 [-1.50, -0.37]) analysis, where caregivers of female patients with lower mFI (better health) had better QOL scores. Caregiver QOL was significantly associated with patient's change in PTA and self-reported QOL scores on univariate (p = 0.041, ß = 0.52 [0.08, 0.96]; 0.024, -0.27 [-0.52, -0.02]) but not multivariate analysis. Time since CI was significant only on multivariate analysis (0.041, -0.17 [-0.33, -0.01]). Caregiver QOL did not correlate with patient speech recognition scores. CONCLUSIONS: Higher QOL scores were found among caregivers of healthier, female CI recipients. Patient hearing measurements did not correspond with better caregiver QOL.

Factors associated with hearing outcomes after a middle fossa approach in 131 consecutive patients with vestibular schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE: The middle fossa approach is an effective option for the treatment of small (Koos grade I and II) vestibular schwannomas (VSs) when the goal is hearing preservation. The authors evaluated the rates of hearing preservation and examined the factors associated with improved hearing outcomes after the middle fossa approach for VSs. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center cohort study evaluating the clinical outcomes after resection of small VSs using the middle fossa approach, consecutive adult patients (> 18 years) who underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2021 were included. Clinical and imaging characteristics were analyzed, including baseline hearing status, duration of surgery, anesthetic parameters, and imaging characteristics of the surgically treated tumors. RESULTS: Among the 131 included patients, 102 had valid and discoverable pre- and postoperative audiology assessments. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range 1-180 months). There were 85 patients with serviceable hearing preoperatively, defined as American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) class A or B, of whom 78% retained class A or B hearing at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression demonstrated that preoperative hearing AAO-HNS class (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.77; p = 0.02), overlap between fundus and cochlea (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.96; p = 0.04), and duration of anesthesia (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of hearing outcomes. Additionally, 75% of patients with high diffusion-weighted imaging signal in the tumor (p = 0.009) and 67% of patients with the tumor originating at the modiolus of the cochlea (p = 0.004) had poor hearing outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The hearing preservation rates after microsurgical resection of small VSs using the middle fossa approach are high, with 78% of patients maintaining AAO-HNS class A or B hearing. Poor hearing status at baseline, longer duration of anesthesia, and large overlap between the fundus of the internal auditory canal and the cochlea were independently associated with unfavorable hearing outcomes. Imaging characteristics can be used to stratify patients' risk of hearing loss.

Past and Future Biologics for Otologic Disorders.

Biologic therapies have the ability to fundamentally change the management of hearing loss; clinicians need to familiarize themselves with their prospective applications in practice. This article reviews the current application of 4 categories of biological therapeutics-growth factors, apoptosis inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapy-in otology and their potential future directions and applications.

Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Opioids versus Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs for Postoperative Analgesia in Outpatient Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The misuse and abuse of opioids, including overprescription, has led to the current opioid epidemic and national crisis. There is a national effort to eliminate the unnecessary prescription of opioids for analgesia. METHODS: Seventy patients were randomized to receive postoperative analgesia with either 5 mg hydrocodone with 325 mg acetaminophen (opioid control group) or 400 mg of ibuprofen [nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) experimental group]. Pain levels were assessed on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7. Outcome measures included numeric pain rating scores and assessments of frequency and amount of analgesic used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in gender (p = 0.81) or age (p = 0.61) between groups. On postoperative day 0, the NSAID group (mean ± SD, 2.54 ± 1.57) was found to be noninferior to the opioid group (mean ± SD, 3.14 ± 1.75; p = 0.003). On postoperative day 1, the NSAID group showed a lower mean pain score (mean ± SD, 1.84 ± 1.29) than the opioid group (mean ± SD, 2.46 ± 1.90; p = 0.01). However, on postoperative day 7, the difference in pain scores between the NSAID (mean ± SD, 3.29 ± 2.14) and opioid (mean ± SD, 3.14 ± 2.12; p = 0.17) groups lost statistical significance. There was no significant difference in mean day of medication cessation between the NSAID (mean ± SD, 4.73 ± 1.57) and opioid (mean ± SD, 4.28 ± 2.23; p = 0.26) groups. Seventy-six percent of patients who were prescribed opioids took fewer than eight tablets. Five patients escalated from NSAIDs to opioids. There were no adverse effects related to NSAID use. CONCLUSIONS: NSAIDs are an acceptable and safe alternative to opioids for postoperative analgesia in rhinoplasty and potentially lead to better overall pain control in some patients. Significantly reducing or eliminating opioid prescriptions may be considered in light of the current opioid epidemic. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Cochlear Implantation in Children with Single-Sided Deafness.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with children undergoing unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) for treatment of single-sided deafness (SSD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A retrospective case review from a tertiary referral center involving 14 pediatric patients (<18 years) with SSD who underwent unilateral CI. Speech perception testing in quiet and noise in the CI-only and bimodal conditions with at least 1 year of device use and device usage from data logs represent the main outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean age at CI was 5.0 years (median 4.4, range 1.0-11.8 years). The mean duration of deafness was 3.0 years (median 2.4, range 0.6-7.0 years). Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. Speech perception testing with a minimum of 1 year post-CI was available in eight patients. The mean word recognition scores (WRS) in the CI-only condition was 56%; a significant improvement from baseline. Testing in background noise with spatially separated speech and noise revealed that patients scored as well or better with the CI-on versus CI-off in all conditions and in no cases was interference from the CI noted. Data logs were reviewed for device usage which revealed an average use of 6.5 hr/d. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation is a viable treatment option for pediatric SSD in this self-selected cohort. Open-set speech and improvement in background noise can be achieved. Careful patient selection and thorough counseling on expectations is paramount to achieving successful outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 131:E271-E277, 2021.

Does Frailty or Age Increase the Risk of Postoperative Complications Following Cochlear Implantation?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether frailty or age increases the risk of postoperative complications following cochlear implant (CI) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. METHODS: An evaluation of all adult patients undergoing cochlear implantation between 2006 and 2020 was performed. The 5-item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5, comprising preoperative history of pulmonary disease, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and partially/totally dependent functional status) was calculated for all patients included in analysis in addition to demographic characteristics. The primary outcome was postoperative complications following CI within a 3-month period. Major complications included myocardial infarction, bleeding, and cerebrospinal fluid leak, among others. Predictors of postoperative complications were examined using multivariable logistic regression reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: There were 520 patients included for review with a median age of 68 (range, 18-94) years and a slight male predominance (n = 283, 54.4%). There were 340 patients (65.4%) who were robust (nonfrail) with an mFI of 0, while 180 (34.6%) had an mFI of ≥1. There were 20 patients who experienced a postoperative complication (3.85%). There was no statistically significant association between postoperative complications as a result of preoperative frailty (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.98-2.48, P = .06) or age as a continuous variable (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-1.02, P = .51). CONCLUSIONS: CI is safe for elderly and frail patients and carries no additional risk of complications when compared to younger, healthier patients. While medical comorbidities should always be considered perioperatively, this study supports the notion that implantation is low risk in older, frail patients.

Improving On-time Discharge in Otolaryngology Admissions.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a quality improvement project to increase the rate of discharges before noon (DBN) in the otolaryngology department at a tertiary care center. METHODS: Based on a Plan-Do-Study-Act framework, monthly discharge data and observed-to-expected (O:E) length of stay were collected and shared with the department members monthly. A target of 43% DBN was predetermined by the center (Plan). The following interventions were implemented (Do): discharge planning starting at the time of admission, focus on early attending-to-resident team communication, placement of discharge order prior to rounding, and weekly reminders to the entire department. RESULTS: Discharges were monitored for 3 years. For the year prior to this study, a minority of patients were discharged before noon (12 months: 75 of 190, 36%). During the first 6 months of monitoring (Study), no significant improvement was identified (34 of 95, 36%). After interventions, performance significantly improved (31 months: 250 of 548, 68%). The performance was consistently above the predetermined target of 43%. During the study time, O:E length of stay remained below the predetermined target (O:E ratio, 0.90; hospital target, 0.93). DISCUSSION: Comprehensive discharge planning beginning at the time of admission, weekly reminders, and improved communication (Act) can help to prioritize DBN and increase the percentage of discharges before noon. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: By utilizing a quality improvement framework, significant improvements in timely discharge can be achieved and sustained with changes in workflow and departmental culture. These changes can be achieved without increases in resources or prolonging the length of stay.

Effectiveness of critical care pathways for head and neck cancer surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Critical care pathways (CCPs) are implemented within health care systems as a means to systematically decrease resource utilization, whereas maintaining a high level of care for patients with a specific diagnosis. Previous studies have shown equivocal results for CCPs in head and neck cancer surgery. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review evaluating studies of CCPs for head and neck cancer surgery, with individual outcome measures analyzed separately to describe the effect of each implemented pathway. RESULTS: Ten before and after studies were included for systematic review. Nine reported statistically significant decreases in median/mean length of stay and 5 reported statistically significant decreases in cost of care per case. CONCLUSION: Although the results are encouraging and point toward the ability of CCPs to decrease length of stay and cost of care, the evidence cannot be considered exhaustive because of the studies' inability to account for temporal trends. Further controlled studies are recommended to validate the benefits of CCPs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1421-1427, 2016.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Osseointegrated Auditory Implants: A Comparison of Linear versus Punch Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the benefits of the minimally invasive punch technique without soft tissue reduction (PT) for the placement of percutaneous osseointegrated auditory implants. (2) To compare and contrast techniques and outcomes from PT with the linear technique with soft tissue reduction (LT). STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review SETTING: Performed at a tertiary otology practice at an academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: LT was used until 2012 when a switch was made for all patients to PT. Preoperative variables recorded included age, sex, BMI, smoking status, indication, device selected, and abutment length. Outcomes measures included surgical time, skin reaction grading by Holgers score at 1 week and at most recent follow-up, and any other complications. Two-sample t test and χ(2) was used to compare. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (34 LT, 17 PT) were identified. Surgical time was found to be significantly shorter for the PT group (LT, 49.2 min; PT, 13.4 min; P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences between LT and PT for mean Holgers at first (LT, 0.24; PT, 0.47; P = .87) or final follow-up (LT, 0.62; PT, 0.41; P = .22). CONCLUSIONS: The punch technique offers several potential surgical and cosmetic advantages over the linear technique without compromising skin-reactivity outcomes. This study supports a growing trend toward minimally invasive percutaneous auditory implant surgery.