Multiple skull base defects in the setting of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea; a dual institution view.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure that presents with CSF leak. The implications of multiple skull base defects (SBD) and associated synchronous CSF leaks have not been previously explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dual institutional case-control study examined multiple SBD's and encephaloceles on the risk of CSF leak and postoperative failures post-repair. IIH patients with CSF leaks and IIH controls without leaks were selected retrospectively. Chi square analysis evaluated for statistically significant alterations in probability with CSF leak development. RESULTS: 192 patients were selected with 108 IIH controls and 84 spontaneous CSF leak cases. Signs and symptoms for IIH controls and CSF leak cases respectively were pulsatile tinnitus (60.2 % and 29.8 %), headaches (96.3 % and 63.1 %), papilledema (74.1 % and 12.5 %), visual field defects (60.8 % and 13 %) (p < 0.001). Encephalocele formation in controls was 3.7 % compared to cases at 91.6 % (p < 0.001). Multiple SBD's in controls compared cases was 0.9 % and 46.4 % respectively (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of CSF leak cases showed 15 patients with two CSF leak repairs due to a recurrence. 27 (39.1 %) single leak cases had multiple SDB's while 12 (80 %) recurrent leaks had multiple SDB's (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with radiographic evidence of multiple SBD's and encephaloceles represent a high-risk population with a propensity for CSF leaks. Secondary SBD's are common in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea and higher in patients with a recurrence.

Nuances in transcanal endoscopic surgical technique for glomus tympanicum tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the utility and nuances of transcanal endoscopic surgery (TCES) on glomus tympanicum tumors from a single surgeon's experience. PATIENTS/INTERVENTION: Twelve patients, eight female and four males, diagnosed pre-operatively with glomus tympanicum tumors. They all underwent endoscopic resection by a single surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility of endoscopic resection of glomus tympanicum tumors without conversion to a microscopic approach. Secondary outcomes include tumor stage, pre and post-operative audiometry, vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and integrity of the facial nerve, ossicles, chorda tympani and tympanic membrane. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent TCES, eight patient's pathology results were glomus tympanicum, ranging from Glasscock-Jackson grade I-III. Due to loss in follow up, 6/8 patients had complete audiometric data, which were analyzed. Average pre-operative air-bone-gap (ABG) was 5.41 compared to post-operative ABG of 5.08 (p > 0.89). No patients resulted in any, post-operative vertigo, tinnitus, SNHL, facial nerve injury or chorda tympani nerve injury. Two patients had intentional tympanic membrane perforations secondary to tumor adherence to the membrane. They were repaired with tragal perichondrium graft. No patients have had any recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection of glomus tympanicum tumors is a feasible and effective, alternative visualization modality for the neurotologist. Surgical pearls are described herein.

The role of the otolaryngologist in the evaluation and management of headaches.

BACKGROUND: Headaches are commonly evaluated in otolaryngology and often represent a diagnostic dilemma. This review addresses rhinogenic headache as well as trigeminal neuralgia and migraine, both of which can masquerade as sinus headache and whose management increasingly involves otolaryngology intervention. Discussion considers diagnostic criteria and novel therapies and derives an algorithm for clinical decision-making. DATA SOURCES: OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify relevant articles published in the past 10 years addressing the diagnosis and management of rhinogenic headache, trigeminal neuralgia and/or migraine. FINDINGS: Rhinogenic headache: Identification of the specific cause must be achieved before treatment. No studies have mentioned the effect of certain therapies on the amelioration of headache. New techniques of balloon dilation for sinusitis are controversial, and their use remains contingent on surgeon preference. Removal of mucosal contact points has been shown to benefit quality of life in patients with contact point headache. Trigeminal neuralgia: Microvascular decompression is considered the gold standard for treatment, but percutaneous therapies can be effective for achieving pain control. Migraine: Patients who report amelioration of symptoms after targeted botulinum toxin injection may benefit from definitive decompression or nerve avulsion. Patients with mucosal contact points may have less favorable outcomes with migraine surgery if they are not simultaneously addressed. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic workup and therapeutic options available for common headache etiologies is key to the management of a patient presenting with headache attributed to a rhinogenic cause.

Treatment of locally advanced parotid malignancies with parotidectomy and temporal bone resection.

PURPOSE: In this study we review our institution's experience and outcomes with temporal bone resection and parotidectomy in the treatment of advanced parotid malignancies. METHODS: Patients undergoing lateral temporal bone resection and parotidectomy from 2007-2013 were identified in the EPIC electronic medical record. Primary tumor location, staging, surgical procedure, and patient demographic and outcome data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent combined temporal bone resection and parotidectomy for parotid malignancy. Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common pathologies. Two year disease free survival was 40%. Distant metastases were the most common site of disease recurrence. Only nodal disease was predictive of reduced disease free survival, though pre-operative facial paralysis showed a trend towards significance. Margin status and operating for recurrent tumor did not influence outcome in our series. CONCLUSION: Local and regional tumor controls are attainable with combined skull base approaches to advanced parotid malignancies. Unfortunately these cases have a high rate of distant recurrence despite negative margins and local control.

Automotive airborne brake wear debris nanoparticles and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes: A pilot study.

Motor vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust processes play a significant role in environmental pollution, as they are a source of the finest particulate matter. Emissions from non-exhaust processes include wear-products of brakes, tires, automotive hardware, road surface, and traffic signs, but still are paid little attention to. Automotive friction composites for brake pads are composite materials which may consist of potentially hazardous materials and there is a lack of information regarding the potential influence of the brake wear debris (BWD) on the environment, especially on human health. Thus, we focused our study on the genotoxicity of the airborne fraction of BWD using a brake pad model representing an average low-metallic formulation available in the EU market. BWD was generated in the laboratory by a full-scale brake dynamometer and characterized by Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy showing that it contains nano-sized crystalline metal-based particles. Genotoxicity tested in human lymphocytes in different testing conditions showed an increase in frequencies of micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBNCs) exposed for 48h to BWD nanoparticles (NPs) (with 10% of foetal calf serum in culture medium) compared with lymphocytes exposed to medium alone, statistically significant only at the concentration 3µg/cm(2) (p=0.032).

Toxicity and mutagenicity of low-metallic automotive brake pad materials.

Organic friction materials are standardly used in brakes of small planes, railroad vehicles, trucks and passenger cars. The growing transportation sector requires a better understanding of the negative impact related to the release of potentially hazardous materials into the environment. This includes brakes which can release enormous quantities of wear particulates. This paper addresses in vitro detection of toxic and mutagenic potency of one model and two commercially available low-metallic automotive brake pads used in passenger cars sold in the EU market. The model pad made in the laboratory was also subjected to a standardized brake dynamometer test and the generated non-airborne wear particles were also investigated. Qualitative "organic composition" was determined by GC/MS screening of dichloromethane extracts. Acute toxicity and mutagenicity of four investigated sample types were assessed in vitro by bioluminescence assay using marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri and by two bacterial bioassays i) Ames test on Salmonella typhimurium His(-) and ii) SOS Chromotest using Escherichia coli PQ37 strain. Screening of organic composition revealed a high variety of organic compounds present in the initial brake pads and also in the generated non-airborne wear debris. Several detected compounds are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans, e. g. benzene derivatives. Acute toxicity bioassay revealed a response of bacterial cells after exposure to all samples used. Phenolic resin and wear debris were found to be acutely toxic; however in term of mutagenicity the response was negative. All non-friction exposed brake pad samples (a model pad and two commercial pad samples) were mutagenic with metabolic activation in vitro.

Alteration of root growth by lettuce, wheat, and soybean in response to wear debris from automotive brake pads.

Brakes from motor vehicles release brake pad wear debris (BPWD) with increased concentrations of heavy metals. Germination and root-elongation assays with lettuce, wheat, and soybean were used to provide an initial evaluation of the phytotoxicity of either a water extract of BPWD or BPWD particulates. In terms of germination, the only effect observed was that lettuce germination decreased significantly in the BPWD particulate treatment. Lettuce and wheat showed decreased root length and root-elongation rate in the presence of the BPWD particulates, whereas lettuce produced a significantly greater number of lateral roots in response to BPWD extract. There was no significant effect of either BPWD treatment on soybean root elongation or lateral roots. Treatment with BPWD extracts or particulates caused significant alterations in the bending pattern of the plant roots. These initial results suggest that BPWD may have effects on the early growth and development of plants.

Medical School Characteristics Associated with Matched Otolaryngology Residency Applicants.

OBJECTIVE: Identify which medical schools produce the most otolaryngology residents, and associated characteristics which may contribute to this productivity. DESIGN: The medical school and residency program of each otolaryngology-matched student was identified. Various characteristics for each medical school and residency were compared in univariate and multivariate analysis after adjusting for class size. Percentage of matched students relative to class size was identified and compared for each geographic region. SETTING: Cross-sectional study of publicly available match data from otomatch.com and otolaryngology residency program websites from 2020-2023. PARTICIPANTS: 1411 students from 174 medical schools matched into 126 otolaryngology residencies were identified. RESULTS: Private medical schools (ß = 0.50, p = 0.03), larger otolaryngology departments (ß = 0.01, p = 0.04), and higher U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) ranking (ß = -0.01, p = 0.02) was associated with a greater percentage of otolaryngology-matched students while schools in the Mountain region were associated with a lower percentage of matched students (ß = -1.08, p = 0.02). A difference in percentage of matched students was observed when comparing across all regions (p < 0.01) but no significant differences were observed between any individual regions. The East North Central Region and the Middle Atlantic regions were more likely to match students from their respective regions compared to the Mountain region (OR: 4.98, 95% CI: 1.18, 21.01; OR: 8.20, 95% CI: 1.92, 34.99, respectively). Additionally, the Mountain region was less likely to match students from their own region compared to the Pacific (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.90), South Atlantic (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.85), and West South Central (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.67) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Medical school characteristics such as private vs public status, size of otolaryngology department, higher USNWR ranking, and geographic region impact the number of otolaryngology-matched students. Applicants should consider the impact of their geographic region when allocating signals during the residency application process.

5-Aminolevulinic Acid Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence for resection of head and neck carcinoma. METHODS: In this prospective pilot trial, 5-ALA was administered as an oral suspension 3-5 h prior to induction of anesthesia for resection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Following resection, 405 nm blue light was applied, and fluorescence of the tumor as well as the surgical bed was recorded. Specimen fluorescence intensity was graded categorically as none (score = 0), mild (1), moderate (2), or robust (3) by the operating surgeon intraoperatively and corroborated with final pathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent resection with 5-ALA. Five (83%) were male with an age range of 33-82 years (mean = 60). Sites included nasal cavity (n = 3), oral cavity (n = 3), and the larynx (n = 1). All specimens demonstrated robust fluorescence when 5-ALA was administered 3-5 h preoperatively. 5-ALA fluorescence predicted the presence of perineural invasion, a positive margin, and metastatic lymphadenopathy. Two patients had acute photosensitivity reactions, and one patient had a temporary elevation of hepatic enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: 5-ALA induces robust intraoperative fluorescence of HNSCC, capable of demonstrating a positive margin, perineural invasion, and metastatic nodal disease. Although no conclusions are there about the safety of this drug in the head and neck cancer population, our study parallels the extensive safety data in the neurosurgical literature. Future applications may include intraoperative assessment of margin status, diagnostic accuracy, and impacts on survival. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:741-748, 2024.

Computed Tomography Imaging Patterns of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas: Comparison of Primary and Recurrent Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and radiographic features that may impact the rate of focal hyperostosis (FH) on computed tomography (CT) for primary and recurrent sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) as well as highlight factors that may affect concordance between FH and IP true attachment point (TAP). METHODS: All IPs resected between 2006 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. CTs were read by a neuroradiologist blinded to operative details. IP with malignancy was excluded. Operative reports and long-term follow-up data were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 92 IPs, 60.1% had FH, 25% had no CT bony changes, and 20.7% were revision cases. The recurrence rate for rhinologists was 10.5% overall and 7.3% for primary IPs. Primary and revision IPs had a similar rate of FH (63% vs. 52.6%; p = 0.646) and FH-TAP agreement (71.7% vs. 90%; p = 0.664). Nasal cavity IPs, especially with septal attachment, were more likely to lack bony changes on CT (57.1%) compared to other subsites (p = 0.018). Recurrent tumors were 16 mm larger on average (55 mm vs. 39 mm; p = 0.008). FH (75.0% vs. 60.9%; p = 0.295), FH-TAP concordance (91.7% vs. 74.4%; p = 0.094), and secondary IP (18.8% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.889) rates were similar between recurrent and nonrecurrent tumors. CONCLUSION: Primary and revision IPs have a similar rate of FH and FH-TAP agreement. Nasal cavity IPs are less likely to exhibit bony CT changes. Lower recurrence was associated with smaller size and fellowship training but not multiple TAPs, revision, FH absence, or FH-TAP discordance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1591-1596, 2024.

Histopathology of Recalcitrant Maxillary Sinusitis Necessitating Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EMM) is an effective intervention for patients with recalcitrant maxillary sinusitis after previous middle meatal antrostomy. The pathophysiology of refractory maxillary sinusitis is incompletely understood. We aim to identify trends in structured histopathology (SHP) to better understand how tissue architecture changes contribute to refractory sinusitis and impaired mucociliary clearance. METHODS: All patients who underwent EMM or standard maxillary antrostomy for recalcitrant maxillary sinusitis of various forms were included. Retrospective chart review was conducted to collect information on demographics, disease characteristics, comorbid conditions, culture data, and SHP reports. Chi-squared and logistic regression analyses were performed for SHP variables. RESULTS: Forty-one patients who underwent EMM and 464 patients who underwent maxillary antrostomy were included. On average, the EMM cohort was 10 years older (60.9 years vs. 51.1 years; p = 0.001) and more often had a history of prior sinus procedures (73.2% vs. 40.9%; p < 0.001). EMM patients had higher rates of fibrosis (34.1% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.002), and this remained statistically significant when controlling for prior sinus procedures and nasal polyposis (p = 0.001). Cultures positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa (38.2% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001) and coagulase negative staphylococcus (47.1% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.003) were more prevalent in the EMM group. CONCLUSION: Fibrosis and bacterial infections with Pseudomonas and coagulase negative Staphylococcus were more prevalent in patients requiring EMM. This may contribute to the multifactorial etiology of impaired mucociliary clearance in patients with recalcitrant maxillary sinusitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2646-2652, 2024.

Comparative Performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4 on Rhinology Standardized Board Examination Questions.

Objective: Advances in deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the emergence of large language models (LLM) like ChatGPT from OpenAI. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4 on Otolaryngology (Rhinology) Standardized Board Examination questions in comparison to Otolaryngology residents. Methods: This study selected all 127 rhinology standardized questions from www.boardvitals.com, a commonly used study tool by otolaryngology residents preparing for board exams. Ninety-three text-based questions were administered to ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT4, and their answers were compared with the average results of the question bank (used primarily by otolaryngology residents). Thirty-four image-based questions were provided to GPT4 and underwent the same analysis. Based on the findings of an earlier study, a pass-fail cutoff was set at the 10th percentile. Results: On text-based questions, ChatGPT 3.5 answered correctly 45.2% of the time (8th percentile) (P = .0001), while GPT4 achieved 86.0% (66th percentile) (P = .001). GPT4 answered image-based questions correctly 64.7% of the time. Projections suggest that ChatGPT 3.5 might not pass the American Board of Otolaryngology Written Question Exam (ABOto WQE), whereas GPT4 stands a strong chance of passing. Discussion: The older LLM, ChatGPT 3.5, is unlikely to pass the ABOto WQE. However, the advanced GPT4 model exhibits a much higher likelihood of success. This rapid progression in AI indicates its potential future role in otolaryngology education. Implications for Practice: As AI technology rapidly advances, it may be that AI-assisted medical education, diagnosis, and treatment planning become commonplace in the medical and surgical landscape. Level of Evidence: Level 5.

Challenges in the Management of Symptomatic Fallopian Canal Meningoceles: A Multicenter Case Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentations, the diagnosis, our treatment approaches, and the outcomes for 11 patients with fallopian canal meningocele (FCM). STUDY DESIGN MULTICENTER: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Patients (N = 11) with radiographically or intraoperatively identified, symptomatic FCM. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningocele versus observation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presentation (including symptoms, radiographic imaging, and comorbidities), management (including surgical approach, technique for packing, use of lumbar drain), clinical outcomes (control of CSF leak, meningitis, facial nerve function), and revision surgery. RESULTS: Patients presented with spontaneous CSF leak (n = 7), conductive (N = 11) and sensorineural hearing loss (n = 3), nonpositional intermittent vertigo (n = 3), headaches (n = 4), and recurrent meningitis (n = 1). Risk factors in our series included obesity (n = 4), Chiari 1 malformation (n = 1), and head trauma (n = 2). Noncontrast computed tomography of the temporal bone and magnetic resonance imaging were positive for FCM in 10 patients. Eight patients were managed surgically via a transmastoid approach (n = 4), combined transmastoid and middle fossa (N = 3), or middle fossa alone (n = 1); three were managed conservatively with observation. Postoperative complications included worsened facial nerve palsy (n = 1), recurrent meningitis (n = 1), and persistent CSF leak that necessitated revision (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Facial nerve meningoceles are rare with variable presentation, often including CSF otorrhea. Management can be challenging and guided by symptomatology and comorbidities. Risk factors for FCM include obesity and head trauma, and Chiari 1 malformation may present with nonspecific otologic symptoms, in some cases, meningitis and facial palsy. Layered surgical repair leads to high rates of success; however, this may be complicated by worsening facial palsy.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Readability of Otolaryngology Patient Education Materials.

OBJECTIVE: The recommended readability of health education materials is at the sixth-grade level. Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models such as the newly released ChatGPT4 might facilitate the conversion of patient-education materials at scale. We sought to ascertain whether online otolaryngology education materials meet recommended reading levels and whether ChatGPT4 could rewrite these materials to the sixth-grade level. We also wished to ensure that converted materials were accurate and retained sufficient content. METHODS: Seventy-one articles from patient educational materials published online by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery were selected. Articles were entered into ChatGPT4 with the prompt "translate this text to a sixth-grade reading level." Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) were determined for each article before and after AI conversion. Each article and conversion were reviewed for factual inaccuracies, and each conversion was reviewed for content retention. RESULTS: The 71 articles had an initial average FKGL of 11.03 and FRES of 46.79. After conversion by ChatGPT4, the average FKGL across all articles was 5.80 and FRES was 77.27. Converted materials provided enough detail for patient education with no factual errors. DISCUSSION: We found that ChatGPT4 improved the reading accessibility of otolaryngology online patient education materials to recommended levels quickly and effectively. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Physicians can determine whether their patient education materials exceed current recommended reading levels by using widely available measurement tools, and then apply AI dialogue platforms to modify materials to more accessible levels as needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

Patient reported outcome measures: The impact of environment on VHI-10 responses.

Objective: A key outcome measure in the clinical evaluation of dysphonia is the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10). The clinical validity of the VHI-10 was established from surveys administered in the physician's office. We aim to understand whether VHI-10 responses remain reliable when the questionnaire is completed in settings other than the physician's office. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted over a 3-month period in the outpatient laryngology setting. Thirty-five adult patients presenting with a complaint of dysphonia, which was symptomatically stable for the preceding 3 months, were identified. Each patient completed a VHI-10 survey during the initial office visit, followed by three weekly out-of-office (termed "ambulatory") VHI-10 surveys, over the course of 12 weeks. The specific setting in which the patient completed the survey was recorded (social, home, or work). The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is defined as 6 points based on existing literature. T-tests and a test of one proportion were used for analysis. Results: A total of 553 responses were collected. Of these, 347 ambulatory scores (63%) differed from the Office score by at least the MCID. Specifically, 94 (27%) were higher than the in-office score by 6 or more points while 253 (73%) were lower. Conclusion: The setting in which the VHI-10 is completed affects how the patient answers the questions. The score is dynamic, reflecting effects of the patients' environment during completion. Utilization of VHI-10 scores to measure clinical treatment response is only valid if each response is obtained in the same setting. Level of Evidence: 4.

Histopathology of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Versus Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVE: Structured histopathology (SHP) is a method of analyzing sinonasal tissue to characterize endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) shares several features with certain endotypes of CRSwNP. Our objective was to compare the histopathology of AFRS and eosinophilic CRSwNP to further understand whether they are separate endotypes or disease entities altogether. METHODS: A retrospective review of AFRS and CRSwNP patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. Data were collected on demographics, comorbidities, subjective and objective severity scores, and 13-variable SHP reports. CRSwNP patients with >10 eosinophils per high-power field (eCRSwNP) were included. Chi-squared and t-tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 29 AFRS and 108 eCRSwNP patients were identified. AFRS patients were younger and more often Black. Symptom severity scores (SNOT-22, Lund-MacKay, and Lund-Kennedy) were uniform between groups. AFRS patients had a higher rate of Charcot-Leyden crystals (41.4% vs. 10.2%; p < 0.001). Severe degree of inflammation, eosinophilic inflammatory predominance, eosinophil aggregates, subepithelial edema, and basement membrane thickening were common in both groups, and their rates were not statistically significantly different between groups. Metaplasia, ulceration, fibrosis, and hyperplastic/papillary change rates were low (<30%) and similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The SHP of eCRSwNP and AFRS are highly consistent, which suggests AFRS is a severe subtype of CRSwNP overall rather than a separate disease entity. This also lends credence to AFRS belonging on the endotypic spectrum of CRSwNP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Otolaryngology Patient Satisfaction with In-Office Appointments and Virtual Visits Due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced otolaryngologists to seek new methods of providing patient care in a remote setting. The effect of this paradigm shift on patient satisfaction, however, remains unelucidated. This study compares patient satisfaction with telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic to that with in-office visits during the same period in 2019. METHODS: Press Ganey survey responses of patients seen by otolaryngologists within a large, academic, multicenter hospital system were gathered. Responses were included in analyses if they corresponded with a visit that occurred either in clinic March to December 2019 or via telehealth March to December 2020. Chi-Square Test of Independence and Fisher's Exact Test were employed to detect differences between years. Binary logistic regressions were performed to detect the factors most predictive of positive telehealth experiences. RESULTS: Patient overall satisfaction with in-office and telehealth visits did not differ significantly (76.4% in 2019 vs 78.0% in 2020 rated visit overall as "very good," P = .09). Patients seen by a Head and Neck (odds ratio 4.13, 95% confidence interval 1.52-11.26, P = .005), Laryngology (OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.51-23.50, P = .01), or Rhinology (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.55-10.43, P = .004) provider were significantly more likely to report a positive telehealth experience. CONCLUSIONS: Patients seen via telehealth during COVID-19 reported levels of satisfaction similar to those seen in-office the year prior. These telehealth satisfaction levels, however, are contextualized within the expected confines of a pandemic. Further research is required to determine whether satisfaction remains consistent as telemedicine becomes a ubiquitous component of medical practice.

Histopathological Differences in Adult and Elderly Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Adult and elderly patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) undergo similar therapeutic management. Few studies have undertaken sinonasal tissue-level comparisons of these groups. This study examines histopathological differences between adults (>18, <65 years) and the elderly (≥65 years) with CRS, with the goal of optimizing medical management. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort analysis, demographic factors, comorbidities, and a structured histopathological report of 13 variables were compared across adult and elderly patients with CRS who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery. These cohorts of adult and elderly patients included patients with and without nasal polyps (NP). RESULTS: Three hundred adult (158 aCRSsNP, 142 aCRSwNP) and 77 elderly (38 eCRSsNP, 39 eCRSwNP) patients were analyzed. Mean age of the adult cohort was 44.4 ± 12.4 years, while that of the elderly cohort was 71.9 ± 5.9 years (P < .001). Significantly more adults compared to elderly individuals demonstrated a positive atopic status (79.7% vs 64.0%, P = .004). Elderly patients exhibited higher rates of comorbid diabetes mellitus than adult patients (21.6% vs 10.3%, P = .009). Adults exhibited more tissue eosinophilia (43.4% vs 28.6%, P = .012) and presence of eosinophil aggregates (25.0% vs 14.3%, P = .029) compared to elderly patients, regardless of NP status. Conversely, the elderly demonstrated significantly more fungal elements (11.7% vs 3.0%, P = .004), and trended toward increased overall inflammation (63.6% vs 55.3%, P = .118) and tissue neutrophilia (35.1% vs 27.3%, P = .117), compared to adults. CONCLUSION: Sinonasal tissue of adult and elderly patients with CRS demonstrates clear histopathological differences. Patient comorbidities, in addition to histopathological characterizations, may provide further context for management optimization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. SHORT SUMMARY: Sinonasal tissue samples from adult and elderly patients with CRS demonstrate clear histopathological differences. These patient populations also exhibit unique comorbidities. These distinctions have the potential to inform and optimize management of this condition.

Ergonomic Analysis of Otologic Surgery: Comparison of Endoscope and Microscope.

OBJECTIVE: The comparative postural health of surgeons performing endoscopic and microscopic otologic surgeries has been a topic of active debate, with many nascent or anecdotal reports suggesting the latter encourages suboptimal ergonomics. Using inertial body sensors to measure joint angles, this study sought to objectively evaluate and compare the ergonomics of surgeons during endoscopic and microscopic otologic surgeries. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective pilot trial. SETTING: Large, multicenter, academic hospital system. Performed 21 otologic operations (10 endoscopic and 11 microscopic) in November 2020 and January 2021. All attendings were fellowship trained in otology/neurotology. SUBJECTS: Eight otolaryngologists (four attendings and four residents) performing 21 otologic surgeries (11 microscopic and 10 endoscopic). INTERVENTION: Approach to otologic surgery: endoscope or microscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgeons' neck and back angles while wearing ergonomic sensors affixed to either side of each major joint, mental and physical burdens and pain after each surgery (via modified NASA Task Load Index). RESULTS: Residents' necks (9.54° microscopic vs. -4.79° endoscopic, p = 0.04) and backs (16.48° microscopic vs. 3.66° endoscopic, p = 0.01) were significantly more flexed when performing microscopic surgery than when performing endoscopic surgery, although attending neck and back flexion were comparable during microscopic and endoscopic surgeries. Attendings reported significantly higher pain levels after operating microscopically than after operating endoscopically (0.13 vs. 2.76, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Residents were found to operate with significantly higher risk back and neck postures (as defined by the validated ergonomic tool, Rapid Entire Body Assessment) when operating microscopically. Attendings reported significantly higher levels of pain after operating microscopically versus endoscopically, suggesting that the suboptimal microscopic postures adopted earlier in training may pose an indelible risk later in a surgeon's career.