Telemedicine Proof of Concept and Cost Savings During Underway Naval Operations.

Objectives: With military service members stationed around the world aboard ships and remote fixed facilities, subspecialty care frequently occurs outside of the TRICARE network, the health care program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System, including foreign hospitals. Furthermore, usage aboard U.S. Navy ships has been limited in scope. This has direct costs associated with the medical care rendered and indirect costs such as difficulty navigating medical systems, access to records, and appropriate follow-up. Telemedicine has expanded access to otolaryngologic care where coverage has been deficient, with overall costs that are not well defined. This study aims to demonstrate the ability of consult management aboard a deployed U.S. Navy ship and to determine the direct costs associated with the use of an HIPAA-compliant, store-and-forward telemedicine system available to overseas medical providers to obtain specialty consultation at a tertiary care military treatment facility. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Methods: We reviewed consults submitted through the system from February 2018 to May 2018. Consult management was performed remotely by a deployed otolaryngologist in various locations underway and in port in the Pacific Rim. The direct cost associated with each consult was compared with the cost had the patient been treated in the host nation. Results: During the deployment, there were eight consults submitted and directed to a neurotologist/skull base surgeon for an opinion. The estimated cost for treating these patients overseas was $124,037, while the estimated cost of retaining the patients in the Military Health System was $27,330. Extrapolated to a 12-month period, the cost savings of this program could be over $400,000. Conclusions: Telemedicine consultation has the ability to be initiated and managed remotely-expanding access to subspecialty physicians by service members stationed around the world. Furthermore, it has the potential for substantial cost savings within the military health care system along with intangible benefits that sustain the military health care system downstream.

Dysphagia Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dysphagia outcomes following surgical management of unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) in adults. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central. REVIEW METHODS: A structured literature search was utilized, and a 2-researcher systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Extractable data were pooled, and a quantitative analysis was performed with a random effects model to analyze treatment outcome and complications by procedure. RESULTS: A total of 416 publications were screened and 26 met inclusion criteria. Subjects encompassed 959 patients with UVFI who underwent 916 procedures (n = 547, injection laryngoplasty; n = 357, laryngeal framework surgery; n = 12, laryngeal reinnervation). An overall 615 were identified as having dysphagia as a result of UVFI and had individually extractable outcome data, which served as the basis for a quantitative meta-analysis. In general, dysphagia outcomes after all medialization procedures were strongly positive. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a success rate estimate of 90% (95% CI, 75%-100%) for injection laryngoplasty and 92% (95% CI, 87%-97%) for laryngeal framework surgery. The estimated complication rate was 7% (95% CI, 2%-13%) for injection laryngoplasty and 15% (95% CI, 10%-20%) for laryngeal framework surgery, with minor complications predominating. Although laryngeal reinnervation could not be assessed quantitatively due to low numbers, qualitative analysis demonstrated consistent benefit for a majority of patients for each procedure. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia due to UVFI can be improved in a majority of patients with surgical procedures intended to improve glottal competence, with a low risk of complications. Injection laryngoplasty and laryngeal framework surgery appear to be efficacious and safe, and laryngeal reinnervation may be a promising new option for select patients.

Dysphagia Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility in Children: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dysphagia outcomes following surgical management of unilateral vocal fold immobility in children. DATA SOURCES: Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of the medical literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. An a priori protocol was defined to identify all articles that presented quantifiable outcome data in children aged <18 years who underwent surgical treatment to improve glottal competence for dysphagia. Two authors independently determined references meeting the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assigned levels of evidence. Data were pooled via a random effects model where possible. The quality of studies was graded with the MINORS criteria. RESULTS: An overall 398 publications were screened, with 9 meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 115 patients were included. Of these, 75% had preoperative swallowing symptoms. Surgical intervention for dysphagia included 61 injection laryngoplasties, 11 medialization laryngoplasties, and 10 reinnervations (ansa cervicalis to recurrent laryngeal nerve). The articles consistently reported success in improving dysphagia symptoms, and limited meta-analysis demonstrated a mean improvement after surgical intervention in 79% (95% CI, 67%-91%) of children. The reported rate of minor and major complications was 15% (95% CI, 1%-29%). The MINORS scores ranged from 5 to 12. CONCLUSION: Surgical management of unilateral vocal fold immobility in properly selected children can be an effective treatment for dysphagia when symptoms are present. Selection of surgical modalities relies on patient- and surgeon-related factors, and the rate of success is high across different interventions in treating these complex children.

Effects of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment on Subglottic Scar in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fractional CO2 laser on subglottic scar. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Academic medical center. METHODS: Subglottic scar was induced in 12 New Zealand white rabbits via an endoscopic brush technique. This was followed by an open airway surgery that included vertical division of the cricoid and proximal trachea. Eight rabbits underwent fractional CO2 laser treatment of the scar via a Lumenis Ultrapulse Deep FX handpiece. Four rabbits underwent the open surgical approach without laser treatment. Bronchoscopy was performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. The animals were euthanized and laryngotracheal complexes harvested 12 weeks postsurgery. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the collagen composition of treated and untreated scars. RESULTS: All 12 subjects survived to the study endpoint with no significant respiratory complications, despite 10 of 12 developing some degree of lateral tracheal narrowing. The median ratio of type I collagen to type III collagen in the laser group (1.57) was significantly more favorable than that of the untreated group (2.84; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Treatment with fractional CO2 laser appears to have similar effects on subglottic scars as with cutaneous scars, improving the ratio of type I to type III collagen. Additionally, we developed an open airway approach in the rabbit model to deliver fractional CO2 laser treatment to the subglottis without introducing respiratory complications or compromising survival.

Effectiveness of an Advanced Airway Training "Boot Camp" for Family Medicine Physician Trainees.

OBJECTIVE: This course was designed to characterize the impact of a curriculum for training family medicine physicians in advanced airway techniques with respect to intubation performance and learner confidence. METHODS: A training course was introduced into the curriculum in a single-group pretest-posttest model at a community family medicine residency program. Training consisted of a didactic teaching session on airway management and hands-on skill session with direct laryngoscopy (DL) and video-assisted laryngoscopy (VAL) on normal and difficult airway simulators. Participants were scored with the Intubation Difficulty Scale and completed surveys before and after the training. RESULTS: Twenty-eight residents of all levels participated. The mean time to successful intubation was significantly decreased after training from 51.96 to 23.71 seconds for DL and from 27.89 to 17.07 seconds for VAL. Participant scores with the Intubation Difficulty Scale were also significantly improved for DL and VAL. All participants rated their comfort levels with both techniques as high following training. DISCUSSION: Advanced airway management is a critical skill for any physician involved in caring for critically ill patients, though few trainees receive formal training. Addition of an airway training course with simulation and hands-on experience can improve trainee proficiency and comfort with advanced airway techniques. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Training on airway management should be included in the curriculum for trainees who require the requisite skills and knowledge necessary for advanced airway interventions. This introductory project demonstrates the efficacy and feasibility of a relatively brief training as part of a family medicine residency curriculum.

Rabbit model of consistently survivable subglottic stenosis using a modified brush technique.

INTRODUCTION: Several animal models of subglottic stenosis (SGS) have been described in the literature, however many result in severe stenosis that requires early intervention and carry a high mortality rate. This limits the application of the model and may require the use of additional animals to achieve desired results due to procedural complications. A novel endoscopic method of inducing SGS in a rabbit model was developed as part of a larger investigation on the treatment of this condition. The objective of this study was to develop an animal model for survivable subglottic stenosis. METHODS: 12 New Zealand white rabbits underwent 2 trials of prolonged intubation that were not successful in inducing SGS. A partially sheathed nylon brush injury technique was then designed and implemented. Airway assessment consisted of rigid bronchoscopy 6 weeks and 8 months after injury. RESULTS: 12 rabbits undergoing subglottic brush injury had focal posteriorly based subglottic stenosis on bronchoscopy at 6 weeks and 8 months post-injury. One rabbit was euthanized after the brush induced subglottic injury but prior to 6 week bronchoscopy due to an unrelated orthopedic injury. This animal was therefore excluded from analysis and replaced. No rabbits required early airway intervention or sacrifice. All survived a period of 8 months. CONCLUSION: Inducing subglottic injury with a partially-sheathed nylon brush safely and reliably creates a controlled SGS with zero procedure-related mortality over 8 months. This model could be the basis for a longer-term evaluation of subglottic scar evolution and intervention.

The increasing cost of pediatric otolaryngology care.

INTRODUCTION: Defining the costs associated with healthcare is vital to determining and understanding ways to reduce costs and improve quality of healthcare delivery. The objective of the present study was to identify the current public health burden of inpatient admissions for conditions commonly treated by pediatric otolaryngologists and compare trends in healthcare utilization with other common surgical diagnoses. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the Kids' Inpatient Database for pediatric discharges in the United States from 2000 to 2012. A list of the top 500 admission diagnoses was identified and subsequently grouped into surgical diagnoses typically managed by otolaryngologists and those managed by any other surgical discipline with the top 10 in each category included. Database analyses generated national estimates of summary statistics and comparison of trends over the twelve-year period. RESULTS: Of the top pediatric admission diagnoses, the most common conditions managed by surgical specialties involved inflammatory or infectious causes. Hospital charges significantly increased during this time across all diagnoses. On average, the charges for otolaryngologic diagnoses increased by 37.13% while costs increased by almost 12%. In comparison, the charges for non-otolaryngologic diagnoses increased by 35.87% and the costs by 10.43%. CONCLUSIONS: The public health impact and rising costs of healthcare are substantial. It is of critical significance that the healthcare system be aware of opportunities and lessons that may be learned across specialties to identify the primary drivers of healthcare cost while maintaining high quality standards for patient care.

Pediatric Trainees Managing a Difficult Airway: Comparison of Laryngeal Mask Airway, Direct, and Video-Assisted Laryngoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Difficult airway management is a key skill required by all pediatric physicians, yet training on multiple modalities is lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the rate of, and time to, successful advanced infant airway placement with direct laryngoscopy, video-assisted laryngoscopy, and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in a difficult airway simulator. This study is the first to compare the success with 3 methods for difficult airway management among pediatric trainees. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover pilot study. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. METHODS: Twenty-two pediatric residents, interns, and medical students were tested. Participants were provided 1 training session by faculty using a normal infant manikin. Subjects then performed all 3 of the aforementioned advanced airway modalities in a randomized order on a difficult airway model of a Robin sequence. Success was defined as confirmed endotracheal intubation or correct LMA placement by the testing instructor in ≤120 seconds. RESULTS: Direct laryngoscopy demonstrated a significantly higher placement success rate (77.3%) than video-assisted laryngoscopy (36.4%, P = .0117) and LMA (31.8%, P = .0039). Video-assisted laryngoscopy required a significantly longer amount of time during successful intubations (84.8 seconds; 95% CI, 59.4-110.1) versus direct laryngoscopy (44.9 seconds; 95% CI, 33.8-55.9) and LMA placement (36.6 seconds; 95% CI, 24.7-48.4). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric trainees demonstrated significantly higher success using direct laryngoscopy in a difficult airway simulator model. However, given the potential lifesaving implications of advanced airway adjuncts, including video-assisted laryngoscopy and LMA placement, more extensive training on adjunctive airway management techniques may be useful for trainees.

Differentiated thyroid cancer in people aged 85 and older.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics and treatment patterns of differentiated thyroid cancer in older adults. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals age 85 and older with a primary thyroid cancer diagnosis of papillary or follicular histology diagnosed between 1988 and 2007 (N=424). MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, histology, extent of disease, tumor size, treatment, type of surgery, cause of death, and length of survival. RESULTS: Tumor size and extent of disease were significantly related to cause of death (P=.02). Participants who did not have surgery were more likely to die of their thyroid cancer than of any other cause (P=.01), and whether a participant had surgery was significantly related to age (P=.002). Participants who had surgery had significantly longer survival than those who did not (P<.001). Type of surgery (P=.92) and adding radioactive iodine after surgery (P=.07) did not appear to influence length of survival. CONCLUSION: Although differentiated thyroid cancer is typically considered a relatively indolent disease, this is not the case in older adults. Surgery appears to reduce the likelihood of death from thyroid cancer in this population and confers a survival benefit. Type of surgery and adding radioactive iodine therapy do not seem to improve the survival benefit of surgical management.

Current trends in perioperative antibiotic use: a survey of otolaryngologists.

This study describes the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial use by otolaryngologists during common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. Through the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Infectious Diseases Committee, a survey was developed to assess the current practice patterns regarding the use of perioperative antibiotics in otolaryngology. A total of 6903 surveys were sent out; 458 were fully or partially completed, and a total of 442 responses were included in the final analysis. Most physicians reported routinely prescribing antibiotics either preoperatively or postoperatively for 12 of the 17 procedures included in the questionnaire despite providers agreeing that there is not enough evidence to support their use. The most common procedure for which antibiotics were prescribed was laryngectomy (91.1%). Antibiotic use is a common practice during the perioperative period for otolaryngologic procedures; however, there is a discrepancy between utilization and evidence of benefit.