OTO Journal

This podcast highlights a systematic review published in the January 2016 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The objectives of this study were to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in distinguishing benign from malignant parotid disease, and to determine the anticipated posttest probability of malignancy and probability of nondiagnostic and indeterminate cytology with parotid FNA.

FNA has moderate sensitivity and high specificity in differentiating malignant from benign parotid lesions. Considerable heterogeneity is present among studies.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review published in the January 2016 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. 

The objectives of this study were to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in distinguishing benign from malignant parotid disease, and to determine the anticipated posttest probability of malignancy and probability of nondiagnostic and indeterminate cytology with parotid FNA.

FNA has moderate sensitivity and high specificity in differentiating malignant from benign parotid lesions. Considerable heterogeneity is present among studies.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review published in the December 2015 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The objective of this study was to critically review published literature for treatment-related outcomes for bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (IFTR) via either microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) or radiofrequency turbinoplasty. The primary outcomes were relief of nasal obstruction according to visual analog scale and nasal airflow, volume, and resistance measures based on acoustic rhinomanometry.

This review found that IFTR produces a significant subjective and objective improvement in nasal airflow in the short term. This change does not appear to be related to the technique used for IFTR.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review published in the December 2015 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.  

The objective of this study was to critically review published literature for treatment-related outcomes for bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (IFTR) via either microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAT) or radiofrequency turbinoplasty. The primary outcomes were relief of nasal obstruction according to visual analog scale and nasal airflow, volume, and resistance measures based on acoustic rhinomanometry.

This review found that IFTR produces a significant subjective and objective improvement in nasal airflow in the short term. This change does not appear to be related to the technique used for IFTR.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the November 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Luke Rudmik and associate editor Gordon Sun in discussing geographic variation in the use of endoscopic sinus surgery.

The phenomenon of geographic variation in the delivery of health care has been recognized for decades. Variation in small areas can be a driver of health care costs and is associated with differences in the utilization of both medical and surgical services. The importance of variation in both the cost and the quality of care has been highlighted by many, including several impactful publications by Atul Gawande. In the present study, Dr. Rudmik and colleagues review differences in the number of endoscopic sinus surgical procedures in the province of Alberta, Canada, and demonstrate that significant differences can occur in proximate geographic areas, much as the authors have previously noted in the United States. In this podcast, Dr. Rudmik discusses the measurement of geographic variation, the findings from his important study, and the implications for both practice and further investigation. Drs. Rudmik and Sun then discuss the implications of these interesting observations for health care delivery and some of their potential causes, as well as examining the importance of additional research in further characterizing the nature of surgical variation in otolaryngology.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the November 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Luke Rudmik and associate editor Gordon Sun in discussing geographic variation in the use of endoscopic sinus surgery.

The phenomenon of geographic variation in the delivery of health care has been recognized for decades.  Variation in small areas can be a driver of health care costs and is associated with differences in the utilization of both medical and surgical services.  The importance of variation in both the cost and the quality of care has been highlighted by many, including several impactful publications by Atul Gawande.  In the present study, Dr. Rudmik and colleagues review differences in the number of endoscopic sinus surgical procedures in the province of Alberta, Canada, and demonstrate that significant differences can occur in proximate geographic areas, much as the authors have previously noted in the United States.  In this podcast, Dr. Rudmik discusses the measurement of geographic variation, the findings from his important study, and the implications for both practice and further investigation.    Drs. Rudmik and Sun then discuss the implications of these interesting observations for health care delivery and some of their potential causes, as well as examining the importance of additional research in further characterizing the nature of surgical variation in otolaryngology.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the October 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Nausheen Jamal and associate editor Kenneth Altman in discussing partial epiglottoplasty for specific forms of pharyngeal dysphagia.

Patients commonly experience difficulty swallowing due to structural abnormalities that impinge on their normal pharyngeal anatomy. In these patients various pathologies, such as severe cervical osteophytes or the presence of cervical spinal hardware, can interfere with their ability to swallow smoothly and successfully. In this study, Dr. Jamal describes a simple transoral procedure that was demonstrated to significantly improve swallowing in this select group of 12 individuals with pharyngeal dysphagia. In this podcast, she discusses this procedure as well as the outcomes of its use to treat dysphagia. Drs. Jamal and Altman then discuss the implications of these interesting findings and the potential complications that could arise, as well as examining the need for additional research in expanding and further demonstrating the role for this innovative procedure.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the October 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Nausheen Jamal and associate editor Kenneth Altman in discussing partial epiglottoplasty for specific forms of pharyngeal dysphagia.

Patients commonly experience difficulty swallowing due to structural abnormalities that impinge on their normal pharyngeal anatomy.   In these patients various pathologies, such as severe cervical osteophytes or the presence of cervical spinal hardware, can interfere with their ability to swallow smoothly and successfully.  In this study, Dr. Jamal describes a simple transoral procedure that was demonstrated to significantly improve swallowing in this select group of 12 individuals with pharyngeal dysphagia.  In this podcast, she discusses this procedure as well as the outcomes of its use to treat dysphagia.    Drs. Jamal and Altman then discuss the implications of these interesting findings and the potential complications that could arise, as well as examining the need for additional research in expanding and further demonstrating the role for this innovative procedure.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the September 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Lisa Ishii and associate editor Eric Kezirian in discussing the role of nasal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When considering treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patients frequently inquire about the role of nasal obstruction in leading to the symptoms of OSA. In addition, patients often ask if there is a role for nasal surgery in lessening these symptoms and in improving control of their OSA. In the current paper, in examining the role of isolated nasal surgery in patients with OSA, the authors note that among patients with nasal obstruction, nasal surgery improved several sleep parameters, including scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Respiratory Disturbance Index. Based on their results, the authors review the role of nasal surgery in the overall multi-level treatment of patients with OSA. Drs. Ishii and Kezirian discuss the implications of these interesting findings, as well as exploring the need for further research in examining the type and site of nasal surgery and its effect on sleepiness and OSA.

Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the September 2015 issue of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Editor in chief John Krouse is joined by senior author Lisa Ishii and associate editor Eric Kezirian in discussing the role of nasal surgery in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

When considering treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), patients frequently inquire about the role of nasal obstruction in leading to the symptoms of OSA.  In addition, patients often ask if there is a role for nasal surgery in lessening these symptoms and in improving control of their OSA.  In the current paper, in examining the role of isolated nasal surgery in patients with OSA, the authors note that among patients with nasal obstruction, nasal surgery improved several sleep parameters, including scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Respiratory Disturbance Index.  Based on their results, the authors review the role of nasal surgery in the overall multi-level treatment of patients with OSA.  Drs. Ishii and Kezirian discuss the implications of these interesting findings, as well as exploring the need for further research in examining the type and site of nasal surgery and its effect on sleepiness and OSA.

Click here to read the full article.