This podcast discusses the implications for otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations", published as a supplement to the April 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

The purpose of this specialty-specific guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities in postoperative pain management of common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. These opportunities are communicated through clear actionable statements with explanation of the support in the literature, evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations on implementation.

Click here to read the Guideline.

This podcast highlights original research published in the March 2021 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 was to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and insurance status on the access to early cochlear implantation.

In conclusion, racial/ethnic and insurance disparities in pediatric cochlear implantation can be observed at the population level. To address these racial and insurance inequalities, a multidisciplinary care team is needed and priorities should be given to research endeavors and policy interventions that target these disparities.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the February 2021 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Building a diverse otolaryngology workforce—one that mirrors society—is critical.

In conclusion, structural inequities are woven into the fabric of society and medicine, and these effects are often invisible to those who do not bear the brunt of them.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the January 2021 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 was to investigate differences in epidemiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with regards to human papillomavirus (HPV), race, and socioeconomic status (SES) using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

In conclusion, significant differences in HPV status exist between socioeconomic and racial groups, with HPV-negative disease more common among blacks and lower SES. When controlling for HPV status, race and SES still influence outcomes in oropharyngeal cancers.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the December 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Auditory complaints are commonly reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined patient-reported auditory symptomatology and quality-of-life metrics in individuals with TBI. We hypothesize that following TBI, individuals can experience auditory symptoms even with hearing thresholds in the normal range.

In conclusion, despite hearing thresholds in the normal range, some individuals with TBI experience decrements in auditory quality of life, even in the absence of TBF.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the November 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common diagnosis among adults presenting for outpatient care. We sought to determine national utilization and the associated cost of invasive procedures for adult ETD.

In conclusion, several nasal and otologic procedures are associated with a diagnosis of adult ETD at substantial cost. Development of therapeutic alternatives should be sought to mitigate the need for invasive procedures to treat this condition.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the October 2020 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 review was to evaluate clinicians' adherence to these guidelines' recommendations as measured in the literature.

In conclusion, adherence to recommendations in the AAO-HNSF guidelines varies widely. These findings highlight areas for further guideline dissemination, research about guideline adoption, and quality improvement

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This podcast highlights original research published in the September 2020 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 was to investigate the outcomes of pediatric tracheostomy as influenced by demographics and comorbidities.

In conclusion, pediatric tracheostomy requires substantial health care resources with length of stay escalating over recent years. Age, race, region, discharge destination, and comorbidities were associated with differences in length of stay.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the August 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is known to have improved survival over HPV-negative disease. However, it is largely unknown whether HPV status similarly affects survival in patients presenting with distant metastatic disease. We queried the National Cancer Database for OPSCC with distant metastasis.

In conclusion, HPV-positive OPSCC has improved survival in the setting of distant metastatic presentation as compared with HPV-negative disease and shows greater responsiveness to treatment.

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This podcast highlights original research published in the June 2020 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation.

Surgical care is increasingly shifting to freestanding ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The extent to which otolaryngologists use ASCs has implications for patient safety and health care spending. This study characterizes trends in utilization and resultant financial implications for common otolaryngologic procedures performed at ASC and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs).

In conclusion, otolaryngologists shifted outpatient surgical care from HOPDs to ASCs between 2010 and 2017, with resultant reductions in Medicare expenditures. Further research is necessary to examine the impact of this shift on patient safety.

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