Changes in otolaryngology application requirements and match outcomes: Are we doing any better?

Objectives: Otolaryngology-specific requirements were piloted to minimize applicant and program burdens. We investigated the impact of introducing and then removing these requirements on Match outcomes.

Methods: 2014-2021 National Resident Matching Program® data were examined.

Will nasal airway surgery improve my sense of smell? A prospective observational study.

Background: The effect of nasal airway surgery on olfaction has not been well established. The goal of this study is to assess changes in olfaction after septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction through both objective and patient-reported measures.

Methods: Prospective, observational study was conducted of patients with nasal airway obstruction presenting between July 2017 and October 2019 who underwent septoplasty with inferior turbinate reduction.

An Updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT).

Objective: The Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms questionnaire (COSS) was created to assess chronic sialadenitis symptoms and treatment response, but its development lacked patient input and validation. We analyzed COSS responses and feedback from sialadenitis patients and physician experts to create the novel obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT), a new standardized measure of sialadenitis-associated symptoms.

Methods: We analyzed COSS responses via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify essential symptom domains and reduce overlap in questions.

Applicant Perspectives on Virtual Otolaryngology Residency Interviews.

Objective: Residency interviews serve as an opportunity for prospective applicants to evaluate programs and to determine their potential fit within them. The 2019 SARS-CoV2 pandemic mandated programs conduct interviews virtually for the first time. The purpose of this study was to assess applicant perspectives on the virtual interview.

An Update on Nontumorous Disorders of the Salivary Glands and Their Management for Internists.

Salivary disease may present as pain or swelling in unilateral or bilateral salivary glands. Symptoms may be periprandial or recurrent and inflammatory. If a patient fails conservative treatment, they should be referred to an otolaryngologist.

Salivary and lacrimal dysfunction after radioactive iodine for differentiated thyroid cancer: American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section and Salivary Gland Section joint multidisciplinary clinical consensus statement of otolaryngology, ophthalmology, nuclear medicine and endocrinology.

Background: Postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) administration is widely utilized in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. While beneficial in select patients, it is critical to recognize the potential negative sequelae of this treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and management of the salivary and lacrimal complications of RAI exposure are addressed in this consensus statement.

Aggressive fibromatosis of the parotid gland.

Extra-abdominal fibromatosis (EAF) is a rare, locally aggressive tumor that originates in fascial structures. It accounts for less than 0.3% of all tumors diagnosed.

Cultivating and Recruiting Future Otolaryngology Residents: Shaping the Tributary.

The future vibrancy, relevancy, and strength of our specialty depend on cultivating a pipeline of resident otolaryngologists who embody what our society wishes to become. In attracting, seeking, and nourishing physicians of all stripes, we offer several considerations regarding medical student education and the residency selection process.

Teach the teacher: Training otolaryngology fellows to become academic educators.

Objectives/hypothesis: Fellowship is the capstone of academic training and serves as preparation for an academic career. Fellows are expected to educate medical students and residents during and long after fellowship. However, little time is typically spent teaching fellows to become effective educators.

Perineural Invasion in Parotid Gland Malignancies.

Objectives To investigate the clinical predictors and survival implications of perineural invasion (PNI) in parotid gland malignancies. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care medical center.

Palatal botulinum toxin as a novel therapy for objective tinnitus in forced eyelid closure syndrome.

Objective tinnitus associated with eyelid closure is a rare clinical entity with only a few reported cases. This association previously was identified as forced eyelid closure syndrome (FECS) and involves an aberrant neural reflex between cranial nerve VII (activating the orbicularis oculi muscle) and cranial nerve V (activating the tensor tympani muscle). We present a 52-year-old Caucasian female with a 2-month history of FECS who was successfully treated with intrapalatal botulinum toxin, with full resolution of her objective tinnitus symptoms.

Sialendoscopy: Getting started, how long does it take?

Objectives/hypothesis: Dilation of the salivary gland papilla for access is well-recognized as one of the major rate-limiting steps to sialendoscopy and has been shown to be a major challenge for beginners. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that an algorithm involving multiple techniques for salivary duct access in sialendoscopy results in excellent success rates and acceptable operative times.

Study Design: A retrospective, observational review of 61 patients who underwent sialendoscopy of the parotid or submandibular gland, for a total of 65 papillas accessed (31 parotid, 34 submandibular) with seven different trainees utilizing a standard protocol for duct access, was performed.

Quantification of maxillary sinus accessibility via a middle meatal antrostomy.

Objective: To quantify maxillary sinus volume and mucosal surface area (SA) that is accessible endoscopically via a middle meatal antrostomy and to explore the financial implications of using multiple disposable instruments for this procedure.

Methods: Eight cadaver maxillary sinuses configured with image guidance software were evaluated. In each sinus, a standard middle meatal antrostomy was created, through which curved microdebriders of 15, 40, 70, and 120° were placed.

Clinical and pathologic characteristics of intranasal abuse of combined opioid-acetaminophen medications.

Background: The nonmedical abuse of prescription opioids via intranasal administration is a growing problem. The objective of this study is to investigate of the typical presentation of intranasal opioid-acetaminophen abuse and outline optimal therapy.

Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a facial nerve center perspective.

Objectives: Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by the triad of facial palsy, lingua plicata (fissured tongue), and orofacial edema. Few articles in the literature report series with more than 20 patients or focus on the facial nerve dominant presentation of MRS.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the patients diagnosed with MRS at a university-based Facial Nerve Center.

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation versus nasal packing as first-line treatment for posterior epistaxis.

Background: The advent of endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation (ESPAL) for the control of posterior epistaxis provides an effective, low-morbidity treatment option. In the current practice algorithm, ESPAL is pursued after failure of posterior packing. Given the morbidity and limited effectiveness of posterior packing, we sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of first-line ESPAL compared to the current practice model.

Interventional sialendoscopy for treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis.

Objective: To evaluate our preliminary experience with interventional sialendoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP).

Materials And Methods: Three consecutive pediatric patients with JRP who underwent interventional sialendoscopy were identified. Interventional sialendoscopy consisted of serial dilation of the Stenson's duct, endoscopy of the ductal system and saline irrigation followed by instillation of triamcinolone acetate.

Surgical treatment of Bell's palsy: current attitudes.

Objectives/hypothesis: To learn the current management of Bell's palsy among practicing otologists and neurotologists and to better define the role of surgical decompression of the facial nerve in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Study Design: Survey questionnaire.

Methods: We conducted a survey of members of the American Otological Society and the American Neurotology Society to learn their current practices in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy: a preliminary experience.

Objectives/hypothesis: To review our preliminary experience with diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy for the management of non-neoplastic disorders of the salivary gland.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Thirty-three consecutive patients undergoing 36 sialendoscopy procedures performed at a tertiary medical center from July 2008 to July 2010 were included.

Middle ear endoscopy and trans-tympanic drug delivery using an interventional sialendoscope: a feasibility study in human cadaveric temporal bones.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess feasibility of using a 1.3mm semi-rigid interventional salivary endoscope for middle ear endoscopy and as a route for trans-tympanic delivery of medication in human cadaveric temporal bones.

Methods: Five temporal bones harvested from human cadavers were examined.