What is the patient experience of surgical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic? A mixed-methods study at a single institution.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak has spread worldwide and has resulted in hospital restrictions. The perceived impact of these practices on patients undergoing essential surgeries is less understood.

Methods: Adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent medically necessary surgical procedures spanning multiple surgical specialties from March 23, 2020, to April 24, 2020, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic were identified as eligible for a phone survey.

Droplet and bone dust contamination from high-speed drilling during mastoidectomy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine contamination from otolaryngologic procedures involving high-speed drilling, specifically mastoid surgery, and to assess the adequacy of PPE in such procedures.

Design And Setting: Mastoid surgery was simulated in a dry laboratory using a plastic temporal bone, microscope and handheld drill with irrigation and suction. Comparisons of distance of droplet and bone dust contamination and surgeon contamination were made under differing conditions.

Microvascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve.

Purpose: Vascular compression of cranial nerves has been widely accepted as a cause for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. In contrast, vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve remains controversial.

Method: A comprehensive literature review including 175 articles between 1960 and 2020 was performed in an attempt to summarise the published hypotheses of the pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve and their management strategies.

Endoscopic Stapedectomy: Collective Experience From a Large Australian Center.

Introduction: Endoscopic stapes surgery is a technically demanding procedure that is increasing in popularity. Surgical outcomes and complication rates have been demonstrated to be comparable to traditional microscopic techniques. The surgical outcomes for patients undergoing stapes surgery performed by the Sydney Endoscopic Ear Surgery Research Group are presented.

A meta-analysis of survival factors in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis-has anything changed in the past 20 years?

Background: Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an uncommon yet potentially lethal fungal infection. Although most cases originate from developing countries, an ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic illness may mean some clinicians practicing in developed countries will encounter ROCM cases in their careers. Yohai et al published a systematic review of 145 case reports from 1970 to 1993 assessing prognostic factors for patients presenting with ROCM.

Assessment of Smell Function in Syndromic Craniosynostosis Patients.

Craniosynostosis is defined as premature fusion of the cranial suture lines and is part of a syndrome in 15% to 40% of the patients. There is limited literature available regarding these children's ability to smell. Most of them will undergo numerous surgical procedures, some of which may alter their sense of smell, potentially leading to significant social as well as safety implications.

Cross-reactive immunity against influenza viruses in children and adults following 2009 pandemic H1N1 infection.

Unlabelled: 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza (A(H1N1)pdm09) virus infected large numbers of people worldwide. Recent studies suggest infection with A(H1N1)pdm09 virus elicited cross-reactive anti-hemagglutinin (HA) memory B cell response to conserved regions of HA. However, the breadth and magnitude of cross-reactive immunity in children and adults following A(H1N1)pdm09 infection are unknown.

Chronic cough, reflux, postnasal drip syndrome, and the otolaryngologist.

Objectives. Chronic cough is a multifactorial symptom that requires multidisciplinary approach. Over the last years, general practitioners refer increasingly more chronic cough patients directly to the otolaryngologist.