Neural landscape is associated with functional outcomes in irradiated patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The incidence of human papilloma virus-mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased over the past 40 years, particularly among young individuals with a favorable prognosis; however, current therapy often leads to unfortunate side effects, such as dysphagia. Despite the emphasis on dysphagia in previous studies, there is an important research gap in understanding the correlation between neuronal changes and patient-reported and functional outcomes in patients with OPSCC. To address this issue, we examined pathologic tissue samples from patients with OPSCC using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and machine learning to correlate tumor-associated neuronal changes with prospectively collected patient-reported and functional outcomes.

Factors affecting providers' comfort and fear during intubations of patients with COVID-19.

Background: Providers performing endotracheal intubation are at high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. The objective was to assess various demographic, exposure and institutional preparedness factors affecting intubators' comfort and fear level during COVID-19 intubations.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study during the COVID-19 pandemic from September 2020 to January 2021 at a single academic medical centre in Washington, DC, USA.

Impact of COVID-19 specific simulation training in improving intubators' level of comfort during intubations of COVID-19 patients - Results from a USA national survey.

Background: Tracheal intubation is a hazardous aerosolizing procedure with a potential risk of spreading SAR-CoV-2 between patients and physicians.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 specific simulation training in improving provider level of comfort during the intubation of COVID-19 patients.

Methods: In this cross-sectional national study, an electronic survey was disseminated using a snowball sample approach to intubators from 55 hospitals across the United States.

Outcomes after definitive surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

Objectives: To analyze charges, complications, survival, and functional outcomes for definitive surgery of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of 76 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction from 2000 to 2009.

Results: Complications occurred in 49 (65%) patients and were associated with preoperative drainage (odds ratio [OR] 4.

Did More Otolaryngology Residency Applicants Match at Their Home Institutions in 2021? Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To compare the proportion of applicants who matched to their home otolaryngology program during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous 5 years.

Methods: A "home program match" status was identified for residents in each PGY level and in incoming interns. The "home match proportion" (HMP) was then calculated for each program for each year from 2016 to 2021.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Head and Neck Cancer.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has historically been attributable to tobacco and alcohol exposure and saw a decline in incidence after societal norms shifted away from smoking. In recent decades, this disease has had a re-emergence due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, now surpassing cervical cancer as the number 1 cause of HPV-related cancer in the United States. HPV-positive OPSCC differs from HPV-negative disease in epidemiology, prognosis, treatment, and prevention.

Head and neck osteosarcomas: Analysis of treatment trends and survival outcomes in the United States (2004-2016).

Background: Head and neck osteosarcoma (HNOS) is a rare primary bone tumor with limited data to guide treatment approaches.

Methods: The NCDB was used to identify patients diagnosed with HNOS. Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate regression were used to examine the impact of each treatment on overall survival (OS).

Perceived Impact of USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting to Pass/Fail on Otolaryngology Applicant Selection.

Objectives: Recently, the decision was made to transition the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score from a three-digit numerical score to a pass/fail system. Historically, Step 1 scores have been important for otolaryngology resident applicant selection. The purpose of this study was to understand and evaluate otolaryngology residency program directors' (OPDs) opinions on the impact following the change in Step 1 score reporting.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Characteristics in Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Objectives: To characterize patterns of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Incidentally discovered severe hypercalcaemia from a functioning parathyroid cyst: the limitations of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring.

Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are rare pathologies and are typically non-functional (do not secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH)). The aetiology of PCs is highly debated, and management is complex. We present a unique case of a parathyroid adenoma contained within a functional PC and highlight the limitations of intraoperative PTH monitoring during the surgical resection of functional PCs.

Tracheal Agenesis: Vertical Division of the Native Esophagus - A Novel Surgical Approach and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Tracheal agenesis (TA) is rare and usually fatal. Few survivors with concomitant tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF) who underwent ligation of the distal esophagus with creation of a spit-fistula and neo-trachea from the proximal esophagus exist. We report a novel surgical technique whereby the esophagus is divided longitudinally to preserve a functional alimentation tract and a parallel neo-trachea.

Oropharyngeal hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19: A multi-institutional case series.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 who are intubated and require mechanical ventilation have been observed to have oropharyngeal bleeding necessitating otolaryngology intervention.

Methods: We report five cases of oropharyngeal hemorrhage in COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation requiring evaluation by otolaryngologists at George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) from March to April 2020. Institutional Review Board at both institutions exempted this study from informed consent because there were no identifiable patient characteristics, photographs, or imaging studies included.

Local spikes in COVID-19 cases: Recommendations for maintaining otolaryngology clinic operations.

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created an unprecedented economic and public health crisis in the United States. Following efforts to mitigate disease spread, with a significant decline in some regions, many states began reopening their economies. As social distancing guidelines were relaxed and businesses opened, local outbreaks of COVID-19 continue to place person on healthcare systems.

COVID-19 Intubation Safety: A Multidisciplinary, Rapid-Cycle Model of Improvement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the health care industry to develop dynamic protocols to maximize provider safety as aerosolizing procedures, specifically intubation, increase the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. The authors sought to create a quality improvement framework to ensure safe practices for intubating providers, and describe a multidisciplinary model developed at an academic tertiary care facility centered on rapid-cycle improvements and real-time gap analysis to track adherence to COVID-19 intubation safety protocols. The model included an Intubation Safety Checklist, a standardized documentation template for intubations, obtaining real-time feedback, and weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to review data and implement improvements.

Outpatient Parotidectomy: A Retrospective Series.

Objectives: Recent literature suggests that outpatient head and neck surgery is safe and may decrease costs. This study assesses whether outpatient parotidectomy differs in complication type and rate from inpatient surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent parotidectomy at our institution from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and divided by inpatient or outpatient status.

Prognostic factors and survival in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sinonasal cavity.

Background: Optimal treatment and prognostic factors affecting long-term survival in patients with sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) have yet to be clearly defined.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated with curative intent from 1980-2015 at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Results: One hundred sixty patients met inclusion criteria, including 8 who were treated with radiotherapy alone.

Age-adjusted comorbidity and survival in locally advanced laryngeal cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationship among age, pretreatment comorbidity, and survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer.

Methods: Baseline comorbidity data were collected and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated for each case. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to determine associations with survival.

Cognitive function and patient-reported memory problems after radiotherapy for cancers at the skull base: A cross-sectional survivorship study using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck Module.

Background: Using patient-reported and objective assessment tools, we sought to quantify cognitive symptoms and objective cognitive dysfunction in patients irradiated for skull base cancer.

Methods: Participants were assessed using the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Head and Neck module (MDASI-HN), with subsequent analysis.

Results: Of the 122 participants analyzed, the majority (63%) had no frank detectable cognitive impairment by TICS, with frank impairment in 6%.

Long-term outcomes after multidisciplinary management of T3 laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas: Improved functional outcomes and survival with modern therapeutic approaches.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes after initial definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for T3 laryngeal cancers.

Methods: We reviewed 412 patients treated for T3 laryngeal squamous cell cancer from 1985 to 2011.

Results: The 10-year overall survival (OS) was 35%; disease-specific-survival (DSS) was 61%; locoregional control was 76%; and freedom from distant metastasis was 83%.