Publications by authors named "George Zalzal"

Objectives: Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) has revolutionized the management of pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS). However, postoperative stenosis remains a difficult hurdle to overcome. Our goal is to determine the clinical impact of recalcitrant stenosis after LTR and the factors contributing to postoperative stenosis.

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Introduction: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection commonly manifests as subacute or chronic cervicofacial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. The optimal management of this pathology remains controversial.

Objectives: This international consensus guideline aims to understand the practice patterns for NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis and to address the primary diagnostic and management challenges.

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Background: Complete and accurate documentation of surgical procedures is essential for optimizing patient care, yet significant variation in operative notes persists within and across institutions. We sought to reach consensus on the most important components of an operative note for pediatric microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy.

Methods: A modified Delphi consensus process was used.

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Stridor is a high-pitched extrathoracic noise associated with turbulent airflow, commonly associated with respiratory distress in infants. Workup for stridor requires evaluation of the upper-respiratory airway, with severe distress requiring evaluation under anesthesia. The differential diagnosis of stridor depends on location of the obstruction, age of the patient, and acuity of the symptoms.

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Objectives/hypothesis: To identify any potential barriers for decannulation in children undergoing double-staged laryngotracheal reconstruction (dsLTR) beyond the severity of disease itself.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review from 2008 to 2018 of 41 children who had undergone dsLTR as primary treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis at a stand-alone tertiary children's hospital.

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Objective: To provide guidance for home care tracheostomy management in the pediatric population. The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care.

Methods: Survey of expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG).

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Objectives: To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and allied clinicians for tracheostomy decannulation in pediatric patients.

Methods: An iterative questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group.

Results: Twenty-six members completed the survey.

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Objective/hypothesis: Determine if the presentation of voice versus airway symptoms at the time of diagnosis of juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) correlates with treatment and outcomes.

Study Design: Original report, Retrospective review.

Methods: Twenty year retrospective review of all patients with JORRP presenting at any time in treatment to a single tertiary children's hospital between 1997 and 2017.

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Introduction: Suprastomal Collapse (SuStCo) is a common complication of prolonged tracheostomy in children. There is a paucity of literature on this subject, especially regarding how to manage significant suprastomal collapse that prevents safe decannulation.

Objective: Provide a definition, classification system, and recommend management options for significant suprastomal collapse in children with tracheostomy.

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Objectives/hypothesis: Create a competency-based assessment tool for pediatric esophagoscopy with foreign body removal.

Study Design: Blinded modified Delphi consensus process.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

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Objective: To make recommendations on the identification, routine evaluation, and management of fetuses at risk for airway compromise at delivery.

Methods: Recommendations are based on expert opinion by members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was distributed to all members of the IPOG and responses recorded.

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Objective: To develop an expert-based consensus of recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was used to formulate expert recommendations by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG).

Results: Twenty-six members completed the survey.

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Objective: To provide recommendations for the comprehensive management of airway obstruction in patients with Robin Sequence.

Methods: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG).

Results: The consensus statement provides recommendations for medical specialists who manage infants with Robin Sequence including: evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in post-natal airway obstruction, assessment of antenatal obstruction and perinatal airway management.

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Objective: To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists and allied physicians for the comprehensive management of children who present with signs and symptoms of congenital cholesteatoma.

Methods: A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group, on the preoperative work-up, the perioperative considerations, and follow-up.

Results: Twenty-two members completed the survey, in 14 tertiary-care center departments representing 5 countries.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to develop a competency-based assessment tool specifically for pediatric tracheotomy procedures.
  • Using a modified Delphi consensus process, expert surgeons evaluated a list of potential assessment items in two rounds to identify which steps were considered essential.
  • The results indicated that it is feasible to achieve consensus on important procedural steps, guiding the creation of the assessment tool for better training and evaluation of medical trainees in this area.
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Introduction: Advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, have been deployed in children's hospital-based academic pediatric otolaryngology practices for many years. However, this relationship in terms of prevalence, roles, financial consequences and satisfaction has not been examined. The objective of this study is to explore how APPs impact healthcare delivery in this setting.

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Objectives: Single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction (SS-LTR) requires a period of post-operative intubation, during which time adequate sedation is needed to ensure graft healing. Commonly used agents include benzodiazepines, opioids, and more recently, dexmedetomidine, a centrally-acting α adrenoreceptor. This study aims to compare withdrawal outcomes between various sedation regimens following SS-LTR.

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Objectives: To develop consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) in pediatric patients.

Methods: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care.

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We report on two cases of severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) involvement where the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab IV has been administered for treatment. Notably, there have not been any episodes of urgent transfer to the hospital for obstructive events since the bevacizumab was started. It is important to note however, that the disease has not been eliminated.

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Objective: To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists and allied physicians for the comprehensive management of young infants who present with signs or symptoms of choanal atresia.

Methods: A two-iterative delphi method questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Otolaryngology Group (IPOG), on the diagnostic, intra-operative, post-operative and revision surgery considerations.

Results: Twenty-eight members completed the survey, in 22 tertiary-care center departments representing 8 countries.

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Objectives/hypothesis: Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a collection of procedures used to treat pediatric laryngotracheal stenosis. Arytenoid prolapse is a potential postoperative complication that may lead to upper airway obstruction. This study investigates the incidence, risk factors, and need for surgical intervention for post-LTR arytenoid prolapse.

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Introduction: The diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts can be controversial and varies across centers and surgeons. Using existing peer-reviewed literature to develop an expert-based consensus will help guide physicians in the treatment of these patients as well as develop research hypotheses to further study this condition.

Objective: To provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of type I laryngeal clefts.

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Importance: Pediatric tracheostomy is commonly performed for upper airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Children undergoing tracheostomy typically have multiple chronic medical problems that place them at high risk for readmission and additional complications.

Objective: To determine whether the institution of a postoperative protocol for parent education and wound care with a nurse trained in tracheostomy care decreases the rate of readmission and other complications.

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Laryngomalacia.

Semin Pediatr Surg

June 2016

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in neonates. It typically presents with inspiratory stridor and is often associated with feeding problems. Severe cases present with stridor, apnea, significant respiratory distress, and failure to thrive.

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Objectives: To develop consensus recommendations for peri-operative tracheotomy care in pediatric patients.

Methods: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care.

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