Determination of the function of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve after thyroidectomy.

Background: Several unique complications of thyroidectomy exist because of its regional anatomy; they are well studied and reported. A majority of thyroidectomy patients report vague upper aerodigestive tract complaints. Despite this, no formal assessment of the integrity of the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve after thyroidectomy exists in the literature.

Factors influencing publication of abstracts presented at the AAO-HNS Annual Meeting.

Objective: To examine abstracts presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Annual Meeting and to identify factors associated with publication success.

Study Design And Setting: All abstracts published in the August 1999 official program issue of the AAO-HNS Journal were examined. MEDLINE searches were performed to assess publication success.

Levels of evidence in otolaryngology journals.

Objective: To identify trends in clinical research and levels of evidence in otolaryngology journals.

Study Design And Setting: We reviewed all original research articles from 1993, 1998, and 2003, in 4 major otolaryngology journals. Levels of evidence were graded 1 (strongest) through 5 (weakest).

Systematic review of topical antimicrobial therapy for acute otitis externa.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of topical antimicrobials for acute otitis externa.

Study Design: Systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials with parallel groups permitting one or more of the following comparisons: antimicrobial vs placebo, antiseptic vs antimicrobial, quinolone antibiotic vs nonquinolone antibiotic, steroid-antimicrobial vs antimicrobial, or antimicrobial-steroid vs steroid.

Results: Twenty trials met inclusion criteria and 18 had data suitable for pooling.

Intraoperative evaluation of a pulsatile oropharyngeal mass during adenotonsillectomy.

Iatrogenic injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare complication of pharyngeal surgery that most commonly occurs in children with an anomalous course to the internal carotid artery. Most aberrant arteries are asymptomatic. They can remain undiscovered preoperatively or be found incidentally on radiographic studies completed for an unrelated reason.