Feasibility of transoral robotic surgery using the da Vinci Xi system for oropharyngeal cancer and obstructive sleep apnea in low-volume center.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a common surgical approach for the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions of the oropharynx. While the newer da Vinci Xi platform has largely replaced the previous Si model in many institutions, the reported outcomes with this system in head and neck surgery are limited. We report the feasibility of using the da Vinci Xi platform for managing oropharyngeal cancer and obstructive sleep apnea in a low-volume center.

Sudden Hearing Loss in the Active Duty Population: An Epidemiological Study.

Introduction: Hearing loss among military personnel is a well-known challenge, reported as the second most common VA service-connected disability. Although most hearing loss occurs gradually, a subset occurs suddenly and significantly impacts quality of life and military readiness and is considered as a medical emergency. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of sudden hearing loss among different subpopulations within the military system to better identify at-risk groups.

Factors affecting polysomnography compliance and delays to surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Objective: To evaluate adherence to polysomnography in pediatric patients and determine if demographics, socioeconomic status, polysomnography indication, or prior otolaryngology intervention are associated with polysomnography adherence and time to definitive surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review study.

Setting: Tertiary-care children's hospital.

Sudden and Asymmetric Hearing Loss Among Active Duty Service Members: Underscoring the Importance of Active Screening.

Military personnel are at increased risk of asymmetric hearing loss secondary to noise exposure. This report illustrates the importance of expeditiously evaluating for retrocochlear pathology even in young active duty service members with asymmetric or sudden hearing loss. A 36-year-old male presented with right-sided sudden hearing loss and dizziness.

Cochlear Implantation in the Active Duty Military Population: A Survey Assessing Military Readiness and Satisfaction.

Objective: Evaluate the impact of cochlear implantation (CI) on retention for United States active duty (AD) service members.

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.

Setting: Tertiary military CI centers.

A Dizzying Complaint: Investigating the Intended Meaning of Dizziness Among Patients and Providers.

Objective/hypothesis: To assess for semantic differences regarding the definition of dizziness among otolaryngology patients, otolaryngologists, and non-otolaryngologist providers.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods: Between March and May 2020, a survey consisting of 20 common descriptors for dizziness within five domains (lightheadedness, motion sensitivity, imbalance, vision complaints, and pain) was completed by patients at two outpatient otolaryngology clinics.

Experiential Learning Cycles as an Effective Means for Teaching Psychiatric Clinical Skills via Repeated Simulation in the Psychiatry Clerkship.

Objective: This retrospective study compares differences in clinical performance on the psychiatry clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) between students receiving traditional repeated clinical simulation with those receiving repeated clinical simulation using the Kolb Cycle.

Methods: Psychiatry clerkship OSCE scores from 321 students who completed their psychiatry clerkship in 2016 and 2017 were compared. Specific performance measures included communication skills as determined by the Essential Elements of Communication, gathering a history, documenting a history and mental status exam, defending a differential diagnosis, and proposing a treatment plan.