Bilateral vocal fold immobility: a 13 year review of etiologies, management and the utility of the Empey index.

Background: Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) is a rare diagnosis causing dyspnea, dysphonia and dysphagia. Management depends on respiratory performance, airway patency, vocal ability, and quality-of-life priorities. The authors review the presentation, management and outcome in patients diagnosed with BVFI.

Liposuction for Submental Lymphedema Improves Appearance and Self-Perception in the Head and Neck Cancer Patient.

Objective: Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully for cancer patients who suffer from posttreatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for posttreatment lymphedema.

A case of bilateral internal auditory canal osteomas.

Osteomas of the skull base are rare, benign, slowly progressing growths of dense cortical bone. Osteomas occurring in the internal auditory canal are extremely rare. These lesions have sometimes been linked with dizziness, sensorineural hearing loss, and/or tinnitus.

Expectantly waiting: a survey of thyroid surgery wait times among Canadian otolaryngologists.

Background: Our objective is to highlight discrepancies between actual wait times and perceived appropriate wait times for various thyroid pathologies among Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeons in Canada; and to identify specific diagnoses/pathologies where wait times could be improved.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to all practicing CSO-HNS members. Questions focused on actual wait times for initial consults and surgery within individual practices, in the setting of various thyroid pathologies.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and characterize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic with the aim of increasing CAM use awareness for the practicing pediatric otolaryngologist.

Methods: Four hundred thirty-four caregivers of patients presenting to a pediatric otolaryngology clinic were surveyed regarding their child's use of CAMs. Demographic information, perceived benefits, and sources of information regarding CAM was collected.

Tympanocentesis results of a Canadian pediatric myringotomy population, 2008 to 2010.

Objective: This study was completed to evaluate the middle ear microbiology of a pediatric population with chronic otitis media with effusion and to determine if there has been a change in the spectrum of microorganisms or their antibiotic susceptibility in the modern age of antibiotic therapy.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: A Canadian academic pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Feeding and mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: a case series of functional outcomes.

Introduction: In addition to upper airway obstruction, many patients with micrognathia and Pierre Robin sequence also have swallowing abnormalities and reflux. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness in alleviating the airway symptoms with mandibular distraction osteogenesis, but very few studies have focused on feeding and reflux outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with Pierre Robin sequence who underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis with completed pre- and post-operative upper gastroesophageal series and videofluoroscopic swallow assessments.

Work environment discomfort and injury: an ergonomic survey study of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology members.

Background: Workplace-related musculoskeletal pain has been studied in various occupations, but it is rarely reported in the surgical literature.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine work-related discomfort and injury among pediatric otolaryngologists and to assess their knowledge of workplace ergonomic principles.

Methods: We surveyed current North American members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in the thyroid patients of a head and neck practice.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients being investigated for thyroid nodules in a head and neck oncology practice. Subsequently, to determine whether the common therapies used were likely to interfere with the planned patient's care and whether the predominance was significant to warrant inclusion in routine history assessments.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Survey of nasopharyngoscope decontamination methods in Canada.

Background: nasopharyngoscopes are essential tools in modern otolaryngology practice. Owing to their frequent and diverse use, it is important to ensure that they can be efficiently and thoroughly cleaned. To date, there are no official national guidelines provided by the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS) for decontamination of nasopharyngoscopes.

Laryngeal reconstruction following CO2 laser surgery for glottic cancer.

CO(2) laser has become a common surgical technique in the management of glottic cancer. The patients treated with this modality may benefit from additional phonosurgical techniques used to improve postoperative vocal outcome.The aim of this article was to review those phonosurgical techniques described for glottic reconstruction after CO(2) laser excision of glottic cancer.