Postnasal drip and postnasal drip-related cough.

Purpose Of Review: This article describes the pathophysiology and management of postnasal drip (PND) with and without cough.

Recent Findings: PND is a common complaint in primary care and ear-nose-throat offices, and is often, but not always, associated with chronic cough. Because it lacks objective testing and its symptoms can be vague and variable, PND has become a catch-all diagnosis for a variety of nasal and throat-related symptoms.

An algorithmic approach to the evaluation and treatment of olfactory disorders.

Purpose Of Review: To review the current evidence in diagnosing olfactory disorders and suggest an algorithmic approach to patients with relevant complaints.

Recent Findings: New literature suggests that the incidence of olfactory loss increases with age. Age-associated olfactory loss is often multifactorial and requires careful history and physical exam.

Pearls and pitfalls: medico-legal considerations for sinus surgery.

Purpose Of Review: Patients being treated for chronic rhinosinusitis, whether via medical or surgical means, account for a significant percentage of all medical malpractice claims against otolaryngologists. In this study, we present suggestions to help otolaryngologists safeguard against unnecessary claims.

Recent Findings: A significant proportion of malpractice claims associated with sinus surgery refer to failure of the physician to provide proper and complete informed consent.

Middle ear effusion in adult ICU patients: a cohort study.

We conducted a prospective study of 74 adults-34 men and 40 women, aged 18 to 90 (mean: 60.2)-to determine the prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) among patients in the setting of an intensive care unit (ICU) and to compare the findings with those of a control group of non-ICU hospitalized patients. Other goals were to identify risk factors associated with MEE in ICU patients and to evaluate any association with fever.

Evaluation of sinus computed tomography scans: a collaborative approach between radiology and otolaryngology.

Purpose Of Review: Sinus computed tomography (CT) interpretation is subject to individual variation. We propose a template-driven approach as a method to ensure CT interpretation that is complete and efficient.

Recent Findings: Recent years have seen the description of newly noted anatomic abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses that should be noted during sinus CT interpretation.

Malpractice in head and neck surgery: a review of cases.

Objective: To examine the sources of litigation related to the practice of head and neck surgery.

Study Design: Analysis of malpractice claims directly related to the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck disease provided by 16 medical liability insurance companies.

Setting: Not applicable.

Comparison of maxillary sinus specimens removed during Caldwell-Luc procedures and traditional maxillary sinus antrostomies.

The cases of 80 patients who underwent Caldwell-Luc surgery for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis between 2002 and 2007 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Department of Otolaryngology were reviewed. Data on demographics, comorbidities, details of surgery, surgical pathology, and histology were collected. These data were compared with those of 40 patients who underwent standard functional endoscopic sinus surgery in 2007.

A review of malpractice cases after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Objective: To examine sources of litigation following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

Study Design: Analysis of malpractice claims filed after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy provided by 16 medical liability insurance companies.

Setting: Not applicable.

Malpractice claims in nasal and sinus surgery: a review of 15 cases.

Otolaryngologists may encounter claims of medical malpractice during the course of their careers. A sample of 15 cases involving patient claims of medical malpractice relating to care delivered for problems of the nose and paranasal sinus is presented. A short summary of each case is provided, which may be useful to practicing otolaryngologists.

Preoperative computed tomography evaluation in sinus surgery: a template-driven approach.

Anatomic abnormalities in the paranasal sinuses and skull base are not uncommon. Awareness of these abnormalities may be of assistance in pre-operative planning. This content presents a template-driven approach to the analysis of computed tomography scans in preparation for endoscopic sinus surgery.

The role of local steroid injection for nasal polyposis.

Sinonasal polyps affect a small but significant percentage of patients with chronic sinusitis. Treatments vary and range from oral and topical medical treatments to surgical removal. Corticosteroids typically have been regarded as the gold standard medical treatment for sinonasal polyps.

Endoscopic endonasal repair of difficult-to-access cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the frontal sinus.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks located within the frontal sinus can be difficult to repair effectively. Additional challenges arise from the need to simultaneously repair the leak or defect and to ensure the future patency of the sinus itself.

Methods: The cases of two patients who underwent surgical repair of CSF leaks and skull base defects located in difficult to access locations within their frontal sinuses were reviewed.

The ethmo-frontal angle: a new anatomic and radiologic landmark for use in sinus surgery.

Objective: To identify anatomic and radiologic landmarks to assist with frontal sinus surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Subjects And Methods: Sinus CT scans of 50 patients were evaluated with respect to a new radiologic and anatomic landmark, the ethmo-frontal angle (EFA).

Surgical management of polyps in the treatment of nasal airway obstruction.

In addition to their role in chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal congestion, sinonasal polyps are associated with significant nasal obstruction. Effective long-term treatments remain difficult to pinpoint. Management of these polyps is a difficult challenge for the contemporary otolaryngologist.

Balloon sinuplasty for the surgical management of immunocompromised and critically ill patients with acute rhinosinusitis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review use of balloon sinuplasty for surgical treatment in critically ill patients with acute sinusitis.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Subjects And Methods: Patients who underwent balloon sinuplasty between October 2007 and March 2008 were identified.

Revisiting the interpretation of positive sinus CT findings: a radiological and symptom-based review.

Objective: It is widely believed that a high percentage of normal, healthy patients without sinusitis symptoms have abnormal findings on sinus CT. Experiences of the authors of this study suggest otherwise.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Current issues in the management of sinonasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Purpose Of Review: Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen, contributing to both pediatric and adult infections in the USA. In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a source of public fear and outcry. In this article, we review facts and fiction of sinonasal MRSA.

Endoscopic localization of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries.

Objectives: Understanding the endoscopic locations of the anterior and posterior ethmoid arteries is important during endoscopic sinus or endoscopic skull base procedures so that these arteries can be avoided. Therefore, the objective of this study was to define the endoscopic locations of the ethmoid arteries.

Methods: Twenty-four cadaver heads were used to identify the endoscopic location of the ethmoid arteries via an external incision.

Revision septoplasty: review of sources of persistent nasal obstruction.

Background: Patients with nasal obstruction from septal deviation commonly undergo septoplasty to improve nasal airflow. Some patients suffer from persistent obstruction after their primary septoplasty and may undergo a revision septoplasty to improve their nasal passageway. Our objective was to identify patients who underwent revision septoplasty and to identify their sources of persistent nasal obstruction.