Lipid-Laden Macrophage Index as a Diagnostic Tool for Pediatric Aspiration: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI) has been proposed as a marker for aspiration on bronchoalveolar lavage. It has also been studied as a marker for gastroesophageal reflux and other pulmonary diseases. This review aims to determine the clinical correlation between LLMI and pediatric aspiration.

Comparative Effectiveness of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring Techniques in Pediatric Surgery.

Objectives/hypothesis: The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is at risk during pediatric cervical, thoracic, and cardiac surgery. We aim to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of RLN monitoring techniques in all pediatric patients.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Effect of Posterior Tracheopexy on Risk of Recurrence in Children after Recurrent Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula Repair.

Background: A recurrent tracheo-esophageal fistula can complicate esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) repair in children. Therapeutic approaches and the rate of recurrence vary widely. Most reports are limited by small cohorts and short-term follow-up, and rates of re-recurrence are substantial, making it difficult to select the treatment of choice.

Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Pediatric Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A Mini Review.

Review techniques for intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during pediatric surgery for esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, tracheobronchomalacia, and cardiac surgery. Literature was reviewed for reports of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in cervical, thoracic, and cardiac surgical procedures which place the RLNs at risk for injury. Review paper.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Management of suprastomal collapse in the pediatric population.

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.

Laryngeal Web in the Pediatric Population: Evaluation and Management.

Objective: To discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management of pediatric laryngeal web.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Single tertiary care center.

Evaluating gender parity in operative experience for otolaryngology residencies in the United States.

Objectives: Gender disparity exists in medicine, such as differences in pay and promotion opportunities. We hypothesize that there is also a gender difference in graduate medical education as manifested by operative case volume. This study compares surgical case volume by gender for graduating US otolaryngology residents.

Age at diagnosis, but not HPV type, is strongly associated with clinical course in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Background: Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease characterized by the growth of papillomas in the airway and especially the larynx. The clinical course is highly variable among individuals and there is poor understanding of the factors that drive an aggressive vs an indolent course.

Methods: A convenience cohort of 339 affected subjects with papillomas positive for only HPV6 or HPV11 and clinical course data available for 1 year or more, from a large multicenter international study were included.

Otolaryngology boot camps: Current landscape and future directions.

Objectives: Simulation-based boot camps have gained popularity over the past few years, with some surgical specialties implementing mandatory national boot camps. However, there is no consensus in otolaryngology on boot camp timing, learner level, or curriculum. The purpose of this study is to examine the current landscape and gather opinions regarding future curriculum and standardization of boot camps in otolaryngology.

The Impact of Timing of Tympanostomy Tube Placement on Sequelae in Children With Cleft Palate.

Objective: To describe the impact of timing of tympanostomy tube insertion on the number of tubes received and complications in children with routine tube placement.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Tertiary care children's hospital.

Should Children With Cleft Palate Receive Early Long-Term Tympanostomy Tubes: One Institution's Experience.

Objectives: To determine whether children with cleft palate might benefit from early long-term tympanostomy tubes with the hypothesis that receiving multiple tubes is associated with shorter duration of first tubes.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary care children's hospital.

The Impact of Tympanostomy Tubes on Speech and Language Development in Children with Cleft Palate.

Objective Describe the impact of hearing loss, tympanostomy tube placement before palatoplasty, and number of tubes received on speech outcomes in children with cleft palate. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital.

Preferred parental method of post-operative tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy follow-up (phone call vs. clinic visit).

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is the second most common procedure performed in the United States. Over 530,000 tonsillectomies are performed on children under 15 years of age in the United States, accounting for 16% of surgeries in this age group, resulting in missed school for patients of school-age and also resulting in missed work for caregivers. This study compared parent preferences for in-clinic follow-up (CFU) to telephone interview follow-up (TFU) after tonsillectomy.

Utility of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Evaluation of Pediatric Head and Neck Masses.

Objectives: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has a well-established role in the evaluation of an adult head and neck mass (HNM) but remains underused in children. The objectives of this study were to assess the diagnostic accuracy, safety profile, use of anesthesia, and influence on surgical decision making of FNAB of HNM in the pediatric population.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Remediation of problematic residents--A national survey.

Objectives/hypothesis: Despite careful selection processes, residency programs face the challenge of training residents who fall below minimal performance standards. Poor performance of a resident can endanger both patient safety and the reputation of the residency program. It is important, therefore, for a program to identify such residents and implement strategies for their successful remediation.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in children: review and update.

Objective: To review the clinical presentation, histology, staging, treatment modalities, and survival for pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (non-orbital).

Study Design: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary pediatric hospital of children treated over 18 years (1996-2014) for primary head and neck non-orbital rhabdomyosarcoma.

Methods: Medical charts were examined for clinical presentation, staging, histology, genetic abnormalities, treatment modalities, recurrence and complications from treatment.

Identifying quality indicators of surgical training: A national survey.

Objectives/hypothesis: Evidence shows a positive association between quality of surgical training received and patient outcomes. Traditionally, improved patient outcomes are linked with increased operative volume. However, generalizing this finding to surgeons in training is unclear.