Surgical Tray Optimization: a Quality Improvement Initiative that Reduces Operating Room Costs.

Surgical trays contain unused instruments which generate wasted resources from unnecessary reprocessing/replacement costs. We implemented a quality improvement initiative to optimize surgical trays for common otolaryngology procedures, and examined the impact on costs, operating room (OR) efficiency, and patient safety.We studied five common otolaryngology procedures over a 10-month period at a single community hospital.

Pilot study to determine barriers to accessing sinus surgery.

Objective: Given that anecdotal evidence has suggested that certain groups of patients have difficulty accessing sinus surgery, this study aimed to discover the characteristics and access factors that deter patients from surgery.

Setting: Patients were recruited from a community, academic otolaryngology-head and neck surgery practice serving a diverse community.

Design: In this cross-sectional study, patients with chronic sinusitis completed a pilot-tested questionnaire.

Evaluating postoperative pain in monopolar cautery versus harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy.

Objectives: To compare postoperative pain between monopolar cautery tonsillectomy and harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy (HST).

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial using paired organs.

Setting: Community hospital with academic affiliation.