Search

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion Quantitative mucus cytokine analysis to examine the sinonasal microenvironment may bridge the gap between patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and empirical measures of inflammation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Investigate the correlation between mucus cytokine levels and Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores, including individual subdomains.Patients with CRS were prospectively recruited between 2016 and 2021 into a multi‐institutional observational study. Mucus was collected from the olfactory cleft and evaluated for mucus cytokine biomarkers. Spearman correlations (ρ) between cytokine levels and SNOT‐22 scores, including individual subdomains, Lund–Mackay (LM) CT and Lund–Kennedy (LK) endoscopy scores were assessed. Subgroup analysis based on nasal polyp status (CRSsNP—without nasal polyps; CRSwNP—with nasal polyps) was also performed. Linear regression was employed to identify multivariate associations between cytokine expression levels, clinical covariates, and SNOT‐22 total and domain scores.A total of 127 patients were included in the study (CRSsNP = 53, CRSwNP = 74). IL‐9 (ρ = 0.196, p < 0.05) was the only biomarker that correlated with the SNOT‐22 total score. CRSwNP patients had a higher absolute expression level of Type 2 biomarkers (IgE, IL‐5, and IL‐13), compared to CRSsNP patients. IgE, IL‐5, IL‐9, and IL‐13 significantly correlated with the SNOT‐22 rhinologic subdomain scores (p < 0.001), LM scores, and patient reported sense of smell (Question 21). Notably, subgroup analysis showed that CRSsNP patients also demonstrated significant correlations between Type 2 markers (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9, and IL‐13) and SNOT‐22 rhinologic subdomain scores.Type 2 mucus cytokine levels, especially IL‐9, correlate with SNOT‐22, and the rhinologic SNOT‐22 subdomain scores for both CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Iatrogenic injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA) is one of the most catastrophic complications of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. Previous research has shown that packing with a crushed muscle graft at the injury site can be an effective management technique to control bleeding and prevent the need for ICA sacrifice. Here, we describe a novel and readily available repair donor site—an autologous lateral tongue muscle patch. Design Three representative cases of a successful repair of ICA injuries using a lateral tongue muscle patch are included in this study. The graft measured approximately 2 × 3 cm and was taken from the lateral intrinsic tongue musculature. We describe the harvest of the graft, its advantages, and the details of operative repair. Results The lateral tongue provides a large and readily accessible source of muscle within the surgical field that can be quickly harvested during an endoscopic procedure. For the first case, an expanding parasellar ICA pseudoaneurysm was managed with a tongue muscle patch and nasal packing. In the second case, a cavernous ICA injury was sustained during craniopharyngioma resection. Case three involved an ICA injury during endonasal debridement of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. None of the patients required embolization or neurovascular stenting. Postoperative angiograms and serial computed tomography angiograms showed complete resolution of the pseudoaneurysm, and the patients continued to do well at least 1 year after repair. Conclusion Lateral tongue muscle graft is an effective and efficient method to manage ICA injuries during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Advantages include the speed of harvest, donor site being readily accessible in the surgical field, and low donor site morbidity. It should be added to the repertoire of possible donor sites for addressing catastrophic sinonasal bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unclear whether chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) endotypes show a differential response to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We explored patient mucous inflammatory cytokine expression and associations with patient‐reported and clinically measured post‐operative outcome measures. Methods: Patients with CRS were prospectively recruited between 2016 and 2021 into a national multicenter, observational study. Mucus was collected from the olfactory cleft preoperatively and evaluated for 26 biomarkers using cluster analysis. Patient‐reported outcome measures included the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and Questionnaire of Olfactory Dysfunction (QOD). Additional clinical measures of disease severity included threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) scores using "Sniffin' Sticks" testing and Lund–Kennedy endoscopic score (LKES). Results: A total of 115 patients were clustered into type 2 inflammatory, non–type 2 inflammatory, noninflammatory, and two indeterminate clusters based on individual protein levels. Overall, the type 2 inflammatory cluster was found to have the highest mean improvement in both SNOT‐22 (−28.3 [standard deviation, ±16.2]) and TDI (6.5 [standard deviation, ±7.9]) scores 6 months after ESS. However, on average, all endotype clusters demonstrated improvement in all outcome measures after ESS without statistically significant between‐group differences in SNOT‐22 (p = 0.738), QOD (p = 0.306), TDI (p = 0.358), or LKES (p = 0.514) measures. Conclusions: All CRS endotype clusters responded favorably to surgery and showed improvements in patient‐reported and objective outcome measures. Thus, ESS should be considered a more generalized CRS therapy, and benefits appear to not be limited to specific endotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, discusses the use of a polydioxanone suture (PDS) plate with a dural substitute for repairing anterior skull base defects. The study reviews a retrospective cohort series of 155 patients who underwent this technique and reports long-term outcomes. The results show that the PDS plate reconstruction is safe and effective, with a low rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and no cases of cranial nerve or internal carotid artery injury. The study also suggests that there may be a learning curve associated with this technique. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze barriers to medical care and follow‐up in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Study Design: Cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study with retrospective chart review. Setting: Tertiary Medical Center. Methods: Subjects with AFRS and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were prospectively recruited for completion of the Barriers to Care Questionnaire (BCQ) and formal chart review. Results: Fifty‐nine AFRS and 51 CRSwNP patients participated. AFRS patients were more likely to be lost to follow‐up within 6 months of surgery (35.6% vs 17.7%, P = 0.04) and no‐show at least 1 appointment (20.3% vs 5.9%, P = 0.03) compared to CRSwNP patients. Men with AFRS were more likely to have only a single follow‐up visit (37.0% vs 3.1%, P < 0.001) and be lost to follow‐up (66.7% vs 9.4%, P < 0.001) than women. There were no significant differences in the BCQ between groups; however, rate of questionnaire completion was lower in the AFRS group than the CRS group (62.7% vs 80.4%, P = 0.042). AFRS patients who did not complete the BCQ were more likely to be male (63.6% vs 35.1%, P = 0.034), lost to follow‐up (77.3% vs 10.8%, P < 0.0001), and have a single follow‐up visit (40.9% vs 5.4%, P < 0.0001). Younger age was associated with increased likelihood of having a single follow‐up visit (odds ratio 1.143, 95% CI 1.022‐1.276). Conclusion: Young, male AFRS patients are more frequently lost to follow‐up after surgery and less likely to complete questionnaires assessing barriers to care. Further investigation is needed to assess barriers to follow‐up in these at‐risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some previous studies have shown an increased prevalence of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) among young, black patients with poor access to health care; however, results have been mixed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between social determinants of health and AFRS. Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL. Review Methods: A systematic review was performed searching for articles published from date of inception to September 29, 2022. English language articles describing the relationship between social determinants of health (i.e., race, insurance status) and AFRS as compared to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were selected for inclusion. A Meta‐analysis of proportions with comparison (Δ) of weighted proportions was conducted. Results: A total of 21 articles with 1605 patients were selected for inclusion. The proportion of black patients among AFRS, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) groups was 58.0% [45.3%‐70.1%], 23.8% [14.1%‐35.2%], and 13.0% [5.1%‐24.0%], respectively. This was significantly higher among the AFRS population compared to both the CRSwNP population (Δ34.2% [28.4%‐39.6%], p <.0001) and the CRSsNP population (Δ44.9% [38.4%‐50.6%], p <.0001). The proportion of patients who were either uninsured or covered by Medicaid among the AFRS, CRSwNP, and CRSsNP populations was 31.5% [25.4%‐38.1%], 8.6% [0.7%‐23.8%], and 5.0% [0.3%‐14.8%], respectively. This was significantly higher among the AFRS group than the CRSwNP group (Δ22.9% [15.3%‐31.1%], p <.0001) and the CRSsNP group (Δ26.5% [19.1%‐33.4%], p <.0001). Conclusion: This study confirms that AFRS patients are more likely to be Black and either uninsured or on subsidized insurance than their CRS counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate novel methods of measuring intranasal trigeminal function and correlate to validated measures of trigeminal function. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary medical center. Methods: Forty‐one subjects without nasal congestion were assessed. The trigeminal temperature function of the cool/warmth detection threshold and cold/heat pain threshold was measured with the Thermal Sensory Analyzer (TSA) device, as previously validated at buccal mucosa and infraorbital skin. Identical temperature sensory function was assessed at the anterior septum and inferior turbinate. Lateralization of trigeminal odorants eucalyptol, isothiocyanate, and acetic acid was conducted. Visual analog scales (VAS) of trigeminal function were collected. Results: Extraoral cheek site and oral site thermal measures were moderately correlated, suggesting consistent assessment of trigeminal function. Nearly all intranasal thermal measures correlated between the septum and turbinate (significant correlations [ρ] ranged from.3 to.8). Oral and extraoral cheek sites had modest correlations to intranasal cold and heat pain (ρ =.4‐.5). The oral site had modest correlations of cold and heat detection to intranasal sites, with turbinate appearing to have the most correlations. Isothiocyanate lateralization was the most closely correlated to intranasal thermal scores for cold and heat pain. Turbinate thermal measures had weak correlations with trigeminal VAS scores (ρ =.3‐.4). Conclusion: Intranasal trigeminal measures of thermal function correlate to validated extraoral and intraoral thermal measures. The turbinate appears to have stronger correlations to the septum than found in the mouth and face. TSA testing might provide a rapid, novel method of intranasal trigeminal function assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory condition with significant patient morbidity and associated healthcare costs. While the economic burden of CRS overall has been previously described, the economic impact of CRSwNP has received less attention. Patients with CRSwNP have higher disease burden and healthcare resource utilization than those with CRS without nasal polyposis. Rapid evolution of medical management in recent years with the use of targeted biologics warrants further investigation into the economic burden of CRSwNP. Objective: Provide an updated review of the literature on the economic impact of CRSwNP. Methods: A literature review. Results: Research shows that patients with CRSwNP have higher direct costs and usage of ambulatory services compared to matched non-CRS controls. Patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) incur roughly $13,000 in costs which is particularly relevant given the rate of disease recidivism and need for revision surgery associated with CRSwNP. Disease burden additionally leads to indirect costs through loss of wages and productivity due to work absenteeism and presenteeism, with estimates of up to roughly $10,000 lost in mean annual productivity cost in refractory CRSwNP. Several studies have shown FESS to be more cost-effective in intermediate and long-term management than medical therapy with biologics, despite similar long-term outcomes with respect to quality-of-life metrics. Conclusion: CRSwNP is a chronic condition with high recurrence rates making it a challenge to manage over time. Current research suggests that FESS is more cost-effective than medical management, including use of newer biologics. Further investigation into both direct and indirect costs associated with medical management is warranted to perform accurate cost-effectiveness analyses and allow for the best allocation of limited healthcare resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When comparing only the patients with prolonged OD, defined as >=2 months, we do see that COVID patients have lower normalized TDI scores (-2.8 vs. -2.07, I p i = 0.0238) and thus have somewhat more severe OD. However, comparing only patients with prolonged OD, defined as >=2 months, we did observe that COVID patients tended to have lower normalized TDI scores (-2.8 vs. -2.07, I p i = 0.0238) and thus have somewhat more severe OD. Keywords: olfaction; olfactory disorders; postviral olfactory dysfunction; SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); TDI testing EN olfaction olfactory disorders postviral olfactory dysfunction SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) TDI testing 1063 1066 4 07/27/22 20220801 NES 220801 INTRODUCTION Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) can occur following SARS-CoV2 infection but is not necessarily unique given that postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) is a well-established phenomenon.1,2 Differences between COVID-associated OD and other etiologies of PVOD remain unclear and are actively under investigation, with recent evidence indicating that they may have a similar pathophysiologic mechanism.3 In this study, we sought to compare the time course, clinical characteristics, and objective olfactory testing between patients with post-COVID OD and PVOD. [Extracted from the article]

Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) is an extremely rare and aggressive neoplasm that can arise in the sinonasal region. These tumors are associated with high morbidity and mortality, are difficult to diagnose, and are hard to treat. We describe 2 cases of this poorly understood malignancy and review imaging, pathology, and treatment decisions. A 41-year-old male and a 64-year-old female presented to a tertiary center in 2019 after developing nasal obstruction and were found to have sinonasal masses on imaging. Both biopsies showed strong expression of pancytokeratin with dot-like reactivity and expression of neuroendocrine markers chromogranin and synaptophysin. The findings were diagnostic of SNEC. Staging positron emission tomography/computed tomography and brain MRI were performed, and patients were discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board. Neither had distant metastatic disease at presentation. One patient had no intracranial or orbital disease and underwent a subtotal endoscopic resection with adjuvant chemoradiation. The other patient demonstrated middle cranial fossa, dural, and orbital involvement as well as cranial nerve V palsy. This patient was treated with induction chemotherapy, followed by concurrent chemoradiation. Both patients are presently alive at 4 months follow-up, but one with persistent local disease and the other distant metastasis. Sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and poorly understood malignancy with an aggressive clinical course. Continued careful review of pathology and study of molecular features are needed for improved understanding of SNEC, and particularly for head and neck SNEC, to establish a staging system and better formulate treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onset and duration of symptoms of loss of smell/taste in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review. A recent study also reported that COVID-19 patients had nearly double the average total SNOT-22 scores compared with the matched negative controls.10 Thus, the SNOT-22 instrument may be useful in measuring and following post-COVID-19 rhinologic symptoms and olfactory dysfunction. Keywords: comorbidities; COVID-19; duration; olfaction; outcomes; SARS-CoV2; severity; smell loss; SNOT22; taste loss EN comorbidities COVID-19 duration olfaction outcomes SARS-CoV2 severity smell loss SNOT22 taste loss 108 111 4 12/31/21 20220101 NES 220101 INTRODUCTION From the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, olfactory and taste dysfunction have been identified as key and distinctive presenting symptoms,1,2 but the evolution of these sensory deficits over time remains unclear. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Recent advances in molecular biology have enabled the identification of potential inflammatory endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with prior work suggesting differential short‐term surgical outcome trajectories based on cytokine signatures. However, there is a paucity of data assessing long‐term treatment failure and need for revision surgery based on inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cross‐sectional data from 231 patients electing surgical therapy for CRS. Intraoperative mucus specimens were quantitatively sampled for inflammatory cytokines using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay. Univariate Spearman correlations between cytokine levels and prior number of surgeries were assessed. A stepwise adjusted multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used to model patient‐reported prior sinus surgery counts as a function of cytokine levels. Results: Several cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐17A, tumor necrosis factor α [TNF‐α], interferon γ [IFN‐γ], and eotaxin) demonstrated significant positive correlations with number of prior surgeries. However, only higher IL‐17A levels were independently associated with a higher number of prior sinus surgeries (β = 0.345, p = 0.0003) after adjusting for the significant covariates of age (β = 0.018, p = 0.0036), Lund‐Mackay score (β = –0.046, p = 0.02), history of aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (β = 1.01, p < 0.0001) and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (β = 1.08, p < 0.0001). Higher levels of regulated on activation, normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) were conversely associated with a lower number of prior surgeries (β = –0.17, p = 0.048). Conclusion: An IL‐17A–predominant cytokine profile is linked to an increased number of prior sinus surgeries. Thus, type 3 inflammatory markers may indicate a particularly difficult‐to‐treat, recalcitrant CRS endotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is a rare malignancy of the anterior skull base with only 127 cases described in the English literature. Given the rarity of this tumor, new cases and analysis of published reports may assist in future management of SNTCS. Objectives: 1) Describe findings from a systematic review of all available literature for malignant SNTCS including the clinical presentation, treatment modalities and outcomes. 2) Present two new cases of this rare anterior skull base tumor. 3) Compare treatment outcomes with respect to recurrence and mortality. Methods: A systematic review of all English literature available in 2 comprehensive databases was conducted by two independent reviewers using PRISMA guidelines. 85 publications were identified. Each case was reviewed for demographics, treatment and survival, and aggregate treatment outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: A total of 64 articles meeting inclusion criteria were reported in the literature between 1977-2018. This represented a total of 127 patients, with a strong male predominance (83%) and mean age of 50 years (range 10–82). Mean follow-up was 21 months. Recurrence rate was 38%, with mean survival at 2 years of 55%. Almost all patients underwent surgery as a primary treatment modality (90%). The majority of cases were treated with multimodal therapy, with 55% receiving surgery and radiation and 20% receiving surgery with adjuvant chemoradiation. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant survival advantage for patients treated with combined therapy compared to surgery alone (p < 0.001) but did not show differences in recurrence (p = 0.085). Conclusion: Two-year survival rates for SNTCS are 55%. Multimodality treatment outcomes appear to be superior to surgery alone based on the published data of this rare skull base tumor, although heterogeneity of treatment methods and reporting bias limits the generalizability of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives (1) Describe national patterns of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) care across academic and community practices. (2) Determine the prevalence of comorbid disorders in CRS patients, including nasal polyposis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. (3) Identify demographic, clinical, and practice type factors associated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Study Design Multisite cross-sectional study. Setting Otolaryngology's national research network CHEER (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research). Subjects and Methods A total of 17,828 adult patients with CRS were identified, of which 10,434 were seen at community practices (59%, n = 8 sites) and 7394 at academic practices (41%, n = 10 sites). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between demographic, practice type, and clinical factors and the odds of a patient undergoing ESS. Results The average age was 50.4 years; 59.5% of patients were female; and 88.3% were Caucasian. The prevalence of comorbid diseases was as follows: allergic rhinitis (35.1%), nasal polyposis (13.3%), asthma (4.4%), and cystic fibrosis (0.2%). In addition, 24.8% of patients at academic centers underwent ESS, as compared with 12.3% at community sites. In multivariate analyses, nasal polyposis (odds ratio [OR], 4.28), cystic fibrosis (OR, 2.42), and academic site type (OR, 1.86) were associated with ESS ( P < .001), while adjusting for other factors. Conclusions We describe practice patterns of CRS care, as well as demographic and clinical factors associated with ESS. This is the first study of practice patterns in CRS utilizing the CHEER network and may be used to guide future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The retroantral ethmoid cell (RAEC) is defined as a posterior ethmoid cell that pneumatizes inferolaterally behind the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. The RAEC can present a challenge to otolaryngologists during endoscopic ethmoidectomy due to its concealed location. It is also encountered during the endoscopic transpterygoid approach to the skull base, which requires dissection behind the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Because the RAEC is not described in the literature, this study aims to better characterize this anatomic variant. Methods This is a retrospective review of 58 consecutive patients who underwent revision functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) within a 2-year period at a tertiary referral center. Sinus computed tomography (CT) scans for this cohort (116 sides total) were reviewed independently by 3 authors to determine the incidence of the RAEC and the degree of surgical dissection during prior surgery. Results Of the 116 sides included in the study, RAEC was identified in 19 (16%). Furthermore, 14 of 19 (74%) cells were diseased with evidence mucosal thickening or neo-osteogenesis. Of the 12 sides with RAEC that had evidence of previous posterior ethmoidectomy, 4 (33%) cells were not opened, 6 (50%) were partially opened, and only 2 (17%) were completely opened. Conclusion This study demonstrates the relatively high prevalence of the RAEC in our patient population. The majority of RAECs showed both evidence of disease and that they were not completely opened during previous surgery. Recognition of this anatomic entity may allow for more thorough ethmoidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: To analyze cost and compare cholesteatoma recidivism and hearing outcomes with single-stage and second-look operative strategies.Study Design: Retrospective review and cost analysis.Methods: Adult and pediatric patients who underwent a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma with a single-stage or second-look operative strategy were identified. Variables included procedure approach, residual or recurrent cholesteatoma, ossicular chain reconstruction frequency, and operative complications. Audiologic outcomes included pre-/postoperative air bone gap (ABG) and word recognition score (WRS). Cost analysis included charges for consultation and follow-up visits, surgical procedures, computed tomography temporal bone scans, and audiology visits.Results: One hundred and six patients had a tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma, with 80 canal wall-up procedures (CWU) as initial approach. Of these, 46 (57.5%) CWU patients had a planned second look. Two (4.3%) CWU patients had recurrent cholesteatoma and 20 (43.4%) had residual identified at second look. Four (11.7%) single-stage CWU strategy patients developed recurrent cholesteatoma. There was no significant difference in pre-/postoperative ABG and WRS between second look and single stage (P > 0.05). Compared to second-look patients, single-stage patients had significantly fewer postoperative visits (6.32 vs. 10.4; P = 0.007), and significantly lower overall charges for care ($23,529. vs. $41.411; P < 0.0001).Conclusion: The goal of cholesteatoma surgery is to produce a safe ear, and a second-look strategy after CWU has historically been used to evaluate for recurrent or residual disease. The cholesteatoma recurrence rate at a second look after a CWU tympanoplasty-mastoidectomy is low. Costs of operative procedures are a significant proportion of healthcare resource expenditures. Considering the low rate of cholesteatoma recurrence and relatively high cost of care, implementation of a second-look strategy should be individually tailored and not universally performed.Level Of Evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2574-2579, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) Compare postoperative bleeding in the CHEER network (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research) among age groups, diagnoses, and practice types. (2) Report the incidence of bleeding by individual CHEER practice site based on practice guidelines.Study Design: Retrospective data collection database review of the CHEER network based on ICD-9 and CPT codes related to tonsillectomy patients.Setting: Multisite practice-based network.Subjects and Methods: A total of 8347 subjects underwent tonsillectomy as determined by procedure code within the retrospective data collection database, and 107 had postoperative hemorrhage. These subjects had demographic information and related diagnoses based on the CPT and ICD-9 codes collected. Postoperative ICD-9 and CPT codes were used to identify patients who also had postoperative bleed. Variables included age (<12 vs ≥12 years), diagnoses (infectious vs noninfectious), and practice type (community vs academic). Statistical analysis included multivariate logistic regression variables predictive of postoperative bleeding, with P < .05 considered significant.Results: Thirteen sites contributed data to the study (7 academic, 6 community). There was postoperative bleeding for an overall bleed rate of 1.3%. Patients ≥12 years old had a significantly increased bleed rate when compared with the younger group (odds ratio, 5.98; 95% confidence interval: 3.79-9.44; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in bleed rates when practices or diagnoses were compared.Conclusion: A site descriptor database built to expedite clinical research can be used for practice assessment and quality improvement. These data were also useful to identify patient risk factors for posttonsillectomy bleed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) Describe thyroid-related diagnoses and procedures in Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research (CHEER) across academic and community sites. (2) Compare management of malignant thyroid disease across these sites. (3) Provide practice-based data related to flexible laryngoscopy vocal fold assessment before and after thyroid surgery based on the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's clinical practice guidelines.Study Design: Review of retrospective data collection (RDC) database of the CHEER network using ICD-9 and CPT codes related to thyroid conditions.Setting: Multisite practice-based network.Subjects and Methods: There were 3807 thyroid patients (1392 malignant, 2415 benign) with 10,160 unique visits identified from 1 year of patient data in the RDC. Analysis was performed for identified cohort of patients using demographics, site characteristics, and diagnostic and procedural distribution.Results: Mean number of patients with thyroid disease per site was 238 (range, 23-715). In community practices, 19% of patients with thyroid disease had cancer versus 45% in the academic setting (P < .001). While academic sites manage more cancer patients, community sites are also surgically treating thyroid cancer and performed more procedures per cancer patient (4.2 vs 3.5, P < .001). Vocal fold function was assessed by flexible laryngoscopy in 34.0% of preoperative patients and in 3.7% postoperatively.Conclusion: This is the first overview of malignant and benign thyroid disease through CHEER. It shows how the RDC can be used alone and with national guidelines to inform of clinical practice patterns in academic and community sites. This demonstrates the potential for future thyroid-related studies utilizing the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery practice-based research network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal cysts are relatively rare benign lesions of the larynx. Congenital cysts can cause neonatal respiratory distress and death, but airway obstruction due to acquired cysts in adults is rare. We present a case report of 51-year-old male with dysphagia who was found to have a mobile pedunculated epiglottic cyst that intermittently caused partial obstruction of the laryngeal inlet. Patient was taken to operating room and following transoral fiberoptic intubation, endoscopic excision of this cyst was accomplished. Patient's postoperative course was uneventful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]