Search

Evaluate the impact of sharing otoendoscopy exams on patient satisfaction in the outpatient clinical setting.Randomized, prospective cohort study. Consecutive adults presenting to otology clinic at one tertiary referral center were randomized into two groups: standard microscopy (SM) and video otoendoscopy (VO). The SM group had ears examined using a standard, otomicroscope; the VO group had ears examined using a 0° rigid endoscope connected to a video tower. All subjects were counseled on their exam findings in a routine manner; the VO group was concurrently shown a recording of their ear exam. All subjects completed the 18-item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) at the conclusion of their clinic visit.The SM group consisted of 27 patients and VO group consisted of 23 patients. VO subjects reported higher PSQ-18 scores compared to SM subjects within the domains of communication (p = 0.04) and technical quality (p = 0.005). On linear regression models, demographic factors and positive exam findings were not predictive of patient satisfaction.Sharing otoendoscopy recordings may be a valuable tool that can improve patient satisfaction.Clinicians should consider sharing recordings of otoscopic exams with patients, particularly when faced with the possibility of surgery.

To determine the clinical outcomes of adult patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) undergoing ipsilateral cochlear implantation.An electronic search of Medline and Embase articles.A systematic review was performed with a search strategy developed by a licensed librarian to identify studies of adult patients with SSD who underwent ipsilateral cochlear implantation. Articles were managed in Covidence and evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed and data were extracted, including patient demographics, etiology of deafness, duration of deafness, and postoperative change in speech recognition, tinnitus, sound localization, and quality of life (QoL). A meta-analysis was performed, and pooled mean differences were calculated for each outcome of interest via random effects models by each outcome, as well as subgroup analyses by the individual clinical score used.Of 2309 studies identified, 185 full texts were evaluated, and 50 were ultimately included involving 674 patients. Speech perception scores in quiet and noise, tinnitus control, sound localization, and QoL all significantly improved after implantation. Pooled outcomes demonstrated score improvements in speech perception (standardized mean difference [SMD], 2.8 [95% CI, 2.16-3.43]), QoL (SMD, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.45-0.91]), sound localization (SMD, -1.13 [95% CI, -1.68 to -0.57]), and tinnitus score reduction (SMD, -1.32 [95% CI, -1.85 to -0.80]).Cochlear implantation in adults with SSD results in significant improvements in speech perception, tinnitus control, sound localization, and QoL.Level of evidence: 2.

Item does not contain fulltext Patients with germline SDHD pathogenic variants (encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunit D; ie, paraganglioma 1 syndrome) are predominantly affected by head and neck paragangliomas, which, in almost 20% of patients, might coexist with paragangliomas arising from other locations (eg, adrenal medulla, para-aortic, cardiac or thoracic, and pelvic). Given the higher risk of tumour multifocality and bilaterality for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) because of SDHD pathogenic variants than for their sporadic and other genotypic counterparts, the management of patients with SDHD PPGLs is clinically complex in terms of imaging, treatment, and management options. Furthermore, locally aggressive disease can be discovered at a young age or late in the disease course, which presents challenges in balancing surgical intervention with various medical and radiotherapeutic approaches. The axiom-first, do no harm-should always be considered and an initial period of observation (ie, watchful waiting) is often appropriate to characterise tumour behaviour in patients with these pathogenic variants. These patients should be referred to specialised high-volume medical centres. This consensus guideline aims to help physicians with the clinical decision-making process when caring for patients with SDHD PPGLs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on operative practices of otology and neurotology providers internationally. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A 78-question survey was distributed to otologists and neurotologists between May 12, 2020 and June 8, 2020 to assess the impact of the pandemic on surgical practices. Sections within the survey delineated time periods: prior to the crisis, onset of the crisis, during the crisis, postcrisis transition. RESULTS: Of 396 survey respondents, 284 participants from 38 countries met inclusion criteria.Respondents were 16.9% female and 82.4% male, with a most common age range of 40 to 49 years (36.3%). 69.8% of participants had been in practice for over 10 years and most respondents worked in an academic medical center (79.2%). The average operative weekly caseload was 5.3 (SD 3.9) per surgeon prior to the crisis, 0.7 (SD 1.2) during the COVID-19 crisis, and 3.5 (SD 3.3) for those who had begun a postcrisis transition at the time of survey administration (p 

The pathophysiology of Meniere's Disease (MD) involves endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) of the inner ear. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been shown to detect ELH, but changes in ELH have been poorly described using this modality. Our objective was to review MRI-measured changes in ELH over time and after medical and/or surgical intervention in patients with MD. We secondarily aim to associate changes in ELH with changes in MD symptomatology.Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases.A systematic review of articles was performed to identify studies utilizing MRI to measure ELH changes over time, and after medical or surgical treatment. Articles on non-human subjects and without direct measurement of ELH were excluded.Of 532 studies identified, 12 were included, involving 170 patients (mean age 56.3 years). Ten studies were prospective; two were retrospective. Five studies strictly utilized medical means of intervention, four utilized surgical treatments, one utilized both, and two observed temporal changes without treatment. Across all interventions, 72.1 % of patients exhibited the same or worsening ELH on imaging. In studies reporting vertigo outcomes, 95.9 % of patients exhibited improvement after the treatment period.Medical and surgical interventions often yield symptomatic relief of vertigo in MD patients despite stable or increasing ELH volume. MRI may have greater clinical utility in diagnosing ELH as opposed to assessing treatment response.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate non-inferiority of endoscopic stapedotomy to microscopic stapedotomy for the treatment of otosclerosis. STUDY DESIGN Single-blinded randomized control trial. SETTING Tertiary, academic otology-neurotology practice. PATIENTS Adult subjects with a diagnosis of otosclerosis and a preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) more than or equal to 20 dB undergoing primary stapedotomy. INTERVENTION Endoscopic or microscopic stapedotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary audiometric outcome was postoperative ABG. Secondary audiometric outcomes included speech reception threshold (SRT), word recognition score (WRS), bone- and air-conduction pure tone averages (PTA), change in ABG, and ABG closure rates to less than or equal to 10 dB and less than or equal to 20 dB. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were recruited. Eleven patients underwent endoscopic stapedotomy and 11 underwent microscopic stapedotomy. The endoscopic group was non-inferior to the microscopic group in terms of postoperative audiometric outcomes (endoscope versus microscope, p-value): ABG (8.1 dB versus 8.1 dB

OBJECTIVE To review our hearing preservation rates and speech recognition outcomes in patients undergoing cochlear implantation with a recently developed lateral wall electrode. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Retrospective case series of all patients, both pediatric and adult, undergoing cochlear implantation with the Advanced Bionics Hifocus™ SlimJ electrode between December 2017 and January 2020. Main outcomes included hearing preservation rates using several definitions, speech recognition testing primarily through Arizona Biosciences (AzBio) and Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) testing, intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS Sixty-one ears underwent implantation with the new electrode. Hearing preservation rates were 13.0% to 36.0% depending on the definition used. Speech recognition testing showed significant increases from pre- to postoperative condition (Implant-only AzBio: 24.1 to 48.3, P = .004, binaural AzBio: 46.1 to 65.9, P = .002, Implant-only CNC: 9.7 to 35.1, P

Objective To test the feasibility and efficacy of a 3D exoscope navigation-guided middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach to the internal auditory canal (IAC); to potentially obviate the need to use dissection landmarks and instead, use the navigation probe as a guide to find structures and drill down to the IAC. Patients Cadaveric dissection of six temporal bones. Intervention Computed tomography temporal bone was performed with fiducials on each specimen before the dissection to employ the navigation system. Using a 3D exoscope with navigation by Synaptive (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), the MCF approach was performed. Main outcome measures Navigation accuracy, ability to identify critical structures, and ability to drill out the IAC successfully. Results All six specimens had the IAC successfully drilled out using the 3D exoscope. All dissections were performed with navigation and did not require dissecting out the greater superficial petrosal nerve and superior semicircular canal. One specimen used landmark dissection to confirm the IAC after navigation had been used to locate the IAC first. Navigation accuracy mean was 1.86 mm (range, 1.56-2.05 mm). Conclusion A 3D exoscope navigation-guided MCF approach to the IAC is feasible without landmark dissection.

OBJECTIVE To characterize and analyze variation in price markup of seven common otologic surgeries by procedure and geographic region. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective Analysis of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database of 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Public File. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient centers delivering Medicare-reimbursed services. PATIENTS Full sample of patients undergoing procedures with Medicare fee-for-service final action claims during 2017. INTERVENTIONS Seven procedures (myringotomy, tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, tympanomastoidectomy stapedotomy/stapedectomy, cochlear implant, bone-anchored hearing aid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Markup ratio (MUR) is defined as the ratio of total charges to Medicare-allowable-costs; Variation in MUR was measured using coefficient of variation (CoV). RESULTS Among all providers, the median MUR was 2.4 (interquartile range: 1.9-3.1). MUR varied significantly by procedure, from 2.3 for myringotomy to 8.7 for mastoidectomy (p

Introduction: Cochlear implantation (CI) is a reliable and safe means by which sensorineural hearing loss can be ameliorated in the elderly population. However, a high degree of variation exists in postimplantation hearing outcomes for which some modifiable factors of the daily natural auditory environment may be contributory. In this study, we analyze the relationship between cochlear implant patient age, natural auditory environment, and postimplantation speech perception among older adults. Methods: Data log from automatic environment classification enabled sound processors of postlingually deafened CI recipients ≥50 years old (n = 115) were obtained retrospectively and analyzed for time spent (hours per day) in listening environment and loudness (SPL dB). Speech perception testing was assessed in a subset of patients (n = 27) using open-set word recognition in quiet Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant in the short and intermediate postoperative period. Results: The mean subject age was 70 years (range, 53–99 years). Average daily implant use was 10.8 h and was not significantly correlated with age (p = 0.23, Spearman’s rho). Age was positively correlated with the percentage of hours spent at 80 dB; rs = 0.21, 0.20, −0.20, −0.35, −0.43; p = 0.021, 0.036, 0.033, rs = 0.26, p = 0.006) and negatively correlated with scenes containing speech and noise (rs = −0.19, −0.25; p = 0.046, 0.007). Total hours of device use and time spent at rs = 0.48, 0.48, 0.51; p = 0.01, 0.01, rs = 0.37, p = 0.057). Discussion/Conclusion: This study supports a relationship between auditory environment and age, with older CI recipients spending a greater proportion of time in quiet. Older CI users demonstrated greater improvements in speech perception with longer daily device use. Additional examination of the relationship between auditory environment and speech perception is necessary to conclusively guide future auditory rehabilitation efforts.

Management of jugular paragangliomas (PGL) has evolved toward subtotal resection (STR). The purpose of this study is to analyze neural preservation and adjuvant treatment for long-term local control.Retrospective chart review.Tertiary neurotology practice.Adults undergoing surgical treatment of jugular PGL between 2006 and 2019. Patients, disease, and treatment variables were collected retrospectively. Single predictor logistic regression was used to ascertain predictors of regrowth or need for salvage radiation.A total of 41 patients (median age, 47 years; 76% female) were identified. Most patients presented with advanced-stage disease (Glasscock-Jackson stage III-IV = 76%). Subtotal resection (STR) was performed in 32 (78%) patients. Extended STR (type 1) was the most commonly performed conservative procedure (n = 19, 59%). Postoperative new low cranial neuropathy (LCN) involving CN X and XII was rare (n = 3 and n = 1, respectively). Seventeen patients (41%) underwent postsurgical therapy for tumor regrowth or recurrence, including 15 patients who underwent adjuvant (n = 4) or salvage (n = 11) radiation. Overall tumor control of 94.7% was achieved at a mean follow-up of 35 months. All patients treated with combined modality treatment had local control at last follow-up. Logistic regression identified no single predictor for postsurgical radiation treatment or salvage-free survival.Management of jugular PGL with a conservative approach is safe and effective with a low rate of new LCN deficit. Active surveillance of residual tumor with salvage radiation for growth results in excellent long-term tumor control.

Objective To determine risk factors for readmission, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility in patients with acute mastoiditis. Trends in treatment and complication rates were also examined. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Nationwide Readmissions Database (2013, 2014). Patients Pediatric and adult patients in the Nationwide Readmissions Database with a primary diagnosis of acute mastoiditis. Interventions Medical treatment, surgical intervention. Outcome measures Rates of and risk factors for readmission, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Procedure and complication rates were also examined. Results Four thousand two hundred ninety-five pediatric and adult admissions for acute mastoiditis were analyzed. The overall rates of readmission, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility were 17.0, 10.4, and 10.2%, respectively. Children 4 to 17 years of age had the highest rates of intracranial complications, and children ≤3 years were most likely to undergo operative intervention. Any procedure was performed in 31.2% of cases, and undergoing myringotomy or mastoidectomy was associated with lower rates of readmission but higher rates of prolonged length of stay. Those with intracranial complications and subperiosteal abscesses had the highest surgical intervention rates. Conclusions Readmission, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to a rehabilitation facility are common in patients with acute mastoiditis with various sociodemographic and disease-related risk factors. While once a primarily surgical disease, a minority of patients in our cohort underwent procedures. Undergoing a surgical procedure was protective against readmission but a risk factor for prolonged length of stay.

To assess the relative lifetime costs, benefits, and cost-effectiveness between the 2 approaches, canal wall-up (CWU) and canal wall-down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy, used in the treatment of cholesteatomas.Markov state transition model.Tertiary academic health system.A Markov state transition model was used to simulate outcomes across the patient lifetime. Outcome and complication probabilities were obtained from the existing literature. Costs were calculated from the payer perspective, with procedure, hospital, clinic, and physician cost derived from Medicare reimbursement. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used to represent effectiveness and utility. One-way and probability sensitivity analyses (PSAs) were conducted.The base case analysis, assuming a 40-year-old patient, yielded a lifetime cost of $14,214 for a patient treated with the CWU approach assuming second-look surgery and $22,290 with a CWD approach. CWU and CWD generated a benefit of 17.11 and 17.30 QALYs, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for CWU was $43,237 per QALY. The Monte Carlo PSA validated the base case scenario. Using a standard $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold, CWD was the more cost-effective approach and was selected 54.8% of the time by the simulation.Both CWU and CWD were found to be cost-effective, with CWD being cost-effective 54.8% of the time at a WTP threshold of $50,000. The assumptions used in the analysis were validated by the results of 1-way and PSA.

Acute mastoiditis is commonly attributed to infection. Rarely do clinicians encounter cases that do not respond to traditional antibiotics or surgical management. The goal of this study was to systematically review the literature to characterize diseases masquerading as acute infectious mastoiditis.PubMed, Embase, and Scopus.A systematic review was performed to identify all publications that reported on diseases with presentations mimicking acute mastoiditis, defined as postauricular redness, swelling, and tenderness. We included clinical prospective studies, retrospective studies, and case series/reports. Exclusion criteria included non-English articles, letters/commentaries, abstracts, and review articles.Out of 3339 results, 35 studies met final inclusion criteria. In children, 11 diseases were reported to mimic mastoiditis, including solid tumors, hematologic diseases, and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The most common disease in children was Langerhans cell histiocytosis, followed by rhabdomyosarcoma and acute myelogenous leukemia. In adults, 8 additional diseases were reported. The most common disease in adults was squamous cell carcinoma, followed by nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Presenting symptoms are reviewed, as well as characteristic radiographic, laboratory, and intraoperative features that may assist with diagnosis. A diagnostic algorithm for atypical cases of acute mastoiditis is proposed.A small but significant group of diseases in children and adults can mimic acute mastoiditis. In such cases, history and examination alone may be insufficient to reach a diagnosis, and further investigation may be necessary. Otolaryngologists should always be mindful of the possibility that noninfectious pathologies may present with a constellation of symptoms similar to mastoiditis.

Objective To determine the frequency with which postoperative opioid prescriptions are required after ambulatory otologic surgery. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary otology-neurotology practice. Patients Patients (n = 447) given over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen following ambulatory otologic surgery between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020. Intervention Opioid prescription upon request. Main outcome measures Patient, disease, and surgical variables such as age, sex, past medical history, chronic pain condition, surgical procedure, primary versus (vs.) revision surgery, and endoscopic vs. microscopic approach were examined for relationship to ad hoc opioid prescription rate. Results Of 370 adult patients (mean age 49.0 yrs, range 18.0-88.5 yrs), 75 (20.3%) were prescribed opioids for postoperative pain, most commonly oxycodone-acetaminophen 5/325 mg. Of 77 pediatric patients (mean age 8.8 yrs, range 0.7-17.9 yrs), 5 (6.5%) were prescribed postoperative opioid analgesia. In the adult population, chronic pain condition, pain medication use at baseline, canal wall up mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, tympanomeatal flap, bone removal of the mastoid, postauricular incision, and intraoperative microscopy were independent predictors of opioid pain prescription. When controlling for all significant variables, only chronic pain condition remained significant (odds ratio = 3.94; p = 0.0007). In the pediatric population, atresiaplasty, meatoplasty, and conchal cartilage removal were independently associated with opioid prescription, but none remained significant when analyzed in a multivariate linear model. Conclusions Pain following ambulatory otologic surgery may be adequately managed with over-the-counter pain medications in the majority of cases. Opioids may be necessary in adults with preexisting pain conditions.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate surgical outcomes in patients with enlarged cochlear aperture (ECA) after cochlear implantation. DATABASES REVIEWED PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. METHODS A systematic review was performed using standardized methodology. Studies were included if they included subjects with ECA who underwent cochlear implantation. Exclusion criteria included non-English articles, abstracts, letters/commentaries, case reports, and reviews. Bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. RESULTS Out of 1,688 identified articles, 7 articles representing 23 subjects with ECA were included. Publication rates increased between the period of study from 2009 to 2018. Four studies were level 4 evidence and three studies were level 3 evidence. In total, 20 subjects underwent cochlear implantation. Cerebrospinal fluid gushers were encountered in the majority of cases that reported complications (16/17, 94.1%); one patient developed postoperative meningitis, and another experienced postimplantation facial nerve stimulation. No study provided measurements on cochlear aperture size or defined size criteria used to identify ECA. Four studies recognized X-linked deafness to be associated with ECA, and the most common mutation was in POU3F4 gene. CONCLUSION An association exists between ECA and cerebrospinal fluid gusher, underscoring the importance of reviewing preoperative imaging. Size criteria are not well defined, and there is a paucity of data with respect to normative measurements. Many cases of ECA may give a genetic link. Although level of evidence of current studies remains modest, ECA reports have increased and will likely continue to expand with advancements in imaging and genetic testing.

Objective To discuss the utility of augmented reality in lateral skull base surgery. Patients Those undergoing lateral skull base surgery at our institution. Intervention(s) Cerebellopontine angle tumor resection using an augmented reality interface. Main outcome measure(s) Ease of use, utility of, and future directions of augmented reality in lateral skull base surgery. Results Anecdotally we have found an augmented reality interface helpful in simulating cerebellopontine angle tumor resection as well as assisting in planning the incision and craniotomy. Conclusions Augmented reality has the potential to be a useful adjunct in lateral skull base surgery, but more study is needed with large series.

Objectives/hypothesis Meniere's disease (MD) is a debilitating condition characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. The objective of this study was to systematically investigate outcomes in MD after cochlear implantation (CoI), with and without labyrinthectomy. Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic review of articles in Medline and Embase was performed to identify all studies of patients with MD who underwent CoI. This analysis evaluates outcomes of speech recognition, pure tone audiometry, vertigo, tinnitus, and quality of life. Results Of 321 studies identified, 37 were included, involving 216 patients. Mean age at implantation was 61.4 years (range 27-85 years) with average length of follow-up at 1.7 years (range 0-9 years). Forty-four (20.4%) patients underwent labyrinthectomy. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in audiometric outcomes following CoI. There was a statistically significant improvement in Hearing in Noise Test performance, with a mean difference improvement of 44.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] [8.8, 80.6]) at 6 months and 60.1 (95% CI [35.3, 85.0]) at 12 months. The Freiburger Monosyllabic Test (FMT) and Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) also improved significantly, with mean difference improvements of 46.2 (95% CI [30.0, 62.4]) for FMT and 19.3 (95% CI [8.1, 30.4]) for CNC. There was a statistically significant decrease in tinnitus, as measured by a mean difference reduction of 48.1 (95% CI [1.0, 95.2]) in the Tinnitus Handicap Index. Conclusions CoI with and without simultaneous labyrinthectomy is a viable treatment option for patients with MD, yielding high rates of tinnitus suppression and vertigo control. Post-CoI MD patients demonstrate similar postoperative speech perception outcomes to non-MD implant recipients. Laryngoscope, 131:1845-1854, 2021.

To assess the prevalence of distress and burnout in otolaryngology trainees, including associations with relevant sociodemographic and professional factors, and to compare these results with those of attending otolaryngologists.A cross-sectional survey of trainees and attending physicians.Twelve academic otolaryngology programs.Distress and burnout were measured with the Expanded Physician Well-being Index and the 2-item Maslach Burnout Inventory. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 were used to screen for depressive disorders and anxiety disorders, respectively. Associations with sociodemographic and professional characteristics were assessed.Of the 613 surveys administered to trainees and attending physicians, 340 were completed (56%). Among 154 trainees, distress was present in 49%, professional burnout in 35%, positive depressive disorder screening in 5%, and positive anxiety disorder screening in 16%. In univariable analysis, female gender, hours worked in a typical week (HW), and nights on call in a typical week (NOC) were significantly associated with distress. In multivariable analysis, female gender (odds ratio, 3.91;Otolaryngology trainees experience significant work-place distress (49%) and burnout (35%). Gender, HW, and NOC had the strongest associations with distress and burnout.

To ascertain the prevalence of and associations with distress and professional burnout among academic otolaryngology attending physicians.Cross-sectional survey.Twelve US academic otolaryngology programs.A questionnaire was administered that encompassed sociodemographic and professional features, the Expanded Physician Well-being Index for distress, the 2-item Maslach Burnout Inventory for professional burnout, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 screen for major depressive disorder, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 screen for generalized anxiety disorder.The survey response rate was 56% and included 186 attending physicians. The average respondent age was 47 years; 72% were men; 93% were married or partnered; and 86% had children. Distress was present in 40%, professional burnout in 26%, positive depression screening in 8%, and positive anxiety screening in 11%. In a univariable setting, age, hours worked in a typical week, nights on call in a typical week, and years of practice were significantly associated with distress, although in a multivariable setting, only hours worked in a typical week remained significantly associated with a positive Expanded Physician Well-being Index screen (odds ratio for each 10-hour increase, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.73-3.93;Distress or professional burnout occurs in more than a quarter of academic otolaryngology attending physicians, whereas the prevalence of depression or anxiety is approximately 10%. The number of hours worked per week had the strongest association with distress and burnout. These findings may be used to develop and implement programs to promote physician well-being and mitigate professional burnout.

Objective: Herein we describe the diagnosis and management of total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) displacement following tympanoplasty with ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR). Methods: Case report with literature review. Results/Case: A 40-year-old male with otorrhea and tympanic membrane perforation underwent a right revision tympanoplasty with OCR using a TORP with a tragal chondroperichondrial graft. On postoperative day (POD) 4, he developed vertigo and profound right-sided hearing loss. Temporal bone computed tomography showed the prosthesis in the vestibule. After a steroid taper with mild improvement in symptoms, the TORP was removed two weeks later and the patient continued to improve. Conclusion: TORP displacement into the vestibule is a very rare complication following OCR. Conservative management with high dose steroids may improve symptoms, however further middle ear exploration and surgical management may be warranted depending on the depth of displacement into the inner ear as well as symptom severity.

To assess the safety of using a microdrill in endoscopic vs microscopic stapes surgery.A retrospective review of 29 adult ears with otosclerosis who underwent either an endoscopic or microscopic approach to microdrill stapedotomy.Determine if transcanal endoscopic stapes surgery with the microdrill is as safe as microscopic stapes surgery. Secondary outcome: Bone and air pure-tone averages, air-bone gap, speech discrimination, overall surgical cost, and operative time were measured and analyzed. Complications such as post-operative dysgeusia, vertigo, readmission, revision and hearing loss were noted.29 patients with otosclerosis were retrospectively reviewed, in total 14 endoscopic and 15 microscopic approaches were included, all performed over one-year period. None of the endoscopic surgeries require conversion to the microscope. No statistically significant audiometric differences between the endoscopic vs microscopic approaches in air pure-tone averages and air-bone gap. There were 82.8% air-bone gap closure to15 dB with no significant difference in the percent of such closures between the endoscopic (85.7%) and microscopic groups (80%, P = .68). Three prostheses were used: 4.25 mm (17.2%), 4.5 mm (58.6%) and the 4.75 mm (24.1%) smart/eclipse. Endoscopic median operative time was 51 min vs 42 min for microscopic approach (P =.004).The endoscopic with microdrill approach is criticized to lack depth perception, especially when using a microdrill to perform in stapedotomies. Our study showcases that using the microdrill use produces minimal differences in outcomes, cost, and is a safe modality to stapes surgery in both approaches.

(1) Characterize a large cohort of patients undergoing total ossicular chain reconstruction with titanium prosthesis. (2) Analyze long-term hearing outcomes of the same cohort.Case series with chart review.Tertiary care center.This study reviews patients who underwent total ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) with titanium prostheses (TORPs) at a single tertiary care center from 2005 to 2015. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, diagnosis, and operative details. Patients were included in statistical analysis if length of follow-up was 2 years or more. Evaluation of hearing improvement was made by comparing preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and ABG at follow-up at 2 years.In total, 153 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. The mean age of included patients was 40 years (range, 6-89 years). Sixty patients (39%) had a history of OCR, and 120 patients (78%) had a diagnosis of cholesteatoma at the time of OCR. Preoperatively, the mean ABG was 36 ± 12, whereas the mean ABG at 2-year follow-up improved to 26 ± 13. This was statistically significant (Titanium prostheses lead to significant improvement in hearing over long periods. The results are sustained as far out as 5 years following surgery. In addition, rates of revision surgery with titanium TORPs are low. Based on this series, there are no readily identifiable predictors for outcomes following total OCR.

We describe our experience using the extracorporeal video microscope, the "exoscope" for various applications within the field of lateral skull base surgery.A retrospective case series was performed investigating patient demographics, indications for surgery, procedure type, operative time, approach to the skull base, complications, adequacy of visualization, and surgeon comfortability.Six cases were performed with a three dimensional surgical exoscope, obviating the use of a traditional binocular microscope.Academic, tertiary referral center.Type of surgical approach, operative time, patient demographics, surgical complications, and surgeon comfortability.The following procedures were performed; four vestibular schwannoma resections via suboccipital craniotomy and two combined transmastoid and transtemporal approaches for temporal lobe encephalocele repairs. The average operative time was 227 and 577 minutes for temporal lobe encephalocele repairs and vestibular schwannoma cases, respectively. No intraoperative complications were encountered during these cases. None of the procedures required abandonment of the exoscope in favor of the microscope during the procedure. Advantages include high-resolution three-dimensional visualization, increased degrees of freedom for exoscope adjustment, and reduced surgeon fatigue in a fixed, unnatural posture. Limitations include decreased depth perception and increased operative time.The exoscope system is a safe and effective alternative or adjunct to the existing binocular operating microscope for lateral skull based procedures. The exoscope provides the surgeon with a comfortable, high-resolution visualization without compromising surgical exposure and patient safety.4.

To determine the diagnostic efficacy and clinical value of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among patients with suspected temporal bone encephaloceles (TBE).Retrospective chart review from 2006 to 2018.Tertiary referral center.The subjects underwent surgery for a clinically suspected TBE or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Preoperative imaging test characteristics of CT and MRI, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), were calculated for TBE scans and compared with intraoperative findings.Fifty-seven subjects with otorrhea, middle ear effusion, hearing loss, and/or meningitis with suspected TBE or CSF leak were identified. All had preoperative CT scans, and 61% (35/57) had preoperative MRI scans. Intraoperatively, 37 of 57 patients (65%) were found to have a TBE. CT scans (17% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 46% NPV) were less sensitive than MRI (58% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 24% NPV) for detecting TBEs. Furthermore, the time from initial scan to operative repair was significantly longer in those who had a CT followed by MRI scan compared with CT alone or a fused CT-MRI scan (mean = 68 vs 15 days, respectively;CT and MRI provide complementary information that may aid surgical planning. However, imaging cannot always rule out TBE. In cases with high clinical suspicion, surgical confirmation is often required for definitive diagnosis and treatment. The cost of an additional preoperative study should be considered before its use.

Objective To describe the utility and nuances of transcanal endoscopic surgery (TCES) on glomus tympanicum tumors from a single surgeon's experience. Patients/intervention Twelve patients, eight female and four males, diagnosed pre-operatively with glomus tympanicum tumors. They all underwent endoscopic resection by a single surgeon. Main outcome measures Feasibility of endoscopic resection of glomus tympanicum tumors without conversion to a microscopic approach. Secondary outcomes include tumor stage, pre and post-operative audiometry, vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and integrity of the facial nerve, ossicles, chorda tympani and tympanic membrane. Results Twelve patients underwent TCES, eight patient's pathology results were glomus tympanicum, ranging from Glasscock-Jackson grade I-III. Due to loss in follow up, 6/8 patients had complete audiometric data, which were analyzed. Average pre-operative air-bone-gap (ABG) was 5.41 compared to post-operative ABG of 5.08 (p > 0.89). No patients resulted in any, post-operative vertigo, tinnitus, SNHL, facial nerve injury or chorda tympani nerve injury. Two patients had intentional tympanic membrane perforations secondary to tumor adherence to the membrane. They were repaired with tragal perichondrium graft. No patients have had any recurrences. Conclusions Endoscopic resection of glomus tympanicum tumors is a feasible and effective, alternative visualization modality for the neurotologist. Surgical pearls are described herein.

Objective We describe our experience using the extracorporeal video microscope, the "exoscope" for repair of a temporal bone encephalocele. Method The patient is a 69-year-old male with a right temporal lobe encephalocele herniating through a tegmen defect. He underwent definitive tegmen defect repair and bipolar cauterization of the encephalocele. The authors elected for a combined transmastoid and transtemporal approach in order to isolate the tegmen defect and provide watertight repair. The Synaptive robotic BrightMatter (Toronto, ON) drive video exoscope monitor system was used for the entirety of the case including both the transmastoid approach and transtemporal craniotomy. Results No intraoperative complications were encountered during either the transmastoid (mastoidectomy) or transtemporal craniotomy. The authors were able to complete the entire case without abandonment of the exoscope in favor of the traditional binocular microscope. Advantages of this technology in clinical practice includes high-resolution three-dimensional visualization, increased degrees of freedom for exoscope adjustment, and reduced surgeon fatigue in a fixed, unnatural posture. Limitations include decreased depth perception and increased operative time. Conclusion The exoscope system is a safe and effective alternative or adjunct to the existing binocular operating microscope for lateral skull based procedures. The exoscope provides the surgeon with a comfortable, high-resolution visualization without compromising surgical exposure and patient safety.SDC video link: http://links.lww.com/MAO/A837.

Objective/hypothesis This study aimed to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of endoscopes during cholesteatoma surgery. More specifically, this study hypothesized that endoscope use would reduce cholesteatoma recurrence rates and cost. Study design Case series involving the prospective enrollment of 110 consecutive cholesteatoma patients over a 2-year period. Methods Patients underwent cholesteatoma surgery with microscopy. During dissection, the location of the cholesteatoma was assessed. At the end of dissection and before reconstruction, the same subunits were visualized with straight and angled endoscopes for residual cholesteatoma. Hearing was analyzed before surgery and at the last possible examination. Costs were analyzed using Medicare reimbursement rates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results Intraoperative endoscopic surveillance was able to detect residual cholesteatoma in 18 patients. With a 0° endoscope, residual cholesteatoma was noted in the epitympanum (two patients), sinus tympani (one patient), and the supratubal air cells (one patient). With a 45° endoscope, residual cholesteatoma was noted in the epitympanum (three patients), sinus tympani (nine patients), the supratubal air cells (two patients), and the mesotympanum (two patients). From a cost analysis, endoscopic surveillance ($6110.36 per patient) are less expensive than second look surgeries ($11,829.83 per patient), observation ($7097.20 per patient), and observation with annual magnetic resonance imaging studies ($9891.95 per patient). The patients hearing improved after surgery, consistent with previous studies. No complications were noted from the use of endoscopes. Conclusions Intraoperative endoscopic surveillance reduced recurrence in our series of 110 patients. Endoscopes are particularly useful in evaluating the epitympanum, mesotympanum, sinus tympani, and supratubal air cells. Moreover, endoscopic surveillance is cost-effective. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2867-2871, 2018.

Herein we present the rare case of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia of the external ear treated by surgical resection and full-thickness skin graft. Current diagnosis and management options are reviewed.

Objective To evaluate the audiometric outcomes following endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR). Study design Retrospective case series. Setting Two tertiary referral centers. Patients Sixty two ears with ossicular discontinuity. Intervention(s) Endoscopic and microscopic OCR in patients with ossicular discontinuity. Main outcome measures Bone and air pure-tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), and word recognition scores (WRS). Results Sixty two ears were included for analysis. Patients that underwent ossiculoplasty were subdivided based on prosthesis type (total ossicular replacement prosthesis [TORP] and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis [PORP], primary and staged ossiculoplasties, and surgical approach [microscopic and total endoscopic]). Forty two ears required PORP reconstructions, while 20 ears required TORP reconstructions. The microscope was used to reconstruct the ossicular chain in 31 cases, while an exclusive endoscopic approach was used in the remaining 31 patients. Controlling for the prosthesis, there were no significant postoperative differences in bone PTA, air PTA, and ABG between primary and staged ossiculoplasties, or surgical approach. Conclusions Controlling for the type of prosthesis, there were no significant differences in hearing outcomes with respect to staged ossicular chain reconstruction or whether the endoscope or microscope was used for visualization. Thus, in this series, endoscopic OCR yields similar audiometric outcomes when compared with microscopic OCR.

Utilizing the cochlear implant to record electrophysiologic responses during device placement is a feasible and efficacious technique for monitoring near real-time cochlear physiology during and following electrode insertion.Minimizing intracochlear trauma during cochlear implantation has emerged as a highly researched area to help improve patient performance. Currently, conventional cochlear implant technology allows for the recording of electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs). Acoustically evoked potentials may be more sensitive in detecting physiologic changes occurring as a result of electrode insertion. Electrocochleography obtained from within the cochlea allows hair cell and neural response monitoring along the cochlear spiral at locations where changes most likely would occur.Intracochlear electrocochleography (ECochG) was recorded from the cochlear implant during surgery in 14 subjects. A long acquisition time (54.5 ms), capable of measuring potentials from the low frequency-serving apical region of the cochlea (125 and 500 Hz) was employed. Two distinct intracochlear processing methods were used and compared in obtaining electrophysiologic data.Measureable intracochlear ECochG responses were obtained from all 14 participants. The 1st harmonic distortions (cochlear microphonic and auditory nerve neurophonic) generally increased steadily with electrode insertion. Electrode and frequency scan following insertion revealed that response amplitude varied based on location of recording electrode and frequency of stimulation. Exquisite sensitivity to manipulation during round window muscle packing was demonstrated.Intracochlear ECochG recorded from the electrode array of the cochlear implant is a highly feasible technique that sheds light on cochlear micromechanics during cochlear implant electrode placement.