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Summary Objective To investigate sex bias in laryngology research and publishing. Materials and Methods Articles published in 2019 in seven mainstream otolaryngology journals were reviewed. Original manuscripts were included. Study type (medical, speech-language pathology, basic science, or pedagogy), subject sex, ≥50% sex-matching (SM≥50), sex-based analysis, and bibliometric data including author sex were recorded. Results Of 1619 publications reviewed, 259 patient-centered original laryngology studies were included, totaling 7,130,991 subjects (3,411,741 [47.8%] male; 3,718,694 [52.1%] female; 556 [0.0%] unreported). 29 studies included subjects of a single sex and 14 did not report sex. 114 (44%) studies met SM≥50, and 95 (37%) used sex-based analysis; no differences were found among study types or location. Sex-based analysis was used less in single-institution (33%) than database studies (62%, P = 0.01). No difference in SM≥50 was found among single or multi-institution, or database. There were 1340 total authors (578 [43%] female). First, corresponding, and senior authors were 47%, 39%, and 35% female, respectively. Studies that had female first and/or senior authors did not differ in rates of SM≥50 or sex-based analysis or mean enrollment of females compared to studies with male first and senior authors. The proportion of female physician first and senior authors did not differ from the proportion of female Association of American Medical Colleges otolaryngology faculty, but was non-significantly smaller than the proportion of female laryngology fellows at four academic institutions. Conclusion Laryngology research exhibits sex bias in subject enrollment and sex-based analysis. Female authorship was representative of national demographics and author sex did not influence the rate of sex bias.

Objective Harmonic Focus (Ethicon, Johnson and Johnson, Cincinnati, OH, USA), LigaSure Small Jaw (Medtronic, Covidien Products, Minneapolis, MN, USA), and Thunderbeat Open Fine Jaw (Olympus, Japan) are electrosurgical instruments used widely in head and neck surgery. The study aims to compare device malfunctions, adverse events to patients, operative injuries, and interventions related to Harmonic, LigaSure, and Thunderbeat use during thyroidectomy. Methods The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacture and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was queried for adverse events associated with Harmonic, LigaSure, and Thunderbeat from January 2005 to August 2020. Data were extracted from reports pertaining to thyroidectomy. Results Of the 620 adverse events extracted, 394 (63.5%) involved Harmonic, 134 (21.6%) LigaSure, and 92 (14.8%) Thunderbeat. The reported device malfunctions most frequently associated with Harmonic was damage to the blade (110 (27.9%)), LigaSure was inappropriate function (47 (43.1%)), Thunderbeat was damage to the tissue or Teflon pad (27 (30.7%)), respectively. Burn injury and incomplete hemostasis were the most commonly reported adverse events. The operative injury reported most frequently when using Harmonic and LigaSure was burn injury. No operator injuries were reported with Thunderbeat use. Conclusion The most frequently reported device malfunctions were damage to the blade, inappropriate function, and damage to the tissue or Teflon pad. The most frequently reported adverse events to patients was a burn injury and incomplete hemostasis. Interventions aimed at improving physician education may help reduce adverse events attributed to improper use.

To assimilate the newly published literature regarding subglottic stenosis (SGS), including basic science and translational research on mechanisms of etiology, clinical diagnostics, and therapeutic treatments.The role of inflammation in development of iatrogenic and idiopathic SGS (iSGS) is continuing to be studied. The IL-23/IL-17A inflammatory axis appears to be a potential mechanism for development of iSGS. Additionally, as anticipated in an inflammatory milieu, PD-1/PD-L1 expression is upregulated. If the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is important in SGS pathogenesis, then it may represent a potential target for immunotherapeutic inhibition, given its success in cancer treatment. In terms of surgical management, prospective studies show that endoscopic approaches have more frequent recurrence compared to open techniques.SGS arises from various etiologies, and further understanding of its pathogenesis can aid in the development of novel therapies. It is imperative to obtain a thorough history for each patient presenting with respiratory complaints, as misdiagnosis can delay proper treatment. Endoscopic and open surgical techniques continue to be investigated in a growing number of prospective clinical trials to determine optimal treatment protocols. In-office injections are gaining popularity and show promise in the treatment of SGS.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the nationwide incidence of ear foreign body (FB) presentations to the emergency department (ED) and analyze the most common FB consumer products encountered. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was evaluated for ED visits that included “ear foreign bodies” from 2010 through 2019. The most frequent foreign bodies were identified and organized by demographics. Results: A total of 20,545 ear FB cases were found, with an estimated 608,860 ED visits nationwide. Female patients (56%) were more likely to have jewelry and first aid equipment FBs. Males between the ages of 5 and 15 years were significantly ( P Conclusion: Ear FBs represent a substantial proportion of healthcare expenditures. Although children are the most commonly affected individuals, all ages require further education and preventive measures.

Objectives: Fireworks are used commonly for celebrations in the United States, but can lead to severe injury to the head and neck. We aim to assess the incidence, types, and mechanisms of head and neck injuries associated with fireworks use from 2010 to 2019. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study, using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, of individuals presenting to United States Emergency Departments with head and neck injuries caused by fireworks and flares from 2010 to 2019. Incidence, types, and mechanisms of injury related to fireworks use in the US population were assessed. Results: A total of 541 patients (349 [64.5%] male, and 294 [54%] under 18 years of age) presented to emergency departments with fireworks-related head and neck injuries; the estimated national total was 20 584 patients (13 279 male, 9170 white, and 11 186 under 18 years of age). The most common injury diagnoses were burns (44.7% of injuries), laceration/avulsion/penetrating trauma (21.1%), and otologic injury (15.2%), which included hearing loss, otalgia, tinnitus, unspecified acoustic trauma, and tympanic membrane perforation. The remaining 19% of injuries were a mix, including contusion, abrasion, hematoma, fracture, and closed head injury. Associations between fireworks type and injury diagnosis (chi-square P Conclusions: Fireworks-related head and neck injuries are more likely to occur in young, white, and male individuals. Burns are the most common injury, while otologic injury is a significant contributor. Annual rates of fireworks-related head and neck injuries have not changed or improved significantly in the United States in the past decade, suggesting efforts to identify and prevent these injuries are insufficient.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the cumulative incidences of decannulation and mechanical ventilation weaning in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who have undergone a tracheotomy. Weighted average mean times to tracheotomy, to decannulation, and to death were calculated from reported or approximated means.PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library.Studies were screened by 3 investigators independently. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Studies including patients with COVID-19 who underwent a tracheotomy were identified. Studies without reported mechanical ventilation weaning or decannulation were excluded. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.After identifying 232 unique studies, 18 articles encompassing outcomes for 3234 patients were ultimately included for meta-analysis, with a weighted mean follow-up time of 28.6 ± 6.2 days after tracheotomy. Meta-analysis revealed that 55.0% of tracheotomized patients were weaned successfully from mechanical ventilation (95% CI, 47.4%-62.2%). Approximately 34.9% of patients were decannulated successfully, with a mean decannulation time of 18.6 ± 5.7 days after tracheotomy. The pooled mortality in tracheotomized patients with COVID-19 was 13.1%, with a mean time of death of 13.0 ± 4.0 days following tracheotomy.At the current state of the coronavirus pandemic, over half of patients who have required tracheotomies are being weaned off of mechanical ventilation. While 13.1% patients have died prior to decannulation, over a third of all tracheotomized patients with COVID-19 reported in the literature have undergone successful decannulation.

Summary Objective Examine incidence of postoperative vocal fold (VF) hemorrhage (PVFH) in patients who underwent microscopic laryngeal surgery and type I thyroplasty and determine the long-term consequences of hemorrhage on the outcome of the surgery. Study design Retrospective study. Patients and methods Medical records of patients from a quaternary care laryngology practice who underwent microdirect laryngoscopy (MDL) or type I thyroplasty between November 2015 and December 2018 were reviewed as a consecutive sample. MDL procedures not performed on the VF were excluded. Demographic and medical history data associated with risk of bleeding were collected, and records were reviewed for the incidence of PVFH and long-term consequences of PVFH through Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and preoperative and postoperative videostroboscopic findings. We considered each VF surgery as one procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square analysis for categorical data and a student t test for means. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Result Total 155 patients were enrolled. The patients underwent 182 MDL surgeries, (122 bilateral and 60 unilateral), and 60 Type 1 thyroplasty surgeries (13 bilateral and 47 unilateral). In the MDL group, 34 of 304 procedures (11%) resulted in VFH. In the thyroplasty group, 10 of 73 procedures (13.7%) were associated with PVFH. Bilateral MDL procedures were associated with a higher incidence of PVFH in comparison with unilateral procedures (P= 0.03), but bilateral thyroplasties were not (P= 0.33). None of the demographic factors significantly increased or decreased risk of PVFH. Comparing the difference between preoperative and 3–6 month postoperative VF mucosal function, and preoperative and 3–6 month postoperative VHI-10 in both MDL and thyroplasty groups, no statistically significant difference was found between patients who had experienced PVFH and those who had not. Conclusion This is the largest investigation into the incidence and long-term consequences of the PVFH. 11% of the patients in the MDL group experienced PVFH; the vibratory margin of the VF was involved in only 1.3%.; and 13.7 % of the procedures in the thyroplasty group resulted in PVFH. However, PVFH was not associated with significant increase in VHI-10 or decrease in VF vibratory function during 3–6 month postoperative follow-up visits. The incidence of PVFH was related significantly to postoperative phonotrauma and upper respiratory infection, but not to gender, age, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, pulmonary and cardiovascular comorbidities, or pre-existing VF varicosities or ectasias.

Background Implantable Dopplers (IDs) are widely used for postoperative free flap vascular monitoring. However, IDs may contribute to free flap complications or failure and better understanding of device malfunctions is needed. Methods The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for all reports of ID adverse events from two leading manufacturers (Cook Vascular and Synovis Life Technologies) in free flap surgery from January 2010 to March 2020. Reports were reviewed and categorized. A comparison of reoperations within select categories was performed using Chi-square analysis. Results Of 209 included reports, the most common device malfunctions were venous anastomotic coupler misalignment (35.4%) and coupler ring detachment (24.4%). Synovis devices were used in 100% of reports of vessel compression and Cook Vascular devices were used in 77.7% of reports of probe detachment. Of 74 patient-related adverse events, the most common were reoperation (47.3%) and vessel occlusion (28.4%). Of five reported events of flap failure, two were associated with loss of ID signal. The proportion of Doppler signal loss events leading to reoperation was significantly greater than the proportion of any other Doppler-related event leading to reoperation. Intraoperative coupler replacement was the most commonly reported intervention (n = 86), and venous anastomosis with hand-suturing occurred in 30 device malfunctions. Conclusion This study demonstrates a variety of ID-related malfunctions. One-third of device malfunctions were associated with patient complications, and false-positive Doppler signal loss contributed substantially to the requirement of surgical re-exploration. These are important considerations for surgical teams utilizing IDs in free tissue transfer procedures.

Ossicular prostheses have demonstrated utility in ossicular chain reconstruction, but their use also is associated with complications. This study aims to explore the utility of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for the systematic analysis of complications associated with ossicular prostheses. It also summarizes adverse events to patients (AEPs) and device malfunctions (DMs) reported in the MAUDE database, and attempts to examine the consequences brought about by these events and to identify likely root causes.Retrospective analysis of the MAUDE database.The MAUDE database was queried for reports from January 2010 to May 2020. Data were extracted from reports involving the use of ossicular prostheses.Seventy-three medical device reports, reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration detailing suspected device-associated malfunctions, injuries, and deaths, involved ossicular prostheses and were included for analysis, from which 126 adverse events were extracted. Of these, 50 (39.7%) were AEPs, while 76 (60.3%) were DMs. The most common AEPs were foreign body and hearing loss, while the DMs reported most commonly were broken prosthesis and displaced prosthesis. Of the 76 DMs, 19 (25%) were attributed to mishandling by the operator, while 6 (7.9%) were due to a defective device. Broken prosthesis was the DM most commonly attributed to mishandling by the operator in 16 (32.7%) cases.Ossicular prostheses are used extensively for ossicular chain reconstruction, but also are associated with adverse events. The MAUDE database in its current form does not appear sufficient for the systematic review of adverse events associated with ossicular prostheses. A more standardized reporting format with clearly defined categories and inclusion of relevant variables might improve the quality of information provided by the MAUDE database.

Background This report is a case of bilateral vocal cord granulomas (VCG) in a 9-year-old child presenting as an airway foreign body and stridor following prolonged intubation due to COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Case presentation This case reports a 9-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute stridor concerning for airway obstruction. X-ray findings suggested an airway foreign body; however, on rigid bronchoscopy, ball-valving bilateral VCG obstructing 90% of the glottic airway were identified. After excision of the VCGs, the patient's symptoms resolved with no postoperative complications. Conclusion With suspected foreign body aspiration in a pediatric patient with a history of prolonged intubation, it is important to consider a broad differential diagnosis. VCGs are rare complications of prolonged intubation that could be in children with prior history of intubation following COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objective Tympanostomy is the most common pediatric ambulatory surgery. Post-tympanostomy otorrhea is a prevalent complication leading to high costs to patients for treatment. The cost-effectiveness of intraoperative prophylaxis for both patient and institution has not been examined. Study design An analytical observational study of data collected from the literature and purchasing records. Methods A break-even analysis was performed to determine the required absolute risk reduction (ARR) and final infection rate in post-tympanostomy otorrhea to make intraoperative prophylaxis using ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin dexamethasone otic version cost effective with the following outpatient treatments: ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone ophthalmic version, and ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone otic version. Absolute risk reduction is a statistic used to express the difference in risk between a treatment and control. The conservative initial infection rate used was 10%. Results Ofloxacin intraoperative prophylaxis was not cost effective when prescribing ofloxacin outpatient treatment with an ARR of 0.20. Ofloxacin intraoperative prophylaxis was cost-effective with an ARR of 0.08 for ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone ophthalmic version outpatient treatment. Ofloxacin intraoperative prophylaxis was cost-effective for ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone otic version outpatient treatment with an ARR of 0.01.Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone intraoperative prophylaxis was not cost-effective when prescribing ofloxacin outpatient treatment with an ARR of 1.52. Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone intraoperative prophylaxis was not cost-effective when prescribing ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone ophthalmic version outpatient treatment with an ARR of 0.60. Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone intraoperative prophylaxis was cost effective when prescribing ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone otic version outpatient treatment with an ARR of 0.09. Conclusion Intraoperative prophylaxis can be cost effective for preventing post-tympanostomy otorrhea. Physicians can use this economic model to determine the cost-effectiveness of these interventions for their patients and institutions.

Background Till date, there have been no studies that have analyzed a database to examine postmarket adverse events associated with PROPEL mometasone furoate bioabsorbable drug-eluting sinus stents. Objective To determine the postmarket complications associated with PROPEL mometasone furoate bioabsorbable drug-eluting sinus stents. Methods The US Food and Drug Administration’s Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was searched for adverse events associated with PROPEL bioabsorbable drug-eluting sinus stents between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2020. Data were extracted and analyzed from medical device reports (MDRs) that involved sinus stents. Results After 47 MDRs were identified, 25 reports involving PROPEL bioabsorbable drug-eluting sinus stents were reviewed, from which 40 adverse events were recorded. Of these, there were 32 adverse events to patients and 8 device malfunctions. The most common adverse events to patients included infection (21.8%), oropharyngeal obstruction (15.6%), and headache/pain (12.5%). The most common device malfunction reported was migration and expulsion of the stent (87.5%). Conclusions PROPEL sinus stents have been shown to be effective in preventing sinus outflow obstruction after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Both adverse events to patients and device malfunctions are reported infrequently. A more comprehensive understanding of rare postmarket complications seen with PROPEL sinus stents may further aid informed decision-making regarding their usage.

OBJECTIVE Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are frequently performed with the aid of electromyogram endotracheal tubes. However, the most common adverse events have not been reported comprehensively. This study aimed to summarize the device adverse events, patient complications, and subsequent interventions related to electromyogram endotracheal tubes. METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for electromyogram endotracheal tube adverse events between 2010 and 2020. Data were extracted for devices used in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. RESULTS Of 198 included reports, the most common device-related adverse events were loss of response to nerve stimulation (34.8%), cuff perforation (18.2%), and tube lumen obstruction (13.6%). Of 98 patient complications, the most common included ventilation failure (n = 50), airway trauma (n = 22), and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 5). There was 1 periprocedural death reported. Reported interventions include reintubation performed in 60.1% of all device adverse events, extended hospitalization in 27.3% of airway trauma events, and 5 tracheostomies performed for ventilation failure events. Forty-one events resulted in case delays and 13 events led to aborted cases. The most reported adverse events occurred in 2018 (n = 35) and 2015 (n = 30). CONCLUSIONS The most commonly reported adverse events associated with electromyogram endotracheal tubes include loss of response to nerve stimulation, cuff perforation, ventilation failure, and airway trauma. Subsequent interventions include reintubation, tracheostomy, extended hospitalization, and aborted cases. Surgical teams should consider these adverse events when consenting patients and using these devices in thyroid and parathyroid cases.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of resident involvement and the ‘July effect’ on peri-operative complications after parotidectomy.MethodThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for parotidectomy procedures with resident involvement between 2005 and 2014.ResultsThere were 11 733 cases were identified, of which 932 involved resident participation (7.9 per cent). Resident involvement resulted in a significantly lower reoperation rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.18; 95 per cent confidence interval, 0.05–0.73; p = 0.02) and readmission rate (adjusted odds ratios 0.30; 95 per cent confidence interval, 0.11–0.80; p = 0.02). However, resident involvement was associated with a mean 24 minutes longer adjusted operative time and 23.5 per cent longer adjusted total hospital length of stay (respective p < 0.01). No significant difference in surgical or medical complication rates or mortality was found when comparing cases among academic quarters.ConclusionResident participation is associated with significantly decreased reoperation and readmission rates as well as longer mean operative times and total length of stay. Resident transitions during July are not associated with increased risk of adverse peri-operative outcomes after parotidectomy.

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created an unprecedented economic and public health crisis in the United States. Following efforts to mitigate disease spread, with a significant decline in some regions, many states began reopening their economies. As social distancing guidelines were relaxed and businesses opened, local outbreaks of COVID-19 continue to place person on healthcare systems. Among medical specialties, otolaryngologists and their staff are among the highest at risk for becoming exposed to COVID-19. As otolaryngologists prepare to weather the storm of impending local surges in COVID-19 infections there are several practical measures that can be taken to mitigate the risk to ourselves and our staff.

Purpose The pulsed-electron avalanche knife (PEAK) PlasmaBlade TnA (Medtronic, n.d.) is a relatively new electrosurgical technology that is used widely in head and neck surgery (Medtronic Manuals, n.d.). This study aims to summarize device malfunctions, patient complications, and subsequent interventions related to PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA during tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Materials and methods The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacture and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for reports of PlasmaBlade TnA adverse events from June 6, 2009, to August 30, 2020. Data were extracted from reports pertaining to tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Results 128 reports were identified, from which 163 adverse events were extracted. Of these, 23 (14.6%) were related to patients, and 140 (85.4%) were related to device malfunction. The most frequently reported patient-related adverse event was a burn injury (17 [73.9%]). The most common device malfunctions were dislodgment of device component (39 [27.9%]), followed by tip ignition (32 [22.9%]), damaged tip or wire during operation (28 [20%]), and melted device (24 [17.1%]). Conclusions PEAK PlasmaBlade TnA have demonstrated utility in tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy but are associated with adverse events. Interventions aimed at improving both physician and patient education may help reduce adverse events attributed to improper use. Further study is needed to clarify optimal approaches to education.

Prior to thyroid surgery, a subset of patients chronically uses steroids to manage medical conditions such as Grave's disease, auto-immune conditions, or organ transplantation. Existing literature describes adverse effects of prolonged steroid use on surgical outcomes, however there remains a paucity of data investigating the specific effects of steroid use on postoperative outcomes after thyroidectomy. This study aims to identify complication risks steroid users are predisposed to after thyroidectomy.The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (ACS-NSQIP) was queried to identify and isolate all patients who had undergone thyroidectomy procedures by Current Procedure Terminology codes from 2005 through 2018. Univariate analysis was performed to compare steroid uses and non-steroid users. Coarsened exact matching was utilized to homogenize the two cohorts based on demographics and preoperative comorbidities.A total of 153,595 thyroidectomies were initially included. After Coarsened exact matching, 116,861 patients were categorized as non-steroid users, and 2,965 as steroid users. The steroid cohort demonstrated significantly higher rates of any complication (P0.001) as well as overall surgical, cardiopulmonary, and renal complications. Individual complications such as superficial surgical site infections (P = 0.013), pulmonary embolism (P = 0.016), deep vein thrombosis (P = 0.011), progressive renal insufficiency (P = 0.006), and unplanned readmission (P = 0.026) were also increased.Patients with chronic steroid use undergoing thyroidectomy are at an increased risk for surgical, cardiopulmonary, and renal complications. Further research on preoperative steroid management is necessary for optimizing outcomes in this population.

Purpose Tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis placement remains the gold standard for voice restoration following total laryngectomy, but may cause various complications. This study aims to summarize patient-related and device-related adverse events associated with tracheoesophageal puncture and voice prosthesis placement. Materials and methods The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for reports of adverse events related to tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis placement from January 1, 2010, to April 30, 2020. Data were extracted from reports pertaining to tracheoesophageal prostheses. Results Seventy-seven reports involving tracheoesophageal voice prostheses were identified, from which 111 adverse events were extracted. Of these, 58 (52.3%) were patient-related, while 53 (47.7%) were device-related. The most frequently reported patient-related adverse events were aspirated prosthesis (24 [41.4%]), foreign body during placement (11 [19.0%]), aspiration pneumonia (9 [15.5%]), and aspirated brush tip (8 [13.8%]). The most common device-related adverse events were detached brush tip (15 [28.3%]), leak (14 [26.4%]), and torn esophageal flange (11 [20.8%]). Conclusions While tracheoesophageal puncture with voice prosthesis placement has revolutionized voice rehabilitation following total laryngectomy, the procedure may be associated with adverse events both at the time of placement and later. Interventions aimed at improving both physician and patient education may help reduce adverse events attributed to improper use. Further research is needed to clarify optimal approaches to education.

Background Implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has been found to be a safe and effective therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and patient adherence to treatment has been found to be as high as 86% after 12 months of therapy. Objective The purpose of this study is to review the medical device reports (MDRs) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Manufacturer and User Device Facility Experience (MAUDE) database to identify adverse events related to HNS therapy that could hinder compliance. Methods A search of the FDA MAUDE database was conducted using the product code “MNQ” for “Inspire stimulator for sleep apnea.” Reports of adverse events associated with Inspire for sleep apnea from January 2000 to May 2020 were included for analysis. From these included reports, event variables were collected, including event setting, adverse event to patient, iatrogenic injury, device malfunction, interventions, and root causes. Results were compiled and reviewed. Results The search query yielded 180 reports that met inclusion criteria, containing a total of 196 adverse events. The most commonly reported adverse events to patients were infection (n = 50, 34.2%), neuropraxia (n = 22, 15.1%) and hematoma/seroma (n = 17, 11.6%). A total of 83 adverse events (42.3%) required reoperation. The most common reoperations performed for adverse events to patients were explantation (n = 30, 46.2%) and device repositioning/lead revision (n = 24, 36.9%), while the most common reoperation performed for device malfunctions was device replacement (n = 10, 55.6%). Conclusion In attempting to further improve patient compliance, understanding these device malfunctions and adverse events related to HNS implantation or usage is crucial for the identification of potential causes of patient non-adherence.

Objective To assess trends of Google Search queries for symptoms and complaints encountered commonly in otolaryngology practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when in-person care has been limited. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, data on Google Search queries in the United States for 30 otolaryngology-related terms were obtained from Google Trends. The means of relative search volume from the COVID-19 period (March 29, 2020 through May 16, 2020) were compared to similar periods from 2016 to 2019 using a t-test of two independent samples. Results In total, 16.6% of search terms had significant increases in relative search volume during the COVID-19 period, with the largest percentage increase for “can't smell” (124.4%, p = .006), followed by “allergies” (30.3%, p = .03), “voice pain” (26.1%, p = .008), and “ears ringing” (19.0%, p, Highlights • Otolaryngology-related Google Search activity changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Google Trends provides important insights into patients' needs during a pandemic. • Internet search data can guide teleheath implementation in otolaryngology practices.

Background Although complication rates after thyroidectomy are well described in the literature, the timing of these events is less understood. This study delineates the timeline and risk factors for early adverse events after thyroidectomy. Materials and methods This study included a retrospective review of 161,534 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2005 and 2018 using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Time to specific complications was analyzed for all patients undergoing thyroidectomy, with further stratification of hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy cohorts. Univariate analyses were conducted to analyze demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and complications. A multivariate logistic regression model was generated to identify significant risk factors for 7-day postoperative complications. Results The overall complication rate was 3.28%. A majority of complications arose before discharge including the following: blood transfusion (96%), hematoma formation (68%), pneumonia (53%), and cardiac arrest (67%). Approximately 37% of unplanned reoperations occurred before discharge in the hemithyroidectomy versus 63% in the total thyroidectomy cohort. Greater than 65% of mortalities occurred after discharge in both groups. Complications generally occurring within 7 d for the entire cohort included the following: pneumonia (3; 2-8 [median postoperative day; interquartile range]), pulmonary embolism (6; 2-12), cardiac arrest (1; 0-5), myocardial infarction (2; 1-6), blood transfusions (0; 0-1), and hematoma formation (0; 0-2). Superficial surgical site infection (9; 6-16) occurred later. Patients who underwent outpatient surgery had a decreased risk of complications (odds ratio 0.41) in the 7-day postoperative period. Conclusions Although early complications after thyroidectomy are rare, they have a distinct time course, many of which occur after discharge. However, in selected patients undergoing outpatient thyroidectomy, overall risk of complications is decreased. Understanding timing helps establish better preoperative communication and education to improve postoperative expectations for the provider and patient.

The primary aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare complications between outpatient vs inpatient parotidectomy. A systematic review was performed to identify patients undergoing either outpatient or inpatient partodiectomy, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, using PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, seroma/sialocele, salivary fistula formation, Frey syndrome, surgical site infection [SSI]) were compared. Our search yielded 4958 nonduplicate articles, of which 13 studies were ultimately included (11 retrospective cohort, 2 prospective cohort), encompassing a total of 1323 patients (outpatient 46.33% vs inpatient 53.67%). There was no significant difference in total complications, hematoma, seroma, salivary fistula, or SSI rates between outpatient and inpatient groups. No significant difference in total complications was found between outpatient and inpatient groups when stratified by surgical approach (partial/superficial and total parotidectomy). Our findings suggest outpatient parotidectomy may be as safe as inpatient parotidectomy in appropriately selected patients.

Objective To evaluate surgical approaches and outcomes associated with accessory parotid gland neoplasms. Data sources MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Review methods A systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was performed. Studies were included if they reported surgical management and outcomes of patients with accessory parotid gland neoplasms. Results After screening 3532 records, 15 studies were included with a total of 187 patients. Benign tumors consisted of 61.5% of cases. External open, transoral, and preauricular endoscopic approaches were used for 82.3%, 11.3%, and 6.5% of cases, respectively. Accessory lobe resection alone, concurrent with partial parotidectomy, and concurrent with total parotidectomy were used in 54.8%, 43.0%, and 2.2% of cases, respectively. Complication rates were similar between histology groups (7.8% benign vs. 8.3% malignant, p = 0.82). Accessory lobe resection with concurrent partial parotidectomy had the lowest overall complication rate (6.3%). Resections limited to the accessory lobe were found to have an overall complication rate of 8.7%. Conclusion The results offer an overview of the surgical management and complications for accessory parotid gland tumors. Overall surgical complication rates found in these case series may be lower for management of accessory gland tumors than rates available in the literature for tumors within the main parotid gland.

The purpose of this study was to measure the angle and depth at which the vocal folds are accessed via transcutaneous injection through two different approaches through the cricothyroid membrane.Twenty-five cadavers preserved with formalin were studied. The larynges were bisected through the thyroid notch, and the skin and soft tissue were removed. A 27-gauge needle was inserted through the cricothyroid membrane, once from just inferior to the thyroid cartilage and once from just superior to the cricoid cartilage, and advanced to the midpoint of the musculomembranous vocal fold (determined as the halfway point from anterior commissure to vocal process), immediately lateral to the vocalis muscle without penetrating the epithelium. The angle of approach was determined after taking multiple measurements with a Castroviejo caliper. The depth of the needle was measured.Ten male and 15 female cadavers were studied. Their average age was 85.5 ± 12.4 years. The mean distance from midline for an injection performed with 0° of lateral angle was 5.7 ± 0.7 mm for the males, which was significantly greater than for females (4.8 ± 0.8 mm, P = 0.012). The insertion angle for the infrathyroid approach was 22.2 ± 6.9°, which was significantly different from the supracricoid angle, which was 33.0 ± 5.2° (P0.001). The mean insertion depth of the subthyroid approach was 11.3 ± 1.8 mm (range 8.0-15.5 mm), which was significantly less than the depth for the supracricoid approach (18.2 ± 2.4 mm, range 11.0-22.0 mm, P0.001.). The infrathyroid approach angle for males was 26.0 ± 8.5°, which was significantly greater than the angle for females (19.3 ± 3.4°, P = 0.016.). The supracricoid approach angle for males was 37.5 ± 2.4°, which was significantly greater than the angle for females (29.7 ± 4.1°, P0.001.). The insertion depth for males was 19.6 ± 1.4 mm, which was significantly greater than that for females (17.2 ± 2.6 mm, P = 0.021).Comparison of a supracricoid and infrathyroid approach through the cricothyroid membrane to the middle third of the vocal folds demonstrated significant differences in angle of approach. We also identified a significant difference in the angle of entry between male and female larynges in both approaches, as well as an increased depth of insertion required in males for the supracricoid approach.

SUMMARY Objectives There are no widely accepted guidelines for the use of peri- and postoperative antibiotics for microdirect laryngoscopy (MDL) to prevent postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). This study examines the incidence of not only SSI, but also respiratory and oropharyngeal infections among patients who underwent MDL. Study Design Retrospective cohort. Methods Medical records from a quaternary laryngology practice were reviewed retrospectively for patients who underwent MDL between October 2015 and December 2018. Adults who underwent MDL with excision of nonmalignant masses, vocal fold (VF) reconstruction with buccal graft, superficial VF injection, VF injection augmentation, use of carbon dioxide (CO2) or potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser, and laryngeal dilation were included. Subjects were divided into three groups based on the use of antibiotics during the peri- or postoperative period. Group 1 did not receive peri- or postoperative antibiotics. Group 2 received perioperative antibiotics without postoperative antibiotics. Group 3 received both peri- and postoperative antibiotics. Antibiotic use was determined by surgeon policy, which changed over time, not by patient risk factors. Other data collected include demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical procedure, operative time, American Society of Anesthesiology class, incidence of SSI, respiratory or oropharyngeal infection, and postoperative antibiotic and steroid prescriptions for complications. Results 190 surgeries met inclusion criteria. Groups 1, 2, and 3 consisted of 113, 57, and 20 subjects, respectively. No SSI were reported. Baseline characteristics of median age, American Society of Anesthesiology, wound class, and gender did not differ between groups. Groups were found to have differed in type of procedure performed, with a predominance of vocal fold excision and superficial injection in Group 1, injection laryngoplasty using autologous fat graft and laryngeal reconstruction in Group 3, and a combination of procedure types in Group 2. Laser treatment with CO2 and/or KTP was utilized in 35% of procedures. The mean operative times (total time in which the laryngoscope remained in the oral cavity) for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 29 (SD = 13), 42 (SD = 23), and 73 minutes (SD = 78), respectively; this was significantly different among the three groups (P .99) prescription. Within 30 days of follow-up, patients in Group 1 experienced VF hemorrhage (defined as any subepithelial blood in the area of excision) at an incidence of 19%. Complications within 30 days of follow-up showed an incidence of substantial pain ranging between 2%-4% and respiratory or oropharyngeal infection between 10%-12%. Two patients in Group 2 reported emergency department visits for dyspnea. One patient in Group 3 was admitted for tongue and floor of mouth swelling secondary to prolonged suspension. Conclusion There were no incidents of SSI in this cohort. The need for follow-up antibiotic and/or corticosteroid prescription did not differ in relation to use or non-use of perioperative antibiotics, and neither did the incidence of respiratory or oropharyngeal infection. Longer operative time was associated with both peri- and postoperative antibiotic use, but there is no evidence yet that antibiotic use was necessary. These findings suggest that avoidance of routine perioperative and/or postoperative antibiotics may be appropriate; and further research should be encouraged.

The prevalence of otolaryngologic complaints in general practice is disproportionate to the extent of otolaryngology teaching in undergraduate medical education. This is the first multi-institutional validated study used to assess basic otolaryngology knowledge among medical students in order to understand their abilities to recognize and manage these cases. A 9-question, psychometrically validated, multiple-choice quiz was distributed in June 2017 to medical students of 9 US allopathic institutions as an assessment of basic otolaryngology knowledge. A total of 547 medical student responses were used to assess basic otolaryngology knowledge, comfort levels, amount of exposure to otolaryngology, and number of times the head and neck physical examination was taught formally. Comfort in managing otolaryngologic conditions correlated positively with knowledge ( P < .001, R2 = 0.266), in addition to otolaryngology exposure correlating positively with knowledge ( P < .001, R2 = 0.284). Students intending to enter otolaryngology had higher scores ( P = .002), higher comfort levels in managing otolaryngologic cases ( P < .001), and higher comfort levels performing the head and neck examination (χ2 = 21.324, P < .001), compared with students intending to enter primary care or another surgical specialty. Clinical students in third and fourth years entering any surgical specialty (including otolaryngology), more often than students entering primary care ( P = .007), recognized the obturator as the instrument used to guide the insertion of the tracheotomy tube. Additionally, the number of times the head and neck examination was taught correlated positively with comfort in performing the examination ( rs = 0.095, P = .022). Our findings support the need for increased otolaryngologic education and training among all medical students, not only those entering otolaryngology.