International forum of allergy & rhinology
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Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Dec 2013
Image-guidance in endoscopic sinus surgery: is it associated with decreased medicolegal liability?
The use of image-guidance (IG) in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has escalated over the last decade despite a lack of consensus that its use improves outcomes or decreases complications. One theoretical reason for using IG in ESS is its potential to minimize legal liability should an adverse outcome occur. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of IG in ESS litigation, and further detail other factors in pertinent cases. A secondary objective was to characterize recent malpractice litigation for other relevant factors. ⋯ The use of IG was not found to be a factor in ESS litigation. This suggests that not using IG does not necessarily make one more vulnerable to malpractice litigation.
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Int Forum Allergy Rhinol · Dec 2013
Observational StudySinonasal quality of life outcomes after minimally invasive resection of sinonasal and skull-base tumors.
Minimally invasive endoscopic resection (MIER) has emerged as the standard for surgical management of benign and malignant sinonasal and skull-base neoplasms. The objective of the present study was to assess sinonasal quality of life (QOL) and to analyze factors that impact symptomatology after surgery. ⋯ MIER results in overall improvement in SNOT-20 scores, with greater change being noted in females and in patients with benign tumors. Prior smoking and chemoradiation strongly predict decreased improvement in sinonasal QOL after surgery.