JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Sep 2015
Prevalence and Patient-Level Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmissions Following Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Cancer.
Hospital readmissions are a marker of surgical care delivery and quality that are progressively more scrutinized. ⋯ In this study, advanced pathologic tumor staging and tumor location were associated with 30-day readmissions in patients with head and neck cancer who receive free flaps. Our results provide a benchmark for risk stratification that can be used in system-based practice improvements, health care cost savings, and postoperative patient counseling.
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Sep 2015
Hearing Loss After Vestibular Implantation in Sand Rats With Normal Hearing.
Bilateral vestibular failure is a debilitating condition that may lead to oscillopia and adversely affect quality of life. Researchers have suggested that vestibular function might be restored with implantation of an external mechanical stimulation device. However, it is essential that such a device must not interfere with normal hearing. ⋯ Implantation of a vestibular device is associated with mild to moderate conductive hearing loss in fat sand rats with normal hearing, especially when the device is placed in the posterior and superior semicircular canals. Bilateral implantation is associated with major vestibular pathologic results. Further studies are needed in animals with cochlear or vestibular disorders before it can be definitively concluded that vestibular implantation carries only a minor risk to hearing.