American journal of otolaryngology
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No study has evaluated the impact of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on opioid usage among patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS). ⋯ The TORS ERAS protocol is associated with reduced postoperative opioid usage, lower pain scores, and reduced opioid requirements on discharge.
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Mental health among head and neck surgeons in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national study.
Head and neck surgeons are among the highest risk for COVID-19 exposure, which also brings great risk to their mental wellbeing. In this study, we aim to evaluate mental health symptoms among head and neck surgeons in Brazil surrounding the time it was declared the epicenter of the virus. ⋯ Head and neck surgeons in Brazil reported symptoms of burnout, anxiety, distress and depression during our study period within the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions should monitor these symptoms throughout the pandemic. Further study is required to assess the long-term implications for physician wellness.
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In cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), voice disorders caused by glottic insufficiency can lead to a considerable reduction in the patient's quality of life. Voice therapy (VT) is an effective treatment that must be started early after the onset of vocal fold paralysis. This study examined the effect of early VT for patients with UVFP occurring after esophagectomy. ⋯ VT may be effective for improving impaired vocal function in patients with UVFP. It is reasonable to expect that VT can be initiated 1 month after the onset of vocal fold paralysis.
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many individuals have reported acute loss of smell and taste. In order to better characterize all patients with these symptoms, a longitudinal national survey was created. ⋯ Chemosensory changes are a cardinal sign of COVID-19. Fortunately, our data, representing a large longitudinal study of patients experiencing smell and taste losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates that the majority appear to recover within a month.
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Olfactory dysfunction in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood. Thus, mechanistic data are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological drivers of anosmia of COVID-19. ⋯ We did not find significant mucosal changes or olfactory cleft abnormality on CT imaging in patients with anosmia of COVID-19. Conductive causes of anosmia (i.e., mucosal disease) do not seem play a significant role in anosmia of COVID-19.