American journal of otolaryngology
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Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are gaining traction in the field of head and neck surgery following success in other specialties. Various institutions have reported on the feasibility of implementation and early outcomes in their centers. We report our experience of setting up an ERAS program in a high-volume tertiary cancer care center, including the challenges faced and overcome. ⋯ ERAS pathways should be encouraged in head and neck surgery, given their proven feasibility in a range of institutions. Further study is needed to confirm this program's impact on outcomes.
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The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed a significant impact on routine daily services in departments of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery. The city of Wuhan, as the first reported epicenter in the world, resumed medical service since April 8, 2020. As the biggest ENT services provider in Wuhan, we share out institution's triage and screening system in the resuming period.
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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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Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a very common infection, in particular in pediatric and adolescent population. A distinction between peritonsillar cellulitis and abscess should be made to determine the appropriate treatment. Nonetheless, the difference cannot always be made on physical examination alone and often requires imaging by computed tomography (CT). Radiation exposure as well as the cost and waiting time question the use of CT in this pathology. We present our experience in the use of Transcutaneous Cervical Ultrasonography for the diagnosis and management of peritonsillar abscess in the adult population. ⋯ Transcutaneous Cervical ultrasonography is a fast, useful tool, better tolerated than the intra-oral ultrasonography in diagnosing PTA. It avoids all irradiation exposure is much cheaper and the waiting time is shorter. Worth noting, is the richness of information pertaining the anatomy, vessels and abscess location and extension, for the surgeon performing the exam just prior to surgery. The efficiency and training of otorhinolaryngology specialists with this technique shows numerous promising benefits and deserves to be further developed.
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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. ⋯ This study demonstrates that Google search activity for many otolaryngology-related terms during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased or decreased significantly as compared to previous years. With reduced access to in-office otolaryngology care in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, these are important considerations for otolaryngology practices to meet the needs of patients who lack access to care.