Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
ReviewRhinologic Practice Special Considerations During COVID-19: Visit Planning, Personal Protective Equipment, Testing, and Environmental Controls.
As rhinologists return to practice amid SARS-CoV-2, special considerations are warranted given the unique features of their subspecialty. Rhinologist manipulation of nasal tissue, proximity, and frequent aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) create high risk for infection transmission. There are 4 areas of special consideration to mitigate risk: (1) previsit planning for risk stratification/mitigation, (2) appropriate personal protective equipment, (3) preprocedural testing, and (4) environmental controls. ⋯ Appropriate personal protective equipment includes selection of respiratory and eye protection. COVID-19 testing can screen for asymptomatic carriers prior to high-risk procedures; however, alternative testing methods are required in rhinologic patients not eligible for nasopharyngeal testing due to nasal obstruction or skull base defects. Last, AGPs in rhinologic practices require considerations of room air handling and environmental controls.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
ReviewImpact of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic on the Otolaryngology Fellowship Application Process.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 a global pandemic. In addition to massive social disruption, this pandemic affected the traditional fellowship interview season for otolaryngology subspecialties, including head and neck surgical oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, laryngology, rhinology, neurotology, and pediatric otolaryngology. ⋯ This change may alter the future of how interviews and the match proceed for years to come, with nontraditional methods of interviewing becoming a mainstay. While the impact this pandemic has on the fellowship match process is not yet fully realized, this commentary aims to discuss the challenges faced on both sides of the equation and to offer solutions during these unprecedented times.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Otitis Media With Effusion Risk in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
To investigate the potential correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and otitis media with effusion (OME) risk in children. ⋯ This study indicated the correlation between H pylori infection and increased risk of OME in children, especially in African and Asian populations. Further well-designed studies regarding the white population are strongly recommended in the future.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudySurgical Field Visualization during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Comparison of Propofol- vs Desflurane-Based Anesthesia.
To assess if the type of general anesthetic affects bleeding and field visualization during endoscopic sinus surgery. ⋯ When remifentanil is used for controlled hypotension, propofol has no advantage over desflurane to improve surgical field visualization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Oct 2020
Multicenter StudyOlfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction as an Early Identifier of COVID-19 in Adults and Children: An International Multicenter Study.
To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of olfactory or gustatory dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. ⋯ Olfactory and/or gustatory disorders may represent early or isolated symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. They may serve as a useful additional screening criterion, particularly for the identification of patients in the early stages of infection.