Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2021
Determining the Prognosis of Bell's Palsy Based on Severity at Presentation and Electroneuronography.
To examine the demographics of Bell's palsy and determine how House-Brackmann (HB) grade at nadir and electroneuronography (ENoG) results correlate with HB grade after recovery and development of synkinesis. ⋯ More severe paralysis increased the chance of recovery to HB II or III function. The granularity of this study provides prognostic insights that may inform the counseling of patients with Bell's palsy with respect to prognosis and recovery timeline.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2021
Tracheotomy in a High-Volume Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating the Surgeon's Risk.
Performing tracheotomy in patients with COVID-19 carries a risk of transmission to the surgical team due to potential viral particle aerosolization. Few studies have reported transmission rates to tracheotomy surgeons. We describe our safety practices and the transmission rate to our surgical team after performing tracheotomy on patients with COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic at a US epicenter. ⋯ Tracheotomy for patients with COVID-19 can be done with minimal risk to the surgical providers when standard personal protective equipment is used (surgical gown, gloves, eye protection, hair cap, and N95 mask). Whether timing of tracheotomy following onset of symptoms affects the risk of transmission needs further study.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2021
Vocal Fold Fat Augmentation for Atrophy, Scarring, and Unilateral Paralysis: Long-term Functional Outcomes.
There is a debate regarding the durability of fat implants. Our experience and recent publications suggest fat implantation may deliver a long-lasting improvement. This study aims to present the long-term outcomes for vocal fold fat augmentation using strict harvesting, preparing, and implantation protocols. ⋯ Fat is an excellent source of autologous graft. With careful patient selection and proper surgical technique, fat is suitable for long-term correction of glottic insufficiency. Fat augmentation should be considered as a long-lasting or even permanent solution, rather than temporary.