Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jul 2021
Comparative StudyComparison of Tracheal vs Nasopharyngeal Secretions for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Testing in Patients With Tracheostomy.
This study compares nasopharyngeal and tracheal samples for COVID-19 viral testing in patients with a tracheostomy. This was a prospective cohort study done at 2 academic hospitals between March and June 2020. Patients admitted through the emergency department who had a COVID-19 test and an existing tracheostomy or underwent a tracheostomy during the admission period were included. ⋯ The average duration of viral shedding in nasopharyngeal samples was 20.9 days. One patient (6.7%) tested positive in tracheal secretions after a negative nasopharyngeal swab. In the remaining patients (93.3%), the nasopharyngeal and tracheal specimens correlated.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2021
Comparative StudyTracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of International Perioperative Care Protocols and Practices in 26 Countries.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global surge in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, some of whom may benefit from tracheostomy. Decisions on if, when, and how to perform tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19 have major implications for patients, clinicians, and hospitals. We investigated the tracheostomy protocols and practices that institutions around the world have put into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Wide variation exists in tracheostomy protocols, reflecting geographical variation, different resource constraints, and limited data to drive evidence-based care standards. Findings presented herein may provide reference points and a framework for evolving care standards.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2021
Comparative StudyQuantification and Comparison of Droplet Formation During Endoscopic and Microscopic Ear Surgery: A Cadaveric Model.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the disproportional spread of the disease among otorhinolaryngologists raised concerns regarding the safety of health care staff. Therefore, a quantitative risk assessment for otologic surgery would be desirable. This study aims to quantitatively compare the risk of perioperative droplet formation between microscopic and endoscopic approaches. ⋯ There is considerable droplet generation during otologic surgery, and this represents a risk for the spread of airborne infectious diseases. The endoscopic technique offers the lowest risk of droplet formation as compared with microscopic approaches, with a significant 4.5-fold reduction of droplets between endoscopic and microscopic epitympanectomy and a 62-fold reduction between endoscopic epitympanectomy and cortical mastoidectomy.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2021
Gender Representation in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Recognition Awards.
The proportion of women in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) has steadily increased in recent years. This study examines gender representation in recognition awards given by OHNS societies between 2009 and 2019. ⋯ From 2009 to 2019, women received recognition awards at a higher percentage than overall gender representation in OHNS. Comparison of research, humanitarian, and achievement awards revealed the disparity of women receiving fewer achievement awards relative to men. Gender representation of award recipients varied by subspecialty, which may be partially determined by gender distribution within the fields.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2021
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Veterans With Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea.
Insomnia and sleep apnea frequently co-occur, with additive effects of both disorders presenting clinicians with unique treatment challenges compared to one disorder alone. The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) is a promising treatment for patients with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA), many of whom have positive airway pressure (PAP) intolerance. Our aim was to determine adherence to and efficacy of HNS in veterans with COMISA refractory to PAP therapy compared to those with obstructive sleep apnea alone (OSA only). ⋯ HNS was successful in treating a complex veteran population with COMISA refractory to PAP when examining measures of treatment adherence and efficacy. Future studies of patients with COMISA undergoing HNS will examine effective combination therapy targeting insomnia and a multidisciplinary effort to optimize treatment adherence.