Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Feb 2014
Microbiological sampling of the forgotten components of a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope: what lessons can we learn?
The effectiveness of a Cidex-based decontamination protocol was analyzed for its effectiveness in cleaning various components of a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope (FFL), including the handle, eyepiece, and detachable light cable. A random microbiological sampling and aerobic bacterial culture analysis of 6 FFL eyepieces, 6 FFL driver handles, and 5 light cables prior to patient use was performed. ⋯ Organisms recovered represented both environmental organisms from skin and oral flora origin. This study demonstrates that potential contaminants may be present on FFL eyepieces and light cables, which are commonly overlooked in the cleaning protocols of a standard otolaryngology clinic.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jan 2014
Review Randomized Controlled TrialLimited evidence: higher efficacy of nasal saline irrigation over nasal saline spray in chronic rhinosinusitis--an update and reanalysis of the evidence base.
To assess the effectiveness of nasal saline irrigation in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. ⋯ It should be explained to adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis that there is limited information on the relative effect of nasal saline irrigation and nasal saline spray on subjective symptom improvement, since there is only 1 trial available with a moderate risk of bias showing limited benefit of irrigation over spray.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyAdenotonsillectomy vs observation for management of mild obstructive sleep apnea in children.
To determine the impact of adenotonsillectomy vs observation on quality of life (QOL) in children with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ⋯ Quality of life significantly improves in children with mild OSA after adenotonsillectomy. In children with mild OSA who are observed, QOL improvements at early follow-up are less pronounced, but significant improvements in QOL are evident after 8 months. QOL instruments may be useful tools to help providers determine which children with mild OSA may benefit from early intervention.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyAnalysis of the NSQIP database in 676 patients undergoing laryngopharyngectomy: the impact of flap reconstruction.
Assess impact of reconstructive procedures on patients undergoing laryngopharyngectomy and to determine whether 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality varied between patients who underwent flap reconstruction and those who did not. ⋯ This is the first comprehensive analysis of flap reconstruction for laryngopharyngeal defects using the ACS-NSQIP registry. Additional measures involved in flap reconstruction are associated with an increase in major morbidity but not mortality. An understanding of these variables may optimize the decision-making process for patients undergoing laryngectomy and/or pharyngectomy.
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jan 2014
Comparative StudyAAO-HNSF CORE grant acquisition is associated with greater scholarly impact.
To determine whether receiving funding from the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Centralized Otolaryngology Research Efforts (CORE) grant program is associated with career choice (in terms of practice setting) and scholarly impact. ⋯ Procurement of an AAO-HNSF CORE grant is associated with greater scholarly impact, as measured by the h-index. This relationship persists among practitioners with more than 10 years of publication experience, as well as upon comparison of CORE grant-funded and non-CORE grant-funded otolaryngologists at all academic ranks. Practitioners awarded these grants may be more likely to go into and remain in academic practice.