The Laryngoscope
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Comparative Study
Development and validation of an objective instrument to measure surgical performance at tonsillectomy.
The goals of this project were 1) to develop and validate an objective instrument to measure surgical performance at tonsillectomy, 2) to assess its interobserver and interobservation reliability and construct validity, and 3) to select those items with best reliability and most independent information to design a simplified form suitable for routine use in otolaryngology surgical evaluation. ⋯ It is possible to objectively measure surgical skill at tonsillectomy with high reliability and good construct validity. Factor analysis demonstrated that patient care is a distinct domain in surgical skill. Although the interobserver reliability for some patient care items reached statistical significance, it was not high enough for "high stakes testing" purposes. Using reliability and factor analysis results, we propose a simplified instrument for use in evaluating trainees in otolaryngologic surgery.
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To review the indications, complications, and outcomes of patients undergoing urgent surgical airway intervention. ⋯ Awake tracheostomy should be considered in any patient with impending or ongoing airway obstruction or with potential for difficult intubation. This should be performed in a timely manner before an emergent situation arises because the complications of emergency surgical airway can be devastating.
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To study the behavior of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) before and after adenotonsillectomy using a standardized behavioral rating scale completed by caregivers. ⋯ A high proportion of children with OSAS have externalizing (hyperactivity and aggression) and internalizing (anxiety, depression, and somatization) behavioral problems. These problems improve significantly after adenotonsillectomy. The improvement is dramatic regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, parental education, parental income, or the relative severity of OSAS.
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The history and physical examination, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are the cornerstones for identifying new and recurrent cancers of the head and neck. The advent of positron emission tomography (PET) and combined PET/CT imaging technology is a promising development. ⋯ The following paper provides a brief history of PET and PET/CT imaging. The current PET and PET/CT literature for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is reviewed, and specific recommendations for its use are provided.
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Comparative Study
Burnout in academic chairs of otolaryngology: head and neck surgery.
Burnout can be characterized by a low degree of personal accomplishment and a high degree of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). With increasing demands and constraints placed on academic department chairs, the risk of developing burnout may be increasing. The prevalence of burnout in chairs of academic departments of otolaryngology and the factors associated with it have not been previously described. ⋯ Most otolaryngology chairs experience moderate levels of burnout. The biggest risk factors for burnout include low self-efficacy, low spousal support, disputes with the medical school dean, department budget deficits, and nights/weekends worked. These findings may help department chairs identify and prevent burnout and may help in developing programs to minimize burnout in our field's academic leaders.