The Laryngoscope
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To evaluate the relationship between hearing loss and malpractice litigation. ⋯ Otolaryngologists are successful in most (70%) hearing loss litigation brought against them. This is true regardless of whether the allegations are of medical error or include operative procedures. Pediatric patients received more favorable jury verdicts when litigating malpractice claims than their adult counterparts, and the payouts were highest when there was alleged birth trauma and/or meningitis. Finally, the severity and degree of hearing loss sustained correlate with higher payouts.
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The h-index is an accurate and reliable indicator of scholarly productivity that takes into account relevance, significance, and influence of research contributions. As such, it is an effective, objective bibliometric that can be used to evaluate academic otolaryngologists for decisions regarding appointment and advancement. In this study, we evaluate the impact of NIH funding on scholarly productivity in otolaryngology. ⋯ The h-index has a strong relationship with, and may be predictive of, grant awards of NIH-funded faculty members in otolaryngology departments. This bibliometric may be useful in decisions regarding appointment and advancement of faculty members within academic otolaryngology departments.
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To evaluate sites and characteristics of upper airway obstruction, as detected with drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). ⋯ The oropharynx/lateral walls are the most common site of obstruction in children with single site obstruction. Combined oropharynx/lateral walls and velum obstruction was the most common sites of obstruction in children with multiple site obstruction. Children with grade I and grade II tonsils may suffer from complete airway obstruction. DISE is a useful tool to identify upper airway obstruction sites in addition to adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
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Whether adenotonsillectomy (AT) is sufficient for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with persistent severe allergic rhinitis (PSAR) remains unclear. This study attempts to identify the role of inferior turbinate reduction in treating pediatric OSAS with PSAR. ⋯ Analytical results suggest that AT with concurrent MAIT achieves favorable subjective and objective outcomes in pediatric OSAS with PSAR. We believe that volume reduction of the inferior turbinate plays an important role in treating pediatric OSAS with inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
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To evaluate the effect of larynx and esophageal inlet sparing on dysphagia recovery after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for stage III-IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. ⋯ A dose constraint on the larynx and esophageal inlet during IMRT planning reduces dose to pharyngeal constrictors and expedites PEG tube removal.