European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Dec 2020
Two-drape closed pocket technique: minimizing aerosolization in mastoid exploration during COVID-19 pandemic.
Mastoidectomy is associated with extensive bone-drilling which makes it a major aerosol generating procedure. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, it is essential to devise methods to minimize aerosolization and hence ensure safety of the healthcare workers during the operative procedure. ⋯ Two-drape closed pocket technique is an easy, cost-effective and safe method to limit aerosolization of tissue particles during mastoidectomy.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Dec 2020
Total thyroidectomy with therapeutic level II-IV neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: level VI recurrence patterns.
Lateral and central compartments cervical lymph nodes metastases are common among patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Elective level VI neck dissection during thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection (LND) for the treatment of PTC with lateral compartment lymph node metastases is controversial because of the uncertain benefit in clinical outcomes and increased risks of surgical morbidity. We aimed to determine the potential benefit of elective level VI neck dissection in patients with cN1 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by investigating the rate and pattern of locoregional recurrence in PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and therapeutic lateral node dissection (LND; levels II-IV) without elective level VI dissection. ⋯ Our results revealed 11.7% rate of clinically significant recurrent disease in ipsilateral level VI which, in our opinion, does not justify routine prophylactic level VI ND dissection when the ipsilateral lateral neck is operated for metastases.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Dec 2020
Strategies to overcome limitations in Otolaryngology residency training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an unequaled human crisis forcing a radical reorganization in the healthcare system. Otolaryngologists are at high risk of exposure, and changes in medical and surgical activities have reduced the learning opportunity for residents and fellows. We believe that even during COVID-19 crisis it is mandatory to guarantee an optimal training, and here, we propose some strategies, based on our experience, to further increase our trainees' learning curve. ⋯ Building on this dramatic experience, we must be ready for a global restructuring of the residency program to provide an adequate trainee education for the future surgeons.