Arch Otolaryngol
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To review the background, case characteristics, and outcomes of malpractice litigation resulting from surgical injury of the spinal accessory nerve. ⋯ Unintended injury to the spinal accessory nerve after head and neck surgery is a significant source of malpractice litigation. Timely diagnosis and treatment of this complication are essential. Regardless of whether the medical community considers careful surgical technique and nerve preservation to be the standard of care, the legal system clearly treats it as such, awarding compensation in 82% of cases. Strategies for optimal surgical care and litigation risk reduction are discussed.
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To examine the efficacy of tonsillectomy in ameliorating symptoms and preventing recurrence of episodes in children with PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis). ⋯ Tonsillectomy is a viable treatment option for patients with PFAPA syndrome.
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Multicenter Study
Transoral laser microsurgery for advanced laryngeal cancer.
To report the oncologic and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. ⋯ In patients with advanced laryngeal cancer, TLM with or without radiotherapy is a valid treatment strategy for organ preservation. Furthermore, low morbidity and mortality and excellent oncologic and functional outcomes make TLM an attractive therapeutic option.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Nasal saline for chronic sinonasal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial.
To determine if isotonic sodium chloride (hereinafter "saline") nasal irrigations performed with large volume and delivered with low positive pressure are more effective than saline sprays at improving quality of life and decreasing medication use. ⋯ Nasal irrigations performed with large volume and delivered with low positive pressure are more effective than saline sprays for treatment of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms in a community-based population.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of follow-up telephone interviews and questionnaires after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. ⋯ Compared with our previous experience with scheduled postsurgical clinic follow-ups, telephone interviews and standardized postoperative questionnaires pose no additional risk to patients. Considerable cost reduction and patient convenience were realized with a reduction of patient visits.