Articles tagged with Otolaryngology
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have received a five-year, $12.5 million grant to study cochlear synaptopathy, or hidden hearing loss, which can cause neural degeneration behind normal audiogram measurements. The team aims to understand its causes, identify it in patients with traditional hearing loss, and develop future therapies.
A study by researchers at Uppsala University found that crocodiles can regenerate their hair cells due to the activation of support cells and efferent nerves. This discovery may lead to new treatments for people with impaired hearing, who affect over 1.2 billion worldwide.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
The MedSENS instrument measures body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation from the ear canal using innovative sensors. It has been tested in harsh environments and proven to be easy to use, with its data transmitted wirelessly to other devices.
Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.
A new study by UCLA surgeons has developed a technique to remove the Adam's apple with minimal scarring, offering a welcome solution for transgender women and nonbinary people who often face stigma due to neck scars. The procedure, called 'scarless' tracheal shave, is effective and can be performed in 90 minutes with minimal equipment.
A study of 195 children revealed severe airway injuries from button battery ingestion, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention. The research underscores the critical importance of educating parents and caregivers on safe handling practices.
A study analyzing over 400 singer patients found that nodules were the most prevalent injury, affecting 58% of singers. The study also identified professional status and prior vocal training as risk factors, but noted that conservative management can help many singers recover from injuries.
A surgically implanted device has been found to safely and effectively reduce sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome, with significant improvements in daily functioning, behavior, and language. The device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, was tested in a phase I clinical trial and showed promising results.
A study has identified a new protein, Creb-binding protein (CBP), as a prognostic marker for above-average patient survival in HPV-positive head and neck carcinoma. CBP inhibitors are being developed as targeted therapies that can improve quality of life by reducing side effects associated with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
A study by Nagoya City University researchers found that patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) often exhibit exacerbating factors shortly after onset, worsening symptoms. These factors include upright posture, movement, and visual stimulation.
The Bárány Society has developed a comprehensive curriculum to promote high-quality vestibular training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum sets out a framework of suggested topics and skills, covering anatomy, physiology, and physics, as well as history taking, bedside examination, ancillary testing, disorders, treatment, and...
A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses low-dose radiation and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy. The trial found high survival rates and quality of life in patients at medium risk for recurrence.
Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.
A new surgical procedure, Conjunctivoductivo-dacryocystorhinostomy, has been developed to treat intractable canalicular obstruction and watery eyes. The procedure creates a new passage for tear fluid to flow, eliminating facial scarring and foreign matter.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery will present research on ear health, head and neck cancer, sleep-disordered breathing, and more at its annual meeting. Twelve 'Best of Orals' and 14 late-breaking scientific oral presentations will be showcased.
A survey of 147 medical professionals found that smaller endotracheal tube sizes reduce complications in professional voice users. The team hopes to establish evidence-based practices for managing the airways of these patients, who are particularly vulnerable to damage from intubation.
The AERWAY study published in the Journal of Otolaryngology and Rhinology found significant symptom improvements in patients treated with VivAer for nasal airway obstruction due to nasal valve collapse. The non-invasive treatment modality remodels tissue in the nasal valve, providing long-term relief from nasal congestion.
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
Researchers from USC Stem Cell discovered a latent regenerative potential in the inner ear's sensory cells. They found that epigenetic modifications regulate hair cell development and identified a key histone decoration, H3K4me1, that keeps supporting cells primed for transdifferentiation.
The Integrated Cardiothoracic (CT I-6) residency continues to be the most difficult to match among competitive surgical subspecialties. The number of female applicants has risen from 16% in 2015 to 28% in 2020, while diversity among I-6 program applicants has increased across all racial and ethnic categories. Greatest predictors of a s...
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study compared inpatient and outpatient surgical volumes during the pandemic and found significant declines, especially in regions hardest hit. Outpatient volumes recovered quickly, while inpatient volumes improved to near-pre-pandemic levels by September 2020.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published a new clinical practice guideline to reduce opioid use disorder risks. The guideline focuses on multimodal analgesia and judicious use of opioids, aiming to improve postoperative pain control while minimizing the risk of chronic opioid use.
A study found that assessing surgery patients for frailty before surgery reduces post-operative mortality, regardless of surgical specialty. The review of national patient databases showed that frailty was a consistent risk factor for death after surgery across all specialties.
The American Rhinologic Society has launched SinusHealth.com, the first-ever patient-focused online resource dedicated to nasal and sinus conditions and treatments. James Nestor will discuss his book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, exploring the science of breathing and its impact on health.
Researchers designed an open-faced helmet with air filtration to contain cough droplets, minimizing disease transmission. The design reduced the risk of infection by 99.6% within 0.1 seconds.
A recent international observational study found a low risk of COVID-19 infection among patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. The study analyzed data from 1,137 patients in 26 countries and found a death rate within 30 days after surgery of 1.2%, comparable to the expected rate without a pandemic.
Anand Devaiah, MD, delivers virtual Conley Lecture on Medical Ethics at the AAOHNS Annual Meeting, discussing social determinants of health. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these factors in healthcare to achieve better health equity.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery showcased the latest research in otolaryngology at its Virtual Annual Meeting. The event featured 14 'Best of Orals' studies, highlighting outstanding scientific merit and innovation.
A new study found that a combination of oral and topical corticosteroids can effectively treat patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. More than 60 patients experienced well-controlled symptoms without needing sinus surgery.
Researchers presented innovative studies on head and neck cancer, cochlear implants, and treatment options for conditions like laryngotracheal stenosis and obstructive sleep apnea. The selected studies highlighted outstanding scientific merit and innovation in the field of otolaryngology.
A new study suggests that chronic conductive hearing loss due to middle-ear infections can lead to neural deficits and difficulties in noisy environments. Researchers found patients with longstanding conductive hearing impairment had lower speech-recognition scores on the affected side, even when speech was audible.
Acetic acid irrigation after button battery removal may prevent continued tissue injury and long-term complications in children. A recent study found that irrigation with dilute sterile vinegar, 0.25% acetic acid, improved mucosal appearance and prevented esophageal complications.
A new study found non-internal carotid artery occlusion, balloon-guided catheter use, and better collateral grade to be independent predictors of the first pass effect (FPE) in mechanical thrombectomy. FPE was achieved in 40% of patients, resulting in lower mortality rates at 90 days compared to non-FPE patients.
Electric scooter use has led to a tripling of facial and head injuries over the past decade, with most victims being men between 19 and 65. The study found that helmet use increased with age, but many state laws do not address adults, who are the most injured.
A new technique using laser angiography illuminated blood flow during laryngectomy surgery, identifying patients at highest risk of wound healing issues. This approach may enable surgeons to adjust during surgery or recovery to improve outcomes, with potential interventions including wider tissue removal and extended hospital stays.
A new case study from New York University finds that face transplant surgery can significantly improve speech production in patients who have experienced severe facial trauma. The study used optical tracking technology to examine the effects of the procedure on facial movements and speech intelligibility, with remarkable results.
A University of Miami medical team reported acute neurosensory symptoms in 25 US diplomats who experienced severe symptoms after exposure to a unique sound and pressure phenomenon. The study found evidence of balance disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and psychological issues, which do not resemble traumatic brain injury.
US diplomats experienced sudden-onset symptoms including dizziness and cognitive impairment after exposure to a high-frequency noise at the Havana embassy. Researchers found an inner ear abnormality and evidence of cognitive dysfunction in affected individuals, with symptoms persisting even after treatment.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology will present cutting-edge research on various otolaryngology topics at their Annual Meeting. Key studies include evaluating the prognostic utility of hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio in head and neck cancer, investigating the association between depression and long-term overall surv...
Reyna Gordon, PhD, has received a $2.3 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to investigate the relationship between rhythm and speech disorders. Her research aims to identify health phenotypes that share a biological basis with humans' musical rhythm abilities.
A new study reveals stent retriever thrombectomy can be effective for patients up to 24 hours after stroke onset, offering new hope for longer window of care. The analysis of combined NASA and TRACK registries found similar results between real-world and randomized trials.
A study found that delayed endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke patients reduces their quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 40 days and economic value by $10,000 per 10-minute delay.
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research training grant, providing funding for interdisciplinary research training in otolaryngology. The five-year grant will support individual awardees with research training in ba...
Vanderbilt researchers are developing a new surgical planning tool to improve voice outcomes for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis. By analyzing the aerodynamics of cicada wings, they aim to create customized implants that optimize voice production and breathing.
A retrospective study of patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent radiation treatment found that those with low thyroid hormone levels were more likely to experience fistula formation and prolonged hospital stays. Researchers propose administering a common hormone supplement, levothyroxine, to prevent these complications.
A study found that lavender aromatherapy reduced preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients. The effect was modest but showed promise as a potential tool for managing anxiety in the operating room setting.
A single-center study of 1,009 patients found that opioid-free general anesthesia significantly decreased postoperative nausea. The alternative pain management options used during surgery and after recovery showed high patient satisfaction rates.
Several studies explore patient preferences, online presence, and treatment outcomes for various otolaryngology conditions. Research also examines the impact of age on complications following free flap surgery and the effects of common ear drops on tympanic membrane healing.
A new study found that combining intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) pretreatment with mechanical thrombectomy improves ELVO stroke patient outcomes, resulting in higher rates of functional improvement and lower mortality rates. The treatment approach was also associated with better safety outcomes.
Nearly 60% of mechanical thrombectomies occur during non-work hours, with peak periods between 8-11 p.m. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding procedure timing to optimize patient outcomes and optimize physician staffing at stroke centers.
Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who quit smoking experience improvement in symptoms and medication usage within 10 years. The study found that every year without smoking is associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and medication usage.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that sodium citrate nasal spray can temporarily restore sense of smell in people with viral-induced anosmia or hyposmia. The treatment lasted up to two hours and was most effective for patients whose ability to smell was damaged by viral infection.
A new treatment approach uses a single dose of chemotherapy to select patients for chemo-radiation or surgery, resulting in near-80% survival rates. This method tailors treatments to individual tumor biology and patient characteristics, improving quality of life and reducing complications.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on rhinoplasty, providing a framework for clinicians to improve patient care. The guideline aims to address the limited literature and availability of multi-disciplinary clinical practice guidelines on the subject.
Researchers present cutting-edge studies on healthcare economics, sleep apnea, and 3-D printed tissue engineering, showcasing potential breakthroughs for obstructive sleep apnea and head and neck cancer treatments. The findings have significant implications for the future of otolaryngology.
The study successfully met primary endpoints, showing non-inferior revascularization rates with the new stent retriever device. Patients achieved similar clinical outcomes without selecting viable brain tissue, supporting the use of aspiration alone or with stent retriever thrombectomy.
A new scoring system called the Opercular Index Score (OIS) shows promise in predicting stroke outcomes and collateral robustness, potentially guiding treatment decisions.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear found that chronic conductive hearing loss can lead to permanent hearing impairment if left untreated. The study, published in PLOS ONE, showed dramatic changes in the inner ear after a year of sound deprivation.
Researchers have developed a low-cost pediatric rib cartilage model using 3D printing, allowing aspiring surgeons to practice auricular reconstruction. The models closely resemble real cartilage and offer the opportunity for individualized practice, potentially improving surgical outcomes.