Articles tagged with Otolaryngology
Researchers found honey to be significantly more effective in killing bacteria than antibiotics, including drug-resistant biofilms. This discovery holds promise for the treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis through topical application.
Research aims to identify patient populations that can benefit from corrective surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with severe symptoms, complex anatomies, and failed non-surgical treatments may be good candidates for surgery.
A new study finds that among seniors with voice and swallowing issues, only 20% actually seek treatment. Researchers call for increased awareness and outreach programs to address these impairments among the elderly, who may experience depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal due to untreated voice and swallowing problems.
A new study at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO found that patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) receive inconsistent care due to lack of established clinical practice guidelines. SSHL is a rare but serious otological event affecting between 5 and 20 people per 100,000 per year.
A recent study found that patients with sinusitis suffer from significant bodily pain, comparable to those with osteoarthritis or depression. Surgery has been shown to improve symptoms and reduce pain levels for these individuals.
Researchers found that geriatric cochlear implant recipients experience significant benefit from the surgery, with improved QOL scores comparable to those of younger patients. Co-morbid conditions like heart disease do not lower QOL in geriatric recipients.
Researchers used a computer simulator to teach surgeons-in-training how to perform craniectomy procedures on cadaveric temporal bone specimens. After two weeks of practice, the researchers found that the trainees could correctly identify pre- and post-simulation bones with high accuracy.
Researchers found environmental pollutants can cause 'environmental laryngitis' through animal models, citing exposure to dust mites and air pollution as triggers for the condition. This finding is significant given recent reports on diminishing air quality and increased unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution.
Researchers found that children with allergic rhinitis are more likely to experience headaches, facial pain, and ear aches. The study suggests that these symptoms may be under-appreciated sources of discomfort for many children, leading to reduced diagnoses and effective treatment.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 33% of children with recurrent croup had narrowing in their upper airways, which could indicate laryngopharyngeal reflux. Researchers believe that treating reflux may help prevent future episodes of croup.
New research suggests that surgical interventions for obese children with obstructive sleep apnea may alleviate symptoms but not eliminate the condition. The study found that removing tonsils and adenoids can reduce sleep apnea, but persistent cases require careful evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology meeting found that 30% of ENT patients suffer from a depressive illness and take antidepressants. Sleep apnea patients exhibit the highest levels of depression, with 21% diagnosed and 46% taking medication.
Researchers found that subjects under simulated pleasant smells had mostly positive-colored dreams, while those under unpleasant smells had predominantly negative dream colors. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of olfactory function on dreams and may open up new therapeutic possibilities.
New research suggests that Botox can positively impact first impression judgments in relation to attractiveness and dating success. Facial appearance plays a significant role in shaping these perceptions, and cosmetic surgery has been shown to improve them.
A study of 27 children with periodic fever, aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAFA) found that tonsillectomy was nearly always effective in resolving symptoms. Despite no clear explanation for why the surgery works, doctors are optimistic about its potential to improve treatment outcomes.
Patients with head and neck cancer experience declines in physical quality of life due to treatments such as feeding tube placement, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, their mental health quality of life improves after one year, suggesting the importance of addressing depression and smoking cessation in treatment.
A small study has found that marijuana use does not significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancer. The relative risk was the same as in non-users, unlike smoking cigarettes and heavy alcohol consumption, which were linked to increased cancer risks. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nasal irrigations with saline are more effective than saline sprays in providing short-term relief of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. The treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in quality of life, with participants experiencing 50% lower odds of frequent nasal symptoms.
Randal S. Weber, a renowned otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, has been chosen as an Honorary Member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO). Dr. Weber's contributions to promoting multidisciplinary approaches in treating patients with head and neck cancers have earned him this prestigious honor.
A study presented at a symposium found that 80% of advanced head and neck cancer patients responded well to chemotherapy and radiation, eliminating detectable disease in the neck. Of these, 85% maintained long-term remission without needing further invasive surgery.
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Research found that reducing surgical resident work hours did not significantly improve perceived quality of patient care. Residents reported fewer fatigue-related errors but more continuity and communication issues.
In a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers discovered that patients with chronic sinusitis who failed to respond to treatment had severely decreased immune function and lower production of key proteins. The findings suggest new treatment targets for this condition affecting an estimated 32 million Americans.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a surgery to plug the superior canal in the inner ear, stopping severe symptoms of superior canal dehiscence. The procedure has been successful in treating patients with severe dizziness, loss of balance, and hearing loss.
A minimally invasive approach to thyroid surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for many patients, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time. The study found that careful selection of patients based on factors such as the size of the diseased organ and the patient's anatomy enables surgeons to use this approach in most cases.
A study of 58 adults with ragweed allergic rhinitis found that both over-the-counter pseudoephedrine and prescription montelukast reduced symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Pseudoephedrine was more effective at alleviating nasal congestion.
A new study has linked a specific gene mutation to poorer outcomes and increased recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The discovery provides a molecular marker to assess risk for patients with PTC, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
Scientists at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam developed a new type of valve producing its own vocal sound by a small silicone rubber flap acting as an artificial vocal chord. Female patients with weak voices benefit from this prosthesis, regaining a natural female pitch.
A survey of parents found that nearly all who used the internet for information about their child's surgery also made medical decisions based on this information. Most parents reported finding the internet information understandable and helpful, with 67% citing it as an influence on treatment decisions.
A study of 157 head and neck surgery cases found that time under general anesthesia (TUGA) was a significant predictor of surgical complications and hospital length of stay. Despite initial concerns, age alone did not increase the risk of complications, contrary to previous assumptions.
A harmonic scalpel with ultrasound technology can reduce blood loss, postoperative facial paralysis, and infection rates in patients requiring salivary gland removal. The study compared conventional surgery to harmonic scalpel parotidectomy for benign or malignant disease.
Researchers have found that an incision about half the length used for traditional surgery works just as well in removing diseased thyroids. The minimally invasive approach is safe, likely speeds wound healing, and has a superior cosmetic result.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that disrupts nervous signals to the vocal cords. The surgery provided long-lasting resolution of symptoms and improved physical, social, and emotional well-being in most patients, offering a permanent solution for treating the disorder.
PENN researchers have developed a novel approach to treat head and neck cancer using the daVinci System, allowing for complete tumor removal while preserving voice and swallowing function. This innovative technique has shown great potential in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Researchers used the FDA's MAUDE database to analyze cochlear implant complications and trends over two periods. They found device failure was the most commonly reported complication, with a significant decrease in malfunction from pre-1998 to 2002.
A national survey of 2,500 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery members found that 45% of physicians reported a recent medical error in their practice. The most common errors were technical mistakes during procedures, medication errors, and testing errors.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery found that 52% of employed head and neck cancer patients reported work-related disability after treatment. Chemotherapy, neck surgery, and pain were linked to increased disability risk.
A study of 445 patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction found a significant link between impaired sense of smell and an increased risk of cooking-related incidents, gas leaks, and fire detection. Otolaryngologists must be aware of these risks to provide proper diagnosis and counseling for patients.
A study found that skin cancer patients experience improved mental and emotional health after surgery, but general quality of life remains unchanged. Patients also showed increased use of sunscreen and protective behaviors like wearing hats.
Researchers found that postoperative pain was less on days three, four, and five following surgery for patients in the microdissection group compared to those in the standard electrocautery group. The study suggests that microdissection needle cautery may be a more effective method for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain.
A University of Minnesota study found that ear problems decreased significantly over time after ear tube placement for children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The annual incidence of ear problems was highest during the first three to five years, but declined thereafter.
A new study suggests that Btx-B may be effective in treating face wrinkles, with a faster onset of action but shorter duration compared to type A. The low-dose study found that patients injected with Btx-B experienced rapid wrinkle reduction within 48 hours, but the effect did not last as long as type A.
A study of 114 patients with primary head and neck cancers found that photodynamic therapy achieved an overall response rate of 91% after two years, with 85% showing complete tumor elimination. The treatment also produced high one- and two-year overall survival rates of 90% and 81%, respectively.
Canadian Medical Association Journal article highlights lack of consensus among otolaryngologists on indications for ear tube insertion in children. Only 6 of 17 factors and 1 of 4 clinical vignettes were agreed upon, suggesting a need to revisit clinical practice guidelines.
A study found that surgeons in Ontario have differing opinions on when to perform surgery on children with ear infections, citing varying factors. The researchers surveyed 17 clinical and social factors, but only six were agreed upon, highlighting the need for a revised approach to addressing this common Canadian procedure.
Women are less sensitive to anesthetic drugs, waking up almost twice as fast as men when general anesthesia is discontinued after surgery. This may lead to a need for more anesthesia during procedures, impacting patient care and recovery time.
Duke University Medical Center surgeons have developed a safe and effective treatment for Zenker's diverticulum, a disabling condition that traps food in the throat. The new endoscopic technique removes the pouch with minimal complications, offering hope to elderly patients with this condition.