Although steroids are widely used to treat a variety of otolaryngologic conditions, the short- and long-term side effects remain a concern and fuel the need to better understand their proper role. Contributing to the ongoing controversy over their use are gaps in the evidence, panelists said here Sept. 12 at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting.
It is now well recognized that pathogens found in biofilms play a role in many mucosal-based otolaryngologic-related infections, but what that role is and how to prevent or treat biofilms remain unknown, concluded a panel of experts convened here on Sept. 17 at the 2011 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting.
Although the new U.S. health care law does not specifically alter the current fee-for-service payment structure, changes to how physicians and hospitals will be reimbursed for services are under construction. These changes are reflected by the growing focus on the development and implementation of quality improvement and physician and institutional performance measures on which reimbursement will increasingly be made, panelists said here on Sept. 11 at the 2011 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Annual Meeting.
What is the role of balloon catheter sinuplasty (BCS) in the surgical management of pediatric sinus disease? Background: Adenoidectomy and functional endoscopic sinus surgery have traditionally comprised the surgical management of […]
What is the optimal timing of surgical intervention following adult laryngeal trauma? Background: Airway management is paramount in cases of adult laryngeal trauma. Even with a secured airway, however, laryngeal lacerations […]
Is the transcervical approach indicated in the treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) and, if so, to what extent? Background: According to the literature, the only existing curative approach to ZD is […]
Are specific triggers associated with the onset of spasmodic dysphonia? Background: Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is an idiopathic voice disorder characterized by a strained, strangled voice quality or a breathy voice with […]
Is quality of life (QOL) better after surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma or after gamma knife surgery? Background: Gamma knife surgery is becoming an increasingly popular method to manage vestibular schwannoma. […]
Are there any intraoperative findings that could determine whether a second look procedure should be performed in pediatric cholesteatoma surgery? Background: There is no clear consensus regarding the surgical management of […]
There is a Chinese proverb that is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is, “May you live in interesting times,” and the curse is, “May you live in interesting times.” All of us would like things to stabilize into a constant, comfortable and predictable environment for us to live our lives, raise our families and care for our patients. We are entering the most complex and challenging period that medicine has experienced since the 1960s when Medicare was introduced. From now on, everything we have come to know and are comfortable with in our professional lives will change.