Can ultrasound replace sestamibi scans in the pre-operative evaluation of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism?
PEG Dependence May Inhibit Swallowing Post-Irradiation
Does percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) use cause dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients? Background: PEG use is common in patients who undergo radiotherapy for head and neck cancer to […]
When Is Surgery Indicated for Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism?
Once a rare symptomatic disorder characterized by kidney stones, bone loss, neuromuscular disorders and other hypercalcemic signs, PHPT is now appreciated to have a much higher incidence than previously thought, and to usually be only mildly symptomatic or even asymptomatic
Customizable Hard Mouth Guard is Recommended During Rigid Endoscopy
Is there a better dental guard than soft mouth guards for use during rigid endoscopy? Background: One risk of rigid endoscopy is tooth injury, most commonly to the maxillary incisors. Standard […]
Swallowing Function After TLM + Adjuvant Therapy
For patients with advanced-stage oropharyngeal cancer, how does transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) + adjuvant therapy impact swallowing function? Background: For survival reasons, patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer have elected adjuvant therapy, […]
Consideration of Race, Ethnicity and Ancestry
Should race, ethnicity and ancestry be used as universal proxies for genetic, social and socioeconomic issues related to otolaryngology conditions? Background: Historically, race, ethnicity and ancestry have been associated with otolaryngology […]
Total or Hemithyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma?
What is the best surgical treatment for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC)? Background: Surgeons have debated whether to perform a total or hemithyroidectomy for PTMC, a carcinoma less than 1 cm in […]
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Dye Injection by Surgeon Localizes Tumor
What is the effect of ultrasound-guided needle dye injection in localization of intraoperative tumors? Background: Locating and surgically excising non-palpable neck tumors in an accurate, efficient and safe manner, particularly in […]
Pretreatment Swallowing Assessment in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
What are the patient variables associated with swallowing dysfunction in head and neck cancer (HNCa) patients prior to intervention? Background: Recent studies have shown that pretreatment deficits are common in HNCa […]
Reducing Hospital Costs for Patients Undergoing TL/BND
What factors influence intraoperative and postoperative costs associated with total laryngectomy (TL) and bilateral neck dissection (BND)? Background: Given the current environment of health care reform, the ability to respond to […]