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 […]
Transoral Robotic Surgery, Chemotherapy Outcomes Similar in Patients with AOC
What are the safety, toxicity and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS), neck dissection and adjuvant therapy for advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (AOC)? Background: Most patients with […]