What management is possible for small pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCFs) in patients with limited survival chance who are not candidates for surgery? Background: Some of the most common complications following total laryngectomy are PCFs. While a standard protocol for PCF management does not exist, the first approach is conservative management with wound care and tube feeding. When […]
Chemotherapy Alone Not Recommended for Advanced Laryngeal or Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Is treatment with chemotherapy alone feasible for advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma? Background: A favorable response to induction chemotherapy has been shown to be predictive of response to chemoradiation in patients with advanced laryngeal squamous cell cancer. Because of the adverse long-term sequelae of radiation therapy, including fibrosis and dysphagia, this study sought to […]
Survival Rates Comparable in Children and Adults with Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Cancer
Does young age adversely affect prognosis for oral squamous cell carcinoma? Background: Squamous cell carcinoma in young patients (<40 years of age) is believed to have an etiology that is distinct from squamous cell cancer in older patients because these patients have had less exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. Younger patients […]
The Application of Posterior Hyoid Space to the Sistrunk Procedure
If the recurrence of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) occurs as a consequence of incomplete resection, will the application of the posterior hyoid space (PHS) to the Sistrunk procedure minimize the risk of recurrent TGDC? Background: TGDCs are the most common congenital abnormality in the neck, with surgical extirpation recommended because of the likelihood of recurrent […]
A Contemporary Review of Papillomavirus and Oropharynx Cancer
What is the evidence for the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the etiology of oropharyngeal cancers, methods of viral detection and the resulting clinical implications? Background: The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has remained stable over the last 15 years, while the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), linked both […]
Bioabsorbable Miniplates for Subglottic Stenosis Are Safe and Effective
What is the efficacy and safety of bioabsorbable miniplates as an alternative to autologous grafts in single-stage laryngotracheal reconstruction for subglottic stenosis? Background: Since the 1960s, the incidence of acquired subglottic stenosis has dramatically increased due to the improved survival of low birth weight infants and the increased use of long-term endotracheal intubation in neonates. The […]
Laryngeal Framework Surgery Has High Level of Efficacy
What are the success and complication rates of laryngeal framework surgery (LFS), including medialization laryngoplasty (ML) and arytenoid adduction (AA)? Background: Since its introduction in the 1970s, LFS, comprised of ML and AA, has been increasingly utilized for vocal fold paralysis and glottal incompetence. Little is known, however, about the incidence of ML/AA surgery nationwide or […]
HPV Status an Independent Prognostic Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer Survival
What is the independent effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) on oropharyngeal cancer survival? Background: HPV has been associated with oropharyngeal cancer risk and appears to underlie the rising incidence of this disease in the U.S. and Europe. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers may be associated with a better prognosis than HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers. Study design: Retrospective analysis of HPV […]
Thyroid Palpation Should Follow Serum Hormone Measurement
What are the effects of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels? Background: The assessment of serum thyroid hormone levels in association with thyroid palpation is widely used for the diagnosis of thyroid gland pathologies, often with blood sampling for thyroid function taking place after physical examination. While previous studies have shown that external […]
The Faculty Mentor from the Resident’s Perspective
What is the experience of residents regarding mentorship during their otolaryngology residency? Background: Integral to the educational experience is the relationship between faculty and residents, which is based upon multiple types of encounters, including formal teaching sessions, clinical care of patients, surgical training and research activities. The embodiment of this relationship is the faculty mentor whose […]