Current literature shows that botulinum toxin injections into the cricopharyngeus muscle effectively treat RCPD in most patients. Both operating room and office procedures are successful, though they have different side-effect profiles. Surgeons should involve patients in decision-making by discussing the risks and benefits of each approach for a more personalized treatment.
Given the significant potential benefit with limited risk of complications, TCAL should be performed concurrently with TORS to decrease the risk of severe post-operative bleeding. Future studies should examine the optimal TCAL approach (selective ECA branches vs. total ligation of the ECA).
Rhinoplasty in adolescents requires a careful, evidence-based approach that considers skeletal maturity, psychosocial readiness, and ethical responsibility. Current guidelines suggest delaying elective procedures until nasal growth is complete.
Routine universal imaging before velopharyngeal dysfunction operations in patients with 22qDS is not recommended. Rather, the surgical technique and careful dissection should be the priority.
The available evidence demonstrates that boot camps are well-received and viewed as highly valuable by trainees, and they’re effective at improving trainee confidence, with benefits persisting at least six months after participation.
Temporal bone ORN is a rare but serious complication of head and neck cancer treatment. Medical management, including topical antimicrobials, debridement, PENTO protocol, HBO therapy, and pain relief, can be effective for localized cases. Surgical intervention is recommended for diffuse disease, severe pain, uncontrolled infections, cholesteatomas, and patients over 60. More research and randomized control trials are needed to determine the best treatment approaches.
Current evidence indicates that the risk of meningitis and CNS infections after ESBS is low, especially in uncomplicated cases without CSF leaks. Post-operative antibiotics show no clear benefit in these patients and are not recommended. In cases with CSF leaks, the risk of infection is significantly higher, requiring careful management by the surgeon.
The risk of complications after CI surgery is low, but severity may impact antibiotic prescribing patterns, despite limited evidence. Studies indicate that a single intra-operative dose of antibiotics can prevent post-operative infections in both children and adults, though they have limitations such as retrospective designs and differing surgical practices. Until more randomized controlled trials are conducted, antibiotic use will likely depend on individual provider choice, especially for children who have higher rates of otitis media. Future research should focus on controlled trials at single centers to better understand the role of prophylactic antibiotics in CI surgery.
Post-implantation music training has significant benefits in enhancing music perception in CI users, specifically in music instrument recognition, melodic contour identification, and emotion discernment; younger age, longer duration of music training, and bilateral CI use are positive predictors of success.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment option for individuals with bothersome tinnitus, particularly for those with high levels of tinnitus distress and anxiety.