ENTtoday: March 2024

Honors and Education: Triological Society Combined Section Meeting 2024

Distinguished otolaryngologists were honored and generations of physicians connected at the 2024 Triological Society Combined Sections Meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida.

An Interview with Myles L. Pensak, MD

Dr. Pensak reminisces about his career, his time as Triological Society executive vice president, and what comes next.

Otolaryngologists on Medical Missions

Short-term mission trips—where physicians go in, help, and then leave—address the immediate burden of patient care, whereas longer trips—where physicians create programs and train local physicians to take over after they have gone—address the ongoing need for care.

Odor Cues Are Better than Words for Recovering Autobiographical Memories in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

A new study out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania and published in JAMA Network Open examined the effectiveness of the use of spoken word cues and distinct odors in helping patients with MDD recover specific memories, and how they compared to each other.

Receiving Bad News Over the Phone vs. In Person: No Real Difference

Communicating bad news, like a new cancer diagnosis, to patients can have a major impact on their mental and physical well-being, but does the instrument of delivery matter? A study recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine decided to find the answer.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms May Be Linked to Problems with Memory and Thinking Abilities

A new preliminary study at the American Academy of Neurology’s 76th Annual Meeting in Denver showed a positive association between sleep apnea and cognitive decline

Getting Involved Enriches Your Professional Life

Getting involved enriches your professional life, which requires saying “yes”—a lot.

Generative AI and the Future of Otolaryngology

This article provides a brief foundational understanding of generative AI and describes examples of its current and potential uses in healthcare, as well as the experience of some otolaryngologists in their early adoption of generative AI programs designed to help ease the burdensome task of documentation.

How To: Transverse Cordotomy with Thyroarytenoid Myectomy for Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility

Currently, Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility (BVCP) is often treated by transoral CO2 laser-assisted transverse cordotomy. Still, this procedure can lead to subsequent scarring at the wound bed, resulting in re-narrowing of the airway and poor voice. Transverse cordotomy with thyroarytenoid myectomy may promote faster healing and may limit scarring and restenosis.

How To: The Cochlear Implant “Seatbelt” Technique for Receiver/Stimulator Fixation

In this study, we describe a time-saving modification of a bony-bed technique that utilizes screw-fixated Mersilene cervical cerclage suture, originally designed for treatment of uterine cervical insufficiency, as a simple, quick, and effective method for tie-down receiver/stimulator fixation. 

How To: Posterior Septal Artery Flap for Endoscopic Repair of Large Nasal Septal Perforation

Posterior septal artery flap for endoscopic repair of large nasal septal perforation aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the endoscopic repair of large SPS utilizing flap pedicled with branches of PSA.

Eustachian Tube Resection in Expanded Endonasal Transpterygoid Approach Can Cause Dysfunction

Eustachian tube (ET) resection during EETA can lead to ET dysfunction and require myringotomy postoperatively.

Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block Safe, Effective for Treatment of Neurogenic Cough

Superior laryngeal nerve block is a safe and effective treatment of neurogenic cough, according to a recent study by the department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C.

Adenotonsillectomy: Watching/Waiting Comparable to Watchful Waiting for Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Early adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting and supportive care in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) did not significantly improve executive function or attention at 12 months.

Concurrent Septorhinoplasty and Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Comparable to Sole Surgeries in Patient Satisfaction

Disease-specific quality of life (QoL) is improved with septorhinoplasty (SRPL), functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), and combined surgery, and combining the procedures does not compromise QoL gain.

Identifying and Managing Sensing Lead Malfunction in Upper Airway Stimulation Devices

Identifying and managing sensing lead malfunction in upper airway stimulation devices using the Inspire Medical Systems’ upper airway stimulation (UAS) device to treat patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to necessitate revision surgery.

Definitive Resection for Occult Invasive Disease Recommended for Oral Cavity Carcinoma in Situ

Rates and clinical outcomes support the practice of definitive resection for occult invasive disease if feasible following a biopsy that demonstrates oral cavity cis.

Incidence of Head and Neck Cancer with Isolated Complaint of Globus Pharyngeus Is Low

Globus pharyngeus is the vague sensation of having something stuck in the throat, with no single known etiology. Research shows low incidences of head and neck cancer with isolated complaint.

Mitochondrial DNA Gene May Be Connected to Allergic Rhinitis

Mitochondrial gene maps of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) indicated that the ATP6 gene is probably associated with AR at the single-variant level.

Avoiding Radiation Therapy for HPV-OPSCC Can Help Quality of Life for Younger Patients

Avoiding radiation therapy for human papillomavirus virus−associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) can help quality of life for younger patients.