ENTtoday: March 2021

Otolaryngology Experts Share Best Practices in Five Areas

Otolaryngology experts examined important clinical questions in five areas—from antivirals for newborn hearing to tonsillar cancer—during the Triological Society’s “Best Practices” session.

How Climate Change May Be Affecting Sleep Patterns for Adults and Children

Robust research is increasingly showing the ill effects of climate change, from rising temperatures to severe weather events, on human sleep.

Laryngologists Discuss Tough Tracheostomy Choices During COVID-19 Era

When deciding whether to perform tracheotomies during COVID-19 required laryngologists to balance important medical and resource needs with the possibly grave infection risks to medical personnel.

Head and Neck Cancer: Experts Discuss How to Improve Surgery Quality and Value

More procedures performed at high-volume hospitals and careful certification of surgeons in clinical trials are ways to improve the quality and value in head and neck care, panelists said.

Evidence Emerges on Treatment for Loss of Smell Due to COVID-19

New but limited data have emerged suggesting that oral steroids with olfactory training may be a safe and effective treatment for loss of smell due to COVID-19.

What Otolaryngologists Can Do to Lessen Their Carbon Footprint

The health effects of climate change are an increasingly urgent public health crisis that are infrequently recognized within the surgical community.

How to Develop and Retain Diverse Talent in Pediatric Otolaryngology

A culture of mentoring can go a long way by providing guidance, improving job performance, and giving mentees the feeling of belonging.

Did You Receive COVID-19 Relief? Here Are Reporting Considerations for 2021

Healthcare providers who received CARES Act payments must now turn their attention to ensuring adequate documentation, timely reporting, and continued preparation for potential audits.

How To: Using New iPhone Application for Voice Quality Assessment Based on the GRBAS Scale

The purpose of this research is to facilitate the use of a deep-learning architecture with the GRBAS scale in clinical practice.

How To: Novel Technique for Endoscopic Placement of Stent in Management of Anterior Glottic Webs

Instead of removing the keel in the operating room under general anesthesia, this can be done in the office with topical anesthesia.

Multi-institutional Review Offers Basis for Management of Failed Free Flaps to Head and Neck

The recipient site of the initial failed free flap is the most important factor affecting its management and, in many cases, a second free flap in the acute setting is appropriate.

No Significant Evidence to Support Neck Drain Insertion After Thyroidectomies

The practice of neck drain insertions in patients undergoing thyroidectomies is associated with higher risks of hematomas and surgical site infections, and longer hospital stays.

Prolonged Hospital Stay After Total Laryngectomy a Strong Indicator for Long-Term Mortality

A look at the factors and complications associated with prolonged inpatient length of stay in patients who receive total laryngectomy.

Systemic Corticosteroids Remain Top Treatment for Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

Systemic corticosteroids are the firstline treatment of autoimmune inner ear disease, with intratympanic steroids as a possible adjuvant or alternative.

Parosmia Associated with Functional Recovery from Post-Infectious Olfactory Dysfunction

The presence of parosmia is associated with clinically relevant recovery in olfactory discrimination and identification function in patients with post-infectious olfactory dysfunction who are receiving olfactory training.

Oral Corticosteroid for Chronic Rhinosinusitis May Be Lower Risk Than Surgery

Here’s why the inclusion of oral corticosteroids as part of appropriate medical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis may be the lower-risk strategy.

Is Acupuncture Effective in Reducing Overall Symptomatology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis?

Although acupuncture is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, there is insufficient evidence to support its use in chronic rhinosinusitis.

What Is the Role of Transoral Thyroidectomy?

Transoral thyroidectomy can be safely performed in a select group of patients. Here are its unique advantages and guidance on when it should be used.

What Is the Extent of Neck Dissection in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma?

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a relatively rare thyroid cancer accounting for about 5% to 10% of all thyroid cancers.

Should We Routinely Use Pulmonary Function Testing in the Management of Subglottic Stenosis?

Pulmonary function testing is useful in the evaluation and management of subglottic stenosis because it provides a precise and objective functional assessment of obstruction.

Letter from the Editor: Long-term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Professional Lives

Will there be a lost generation of otolaryngology residents, learners, and junior-to-mid-career attendings?