ENTtoday: January 2014

New Department, Everyday Ethics, Examines Ethical Dilemmas in Otolaryngology

New editorial feature looks at how general ethical principles can be used to resolve moral issues within the specialty on a case-by-case basis

Affordable Care Act Latest in Half-Century of Healthcare Reform

Highlights in 50-year timeline of national healthcare legislation, proposals, and policies since the Social Security Act was adopted in 1965

Affordable Care Act By The Numbers

Anticipated impact of government spending tells story of winners, losers in the health reform effort

What the Affordable Care Act Means for Otolaryngologists and Their Patients

While the health reform effort may have only a modest impact overall on otolaryngology, physicians expect greater focus on developing applicable quality measurements for the specialty, a shift to patient-centered access of care, and more training in public policy issues for otolaryngology trainees and residents

Keys to Achieving A Productive Physician Partnership

Sharing a similar work ethic, approach to patient care, and compatible professional values matter most when choosing a physician partner

Psychosocial Aspects of Single-Sided Deafness Important to Consider in Patient Care

Counseling from otolaryngologists and mental health professionals, coupled with technology, can help patients with unilateral hearing loss take an active role in their recovery

New Hearing Aid Systems, Surgeries Available to Rehabilitate Single-Sided Deafness

Wireless, technology-enabled hearing aids and osseointegrated devices are two advances that have expanded treatment options for more patients with unilateral hearing loss

How to Handle an Otolaryngology Patient Who Declines Treatment

Should a physician try to convince a patient to consider potentially definitive therapy?

How Will the Affordable Care Act Impact Otolaryngology?

Analysts predict the influx of insured patients that are expected to flood the healthcare system will likely shrink physician reimbursements, cause some otolaryngologists to flock to larger healthcare systems or limit access to patients with private insurance plans, and exacerbate the shortage of specialists

How to Help Patients With Single-Sided Deafness Relearn Music

One of the most debilitating adverse effects of acquired single-sided deafness (SSD) is the inability to experience the subtle nuances of music due to the loss of binaural hearing. Although this degradation is common in SSD patients, it is not unfixable.

Anticoagulation Not Necessary to Prevent DVT After Head-Neck Surgery

Does peri-operative administration of anticoagulant therapy improve outcomes in patients having surgery for head and neck cancer?

What Is the Evidence for Use of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Clean-Contaminated Head and Neck Surgery?

Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective when used in clean-contaminated oncologic surgery, but shouldn’t be used beyond 24 hours postoperatively

Are Prophylactic Antibiotics Necessary for Otologic Surgery?

Routine use of prophylactics in clean otologic surgery is not supported by evidence, and their role in contaminated cases warrants more research

Are Stents Necessary after Choanal Atresia Repair?

Patient outcomes are good regardless of whether postoperative stents are used, but repair without stents lessens intensity of postsurgical management and avoids potential for stent-related complications

Non-AHI Measurements May Be Useful in Nonsurgical Management of OSA

Are measurements of real-world clinical outcomes other than the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) useful in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Tumor Biomarkers Can Help Predict Outcomes in Larynx Cancer

Are larynx cancer tumor genetic biomarkers predictive of outcome?

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Most Common Class to Result in Facial Nerve Injury

What types of iatrogenic facial nerve injuries (IFNIs) are most likely to occur in which circumstances?

Confirming CRS with CT Scan Prior to Treatment Is Cost Effective

Is it cost effective for primary care physicians (PCPs) to obtain a CT scan prior to treatment/referral in patients presenting with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms?

Elective Neck Dissection Indicated in Patients Undergoing Salvage Laryngectomy

When salvage laryngectomy is required in the setting of recurrent cancer after primary irradiation or chemoradiation therapy, is elective neck dissection always indicated?