Prospective cohort study.

Medical records were reviewed for 111 patients treated for OPSCCA from 2008 to 2015. Patients were administered the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI) to evaluate QOL preoperatively, and at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postsurgery. QOL data were compared between 13 patients treated with TORS alone, 31 with adjuvant RT, and 67 with adjuvant CRT by a linear mixed effects model.

Mean follow-up was 35 months. The HNCI response rates at 3 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months were 80%, 60%, 55%, and 46%, respectively. TORS alone reported significantly higher eating scores than adjuvant RT or CRT at 3 and 6 months, and higher speech scores compared to adjuvant CRT at 3 months and adjuvant RT at 6 months. TORS alone and adjuvant RT reported less social disruption compared to adjuvant CRT at 3 months. Adjuvant CRT had consistently lower overall QOL scores until 6 months. No TORS-alone patient required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and no study patient required tracheostomy during treatment.

TORS alone maintained higher QOL than adjuvant RT or CRT in eating, social function, speech, and overall QOL postsurgery. QOL and functional metrics were better for 6 months in TORS-alone patients, and at 12 months, the differences were not significant.

4 Laryngoscope, 2017

Laboratory in vitro and animal studies.

CFTR^+/+ and CFTR^−/− rat nasal septal epithelia (RNSE) were cultured on semipermeable supports at an air–liquid interface to confluence and full differentiation. Monolayers were mounted in Ussing chambers for pharmacologic manipulation of ion transport and compared to similar filters containing murine (MNSE) and human (HSNE) epithelia. Histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were completed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction of CFTR^+/+ RNSE, MNSE, and HSNE was performed to evaluate relative CFTR gene expression.

Forskolin-stimulated anion transport (ΔIsc in μA/cm²) was significantly greater in epithelia derived from CFTR^+/+ when compared to CFTR^−/− animals (100.9 ± 3.7 vs. 10.5 ± 0.9; P < 0.0001). Amiloride-sensitive I_SC was equivalent (−42.3 ± 2.8 vs. −46.1 ± 2.3; P = 0.524). No inhibition of CFTR-mediated chloride (Cl⁻) secretion was exhibited in CFTR^−/− epithelia with the addition of the specific CFTR inhibitor, CFTR_Inh-172. However, calcium-activated Cl⁻ secretion (UTP) was significantly increased in CFTR^−/− RNSE (CFTR^−/− −106.8 ± 1.6 vs. CFTR^+/+ −32.2 ± 3.1; P < 0.0001). All responses were larger in RNSE when compared to CFTR^+/+ and CFTR^−/− (or F508del/F508del) murine and human cells (P < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated 80% to 90% ciliation in all RNSE cultures. There was no evidence of infection in CFTR^−/− rats at 4 months. CFTR expression was similar among species.

The successful development of the CFTR^−/− rat enables improved evaluation of CF sinus disease based on characteristic abnormalities of ion transport.

NA. Laryngoscope, 2017

Translational research.

Rabbit adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) were embedded within a three-dimensional fibrin gel, forming the cell-based outer vocal fold replacement (COVR). Sixteen rabbits underwent unilateral resection of vocal fold epithelium and lamina propria, as well as reconstruction with one of three treatments: fibrin glue alone with healing by secondary intention, replantation of autologous resected vocal fold cover, or COVR implantation. After 4 weeks, larynges were examined histologically and with phonation.

Fifteen rabbits survived. All tissues incorporated well after implantation. After 1 month, both graft types improved histology and vibration relative to injured controls. Extracellular matrix (ECM) of the replanted mucosa was disrupted, and ECM of the COVR implants remained immature. Immune reaction was evident when male cells were implanted into female rabbits. Best histologic and short-term vibratory outcomes were achieved with COVR implants containing male cells implanted into male rabbits.

Vocal fold cover replacement with a stem cell-based tissue-engineered construct is feasible and beneficial in acute rabbit implantation. Wound-modifying behavior of the COVR implant is judged to be an important factor in preventing fibrosis.

NA. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective cohort study.

Data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database were analyzed to compile the following: 1) 15,953 patients newly diagnosed with AR between 1997 and 2000, and 2) a comparison cohort of 63,812 matched non-AR enrollees (with a ratio of 1 to 4). Each patient was followed for 10 years to identify cases in which cholesteatoma subsequently developed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the cholesteatoma-free survival rate, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival curves. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HRs).

Among the 79,765 patients enrolled in this study, 45 (159,364 person-years) from the AR cohort and 88 (638,130 person-years) from the comparison cohort were diagnosed with cholesteatoma during the follow-up period (incidence rates 0.28 and 0.14 of 1,000 person-years, respectively). Patients with AR were more likely to develop cholesteatoma compared to those without AR (adjusted HR 1.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–2.34, P < 0.05). Patients with AR presented a significantly lower 10-year cholesteatoma-free survival rate than did those in the comparison group (log-rank, P < 0.001).

This is the first study to demonstrate a link between AR and the development of cholesteatoma. We suggest that clinicians keep this association in mind and carefully investigate the possibility of development of cholesteatoma among patients with AR.

3b. Laryngoscope, 2016

Systematic review of the literature.

Computerized (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and manual searches were performed to identify human studies of all ages (patients) who received macrolides (intervention, with or without control) and documented SNHL (outcome). All study designs were assessed. Extracted data included macrolide regimen details, as well as the timing, severity, and reversibility of SNHL with drug cessation alone or with additional medical intervention. Study designs and the associated risk of bias were assessed.

The 44 publications (3 prospective, 41 retrospective) that met these criteria described 78 cases of audiometrically confirmed SNHL. SNHL was associated with oral and intravenous macrolide administration at standard and elevated doses. SNHL was irreversible in six cases, despite macrolide cessation (n = 5) and oral steroid treatment (n = 1). Irreversible SNHL was observed following 2 to 3 days of exposure. SNHL was reversible with macrolide cessation alone in 70 cases. In two cases, macrolide cessation coupled with oral steroid administration restored hearing. Reversible cases improved within hours to days. Nine studies also described 42 cases of subjective patient-reported hearing loss. Limitations in the data arose from study design, related comorbidities, and concomitant drug administration.

SNHL may follow macrolide exposure, even at standard oral doses. Further research is needed to understand the incidence, prevalence, and biological mechanism of its ototoxicity. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective cohort study.

This study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, a population-based database. A total of 5,025 patients who were newly diagnosed with sleep apnea between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2012, were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, a nationally representative database of 1 million randomly selected patients. Moreover, 20,100 patients without sleep apnea were matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, socioeconomic status, and urbanization level. Patients were followed up until death or the end of the study period (December 31, 2013). The primary outcome was the occurrence of vertigo.

Patients with sleep apnea had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of vertigo than those without sleep apnea (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox proportional hazard model showed that sleep apnea was significantly associated with a higher incidence of vertigo (hazard ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–1.97; P < 0.001). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to adjust for confounders, including head trauma, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, and obesity. Sleep apnea was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for vertigo.

This is the first nationwide population-based cohort study to investigate the association between sleep apnea and vertigo. The findings strongly support that sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for vertigo. Based on the study results, physicians should be aware of potential vertigo occurrence following sleep apnea.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Prospective analytic study.

Subjects for this single institution, institutional review board–approved study were recruited from among patients undergoing surgical resection for squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity. A portable ESS device with a contact fiberoptic probe was used to obtain spectral signals. Four to 10 spectral readings were obtained on each subject from various sites including gross tumor and normal-appearing mucosa in the surgical margin. Each reading was correlated with the histopathologic findings of biopsies taken from the exact location of the spectral readings. A diagnostic algorithm based on multidimensional pattern recognition/machine learning was developed. Sensitivity and specificity, error rate, and area under the curve were used as performance metrics for tests involving classification between disease and nondisease classes.

Thirty-four (34) subjects were enrolled in the study. One hundred seventy-six spectral data point/biopsy specimen pairs were available for analysis. ESS distinguished normal from abnormal tissue, with a sensitivity ranging from 84% to 100% and specificity ranging from 71% to 89%, depending on how the cutoff between normal and abnormal tissue was defined (i.e., mild, moderate, or severe dysplasia). There were statistically significant differences in

malignancy scores between histologically normal tissue and invasive cancer and between noninflamed tissue and inflamed tissue.

This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of ESS in guiding mucosal resection margins in oral cavity cancer. ESS provides fast, real-time assessment of tissue without the need for pathology expertise. ESS appears to be effective in distinguishing between normal mucosa and invasive cancer and between “normal” tissue (histologically normal and mild dysplasia) and “abnormal” tissue (severe dysplasia and carcinoma in situ) that might require further margin resection. Further studies, however, are needed with a larger sample size to validate these findings and to determine the effectiveness of ESS in distinguishing visibly and histologically normal tissue from visibly normal but histologically abnormal tissue.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective chart review.

Medical records for all patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis over a 10-year period were reviewed to obtain demographic and clinical information, including onset of disease and recovery of vocal function. Stroboscopic exams of patients who recovered voice were reviewed blindly to assess return of vocal fold motion.

Thirty-eight of 55 patients (69%) recovered vocal function. Time course of recovery could be assessed in 34 patients who did not undergo injection augmentation. The mean time to recovery was 152.8 ± 109.3 days (left, 179.8 ± 111.3 days; right, 105.3 ± 93.7 days; P = .088). Two-thirds of patients recovered within 6 months. Probability of recovery declined over time. Five of 22 patients who recovered voice had return of vocal fold motion; 17 did not. The mean time to recovery did not differ between these groups (return of motion, 127.4 ± 132.3 days; no return of motion, 160.1 ± 105.1 days; P = .290).

Sixty-nine percent of patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis recovered vocal function, two-thirds doing so within 6 months of onset. Age, gender, laterality, use of injection augmentation did not influence recovery rate. Declining probability of recovery over time leads us to consider framework surgery after 6 months in patients with idiopathic paralysis.

4 Laryngoscope, 2017

Two authors independently searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature to identify studies reporting hearing-specific or cochlear implant (CI)–specific QOL outcomes before and after cochlear implantation, and studies reporting correlations between QOL and speech recognition after cochlear implantation. Data from the included articles were obtained independently by two authors. Standardized mean difference (SMD) for each measure and pooled effects were determined to assess improvement in QOL before and after cochlear implantation.

From 14 articles with 679 CI patients who met the inclusion criteria, pooled analyses of all hearing-specific QOL measures revealed a very strong improvement in QOL after cochlear implantation (SMD = 1.77). Subset analysis of CI-specific QOL measures also showed very strong improvement (SMD = 1.69). Thirteen articles with 715 patients met the criteria to evaluate associations between QOL and speech recognition. Pooled analyses showed a low positive correlation between hearing-specific QOL and word recognition in quiet (r = 0.213), sentence recognition in quiet (r = 0.241), and sentence recognition in noise (r = 0.238). Subset analysis of CI-specific QOL showed similarly low positive correlations with word recognition in quiet (r = 0.213), word recognition in noise (r = 0.241), and sentence recognition in noise (r = 0.255).

Using hearing-specific and CI-specific measures of QOL, patients report significantly improved QOL after cochlear implantation. However, widely used clinical measures of speech recognition are poor predictors of patient-reported QOL with CIs. Laryngoscope, 2017

We performed a cross-sectional study of 75 patients who underwent baseline home sleep apnea testing for any reason.

Snore intensity and percentage were assessed during Home sleep-apnea testing via nasal cannula and microphone in all patients. We performed a complete diagnostic accuracy analysis, assuming the microphone to be the reference instrument use in order to compare it with the cannula.

The intra-class correlation coefficient between the cannula and microphone for the percentage of snoring was 0.25. The Bland Bland-Altman analysis to determine the agreement regarding the percentage of snoring showed a lower limit of −57.73 and an upper limit of 20.30. A linear regression analysis of the differences produced a negative slope of −0.86. The receiver operating characteristic curve for severe snoring using the cannula produced an area under the curve of 0.67 (P = 0.019). The cannula showed a sensitivity of 57.89 and a specificity of 73.21.

The nasal cannula showed poor reliability and accuracy for measuring snoring.

2b. Laryngoscope, 2017

Cross-sectional analysis.

Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 159,301 patients who underwent ablative surgery for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm in 2001 to 2010 was analyzed using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Frailty was defined based on frailty-defining diagnosis clusters from the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty-defining diagnosis indicator.

Frailty was identified in 7.4% of patients and was significantly associated with advanced comorbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5[1.3–1.8]), Medicaid (OR = 1.5[1.3–1.8]), major procedures (OR = 1.6[1.4–1.8]), flap reconstruction (OR = 1.7[1.3–2.1]), high-volume hospitals (OR = 0.7[0.5–1.0]), discharge to a short-term facility (OR = 4.4[2.9–6.7]), or other facility (OR = 5.4[4.5–6.6]). Frailty was a significant predictor of in-hospital death (OR = 1.6[1.1–2.4]), postoperative surgical complications (OR = 2.0[1.7–2.3]), acute medical complications (OR = 3.9[3.2–4.9]), increased LOS (mean, 4.9 days), and increased mean incremental costs ($11,839), and was associated with higher odds of surgical complications and increased costs than advanced comorbidity. There was a significant interaction between frailty and comorbidity for acute medical complications and length of hospitalization, with a synergistic effect on the odds of medical complications and LOS in patients with comorbidity who were also frail.

Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity, mortality, LOS, and costs in HNCA surgery patients, and has a synergistic interaction with comorbidity that is associated with an increased likelihood of medical complications and greater LOS in patients with comorbidity who are also frail.

2c. Laryngoscope, 2017

Cross-sectional study.

A total of 157 patients with CRS were prospectively recruited. CRS-specific QoL was measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). General health-related QoL was measured using the EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire visual analog scale. Associations were sought between these measures of QoL and frequency of CRS-related oral antibiotic and corticosteroid usage reported by the participants in the prior 3 and 12 months.

More frequent antibiotic and corticosteroid use was significantly associated with worse CRS-specific and general health-related QoL, whether querying medication use over the prior 3 months or over the prior 12 months (P < 0.001 in all cases). The effect size of CRS-related antibiotic use during the prior 3 months on CRS-specific QoL (SNOT-22 score) was significantly greater than for use during the prior 12 months. However, there was no other statistically significant difference in effect size for association between QoL and CRS-related antibiotic or corticosteroid use in the prior 3 months versus prior 12 months. These results were independent of the presence or absence of polyps.

More frequent past CRS-related oral antibiotic and corticosteroid use, regardless of time period queried (3 months or 12 months) is associated with significant decrease in CRS-specific and general health-related QoL. CRS-related systemic medication use is an important indicator of CRS patients' QOL that easily can be queried and utilized in both clinical and research settings.

2c. Laryngoscope, 2017

Cross-sectional study using the 2005 to 2012 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys and National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys.

We included all visits with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for ARS and without codes for ARS complications. We tested for associations between insurance type and presentation to an ED versus a primary care physician (PCP), stratifying children versus adults. We used univariate and multivariable logistic regression modeling, controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics for analysis.

There were 51,579,977 uncomplicated ARS visits to PCPs (48,213,335 visits) and EDs (3,366,642 visits). Medicaid and uninsured patients were under-represented for ARS visits. Medicaid insurance was significantly associated with ED presentation for ARS for both children (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.0, P < 0.001) and adults (adjusted OR = 6.8, P < 0.001). Children with ARS and self-pay insurance status were much more likely to present to the ED (adjusted OR = 48.8, P < 0.001) than adults (adjusted OR = 5.2, P < 0.001); this difference between children and adults with self-pay insurance was significant (P = 0.001).

With respect to absolute numbers of visits, patients with Medicaid or no insurance use less care overall for uncomplicated ARS than do privately insured patients. Medicaid is associated with ED presentation for ARS for pediatric and adult visits. Self-pay insurance status is strongly associated with ED presentation for adult and pediatric visits, and is significantly more common for children. These results suggest limitations in primary care access for uncomplicated ARS based on insurance status, particularly for uninsured pediatric patients.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Animal model. Prospective small animal clinical trial.

Adult New Zealand White rabbits (n = 24) were divided into three groups of eight rabbits. The groups underwent 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mL/kg intratracheal instillation of water (n = 8), XG-thickened water (n = 8), and CS-thickened water (n = 8). The animals were euthanized on day 4, and survival and pulmonary histopathology were compared between groups.

In all, 12.5% of rabbits (n = 8) instilled with CS-thickened water survived until the endpoint of the study (day 4). All animals instilled with water (n = 8) or XG-thickened water (n = 8) survived. A mild increase in intra-alveolar hemorrhage was observed for the animals instilled with CS-thickened water compared to the other groups (P < .05). In the groups that survived to the endpoint of the study, instillation of water thickened with XG resulted in greater pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary interstitial congestion, and alveolar edema than water alone (P < .05).

These data suggest that 3 consecutive days of 1.5 mg/kg of aspirated CS-thickened water are fatal, and that XG-thickened water is more injurious than aspirated water alone. Additional research is necessary to further delineate the dangers of aspirated thickened liquids.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Prospective longitudinal study.

The Transsexual Voice Questionnaire (TVQ), consisting of three factors—anxiety and avoidance (AA), gender identity (GI), and voice quality (VQ)—was used. Transgender persons completed the TVQ at baseline (80 trans men and 103 trans women), after 3 and 12 months of CSHT follow-up.

Trans men: From 0 to 3 months, 0 to 12 months, and 3 to 2 months of CSHT, the AA and GI scores improved. From 0 to 3 months of CSHT, the increasing testosterone level was predictive for the improvements of AA and GI scores. Trans women: From 0 to 3 months, the GI score improved. From 0 to 12 months, the AA, GI, and VQ scores improved. Improvements of self-perception of voice could not be predicted by changing serum testosterone levels.

During CSHT, self-perception of voice improves in both trans men and trans women. In trans men only, the improving self-perception of voice during the first 3 months can be attributed to the CSHT. For trans women, this study supports that testosterone has acted irreversibly virializing to the voice before CSHT, if they already went through male puberty.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective chart review.

LPRD patients were weaned from PPIs using a standardized weaning protocol. Symptom recurrence rate following PPI wean and present PPI use were determined. All numeric data were analyzed. The setting was a tertiary laryngology practice. The subjects were patients who had a positive response to empiric treatment for LPRD and subsequently were weaned from PPI therapy.

Thirty-five patients with suspected LPRD were instructed to wean from PPI after successful empiric treatment of their LPRD symptoms from July 2013 to September 2015. Twenty-three patients (66%) remained symptom-free post-wean. Twelve patients (34%) had symptom recurrence post-wean; of those, 11 of them (92%) needed to go back on a PPI. Median durations of follow-up for the unsuccessful wean group and the successful wean group were 13 (range 6–29) months and 18 (range 6–38) months, respectively. Pre-wean and post-wean reflux symptom index (RSI) scores in the unsuccessful wean group were 7.7 ± 5.6 and 12.9 ± 6 (P = .11). Pre-wean and post-wean RSI scores in the successful wean group were 8.1 ± 6.5 and 8.1 ± 9.0 (P < .99). Body mass index (BMI) was found to be a significant predictor of failure to wean (odds ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval = 0.55–0.95) after controlling for age, sex, PPI treatment duration, and PPI regime. None of the other covariates were found to be significant predictors of failure of PPI wean.

Approximately 66% of patients who were on PPIs for LPRD were successfully weaned. High BMI was significantly predictive of failure to wean.

4 Laryngoscope, 2017

Individual retrospective cohort study.

We reviewed the data of 211 consecutive cases (116 male, 95 female) with excisional biopsy or tumor removal of a supraclavicular mass.

In 202 of 211 cases, a biopsy was taken from a lymph node. In 182 biopsies, a malignant lymphadenopathy was found (117 metastases, 65 malignant lymphoma). The histologic findings of metastatic diseases were adenocarcinoma (48), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (22). The majority of primary carcinomas were located below the clavicle (94), in the lung (32), in the breast (29), and in the head and neck region (18). In the left supraclavicular fossa, only metastases of the genitourinary tract were significantly more frequent (16 of 17). In nonmalignant tumors (29), tuberculosis (11) was most prevalent. In 79% of biopsies, the neck mass was the first manifestation of the disease.

The location of a cervical mass in the supraclavicular fossa provides a strong indication of malignancy. A biopsy is mandatory in the majority of patients presenting with a supraclavicular mass. In cases of metastatic disease, the location of a cervical mass helps identify the primary site. Histologic findings are essential for further diagnostic steps, therapy, and prognosis.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective study.

Thirty patients with histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP) were enrolled. All patients underwent preoperative radiography to define the tumor location. The primary tumor and underlying bone, removed during endoscopic surgery, were examined under microscope.

Twenty-five of 30 specimens exhibited bony hyperostosis on computed tomography (CT) images, and 12 of 30 specimens showed evidence of bony lamellar erosion. Both coexisted in 11 cases. Half of the relapse cases (8 of 16) presented bone discontinuity on CT, which indicates a higher propensity for bone involvement when compared with primary SIP. On histopathology, 26 cases presented hyperostosis and 11 cases showed bone invasion. In total, 90% of cases covered both. Sixteen cases showed a growing tendency of inflammatory cells infiltration.

Histopathological evidence of bone involvement indicates the importance of removal of the underlying bone at the time of endoscopic tumor resection. We hypothesized that bone involvement including bone invasion and osteogenesis may be induced by the tumor, and any microscopic lesion in the bony crevices probably indicates recurrence of SIP. Furthermore, infiltration of inflammatory cells may facilitate bone involvement and cause recurrence.

3b. Laryngoscope, 2017

Single-institution, cross-sectional survey.

The Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire, the standard to identify circadian preference, was modified to include demographic and job satisfaction variables and administered to residents at our tertiary care hospital in 2014. Independent t tests were used to correlate circadian preference and specialty choice, and Spearman's correlations were used to correlate circadian preference and job satisfaction.

A total of 160 residents from postgraduate years 1 through 7 and 10 specialties responded. The mean chronotype scores from all specialties met the category of “neither” morning nor evening type. A significant difference occurred between emergency medicine residents and residents from anesthesiology (P = 0.0007), surgery (P < 0.0001), and medicine (P = 0.0005). Residents in the surgical specialties trended toward the morning chronotype, whereas emergency medicine trended toward evening chronotype. There was no significant correlation between chronotype and job satisfaction.

Although preliminary because of the low response rate, this study points to the potential of considering circadian preference in choice of specialty training and for designing resident on-call schedules.

NA. Laryngoscope, 2017

Cross-sectional survey.

A survey was distributed to otolaryngology residents in allopathic US residency programs and otolaryngology graduates from the past 5 years (2011–2015). There were 2,141 surveys distributed.

There were 654 subjects who responded, for a 30.5% response rate. Most respondents were residents (n = 438, 67%). Of the residents, 85.6% had completed at least one externship compared to 75.9% of graduates (P = .002). The most common reasons for selecting a particular externship were geographic location (74.2%) and program reputation (71.1%), whereas the most common reason for not completing an externship was being advised not to (59.1%). Furthermore, 82.6% of respondents received at least one interview from their externships, 90% went to those interviews, and 89.1% reported that externship experiences affected their rank list. Respondents had a 32.7% match rate to the externship residency program if it was ranked versus a 48.8% match rate if the program was ranked first. Respondents who matched at the externship residency program matched higher on their rank list (P < .001). Of the respondents, 90.7% found externships to be valuable, and 74.5% recommended completing one.

Externships are beneficial because they influence the rank list of applicants and are viewed as valuable experiences. Completing an externship is advisable for the experience, but applicants should weigh the benefits versus the possible risk of being judged more harshly during a month-long rotation.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Randomized crossover, noninferiority, tertiary center setting.

Fifty patients with a mean age of 49.5 ± 10.6 years were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 events/hour, and oxygen saturation ≥70%. Exclusion criteria were temporomandibular joint disorders, severe periodontitis, inadequate teeth, and unstable medical diseases. Treatment intolerance was considered a failure. Two-week periods without treatment were followed by questionnaires and randomization into two groups: CPAP/AT-MAS (25) and AT-MAS/CPAP (25). After 6 weeks of intervention, questionnaires and home WatchPAT monitoring were performed. Following each 2-week washout period, patients crossed over to the other treatment followed by similar procedures. Primary outcomes involved the scores from the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ). Secondary outcomes were AHI, side effects, and treatment adherence.

Seven patients withdrew from this study: five (AT-MAS intolerance) and two (lost follow-up). There was no significant difference among FOSQ scores, particularly on global scores, between both treatments (0.57, 95% confidential interval of difference: −0.15 to 1.29). Mean AHI decreased from pretreatment 39.2 ± 2.53 to 2.56 ± 0.49 and 12.92 ± 2.05 events/hour while using CPAP and the AT-MAS, respectively (P < .05). Most common side effects of CPAP were dry throat and inconvenience to carry, whereas those of the AT-MAS were jaw pain and excessive salivation.

Both devices improved short-term quality of life similarly; however, the AT-MAS was not as efficacious as CPAP on resolving sleep-test parameters. The AT-MAS might be considered only a temporary treatment alternative.

1b. Laryngoscope, 2017

Self-reported responses to the mood and anxiety domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life instrument were reviewed among 133 patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer prior to initiating RT.

Varying definitions were used (total number of unexpectedly missed RT days, >5 days continuous interruption of RT outside of weekends, >10 days continuous interruption of RT, and failure to complete prescribed course of RT) to analyze the effect of psychosocial disruption on compliance. Survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

The prevalence of pretreatment depression and anxiety was 23% and 47%, respectively. Continuous RT breaks >5 days occurred in 46%, 33%, 10%, 9%, and 0% of patients whose mood was rated as “extremely depressed,” “somewhat depressed,” “neither in a good mood or depressed,” “generally good,” and “excellent,” respectively (P = .0016). The corresponding proportion of patients who did not complete their planned RT was 23%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, and 0%, respectively (P = .043). The 2-year overall survival of patients who were “extremely depressed” or “somewhat depressed” at baseline was 71% versus 86% for all others (P = .026). Depression was independently associated with decreased overall survival on logistical regression analysis.

Pretreatment depression predicted for decreased RT compliance and inferior survival for head and neck cancer. Additional research to overcome potential barriers to treatment in this setting may be warranted.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective chart review.

Chart review was performed on all patients who underwent TL from January 2008 to July 2016 at a single tertiary academic medical center. Patients who underwent TL for dysfunctional larynx without preoperative evidence of malignancy were included. Main outcome measures were post-TL functional swallowing and speech outcomes, and complication rate.

The study included 19 patients from a cohort of 278 consecutive patients. All patients were previously treated with radiotherapy (RT), whereas 13/19 (68%) previously received chemoradiotherapy. The median time from RT to TL was 10.98 years (range, 0.67–23.94 years). Aspiration was evident preoperatively in 17/19 (89%) patients, with 11 experiencing recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Seventeen of 19 (89%) patients were nil per os (NPO) requiring enteral nutrition. Six of 19 (32%) patients had surgical complications, including three (16%) pharyngocutaneous fistulas. At 3-month and 1-year postoperative follow-up, there was significant improvement in mean Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) score and aspiration, recurrent pneumonia, enteral nutrition, and NPO status rates (P < .05). At 1-year follow-up, no patients were NPO, and only one patient required gastrostomy tube supplementation. Mean FOIS score increased from 1.3 to 6.1 (P = .001). Eight of 13 patients (62%) were actively using a tracheoesophageal prosthesis at 1-year follow-up.

Laryngectomy for dysfunctional larynx eliminates the morbidity of aspiration while improving diet and reducing gastrostomy tube dependence with an acceptable complication rate.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective study in a tertiary medical center.

Consecutive ENS patients between 2010 and 2015 with operative histories of inferior turbinectomies and indicated for surgical implantation were enrolled, with at least 1-year follow-up. Patients were divided into lateral and inferior nasal wall groups. SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-22, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were applied before and 1 year after implantation.

Of the total 30 ENS patients analyzed, 14 were in the inferior nasal wall group and 16 were in the lateral nasal wall group. There were no significant intergroup differences in demographic data and preoperative SNOT-22, BDI-II, and BAI scores. Postoperative assessment revealed that the lateral nasal wall group had significantly better SNOT-22 score improvements than the inferior nasal wall group, particularly regarding rhinological symptoms and sleep function.

Lateral nasal wall implantation may provide significantly better clinical outcomes than inferior nasal wall implantation, and thus may be the preferred, more optimal site for implant placement in ENS patients.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Preclinical scientific investigation.

A DNA vaccine encoding the HPV11 E6 and E7 genes linked to calreticulin (CRT) was generated. Immunologic response to the HPV11 CRT/E6E7 vaccine was measured by vaccinating C57BL/6 mice via electroporation and measuring CD8 + T cell responses from harvested splenocytes. A tumor cell line containing HPV11-E6E7 was created, and the ability of novel DNA vaccine to control tumor growth was measured in vivo.

Our vaccine generated a significant and specific CD8 + T-cell response against the HPV11-E6aa41-70 peptide. The CD8 + T-cell responses did not recognize E7 epitopes, indicating E6 immunodominance. CD8 + responses were augmented in the CRT-linked vaccine compared to a control non-CRT vaccine. The HPV11 CRT/E6E7 vaccine was used to treat mice inoculated with a HPV11 E6E7 expressing tumor cell line after temporary CD3 depletion to facilitate tumor growth. Vaccinated mice had a significantly lower tumor growth rate (P = .029) and smaller tumor volumes compared to control mice, indicating an augmented immunologic response in vaccinated mice.

A DNA vaccine targeting HPV11 E6E7 generates a specific HPV11 CD-8 + T-cell response capable of reducing the growth of HPV11-expressing tumors. DNA vaccines are a promising immunologic strategy for treating RRP.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Multi-institutional, retrospective case series.

Initial laryngoscopic examination videos of 83 previously untreated patients with adult-onset RRP were reviewed. Papilloma locations were recorded using a 21-region laryngeal schematic. Multivariate analyses by anatomic subsite were conducted for the entire population and for subgroups stratified by sex, age, and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage. Heat maps were generated, hierarchically color coding the anatomic distribution of disease.

In this cohort, RRP was most likely to occur on the true vocal folds (TVFs) and anterior commissure (P < .0001, odds ratio [OR]: 7.02); within the TVFs, the membranous vocal folds (MVFs) were most likely to be affected (P < .0001, OR: 3.56). The cohort was predominantly male (80.7%); males had a higher average number of affected sites (P = .005) and were more likely to have lesions in any laryngeal subsite (P < .0001, OR: 2.88,) compared to females. PPI users were more likely than nonusers to have disease in any laryngeal subsite (P = .0037, OR: 1.62), particularly in the posterior and subglottic regions (P = .0061, OR: 2.53). Age was not correlated with lesion prevalence or distribution.

In untreated patients presenting to three laryngology clinics, the MVFs were most likely to be affected by RRP. Males had more anatomic sites affected by papilloma than females. The influence of PPI use on RRP distribution warrants further investigation.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective analysis.

Patients who underwent full-night polysomnography and upper airway pressure manometry at the same time were retrospectively enrolled. Airway obstruction levels were categorized into retropalatal or retroglossal obstruction according to the pressure change shown during pressure manometry. The proportion of retropalatal/retroglossal obstruction was calculated for each patient. Independent factors associated with the proportion were assessed.

A total of 218 patients (198 men) with obstructive sleep apnea were included in the study (mean age, 46.8 ± 1.6 years; body mass index, 26.7 ± 3.1 kg/m²). The average proportion of retroglossal and retropalatal obstruction in individuals was 36.2% and 63.8%, respectively. The apnea-hypopnea index was not significantly correlated with the proportion of retroglossal obstruction (P = .219) after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Meanwhile, the proportion of retroglossal obstruction was significantly correlated with oxygen desaturation index (P = .036), average oxygen saturation (P = .006), lowest oxygen saturation (P = .028), and time below 90% oxygen saturation (P = .021).

To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the average proportions of retropalatal/retroglossal obstruction occurring in single individuals with obstructive sleep apnea during a whole night. The proportion of upper airway obstruction site was significantly associated with oxygen desaturation.

4 Laryngoscope, 2017

Prospective cohort study.

Patients with obstructive sialadenitis from duct stenosis completed the 20-item Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) Questionnaire (scored 0–100) prior to SASDS and 3 months postoperatively.

Thirty glands in 19 patients with endoscopically confirmed salivary duct stenosis showed overall symptom improvement, with a mean COSS score reduction of 12.9 points (standard deviation [SD] 13.1) to a mean postoperative score of 25.1 (range 0–75.5) (P < 0.001) with six (20%) glands (5 patients) achieving complete symptom resolution. Symptoms improved significantly for parotid glands (n = 20) by 16.6 points (SD 15.9) (P < 0.0001). For distal duct stenoses (n = 25), significant symptom improvement was seen in cases treated with dilation only (n = 17; partial stenoses) with a mean 20.6 point COSS reduction (SD 19.0) (P < 0.0005) and in cases treated with sialodochoplasty (n = 5; 4 complete, 1 partial stenosis) with a mean 13.8 point reduction (SD 4.7) (P < 0.005). Symptom scores did not improve after SASDS in proximal stenoses (n = 3) and distal stenoses cases not amenable to treatment (n = 3).

SASDS for salivary duct stenosis often can improve obstructive salivary symptoms; however, many patients report persistent symptoms after surgery. Partial duct stenoses or distal duct stenoses are associated with the greatest improvements in COSS scores after SASDS.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

A literature search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through December 2016.

Data on true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives were extracted from the relevant articles. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. We calculated accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models that considered both within- and between-study variations.

Our search included 10 observational studies. For core needle biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of salivary glands were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96, I² = 18.7%, χ² P = .27) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99, I² = 79.6%, χ² P = .00), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99). Seven hematomas, one case of temporary facial paralysis caused by local anesthesia, and no tumor seeding were reported from a total of 1,315 procedures.

Ultrasound core needle biopsy of salivary glands is an excellent diagnostic tool in terms of accuracy, technical performance, and safety profile.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective case series.

UVFP patients treated with ML alone and ML with AA at the University of California San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center were identified. Demographic information and history of laryngeal procedures were collected. Preoperative and postoperative examinations were digitally analyzed using ImageJ for normalized anterior and posterior glottic gap and voice samples graded with CAPE-V scores.

Forty-seven patients underwent ML and 27 patients underwent ML with AA. Normalized anterior gap (AG) improved in both ML (preop: 4.4 pixel units (u), postop: 0.8 u; P < 0.001) and ML with AA groups (preop: 3.3 u, postop 0.6 u; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in normalized AG values between treatment groups. Postoperative normalized posterior gap (PG) improved in the ML with AA group only (preop: 1.8 u, postop: 0.5 u; P = 0.01). Overall severity, roughness, and strain voice parameters had acceptable reliability for analysis. Overall severity improved in ML (preop: 54, postop: 27; P < 0.001) and ML with AA (preop: 44, postop: 24; P = 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in any voice parameter between treatment groups.

UVFP patients undergoing ML may benefit from addition of AA when a large posterior glottic gap is present. In this study, ML with AA but not ML alone resulted in statistically significant improvement in PG.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Institutional review board-approved prospective cohort study.

Human autologous cortical bone chips were harvested using various burs (4 and 6 mm diameter; multiflute, and 2Flute [Stryker Corporation]) from patients undergoing CWR tympanomastoidectomy for the treatment of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. Bone chip size, cell counts, cellular gene expression, and new bone formation were quantified.

Bone chips were significantly larger when harvested with 2Flute (Stryker Corporation) bur compared to multiflute burs at both 6 mm diameter (113 ± 14 μm² vs. 66 ± 8 μm²; P < 0.05) and 4 mm diameter (70 ± 8 μm² vs. 50 ± 3 μm²; P < 0.05). After 2 weeks in culture, cell numbers were significantly higher when harvested with 2Flute (Stryker Corporation) bur compared to multiflute burs at both 6 mm diameter (48.7 ± 3 vs. 31.8 ± 3 cells/μg bone; P < 0.05) and 4 mm diameter (27.6 ± 1.2 vs. 8.8 ± 1.2 cells/μg bone; P < 0.05). Bone-derived cells express osteoblast markers (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin). Cultured cells are able to form new bone in culture, and bone formation is facilitated by the presence of bone chips.

Use of 2Flute (Stryker Corporation) otologic burs for human autologous cortical bone harvest results in more viable bone fragments, with larger bone chips and more osteoblasts. Future studies are needed to determine if this leads to improved bone healing.

NA. Laryngoscope, 2017

Animal study.

The head and neck of a Dorper cross ewe was placed in the lateral fluoroscopic view. Five conditions were tested: baseline, thyroid cartilage to hyoid approximation (THA), thyroid cartilage to hyoid to mandible (laryngohyoid) suspension (LHS), LHS with cricopharyngeus muscle myotomy (LHS-CPM), and cricopharyngeus muscle myotomy (CPM) alone. Five 20-mL trials of barium sulfate were delivered into the oropharynx under fluoroscopy for each condition. Outcome measures included the penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Swallow Safety Scale (NIH-SSS).

Median baseline PAS and NIH-SSS scores were 8 and 6, respectively, indicating severe impairment. THA scores were not improved from baseline. LHS alone reduced the PAS to 1 (P = .025) and NIH-SSS to 2 (P = .025) from baseline. LHS-CPM reduced the PAS to 1 (P = .025) and NIH-SSS to 0 (P = .025) from baseline. CPM alone did not improve scores. LHS-CPM displayed improved NIH-SSS over LHS alone (P = .003).

This cadaveric model represents end-stage profound oropharyngeal dysphagia such as what could result from severe neurological insult. CPM alone failed to improve fluoroscopic outcomes in this model. Thyrohyoid approximation also failed to improve outcomes. LHS significantly improved both PAS and NIH-SSS. The addition of CPM to LHS resulted in improvement over suspension alone.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Cross-sectional study.

The Vizient database was accessed for data on geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who underwent surgery for head and neck cancers (excluding thyroid and skin cancer) at full member academic medical centers between 2009 and 2012. Multivariate, linear regression analyses, χ² tests, and analysis of variance were applied to evaluate significant associations between hospital case volume and independent variables including cost, cost index, mortality, mortality index, length of stay, length of stay index, and readmission rates.

A total of 4,544 patients were included. Total length of stay was 6.72 days in high-volume hospitals, compared to 8.12 days and 7.91 days in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0144). Frequency of intensive care unit stays was 36.5% in high-volume hospitals, compared to 42.19% and 40.29% in moderate- and low-volume hospitals, respectively (P = .0048). Mortality (0.78%) and average cost per case ($21,834) was lower, but nonsignificant in high-volume hospitals. Using multiple regression analysis, major severity of disease was positively associated with complication rate (P < .0001) and length of stay (P = .0481).

After controlling for other factors, high-volume academic medical centers have a lower intensive care unit stay, but no difference in mortality or average cost per case when compared to low-volume hospitals.

2b Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective review of collected survey at a cancer screening event.

This was a screening event at three hospitals and one community center in Miami, Florida. Participants were recruited throughout the Greater Miami area. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of those who were aware of HPV and those who were not. Adjusted odds ratios, odds ratios, and χ² tests were used in statistical analysis.

A total of 196 women and 112 men were screened across four sites, with 187 participants at hospital-based events and 124 participants at the community-based event. Forty percent of respondents had heard of HPV, and 28.0% identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC. Non-Hispanic and Hispanic respondents were 3.309 and 2.445 times, respectively, more likely than Haitian respondents to have heard of HPV. Women were 2.488 times more likely than men to be aware of HPV. College graduates were 2.268 times more likely than those with less than a college degree to be aware of HPV. Younger respondents were more likely to be aware of HPV. Of those who identified HPV as a risk factor for HNC, 95.4% also correctly identified smoking and 75.9% also correctly identified alcohol as risk factors.

Disparities in HPV and HNC awareness were noted between gender, age, education level, and ethnicity.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Large retrospective cohort study using the State Ambulatory Surgery Database for the state of California between 2005 and 2011.

We identified over 61,000 patients with CRS who underwent ESS, determined by Current Procedural Terminology code. We identified which patients underwent a repeat surgery, and performed multivariable modeling to determine which factors (nasal polyps, age, gender, insurance, hospital setting, ethnicity) predicted the need for revision. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals are presented.

Of 61,339 patients who underwent ESS, 4,078 (6.65%) returned for revision ESS during the time period investigated. In a multivariable logistic regression model, positive predictors of revision were a diagnosis of nasal polyps (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29, P < .001) and female gender (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29, P < .001); public insurance was marginally predictive of increased reoperation (AOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00–1.21, P = .048). Patients of Hispanic ethnicity were less likely to have revision surgery (AOR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97, P = .011). Age, income, and hospital setting were not significant predictors.

A minority of patients with CRS who undergo ESS will have a revision surgery. This likelihood is increased in female patients and those with nasal polyps, and decreased in patients of Hispanic ethnicity, even when controlling for income, insurance, and hospital setting.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of MarketScan Commercial Claim and Encounters data (Truven Health Analytics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.).

We evaluated 10,969 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer from 2010 to 2012 using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression. Using quality indicators derived from guidelines for recommended care, summary measures of quality were calculated for diagnosis, initial treatment, surveillance, treatment for recurrence, performance, and an overall summary measure of quality.

Higher-quality care in the initial treatment period was associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.04–0.98]), surgical complications (OR = 0.39 [0.17–0.88]), and medical complications (OR = 0.68 [0.49–0.96]). Mean incremental 1-year costs were higher for higher-quality diagnosis ($20,126 [$14,785–$25,466]), initial treatment ($17,918 [$10,481–$25,355]), and surveillance ($25,424 [$20,014–$30,834]) quality indicators, whereas costs were lower for higher-quality performance measures (−$45,723 [−$56,246–−$35,199]) after controlling for all other variables. Higher-quality care was associated with significant differences in mean incremental costs for initial treatment in surgical patients ($−37,303 [−$68,832–−$5,775]), and for the overall summary measure of quality in patients treated nonoperatively ($10,473 [$1,121–$19,825]). After controlling for the overall summary measure of quality, costs were significantly lower for patients receiving high-volume surgical care (mean −$18,953 [−$28,381–−$9,426]).

Higher-quality larynx cancer care in commercially insured patients was associated with lower 30-day mortality and morbidity. High-volume surgical care was associated with lower 1-year costs, even after controlling for quality. These data have implications for discussions of value and quality in an era of healthcare reform.

2c. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective review of Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) from 2009 to 2011.

NEDS was queried for patient visits with a primary diagnosis of epistaxis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 784.7). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics were obtained. Predictors of nasal packing were determined by multivariable logistic regression.

There were 1,234,267 ED visits for epistaxis. The highest proportion of patients were seen in the winter (37.2%) at nontrauma hospitals (76.9%), and were discharged home (95.5%). Fifteen percent of patients were on long-term anticoagulation, 33% had hypertension, and 0.9% had a coagulopathy. Nasal packing was utilized in 243,268 patients (19.7%). Predictors strongly associated with nasal packing included lower socioeconomic quartile (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–1.53), hospital located in the geographic South (OR 1.62, CI = 1.12–2.34) and Midwest (OR 1.85, P < 0.0001), and nontrauma hospital (OR 1.56, CI = 1.19–2.05). Other factors included long-term anticoagulation (OR 1.21, CI = 1.10–1.33), winter season (OR 1.20, CI = 1.12–1.23), male gender (OR 1.14, CI = 1.10–1.17), and older age (OR 1.01, CI = 1.01–1.02). Mean ED charge was greater for patients who were packed ($1,473 vs. $1,048, P < 0.0001).

Several factors, including lower socioeconomic status, geographic location, and nontrauma hospital designation, predict use of nasal packing. These results raise concerns about potential treatment disparities that may result in increased patient morbidity and costs.

2C. Laryngoscope, 2017

A 5-year review (2011–2016) of 35 patients who underwent inpatient injection laryngoplasty for VFMI following aortic repair was conducted. Data included demographics, surgery parameters, laryngologic evaluation, pulmonary complications, LOS, and mortality. Early injection was defined as within 5 days from extubation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 17.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

All 35 patients (mean age 56, 77% male) underwent left vocal-fold injection laryngoplasty without complication. There were 15 (43%) early procedures and 20 (57%) late procedures. Mean LOS for early and late injection groups (13 vs. 20 days, respectively) significantly differed (P = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 14.4). Early laryngoplasty cohorts experienced less pulmonary complications (20%) than those who had late medialization (50%), but this did not reach significance (P = 0.06, 95% CI −0.3 to 8.1). The most common complication type in both groups was therapeutic bronchoscopy.

Early awake injection laryngoplasty within 5 days from extubation is feasible and may improve clinical outcomes for patients with VFMI following aortic repair. Further prospective studies on this approach for VFMI after thoracic surgery are needed.

4. Laryngoscope, 00:000–000, 2017

Case-control study.

A new sequential anesthetic technique of performing most of the TP-AA surgery under general anesthesia (GA), followed by transition to sedation/analgesia (SA) for voice assessment, was developed to achieve smooth emergence from GA. Twenty-five TP-AA cases performed with the sequential GA-SA technique were compared with 25 TP-AA controls performed completely under sedation/analgesia. The primary outcome measure was the time under sedation. Voice improvement, as assessed by Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice, and total operative time were secondary outcome measures.

With the conventional all-SA anesthetic, the duration of SA was 209 ± 26.3 minutes. With the sequential GA-SA technique, the duration of SA was 79.0 ± 18.9 minutes, a 62.3% reduction (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the total operative time (209.5 vs. 200.9 minutes; P = 0.42) or in voice outcome. This sequential anesthetic technique has been easily adopted by multiple anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists at our institution.

TP-AA is effectively performed under sequential GA-SA technique with a significant reduction in the duration of time under sedation. This allows the surgeon to perform the technically more challenging part of the surgery under GA, without having to contend with variability in patient tolerance for laryngeal manipulation under sedation.

3b. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of MarketScan Commercial Claim and Encounters data.

We evaluated 10,969 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer from 2010 to 2012 using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression.

Chemoradiation was significantly associated with supraglottic tumors (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 5.9 [4.4–7.8]), pretreatment gastrostomy (RRR = 4.0 [2.7–6.1]), and alcohol abuse (RRR = 0.5 [0.3–0.9]). Treatment-related complications occurred in 23% of patients, with medical complications in 22% and surgical complications in 7%. Chemoradiation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7 [2.6–5.2]), major surgical procedures (OR = 4.9 [3.5–6.8]), reconstruction (OR = 7.7 (4.1–14.7)], and advanced comorbidity (OR = 9.7 [5.7–16.5] were associated with acute complications. Recurrent/persistent disease occurred in 23% of patients and was associated with high-volume care (OR = 1.4 [1.1–1.8]). Salvage surgery was performed in 46% of patients with recurrent/persistent disease and was less likely for supraglottic disease (OR = 0.5 [0.4–0.8]) and after chemoradiation (OR = 0.4 [0.2–0.6]). Initial treatment and 1-year overall costs for chemoradiation were higher than all other treatment categories, after controlling for all other variables including complications and salvage. High-volume care was associated with significantly lower costs of care for surgical patients but was not associated with differences in costs of care for nonoperative treatment.

In commercially insured patients <65 years old with laryngeal cancer, chemoradiation was associated with increased costs, an increased likelihood of treatment-related medical complications, and a reduced likelihood of surgical salvage. Higher-volume surgical care was associated with lower initial treatment and 1-year costs of care. These data have implications for discussions of value and quality in an era of healthcare reform.

2c Laryngoscope, 2017

Preclinical anatomic study using four human cadavers.

Transoral resection of the tongue base using the da Vinci Sp and the Si robotic surgical systems. A standardized operative procedure is outlined, and operative parameters were compared between robotic systems.

Successful completion of tongue base resection was achieved in all cadavers using both the Sp and the Si systems. The optimal entry guide and instrument position for the Sp system was with the cannula rotated 180° from the standard position so that the camera was in the most inferior (caudal) channel. In the optimal configuration, no instrument exchanges were needed with the Sp system, but use of the Si system required one instrument exchange.

This is the first preclinical anatomic study of robotic tongue base resection that compares a novel single-port robotic system to the current multiarm system. Surgical workflow was more streamlined with the da Vinci Sp system, and the new capabilities of simultaneous dissection, traction, and counter traction allowed for improved dissection and vessel control.

NA Laryngoscope, 2017

Multi-center, retrospective clinical analysis.

More than 300 implants have been evaluated and reviewed in five different implant centers (Germany, United States).

This analysis shares tips and techniques from the collective experiences with more than 300 implants, which can help newer implanters learn vicariously both for standard practices in executing routine implants through activation and, importantly, for working through more challenging encounters with anatomy, special patient phenotypes, system testing, and troubleshooting.

These tips should help new implanters handle most of the situations arising during implantation and avoid common pitfalls. Laryngoscope, 2017

We review the current literature on the use of BTX in rhinitis and investigate the efficacy and safety profile of a novel intranasal injection site for AR control.

Single-arm pilot study.

Ten adult patients having moderate to severe AR with proven house dust-mite allergy were recruited. Each patient received 12.5 units of Botox injected to the posterior lateral wall of each side of the nose under endoscopic guidance. Immediate postprocedural discomfort and Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) at 2 and 4 weeks were used as primary outcome measures. Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) was used as secondary outcome measure.

Overall TNSS (minimum = 0; maximum = 20) showed an improvement from a mean of 15.1 (preinjection) to 7.6 (2 weeks) and 7.7 (4 weeks). Greatest effect was seen in subscales of rhinorrhea (4.0–1.7) followed by sneeze, nasal congestion, and itch. Mean discomfort of the procedure was scored 5.7 over 10. RQLQ scores similarly showed an improvement in all domains of quality of life. Two subjects complained of mild headache not requiring any medical intervention.

Based on our review of current literature, BTX shows clear efficacy on symptoms of both intrinsic and allergic rhinitis, with a good safety profile. Single-dose posterior nasal injection demonstrates good efficacy and duration of action, with moderate discomfort.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective study. Median follow-up 45 months.

There were 38 patients with pathologically confirmed sarcomatoid carcinoma of the larynx treated at the Mayo Clinic from 1990 to 2014. Statistical analysis of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control (LC) were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method.

The majority of patients were elderly males (92%) with a smoking history (74%) presenting with early-stage disease (71%). Surgery alone was the primary treatment in 27 patients (71%). Nine patients (25%) were treated with adjuvant radiation due to initial stage or high-risk pathologic features. Median radiation dose to the primary/surgical bed was 65 Gy (range, 60.3–75.0 Gy). A total of 15 patients (39%) had tumor recurrence, majority being local (n = 12). Sixty percent (n = 9) had multiple local recurrences. Five-year OS, PFS, and LC were 63%, 46%, and 72%, respectively. Subgroup analysis by stage I versus higher stages (II–IV) showed an OS of 80% versus 43% (P = .030), PFS of 65% versus 18% (P = .003), and LC of 84% versus 57% (P = .039).

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the larynx is rare, and frequently presents at an early stage in older men with history of smoking. Based on our outcomes and patterns of failure, it appears early-stage tumors are treated appropriately with single-modality therapy, whereas more advanced tumors require multimodality therapy. Validation in a larger cohort is warranted.

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

Retrospective chart review of patients treated with bilateral thyroplasty and/or injection augmentation.

We evaluated 22 patients before and after treatment using: 1) normalized glottal gap area and normalized true vocal fold width from endoscopic images; 2) patient self-rating questionnaires; and 3) acoustic and aerodynamic measures.

Thyroplasty surgery resulted in 38% of patients demonstrating less bowing compared to 33% after injection, and 63% demonstrated less supraglottic activity compared to 43% after injection (P = 0.09). Change in mean Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) scores was 25.5 after thyroplasty compared to −16.4 after injection (P < 0.05). Those exhibiting a greater than 20 change in V-RQOL after treatment were significantly more likely to report swallowing symptoms pretreatment.

Patients postinjection did not rate themselves on any questionnaires as significantly better compared to pretreatment, whereas patients post-thyroplasty rated themselves as significantly improved on all questionnaires. Patients post-thyroplasty rated their voices as significantly closer to their best voice than patients postinjection. Likewise, 64% of patients who had thyroplasty surgery reported a significant treatment effect compared to 33% for injection augmentation.

IV. Laryngoscope, 2017

Swabs were collected intraoperatively from the middle meatus of 90 patients (63 with CRS; 27 controls). DNA was extracted, and ITS amplicon concentration was measured using fluorometry. Internal transcribed spacer amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq (Illumina Inc San Diego CA). Sequencing data were analyzed using QIIME.

Using conventional detection techniques of culture and histology, fungi only were identified in nine of 63 (14.3%) CRS patients (fungus-identified group); the remaining 54 CRS patients and all controls did not have fungus identified using the traditional techniques. This fungus-identified group had a significantly higher average ITS concentration and a significantly lower Shannon's diversity index compared to the other two groups. The most abundant organism sequenced was Aspergillus (35.22% of all sequences). Multivariate analysis showed that positive fungal detection using traditional techniques and computed tomography (CT) double densities were the most important clinical predictors of a high fungal biomass, whereas Lund-Mackay score, polyps, eosinophilia, and eosinophilic mucus were not significant in comparison.

Fungal biomass estimated through ITS amplicon concentration correlated with traditional fungal detection techniques and CT double densities. Our results suggest that fungal dysbiosis only occurs in the sinuses of a selected subset of patients, and therefore could not be a universal determinant of sinus disease pathogenesis in all CRS patients.

NA. Laryngoscope, 2017

Study of diagnostic accuracy.

We searched our institution's pathology database for patients who had ONB surgery between January 1, 2000 and November 16, 2012. We only included patients who had a definitive diagnosis of ONB prior to surgery and frozen sections obtained during surgery. All frozen sections in this study had corresponding permanent sections available to serve as a gold standard. This database was analyzed to obtain classification statistics. The confidence intervals for classification performance were obtained using the bootstrap sampling method. Confidence intervals for posttest probability curves were derived using the Taylor series expansion. Finally, we obtained and reviewed the slides from ambiguous or incorrect reads.

A total of 459 specimens from 33 patients were analyzed. We found the following performance characteristics: sensitivity: 0.89 (0.81, 0.94); specificity: 0.96 (0.94, 0.98); accuracy: 0.95 (0.92, 0.96); likelihood ratio positive: 24.4 (14.5, 44.1); prevalence: 0.20 (0.17, 0.25); positive predictive value: 0.86 (0.78, 0.92); and negative predictive value: 0.97 (0.95, 0.99). Histopathologic review revealed that crush artifacts and inadequate specimen size were major sources of incorrect reads.

We found frozen section assessment of ONB specimens to be an excellent tool for the assessment of intraoperative margins.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1735–1741, 2017

Prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 140 patients with CRS.

Sinonasal symptom severity was measured using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test. Lost productivity was assessed by asking participants how many days of work and/or school they missed in the last 3 months due to CRS. Associations were sought between lost productivity and smoking.

Participants missed a mean of 3.0 days (standard deviation = 12.8 days) of work or school due to CRS. Having any history of smoking was associated with 6 days of lost productivity due to CRS (adjusted β = 6.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 11.77, P = .031). Although the number of active smokers in our study cohort was very small (N = 6), we performed a univariate association between smoking status, considering former smokers and active smokers separately, and found that active smoking (β = 11.75, 95% CI: 2.11 to 21.40, P = .018) had a much larger impact on CRS-related productivity loss than that experienced by former smokers (β = 4.45, 95% CI: −0.32 to 9.23, P = .070).

Smoking (likely driven by active smoking) is independently associated with missed days of work or school in patients with CRS. Further study is needed to determine whether interventions directed at smoking may impact CRS-related productivity loss.

2c Laryngoscope, 127:1742–1745, 2017

Individual case–control study.

Fifteen patients diagnosed with ENS and 18 controls with non-ENS sinonasal conditions underwent office cotton placement. Both groups completed ENS6Q testing in three conditions—precotton, cotton in situ, and postcotton—to measure the reproducibility of ENS6Q scoring. Participants also completed a five-item transition scale ranging from “much better” to “much worse” to rate subjective changes in nasal breathing with and without cotton placement. Mean changes for each transition point, and the ENS6Q MCID, were then calculated.

In the precotton condition, significant differences (P < .001) in all ENS6Q questions between ENS and controls were noted. With cotton in situ, nearly all prior ENS6Q differences normalized between ENS and control patients. For ENS patients, the changes in the mean differences between the precotton and cotton in situ conditions compared to postcotton versus cotton in situ conditions were insignificant among individuals. Including all 33 participants, the mean change in the ENS6Q between the parameters “a little better” and “about the same” was 4.25 (standard deviation [SD] = 5.79) and −2.00 (SD = 3.70), giving an MCID of 6.25.

Cotton testing is a validated office test to assess for ENS patients. Cotton testing also helped to determine the MCID of the ENS6Q, which is a 7-point change from the baseline ENS6Q score.

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1746–1752, 2017

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

This database review of studies of smoking and olfaction, with a focus on identifying high-quality studies (based on modified versions of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale), used validated olfactory tests among the generally healthy population.

We identified 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Of 10 cross-sectional studies, two were excluded from meta-analysis because the cohorts they studied were included in another article in the review. In meta-analysis, current smokers had substantially higher odds of olfactory dysfunction compared to never smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37–1.85). In contrast, former smokers were found to have no difference in risk of impaired olfaction compared to never smokers (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.91–1.21). The single longitudinal study reviewed found a trend toward increased risk of olfactory decline over time in ever smokers; this trend was stronger in current as compared to former smokers.

Current smoking, but not former smoking, is associated with significantly increased risk of olfactory dysfunction, suggesting that the effects of smoking on olfaction may be reversible. Future studies that prospectively evaluate the impact of smoking cessation on improvement in olfactory function are warranted.

N/A. Laryngoscope, 127:1753–1761, 2017

The charts of all patients with ZD treated at our center between October 01, 2011, and May 30, 2014, were abstracted. Outcome measures included recidivistic diverticulum size, Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), penetration aspiration scale, pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), and pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) opening.

Twenty patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 70.5 (± 13) years. Seventy percent of the patients were male. Mean EAT-10 decreased 72.1% from 17.9 (± 8.2) to 5 (± 6.9) (P < 0.0001), and diverticulum size decreased 50.9% from 1.96 cm (± 0.68) to 0.96 cm (± 0.57) (P < 0.001). The PCR improved 33.6% from 0.17 (± 0.13) to 0.11 (± 0.11) (P < 0.001). Mean PES opening increased 61.6% from 0.53 cm (± 0.3544) to 0.86 cm (± 0.29) in lateral view and increased 40.0% from 1.00 cm (± 0.54) to 1.39 cm (± 0.46) in anteroposterior view (P < 0.001).

VFSS following successful EZD demonstrates an approximate 50% reduction in diverticulum size and significant improvement in PCR and PES opening. These data provide a framework for the expected fluoroscopic outcomes of successful diverticulotomy.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1762–1766, 2017

This is a case series of five patients with large septal perforations seen at an academic tertiary care center, who have failed previous treatment measures and were selected to undergo this novel reconstruction for closure of their defects.

Patients were followed clinically to determine the success of the repair. Pre- and postoperative photographic documentation is presented, as well as a description of the surgical technique.

All patients were found to have large septal perforations exceeding 2 × 3 cm in size. The reconstructed septal perforations remained closed for the duration of follow-up. There were no long-term complications related to this technique.

The composite upper lateral cartilage flap is an effective and reliable means of repairing large and complicated septal defects with respiratory mucosa recruited from the nasal cavity. It may be considered in revision cases prior to entertaining regional extranasal flaps or the use of septal buttons.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1767–1771, 2017

GERD-specific apps found in the Apple App Store (Apple Inc., Cupertino CA) were evaluated using the Readability Studio Professional Version 2015 for Windows (Oleander Software, Ltd, Vandalia, OH). All text was evaluated using nine validated algorithms measuring readability including Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook grading, Gunning Fog index, Coleman-Liau, New Fog Count formula, Raygor Readability Estimate, FORCAST, Fry graph, and Flesch Reading Ease score.

Average reading grade levels for individual GERD apps ranged from 9.6 to 12.9 (interquartile range 10.3–12). The average reading grade level for all apps analyzed was 11.1 ± 0.2 standard error of the mean (SEM), with an average Flesch Reading Ease score for all mobile apps analyzed of 51 ± 2.05 (SEM), falling into the “fairly difficult” category given by this measure. Raygor Readability estimates that most mobile apps have a reading grade level between 10 and 12, with the majority of this outcome due to long words.

This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of assessing readability of mobile health apps. Our findings suggest significant gaps in potential comprehension between the apps analyzed and the average reader, diminishing the utility of these resources. We hope our findings influence future mobile health-related app development and thereby improve patient outcomes in GERD and other chronic diseases.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1775–1779, 2017

Prospective study evaluating 11 commonly used ear drops to treat otologic disorders.

Randomly selected drug stores in three major counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego) were included. Mean, range, minimum, and maximum prices for each drug were calculated and analyzed. The median income of pharmacy ZIP code was also cross-referenced.

Data were collected from 108 pharmacies. The mean prices are noted for each of the individual drugs: Cortisporin (brand) 10 mL, $82.70; neomycin, polymyxin B sulfates, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin–generic) 10 mL, $34.70; ofloxacin (generic) 10 mL, $99.95; sulfacetamide (generic) 15 mL, $40.18; Ciprodex (brand) 7.5 mL, $194.44; Cipro HC (brand) 10 mL, $233.32; Vosol (brand) 15 mL, $120.75; acetic acid (Vosol–generic) 10 mL, $116.55; VosolHC (brand) 10 mL, $204.14; acetic acid/aluminum acetate (Domeboro–generic) 60 mL, $22.91; and Tobradex (brand) 5 mL, $166.47.

There is significant variability among the prices of ear drops across Southern Californian pharmacies, which can be a financial burden to patients paying out of pocket or with high deductibles. A state-mandated, publically accessible report of drug prices may help decrease variability and cost by promoting competition among pharmacies. Price negotiations by governmental payers may assist in reducing prices. In the treatment of otologic disorders, clinicians can help reduce costs for patients by prescribing generic ear drop medications and cheaper alternatives when clinically appropriate.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1780–1784, 2017

Retrospective, population-based cohort study.

A total of 237 cases of SmCC of the head and neck were identified, which was divided into sinonasal primaries (n = 82) and all other head and neck primaries (n = 155). Clinicopathologic and epidemiologic variables were analyzed as predictors of overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) based on the Kaplan-Meier method.

More than half of sinonasal primaries presented with Kadish stage C or D. On multivariate analysis, surgery was the only independent predictor of improved DSS (P = .008) for sinonasal primaries; in contrast, radiation therapy was a favorable prognosticator for OS (P = .007) and DSS (P = .043) in extrasinonasal sites. Comparison of survival between sinonasal primaries and all other sites demonstrated that sinonasal SmCC had uniformly better OS (P = .002) and DSS (P = .006).

SmCC in the head and neck remains rare, and sinonasal primaries appear to have improved survival compared to other sites. Based on these results, optimal treatment for sinonasal SmCC appears to be surgical therapy, whereas radiation therapy is the preferred treatment for SmCC of other primary sites, particularly the larynx.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1785–1790, 2017

Retrospective cohort study.

Eighty-six patients treated with induction chemotherapy followed by RT were included in the analysis: 75 good responders and 11 insufficient responders who refused surgery. We compared overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (LEDFS) of the cohort populations in univariate and multivariate analyses.

The median follow-up was 44 months. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were respectively 72.2% and 58.8% for OS, 62.8% and 49.4% for DFS, and 59.5% and 44.3% for LEDFS. No survival endpoint was significantly decreased among insufficient responders, contrary to what we expected. When we focused on patients with an initially fixed larynx, the recovery of larynx mobility after induction chemotherapy was not associated with OS (P = 0.6055), DFS (P = 0.459), or LEDFS (P = 0.7403).

To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first patient treatment evaluation focused on subjects who refused a total laryngectomy after insufficient response to induction chemotherapy in a larynx preservation protocol for advanced-stage cancer of the larynx. Surprisingly, these patients treated with RT in our cancer center did not experience decreased functional and oncologic outcomes compared to good responders. Further studies will explore the relevance of response criteria and their evaluation methods.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1791–1796, 2017

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of National Inpatient Sample (NIS).

The NIS was queried for procedure codes associated with head and neck key indicator groupings for the years 2000–2002 (45,363 procedures) and 2006–2008 (51,144 procedures). Hospitals were divided into three groups: nonteaching hospitals (NTH), teaching hospitals without otolaryngology programs (TH), and teaching hospitals with otolaryngology programs (TH-OTO). Surgical complication rates, length of stay, and mortality rates were analyzed using logistic and linear regression.

The number of procedures increased (12.7%), with TH-OTO contributing more in postrestriction years (21% to 30%). Overall complication rates between the two periods revealed no difference, regardless of hospital setting. Subset analysis showed some variation within each complication within each grouping. Length of stay increased at TH-OTO (2.75 to 2.78 days) and decreased at NTH (2.28 to 2.24 days) and TH (2.39 to 2.36 days). Mortality did not increase among the three hospital types (NTH, P < .58; TH, P < .96; TH-OTO, P < .06). During the latter period, TH-OTO procedures showed lower mortality (P < .0038, odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27-0.77). Increasing Charlson comorbidity index increased overall mortality rate (P < .0001, OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 2.4-2.89).

Overall complication rates did not change for head and neck key indicator procedures. Moreover, concerns about reduced surgical case numbers appear unfounded, especially for otolaryngology programs.

2c Laryngoscope, 127:1797–1803, 2017

Retrospective clinical study.

The records of all patients treated for primary malignant tumors of the parotid gland solely by means of extracapsular dissection between 2006 and 2013 were studied retrospectively. Patients with manifestation of malignant tumors in the parotid gland that were not of primary salivary gland origin (squamous cell carcinomas, lymphomas, melanomas) or who had had revision surgery or other malignant tumors in their history, as well as patients with insufficient data, were excluded from our study sample.

Nine patients, all with low-grade parotid malignancies, were detected. Our study showed acceptable oncologic and functional outcomes throughout.

Our study was able to show very encouraging preliminary results following primary extracapsular dissection as sole surgical therapy for carefully selected low-stage, low-grade, inferiorly located lesions in patients with high compliance.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1804–1807, 2017

Window of opportunity trial of metformin between diagnostic biopsy and resection. Participants were patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC. Fifty patients were enrolled, and 39 completed a full-treatment course. Metformin was titrated to standard diabetic dose (2,000 mg/day) for a course of 9 or more days prior to surgery.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the metabolic markers caveolin-1 (CAV1), B-galactosidase (GALB), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), as well as the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis assay and Ki-67 IHC, were performed in pre- and postmetformin specimens. Exploratory mass spectroscopy imaging (MSI) to assess lactate levels also was performed in three subjects.

Metformin was well tolerated. The average treatment course was 13.6 days. Posttreatment specimens showed a significant increase in stromal CAV1 (P < 0.001) and GALB (P < 0.005), as well as tumor cell apoptosis by TUNEL assay (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in stromal MCT4 expression or proliferation measured by Ki67. Lactate levels in carcinoma cells were increased 2.4-fold postmetformin (P < 0.05), as measured by MSI.

Metformin increases markers of reduced catabolism and increases senescence in stromal cells as well as carcinoma cell apoptosis. This study demonstrates that metformin modulates metabolism in the HNSCC microenvironment.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1808–1815, 2017

Six hundred and forty-three incident HNSCC patients recruited through the University of Michigan Specialized Program of Research Excellence were followed for up to 5 years for survival. Participants were interviewed about personal and family cancer history, demographic information, and behavioral habits.

Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between family history of cancer in a first-degree relative and disease-specific survival.

After multivariable adjustment, we found a nonsignificant inverse association between family history and HNSCC mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–1.35). This association was stronger and statistically significant among patients who currently both drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes at diagnosis (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.22–0.97); no association was observed among participants who did not both drink and smoke at the time of diagnosis (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.68–1.91; p-interaction = 0.046).

Results from this study suggest that having a family history of cancer may be associated with improved disease-specific survival in patients who use tobacco and alcohol. Additional large studies, particularly in populations including nonwhites and women, are needed to confirm or refute the association and to elucidate the genetic factors that may underlie this potential association.

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:1816–1820, 2017

Researcher-initiated, prospective, multicenter.

Participating physicians were instructed in NBI technique during a 4-hour meeting. Patients underwent an examination that included endoscopy with white light (WL) high-definition (HD) TV and NBI filter in the selected time period. All suspicious lesions were biopsied. The medical records of patients with NBI negative findings were evaluated 6 months after the visit to detect all possible malignant lesions coming into view at mucosal sites. These were considered as false-negative cases, enabling long-term assess to the positive predictive value (NPV) of the protocol.

We enrolled 125 patients. Of those, 84 (67.2%) were males and the median age was 65 years (range, 35–91). In analysis of the accuracy of WL HD TV and NBI against biopsy, the sensitivity and specificity of WL HD TV were 62% and 81%, respectively; and the sensitivity and specificity of NBI were 100% and 84%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of NBI was significantly better (P < 0.05). When analyzing medical records 6 months after the initial examination, we found three patients who had been diagnosed with a malignant lesion (NPV of NBI of 96.8%).

Narrow band imaging is readily implemented in an everyday outpatient practice, and there seems to be better detection rates of dysplastic/carcinoma lesions with HD NBI compared to HD WL.

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:1821–1825, 2017

Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire research.

Ninety-one RRP patients (response = 67%) from two university hospitals in the Netherlands and Finland completed the following patient reported outcome measures: (HADS), 15-dimensional health-related quality-of-life scale (15D), Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the RAND 36-item health-related quality-of-life survey instrument (RAND-36) assessing health-related QoL and voice handicap, and they provided sociodemographic, illness-related, and allied healthcare use. Descriptive analyses, χ² tests, t tests, analysis of variance tests, and Pearson correlations were computed to describe the study population and to examine differences between groups.

RRP patients had significantly higher mean scores on depression, health-related QoL (15D) and on voice problems (VHI), and significantly lower mean scores on anxiety than controls. Dutch patients had more pain and a decreased general health perception (RAND-36) than controls. Dutch patients and older patients were more depressed, women were more anxious, older patients had lower health-related QoL, and smoking was significantly associated with voice handicap. Patients who had received psychosocial care had significantly higher HADS-depression mean scores than patients who did not receive psychosocial care.

Having RRP has significant effect on voice-related QoL and depression, but has no negative effect on anxiety and health-related QoL. Risk factors for decreased functioning are different than previously hypothesized by many authors. Prevention should be aimed at these risk factors.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1826–1831, 2017

Case-control study of patients presenting to tertiary dysphagia center.

All videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) performed at our institution, between August 1, 2014, and August 1, 2015, were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with abnormal cervical kyphosis, according to Cobb and Jackson angle measurements. Patients with kyphosis were age- and gender-matched to persons without kyphosis. VFSS and demographic parameters were collected and compared between groups.

Thirty-six patients with cervical kyphosis exceeding two standard deviations (SD) beyond established age-specific normal ranges were identified. The mean age of the entire cohort was 61.6 (SD ±19.1) years. Mean pharyngeal area was 3.34 cm² greater in kyphosis patients compared to controls (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-5.21 cm²; P = .0007). This was associated with increased hypopharyngeal transit time (0.57 seconds, 95% CI: 0.045-1.09 seconds, P = .034), and higher prevalence of penetration (P = .014). There was no significant difference in the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR), a surrogate measure of pharyngeal strength (P = .83).

Patients with cervical spine kyphosis have a significantly dilated pharynx (P = .0007), elongated hypopharyngeal transit time (P = .034), and worsened penetration aspiration scores (P = .021). Absence of a difference in PCR suggests adequate compensation as a group.

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1832–1837, 2017

Feasibility study, first-in-human, single-arm, open-label, prospective, multicenter study with group-sequential design and 6-month follow-up period, as described in details in our previous publication.

Nine symptomatic BVFP subjects were unilaterally implanted with the LP system at three study sites in Germany and Austria. Subjective and objective voice function, spirometric parameters other than peak expiratory/inspiratory flow (PEF/PIF), and PEF-meter self-assessment were evaluated pre- and 6 months postimplantation.

In general, the LP system did not considerably change the voice quality of the implanted patients. Only the sound pressure level range improved significantly 6 months postimplantation (P = 0.018). The LP system implantation did not affect the glottal closure configuration, the duration of the closed phase, and the mucosal wave of the implanted side. The evaluated spirometric parameters were not significantly affected by laryngeal pacing, whereas PEF meter self-assessment showed a stable and significant (P = 0.028) improvement of the PEF within a week upon activation of the LP system.

Neurostimulation with the LP system results in an immediate and stable PEF improvement, without negative effects on the voice quality. The PEF meter self-assessment confirmed the spirometry results of the PEF. The stimulated abduction did not affect the glottal closure during phonation. These results should be confirmed in larger and more homogenous patient cohorts.

2b Laryngoscope, 127:1838–1844, 2017

Review of IOLP literature and consultation with an anesthesiologist and cardiologist led to the development of CV parameters and questions related to four metabolic equivalents (METS) of work as a patient-screening tool before IOLP. A separate cohort was screened with only a modified CV protocol. All patients were screened for heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) elevation prior to the procedure. Need for further CV evaluation was characterized as systolic blood pressure BP >160, diastolic BP >100, and/or HR >110 beats/minute. Patients whose BP/HR exceeded these values were referred to their primary care physician (PCP) before re-screening. If parameters were exceeded again at the second screen, then the procedure was done under monitored anesthesia care.

The first study phase included 56 patients. The fail rate was 40% largely related to four METS of work. The second study phase included 440 patients. The screen fail rate was 15 patients of 572 (2.6%). Of these, 12 patients of 132 (9.1%) failed the initial screen and were sent to their PCP for further evaluation, and five of 440 (1.4%) patients failed on the day of the procedure. Overall, five of 440 (1.5%) patients would qualify to have their site of service changed for their laryngology procedure from an unmonitored to a monitored setting due to the prescreening criteria.

Few patients needed further workup based upon the in-office CV parameters set in this study. Patients with CV risk factors were identified by the screening protocol. Having established hemodynamic parameters in place may improve the safety of IOLP with a very low physician burden.

2b Laryngoscope, 127:1845–1849, 2017

This is a retrospective review of patients undergoing awake injection laryngoplasty surgery for VFMI between 2013 and 2016 at a tertiary academic center specializing in aortic and mediastinal diseases. Records were reviewed for patients regarding baseline antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, and whether these medications were stopped or continued preoperatively. The primary outcome was bleeding complications.

Of the 95 surgeries reviewed, 44 (46%) were performed for patients on antiplatelet therapy, and 71 (75%) for patients on anticoagulation therapy. None of the patients on antiplatelet therapy had their treatment discontinued. Of the patients on anticoagulation, 13 (16.4%) had their therapy held prior to surgery. There was no observed difference in bleeding complications between patients who were continued on antiplatelet or anticoagulation treatment versus those whose therapy was withheld.

These results suggest that patients undergoing awake transcervical injection laryngoplasty for VFMI can be maintained on antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy without increased risk of bleeding. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1850–1854, 2017

Animal study.

Twelve canine hemilaryngeal preparations were investigated. Baseline CMAP duration and latency were derived. Group A (n = 5) underwent RLN stretch injury, and group B (n = 7) underwent RLN transection/repair. The change in CMAP duration and latency was assessed between the baseline and 6-month measurements using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for each group individually and combined.

Six months following injury, transection/repair injuries had the most significant increase in CMAP duration (2.8 ± 0.6 ms vs. 4.2 ± 0.8 ms, difference 1.4 ms 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43 to 2.40) and latency (2.6 ± 0.5 ms vs. 5.6 ± 1.5 ms, difference 3.0 ms 95% CI: 1.65 to 4.38). Stretch injuries also caused an increase in CMAP duration (2.3 ± 0.8 ms vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 ms, difference 0.7 ms 95% CI: −0.49 to 1.77) and latency (2.5 ± 0.8 ms vs. 4.7 ± 1.5 ms, difference 2.3 95% CI: 0.76 to 3.80). Using ROC curves, CMAP duration and latency differentiated between the baseline control and RLN injury at 6 months (area under the curve = 0.78 and 0.98, respectively).

CMAP duration and latency are both quantitative measures that may have clinical utility as markers of RLN injury. CMAP latency had superior discrimination between injured and uninjured RLNs. Increased CMAP duration and latency may be explained by incomplete myelination and focal conduction block.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1855–1860, 2017

MEDLINE, Embase, Current Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Scopus, and the Gray literature.

A comprehensive search strategy was undertaken across multiple databases. Inclusion criteria were case reports of patients who had undergone human laryngeal allotransplantation. Information regarding indications, operative techniques, complications, graft viability, and functional outcomes were extracted.

A total of 5,961 articles, following removal of duplicates, matched the search criteria and were screened, with five case reports relating to two patients, ultimately fulfilling the entry criteria.

Two laryngeal transplants have been reported in the medical literature. Although both patients report improved quality of life relating to their ability to communicate with voice, further research is necessary to shape our understanding of this complicated operation, its indications, and its functional outcomes. Laryngoscope, 127:1861–1868, 2017

Observational Study.

The SoundMeter Pro app (Faber Acoustical, Salt Lake City, UT) was installed and calibrated on iPhone and iPod devices in an audiology chamber using an external sound level meter to within 2 dBA of accuracy. Recording devices were placed in the bike cupholders of participants attending spin classes in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 17) and used to measure sound level (A-weighted) and noise dosimetry during exercise according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines.

The average length of exposure was 48.9 ± 1.2 (standard error of the mean) minutes per class. Maximum sound recorded among 17 random classes was 116.7 dBA, which was below the NIOSH instantaneous exposure guideline of 140 dBA. An average of 31.6 ± 3.8 minutes were spent at >100 dBA. This exceeds NIOSH recommendations of 15 minutes of exposure or less at 100 dBA per day. Average noise exposure for one 45-minute class was 8.95 ± 1.2 times the recommended noise exposure dose for an 8-hour workday.

Preliminary data shows that randomly sampled cycling classes may have high noise levels with a potential for noise-induced hearing loss. Mobile dosimetry technology may enable users to self-monitor risk to their hearing and actively engage in noise protection measures.

NA Laryngoscope, 127:1873–1877, 2017

Prospective, randomized controlled study.

A total of 111 patients diagnosed with LF or HF were treated on an outpatient basis. Each group was randomly divided into three equal subgroups based on therapy: oral steroid, intratympanic dexamethasone injection (IT), and combination therapy. Hearing gain was estimated by comparing pre- and post-treatment pure-tone averages. Recovery rate was assessed by Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

In comparison of chief complaints, ear fullness and hearing loss were more common in the LF and HF group, respectively (P = .033 and P = .001, respectively). Hearing recovery rates were significantly different between the two groups (i.e., 74.1% [40/54] in the LF group and 45.6% [26/57] in the HF group; P < .001). Oral steroid therapy was most effective in the LF group (P = .017). In the HF group, all three modalities showed similar results, although IT tended to be the most effective (P = .390).

There were differences in chief complaints and treatment responses between LF and HF patients. Although they showed similar partial damage in the cochlea, the pathophysiology of LF and HF may be quite different.

1b. Laryngoscope, 127:1878–1884, 2017

Prospective observational cohort study.

One hundred and thirteen adults, aged ≥ 50 years, with postlingual hearing loss and receiving routine clinical care at a tertiary academic medical center, were evaluated with the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale before and 6 and 12 months after intervention with HAs or CIs. Change in score was assessed using linear mixed effect models adjusted for age; gender; education; and history of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Significant improvements in loneliness scores were observed in CI users from baseline to 6 months (−3.79 [95% confidence interval): −5.73, −1.85], P <.001) and baseline to 12 months (−3.26 [95% confidence interval: −5.66, −0.87], P =.007). We did not observe a significant improvement in loneliness scores in HA users from baseline to 6 months (−0.83 [95% confidence interval: −2.68, 1.02], P =.381) or baseline to 12 months (−0.34 [95% confidence interval: −2.77, −2.10], P = .007). The most substantial increases were observed in individuals with the lowest baseline scores.

Treatment of hearing loss with CIs results in a significant reduction in loneliness symptoms. This improvement was not observed with HAs. We observed differential effects of treatment depending on the baseline loneliness score, with the greatest improvements observed in individuals with the most loneliness symptoms at baseline.

2b. Laryngoscope, 127:1885–1889, 2017

PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Clinical Trial Register.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. We included clinical studies that compared the efficacies of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. We assessed the risk of bias and calculated the pooled relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI).

We identified four studies (involving 266 patients in total) that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled tympanic membrane closure rates and hearing results of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty were comparable (85.1% vs. 86.4%, respectively; RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.11; I² = 0) (mean difference of improvements of air-bone gaps: −2.73; 95% CI: −6.73 to 1.28; I² = 80%). The pooled canalplasty rate of endoscopic tympanoplasty was significantly lower than that of microscopic tympanoplasty. Patients receiving endoscopic tympanoplasty had a more desirable cosmetic result than did those receiving microscopic tympanoplasty.

Our up-to-date review evidences the comparable tympanic membrane closure rates and hearing results for endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. Patients receiving endoscopic tympanoplasty have a lower canalplasty rate and more desirable cosmetic result than do those receiving microscopic tympanoplasty. Laryngoscope, 127:1890–1896, 2017

Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases from January 1950 to August 2014, with an update performed on November 10, 2014.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs), using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram and guidelines. Quality assessment was performed using The Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias.

Eight RCCTs on SSNHL were included Three of the eight studies had high risk of bias. Substantial heterogeneity was found. The meta-analysis failed to detect statistically significant difference between ITD and alternative treatment (odds ratio = 0.39, 95% credible intervals = 0.11–1.27). The side-effects profile was favorable for ITD. No serious adverse events were recorded.

There is no sufficient scientific evidence to support a difference between ITD and alternative therapy for SSNHL. We recommend larger RCCTs to determine the effectiveness of ITD compared to oral steroid therapy. We encourage a shift in study design selection toward noninferiority or superiority studies. Avoiding systemic corticotherapy, especially in vulnerable populations, should be the rationale for future research in the field.

Laryngoscope, 127:1897–1908, 2017

Especially with pediatric patients, the ultimate benefits of implantation will be known only after years of growth and development. These benefits have yet to be fully elucidated and continue to be an area of controversy. The limited number of publications in this area were reviewed.

Review of the current literature was performed.

Disease processes, risk/benefit analyses, degrees of evidence, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals differ among various categories of patients in whom auditory brainstem implantation could be considered for use.

We suggest sets of criteria necessary for the development of successful and sustaining ABI programs, including programs for NF2 patients, postlingually deafened adult nonneurofibromatosis type 2 patients, and congenitally deaf pediatric patients. Laryngoscope, 127:1909–1915, 2017

Retrospective cohort study of children (18 years old and younger) who underwent tonsillectomy and/or turbinoplasty between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2015 using the 2016 Pediatric Health Information System administrative database

Patients were divided into three groups: 1) T&A and turbinoplasty, 2) T&A alone, and 3) turbinoplasty alone. Postoperative revisit, hemorrhage requiring cautery, and blood transfusion rates were compared between groups.

A total of 75,761 patients met inclusion criteria: 3,079 underwent both T&A and turbinoplasty, 72,043 underwent T&A alone, and 639 underwent turbinoplasty alone. The rate of 14-day relevant revisits after T&A in combination with turbinate reduction surgery was not significantly higher than that of T&A alone (9.4% vs. 8.6%; P = .11). The revisit rate after turbinoplasty alone was 1.4%. Indications for revisits did not differ between the T&A and turbinoplasty group versus T&A alone group (P = .23). Furthermore, the rates of hemorrhage requiring cauterization was similar between the two groups (1.4% vs. 1.5%; P = .64). Twenty-one patients who underwent T&A alone required blood transfusion after they were readmitted; no cases in the other two groups required blood transfusion.

Turbinoplasty and T&A performed together do not increase the risk of postoperative revisit or hemorrhage requiring cauterization, and can therefore be considered as a combined procedure. Pediatric patients will benefit from avoiding the additional risk of multiple anesthetics and repeated intubation.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1920–1923, 2017

Retrospective analysis between two cohorts: ultrasound protocol group and control group.

Children with peritonsillar abscess (PTA) diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) were enrolled during a 2-year period for transcervical ultrasound evaluation of bilateral tonsillar fossae. Data from a cohort of patients with PTA prior to ultrasound screening were also collected from retrospective chart review. Outcome variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Seventy-eight children (mean 12.3 years) were enrolled in the ultrasound protocol, compared to 101 children (mean 13.6 years) evaluated using traditional methods of examination and/or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Demographics between the two groups were not significantly different.

Only one-third of patients presumed to have PTA by ED staff had ultrasound findings consistent with abscess. Overall treatment failure rate was 8%, requiring readmission or surgical intervention for abscess. Length of stay, surgical drainage, and radiation exposure from CT scans were reduced significantly in the ultrasound group (P < 0.006). Differences in readmission rates and mean charges between the two groups did not reach significance.

Peritonsillar abscess is a common infection in the pediatric population, but diagnosis can be challenging. Transcervical ultrasound is a safe, cost-effective, and accurate modality to help stratify patients into medical and surgical treatment arms.

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:1924–1929, 2017

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Review.

A scoping review using the above databases was performed limited to January 2005 through December 2015. Articles were screened and reviewed based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Initial search generated 3,909 articles. After 72 full text articles were reviewed, only seven articles mentioned neurotoxicity as a risk of general anesthesia in pediatric patients.

Despite the high volume of pediatric otolaryngologic procedures performed annually, there remains limited awareness in our literature discussing neurotoxicity as an outcome. Prospective data from anesthesia literature is still pending; therefore, specific recommendations cannot be made at this time. Otolaryngologists should be aware of the concerns and work toward defining elective procedures, combining surgical procedures with other procedures or imaging, and reassessing the timing and frequency of various interventions under general anesthesia in young children. Laryngoscope, 127:1930–1937, 2017

Cadaver experiments.

In fresh cadavers, the mandibular attachments of the genioglossus, geniohyoid, and anterior digastric muscles were advanced anteriorly by 6, 10, or 14 mm, and the anterior displacement of the base of tongue and hyoid was measured. The degrees of displacement of the tongue base and hyoid by the individual muscles and combinations of muscles were compared to one another.

In 11 cadavers, 462 measurements were taken. Genioglossus advancement alone produced significantly greater tongue base advancement than any other muscle (P < .001). No combination of muscles produced significantly more tongue base advancement than the genioglossus alone. Geniohyoid (P < .001) and anterior digastric muscle (P < .001) advancement both produced significantly greater hyoid advancement than the genioglossus, but there was no difference between the two (p = .615). No combination of muscles produced significantly more hyoid advancement than the geniohyoid or anterior digastric alone.

Genioglossus muscle advancement produces the greatest base of tongue advancement. Geniohyoid or anterior digastric muscle advancement produces the greatest hyoid advancement. Advancement of neither base of tongue nor hyoid was superior when combinations of muscles were moved.

NA Laryngoscope, 127:1938–1942, 2017

Retrospective review of 154 patients who underwent DISE at a single pediatric tertiary care center over a 4-year period. Inclusion criteria were documentation of Brodsky tonsil score on preoperative physical examination. Exclusion criteria were previous tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or adenotonsillectomy. Lateral pharyngeal wall obstruction was graded for each patient from 0 (no obstruction) to 3 (severe obstruction) using a validated pediatric DISE scoring system known as the Chan-Parikh scoring system (C-P). Data were analyzed using multivariate linear regression controlling for age at time of DISE and presence of comorbid conditions.

One hundred fifteen patients met criteria for analysis. Median age at DISE was 5.1 years. A moderate positive correlation was calculated between Brodsky score and DISE score, Spearman correlation coefficient 0.55, P = < 0.001. Linear regression modeling determined that for every 1-point increase in tonsil score, there was a 0.7-point increase in C-P LPW score (95% confidence interval [0.45, 0.92]). Sensitivity analysis did not detect a difference in correlation between children with comorbid conditions and children who were otherwise in good health. Of the 65 children with a pre-DISE Brodsky tonsil score of 1, 39 (60%) had a LPW score of 0 (no obstruction); nine (14%) had a score of 1 (< 50% obstruction); 11 (17%) had a score of 2 (> 50% obstruction); and six (9%) had a score of 3 (100% obstruction).

There is a positive correlation between Brodsky Score and DISE LPW score. The majority of children with sleep-disordered breathing with a Brodsky score of 1 did not demonstrate LPW obstruction. These children may benefit from DISE for identification of alternative sites of upper airway obstruction.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1943–1949, 2017

Cross-sectional survey.

A Web-based survey was sent to 952 surgeons who completed the TPUSC between 2010 and 2014. Questions included surgeon specialty, practice type, Likert scale rating of the TPUSC, competency with different HNUS procedures, and current HNUS practice patterns.

The response rate was 24%. On a scale from 1 (not useful) to 5 (extremely valuable), the mean course usefulness rating was 4.2. Educational goals were met for 194 (92%) surgeons, and 162 (77%) surgeons reported performing HNUS in their practice. Of 48 surgeons not performing HNUS, 24 (50%) attributed insufficient time in their clinic schedule, and 21 (44%) attributed high equipment costs.

The TPUSC is a valuable educational experience for surgeons seeking to gain proficiency in HNUS. The majority of TPUSC graduates gain competency with at least one type of HNUS procedure following the course.

NA Laryngoscope, 127:1950–1958, 2017

Retrospective chart review.

PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy and/or neck dissection (revision/primary) from 2004 to 2009 at a tertiary-care hospital were reviewed. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography were utilized to identify macroscopic, clinically apparent nodal metastasis (cN+). Demographic data, type of surgery, nodal disease, and primary tumor information were recorded.

Of 416 patients reviewed, 35% had cN+ on initial presentation (IP); of these, 88% and 50% had central (CND) and lateral nodal disease (LND), respectively. The presence of ectopic nodal (END) metastases (nodal disease outside typical CND or LND locations) was absent on IP but occurred in 9% of patients with nodal recurrence. END was typically found in the retropharyngeal area but also was noted in the sublingual region, subcutaneous location, axilla, and chest wall. Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) was found in 8.9% without nodal disease, 33.1% with nodal disease, and 57.1% with END (P < 0.0001). Primary tumor size greater than 4 cm (P = 0.05) was associated with nodal disease.

This report represents a large series describing characteristics of the primary PTC tumor and associated nodal disease not only in the central and lateral neck but also in the ectopic locations. Our results suggest that a significant proportion of patients will have nodal disease in the central compartment on IP, especially younger patients. ETE and tumor size are associated with macroscopic nodal disease (including END). Nine percent of the patients with nodal recurrence had ectopic nodes occurring in various locations, most commonly in the retropharynx. CT scan can assist with identification and surgical planning of recurrent nodal disease.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1959–1964, 2017

Animal study.

Animals underwent unilateral posterior tibial nerve transection. The injury was repaired by potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser alone (n = 20), KTP + chitosan (n = 12), microsuture + chitosan (n = 12), and chitosan alone (n = 14). Weekly walking tracks were conducted to measure functional recovery (FR). Tensile strength (TS) was measured at 6 weeks.

At 6 weeks, KTP laser alone had the best recovery (FR = 93.4% ± 8.3%). Microsuture + chitosan, KTP + chitosan, and chitosan alone all showed good FR (87.4% ± 13.5%, 84.6% ± 13.0%, and 84.1% ± 10.0%, respectively). One-way analysis of variance was performed (F(3,56) = 2.6, P = .061). A TS threshold of 3.8 N was selected as a control mean recovery. Three groups—KTP alone, KTP + chitosan, and microsuture + chitosan—were found to meet threshold 60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.1%-88.3%), 75% (95% CI: 46.8%-91.1%), and 100% (95% CI: 75.8%-100.0%), respectively.

In the posterior tibial nerve model, all repair methods promoted nerve recovery. Laser-activated chitosan as a biopolymer anchor provided good TS and appears to be a novel alternative to microsuture. This repair method may have surgical utility following cranial nerve injury during head and neck surgery.

NA Laryngoscope, 127:E253–E257, 2017

Laboratory-based comparative analysis.

Fifteen murine tracheas of strain C57/B-6 mice were obtained. Thirteen were subjected to a detergent-enzymatic decellularization process. Of these decellularized tracheas (DT), eight were irradiated, exposing five tracheas to a radiation level of 25 kGy (DT25) and three to 5 kGy (DT5). Two were left untreated. The two untreated tracheas, two DTs, and two DT25s were prepared and examined using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Bioburden calculations were obtained from three DTs, three DT25s, and three DT5s by homogenization, serial dilution, and streak plating.

Electron microscopy of untreated fresh tracheas and DTs showed a slight qualitative degradation of cartilage ultrastructure due to the decellularization process. In contrast, examination of DT25 shows significant degradation including poor overall preservation of cartilage architecture with disorganized collagen fibers. The nonirradiated DTs had a calculated bacterial bioburden of 7.8 × 10⁷ to 3.4 × 10⁸ colony-forming units per gram. Both the DT25 and DT5 specimens were found to have a bioburden of zero.

Gamma radiation at 25 kGy degrades the architecture of decellularized tracheal grafts. These ultrastructural changes may prove detrimental to graft viability; however, bioburden calculations suggest that a 5 kGy radiation dose may be sufficient for sterilization.

NA Laryngoscope, 127:E258–E264, 2017

Animal study.

Rats were induced with ketamine/xylazine. The level of anesthesia was monitored by spontaneous glottic closure and corneal reflex testing. Air puffs were delivered to the epiglottis, arytenoid, and piriform sinus at varied pressures with pulse time kept constant. Sensation thresholds were determined by direct visualization of the larynx using a binocular microscope. Topical lidocaine was then applied to the larynx and ST was determined. Trials were repeated in a small subset of animals.

Twenty-six trials were performed in 14 rats. Mean STs were 39 ± 9.7 mm Hg at the epiglottis, 48.8 ± 10.5 at the arytenoid, and not detectable at the pyriform sinus. Repeated trials demonstrated consistent results. Lidocaine effectively ablated the LAR in each trial. The LAR was difficult to induce while corneal reflex was absent and was difficult to distinguish from spontaneous glottic closures while under lighter sedation.

Air pulse stimulation in rats is a simple, reliable, and effective way to determine laryngopharyngeal STs in rats and can be used as an efficient and affordable method for experimentation involving laryngeal sensory disorders.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E265–E269, 2017

Animal group comparison.

Spontaneous ultrasonic vocalizations from 10 male adult rats and 10 female adult rats were recorded, classified, and acoustically analyzed. Cross-sections of the thyroarytenoid muscle were stained and imaged for analysis of muscle fiber size and type. Acoustic and muscle parameters were statistically compared between sexes.

Male rats had a lower mean frequency of short ultrasonic vocalizations. Male rats also had a larger mean fiber size in the external division of the thyroarytenoid and larger overall muscle area in both the vocalis and external divisions of the thyroarytenoid. However, muscle fiber type compositions were similar between sexes in both the vocalis and external division of the thyroarytenoid muscles.

Functional and structural laryngeal differences exist between adult male and female rats; therefore, the rat model can be used to further study sexual dimorphism of the voice.

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E270–E276, 2017

Both ears of 137 consecutive patients were examined at 0.75 to 8 kHz before (B) and after (A) the first cycle of cisplatin (dose: 100 mg/m²/ 5 days).

The mean amplitudes (B vs. A) were compared with paired t test at each frequency. Ototoxic changes were considered when an individual amplitude difference (B-A) > 14 dB at 0.75 Hz or > 7 db at 1 to 8 kHz occurred.

The mean amplitudes were statistically significantly lower after first cycle at 0.75, 6, and 8 kHz. The majority of patients (96%) presented positive differences (B-A) in one or both ears; in 85 (62%) cases, the positive difference reached the level of ototoxicity out of which 34 (40%) and 19 (22%) of patients suffered ototoxicity in one or both ears, respectively. The difference between right and left ears in distribution of ototoxic cases was nonsignificant. Forty-five (33%) and four (3%) patients showed ototoxicity at two or more frequencies in one or both ears, respectively. An increased proportion of ototoxic cases can be seen at 0.75 to 1 kHz and 6 to 8 kHz.

After the first cycle of cisplatin treatment, early ototoxicity occurs in close to two-thirds of patients, as identified by measuring DPOAE. Therefore, further research for biomarkers is required, which can predict patients at risk in order to avoid an irreversible hearing loss by personalized, preventive therapies.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1909–1915, 2017

Retrospective study.

Immunohistochemical expression of VEGF and CD34 in a group of 16 patients surgically treated for cholesterol granuloma was examined. Middle ear cholesteatomas with normal middle ear mucosa and external auditory canal skin were used as the control groups. The radiological and intraoperative features of cholesterol granulomas were also examined.

In endothelial cells, there was an increased expression of angiogenetic growth factor receptors in all the cholesterol granulomas in this study. The quantitative analysis of VEGF showed a mean value of 37.5, whereas the CD34 quantitative analysis gave a mean value of 6.8. Seven patients presented radiological or intraoperative evidence of bone marrow invasion, hematopoietic potentialities, or blood source connections that might support the bleeding theory. In all of these cases there was computed tomography or intraoperative evidence of bone erosion of the middle ear and/or temporal bone structures. The mean values of VEGF and CD34 were 41.1 and 7.7, respectively.

High values of VEGF and CD34 are present in patients with cholesterol granulomas. Upregulation of VEGF and CD34 is indicative of a remarkable angiogenesis and a widespread vascular concentration in cholesterol granulomas.

3b. Laryngoscope, 127:E283–E290, 2017