Supracrural Ligament Graft in Rhinoplasty.

Irregularities of the nasal dorsum or tip are a potential risk after rhinoplasty. Patients with thin skin are considered to be at a higher risk of these irregularities. Different materials and grafts to address areas that may result in a contour irregularity postoperatively include diced or crushed cartilage, temporalis fascia, fascia lata, and AlloDerm. We describe a new graft, the supracrural ligament graft, which can be used to camouflage or add bulk during primary rhinoplasty. The graft is harvested easily during the initial exposure and does not require additional surgical sites or extra dissection. In this research, we described the use of the supracrural ligament graft in 49 patients. We found the average graft size to be 0.6 × 0.4 cm. The graft was used in the following locations: nasal tip (49%), radix (40%), and nasal dorsum (10%). No complications were seen using the graft in any of the 49 patients. In conclusion, the supracrural ligament graft is a safe, simple, and effective camouflage graft for commonly encountered irregularities in rhinoplasty. Common areas of use include the nasal dorsum and nasal tip. Routine harvest of this graft may obviate the need to use either additional grafting material or an additional surgical site to help camouflage areas of concern in thin skin patients.

Osteotomies-When, Why, and How?

An ideal nasal osteotomy should deliver precise, predictable, and reproducible cosmetic and functional results while minimizing soft-tissue trauma and postoperative complications. In addition to closing an open roof deformity after hump reduction, other common indications for osteotomies include the crooked nose and a wide bony vault. The literature has reported numerous and diverse osteotomy techniques as well as differences in timing of osteotomies. Each has its own merits and indications, and its proponents. In this article, we review the anatomy and nomenclature relating to osteotomies. We review the locations and paths of the osteotomies-lateral, intermediate, medial, and superior/transverse. We consider the percutaneous and endonasal approaches, as well as timing of osteotomies and other considerations. We also discuss technical considerations in the selection of instrumentation for osteotomies.

Tranexamic Acid in Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Evidence, Applications, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has become widely used in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, although its efficacy has not been well investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the existing evidence for use of TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, highlighting routes of administration, dosing, surgical applications, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Systematic review of primary literature evaluating TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery. RESULTS: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria: 8 prospective randomized controlled trials, 2 retrospective case series/cohort studies, and 1 clinical opinion. Six studies evaluated TXA in rhinoplasty, 4 in rhytidectomy, and 1 in blepharoplasty. Significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss were found in 5 rhinoplasty studies. Three rhinoplasty and 2 rhytidectomy studies found significantly reduced postoperative edema and ecchymosis. One rhinoplasty and 1 rhytidectomy study reported reduced operative time and time to achieve hemostasis. One rhytidectomy study reported reduced postoperative drain output and faster time to drain removal. No studies reported an adverse outcome directly related to TXA. CONCLUSIONS: Existing literature investigating TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery is sparse with varying levels of evidence and heterogeneous data. Literature suggests systemic TXA reduces intraoperative blood loss during rhinoplasty, although the clinical significance of this blood loss reduction is unclear. TXA may also reduce postoperative edema and/or ecchymosis in rhytidectomy and rhinoplasty, although the lack of validated grading scales yields insufficient evidence to support this claim. Topical and subcutaneously injected TXA are emerging administration routes in rhytidectomy, with evidence suggesting TXA mixed with tumescent may reduce postoperative drain output, thereby expediting drain removal.

Factors Important in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Program Selection.

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) training programs offer exceptional exposure to the most current techniques in the field. However, applicants have many factors to weigh when ranking programs. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that applicants believe to be the most critical when choosing an FPRS fellowship. This is an anonymous online survey of FPRS fellows between the years 2018 and 2020 (total 147). Respondents were asked to rate importance of program factors on a Likert scale (1-5). Of 147 applicants, 63 (43%) responded. Applicants found the type of practice, academic or private, equally important, with score averages of 3.02 and 3.25, respectively. The two most important program factors to applicants were exposure to the business of medicine/practice management (3.94) and location (3.4). The two most important areas of surgical exposure include rhinoplasty (4.54) and aging face (4.44). Of 63 applicants, 41 (65%) were interested in private practice, with 51% seeking a facial plastics/plastic reconstructive surgery group setting versus solo practice, general otolaryngology group, or dermatology group practice. Of 61 applicants, 48 (76%) wanted a mix of cosmetic/reconstructive surgery in their first 5 years of practice. Finally, applicants were not interested (average: 1.94) in keeping general otolaryngology as part of their practice. Applicants want strong exposure to the business of medicine, rhinoplasty, aging face, all while in their preferred location. Additionally, the majority of applicants seek employment in a plastic surgery focused group practice, with the sole focus being the breadth of FPRS.

Orbital Trauma.

The orbit is contained within a complex bony architecture with overlying soft tissue that involves many important anatomical structures. Orbital trauma is a frequent cause of damage to these structures. The authors review the literature on reconstructive techniques focusing on fractures of the orbital rim, orbital roof, orbital floor, medial orbital wall, and naso-orbito-ethmoid complex. A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed analyzing articles relevant to the subject matter. Various search terms were used to identify articles regarding orbital trauma presentation, diagnosis, management, as well as postoperative complications. Articles were examined by all authors and pertinent information was gleaned for the purpose of generating this review. Orbital trauma can result in a wide variety of complications in form and function. Not all orbital fractures require operative repair. However, bony disruption can cause enophthalmos, hypophthalmos, telecanthus, epiphora, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, orbital hematoma, and even blindness to name a few. Timing of operative repair as well as reconstructive method is dictated by the patient's individual presentation. Successful fracture management requires a detailed understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology to ensure restoration of the patients' preoperative state. Orbital trauma encompasses a wide variety of mechanisms of injury and resulting fracture patterns. A variety of surgical approaches to the orbit exist as has been discussed allowing the surgeon access to all area of interest. Regardless of the fracture complexity, the principles of atraumatic technique, anatomic reduction, and stable fixation apply in all cases.

Are Otolaryngology Milestones Predictive of Otolaryngology Training Examination Scores?

IMPORTANCE:: Otolaryngology residents take the otolaryngology training examination (OTE) yearly to assess their fund of knowledge. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestone evaluations are also conducted semiannually. Accurate prediction of training examination performance allows identification of residents who are performing well and those who need targeted remediation. Prior studies in other specialties have attempted to use milestone evaluations to help predict in-training examination scores. OBJECTIVE:: In this study, we aim to identify whether ACGME milestone evaluation scores predict OTE performance. DESIGN:: Milestone ratings and OTE scores for residents at 2 US otolaryngology residency programs were collected. Multivariate analysis was achieved using linear mixed modeling. We considered a 2-tailed P value of ≤ .05 as statistically significant. SETTING:: Two US otolaryngology residency programs. PARTICIPANTS:: Forty-eight otolaryngology residents postgraduate years 2 to 5. RESULTS:: Otolaryngology training examination scores and ACGME milestone evaluations were collected from 48 residents from postgraduate year 2 to 5 between the years 2014 and 2017. One hundred eight OTE scores were available. Linear mixed-effect models were constructed, and after adjusting for level of training and OTE year, the total milestone rating made a negligible impact in estimating OTE percentage correct (ß = -.01, P = .9). Similarly, total milestone rating demonstrated a minimal contribution in approximating OTE national stanine score after adjusting for the level of training (ß = -.003, P = .9). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:: In our study, ACGME milestone evaluations are not predictive of residents' OTE performance. What these milestone evaluation data mean and how they should be used continues to be an unanswered question. We should aim to identify the most effective applications of the milestone data collected yearly by otolaryngology programs.

Primary mucinous eccrine carcinoma of the buccal space: A case report and review of the literature.

IMPORTANCE: Mucinous eccrine carcinoma is a rare entity that most commonly affects the head and neck. Due to its low frequency of occurrence, review of its etiology, histopathology, and treatment strategies is beneficial to all clinicians who may encounter similar appearing masses. OBSERVATION: An 84-year-old male presented with a blue mass on the left cheek. This mass started as a small bump and grew significantly over one year. His primary care physician monitored its growth and ultimately referred to an otolaryngologist. Imaging findings revealed a multi-lobular solid and cystic left buccal lesion. FNA was suggestive of low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. INTERVENTION: Patient underwent surgical excision with primary closure of the defect. Frozen section was consistent with low grade salivary malignancy. Final pathology revealed primary mucinous eccrine carcinoma of the skin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Mucinous eccrine carcinoma is a rare entity commonly seen in the head and neck region. Mucinous deposits to the skin from primaries elsewhere in the body are much more common than primary lesions of the skin. Histology is a key component of the diagnosis but full oncologic workup is required. Treatment typically includes wide local excision with possible adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation for high risk features.

Current Status of Radiology Training in Otolaryngology Residency Programs.

IMPORTANCE: Otolaryngologists use head and neck imaging on a daily basis. However, little is known about the training residents receive on the subject. Understanding the current training environment is important to identify areas of improvement for resident education. OBJECTIVE: To assess the current state of radiology training in otolaryngology residency programs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a cross-sectional survey of 106 otolaryngology residency program directors involving multiple academic institutions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The main outcome of this study is the number of US otolaryngology residency programs that have a radiology curriculum. Measured outcomes were obtained from an anonymous online survey and reported as a percent of total respondents. RESULTS: Program directors from 39 of 106 (37%) US otolaryngology residency training programs responded to the survey. Twenty-eight of 39 (71%) have a focused radiology curriculum; 18 of 28 (64%) conduct sessions on a monthly basis, 8 of 28 (29%) on a quarterly basis, and 2 of 28 (7%) on a weekly basis. The predominant format (20 of 27 programs [74%]) is a mix of case-based review of inpatient studies and standard lectures. The largest proportion of sessions were run by radiologists (13 of 28 [46%]), with a mix of radiology and otolaryngologists close behind (11 of 28 [39%]). Twenty-two of 39 residency programs (56%) have a dedicated radiology rotation within their educational curriculum, of which 17 of 22 (77%) occur in postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) of training, 3 of 22 (14%) in PGY-3, and 2 of 22 (9%) in PGY-4. Rotation lengths range from 1 week to 3 months, with most running 1 to 4 weeks. Thirty-two of 38 of US program directors (84%) believe that a formal radiology curriculum would benefit their residents. Thirty-five of 39 believe that this should be a case-based review of images. Twenty-four of 38 believe this should be done on a monthly basis. Fifteen of 39 responding program directors (39%) believe the optimal time is during the PGY-3 of training, 36% (14 of 38) favor the PGY-2, and 23% (9 of 38) in PGY-1. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Despite no standardized requirements from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), 71% of US otolaryngology residency program directors who responded to our survey have a radiology curriculum. Most run didactics sessions at the desired frequency, setting, and format preferred by responding program directors. More than half of programs provide a dedicated radiology rotation, mostly during PGY-1, while identifying PGY-2 and PGY-3 as the optimal time for such an experience. These results highlight the need for a more thorough review of radiology education requirements from the ACGME to improve the training of otolaryngology residents across the country.

The clinical impact of bedside fiberoptic laryngoscopic recording on a tertiary consult service.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is dependent on accurate descriptions of examination findings. Traditional recording methods can be impractical for inpatient consults. Therefore, we aim to determine the utility of a smartphone-coupled portable recording system with flexible laryngoscopy for transmitting information between resident and attending physicians in a real-time setting. STUDY DESIGN: Pilot prospective study in a tertiary academic hospital. METHODS: This is a prospective study of inpatient consultations in a tertiary referral hospital over a 3-month period from April 2015 to June 2015. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed by a resident physician, and mobile recordings were relayed to an attending physician. Concordance of laryngoscopy interpretations between resident and attending physicians as well as changes in management were documented. RESULTS: Seventy-nine fiberoptic examinations were recorded and compared. Each consult was categorized as follows: airway evaluation (AE) (43%, 34/79), voice evaluation (VE) (3.7%, 3/79), dysphagia (D) (24%, 19/79), and aerodigestive tract mass/pathology (ADM) (29.1%, 23/79). Nine examinations showed discordance between resident and attending interpretations. Inter-rater agreement was good, with a kappa value of 0.747 (95% confidence interval: 0.643-0.851). The frequency of discordant exams within each group was as follows: AE (15%, 5/34), VE (33%, 1/3), D (11%, 2/19), and ADM (4.3%, 1/23). In five patients, changes in laryngoscopy interpretation changed clinical management. Seven nondiscordant exams had a change in management after attending review. Of the 79 exams, only one required repeat flexible laryngoscopy by the attending physician. CONCLUSIONS: Portable recording of flexible laryngoscopy is an effective tool for timely management of inpatient consultations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:818-822, 2018.

Where are lifesaving automated external defibrillators located and how hard is it to find them in a large urban city?

OBJECTIVES: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are lifesaving, but little is known about where they are located or how to find them. We sought to locate AEDs in high employment areas of Philadelphia and characterize the process of door-to-door surveying to identify these devices. METHODS: Block groups representing approximately the top 3rd of total primary jobs in Philadelphia were identified using the US Census Local Employment Dynamics database. All buildings within these block groups were surveyed during regular working hours over six weeks during July-August 2011. Buildings were characterized as publically accessible or inaccessible. For accessible buildings, address, location type, and AED presence were collected. Total devices, location description and prior use were gathered in locations with AEDs. Process information (total people contacted, survey duration) was collected for all buildings. RESULTS: Of 1420 buildings in 17 block groups, 949 (67%) were accessible, but most 834 (88%) did not have an AED. 283 AEDs were reported in 115 buildings (12%). 81 (29%) were validated through visualization and 68 (24%) through photo because employees often refused access. In buildings with AEDs, several employees (median 2; range 1-8) were contacted to ascertain information, which required several minutes (mean 4; range 1-55). CONCLUSIONS: Door-to-door surveying is a feasible, but time-consuming method for identifying AEDs in high employment areas. Few buildings reported having AEDs and few permitted visualization, which raises concerns about AED access. To improve cardiac arrest outcomes, efforts are needed to improve the availability of AEDs, awareness of their location and access to them.