Leave No Stone Unturned: A Case of an Actinomyces Rhinolith Presenting With Chronic Cough and Throat Pain.

Actinomycosis infection in the nasal cavity, especially an actinomyces rhinolith, is extremely rare. It should be considered in cases where a heterogenous calcified mass is found within the nasal cavity on endoscopy and radiographically. Treatment includes surgical debridement and a prolonged course of antibiotics, unique from the more typically encountered fungus ball. This case highlights the broad differential for chronic cough and throat pain and the importance of considering sinonasal contributions to throat symptoms.

Effect of Local Anesthetic Injections on Subjective Pain Scales in Pediatric Tonsillectomies: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of local anesthetic injection on subjective pain scores for pediatric tonsillectomies on postoperative days (PODs) 0 and 1. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted with the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. REVIEW METHODS: A 2-researcher team following the PRISMA guidelines performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies with original data and a saline injection control arm were selected. Corresponding authors were contacted for missing data. The collated data were analyzed with RevMan version 5.4 (Review Manager; Cochrane Collaboration). Random effects modeling and standard mean difference were utilized to control for heterogeneity. Surgical technique subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 319 publications were identified, and 8 articles with 13 experimental arms (627 participants) were selected for meta-analysis. Local anesthetic injection was compared with placebo with saline injection. The standard mean difference for POD 0 pain was -0.81 (95% CI, -1.16 to -0.46; P < .00001) in favor of local anesthetic. The standard mean difference for POD 1 was -1.13 (95% CI, -1.48 to -0.78; P < .00001) in favor of local anesthetic. Subgroup analysis by surgical technique showed a less robust effect for cautery excision (-1.01 [95% CI, -1.37 to -0.66]) vs cold excisional technique (-1.19 [95% CI, -1.64 to -0.74]), with or without cautery-based hemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: A local anesthetic injection during a pediatric tonsillectomy reduces postoperative pain on POD 0 and 1. Further analysis on total narcotic use and postoperative complications would benefit surgeon decision making.

Validation of a three-dimensional printed pediatric middle ear model for endoscopic surgery training.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the anatomical appropriateness of a three-dimensional (3D) printed pediatric middle ear model with a replaceable middle ear unit as an endoscopic ear surgery (EES) simulator. Methods: Single-blinded, prospective, proof-of-concept study conducted in a simulation operative suite. A simulator was developed through segmentation of source images and multi-material 3D printing. Subjects were asked to point to seven anatomical sites before and after a short anatomy presentation of a human middle ear photograph. They also filled out a survey about the feasibility of the model. Outcome variables included survey scores, pre-anatomy lesson (PreAL) and post-anatomy lesson (PostAL) quiz scores. Results: There were 24 participants (19 residents, 1 fellow, and 4 attendings), none with self-reported proficiency in EES. The PreAL mean score was 4.42 and PostAL quiz mean score was 5.32 (average improvement of 43% [CI = 17%-70%]; p = .003). The higher the level of training, the higher the PreAL scores (0.55 points per year of training; p = .004). The subspecialty (otology, other, in-training) was also associated with the PreAL scores (p = .004). Total survey score means were 22.8 (out of 30). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that our model has adequate anatomical high fidelity to mimic a real, pediatric temporal bone for EES. As 3D printing technologies continue to advance, the quality of ear models has the potential to provide improved surgical training for pediatric EES. Level of Evidence: 4.

Necrotizing Tracheitis Complicated by Tracheal Wall Perforation.

Necrotizing tracheitis is a rare condition, mainly seen in immunocompromised patients, that may lead to pseudomembrane formation, airway obstruction and in severe cases, tracheal perforation. We present a case of a 32-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes who presented with productive cough, dysphagia, and respiratory distress. Bronchoscopy revealed extensive tracheal necrosis along a 4-5 cm segment of cartilaginous trachea and was complicated by tracheal perforation with false passage into the anterior mediastinum. Once the airway was re-established, a multidisciplinary team discussed options for definitive airway management, including tracheal reconstruction, pulmonary stent, or tracheostomy. Ultimately, a distal XLT tracheostomy was placed. Microbiology specimens of the tracheal tissue were positive for Actinomyces. The patient was started on long-term antibiotics and diabetes management. At three-month follow-up, the trachea was patent with near complete mucosalization of the previously necrotic segment. An area of proximal tracheal stenosis was successfully managed with a customized tracheal T-tube. In conclusion, this is a case of necrotizing tracheitis complicated by tracheal perforation. Successful treatment required a multidisciplinary team for airway management as well as medical treatment of immunocompromising risk factors and antimicrobial therapy. This enabled timely healing of the trachea and a durable airway.

Pediatric basilar skull fractures from multi-level falls: A systematic review and retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Multi-level fall (MLF) accounts for 26.5%-37.7% of traumatic pediatric basilar skull fractures (BSFs). There is a dearth of information concerning recommendations for work-up, diagnosis, treatment, and otolaryngological follow-up of pediatric basilar skull fractures secondary to MLFs. Through a systematic literature review and retrospective review of an institution's trauma experience, we sought to identify clinical findings among pediatric MLF patients that indicate the need for otolaryngological follow-up. METHODS: A two-researcher team following the PRISMA guidelines performed a systematic literature review. PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases were searched August 16th, 2020 and again on November 20th, 2021 for English language articles published after 1980 using search terms Pediatric AND (fall OR "multi level fall" OR "fall from height") AND ("basilar fracture" OR "basilar skull fracture" OR "skull base fracture" OR "skull fracture"). Simultaneously, an institutional trauma database and retrospective chart review was performed for all patients under age 18 who presented with a MLF to a pediatric tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018. RESULTS: 168 publications were identified and 13 articles reporting pediatric basilar skull fracture data and MLF as a mechanism of injury were selected for review. MLF is the most common etiology of BSF, accounting for 26.5-37.7% of pediatric BSFs. In the retrospective review, there were 180 cases of BSF from MLF in the study period (4.2%). BSF and fall height were significantly associated (p < 0.001), as well as presence of a CSF leak and fall height (p = 0.02), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (p = 0.047), and BSF fracture type (p < 0.001). However, when stratified by age, these associations were only present in the younger group. Of those with non-temporal bone BSFs (n = 71), children with hemotympanum (n = 7) were approximately 18 times more likely (RR 18.3, 95% CI 1.89 to 177.02) than children without hemotympanum (n = 64) to have hearing loss at presentation (28.6% vs. 1.6% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: MLF is the most common cause of pediatric basilar skull fractures. However, there is limited information on the appropriate work-up or otolaryngologic follow-up for this mechanism of injury. Our retrospective review suggests fall height is predictive for BSF, ICH, and CSF leak in younger children. Also, children with non-temporal bone BSFs and hemotympanum may represent a significant population requiring otolaryngology follow-up.

Aortopulmonary collaterals: An etiology for pediatric tracheostomy hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To report a single-institution's experience of symptomatic aortopulmonary collaterals presenting as tracheostomy tube hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series and Contemporary Review. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. METHODS: Retrospective review, from 2015 to 2020, of patients <18 years old who were treated for tracheostomy hemorrhage with endovascular embolization of aortopulmonary collateral (APC) vessels. RESULTS: 4 patients were identified, 2 males and 2 females, ages 15 months-to 14 years-old, with a range of cyanotic congenital heart diseases. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy were necessary for excluding proximal airway sources. Chest computed tomography angiography did not localize pulmonary hemorrhage, but helped identify aortopulmonary collaterals. Cardiac catheterization was both diagnostic and therapeutic with use of endovascular embolization techniques by pediatric interventional cardiology and interventional radiology. Previously reported APC-related pulmonary hemorrhages occurred in significantly different settings compared to our patients, and evaluation by an otolaryngologist was key to rule out upper airway etiologies. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic aortopulmonary collaterals is an important etiology in pediatric tracheostomy tube hemorrhage in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Remote telesurgery in humans: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Since the conception of robotic surgery, remote telesurgery has been a dream upon which incredible technological advances haven been built. Despite the considerable enthusiasm for, there have been few published studies of remote telesurgery on humans. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the English literature (PubMed, EMbase, Inspec & Compendex and Web of Science) to report studies of remote telesurgery in humans. Keywords included telesurgery, remote surgery, long-distance surgery, and telerobotics. Subjects had to be human (live patients or cadavers). The operating surgeon had to be remote from the patient, separated by more than one kilometer. The article had to explicitly report the use of a long-distance telerobotic technique. Articles that focused on telepresence or tele-mentoring were excluded. RESULTS: The study included eight articles published from 2001 to 2020. One manuscript (1 subject) described remote surgery on a cadaver model, and the other seven were on live humans (72 subjects). Procedure types included percutaneous, endovascular, laparoscopic, and transoral. Communication methods varied, with the first report using a telephone line and the most recent studies using a 5G network. Six of the studies reported signal latency as a single value and it ranged from 28 ms to 280 ms. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have described remote telesurgery in humans, and there is considerable variability in robotic and communication methods. Future efforts should work to improve reporting of signal latency and follow careful research methodology.

Patient-worn endoscopy mask to protect against viral transmission.

OBJECTIVES: To design and evaluate patient-worn personal protective equipment (PPE) that allows providers to perform endoscopy while protecting against droplet and airborne disease transmission. STUDY DESIGN: Single subject study. METHODS: Mask efficacy was evaluated using a cough simulator that sprays dye visible under ultra-violet light. User-testing was performed on an airway trainer mannequin where each subject performed the endoscopy with and without the mask in random orders. Their time to completion and number of attempts before successful completion were recorded, and each subject was asked to fill out a NASA Task Load Index (TLX) form with respect to their experience. RESULTS: The mask has a filtration efficiency of 97.31% and eliminated any expelled particles with the cough simulator. Without the mask, a simulated cough is visualized as it progresses away from the cough origin. Subjects who performed trans-nasal endoscopy spent 27.8 ± 8.0 s to visualize the vocal cords for the no mask condition and 28.7 ± 13.6 s for the mask condition (mean ± SD, p > .05). There was no statistically significant difference found in the mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration of endoscopy under the no mask and mask conditions (all p > .05). CONCLUSION: The designed PPE provides an effective barrier for viral droplet and airborne transmission while allowing the ability to perform endoscopy with ease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Anesthetic injections and analgesia use in pediatric post-tonsillectomy patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of local anesthetic injection on post-operative analgesia and complications for pediatric tonsillectomies on post-operative day (POD) 0 and 1. METHODS: A 2-researcher team following the PRISMA guidelines performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases Pubmed.gov, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were used. Studies written with original data utilizing a saline injection control arm were selected. Corresponding authors were contacted for missing data, which was used when possible. The collated data was analyzed with Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4., The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020. Surgical technique subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: 319 publications were identified and 8 articles with 12 total experimental arms (529 participants) were selected. Local anesthetic injection was compared to saline injection. The standard mean difference for time until first analgesic was 0.68 min [0.26, 1.09](P = 0.001) in favor of local anesthetic. The odds ratio (OR) for patients receiving one or more narcotic doses on POD 0 was 0.22 [0.06, 0.84](P = 0.03) in favor of local anesthetic. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an intraoperative anesthetic injection during pediatric tonsillectomy can help improve initial recovery as it delays the need for narcotic medication and may reduce postoperative narcotic usage on POD 0 and 1. In addition, a local anesthetic does not increase the risk of postoperative bleeding or dehydration.

Timing of postoperative oral feeding after head and neck mucosal free flap reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Fistula remains a common complication of upper aerodigestive tract reconstruction. Optimal timing of oral feeding is unknown and the impact of early feeding on swallow function and fistula rates remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of "early feeding" on fistula rate and swallow in patients with free flap reconstruction of upper aerodigestive tract defects. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. One hundred and four patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of mucosalized head and neck defects. Two groups, early feeding (oral intake on or before postoperative day 5) and late-feeding (oral intake after postoperative day 5). Primary outcome was incidence of salivary fistula. Secondary outcomes included Functional Oral Intake Scale scores. RESULTS: Fistula rate was 16.5% in late-feeding group and 0% in early-feeding group (P = .035). Patients who were fed early had an association with progression to a full oral diet by 30 days (P = .027). DISCUSSION: This cohort analysis suggests that in properly selected patients with free flap reconstruction for mucosal defects, early feeding may not increase risk of salivary fistula and may improve swallow functional outcomes earlier. Level of Evidence: 3.

Quality improvement intervention to reduce time to postoperative radiation in head and neck free flap patients.

BACKGROUND: Best-practice guidelines for head and neck cancer patients advise postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) initiation within 6 weeks of surgery. We report our institutional experience improving timeliness of adjuvant radiation in free-flap patients. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria in the 2017-2019 study period. We divided into "Early" (n = 19) and "Late" (n = 20) time-period groups to compare performance over time. The primary endpoint was time to PORT initiation, with success defined as <6 weeks. RESULTS: The number of patients achieving timely PORT improved from 10.5% in the Early group to 50.0% in the Late group (p = 0.014). Patients undergoing concurrent adjuvant chemoradiation were more likely to meet the PORT target in the Late group (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: We ascribe this quality improvement in free-flap patients to increased communication among multidisciplinary care teams, proactive consultation referrals, and a targeted patient-navigator intervention. Though work is needed to further improve performance, insight gained from our experience may benefit other teams.

Transoral Excision of a Large Accessory Parotid Gland Tumor.

Accessory parotid gland (APG) tumors account for 1% to 7% of all parotid gland neoplasms but are more likely to be malignant than main parotid gland tumors. Management of APG neoplasms entails surgical excision. Four primary approaches to resection have been described in the literature with varying facial nerve outcomes. We report a case of a 4-cm APG pleomorphic adenoma utilizing a transoral approach for excision without postoperative facial nerve injury. A transoral approach is known to mitigate patients' cosmetic concerns; however, prior reports utilized endoscopic assistance on patients with smaller tumors. We conclude that large APG tumors can be excised through a transoral approach without undue risk to the distal facial nerves, though this transoral approach ultimately may not be appropriate for malignant neoplasms or difficult dissections.

Pediatric Basilar Skull Fracture Mechanisms and Trends From 2007 to 2018.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the specific mechanism and trend of injury resulting in pediatric basilar skull fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of a trauma database. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. METHODS: Patients ≤18 years old with basilar skull fractures were identified via the trauma database for admissions from 2007 to 2018. Patients were identified with ICD-9 codes (801.0, 801.1, 801.2, 801.3 or 801.4) and ICD-10 codes (S02.1, S02.10, S02.11, S02.19) for skull base fractures (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision). RESULTS: A total of 729 patients were included: 251 females and 478 males. The 2 most common mechanisms of injury are multilevel falls and unhelmeted rider falls. Multilevel falls occur more in the toddler age group (average age, 4 years), and unhelmeted rider falls are seen in the older age group (average age, 11.2 years). Helmeted rider and motor vehicle accident basilar skull injuries are relatively uncommon. There was a spike in television/entertainment center mechanisms of injury in toddlers from 2007 to 2011 but has since decreased. CONCLUSION: Pediatric basilar skull fractures are costly to the health care system, as patients spent more time in intensive care unit beds with a charge limited to hospital rooms between $1.7 and $2.7 million per year. The protective effect of helmets is demonstrated by unhelmeted rider injuries being the second-most common mechanism of basilar skull fractures and by helmeted rider injuries being rare. The small proportion of basilar skull fractures from motor vehicle accidents is an example of policy and behavioral changes resulting in decreased injury.

The role of bioresorbable intraluminal airway stents in pediatric tracheobronchial obstruction: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheal stenosis and tracheobronchomalacia are complicated, patient-specific diseases that can be treated with intraluminal stenting. Most commonly, silicone and metal stents are utilized, however, they pose significant early and late morbidity and are further complicated by growth of the airway in the pediatric population. Given recent improvements in materials science, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting a strong role for bioresorbable intraluminal stents in treating pediatric tracheobronchial obstruction. METHODS: A PubMed.gov literature search was performed on December 3, 2019 and May 15, 2020, and a 2-researcher systematic review was performed following the PRISMA criteria. The following search query was utilized: (((((((bioresorbable) OR bioabsorbable) OR resorbable) OR absorbable) OR biodegradable AND airway) OR trachea) AND stent. A pooled statistical analysis was performed on all reported pediatric patients using SPSS software. RESULTS: 1369 publications were screened and 26 articles with original data were identified. Materials used included polydioxanone (PDO), poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), polyglycolic acid/poly-l-lactide co-polymer with Proglactin 910 (Vicryl®-PDS®), polycaprolactone (PCL), magnesium alloys, and co-polymers in varying proportions. Twelve articles presented data on human subjects, 8 of which were case series and case reports on pediatric populations using polydioxanone (PDO) stents. Pooled statistical analysis demonstrated an average age of 19 months (range 0.25-144), 56.5% associated with a cardiovascular anomaly, and overall complication rate of 21.7%, with a stent fragment foreign body being the most common (8.7%), followed by significant granulation tissue (4.3%), stent migration (4.3%), and local stenosis (4.3%). Comparative analysis demonstrated short-term improvement (up to 1 month) has a statistically significant association with tracheobronchomalacia versus tracheal stenosis on chi-squared test (p = 0.001). The remaining analyses did not yield statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The reported application of bioresorbable materials as intraluminal airway stents is positive. All comparative animal studies report biocompatibility and fewer morbidities compared to metal and silicone stents, however, in human studies there are concerns over the short interval of degradation and the potential for obstructive foreign bodies in poorly seated stents. Overall, there are clear, reproducible advantages to bioresorbable intraluminal stents in pediatric airway obstruction, as well as common pitfalls, that warrant further research.

Advances in facial nerve management in the head and neck cancer patient.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize best practices in facial nerve management for patients with head and neck cancer. In addition, we provide a review of recent literature on novel innovations and techniques in facial reanimation surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Although recommended when tumor ablation surgery requires facial nerve sacrifice, facial reanimation procedures are not always performed. Concurrent dynamic facial reanimation with masseteric nerve transfers and cable graft repair can preserve native facial muscle function. Static suspension can provide facial support and immediate resting symmetry for patients. Eyelid weight and eye care should not be delayed, particularly in patients with trigeminal sensory deficits. Choice of neural source to innervate a gracilis-free muscle transfer for smile reanimation remains controversial; however, new techniques, such as dual innervation and multivector muscle transfer, may improve aesthetic and functional outcomes. SUMMARY: Management of the facial nerve in the setting of head and neck cancer presents unique challenges. When possible, simultaneous oncologic resection and facial reanimation is ideal given the open surgical field, newly dissected and electrically stimulatable facial nerve branches, as well as minimizing postoperative healing time to prevent postsurgical treatment delays. A coordinated approach to facial nerve management with a multidisciplinary surgical team may help provide optimal, comprehensive care.

The role of 3D printing in pediatric airway obstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Tracheomalacia and tracheal stenosis are complicated, patient-specific diseases that require a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat. Surgical interventions such as aortopexy, slide tracheoplasty, and stents potentially have high rates of morbidity. Given the emergence of three-dimensional (3D) printing as a versatile adjunct in managing complex pathology, there is a growing body of evidence that there is a strong role for 3D printing in both surgical planning and implant creation for pediatric airway obstruction. METHODS: A structured PubMed.gov literature search was utilized, and a two-researcher systematic review was performed following the PRISMA criteria. The following search query was utilized: (((((3D printing) OR three-dimensional printing) OR 3D printed) OR three-dimensional printed) AND trachea) OR airway. RESULTS: Over 23,000 publications were screened. Eight literature reviews and thirty-seven original papers met inclusion criteria. Of the thirty-seven original papers, eleven discussed 3D printing for surgical planning and twenty-six discussed 3D printing implants for interventions. CONCLUSION: The reported application of 3D printing for management of pediatric airway obstruction is emerging with positive and broad applications. 3D printing for surgical planning not only improves pre-operative assessment of surgical approach and stent customization, but also helps facilitate patient/family education. 3D printing for custom implantable interventions is focused on bioresorbable external airway splints and biological grafts, with both animal studies and human case reports showing good results in improving symptoms.

Balloon dilation of sinus ostia in the Department of Defense: Diagnoses, actual indications, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the primary diagnoses for which balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of sinus ostia is being employed in a profit-blind health care system, the Department of Defense. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: From January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013, 319 consecutive patient charts were reviewed for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD-9) diagnoses, presence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS), preoperative Lund-Mackay scores, nasal endoscopy findings, sinuses dilated, postoperative outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Of the 319 patients identified, 217 had sufficient documentation to be included. A CRS ICD-9 code was applied in 182 of 217 (83.9%) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis in 12 of 217 (5.6%). Only 50.5% of CRS patient charts met criteria using EPOS guidelines. In contrast, 39.6% met the ICD-9 criteria for atypical facial pain. Patients with Lund-Mackay scores ≤ 4 were reviewed for number of sinuses dilated. Eighty-eight of 123 patients (71.5%) had sinuses dilated that were free from opacification/mucosal edema on preoperative imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon dilation of sinus ostia has an expanding role in treating sinus disease. In the studied population, BCD is often utilized for alternate indications for which there is currently no evidence of efficacy. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this technology in treating these alternate indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:544-549, 2017.