Forehead Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes.

Importance: Forehead reduction, or hairline lowering surgery, is becoming more popular as a cosmetic procedure for patients with disproportionately large foreheads. A large forehead can make a patient appear older, be masculinizing, and less attractive. Objective: To quantify reported outcomes in patients undergoing forehead reduction. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of adults undergoing forehead reduction. A review protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42020183366). A research librarian created search strategies in multiple databases. Abstracts and full texts were reviewed in duplicate. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool were used. Random effects meta-analyses were performed. The primary outcome was amount of reduction. Other extracted data included study type, location, sample size, scalp fixation method, incision, complications, follow-up time, percentage female, and age. Results: Our search strategy found 376 unique citations, and 8 studies were included. All eight were retrospective cohort studies, comprising 882 patients (range 5-525). Study quality was high, and risk of bias ranged from unclear to high. Four studies were included for meta-analysis, totaling 801 patients. Mean amount of reduction was 1.6 cm (95% confidence interval: 1.4-1.8). Complications included temporary and permanent alopecia, unacceptable scarring, persistent paresthesia, and hematoma. The pooled complication rate was 1% or less. Conclusion: Forehead reduction is associated with a low complication rate (<1%), and a mean lowering of 1.6 cm is reported. Future studies should report mean and standard deviation of reduction, and should follow patients for at least 12 months.

Factors associated with skin graft take in fibula and radial forearm free flap donor sites.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify factors associated with skin graft take in fibula free flaps (FFF) and radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) donor sites. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine which factors are associated with decreased skin graft take at the donor site in FFF and RFFF in head and neck patients. DESIGN: Retrospective Chart Review Case Series. SETTING: Multicenter Tertiary Care. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was performed at three institutions identifying patients who underwent free tissue transfer, specifically either FFF or RFFF, between 2007 and 2017. Patient demographics, medical history, and social history were examined including age, gender, BMI, smoking status, diabetes and preoperative anticoagulation use. Preoperative, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were also examined including tourniquet use, type of flap, area of skin graft, if the skin graft had a donor site or if it was taken from the flap, wound NPWT use, cast use, use of physical therapy, DVT prophylaxis, limb ischemia, heparin drip, and postoperative aspirin use. Statistical analysis was used to determine which factors were significantly associated with skin graft take. RESULTS: 1415 patients underwent a forearm or fibula flap and 938 patients underwent split-thickness skin graft. Of these, 592 patients had sufficient information and were included in the final analysis. There were 371 males and 220 females. The average age was 55.7. Complete skin graft take was seen in 480 patients (81.1%). On univariate analysis, patients with diabetes (p = .003), type of flap (fibula p < .001), skin graft area (p = .006), tourniquet use (p = .003), DVT prophylaxis (p = .008) and casting (p = .003) were significantly associated with decreased skin graft take rate. In a multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR 2.17 (95%CI 1.16-3.98)), fibula flaps (OR 2.86 (95%CI 1.79-4.76)), an increase in skin graft area (OR 1.01 (95%CI 1.01-1.01)), post-operative aspirin (OR 2.63 (95%CI 1.15-5.88), and casting (OR 2.94 (95%CI 1.22-7.14)) were associated with poor rates of skin graft take. CONCLUSION: Several factors affect skin graft take rate and should be considered when performing a skin graft for a donor site defect.

Management of Complications from Skin Cancer Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of facial cutaneous defects from skin cancer surgery is a commonly done procedure in the hands of many facial plastic surgeons. Excellent surgical technique should always be employed to reduce the risk of a poor result. However, complications do occur and can be devastating for both the patient and surgeon. We review a range of postoperative management options, and the evidence for each modality, so that reconstructive surgeons can stay up to date on current literature.

Powering the Gracilis for Facial Reanimation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes Based on Donor Nerve.

Importance: Free gracilis transfer for dynamic reanimation in chronic facial paralysis is the gold standard, but there remains a need to better understand outcomes with respect to the donor nerve. Objective: To characterize outcomes in adults undergoing primary gracilis transfer for facial paralysis stratified by donor nerve used for neurotization. Data Sources: Search strategies were used in Ovid MEDLINE (1946-2019), Embase (1947-2019), Scopus (1823-2019), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov (1997-2019). Study Selection: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies in adults with unilateral chronic facial paralysis undergoing single-paddle free gracilis transfer. All study types were included except case reports. Abstracts and full texts were reviewed in duplicate. Of 130 unique citations, 10 studies including 295 patients were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were analyzed between November 2018 and December 2019. Data Extraction and Synthesis: PRISMA guidelines were followed. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess study quality, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess risk of bias. Independent extraction by 2 authors (P.M.V. and J.J.C.) was performed. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: Owing to heterogeneity in reporting of facial reanimation outcomes, we first performed a systematic review, and then compiled available outcomes for meta-analysis. Outcomes studied for meta-analysis were oral commissure excursion and facial symmetry. Results: Meta-analysis of masseteric nerve (MN) (n = 56) vs cross-facial nerve graft (CFNG) (n = 52) in 3 retrospective studies showed no statistical heterogeneity between these studies (I2 = 0%), and the standardized mean difference (SMD) was greater for MN (0.55; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.94). Meta-analysis of angles of symmetry in 2 retrospective studies comparing MN (n = 51) to CFNG (n = 47) both at rest (-0.22; 95% CI, -0.63 to 0.18) and with smiling (-0.14; 95% CI, -0.73 to 0.46) were better with MN, though the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions and Relevance: Owing to heterogeneity in reported outcomes from facial reanimation, we were unable to make definitive conclusions regarding the optimal donor nerve. Establishing a reporting standard at peer-reviewed journals to improve results reporting is one method to allow for improved collaboration in the future. Standardizing follow-up times, assessing spontaneity in an objective and reproducible fashion, and use of consistent outcome measures would allow for future meta-analyses and better understanding of options for facial reanimation.

Comparison of Autologous vs Homologous Costal Cartilage Grafts in Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Augmentation rhinoplasty requires adding cartilage to provide enhanced support to the structure of the nose. Autologous costal cartilage and irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC) are well-accepted rhinoplasty options. Tutoplast is another alternative cartilage source. No studies, to our knowledge, have definitively demonstrated a higher rate of complications with IHCC grafts compared with autologous costal cartilage grafts. Objective: To compare rates of outcomes in the published literature for patients undergoing septorhinoplasty with autologous costal cartilage vs IHCC grafts vs Tutoplast grafts. Data Sources: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for articles published from database inception to February 2019 using the following keywords: septorhinoplasty, rhinoplasty, autologous costal cartilage graft, cadaveric cartilage graft, and rib graft. Study Selection: Abstracts and full texts were reviewed in duplicate, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Only patients who underwent an en bloc dorsal onlay graft were included for comparison to ensure a homogenous study sample. A total of 1308 results were found. After duplicate records were removed, 576 unique citations remained. Studies were published worldwide between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2017. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Independent extraction by 2 authors was performed. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: All reported outcomes after septorhinoplasty and rates of graft warping, resorption, infection, contour irregularity, and revision surgery among patients receiving autologous grafts vs IHCC vs Tutoplast cartilage grafts. Results: Of 576 unique citations, 54 studies were included in our systematic review; 28 studies were included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our search captured 1041 patients of whom 741 received autologous grafts and 293 received IHCC grafts (regardless of type). When autologous cartilage (n = 748) vs IHCC (n = 153) vs Tutoplast cartilage (n = 140) grafts were compared, no difference in warping (5%; 95% CI, 3%-9%), resorption (2%; 95% CI, 0%-2%), contour irregularity (1%; 95% CI, 0%-3%), infection (2%; 95% CI, 0%-4%), or revision surgery (5%; 95% CI, 2%-9%) was found. Conclusions and Relevance: No difference was found in outcomes between autologous and homologous costal cartilage grafts, including rates of warping, resorption, infection, contour irregularity, or revisions, in patients undergoing dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty. En bloc dorsal onlay grafts are commonly used in augmentation rhinoplasty to provide contour and structure to the nasal dorsum.

Tourniquet use and factors associated with hematoma formation in free tissue transfer.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to understand which variables are associated with hematoma formation at both the donor and recipient sites in head and neck free tissue transfer and if hematoma rates are affected by tourniquet use. METHODS: Patients were identified who underwent free tissue transfer at three institutions, specifically either a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) or a fibula free flap (FFF), between 2007 and 2017. Variables including use of tourniquet, anticoagulation, treatment factors, demographics, and post-operative factors were examined to see if they influenced hematoma formation at either the free tissue donor or recipient site. RESULTS: 1410 patients at three institutions were included in the analysis. There were 692 (49.1%) RFFF and 718 (50.9%) FFF. Tourniquets were used in 764 (54.1%) cases. There were 121 (8.5%) hematomas. Heparin drips (p < .001) and DVT prophylaxis (p = .03) were significantly associated with hematoma formation (OR 95% CI 12.23 (4.98-30.07), 3.46 (1.15-10.44) respectively) on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Heparin Drips and DVT prophylaxis significantly increased hematoma rates in free flap patients while tourniquets did not affect rates of hematoma.

Elective neck dissection during salvage laryngectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the rate of occult cervical nodal metastasis in patients undergoing elective neck dissection (END) during salvage laryngectomy. The secondary objective was to compare survival and postoperative complication rates between patients undergoing END versus observation. METHODS: A medical librarian performed a comprehensive search for END outcomes in laryngeal cancer patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy after primary chemoradiation therapy. Seventeen retrospective studies and 1 prospective study met inclusion criteria, with a total of 1,141 patients (799 END, 350 observed). RESULTS: The rate of nodal positivity was 11% among patients who underwent END during their salvage laryngectomy. Three studies and 155 patients were included in a 5-year overall survival (OS) analysis with no significant difference in OS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-2.22). After inclusion of six studies and 494 patients (249 END, 245 observed), the risk of fistula formation was not statistically different (95% CI: 0.61-2.56). Due to significant heterogeneity between studies and inadequate data, most patients could not be included in the meta-analysis of outcomes. CONCLUSION: Salvage laryngectomy patients undergoing END have an occult nodal positivity rate of 11%. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences in 5-year OS between patients undergoing END versus observation. Laryngoscope, 130:899-906, 2020.

Current Experience of Ultrasound Training in Otolaryngology Residency Programs.

OBJECTIVES: The applications of using ultrasound for the evaluation and management of otolaryngologic diagnoses are expanding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current experience of ultrasound training in otolaryngology residency programs. METHODS: All allopathic and osteopathic otolaryngology residency programs in the United States were surveyed online via an e-mailed survey link to the resident representatives of the Section for Residents and Fellows in Training of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. We present a descriptive analysis of the survey results. RESULTS: A total of 110 responses were obtained from resident representatives at MD and DO otolaryngology residency programs, representing a response rate of 94.8%. Forty-four percent of residents reported that they would not feel comfortable with performing ultrasound-guided procedures after residency; 43% reported that they do not perform ultrasound procedures as a part of their residency training; and 60% of those trainees performing ultrasound procedures do not log the procedures. Twenty-three percent of residents did not have access to an ultrasound machine. Most respondents (71%) desired more exposure to diagnostic and/or interventional ultrasound training during residency. CONCLUSIONS: Although current experience is variable, there is a strong interest in increasing resident skill acquisition in ultrasound training among otolaryngology residents. Some barriers to these goals may be a lack of trained faculty members using ultrasound and insufficient recording mechanisms for residents performing ultrasound procedures.

Reporting of Cosmesis in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the method and rate at which cosmesis is reported after reconstruction from head and neck surgery among adults. DATA SOURCES: A medical librarian implemented search strategies in multiple databases for head and neck reconstruction, outcome assessment/patient satisfaction, and cosmesis/appearance. REVIEW METHODS: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining adults undergoing reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery with assessment of postoperative cosmesis. The primary outcome was the method to assess cosmesis. Secondary outcomes were types of instruments used and the rate at which results were reported. Validated instruments used in these studies were compared and critically assessed. RESULTS: The search identified 4405 abstracts, and 239 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 43% (n = 103) used a scale or questionnaire to quantify the cosmetic outcome: 28% (n = 66), a visual analog, Likert, or other scale; 13% (n = 30), a patient questionnaire; and 3% (n = 7), both. Of the 103 studies that used an instrument, 14% (n = 14, 6% overall) used a validated instrument. The most common validated instrument was the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire (4%, n = 9). The most highly rated instruments were the UWQOL and the Derriford Appearance Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of cosmetic outcomes after head and neck cancer reconstruction is heterogeneous. Most studies did not report patient feedback, and a minority used a validated instrument to quantify outcomes. To reduce bias, improve reliability, and decrease heterogeneity, we recommend the UWQOL to study cosmetic outcomes after head and neck reconstruction.

Intranasal Corticosteroids Do Not Lead to Ocular Changes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The safety and efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are well established, but there remains apprehension that INCS could lead to systemic side effects, as with oral steroids. The objective of this systematic review was to assess whether the use of INCS lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) above 20 mm Hg, glaucoma, or formation of posterior subcapsular cataracts in adult patients with rhinitis. METHODS: Two medical librarians searched the published literature for records discussing the use of "nasal steroids" in "rhinitis" and their effect on "intraocular pressure," "cataracts," or "glaucoma." RESULTS: A total of 484 studies were identified, and 10 randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of 2,226 patients revealed that the relative risk of elevated IOP in those who received INCS was 2.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68 to 7.34) compared to placebo. The absolute increased incidence of elevated IOP in patients using INCS compared to placebo was 0.8% (95% CI: 0% to 1.6%). There were zero cases of glaucoma in both placebo and INCS groups at 12 months. The absolute increased incidence of developing a posterior subcapsular cataract was 0.02% (95% CI: -0.3% to 0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Use of INCS is not associated with a significant risk of elevating IOP or developing a posterior subcapsular cataract in patients with allergic rhinitis. Presence of glaucoma, however, is the real clinical adverse event of concern. There were zero reported cases of glaucoma at 12 months. Future studies should formally evaluate for glaucoma rather than use IOP measures as a surrogate. Laryngoscope, 129:6-12, 2019.

Rates of sialoendoscopy and sialoadenectomy in 5,111 adults with private insurance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequencies and trends in sialoendoscopy and sialoadenectomy for the treatment of obstructive, nonneoplastic submandibular gland disease in the United States. METHODS: Epidemiologic study of insurance claims from 2006 to 2013 in a large, private insurance claims database. Rates were calculated for patients undergoing one or both index procedures. RESULTS: A total of 5,111 adults with sialadenitis who underwent sialoendoscopy or submandibular gland excision were included. Mean age was 47.6 years, and patients undergoing sialoendoscopy were less likely to be male (relative risk [RR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.89), more likely to have sialoadenitis without stones (RR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.53-1.66), and had a similar number of comorbidities (RR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.91-1.06) compared to patients undergoing sialoadenectomy. The most common complication after sialoadenectomy was surgical site infection (1.4%; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8%), and complications after sialoendoscopy were rare. From 2007 to 2013, use of sialoendoscopy increased from 0.13 (95% CI, 0.08-0.18) to 0.42 (95% CI, 0.40-0.45) per 100 thousand people, and sialoadenectomy decreased from 2.41 (95% CI, 2.39-2.42) to 1.43 (95% CI, 1.40-1.44) per 100 thousand. The highest mean rate of sialadenectomy was seen in the south (2.15 per 100,000; 95% CI, 2.13-2.16), the lowest was in the west (1.6 per 100,000; 95% CI, 1.57-1.62), and it decreased in all regions over time. CONCLUSION: Utilization of sialoendoscopy has increased over time, and the overall rate of sialoadenectomy is decreasing. Both procedures are safe for treatment of patients with sialadenitis and sialolithiasis. Future research should examine whether availability of sialoendoscopy leads to a decreased rate of sialoadenectomy in patients with salivary gland disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 129:602-606, 2019.

Salvage of recurrence after surgery and adjuvant therapy: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial management with surgery and adjuvant therapy. DATA SOURCES: Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.gov. REVIEW METHODS: A structured search was performed of the literature to identify studies that included patients undergoing surgical salvage for local, regional, or locoregional recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma without known distant metastases who had been treated with initial surgery and post-operative adjuvant radio- or chemoradiotherapy. Studies were excluded if they did not report at least 1-year survival estimates, included patients who underwent primary non-surgical management, or included those treated with non-surgical salvage therapies or supportive care alone. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 3746 abstracts. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, 126 full-texts were reviewed and six studies were included with a total of 222 patients. All studies were retrospective in design and included diverse disease subsites and stages. Complications and functional outcomes were inconsistently reported. Five-year survival estimates ranged between 10% and 40% between studies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial surgery and adjuvant therapy may have a particularly poor prognosis. Future studies are needed to determine functional and quality of life outcomes in this patient population and to identify specific prognostic factors for re-recurrence and survival.

Early-injection laryngoplasty may lower risk of thyroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether injection laryngoplasty within 6 months following the onset of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) decreases the rate of permanent thyroplasty in adults. DATA SOURCES: Search strategies created by a medical librarian were implemented in multiple online research databases. REVIEW METHODS: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture randomized clinical trials and cohort studies examining adults with UVFP who received injection laryngoplasty early in the course of treatment, within 6 months of onset, or who were observed. The primary outcome was the rate of thyroplasty. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess quality of included cohort studies. Random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate an overall relative risk (RR). Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 1,177 studies, of which four cohort studies remained for meta-analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies were rated as 9 of 9 on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis of 275 patients with UVFP revealed that the overall pooled RR of undergoing thyroplasty in those receiving an early injection was 0.25 (95% confidence interval 0.14-0.45) compared to conservative management (late or no injection). The I2 overall was 62.4%. CONCLUSION: Otolaryngologists should offer injection laryngoplasty to patients with a diagnosis of UVFP within 6 months of diagnosis (recommendation based on grade C evidence with a preponderance of benefit over harm). Laryngoscope, 128:935-940, 2018.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Clean-Contaminated Head and Neck Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective To determine the optimal duration and type of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing clean-contaminated resection for head and neck cancer. Data Sources Search strategies were created by a medical librarian, implemented in multiple databases, and completed in June 2016. Review Methods The population of interest was adults ≥18 years undergoing clean-contaminated head and neck surgery, intervention was postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, comparator was duration and types of antibiotics used, outcome was the wound infection rate, and the study design was randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies were excluded if not randomized, did not use systemic antibiotics, did not study wound infections, or included children. After excluding duplicates, the search strategy yielded 427 abstracts. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 studies were screened, leaving 19 RCTs for review. PRISMA guidelines were followed. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Results Meta-analysis of 340 patients in 4 RCTs showed that the pooled relative risk of wound infection was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-1.61; P = .718; I2 = 0.0%) in patients receiving 1 day vs 5 days of prophylaxis. Conclusion This study provides evidence that there is no difference in the risk of wound infection with 1 day vs 5 days of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in clean-contaminated head and neck surgery, consistent with existing guidelines. Future large randomized trials are needed to more clearly define the appropriate choice of prophylaxis in penicillin-allergic patients.

Inpatient Rounding Practices in Otolaryngology Residency Programs.

Inpatient rounding is an agelong tradition in the field of medicine. Among recent changes in health care, rounding is understudied as an area of research. The purpose of this study was to assess current methods of inpatient rounding in otolaryngology residency programs and assess satisfaction with current practices. Survey questions were designed by members of the resident committee of the Society of University Otolaryngologists. Surveys were sent to all 450 members, and we obtained a 32% response rate. Sixty-four percent of attendings perform bedside rounds; 44% of subjects reported that attending physicians participate in rounds at least once a week; and 21% reported daily participation. When asked if attending participation in rounding is adequate, attendings did not have a strong opinion (mean = 3.8). There is a paucity of research on inpatient rounding, and future studies should examine specific practices with the goal of maximizing patient safety and resident education.

The P Value Problem in Otolaryngology: Shifting to Effect Sizes and Confidence Intervals.

There is a lack of reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals in the current biomedical literature. The objective of this article is to present a discussion of the recent paradigm shift encouraging the use of reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals. Although P values help to inform us about whether an effect exists due to chance, effect sizes inform us about the magnitude of the effect (clinical significance), and confidence intervals inform us about the range of plausible estimates for the general population mean (precision). Reporting effect sizes and confidence intervals is a necessary addition to the biomedical literature, and these concepts are reviewed in this article.

Infectious complications of pediatric cochlear implants are highly influenced by otitis media.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the incidence of ear infections in cochlear implant patients, evaluate the contribution of otitis media to complications, describe the bacteriology of otitis media in the cochlear implant population, the treatment provided at our center, and the long term outcome. METHODS: Data collected included age at implantation, history of otitis media or ear tubes, etiology of hearing loss, inner ear anatomy, postoperative infections, time to infection, route of antibiotic administration, and interventions for infections. Categories of infection were acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, tube otorrhea, meningitis, scalp cellulitis, and infection at the implant site. RESULTS: Middle ear infections were diagnosed in 37% of implanted ears. Extension of middle ear infections into the implant site occurred in 2.8% of all implants (n = 16). Of the 16 infected devices, 10 were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy and did not require explantation. The retained implant group and explanted group both included some middle ear microbes such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as skin flora such as Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Otitis media in pediatric cochlear implant patients is a common event and usually does not lead to complications of the cochlear implant. However, when the ear infection spreads to the scalp and the implant site, it is still possible to eliminate the infection using antibiotic therapy, particularly when treatment is directed to the specific organism that is recovered from the infected space and the duration and route of antibiotic treatment is carefully considered.

A Novel Patient Safety Event Reporting Tool in Otolaryngology.

Objective To report the results of a preliminary analysis of a quality improvement initiative aimed to identify potential latent systems defects. Methods A pilot study of an anonymous, voluntary, event reporting system made available to all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was performed. The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) index was used to classify error types. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize submissions to the database. Results In the 53 cases reported to the database over 22 months, the majority involved errors that had resulted in harm (n = 34, 64%), followed by errors that occurred and did not result in harm (n = 7, 13%). Errors occurred predominantly in the hospital (n = 23, 44%) and operating room (n = 19, 35%). Most entries were classified as either technical (n = 21, 39%) or related to postoperative care (n = 15, 30%). Discussion This preliminary descriptive analysis of a novel otolaryngology patient safety event reporting tool shows that this platform brings unique value to the identification of errors and adverse events in our specialty. Most reported events were classified as errors resulting in harm. The most common type of reported event was a technical error, most often resulting in a nerve injury. Implications for Practice This reporting tool will likely allow for identification and prioritization of improvement opportunities. This example may serve as a guide for other societies to create similar platforms as we strive for a standardized process for event reporting.