Creating an Undergraduate Research Program in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) for Students Underrepresented in Medicine.

Objectives: To report implementation and outcomes associated with a novel paid Summer Undergraduate Research Education Program (SREP) over the first 2 years in an academic otolaryngology program recruiting students underrepresented in medicine (URiM). Methods: A 10-week program including a research bootcamp, curriculum, mentoring, and clinical shadowing was created. Grant funding to provide salary and support for transportation, conference attendance, and graduate school preparation or applications was procured. Primary objectives included (1) development of successful mentorship relationships; (2) increasing student-reported outcomes using pre- and post-program surveys to assess confidence, career planning, and overall satisfaction; (3) increasing exposure to medicine; (4) completion of an oral presentation; and (5) submission of a manuscript. Secondary objectives included abstract submission and completion of a graduate exam course or graduate school applications. Tertiary objectives included conference attendance and graduate school matriculation. Results: One hundred thirty-five total applications were reviewed (89 from year 1 and 46 from year 2). Twelve students were interviewed for 3 spots in year 1, while 11 students were interviewed for 6 spots in year 2 (median application score, 9.25 (range, 1-14); median interview score, 8.7 (range, 5.4-10); acceptance rate, 6.7% (9/135)). Students met all primary objectives. Mean program survey scores increased from 3.8 to 4.77 (p < 0.0001). Eight of nine students submitted an abstract to a national conference, with five of eight students accepted for a presentation. Two students were accepted into graduate school, while five others are on track for graduate school application. Conclusion: Identifying mentors, curriculum, and opportunities to meaningfully strengthen graduate school applications for URiM students through a clinically rigorous, financially supported, and research-focused summer program in an academic otolaryngology program is feasible and may be an effective means of increasing diversity in medicine and otolaryngology. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02021-z.

Symptom-Free Intervals Following Laser Wedge Excision for Recurrent Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the duration of symptom-free intervals following laser wedge excision (LWE) for recurrent idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). Secondary aim includes evaluating the influence of patient-related or disease factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary center. METHODS: Review of iSGS patients who underwent LWE between 2002 and 2021. LWE patients without prior airway surgery were labeled LWE primary (LWEP) and those with prior history of dilation were labeled LWE secondary (LWES). A conditional frailty repeated events model was used to analyze the median time to recurrence (MTR) for each nth recurrence. Secondary analysis included stratification by use of medical therapy and initial preoperative characteristics of scar (Myer-Cotton grade, distance between the glottis and superior-most aspect of scar, DGS; length of scar, DL). RESULTS: Two hundred and ten iSGS patients underwent LWE (131 LWEP, 79 LWES). The proportion of patients experiencing at least 1, 3, 6, and 12 recurrences, respectively, was 68.0% (n = 143), 40.7% (n = 85), 20.0% (n = 42), and 5.2% (n = 11). There was exponential time-shortening from the 1st to 12th recurrence (P < .0001). While MTR was 4.1 years after the first LWE, this fell to 2.8, 1.7, 1.0, and 0.7 years for the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 12th recurrences. Furthermore, LWEP patients experienced longer MTR than LWES counterparts within the first 6 recurrences (P < .01). There was no significant relationship between intersurgical interval and medication adherence, DL, DGS, or grade for recurrences beyond the first (P = .207, P = .20, P = .43, P = .16). CONCLUSION: Symptom-free intervals in iSGS shorten with each subsequent recurrence and LWE. The difference in MTR between LWEP and LWES groups was significant within the first 6 recurrences with LWEP having longer MTR.

Effect of tobacco use on Zenker's diverticulotomy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes in patients with and without history of tobacco use who underwent Zenker's diverticulotomy (ZD). STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ZD via an open stapler, rigid endoscopic CO2 laser, stapler or harmonic scalpel, and flexible endoscopic technique from January 2006 to December 2020 was performed. Data were abstracted for patient demographics, diverticular features, and rates of adverse events and symptomatic recurrence. RESULTS: Out of 424 patients, 146 (34.4 %) had a history of tobacco use: 126 (29.7 %) were former smokers, and 20 (4.7 %) were active smokers. In univariable cross-sectional analyses, the likelihood of postoperative bleeding, perforation, emergency department visits, unplanned readmission, or recurrence did not demonstrate an association with tobacco use history even after adjustment for age, sex, and surgical approach. Similarly, in Cox Proportional Hazards regression, tobacco use was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence, even after correcting for age, sex, and type of surgery. The median time to recurrence observed in our cohort was 11.5 years amongst non-smokers, 8.7 years amongst former smokers, and 1.2 years amongst active smokers (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in post-operative adverse events or frequency of recurrence of ZD between active, former, and non-smokers. Although underpowered and not statistically significant, median time to recurrence appears to be shorter in smokers when compared with former and non-smokers following surgery.

Delayed vagal nerve compressive neuropathy following placement of vagal nerve stimulator: case report.

Vagal neuropathy causing vocal fold palsy is an uncommon complication of vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) placement. It may be associated with intraoperative nerve injury or with device stimulation. Here we present the first case of delayed, compressive vagal neuropathy associated with VNS coil placement which presented with progressive hoarseness and vocal cord paralysis. Coil removal and vagal neurolysis was performed to relieve the compression. Larger 3 mm VNS coils were placed for continuation of therapy. Coils with a larger inner diameter should be employed where possible to prevent this complication. The frequency of VNS-associated vagal nerve compression may warrant further investigation.

Medical Maintenance Therapy Following Laser Excision in Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (GPA)-Associated Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a series of patients with cANCA/PR3-positive, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)-associated subglottic stenosis (SGS) and evaluate response to medical maintenance therapy with rituximab versus other immunosuppressants following initial endoscopic laser excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with SGS and cANCA/PR3-positive GPA who received immunosuppressive maintenance therapy following endoscopic laser excision at our institution from June 1989 to March 2020 was performed. Data pertaining to patient demographics, clinical features, medications, and endoscopic laser procedures were collected. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients (15 women) with mean age (range) of 40 (19-59) years and mean (range) follow-up of 12.6 years (1.5-28.6) were identified. Sixteen patients (60%) had limited GPA. Six patients (24%) had previously received local intervention with open surgery (n = 1, 4%) or endoscopic techniques (n = 5, 20%). All patients experienced symptom improvement following initial CO2 laser excision at our institution without any procedural complications or adverse events. Following initial laser excision, 15 patients (60%) were treated with rituximab and 10 patients (40%) were treated with nonrituximab immunosuppressive agents. Patients treated with rituximab were less likely to recur (P = 0.040). Limited GPA was associated with an increased incidence of recurrence (P = 0.031). Median time (years) to recurrence (range) was 3.2 (0.3-19.3) and was not significantly associated with treatment or GPA subtype. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic CO2 laser excision is a safe and effective local intervention for GPA-associated SGS. Medical maintenance therapy with rituximab reduces risk of recurrence following initial laser excision relative to treatment with non-rituximab agents.

Vocal Effort and Acoustic Analysis of Gargle Phonation Versus Water Swallow in Patients With Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of gargle phonation (GP) on self-perceived vocal improvement, vocal effort, acoustic parameters, and speech rate in patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). We hypothesized that GP would improve voice, reduce phonatory effort, and alter acoustic and speech measures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized, single-blind cross-over clinical trial METHODS: Thirty-four participants (26 females, 8 males; average age 53 years) who were diagnosed with MTD completed the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and were assigned three study conditions: Baseline (B), GP, and Water Swallow (WS; sham), presented in one of two counterbalanced orders B-WS-GP (WS1st) or B-GP-WS (GP1st). Participants recorded stimuli from the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and rated their perceived vocal effort and vocal improvement. F0, vocal intensity, cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and speaking rate were measured. RESULTS: Average VHI-10 scores by group were 16 (min/max 2-29) for WS1st and 15 (min/max 3-40) for GP1st. About 73.5% reported more vocal improvement after GP, 17.65% after WS, and 8.8% noted no difference between conditions. Reduced effort was reported after GP, compared to B (P < 0.001) and WS (P = 0.005). Lower effort was also reported after the WS condition, compared to B (P = 0.011). Key acoustic findings included an increase in F0 after GP for sustained /i/ for females. CPP was significantly higher for females reading CAPE-V sentences after GP, when GP preceded WS, compared to B (P = 0.004) and WS (P = 0.003). Speech rate was faster for females after GP versus B (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: GP may be beneficial in the treatment of MTD. CPP may be a useful marker for vocal improvement after GP for women with mild MTD. Further studies would benefit from having more male participants and those with moderate and severe MTD.

Life-Threatening Subglottic Thrombus Formation after Administration of Nebulized Tranexamic Acid.

We present a case of subglottic thrombus formation after administration of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) for postoperative hemoptysis following CO2 laser wedge excision of subglottic stenosis. Although other factors certainly could have resulted in postoperative bleeding and subsequent thrombus formation, the patient's rapid decompensation following administration of nebulized TXA suggests a direct effect. We recommend implementing an airway action plan regarding TXA use for patients presenting to the emergency department with postoperative hemorrhage following otolaryngology procedures. Laryngoscope, 134:1356-1358, 2024.

Underrepresented in Medicine Student Perspectives on the Selection of a Summer Research Program.

OBJECTIVES: Many summer research programs (SRPs) for URiM students exist; however, only a few have been established by otolaryngology programs, who have a unique opportunity to provide a diverse experience. We sought to assess URiM undergraduate student perspectives on the most valuable program features that influence decision-making and how this might be useful to otolaryngology programs seeking to establish pathway programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An externally facing REDCap survey composed of 37 questions in scaled, multiple-choice, and open-ended form. The survey was delivered to applicants via email over two time periods in April 2021 and February 2022. All survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and categorized according to demographic information, program features, and advertising mechanisms. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of our applicants self-identified as URiM. Over 60% experienced financial hardship, and 31% experienced educational hardship. The single most important feature when selecting a summer research program (SRP) was access to mentorship followed by clinical shadowing and research opportunities. When program features were aggregated into groups, institutional features were the most important, followed closely by funding features. Finally, students prefer to learn about SRPs through their university, followed by social media, despite many students learning about our program through other means. CONCLUSIONS: Paid programs with effective advertising, research, mentoring, and clinical shadowing are highly valued by URiM undergraduate students. Understanding student perspectives is critical for programs aiming to address the "leaky pipeline" while being deliberate in their support of underrepresented students. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Laryngoscope, 134:637-644, 2024.

Visual Gaze Patterns in the Analysis of Glottic Lesions: Does Experience Increase Diagnostic Accuracy?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate visual gaze patterns and the ability to correctly identify cancer among participants of different experience levels when viewing benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. METHODS: Thirty-one participants were divided into groups based on level of experience. These included novice (medical students, PGY1-2 otolaryngology residents), intermediate (PGY3-5 otolaryngology residents, gastroenterology fellow), advanced practice providers (physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and speech language pathologists), and experts (board-certified otolaryngologists). Each participant was shown 7 images of vocal cord pathology including glottic cancer, infectious laryngitis, and granuloma and asked to determine the likelihood of cancer on a scale of certain, probable, possible, and unlikely. Eye tracking data were collected and used to identify the area of interest (AOI) that each participant fixated on first, fixated on the longest, and had the greatest number of fixations. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen among groups when comparing AOI with first fixation, AOI with longest fixation, or AOI with most fixations. Novices were significantly more likely to rate a low likelihood of cancer when viewing infectious laryngitis compared to more experienced groups (P < .001). There was no difference in likelihood of cancer rating among groups for the remaining images. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in gaze targets among participants of different experience levels evaluating vocal cord pathology. Symmetric appearance of vocal cord lesions may explain differences seen in likelihood of cancer rating among groups. Future studies with larger sample sizes will better elucidate gaze targets that lead to accurate diagnosis of vocal cord pathology.

Surgical Outcomes in Zenker Diverticula: A Multicenter, Prospective, Longitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROM) in persons undergoing endoscopic and open surgical management of Zenker diverticula (ZD). METHODOLOGY: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of all individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative who underwent surgery for ZD. Patient survey, radiography reports, and the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) pre- and post-procedure were abstracted from a REDCap database, which summarized means, medians, percentages, and frequencies of. Outcome based on operative intervention (endoscopic vs. open) was compared using t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test or chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-seven persons were prospectively followed. The mean age (SD) of the cohort was 68.7 (11.0). Overall, 66% of patients reported 100% improvement in EAT-10; 81% of patients had greater than 75% improvement; and 88% had greater than 50% improvement. Endoscopic was used for n = 109 patients, and open surgical intervention was used for n = 38. The median [interquartile range, IQR] EAT-10 percent improvement for endoscopic treatment was 93.3% [72, 100], and open was 100% [92.3, 100] (p = 0.05). The incidence of intraoperative complications was 3.7% for endoscopic and 7.9% for open surgical management. The median [IQR] in follow-up was 86 and 97.5 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both endoscopic and open surgical management of ZD provide significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes. The data suggest that open diverticulectomy may provide a modest advantage in symptomatic improvement compared to endoscopic management. The data suggest that the postoperative complication rate is higher in the open surgical group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:97-102, 2024.

Postoperative Care of Zenker Diverticula: Contemporary Perspective from the Prospective OUtcomes Cricopharyngeaus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to identify trends in postoperative management of persons undergoing surgery for Zenker diverticula (ZD) by evaluating length of stay (LOS), diet on discharge, and imaging with or without surgical complication. METHODS: Prospectively enrolled adult patients with cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction with diverticula undergoing surgery from August 1, 2017 to February 1, 2023 were included. Data were extracted from a multi-institutional REDCap database, summarizing means, medians, percentages, and frequencies. Fisher's exact or chi squared analyses were utilized, as appropriate, to compare subsets of data. Descriptive analysis assessed differences in clinical course and the relationship to postoperative management. RESULTS: There were 298 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 71.8 (11.2) years and 60% male. Endoscopic surgery was performed in 79.5% (237/298) of patients versus 20.5% (61/298) open surgery. Sixty patients (20.1%) received postoperative imaging, with four leaks identified. Complications were identified in 9.4% of cases (n = 29 complications in 28 patients), more commonly in open surgery. Most (81.2%) patients were discharged within 23 h. About half of patients (49%) were discharged from the hospital on a pureed/liquid diet; 36% had been advanced to a soft diet. In patients without complications, LOS was significantly longer following open cases (p = 0.002); postoperative diet was not different between open and endoscopic (p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, most patients are discharged within 23 h without imaging. However, LOS was affected by surgical approach. Postoperative complications are different in endoscopic versus open surgery. Complications with either approach were associated with prolonged LOS, need for imaging, and diet restriction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Laryngoscope, 134:2678-2683, 2024.

Visual Interpretation of Vocal Fold Paralysis in Flexible Laryngoscopy Using Eye Tracking Technology.

OBJECTIVES: Interpretation of laryngoscopy is an important diagnostic skill in otolaryngology. There is, however, limited understanding of the specific visual strategies used while assessing flexible laryngoscopy video. Eye-tracking technology allows for objective study of eye movements during dynamic tasks. The purpose of the present study was to explore visual gaze strategies during laryngoscopy interpretation of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) across clinician experience from novice to expert. METHODS: Thirty individuals were shown five flexible laryngoscopy videos, each 10 seconds long. After viewing each video, participants reported their impressions of "left vocal fold paralysis," "right vocal fold paralysis," or "no vocal fold paralysis." Eye tracking data were collected and analyzed for duration of fixation and number of fixations on select areas of interest (AOI). Diagnostic accuracy and visual gaze patterns were compared between novice, experienced, and expert groups. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy among learners in the novice group was significantly lower than those in the more experienced groups (P = 0.04). All groups demonstrated similar visual gaze patterns when viewing the video with normal bilateral vocal fold mobility, spending the greatest percentage of time viewing the trachea. There were differences among groups when viewing the videos of left or right VFP, but the trachea was always in the top three structures for greatest fixation duration and highest number of fixations. CONCLUSIONS: Eye-tracking is a novel tool in the setting of laryngoscopy interpretation. With further study it has the potential to be useful for the training of otolaryngology learners to improve diagnostic skills.

Comparing Open Versus Rigid Endoscopic and Flexible Endoscopic Techniques for the Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of patients undergoing open stapler versus transoral rigid and flexible endoscopic therapies for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum. STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 424 consecutive patients who underwent Zenker's diverticulotomy via an open stapler, rigid endoscopic CO2 laser, rigid endoscopic stapler, rigid endoscopic harmonic scalpel, or flexible endoscopic technique from January 2006 to December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 424 patients (173 females, mean age 73.1 ± 11.2 years) from a single institution were included. A total of 142 patients (33%) underwent endoscopic laser treatment, 33 (8%) underwent endoscopic harmonic scalpel, 92 (22%) underwent endoscopic stapler, 70 (17%) underwent flexible endoscopic, and 87 (20%) underwent open stapler. All open and rigid endoscopic procedures and most of the flexible endoscopic procedures (65%) were performed under general anesthesia. The flexible endoscopic group had a higher percentage of procedure-related perforation, defined as subcutaneous emphysema or contrast leak on imaging (14.3%). The recurrence rates were higher in the harmonic stapler, flexible endoscopic, and endoscopic stapler groups at 18.2%, 17.1%, and 17.4%, respectively, and lower in the open group (1.1%). Length of hospital stay and return to oral intake were similar among groups. CONCLUSION: The flexible endoscopic technique was associated with the highest rate of procedure-related perforation, while the endoscopic stapler had the lowest number of procedural complications. Recurrence rates were higher among the harmonic stapler, flexible endoscopic, and endoscopic stapler groups and lower in the endoscopic laser and open groups. Prospective comparative studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

Flexible endoscopic Zenker's diverticulotomy - A retrospective review of outcomes in 75 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Flexible endoscopic Zenker's diverticulotomy (FEZD) is a procedure performed primarily by gastroenterologists for treatment of symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Given the lack of prior investigations with large sample sizes, we report on one of the largest series of patients who underwent FEZD. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent FEZD at our institution from 2006 to 2021 was performed. Data were abstracted for patient demographics, clinical features, procedural characteristics, adverse events, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients (37 women) with mean age of 77.9 (33-102) years and mean (range) follow-up of 1.1 (0-13.2) years were identified. 67.9 % of FEZD cases were performed under general anesthesia. The mean procedure time was 37.1 min. Same day discharge and resumption of oral intake was seen in 56.4 % and 57.1 % of cases, respectively. Adverse events included intraprocedural bleeding (15.7 %) controlled with endoscopic means, infection (4.8 %) exclusively managed with antibiotics in all but one case, subcutaneous emphysema (2.4 %), and perforation (10.7 %) conservatively managed in all but one case. 97.6 % of patients had sustained subjective improvement in symptoms following their procedure. Fifteen patients (20 %) experienced recurrence after undergoing initial FEZD-26.7 % percent of whom were sufficiently treated with repeat FEZDs. Younger age was associated with recurrence (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: FEZD is an effective, safe procedure for the management of symptomatic ZD. It is a viable alternative for patients in whom otorhinolaryngological procedures via rigid endoscopy are not an option.

Singing Voice Concern in Tertiary Laryngology Practice.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients who identify singing voice as a primary concern when presenting with general voice complaints to a voice clinic. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records on demographics, medical history, laryngoscopy exam, diagnosis, and subsequent treatments; and from self-report questionnaires including the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and clinical voice questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 17% of patients presenting to a voice clinic with general voice problems who completed a VHI-10 identified singing voice as a primary concern. Compared to the reference cohort, patients concerned about singing voice report greater handicap on several questions of the VHI-10, particularly in personal and social life impact, loss of income, unpredictability of vocal clarity, subjective upset, and subjective handicap. Those concerned with singing voice were also more concerned about their vocal problem, and both more likely to be recommended voice therapy and participate in voice therapy despite no statistical differences in categorical diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: When considering both professional and recreational singers, voice concerns occurred in 17% of the cohort under study. Patients with singing voice concerns are accounted for largely by recreational singers, who remain poorly characterized in the literature. We underscore the importance of sensitivity and responsivity to the needs of this group of patients.

Proximal Scar Progression in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis After Wedge Excision: Does it Happen?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of glottic stenosis in idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients with no prior surgical intervention to those with a history of endoscopic dilation and characterize the incidence of glottic involvement, changes in scar length, and progression of scar toward glottis following laser wedge excision (LWE). METHODS: A retrospective review of iSGS patients who underwent LWE between 2002 and 2021 was performed. Patients without prior airway surgery were labeled LWE primary (LWEP) and operative findings for LWEP patients were reviewed for glottic involvement, scar length (DL ), and distance from the glottis to superior-most aspect of scar (DGS ). Rates (in mm/procedure) of DΔL , reflecting an increase in length, and D-ΔGS , reflecting proximal migration, were calculated by dividing DΔL and D-ΔGS by the number of LWE procedures. RESULTS: 213 iSGS patients underwent LWE, with 132 being LWEP patients. LWEP had a lower incidence of baseline glottic involvement (n = 6, 4.5%) than LWE secondary (LWES; n = 6, 7.5%). Four new cases of glottic involvement were noted in LWEP patients following LWE, with only one being clinically significant resulting in permanently decreased vocal fold mobility. With each procedure, scar length increased by 1.0 mm and DGS decreased by 0.7 mm, reflecting a migration or decrease in DGS of 9.5% with each procedure with respect to initial DGS . Overall rates of glottic stenosis following operations were similar between LWEP and LWES cohorts, 7.6% and 7.5% respectively. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a low risk of glottic involvement resulting from the LWE procedure in iSGS patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:875-882, 2023.

Killian Jamieson Diverticulum, the Great Mimicker: A Case Series and Contemporary Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess barium esophagram (BAS) as a diagnostic marker for patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient demographics, comorbidities, radiographic imaging reports, laryngoscopy findings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM), and operative reporting were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, frequencies. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to test pre- to post-operative differences in RSI, EAT-10, and VHI-10 scores. Diagnostic test evaluation including sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing BAS findings to operative report. RESULTS: A total of 287 persons were enrolled; 13 (4%) patients were identified with confirmed KJD on operative reports. 100% underwent open transcervical excision. BAS has a 46.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.2, 70.9) sensitivity and 97.8% (95% CI: 95.3, 99.0) specificity in detecting a KJD and 50% (95% CI: 25.4, 74.6) positive predictive value but 97.4% (95%CI: 94.8, 98.7) negative predictive value. Preoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 of 19.4 (9) and 8.3 (7.5) accordingly. Postoperatively, patients reported mean (SD) RSI and EAT-10 as 5.4 (6.2) and 2.3 (3.3). Both changes in RSI and EAT-10 were statistically significant (p = 0.008, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: KJD are rare and represent <5% of hypopharyngeal diverticula undergoing surgical intervention. Open transcervical surgery significantly improves symptoms of dysphagia. BAS has high specificity but low sensitivity in detecting KJD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2110-2115, 2023.

Cricopharyngeus Muscle Dysfunction and Hypopharyngeal Diverticula (e.g., Zenker): A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe demographics and imaging and compare findings and symptoms at presentation in a large cohort of persons with cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (CPMD) with and without hypopharyngeal diverticula. METHODOLOGY: Prospective, multicenter cohort study of all individuals enrolled in the Prospective OUtcomes of Cricopharyngeal Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative. Patient survey, comorbidities, radiography, laryngoscopy findings, and patient-reported outcome measures (e.g., Eating Assessment Tool [EAT-10]) data were abstracted from a REDCap database and summarized using means, medians, percentages, and frequencies. Diagnostic categories were compared using analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 250 persons were included. The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the cohort was 69.0 (11.2). Forty-two percent identified as female. Zenker diverticula (ZD) was diagnosed in 85.2%, 9.2% with CPMD without diverticula, 4.4% with a Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD), and 1.2% traction-type diverticula. There were no differences between diagnostic categories in regard to age, gender, and duration of symptoms (p = 0.25, 0.19, 0.45). The mean (SD) EAT-10 score for each group was 17.1 (10.1) for ZD, 20.2 (9.3) for CPMD, and 10.3 (9.4) for KJD. Patients with isolated CPMD had significantly greater EAT-10 scores compared to the other diagnostic groups (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: ZD is the most common, followed by CPMD without diverticula, KJD, and traction-type. Patients with isolated obstructing CPMD may be more symptomatic than persons with ZD or KJD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:1349-1355, 2023.

Real-Time Dual Video Conferencing of Simulated Tracheostoma Maturation During Residency Interviews.

Background: There are few reports of dexterity tests being done in a distance telecommunication setting for residency applicant evaluation. Objective: To report the feasibility and suitability of a virtual suturing skills assessment during residency interviews when added to the standard assessment process. Methods: A suturing simulation was developed and implemented during otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) residency interviews for the 2020-2021 cycle at one program. On the day of the interview, the activity was completed in real time using 2-camera video conferencing with the 2 resident assessors providing a numerical assessment based on an adapted scoring rubric from prior suturing activities at the institution. The exercise involved suturing a 3/4-inch Penrose drain circumferentially with half-vertical mattress stitches to simulate the maturation of a tracheostoma. The residency selection committee then completed a 7-item Likert-type survey, developed by the authors, to evaluate the simulation exercise. Results: Fifty-one applicants representing all interviewees in the cycle successfully completed this assessment without technologic disruptions. The total cost associated with obtaining and providing the necessary supplies to applicants was $34.78 per interviewee. Time required to complete the suturing task was estimated to range from 10 to 20 minutes. The residency selection committee viewed this exercise as a success (14 of 16, 87.5%) and viewed the results as a valuable adjunct in the overall assessment of candidates (15 of 16, 93.8%). Conclusions: A simple motor exercise completed over real-time telecommunication was feasible and perceived as helpful to the residency selection committee when assessing OHNS residency candidates.