Understanding Performers' Perspectives on Access to Care and Support for Voice Injuries: A Survey Study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies show that performers face higher risk of voice injury and experience greater impairment compared to nonperformers. Understanding the factors influencing support for performers is important for improving outcomes. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to a target audience of performers with past voice injury, inquiring about their understanding of voice injury "red flags," access to voice care support resources, treatment adherence, and comfort discussing injury with others. Responses were analyzed considering various clinicodemographic factors and aspects related to care and treatment. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 151 performers with self-reported history of voice injury, representing multiple performance genres. Participants commonly sought help from a general otolaryngologist (52; 34.44%), laryngologist (41; 27.15%), or voice teacher (40; 26.49%) and treatments included voice therapy, rest, medication, and surgery, with a majority reporting high treatment adherence (129; 87.16%), a statistically significant factor in resolving symptoms. Those with partial or nonadherence cited financial/insurance barriers, scheduling/availability conflicts, or treatment dissatisfaction. Participants reported high awareness of voice injury "red flags" (mean 86.80; SD 18.87%), and moderate access to voice care tools/resources (mean 74.76; SD 29.1) and a voice team (mean 71.23; SD 36.52), but low support from management/production teams (mean 50.69; SD 37.23). Several expressed a desire for better education about preventive care (mean 70.06; SD 37.78). Comfort levels in discussing voice injuries varied across social contexts, but those working with voice teachers were more comfortable discussing their voice problems with colleagues and peers. CONCLUSION: This study explores performers' perspectives on accessing care for voice injuries and emphasizes the importance of increased preventive education to address the ongoing stigma surrounding voice injuries and to foster a supportive environment for performers seeking help. Additionally, the study highlights the role of voice professionals in both providing and advocating for support systems for performers with voice injury.

Validation of a 3D-Printed Percutaneous Injection Laryngoplasty Simulator: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Simulation may be a valuable tool in training laryngology office procedures on unsedated patients. However, no studies have examined whether existing awake procedure simulators improve trainee performance in laryngology. Our objective was to evaluate the transfer validity of a previously published 3D-printed laryngeal simulator in improving percutaneous injection laryngoplasty (PIL) competency compared with conventional educational materials with a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Otolaryngology residents with fewer than 10 PIL procedures in their case logs were recruited. A pretraining survey was administered to participants to evaluate baseline procedure-specific knowledge and confidence. The participants underwent block randomization by postgraduate year to receive conventional educational materials either with or without additional training with a 3D-printed laryngeal simulator. Participants performed PIL on an anatomically distinct laryngeal model via trans-thyrohyoid and trans-cricothyroid approaches. Endoscopic and external performance recordings were de-identified and evaluated by two blinded laryngologists using an objective structured assessment of technical skill scale and PIL-specific checklist. RESULTS: Twenty residents completed testing. Baseline characteristics demonstrate no significant differences in confidence level or PIL experience between groups. Senior residents receiving simulator training had significantly better respect for tissue during the trans-thyrohyoid approach compared with control (p < 0.0005). There were no significant differences in performance for junior residents. CONCLUSIONS: In this first transfer validity study of a simulator for office awake procedure in laryngology, we found that a previously described low-cost, high-fidelity 3D-printed PIL simulator improved performance of PIL amongst senior otolaryngology residents, suggesting this accessible model may be a valuable educational adjunct for advanced trainees to practice PIL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:318-323, 2024.

Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers.

INTRODUCTION: Although microlaryngoscopy has been recognized to be effective in addressing lesions in vocal performers, no detailed information regarding return to performance (RTP) following surgery exists. We describe our experience and offer proposals to establish standardized criteria for RTP among vocal performers. METHODS: Records for adult vocalists who underwent microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and had a clearly documented RTP date between 2006 and 2022 were reviewed. Patient demographics, diagnoses, interventions, and postsurgical care before and after RTP were described. The need for medical and procedural interventions and rate of reinjury were used to determine the success of RTP. RESULTS: Sixty-nine vocal performers (average age: 32.8 years, 41 [59.4%] female, 61 [88.4%] musical theater) underwent surgery for 37 (53.6%) pseudocysts, 25 (36.2%) polyps, 5 (7.2%) cysts, 1 (1.4%) varix, and 1 (1.4%) mucosal bridge. Fifty-seven (82.6%) underwent voice therapy. The average time to RTP was 65.0 ± 29.8 days. Prior to RTP, six (8.7%) experienced VF edema requiring oral steroids and one (1.4%) underwent a VF steroid injection. Within 6 months following RTP, eight (11.6%) received oral steroids for edema and three underwent procedural interventions (two steroid injections for edema/stiffness, one injection augmentation for paresis). One patient experienced pseudocyst recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Return to vocal performance at an average of 2 months following microlaryngoscopy for benign lesions appears overwhelmingly successful, with low rates of need for additional intervention. There is a need for validated instruments to better measure performance fitness to refine and possibly accelerate RTP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:329-334, 2024.

De Novo Granuloma of the Membranous Vocal Fold: A Marker of Occult Malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: De novo occurrence of granuloma (granulation tissue) on the membranous vocal fold is not readily explained by usual causes of granuloma at the vocal process. We describe a series of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Single academic institution. METHODS: Cases were identified over a 16-year period. All patients exhibited granulation tissue on pathology. Demographic details, presentation, treatment, histology, and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Five patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.1 years, 40.0% male, 40.0% former smokers) underwent a biopsy. Persistent or recurrent granulation led to a second biopsy in 4 patients an average of 1423.5 days later, revealing a new diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ in one and mild dysplasia in another. Further persistence or recurrence led to a third biopsy or excision an average of 302.3 days later in 3 patients, demonstrating SCC in situ in 1. An average of 2.5 biopsies were required with a mean time to SCC in situ diagnosis of 919.5 days from presentation. Two patients continued to demonstrate persistent granulation tissue on histology. CONCLUSION: The membranous vocal fold is an atypical location for granuloma and portends a risk of occult malignancy. The occurrence of de novo granuloma at this site should prompt close long-term clinical surveillance with a low threshold for biopsy. Consideration should be given to tissue collection in the operating room to adequately sample the lesion's base. Concern should persist even after a negative biopsy, and serial observation with repeat biopsy as needed should be pursued.

Correlation Between Laryngoscopic Appearance and Histopathology in Vocal Fold Cysts.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Cysts are benign vocal fold lesions typically divided into mucous retention or epidermoid subtypes. The conventional paradigm that the former are translucent and the latter opaque fails to encompass the heterogeneity of cyst appearance on laryngoscopy. This study aims to characterize the relationships between clinical cyst characteristics and histopathology. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort METHODS: Clinicodemographic data, videostroboscopy findings, and histopathology results were retrospectively reviewed for adults who underwent surgical excision of vocal fold cysts at our institution between 2006 and 2021. RESULTS: Diagnostic histopathologic material was available for 69 patients (age: 50.4 ± 15.1 years, 68.1% female). Clinically, most cysts were opaque (69.6%) and located at the vibratory margin (82.6%). 11.6% were infraglottic. Significant associations existed between cyst location and epithelial type, with infraglottic cysts and those at the superior surface more commonly exhibiting ductal (P = 0.003) and squamous (P = 0.002) epithelium, respectively. Cyst opacity did not correlate with histopathology (P = 0.415). Epidermoid cysts were more likely to exhibit clinical inflammation (P = 0.002).

Comparison of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Score Outcomes After Autologous Cartilage Grafts and Latera Nasal Implants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare quantitative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores for ACG and Latera implants for nasal valve repair. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ACG or Latera placement between January 2016 through May 2019 by a single surgeon. Patients who had completed NOSE surveys pre- and post-operatively were identified and eligible for inclusion. Data regarding baseline demographic characteristics, adjunctive surgical procedures, NOSE scores at 1, 3, and 6-month post-operative visits, complications, and total operative time were collected. Unpaired t-tests and linear mixed models were performed to analyze differences between study groups. RESULTS: There were 24 and 39 patients who underwent ACG and Latera, respectively, who met eligibility criteria. There were no differences in demographic characteristics or pre-operative baseline NOSE scores (ACG: 65.1 and Latera: 64.4; P = .92) between groups. Mean operative times were not significantly different between groups (ACG: 113 minutes and Latera: 102 minutes; P = .76). Within each group, NOSE scores were significantly improved at each post-operative visit compared to pre-operative baselines. Between groups, mean NOSE scores were lower at each post-operative visit for ACG compared to Latera (1-month ACG: 21.7 and Latera: 45.9, P = .002 ; 3-month ACG: 14.5 and Latera: 39.9, P = .034; 6-month ACG: 8.4 and Latera: 44.2, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Both ACG and Latera offer significant improvements in patient-reported nasal obstruction severity; however, ACG may yield more favorable subjective symptom scores.

Digital Appearance Manipulation Increases Consideration of Cosmetic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Social media has gained significant popularity over the last decade. We now have the opportunity to digitally enhance our physical appearance using a variety of applications in the palm of our hands. One app, in particular, Facetune2, allows one to smooth skin, alter the size and shape of our nose, and even enhance our jaw line. Objectives: (1) To assess whether using a digital appearance manipulation (DAM) application directly causes increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery and (2) to measure the impact photograph editing has on an individual's self-esteem, self-rated attractiveness, and self-rated personality traits. Design Type: Prospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 20 subjects were recruited to participate in this study between July 25 and September 24, 2019, using University e-mail list invitations. Subjects first completed a basic intake questionnaire that included demographic information as well as baseline acceptance of cosmetic surgery, Rosenberg self-esteem, and self-perception scores. Subjects then had two sets of headshots taken (neutral and smile) and provided an introduction on the use of the Facetune2 app. Subjects received a digital copy of their photographs and were asked to download the free mobile app. After 1 week of appearance manipulation, subjects submitted their best edited photographs and completed the same three questionnaires. Wilcoxon signed rank test analysis was then used to assess for changes before and after DAM. Results: Overall, study participants indicated increased consideration of cosmetic surgery on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery scale after DAM (+3.45, p = 0.04). When divided by gender, females further signified increased consideration of cosmetic surgery to keep looking young (+1.4, p = 0.04). Males indicated increased social motivation for cosmetic surgery after DAM (+1.5, p = 0.04). Both males (+1.0, p = 0.04) and females (+0.8, p = 0.03) indicated that they "could end up having some kind of cosmetic surgery" in the future. Comparison of the personality perception and Rosenberg self-esteem scores for all study participants before and after DAM showed no significant changes. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that DAM can directly lead to increased consideration of cosmetic surgery for both males and females without affecting self-esteem.

Aspirin use predicts prolonged survival in patients with oropharyngeal cancer: Nationwide Veterans Affairs database study.

BACKGROUND: Single-institution studies suggest that aspirin reduces the risk of death in head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aspirin use on overall survival (OS) in veterans with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). METHODS: A total of 23 083 veterans with OPC were identified between 2005 and 2018 from the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse. Records were queried for clinical-demographic data, aspirin prescriptions, and outcomes. Three-year OS was estimated. A Cox model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for aspirin use. RESULTS: Among the 23 083 identified veterans, 17 206 veterans met inclusion criteria. 21.8% used aspirin. Three-year OS was prolonged for aspirin users (66%) compared to nonaspirin users (54%; P < .001). Adjusted HR for death for nonaspirin users was 1.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.60-1.91]). The average treatment effect of aspirin on survival using inverse probability weighting was 10% (95% CI [0.08-0.11]). CONCLUSION: Aspirin use following OPC diagnosis was independently associated with improved 3-year OS among veterans nationwide.

The Role of Age and Gender on Perception of Women After Cosmetic Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is known to increase attractiveness; however, the influence of observer age and gender are largely undetermined. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 20 women who underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty between January 1st, 2012, and December 31st, 2019. A total of 4 surveys were constructed with 10 sets of photographs each (5 preoperative and 5 postoperative). Surveys were designed such that photographs of the same patient were not placed in the same survey to avoid recall bias. Each of these surveys were then sent to at least 30 lay people via a web-based survey tool. Anonymous blinded respondents used a 7-point Likert scale to rate their perception of each patient's aggressiveness, likeability, sociability, trustworthiness, attractiveness, femininity, intelligence and confidence. A multivariate linear mixed effect model was applied to analyze the overall patient trait data as well as to assess age and gender differences. RESULTS: This survey study included photographs of 20 women (mean age, 28.2 years) before and after cosmetic rhinoplasty. A total of 174 respondents (mean age range, 25-34 years [41%]; 108 [62%] were female) completed the survey. Overall, postoperative photographs were perceived as significantly more sociable (0.13; 95% CI, 0.01-0.25), attractive (0.21; 95% CI, 0.09-0.34), feminine (0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.30), and confident (0.15; 95% CI, 0.02-0.27). When analyzed by sex, men rated women as less aggressive (-0.42, 95% CI, -0.65,-0.17) and more likeable (+0.45, 95% CI, 0.21-0.69), sociable (+0.38, 95% CI, 0.14-0.62), trustworthy (+0.37, 95% CI, 0.13-0.61), attractive (+0.60, 95% CI, 0.35-0.84), feminine (+0.23, 95% CI, 0.07-0.41) and intelligent (+0.29, 95% CI, 0.04-0.53). In contrast, female respondents indicated an increase in perceived attractiveness (+0.16, 95% CI, 0.06-0.22) and femininity (+0.18, 95% CI, 0.03-0.32) for women after rhinoplasty. Raters aged 25-34 indicated improvements across all traits analyzed. Almost all age ranges rated post-operative photographs as more attractive (18-24: +0.32, 95% CI, 0.19-0.46; 25-34: +0.52, 95% CI, 0.33-0.72; 35-44: +0.29, 95% CI, 0.12-0.51; 45-54: +0.50, 95% CI, 0.11-0.89) while individuals over age 55 only indicated increased trustworthiness (+0.51, 95% CI, 0.03-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that cosmetic rhinoplasty improves perceptions of personality and physical traits of women with males and individuals aged 25-34 indicating the greatest benefit. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Management of Adult Inpatient Otolaryngologic Consultations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proposed Tier-Based Triage System.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed tremendous strain on health care systems, leading to unprecedented challenges and obstacles in the delivery of patient care. Otolaryngologists are frequently called on for inpatient consultations for an array of pathologies, ranging from chronic benign conditions to acutely life-threatening processes. Professional otolaryngologic societies across the world have proposed limiting patient care to time-sensitive and urgent matters; however, limited literature is available to describe how this transient change in philosophy may translate to clinical practice. Here we present a structured algorithm that allows for rapid triage of otolaryngologic consults during the ongoing pandemic, in efforts to minimize infectious spread and protect clinicians while preserving high-quality patient care. Considerations for managing these consults are presented, with a commentary on practical and ethical considerations.

Perioperative Considerations in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Present an overview of perioperative considerations specific to endoscopic skull base surgery necessary to maximize successful outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of perioperative considerations for endoscopic skull base surgery lack strong supporting evidence and frequently have varied use or implementation amongst institutions. A notable exception comes from a recent randomized controlled trial demonstrating the benefit of lumbar drainage in high-risk cerebrospinal fluid leaks. SUMMARY: Skull base surgeons must consider a multitude of perioperative factors. While many components of perioperative management are extrapolated from related fields such as endoscopic sinus surgery or open cranial base surgery, additional high-quality studies are needed to delineate best practices specific to endoscopic skull base surgery.

Common causes of congenital stridor in infants.

Stridor is a high-pitched respiratory sound that signals upper airway obstruction. It can be encountered by clinicians in a variety of clinical settings and requires a team-based, interdisciplinary approach. Early recognition is crucial, as the differential diagnosis can be broad, and causes range from benign to life-threatening. This article reviews the most commonly encountered causes of chronic congenital stridor in infants, focusing on the diagnostic approach, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies.

Trends in the management of secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in children.

OBJECTIVE: To define current practices in management of secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) in children by pediatric and general otolaryngologists. INTRODUCTION: Bleeding after tonsillectomy is common. Our goal was to describe management methods across the U.S. METHODS: Questions regarding perioperative management and treatment in response to three hypothetical cases featuring secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding were posed via REDCap survey. Comparisons were made for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training, regions of residency training and current practice, practice type, and number of years in practice. RESULTS: A total of 400 surveys were distributed with 104 responses. Fellowship-trained respondents were more likely to have been in practice for less than ten years (41.5% versus 17.8%) and to practice in an academic setting (67.3% versus 13.6%). They were less likely to prescribe antibiotics after tonsillectomy and more likely to prescribe acetaminophen (98.3% versus 80.4%), ibuprofen (79.3% versus 56.5%), and narcotics (74.1% versus 50.0%) compared to general otolaryngologists. When faced with a post-tonsillectomy patient with visible clot but no active bleeding, pediatric otolaryngologists were less likely to remove the clot (31.6% versus 54.3%) and more likely to proceed to the OR (75.9% versus 56.5%) and admit the patient (87.9% versus 68.9%). Few regional differences were encountered; however, factors influencing the decision to pursue operative intervention varied by region. CONCLUSION: Pediatric otolaryngologists are more likely to follow American Academy of Otolaryngology guidelines for tonsillectomy perioperative management. They also manage patients with secondary PTH differently than general otolaryngologists. Management trends are similar by region but salient factors considered in the decision-making process vary.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduces blood pressure but not renal vasoconstrictor response to orthostatic stress in healthy older adults.

Older adults exhibit augmented renal vasoconstriction during orthostatic stress compared to young adults. Consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil (FO), modulates autonomic nerve activity. However, the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption on the renal vasoconstrictor response to orthostatic stress in young and older adults is unknown. Therefore, 10 young (25 ± 1 years; mean ± SEM) and 10 older (66 ± 2 years) healthy adults ingested 4 g FO daily for 12 weeks, and underwent graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP; -15 and -30 mmHg) pre- and post-FO supplementation. Renal blood flow velocity (RBFV; Doppler ultrasound), arterial blood pressure (BP; photoplethysmographic finger cuff), and heart rate (electrocardiogram) were recorded. Renal vascular resistance (RVR), an index of renal vasoconstriction, was calculated as mean BP/RBFV. All baseline cardiovascular values were similar between groups and visits, except diastolic BP was higher in the older group (P < 0.05). FO supplementation increased erythrocyte EPA and DHA content in both groups (P < 0.05). FO did not affect RVR or RBFV responses to LBNP in either group, but attenuated the mean BP response to LBNP in the older group (older -30 mmHg: pre-FO -4 ± 1 vs. post-FO 0 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05; young -30 mmHg: pre-FO -5 ± 1 vs. post-FO -5 ± 2 mmHg). In conclusion, FO supplementation attenuates the mean BP response but does not affect the renal vasoconstrictor response to orthostatic stress in older adults.

Aerophagia and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with Rett syndrome.

A patient with Rett syndrome presented to our Emergency Department with extensive subcutaneous emphysema in the cervical region, chest wall, upper extremities, and back. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a mucosal tear in the posterior pharyngeal wall and an abscessed retropharyngeal lymph node, but she had no known history of trauma to account for these findings. This report discusses the occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema in the context of a rare neurodevelopmental disorder and proposes accentuated aerophagia, a sequela of Rett syndrome, as the most likely underlying mechanism.

Salivary cotinine levels in children with otolaryngological disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if salivary cotinine, a biomarker for tobacco smoke exposure, is elevated more often or to a higher degree in children meeting criteria for tonsillectomy or tympanostomy tube insertion. METHODS: Saliva samples were obtained from 3 groups of children for salivary cotinine measurement. Group 1 served as healthy controls. Group 2 consisted of subjects meeting tympanostomy tube criteria. Group 3 consisted of patients meeting tonsillectomy criteria. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure was defined as a salivary cotinine concentration ≥1.0 ng/mL. Demographic data, smoke exposure history, and co-morbidities were also determined. RESULTS: 331 patients were included, with 112 in Group 1, 111 in Group 2, and 108 in Group 3. No differences were encountered for smoke exposure by history or smoker's identity, salivary cotinine level, or frequency of positive cotinine results. 42.6% of Group 1 had positive salivary cotinine compared to 51.8% of Group 2 and 47.7% of Group 3. Group 1 had a mean salivary cotinine level of 2.42 ng/mL compared to 2.54 ng/mL in Group 2 and 2.60 ng/mL in Group 3. The frequency of positive cotinine levels was higher than expected based on parental history. Among subjects with positive cotinine levels, 93 had no ETS exposure, and 64 had ETS exposure by history. CONCLUSION: Approximately 50% of children who undergo tonsillectomy and tympanostomy tube insertion have objective evidence of ETS exposure. Parental history underestimates passive smoke exposure, which can impact perioperative care.

Varicella Infection Complicated by Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Retropharyngeal Abscess.

An unimmunized 19-month-old child presented with a retropharyngeal abscess and coincident varicella infection. The abscess resolved with operative drainage. This is the first published report of this connection, although varicella is known to be associated with abscesses in general. Practitioners should be aware that cervical abscesses may complicate varicella infections.