Gender-based linguistic differences in letters of recommendation for rhinology fellowship over time: A dual-institutional follow-up study using natural language processing and deep learning.

KEY POINTS: This follow-up dual-institutional and longitudinal study further evaluated for underlying gender biases in LORs for rhinology fellowship. Explicit and implicit linguistic gender bias was found, heavily favoring male applicants.

Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Rhinology Complications: A Rare Presentation.

OBJECTIVE: This case report presents a unique manifestation of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL) in a 56-year-old woman with chronic nasal symptoms. Initially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and septal perforation, the patient's history of a childhood sandfly bite and subsequent episodes of Leishmaniasis, revealed after nasal surgery, provided crucial information for accurate diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on this patient's electronic medical record. RESULTS: The patient's life-long struggle with nasal obstruction, congestion, and a septal perforation initially masked the underlying MCL. Sinus surgery and persistent symptoms further complicated the diagnostic process. Only after postoperative complications, including grainy skin texture extending into the nasal passages, did the patient recall the sandfly bite, prompting reevaluation and diagnosis of MCL. The case highlights the challenges of diagnosing MCL due to its varied presentation and potential mimicry of other chronic nasal conditions. It emphasizes the importance of thorough patient history-taking, especially when symptoms are atypical or persistent. Additionally, the report underscores the potential for unexpected postoperative complications in MCL patients and the need for vigilance in recognizing and assessing them. CONCLUSION: This case contributes to the understanding of MCL's diverse clinical presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.

Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Rhinology: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are innovative technologies that have a wide range of potential applications in the health care industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the body of research on AR and VR applications in rhinology by performing a scoping review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. REVIEW METHODS: According to PRISM-ScR guidelines, a scoping review of literature on the application of AR and/or VR in the context of Rhinology was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. RESULTS: Forty-nine articles from 1996 to 2023 met the criteria for review. Five broad types of AR and/or VR applications were found: preoperative, intraoperative, training/education, feasibility, and technical. The subsequent clinical domains were recognized: craniovertebral surgery, nasal endoscopy, transsphenoidal surgery, skull base surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and sinonasal malignancies. CONCLUSION: AR and VR have comprehensive applications in Rhinology. AR for surgical navigation may have the most emerging potential in skull base surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery. VR can be utilized as an engaging training tool for surgeons and residents and as a distraction analgesia for patients undergoing office-based procedures. Additional research is essential to further understand the tangible effects of these technologies on measurable clinical results. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Can GPT-4 revolutionize otolaryngology? Navigating opportunities and ethical considerations.

Otolaryngologists can enhance workflow efficiency, provide better patient care, and advance medical research and education by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their practices. GPT-4 technology is a revolutionary and contemporary example of AI that may apply to otolaryngology. The knowledge of otolaryngologists should be supplemented, not replaced when using GPT-4 to make critical medical decisions and provide individualized patient care. In our thorough examination, we explore the potential uses of the groundbreaking GPT-4 technology in the field of otolaryngology, covering aspects such as potential outcomes and technical boundaries. Additionally, we delve into the intricate and intellectually challenging dilemmas that emerge when incorporating GPT-4 into otolaryngology, considering the ethical considerations inherent in its implementation. Our stance is that GPT-4 has the potential to be very helpful. Its capabilities, which include aid in clinical decision-making, patient care, and administrative job automation, present exciting possibilities for enhancing patient outcomes, boosting the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and enhancing patient experiences. Even though there are still certain obstacles and limitations, the progress made so far shows that GPT-4 can be a valuable tool for modern medicine. GPT-4 may play a more significant role in clinical practice as technology develops, helping medical professionals deliver high-quality care tailored to every patient's unique needs.

Functional outcome following intracapsular resection of head and neck peripheral nerve sheath tumors: a retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Intracapsular resection of head and neck peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) has emerged as a nerve-preserving technique compared to en bloc resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the functional outcome of both surgical techniques performed at a single tertiary referral center. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of patients with head and neck PNST undergoing surgical resection from 2011 to 2021 at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Demographic data, the nerve of origin and surgical technique, including the use of intraoperative nerve monitoring were recorded and analyzed in association with postoperative functional outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 25 patients who had a cervical or parapharyngeal PNST resected were included. Nerve function was preserved in 11 of 18 patients (61%) who underwent intracapsular resection, while all those who underwent en bloc resections inevitably suffered from neurologic deficits (100%, N = 7). Sympathetic chain origin and an apparent neurologic deficit pre-operatively were associated with postoperative neural compromise. CONCLUSION: Improved functional outcome can be anticipated following intracapsular resection of extracranial head and neck PNST compared to complete resection, particularly in asymptomatic patients.