[The first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-impact on otorhinolaryngology]. / Das erste Jahr der Pandemie mit SARS-CoV-2 ­ Auswirkungen auf die Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde.

BACKGROUND: The first year of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has already affected our public health care system to an enormous extent and will continue to do so in the future. Otorhinolaryngologists (ORLs) are suspected to be at high risk of infection, due to the high viral load in the mucosa of the upper airways. The current review evaluates the impact of the pandemic on ORLs' activities and assesses the risk infection. METHODS: A selective literature research was conducted using relevant English and German terms for ORL, SARS-CoV­2, risk, and infection at PubMed, medRxiv, and bioRxiv, as well as in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt and on the websites of the Robert Koch Institute and the Johns Hopkins University. RESULTS: Protection recommendations for ORL include general hygiene measures and wearing KN95 masks for routine professional activities. When in contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it is recommended to extend the personal protective equipment by eye protection, gloves, cap, and gown. International otorhinolaryngology societies have released guidelines for procedures (e.g., tracheostomy, sinus surgery), propagating personal protection for the surgical team and reduction of aerosols. Testing for SARS-CoV­2 in patients and medical staff can contribute to reducing the risk of infection. Vaccination would provide some additional protection for ORLs and other health care professionals with increased exposure to aerosols. There is increasing evidence that ORLs are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV­2. CONCLUSION: Consequent personal protection, frequent testing of patients and health care professionals, and the promised SARS-CoV­2 vaccinations may provide adequate protection for highly exposed persons.

[Functional results after soft palate reconstruction in oropharyngeal cancer patients]. / Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach Rekonstruktion des weichen Gaumens bei Patienten mit Oropharynxkarzinom.

BACKGROUND: Surgery of the soft palate in patients with oropharyngeal cancer can result in functional deficiencies of swallowing and speech. Reconstruction of the resected structures can contribute to regaining sufficient functionality after therapy. OBJECTIVE: The current study used frequency analysis to evaluate the change in speech characteristics after resection and reconstruction of the soft palate during post-therapeutic follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 18 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma and involvement of the soft palate, resection and reconstruction by free radial forearm graft (FRFG) and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was conducted. The spoken German numbers "eins", "zwei", "drei", "vier", "fünf" were recorded during follow-up and objectively assessed by frequency analysis. Additionally, food intake status and the necessity of a tracheostomy were evaluated. RESULTS: The maximum peak frequencies of the numbers analysed increased from 150-300 Hz before up to 1000 Hz after therapy. Two years post therapy, the peak frequencies again declined to levels comparable to those before tumour therapy. One year after therapy, complete oral nutrition was possible in two thirds of patients and the tracheostomy was closed in 80%. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the soft palate by FRFG during the course of oropharyngeal cancer treatment allows function to be regained with respect to speech and swallowing. In the majority of patients, it is possible to reach a level of function comparable to the state before tumour treatment.