Complications of RFA for Thyroid Nodules: Prevention and Management
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis review will summarize the various complications of RFA for thyroid nodules as well as preventative and management strategies that can be used when faced with these adverse events.Recent FindingsAlthough widely perceived to be less invasive and a potentially safer option than surgery, a broad spectrum of complications have been reported in recent years, including nerve damage, nodule rupture, permanent hypothyroidism, and needle tracking seeding. Complications occur at a rate ranging from 0.0 –16.7%. Understanding the complications that arise during treatment is essential in conducting sa...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - February 4, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

A Review of Treatment of Bilateral Vocal Fold Movement Impairment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBilateral vocal fold immobility is a challenging life-threatening problem involving multiple treatment options and nuanced clinical decision making. We aim to provide relevant background on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of bilateral vocal fold movement impairment (BVFMI).Recent FindingsOver the last 20  years, the management of bilateral vocal fold immobility has advanced significantly with the addition of multiple endoscopic approaches as well as procedures with the goal of returning dynamic function to the larynx, among them: selective reinnervation. Chemodenervation has also demonstra...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 28, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Application and Utility of Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodules
This article discusses the role of RFA in the management of benign thyroid nodules and reviews recent literature comparing outcomes between RFA, surgery, and medical therapy.Recent FindingsMultiple studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of RFA in the treatment of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) and symptomatic, cold nodules (SCN). The “moving shot” technique has proven successful in normalizing thyroid function for ATFNs and decreasing cosmetic/symptomatic concerns for SCNs after a single treatment.SummaryRadiofrequency ablation is a viable treatment option for the treatment of AFTNs and SCNs...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 26, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

The Clinical Application of Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Primary Low-risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review and summarize the clinical application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of primary low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Recent FindingsThe therapeutic response of RFA for low-risk PTMC is satisfactory and sustainable with a mean volume reduction rate of 99.3% after a follow-up period ranging from 7.8 to 25.7  months. No life-threatening complications have been found. Compared with surgery, RFA has similar local tumor recurrence rate with more advantages including less invasive procedure, fewer complications, better preservation of thyroid function, and a bett...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 23, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Pediatric Airway Surgery: Advances in Evaluation and Endoscopic Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPediatric airway evaluation and surgery have evolved over time to involve less invasive techniques in order to facilitate quicker recovery and potentially less discomfort. Over the past decade, new indications, techniques, and data have emerged to support the use of these techniques routinely. In this article, we present techniques for evaluation and outcomes for endoscopic management of the pediatric larynx and review relevant recent publications relevant to pediatric endoscopic airway surgery.Recent FindingsLaryngeal ultrasound has been shown to be an effective modality for evaluating vocal fold ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 23, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Technique and Procedural Aspects of Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThyroid nodules (TNs) are a frequently seen clinical problem which increased in incidence with the usage of high-resolution ultrasound (US). Most of these nodules are benign and do not need any further management unless they start to be symptomatic, cosmetically unacceptable, or proven to be malignant. Surgery has been the only treatment option. Since scientists and clinicians became more conservative and toward minimally invasive techniques, TNs ’ management was not exceptional. Minimally invasive US-guided techniques were introduced in the last two decades as a management of TNs. Radiofrequ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 15, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Infectious Sialadenitis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInfections of the salivary glands (infectious sialadenitis) can be caused by many different pathogens. We intend to review the types of infections, their presentation and treatment, and the potential associated risks.Recent FindingsBacterial sialadenitis is attributed to retrograde oral contamination and is associated with duct obstruction and diminished salivary flow. Treatment is supportive with antibiotic therapy and monitoring for rare complications from infection. Many viruses can be implicated in parotitis, most notably mumps paramyxovirus, and are treated symptomatically. Other infections, s...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 14, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Benign Vocal Fold Lesions in Children
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEducate the reader on common benign vocal fold lesions and update on new findings, which are primarily in the area of diagnosis.Recent FindingsBenign elevated lesions of the vocal folds have varying nomenclature despite having anatomic differences in location. New imaging evaluations may aid in further understanding of best diagnosis.SummaryBenign elevated lesions in children are common and voice therapy remains the primary treatment modality. Diagnostic methods are expanding, though have not become widely used in practice. Future research should seek to further standardize these diagnostic methods...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 9, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Neck Ultrasound: Anatomical Landmarks for Safe Performance of Neck RFA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper is intended to provide anatomic perspective for those interested in performing or considering ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of thyroid, parathyroid, and other neck pathology. The central location of the thyroid and parathyroid glands means that vital neck structures are present on all sides. Traditional anatomic assessment of the thyroid and parathyroids is focused on characteristics within these glands and, when more comprehensive, includes attention to regional lymph nodes. The anatomic assessment of the candidate for RFA requires further attention to the detailed ana...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 7, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Pediatric Open Airway Reconstruction
This article aims to review previous and current literature on open airway reconstruction to guide care for these children.Recent FindingsExperience and expertise in airway surgery have shifted recent research towards non-airway outcome measures such as swallowing and voice, though the primary treatment objective remains decannulation. Various open surgical options as slide tracheoplasty, laryngotracheal reconstruction, and partial cricotracheal resection and anastomosis are available for correcting laryngotracheal stenosis. The choice of the surgery should be based on demography and characteristics of the stenosis found d...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Pediatric Unilateral Vocal Fold Movement Impairment: Diagnostic Tools and Management Strategies
This article presents updates on the natural history of pediatric VFMI, use of laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) as diagnostic tools, and optimal management strategies for pediatric unilateral VFMI.Recent FindingsLong-term follow-up studies for pediatric patients diagnosed with VFMI described a substantial number of children that have recovery of VFMI well after 12  months, contradicting the conventional teaching that recovery after 1 year is unlikely. LUS performs well compared to the gold standard flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) in identifying VFMI with significantly less physiologic impa...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Current Practice of Percutaneous Ablation Technologies for Thyroid Nodules 2020
This article presents the various percutaneous ablation techniques that are currently being used for thyroid nodules.Recent FindingsIn recent years, several studies largely from Asian and Europe institutions have shown promising results with the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ethanol ablation (EA), and laser ablation (LA) for thyroid nodules. These techniques are gaining more acceptance worldwide as an alternative to surgery. Comparatively newer techniques such as microwave ablation (MWA) and high-intensity focus ultrasound (HIFU) are also available but there is little evidence about their efficacy.SummaryPercutaneo...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 6, 2021 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Bilateral Cochlear Implants or Bimodal Hearing for Children with Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review describes speech perception and language outcomes for children using bimodal hearing (cochlear implant (CI) plus contralateral hearing aid (HA)) as compared to children with bilateral CIs and contrasts said findings with the adult literature. There is a lack of clinical evidence driving recommendations for bimodal versus bilateral CI candidacy and as such, clinicians are often unsure about when to recommend a second CI for children with residual acoustic hearing. Thus, the goal of this review is to identify scientific information that may influence clinical decision making for pediatric...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - October 1, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Unilateral and Bilateral Laryngeal Pacing for Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPresent the state-of-the-art overview of laryngeal pacing for treatment of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. A minimally invasive unilateral pacing system and a fully implantable bilateral pacing system are currently in clinical trials. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed.Recent FindingsResearch in functional electrical stimulation for the reanimation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle has successfully translated from animal models to human clinical trials for unilateral pacing and bilateral pacing. Current findings suggest unilateral pacing in humans significantly imp...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - September 2, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Botulinum Toxin Injection in Facial Paralysis and Other Neuromuscular Conditions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewBotulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has long been used for the management of the sequelae of facial paralysis and other neuromuscular conditions. Evidence is limited in its efficacy and outcomes, and there is a lack of standardisation in its use.Recent FindingsBoth objective and subjective outcomes in BTX-A injections for facial paralysis are favourable. Differences are seen depending on type of botulinum toxin used, but most studies recommend OnabotulinumtoxinA.SummaryBTX-A injection is an effective method in the treatment of these disorders, improving patient outcomes through a minimally invasive approach....
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - September 2, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research