Quality of Life Outcomes and Approach-Specific Morbidities in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEndoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) has many advantages compared with traditional approaches. Recently, there is an increasing focus on patient-centered, quality of life (QOL), and approach-specific outcomes. This review seeks to illuminate our current understanding and knowledge gaps in EESBS-specific QOL outcomes.Recent FindingsIn an effort to capture the most relevant QOL implications for patients undergoing EESBS, three comprehensive, validated, QOL instruments have been created. These instruments are often supplemented by sinonasal-specific outcome measures, given the potentially s...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 18, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Open and Endoscopic Skull Base Approaches
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSurgical approaches to the skull base have been evolving at an incredible rate in the past 30  years. The advent of the endoscope has multiplied the available approaches while reducing morbidity. Otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons performing these operations must stay updated in recent trends and techniques to determine the best options for patients.Recent FindingsTwenty years have passed since the adoption of the endoscope in skull base surgery but new techniques are still being introduced on an annual basis. Most notably are the “cross court” techniques utilizing the contralateral transmaxi...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 18, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Imaging of Anterior and Central Skull Base Tumors: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to summarize characteristic imaging findings of common skull base lesions. In addition, this study aims to review the literature regarding important and interesting new advancements in imaging of the anterior and central skull base.Recent FindingsImaging techniques including magnetic resonance elastography, indocyanine green fluorescence, Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT, peptide receptor radionucleotide therapy, and 3D printing are being used to advance the care of patients with skull base pathology.SummaryCharacteristic CT and MRI findings can be used to narrow the differential d...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 12, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Balance and Dizziness Disorders in the Elderly: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDizziness and balance disorders affecting the elderly are among the most common causes of medical consultation. In an aging population, the number of cases is expected to increase, proving to be a growing public health concern. This review aims to summarize exciting, new research done on this topic.Recent FindingsVirtual reality and Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation have shown promise in providing low-cost, at-home care for older adults suffering from dizziness and balance disorders. Furthermore, new research has crafted an effective preventative screening guide for falls in the elderly.Summ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 11, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Reconstruction Following Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: Options and Technical Considerations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide a brief overview of the options available for reconstruction of the skull base and to discuss their technical considerations. To review the contemporary literature surrounding adjunctive measures such as acetazolamide and perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion.Recent FindingsA recent randomized, control trial examining perioperative lumbar drainage following endoscopic skull base surgery has demonstrated that perioperative lumbar drainage is significantly associated with decreased incidence of postoperative CSF leak in specific anatomical subsites.SummaryMany factors must be w...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 5, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Training and Surgical Simulation in Skull Base Surgery: a Systematic Review
This article presents a review of the available literature specific to training and simulation in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.Recent FindingsA systematic review of the literature was performed onsimulation andtraining in endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. The level of evidence, simulation fidelity, and the level of learning effectiveness (Kirkpatrick scale) were assessed for each available study. Thirty studies were included in the review. One study describes a validated training program for training in skull base surgery. The other included studies of present simulation training using cadaveric models, 3...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 5, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Endoscopic Stapes Surgery
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStapes surgery is challenging yet rewarding hearing restoration procedure. Endoscopic ear surgery is a relatively new technique for managing otologic pathology. Stapes surgery presents a unique challenge when performed via a transcanal endoscopic approach because the surgeon is confined to using one hand for management of the footplate and placing the prosthesis.Recent FindingsOutcomes have been published for endoscopic stapes surgery, with several studies comparing endoscopic with the traditional microscopic approach. Several authors noted the need for less bone removal and less pain after endosco...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - March 2, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Creating a Validated Simulation Training Curriculum in Otolaryngology
This article seeks to review current virtual and non-virtual reality simulation models within the literature and review their validation status.Recent FindingsMany simulation models exist within otolaryngology and are currently being used for education. New models are also continuously being developed; however, validity should be proven for the models before incorporating their use for educational purposes. Validity should be determined by experts and trainees themselves.SummaryA validated simulation curriculum should be incorporated within the otolaryngology training programme. A curriculum based on the current training p...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - February 26, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Non-technical Skills Simulation Training
AbstractPurpose of Review“Non-technical skills” are critical to patient safety and form an important part of a surgeon’s competency. Inter-disciplinary team training is now considered essential to train these valuable skills. This review discusses the importance of non-technical skills, and the role these skills have in simulation training within Otolaryngology.Recent FindingsOtolaryngologists are uniquely positioned to encounter airway emergencies. Consequently, team-based training in crisis scenarios is especially important. Simulation can occur in situ or in the simulated setting, with “boot-camps” becoming a ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - February 6, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Age-related Hearing Loss: Recent Developments in Approaching a Public Health Challenge
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAge-related hearing loss is highly prevalent and increasingly recognized as a public health priority. The purpose of this review is to summarize developments in understanding the role hearing plays in aging and new approaches to hearing health care.Recent FindingsGrowing evidence from large epidemiologic studies documents an association between hearing loss and the development of incident dementia, accelerated cognitive decline, depression, decreased quality of life, and falls, as well as increased risk of hospitalizations, health care utilization, and expenditures. Recent advances in legislation a...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 27, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Evidence and Practicalities of Aqueous Sublingual Immunotherapy, Tablet Sublingual Immunotherapy, and Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis and Allergic Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAllergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). Multiple modalities of AIT dosed via sublingual or oral routes are becoming available. This review discusses current evidence and practicalities of aqueous and tablet sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT) in the treatment of AR and allergic asthma.Recent FindingsSeveral large-scale studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of SLIT. These studies have led to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval of tablet SLIT against grass, ragweed, and house d...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 24, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Rhinology: Simulation Training (Part 1)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecently, there has been an expansion of novel technologies in simulation training. Different models target different aspects of training. The aim of this review was to examine existing evidence about training simulators in rhinology, their incorporation into real training programmes and translation of these skills into the operating room. The first part focuses on the virtual and augmented reality simulators. The second part describes the role of physical (i.e. non-computer-based) models of endoscopic sinus surgery.Recent FindingsVirtual reality simulators are still evolving and facing challenges ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 23, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Sinonasal Disorders in Elderly Patients
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAge-related changes of the sinonasal region can have a significant impact on the quality of life. Knowing the effect of aging on sinonasal physiology and understanding the impact of sinonasal disorders on this specific group of patients can help in providing them with better care.Recent FindingsSignificant research in approaching rhinosinusitis, smell disorders, and functional nasal surgery has appeared in the literature in recent years. Medical and surgical treatment options for common sinonasal disorders should be tailored in the geriatric population to take into consideration the presence of com...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 22, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Frailty and Polypharmacy in Older Patients: Critical Issues for Otolaryngologists
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFrailty and polypharmacy are conditions commonly encountered in older otolaryngology patients and impact their symptoms as well as treatment decision-making.Recent FindingsA number of frailty assessment tools are available and in active use. Retrospective studies of large cohorts of patients identify a close correlation between measures of frailty and outcomes. Prospective assessment to inform decision-making remains challenging in clinical practice. The definition of “too many” medications, often termed polypharmacy, remains controversial. Management can be considered a form of “personalized...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 21, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Single, Pauci, and Multi-allergen Testing and Immunotherapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAllergy immunotherapy has been a mainstay of treatment of inhalant allergy for years. Controversy still exists regarding best methods of allergy testing and immunotherapy. We aim to review the evidence supporting single-, pauci-, and multi-allergen testing and immunotherapy.Recent FindingsThe efficacy of immunotherapy has been well-established. The majority of research regarding allergy immunotherapy has focused on single-allergen treatment for mono- or poly-sensitized patients. There is a small heterogeneous group of studies that evaluate the efficacy of multi-allergen immunotherapy. There is a ne...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 20, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research