Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Geriatric Populations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing has greatly increased in the geriatric population.Recent FindingsThe pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing for this population varies from younger populations due to consequences of aging such as loss of neuromuscular tone, soft tissue hypertrophy, and tissue laxity. The importance of treating obstructive sleep apnea is obvious as it is linked to detrimental cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks with additional effects on quality of life.SummaryTreatment of older patients is best met by evaluating their goals of treatment and meeting it with o...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 20, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Rhinology: Simulation Training (Part 2)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecently, there has been an expansion of novel technologies in simulation 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 FindingsWe learned that an ideal sinus surgery model would score highly in all standard measures of validity whilst maintaining an ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 20, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

History of Ossicular Chain Reconstruction
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOssicular erosion is a well-known complication of chronic ear disease, particularly when associated with cholesteatoma. Discontinuity of the ossicular chain can result in varying degrees of conductive hearing loss. Surgical correction and rehabilitation through ossiculoplasty has long been described as a successful means of hearing rehabilitation. Since its original description, numerous advancements have been made, particularly in the sector of prosthesis design and development.Recent FindingsSince the original ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) was first described in 1952, various allografts, a...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 16, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in the Elderly: Evaluation and Prevalence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSeveral age-related sensory and motor changes impact swallow function in the elderly. Dysphagia is a common and growing concern as the geriatric population expands and is associated with emotional, physical, and financial consequences. However, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in community-dwelling independent older adults who do not report issues with swallowing.Recent FindingsOtherwise healthy older adults may have senescent swallowing that remains functional until it is disrupted by triggers and becomes dysphagia. Evaluating for dysphagia in the elderly is important, because it ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 16, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Brief Immunology Review for Targeted Biologic Therapies in Allergic Disease
This article provides a concise overview of important aspects of immunology related to atopic disorders and the key inflammatory components that biologic agents target.Recent FindingsOver 15  years ago, the first biologic agent for an allergic disease gained FDA approval. Since then, additional attention has been given to elucidating the underlying pathways involved in these inflammatory disorders and identifying other potential targets that may be used to treat these conditions. In th e last 5 years, not only have new biologic agents emerged to treat other atopic conditions, but also currently available agents have gain...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 15, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Ossiculoplasty for Tympanosclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe utility of surgery for tympanosclerosis has been a controversial topic among otologic surgeons for many decades. Knowing the variations in tympanosclerotic involvement, different aspects of surgical technique, and audiologic outcomes data can help inform the discussion of optimal management between surgeon and patient.Recent FindingsTympanosclerosis can involve all structures in the middle ear, and the distribution of that involvement determines the likelihood of surgical success in hearing improvement. Most recent studies indicate that having a mobile stapes is a key prognostic factor and incr...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 14, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Mucosal Barrier Defects: What Have We Learned from Atopic Dermatitis, Asthma, and Allergic Rhinitis?
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis review covers recent findings describing roles for tight junction proteins in the mucosal barrier and their dysfunction in atopic diseases.Recent FindingsMucosal barrier dysfunction is commonly associated with chronic inflammation. Changes in tight junction protein expression and localization can be indicators of disease progression in allergic rhinitis. In addition, alterations in tight junctions may have a role in the initial onset of asthma. Lastly, polymorphisms in tight junction genes can be early predictors for atopic dermatitis risk and severity.SummaryTight junctions play a vital r...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 10, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Malleostapedotomy: Recent Innovations and Surgical Outcomes
This article presents outcomes with a self-crimping angulated malleostapedotomy piston and reviews recent published advancements relevant to MS surgery.Recent FindingsExcellent results are reported with a self-crimping angulated nitinol piston including AB gap closure<  20 dB in the majority of cases and<  10 dB in many cases. Innovations in surgical technique include consideration for shifting the crimp site to the malleus neck, possible repositioning of the malleus, and use of an endoscope. Prosthesis sizing may be optimized by specialized instruments or preoperative 3D radiologic imaging.SummaryMalleostapedo...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - January 9, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review contemporary literature on audiometric and functional outcomes of endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) and to contrast this with outcomes using traditional microscopic OCR.Recent FindingsAudiometric outcomes of endoscopic OCR (including benchmark outcome of percentage of cases with air-bone gap (ABG) closure to<  20 dB) are similar compared with the traditional microscopic approach for ossiculoplasty. There are no significant differences in operative time or outcomes of primary versus staged ossiculoplasty.SummaryEndoscopic ossiculoplasty appears to be non-inferior to tra...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - December 2, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe review briefly explores the history of sleep surgery and the advent of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the treatment of patients intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).Recent FindingsTORS for obstructive sleep apnea demonstrates increased effectiveness compared to single-level surgery in the treatment of the CPAP-intolerant patient. However, recent studies on newer therapies (upper airway stimulation) have demonstrated improved efficacy and fewer complications.SummaryTORS of the airway to treat OSA is an effective means of lowering the sequela of untreated sleep apnea in p...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - November 28, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) —Inside Out Anatomy and Exposure of the Operating Field
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo optimize operating field exposure and improve understanding of surgical anatomy from the “inside out” perspective for transoral robotic surgery (TORS).Recent FindingsIn the last decade, TORS has become a common surgical technique for the management of early stage oropharyngeal cancers. Recent anatomic studies have focused on understanding the landmarks specific to each oropharynx subsite from the “inside out” perspective of a transoral surgeon.SummaryTechnical, anatomic, and oncologic factors should be considered pre-operatively to optimize surgical set-up, as exposure and access are the...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - November 25, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Revision Ossiculoplasty
AbstractPurposeTo critically evaluate the literature as it pertains to revision ossiculoplasty and to distill it so that the reader may garner useful tips and strategies.Recent FindingsWe discuss reasons for failure in primary ossiculoplasty and discuss recent developments in the field, notably transcanal endoscopic ear surgery and various alloplastic materials.SummaryOssicular chain reconstruction remains a technically challenging procedure with numerous biophysical factors to take into account. In heeding certain guiding principles, otologic surgeons may optimize their outcomes. (Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports)
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - November 22, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

State of the Art: Reconstruction with Synthetic PORP and TORP
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review article is to present salient pearls of successful ossiculoplasty, with particular attention paid to reconstructive strategies with synthetic partial ossicular prostheses and total ossicular prostheses.Recent FindingsA refined level of dexterity and an appropriate attention to detail are needed to optimize audiometric outcomes in ossiculoplasty, as is a fundamental understanding of middle ear mechanics and the consistent anatomical relationships that exist in the middle ear, but perhaps the most important determinant of long-term hearing outcomes in ossiculoplasty is the ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - November 21, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Remote Access Surgery for Thyroid Disease
This article reviews the most commonly embraced remote access approaches to the thyroid compartment.Recent FindingsAfter initial enthusiasm, the trend towards remote access thyroid surgery has been tempered. Preference in the USA is given to techniques involving familiar cervical dissection planes. Extracervical remote access thyroid surgery is generally not considered to be minimally invasive surgery.SummaryRemote access thyroid surgery may be offered to a special subset of patients with high motivation towards absence of a visible cervical scar. The procedure should probably be done in specialized centers where adequate ...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - November 17, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research

Nerve Monitoring for Transoral Thyroid Surgery: Why, How, and What to Expect
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe primarily describe technical tips, and attempt to demonstrate the value of using intermitted neural monitoring (IONM) during transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), with emphasis and respect given to nerve monitoring standards described by the International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG).Recent FindingsAny modifications to the established operative technique for TOETVA should result in similar or improved patient outcomes with lower rates of complications. TOETVA is a new technique that demands full protection of RLN function during the cranial to caudal thyroid a...
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - August 1, 2019 Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research