OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-04-07eCollection Date: 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70053
Chloe H Amsterdam, Ryan T Judd, Jeremy Godsell, Hilary C McCrary, Janice L Farlow, Enver Ozer
{"title":"Cervical Branch Retrograde Superficial Parotidectomy for Tail of Parotid Lesions.","authors":"Chloe H Amsterdam, Ryan T Judd, Jeremy Godsell, Hilary C McCrary, Janice L Farlow, Enver Ozer","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70053","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Facial nerve dysfunction following superficial parotidectomy is one of the most well-known and dreaded complications of the procedure, leading to significant postoperative impairments in affected patients. In lesions involving the parotid tail, the marginal mandibular branch is at particular risk. In contrast, injury to the cervical branch is usually of minimal consequence. Classically, facial nerve dissection in parotidectomy is performed anterograde from the main trunk. In patients presenting with benign superficial parotid tail lesions, however, we often begin with the identification of the cervical branch and perform retrograde dissection to decrease the risk of injury to both the main trunk and the marginal mandibular branch. This technique also allows for the preservation of the great auricular nerve, a shorter incision, and a smaller elevated facial flap, yielding better cosmetic and functional results without compromising the integrity of the resection. Here we describe this technique used for 5 consecutive patients with excellent outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 2","pages":"e70053"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11973724/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143803789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-04-07eCollection Date: 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70111
William C Yao, Randall Ow, Michael J Sillers, Nathan E Nachlas, Curtis D Johnson, Dale Ehmer, Jordan Pritikin, Henry P Barham
{"title":"Three-Year Outcomes After Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment of Nasal Airway Obstruction.","authors":"William C Yao, Randall Ow, Michael J Sillers, Nathan E Nachlas, Curtis D Johnson, Dale Ehmer, Jordan Pritikin, Henry P Barham","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70111","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) treatment of nasal valve collapse (NVC) in patients with nasal airway obstruction (NAO).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>This is an extended follow-up from a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study. The initial study included participants from 12 sites across the United States who were followed for 24 months and additionally agreed to participate in the extended 36-month follow-up.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Procedure was performed in-office with an in-person follow-up at 3 months and subsequent follow-up assessment remotely.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants received TCRF treatment of only the nasal valve and participated in the extended 36-month follow-up. The effect of TCRF treatment was determined by analyzing changes in nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score at each follow-up compared to the baseline.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 122 participants in the primary study, 66 participated in the extended 36-month follow-up. Compared to baseline, there was a 52.6% decrease in the NOSE score at 36 months (mean change -45.3 [95% CI -52.3 to -38.3]; <i>P</i> < .001), and 83.3% of the participants met the criteria for treatment response at 36 months, as defined by the study endpoint. Post hoc sensitivity analysis of the treatment response for all participants from the time of enrollment was 73.9%. No device or procedure-related adverse events or serious adverse events were reported in the interval between 24 and 36 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TCRF treatment of only the nasal valve resulted in significant and durable improvement in NAO symptoms through 36 months in participants with NAO due to NVC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 2","pages":"e70111"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11973577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143803868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-27eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70103
M Lauren Lalakea, Julia E Noel, Duncan A Meiklejohn
{"title":"Reducing Glove Overuse in Outpatient Specialty Clinics: Cost Reduction and Environmental Benefit.","authors":"M Lauren Lalakea, Julia E Noel, Duncan A Meiklejohn","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70103","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gloves are the highest-volume single-use disposable product used in health care. Minimizing unnecessary glove use is relevant in the context of mitigating health care waste and greenhouse gas emissions. We sought to reduce non-sterile glove overuse in the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Plastic Surgery/Burn Clinics affiliated with a tertiary care safety-net teaching hospital by using evidence-based education regarding hand hygiene and appropriate glove use. Baseline use averaged 14,820 gloves/month and 10.8 gloves/patient visit. After intervention, use decreased to 10,100 gloves/month and 7.9 gloves/visit, respectively, representing a 27% reduction in gloves/visit. On an annualized basis, this corresponds to a savings of 56,628 gloves, 180 kilograms of waste, and $3,003.17 per year. Calculated projected reduction in CO<sub>2</sub>e emissions is 1472-1767 kg annually, equivalent in impact to 3766-4519 miles driven in a standard gas-powered car. Widespread adoption would provide a significant positive impact given the scale of glove use in US health care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11950148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143753881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70102
Hänel W Eberly, Sandeep Pradhan, Jacqueline Tucker, Bao Y Sciscent, Tonya S King, Jessyka G Lighthall
{"title":"Fibrin Sealants in Facial Plastic Surgery: A National Database Analysis of Complication Risk.","authors":"Hänel W Eberly, Sandeep Pradhan, Jacqueline Tucker, Bao Y Sciscent, Tonya S King, Jessyka G Lighthall","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70102","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Fibrin sealants (FS) are gaining popularity in surgical practice. However, limited data exist for most facial plastic surgical (FPS) procedures.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cohort.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The TriNetX Research Network.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The TriNetX national database was utilized to identify patients that underwent select FPS procedures. Cohorts included one group with FS recorded on the same day as the procedure, and another without. Demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 550,777 patients underwent an FPS procedure, 600 patients with FS and 550,177 without. There was no difference in the rate of overall complications between groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.92, [0.71-1.2], <i>P</i> = .54), with adjustment for age, race, ethnicity, marital status, nicotine use, and anticoagulation. However, higher rates of postoperative wound disruption (aOR 1.63, [1.14-2.33], <i>P</i> = .008) were seen in the FS group. Patients in the FS group had higher rates of nicotine use (12.7% vs 8.7%, <i>P</i> < .001) and anticoagulation (39.2% vs 27.7%, <i>P</i> < .001) overall. Subanalyses by procedure found increased rates of any postoperative complications for those with FS (aOR 1.51, [1.01-2.24], <i>P</i> = .044) in patients receiving regional flaps. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between groups in patients receiving grafts, rhinoplasty, or rhytidectomy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There were no differences in the rates of having any complications between groups overall. Patients receiving regional flaps and grafts experienced more complications. There were no significant differences between groups in patients receiving grafts, rhinoplasty, or rhytidectomy. Surgeons may consider utilizing FS for FPS procedures when appropriate.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70102"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70093
Tiffany Husman, Amrita Bhat, Megan L Durr, Jolie L Chang
{"title":"Predictors of Decision to Pursue Sleep Surgery.","authors":"Tiffany Husman, Amrita Bhat, Megan L Durr, Jolie L Chang","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70093","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify predictors of patient decision to pursue sleep apnea surgery following initial consultation with a sleep surgeon.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cohort analysis.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Outpatient tertiary care academic center.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective review of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis, BMI < 35 kg/m², and prior positive airway pressure (PAP) trial who were evaluated at a sleep surgery clinic. Patients who completed drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and/or surgery were compared to those who did not within at least 4 months of consultation. Surveys on OSA-related symptoms and decisional conflict were completed prior to the consultation for PAP alternatives.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 437 patients, 321 did not undergo DISE/surgery, whereas 116 completed DISE/surgery within an average of 16.8 months of consultation. Patients who underwent DISE/surgery had a significantly higher Epworth sleepiness scale score (10.1 ± 4.9 vs 8.5 ± 5.1, <i>P</i> = .006) and insomnia severity index (15.6 ± 5.5 vs 14.3 ± 5.8, <i>P</i> = .037) as well as significantly lower decisional conflict scale (DCS) scores (27.9 ± 21.8 vs 38.2 ± 24.9, <i>P</i> < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower preconsultation DCS score (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.97, 0.99], <i>P</i> < .001) and lower BMI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.99], <i>P</i> = .019) were independently significant predictors of pursuing DISE/surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Decisional conflict prior to consultation is significantly associated with completion of DISE/surgery. Those with higher decisional conflict are less likely to proceed with DISE/surgery after consultation on PAP alternatives. Effective interventions that improve patient understanding of OSA and enhance support in decision-making are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70093"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-20eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70100
Daniel Fu, Aman M Patel, Lucy Revercomb, Andrey Filimonov, Ghayoour S Mir
{"title":"Machine Learning Predicts 30-Day Readmission and Mortality After Surgical Resection of Head and Neck Cancer.","authors":"Daniel Fu, Aman M Patel, Lucy Revercomb, Andrey Filimonov, Ghayoour S Mir","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70100","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop and validate a machine learning model to identify patients at high risk of 30-day mortality and hospital readmission using routinely collected health care data.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prognostic predictive modeling and retrospective cohort study. The study was conducted in 2024 using data from 2006 to 2018, with at least a 30-day follow-up.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The 2006 to 2018 National Cancer Database (NCDB).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study used deidentified NCDB data on 103,891 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients who underwent surgical resection. Machine learning models were trained on 80% of the data, tested on the remaining 20%, and evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis to identify key predictors for 30-day mortality and readmission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 103,891 patients, 5838 (5.6%) were readmitted, and 829 (0.8%) died within 30 days. The median age was 62, 69% male, and 89% white. Predictors included demographic and clinical data from the NCDB. Five machine learning models were combined and achieved an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83) for mortality prediction and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.65-0.68) for readmission prediction. SHAP analysis identified sex and urban-rural index as key predictors of mortality and readmission, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Machine learning models can accurately predict mortality and readmission risks, offering insights into the most influential factors. With further validation, these models may enhance clinical decision-making in postsurgical care for HNSCC patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70100"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11924807/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-20eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70099
Samuel Tschopp, Urs Borner, Marco Caversaccio, Kurt Tschopp
{"title":"Predicting Candidacy for Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Without Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy.","authors":"Samuel Tschopp, Urs Borner, Marco Caversaccio, Kurt Tschopp","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70099","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Patients undergo a drug-induced sleep endoscopy before unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation. This study aims to reduce the need for preoperative drug-induced sleep endoscopy by predicting favorable collapse patterns at the velum based on clinical examination and sleep study data.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>A retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A single-center trial.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Drug-induced sleep endoscopy recordings were scored by a blinded rater, and the palatal collapse pattern was classified as favorable (no or anterior-posterior) or unfavorable (lateral or concentric), irrespective of collapse degree. Logistic regression models were constructed using clinical examination and sleep data to predict palatal collapse patterns. Model performance was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic curves and validated internally using bootstrapping and externally using a separate cohort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recordings of 250 patients were analyzed, of which 118 showed a favorable palatal collapse pattern. Lower body mass index (BMI), lower tonsil grade, and less intense bed-partner-reported snoring were significant predictors of favorable collapse patterns (area under the curve [AUC] 0.70). A further reduction in tonsil grade and BMI resulted in similar model performance (AUC 0.68). In patients with no tonsils and BMI < 28 kg/m<sup>2</sup> or tonsil grade 1 and BMI < 24 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, a favorable collapse was correctly predicted in 81%. In external validation, favorable collapse was correctly identified in 91%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Favorable palatal collapse can accurately be predicted in patients with small or absent tonsils and low BMI. Before unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation implantation, a drug-induced sleep endoscopy might not be necessary in this subset of patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70099"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11924808/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-10eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70098
Alan Balu, Hemali P Shah, Sagar Vasandani, Nazaneen Grant
{"title":"Feasibility and Evaluation of a Novel Open-Source 3D Printed Simulator for Microlaryngeal Surgery.","authors":"Alan Balu, Hemali P Shah, Sagar Vasandani, Nazaneen Grant","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70098","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a novel, open-source 3D printed simulator for practicing laryngeal surgery skills in the clinic setting.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Device development and validation.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A tertiary medical center.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A laryngeal surgery simulator was created using computer-aided design software and 3D printed. Ten otolaryngology residents completed exercises utilizing the simulator and a flexible video laryngoscope for visualization. The training involved 3 microsurgery tasks: (1) suture removal from simulated vocal cords, (2) removal of silicone vocal cord polyps, and (3) simulated flap creation by peeling a grape's skin. Participant demographics, task completion time, and video recordings were collected. Participants provided subjective feedback through 5-point Likert-style questions assessing content and face validity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both novice and experienced otolaryngology resident physicians reported positive perceptions of the simulator and its efficacy as an educational device, with average agreement more than neutral (<i>P</i> < .01). Participants praised the simulator's utility for practicing microsurgery skills using a flexible video laryngoscope and for handling instruments such as Kleinsasser forceps and micro scissors (<i>P</i> < .01). Preliminary findings suggest improvements in task completion time with higher post-graduate year. Participants also reported the need for greater realism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study of a 3D-printed simulator for laryngeal surgery skills using a flexible video laryngoscope demonstrated promising utility as an educational device. Positive feedback reflects the potential value as a training tool for residents to practice fine motor skills required for laryngeal surgery. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70098"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11891920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143597412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-07eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70089
Jad F Zeitouni, Jyntre Millsap, Harry May, Wooyoung Jang, Yusuf Dundar
{"title":"Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors Awareness and Effectiveness of Educational Intervention for Underserved Populations.","authors":"Jad F Zeitouni, Jyntre Millsap, Harry May, Wooyoung Jang, Yusuf Dundar","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70089","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate head and neck cancer (HNC) risk factors and symptoms (RFS) awareness, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates, and socioeconomic factors among an underserved population at a community free clinic, and to implement an adaptable educational intervention to address low awareness of HNC RFS.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Community Free Clinic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We surveyed patients participating in HNC screenings including their knowledge of HNC RFS, HPV vaccination status, patient demographics, and other pertinent questions. After the initial survey, volunteers used public available infographics by the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance to educate participants about HNC. A post-screening survey assessed short-term retention and understanding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-nine participants were included. Most had limited knowledge of HNC risk factors and symptoms, except for tobacco use. Only 11.9% were HPV-vaccinated, including 6.25% of 27-45-year-olds; 30% of participants had not heard about HPV and an additional 23.3% did not know a vaccine existed. Most participants were low-income, with 86.2% making under $50,000 a year (58.6% making under $25,000). Participants reported insurance status (42.3%) and other costs (25.8%) as barriers to seeking HNC screening. The education intervention significantly improved participants' ability to identify symptoms and risk factors (<i>P</i> < .0001 for all surveyed items), including HPV as a risk factor (<i>P</i> < .0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our intervention successfully improved short-term knowledge of HNC RFS. The study revealed low HNC awareness, HPV awareness, and HPV vaccination rates among eligible, at-risk patients. This study outlines an implementable intervention to address low HNC awareness in underserved populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70089"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11886989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143586666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OTO OpenPub Date : 2025-03-05eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1002/oto2.70096
Jordan West, Nathan Boyd, Antoinette Esce, Garth Olson
{"title":"A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Opioid Use Following Routine Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.","authors":"Jordan West, Nathan Boyd, Antoinette Esce, Garth Olson","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70096","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate the postoperative pain management of patients at a single institution following routine thyroid and parathyroid surgery and compare patient opioid use before and after a practice wide quality improvement change.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective chart review with prospective survey administration.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>University of New Mexico Hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A standardized perioperative pain management protocol was implemented for patients undergoing routine thyroid or parathyroid surgery. Quality assurance surveys about pain and medication use following surgery were given to patients treated after the standardized protocol was introduced. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis of survey responses were used to analyze survey results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A standardized pain management routine reduced opioid prescriptions by 46.6% for routine thyroid and parathyroid surgery patients (20.2% vs 11.0%, <i>P</i> < .01). On multivariate logistic regression, receiving education about pain at discharge (OR 0.37, <i>P</i> < 0.05) and older age (OR 0.97, <i>P</i> < .01) were associated with fewer opioid prescriptions while anxiety (OR 2.77, <i>P</i> < .05) and drain placement (4.61, <i>P</i> < .001) were associated with more opioid prescriptions. About half of surveyed patients completed at least one postoperative questionnaire, and most patients complained of headache, fatigue, or sore throat as opposed to pain at the surgical site.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Standardized counseling about postoperative pain, including clear expectations and adjunctive measures, reduces the need for postoperative opioid prescriptions in patients undergoing routine thyroid and parathyroid surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"9 1","pages":"e70096"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11881014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143566497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}