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OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to determine the no-show and nonattendance rate for an outpatient academic otolaryngology practice, to identify patient and systemic factors associated with nonattendance, and to evaluate the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the rate of nonattendance. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the Epic practice management and billing reports from all scheduled outpatient visits at a multi-physician, academic, general, and sub-specialty otolaryngology practice from January 2019 to December 2021. RESULTS: Over three years, 121,347 clinic visits were scheduled in the otolaryngology practice. The overall nonattendance rate was 18.3%. A statistically significant increase in nonattendance was noted during the COVID-19 pandemic (16.8% vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001). The rate of nonattendance in patients of younger age (under 18 years) (p <0.001), female gender (p=0.03), afternoon appointments (p=0.04), and extended time between the day of scheduling and the day of appointment (p <0.001) increased. Head and neck clinics were found to have the lowest nonattendance rates, while pediatric otolaryngology clinics had the highest (12.6% vs. 21.3%). On multivariate regression, younger age (p < 0.001), female gender (p=0.01), afternoon appointments (p< 0.001), and online self-scheduling (p< 0.001) were significantly associated with nonattendance. CONCLUSIONS: Both patient and appointment-related factors were found to impact rates of nonattendance in this academic otolaryngology practice. In this study, young age, female gender, afternoon appointments, and online self-scheduling were associated with increased nonattendance. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted no-show rates across all otolaryngologic subspecialties.

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OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of deep lobe parotid tumors to evaluate their unique characteristics. DATA SOURCES: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Library databases were queried for relevant literature. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were individually assessed by 2 independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane bias tool, GRADE criteria, and MINORS criteria. Results were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed by comparing rates of malignancy between deep and superficial lobe tumors. RESULTS: In total, 8 studies including 379 deep lobe parotid tumors met inclusion criteria. Mean age at diagnosis was 44.9 years. Computed tomography scan was the most common imaging modality. Preoperative diagnostic fine-needle aspiration was utilized in 39.4% of patients and demonstrated high sensitivity for malignant disease. The most common approach was subtotal parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation (58.9%). The rate of malignancy was 26.6%, which was significantly higher than that of the superficial lobe tumors in this study (risk ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.56). The rate of temporary postoperative facial nerve weakness between deep and superficial lobe tumors was 32.5% and 11.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Deep lobe parotid tumors had a 26.6% rate of malignancy. On meta-analysis, deep lobe tumors appeared to have higher rates of malignancy than superficial lobe tumors. Surgical excision of deep lobe tumors showed increased rates of temporary facial nerve paresis as compared with superficial lobe tumors. Computed tomography scan was the most common imaging modality. There were limited data regarding the utility of fine-needle aspiration.

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OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are blood-filled, locally destructive, benign bone tumors. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review outlining patient demographics, clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of those with ABCs of the craniofacial bones. DATA SOURCES: Using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases, 116 studies were included. REVIEW METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Data including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients from 116 studies were identified. Age ranged from 8 months to 90 years, with a mean age of 19.0 years. The most commonly affected craniofacial locations were the mandible (n = 31, 24.4%), temporal bone (n = 21, 16.5%), and occipital bone (n = 14, 11.0%). The most common presenting symptoms included a nontender mass (n = 51, 40.2%), a tender mass (n = 31, 24.4%), and generalized headache (n = 30, 23.6%). Imaging modalities included computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (n = 77, 60.6%), CT alone (n = 31, 24.4%), and MRI alone (n = 8, 6.2%). All patients underwent surgical resection, with 1 patient requiring adjuvant radiation in addition to surgery. In total, 121 patients were disease-free and symptom-free without evidence of recurrence (17.4-month mean follow-up, 5.4 months average time to first recurrence). CONCLUSION: The current literature's characterization of ABCs in craniofacial bones is limited to case reports and case series. Given the rarity of these tumors, head and neck surgeons may rely on systematic reviews such as the present analysis to guide management.

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OBJECTIVES: To perform an evidence-based review evaluating presenting symptoms, imaging, and management for primary paragangliomas of the facial canal (PPFCs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were assessed for quality of evidence and bias with the Cochrane bias tool, GRADE, and MINORS criteria. Demographic data, imaging modalities, management strategies, and status at last follow-up were obtained. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. In total, 21 patients with PPFCs were identified, 19 of which were histologically confirmed. Most common presenting symptoms included unilateral facial nerve dysfunction (n = 14, 73.7%) and pulsatile tinnitus (n = 8, 42.1%). Mean time from reported onset of facial dysfunction was 17.8 months. Computed tomography findings included an expanded descending facial nerve canal (n = 13, 76.5%). All cases with magnetic resonance imaging reported enhancement with contrast. Of the 18 patients who had surgery, 16 (88.9%) underwent full tumor resection while 1 (5.6%) had partial tumor debulking with adjuvant radiotherapy. Overall improvement in facial weakness was documented in 5 of 9 patients (55.6%) with initial facial nerve dysfunction and >6-month follow-up. No evidence of tumor recurrence was reported. CONCLUSIONS: PPFCs are extraordinarily rare vascular neoplasms of the temporal bone. Early imaging with both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is essential for narrowing the differential diagnosis, assessing the extent of tumor invasion, and accurate surgical planning. Surgical tumor resection with subsequent facial nerve reconstruction is recommended for patients with facial nerve dysfunction, while tumor biopsy or debulking may be indicated when normal facial movement in present.

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OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Opioid misuse and diversion is a major concern, with a negative impact on both the individual and society. The objective of this study was to perform an evidence-based systematic review of the efficacy of perioperative analgesic regimens following otologic surgery. METHODS: Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases (January 1, 1947 to June 30, 2018) were searched for studies investigating pain management in otologic surgeries. All studies were assessed for quality and bias using the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographics, type of surgery, medication class, dose, administration characteristics, pain scores, and adverse events were reported. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies encompassing 1,842 patients met inclusion criteria. In 21.4% of studies, an overall reduction in pain scores was reported when the treatment group included more than one analgesic. Nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events across all medication types (10.2%), with local anesthetic patients experiencing these side effects most frequently (38.0%). Perioperative acetaminophen was reported to have the fewest adverse drug reactions overall (6.1%), but did not reduce pain scores as much as other modalities, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that combination analgesics, such as acetaminophen plus codeine, provide superior pain relief to monotherapy analgesics in the perioperative pain management of otologic surgeries. NSAIDs, α-agonists, and nerve blocks may also be viable single-therapy options. Further prospective randomized controlled trials into perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing otologic surgery may be helpful in establishing a definitive consensus. Laryngoscope, 130:190-199, 2020.

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Objectives To perform a systematic review examining experiences with endoscopic resection of skull base lesions in the pediatric population, with a focus on outcomes, recurrence, and surgical morbidities. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases were evaluated. Studies were assessed for level of evidence. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias tool, Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Patient characteristics, pathology, site of primary disease, presenting symptoms, stage, procedure specific details, and complications were evaluated. Results were reported using the Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results Ninety-three studies met criteria for inclusion, encompassing 574 patients with skull base tumors. The GRADE and MINORS criteria determined the overall evidence to be moderate quality. The most common benign and malignant pathologies included juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas ( n = 239) and chondrosarcomas ( n = 11) at 41.6 and 1.9%, respectively. Of all juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma tumors, most presented at stage IIIa and IIIb (25.8 and 27.3%, respectively). Nasal obstruction (16.5%) and headache (16.0%) were common symptoms at initial presentation. Surgical approaches included endoscopic endonasal ( n = 193, 41.2%) and endoscopic extended transsphenoidal ( n = 155, 33.1%). Early (< 6 weeks) and late (>6 weeks) complications included cerebrospinal fluid leak ( n = 36, 17.3%) and endocrinopathy ( n = 43, 20.7%). Mean follow-up time was 37 months (0.5-180 months), with 86.5% showing no evidence of disease and 2.1% having died from disease at last follow-up. Conclusion Endoscopic skull base surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective method of treating a variety of pediatric skull base tumors. If appropriately employed, the minimally invasive approach can provide optimal results in the pediatric population.

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OBJECTIVES: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma has a unique worldwide racial and geographic distribution. Our objective was to evaluate socioeconomic disparities in the burden of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) between endemic and nonendemic regions. METHODS: To demonstrate trends regarding societal burden of NPC and socioeconomic development, national disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates and human development indices (HDI) between 1990 and 2015 were evaluated. Countries were divided based on the endemic versus nonendemic presence of NPC and further analyzed by HDI status as specified by the United Nations Development Program. Gini coefficients and concentration index were used to evaluate global equality in NPC burden over this period. RESULTS: Age-standardized DALYs dropped from 36.1 in 1990 to 26.5 in 2015 (26.6% decline) (r = -0.991, P < 0.001). Lower socioeconomic countries harbored greater NPC burden upon controlling by endemic and nonendemic regions, as demonstrated by progressively negative concentration indexes. Health inequality was greater in nonendemic countries than in endemic countries (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate socioeconomic-related changes in NPC burden using statistical tools such as the Gini coefficient and concentration index. Although the burden of NPC has steadily decreased, there remain persistent inequalities associated with socioeconomic disparities. Nasopharyngeal cancer burden is more pronounced in countries with lower HDI. Our results reinforce the importance of increasing resources for developing countries and continuing inquiry into the screening, diagnosis, and management of NPC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:2482-2486, 2019.

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OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Opioid misuse and diversion is a pressing topic in today's healthcare environment. The objective of this study was to conduct a review of non-opioid perioperative analgesic regimens following septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based systematic review. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were reviewed for articles related to perioperative analgesic use in septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. Quality of studies were assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria, Jadad scores, and the Cochrane bias tool. Patient demographic data and clinical outcomes, including medication type, dose, administration time, pain scores, and adverse events, were obtained from included studies. Summary tables detailing the benefits and harms of each investigated regimen are included. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria for this evidence-based review. The quality of the studies was determined to be of moderate quality based off of GRADE standardized criteria with a mean Jadad score of 3.1. A preponderance of evidence showed reduced perioperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements, supporting the use of local anesthetics for analgesic control. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) demonstrated similar decreased visual analog scores and postoperative analgesic demand; however, increased adverse events in this class warrant caution. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary literature supports the use of NSAIDs, gabapentin, local anesthetics, and α-agonists as effective perioperative analgesic opioid alternatives for septoplasty and septorhinoplasty. Local anesthetic use is a cost-effective option resulting in decreased postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements. Further large-scale, multi-institutional, controlled studies are needed to provide definitive recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:E200-E212, 2019.

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Oral lesions in children encompass a wide range of etiologies, including idiopathic entities as well as those related to an underlying systemic illness. In addition, oral masses include benign entities harboring locally destructive behavior and even malignancies in rare cases. Thorough patient history and detailed and efficient physical examination are critical for determining which lesions can be closely observed versus those require further diagnostic work-up. Understanding normal oral cavity anatomy is crucial for performing appropriate evaluation. This review describes the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for oral cavity lesions and reviews the broad differential diagnosis of oral cavity masses.

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OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review evaluating etiologies, associated complications, and management of osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone (ORNTB). METHODS: The authors searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. Patient demographics, etiologies, treatments, and other clinical characteristics were obtained. Treatment success was defined as resolution of symptoms at last follow-up. Results were reported using the preferred reporting systems for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies encompassing 364 patients with ORNTB were identified. The most common etiologies necessitating radiotherapy included: nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n = 133 [36.8%]), parotid tumors (n = 73 [20.2%]), and external auditory canal pathology (n = 59 [16.3%]). The mean dose of radiation was 58.0 Gy. The mean lag time between radiotherapy and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) symptoms was 7.9 years. The most common presenting symptoms were purulent otorrhea (33.3%), hearing loss (29.1%), and otalgia (17%). ORNTB complications included tympanic membrane perforation (n = 102 [63.8%]) and chronic otitis media (n = 16 [10%]). Treatments included lateral temporal bone resection (n = 99 [28.3%]), conservative treatment (n = 92 [26.3%]), and mastoidectomy (n = 82 [23.5%]) with 90.9, 89.13, and 59.76% considered successful, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ORNTB is a rare complication of radiotherapy that may present years after initial radiation exposure. Management should be aimed at relief of presenting symptoms and treatment of ORNTB associated complications. Both conservative and surgical measures may adequately control the disease process and symptomatology; however, randomized controlled studies comparing treatments would serve to further corroborate these findings.

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Background Misuse and diversion of opioids have contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis, making an understanding of specialty-specific and procedure-specific trends essential. Objective The objective of this analysis was to evaluate nationwide trends in opioid prescribing patterns among sinus surgeons performing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillary sinus balloon dilation, specifically examining factors associated with variations. Methods High-volume sinus surgeons were identified through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database and cross-referenced against prescriptions to Medicare Part D beneficiaries during 2013 through 2015. Number of opioid prescriptions, prescription lengths, and demographic information were obtained. Results This cohort of 570 surgeons wrote 21,042 opioid prescriptions (5.4 days per prescription) in 2015, with 80.3% and 54.7% writing >10 and >25 prescriptions, respectively. Surgeons writing a greater amount of prescriptions wrote lengthier courses throughout all 3 years ( P = .01, P = .002, P = .003). Female otolaryngologists wrote lengthier prescriptions (6.2 vs 5.3 days, P = .01). Early career otolaryngologists (≤10 years) offered fewer prescriptions compared to those who had greater experience (31.1 vs 39.3, P = .02). Moreover, 73.6% of fellowship-trained otolaryngologists offered >10 prescriptions versus 82.7% of nonfellowship-trained otolaryngologists ( P = .02). Practitioners in the South on average prescribed the greatest amount of opioids ( P < .05). Conclusion A majority of sinus surgeons prescribe ≥25 opioid prescriptions annually, with otolaryngologists who write a greater amount of prescriptions writing lengthier courses. As the mean opioid prescription length is 5.4 days, recent legislation limiting opioid prescriptions to 5 days may only have a modest impact for preventing the diversion of perioperative opioid prescriptions. These data suggest further standardized guidelines may be beneficial in elucidating the appropriate indications for the prescription of opioids among sinus surgeons.

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BACKGROUND: This analysis explores the increasing heterogeneity of trends in allergy management under the premise that the practice of allergy has undergone significant changes in national economics, healthcare delivery, and treatment options from 2007 to 2016. METHODS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data were obtained for: (1) temporal trends in allergy immunotherapy injection (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 95115, 95117) and testing (CPT 95004, 95024) from 2007 to 2016; (2) geographic trends; and (3) practitioners administering immunotherapy. Although there are no sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) CPT codes, billing for unlisted allergy/immunologic services (CPT 95199) were obtained. RESULTS: Since 2007, there were 99.5 million allergy tests and 33.5 million immunotherapy injections billed to Medicare beneficiaries. Increases in testing have outpaced rising immunotherapy administration (49.7% vs 19.6% increase). Significant regional variation in testing rates was noted, with the greatest ratio of testing to immunotherapy in the South (0.35) and smallest ratio in the Northeast (0.18). The maximum unlisted allergy services billed was 594 (of which includes SLIT), compared to annual subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) totals in the millions. The majority of immunotherapy in 2016 was administered by allergists/immunologists (51.6%) followed by otolaryngologists (31.2%), trends that have remained consistent since 2012. CONCLUSION: Physicians have been more aggressive in the workup of allergy-mediated disorders in recent years. Although differences in allergen load exist, there is tremendous geographic variation in the ratio of testing to immunotherapy. While the role otolaryngologists play in immunotherapy remains stable, allergists manage the majority of patients, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and outreach. SLIT does not appear to play a significant role in this population.

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BACKGROUND: Misuse and diversion of prescription opioids have been critical in facilitating the opioid epidemic. Our objective was to perform a systematic evidence-based review delineating perioperative regimens (including opioid alternatives) evaluated for endoscopic sinus surgery. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EmBase databases were evaluated for studies detailing analgesics employed after endoscopic sinus surgery. Studies were assessed for level of evidence. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias tool and GRADE criteria. Medication, administration, adverse effects, pain scores, and rescue analgesic consumption were evaluated. A summary of evidence detailing benefits, harm, and cost was prepared. RESULTS: Thirty-two studies encompassing 1812 patients were included. The GRADE criteria determined the overall evidence to be of moderate quality. Perioperative acetaminophen had few adverse events and reduced immediate need for opioid rescue after sinus surgery; studies evaluating acetaminophen demonstrate a preponderance of benefit over harm. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) also reduce postoperative opioid consumption, although a small portion of patients undergoing sinus surgery harbor the potential for NSAID intolerance. The aggregate level of evidence for studies evaluating NSAIDs was grade A, whereas the aggregate grade of evidence for several other agents was grade B. CONCLUSION: There is evidence supporting the use of NSAIDs and gabapentin for the control of pain after endoscopic sinus surgery. Acetaminophen, α-agonists, and local anesthetics are also viable options for postoperative analgesia. Familiarity with these data is essential to facilitate the use of opioid alternatives. Further large-scale, multi-institutional, randomized trials are needed to provide conclusive recommendations for these perioperative analgesics.

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