Evaluating the Quality and Safety of In-Office Rhinologic Procedures: A YO-IFOS Pilot Study

Abstract

The primary objective of this pilot study was to identify which aspects of in-office rhinologic procedures (IORPs) warrant further attention and investigation in the future. The secondary objectives were to survey which IORPs are most common and to identify needs for education and training. A cross-sectional study was carried out following the Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). The survey collected demographic, organizational, quality, and safety aspects of IORPs and was electronically distributed to YO-IFOS members across five continents. A total of 194 surgeons completed the survey, and 172 respondents (88%) performed IORPs. Ninety-nine responders (51.5%) worked in an academic setting. Common procedures included powered polypectomy (48, 28.4%) and turbinate reduction (93, 54.1%). The main concerns were about patients’ tolerance (116, 76.3%) and about the safety of the procedure (102, 67.1%). The most important barriers to the diffusion of IORPs are concerns about the tolerance and safety of these procedures. It would be convenient to establish protocols for this type of procedure to ensure the greatest patient comfort based on evidence.