Otolaryngologic Procedures Research Articles

Benefits of Bedside Open Tracheostomy: A Safe and Cost-Effective Alternative to the Operating Room.

Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in Otolaryngology and can be performed in different settings. We evaluate patient characteristics and cost efficacy of tracheostomy at the bedside versus operating room (OR). Retrospective chart review was performed for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent tracheostomy from 2020 to 2023. Data and cost of procedures were analyzed using descriptive statistics. One hundred and sixty-five patients were included. One hundred and thirty-four (81.2%) patients underwent bedside tracheostomy. Age, sex, and BMI were not significantly different. Average time from consult to procedure and operative time was significantly shorter (p = 0.03; 0.008). There were no differences in postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, ICU length of stay (LOS), or overall LOS. Tracheostomy at the bedside offered a 73.1% cost reduction compared with performed in the OR. Advantages of bedside tracheostomy include decreased operative time, time from consult to procedure, and cost reduction for the hospital system. We advocate for consideration of bedside tracheostomy when appropriate.

Medicare Reimbursement and Utilization Trends Within Skull Base Surgery

Medicare reimbursements for otolaryngology and neurosurgery procedures have generally declined since 2000. We explore Medicare reimbursement trends for anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa, pituitary surgery, and skull base reconstruction surgery from 2000-2022. Cross-sectional analysis of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule was performed from 2000-2022 on approach, resection, and repair of the skull base (Current Procedural Terminology codes 31290-31291, 61546, 61548, 61575-61619, and 62165). Reimbursement data were adjusted for inflation to 2022 U.S. dollars, and annual and total changes calculated. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Part B National Summary Data File was analyzed for trends in Medicare procedure volume and total payment. Adjusted for inflation since 2000, reimbursements for anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, posterior cranial fossa, pituitary surgery, and skull base reconstruction codes had an overall decrease of 22.85%, 32.43%, 28.09%, 44.22%, and 38.65%, respectively. Simultaneously, procedure volume increased at an average annual rate of 63.99%, 128.57%, 19.75%, 36.11%, and 12.79%, respectively. While nominal per-service Medicare reimbursement has increased for skull base surgery codes, there has been a downward trend in inflation-adjusted procedural reimbursement. This parallels findings in other otolaryngology and neurosurgery procedures. Despite this, surgical volume in all skull base surgery subfields has increased, indicating increased utility and adoption of these techniques.

Time is money: An analysis of cost drivers in ambulatory sinus surgery.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is one of the most commonly performed otolaryngologic procedures and is associated with significant cost variability. We performed a retrospective analysis of all inflammatory sinus surgeries at a single tertiary care medical center from July 2021 to July 2023. The electronic medical record was reviewed for patient factors and cost variables for each procedure, and multivariable analysis was performed. A total of 221 patients were included in analysis with a mean age of 48.2 years. There was a 44.8% incidence (n=99) of nasal polyps and 31.2% (n=69) of cases were revision surgeries. The average total cost for the surgical encounter was $8960.31 (standard deviation $1967.97). Operating room time represented $4912.46 (54.8% of all costs), while average operating room supply costs were $1296.06 (14.5%) and recovery room costs were $919.48 (10.3%). Total costs were significantly associated with length of surgery ($7.83/min, p=0.04), in addition to presence of nasal polyps ($531.96, p=0.04). There was no significant association between total costs and the remaining clinical and demographic factors. Costs associated with ambulatory FESS for inflammatory sinus disease vary across patients and this cost variability is predominantly driven by time efficiency within the operating room, as well as supply utilization and nasal polyposis to a lesser degree. As a result, operating room efficiency represents a primary target for cost-related interventions. Additionally, our data provide a framework for surgeons and hospitals to make evidence-based decisions on intraoperative equipment in a tradeoff between efficiency and supply costs. Our findings indicate that an approach focused on streamlining efficiency across the entire ambulatory surgery encounter will have the greatest impact on reducing healthcare expenses for both the patient and the health system.

Barbed tonsillectomy.

Although tonsillectomy is a common otolaryngological procedure renowned for its ease and safety, it is associated with various complications such as hemorrhage, dysphagia, pain, and infection. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding, especially secondary bleeding, poses a significant risk, with mortality rates reported as 5% of cases. Various techniques have been proposed to mitigate these risks, including the closure of the tonsillar fossa to prevent hemorrhage. Suturing of tonsil pillars has been suggested to enhance healing by reducing exposed surfaces. However, complications such as arterial injury and infection have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of barbed sutures for reducing post-tonsillectomy complications compared to standard techniques. This prospective case-control study included 25 patients to receive a tonsillectomy with silk sutures (n = 11) or a tonsillectomy with barbed sutures (n = 14). Patients underwent either Barbed Tonsillectomy (BT) or standard tonsillectomy with external silk sutures. Pain scores were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), while oropharyngeal dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) at two weeks and one month post-operation. BT showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores than standard tonsillectomy at 24 hours (VAS: 2.9 vs. 7.0) and after two weeks (VAS: 0.1 vs. 3.4). Similarly, BT demonstrated lower EAT-10 scores at two weeks (0.6 vs. 8.2) and one month (0.9 vs. 5.3), thus indicating reduced dysphagia. Only one patient in the control group required surgical revision due to bleeding, and none in the BT group. Comparison of all variables showed always a statistically significant (p<0.05). This study showed that barbed sutures in tonsillectomy may be a safe technique with reduced complications and a faster recovery. Initial findings regarding hemorrhage, pain management, and recovery outcomes are highly promising, warranting further investigation with larger sample sizes to endorse these results.

Merocel versus a new septal clip with splint in post septal surgery cases: a prospective study

Septoplasty is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology to overcome nasal obstruction. Following septal surgery, nasal packs are commonly inserted by surgeons to support and appose septal flaps the types of which depend on the preference and experience of the surgeon.Background We conducted a study to compare the Merocel sponge with that of a newly developed septal clip with the splint in patients who underwent septoplasty or submucosal resection to find out which one is better. A total of 50 patients were included in the study over a period of 3 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 25 each where group M is for patients receiving Merocel after surgery and group C is for patients receiving septal clips with splints.Aim The aim of this study was to assess and compare the effects of a Merocel pack on nasal functions with that of the septal clip and their eventual complications and outcome in the post-operative period.Results The main observations that were found in both groups in the immediate postoperative period were (1) pain (2) nasal obstruction (3) sleep disturbance (4) headache (5) epiphora (6) dryness of mouth and (7) postnasal drip. Pain was mild to moderate in the case of group M (MPS was 2.4) and moderate to severe degree in the case of group C (MPS was 5.7).Nasal obstruction was more common in Merocel group patients. Sleep disturbance, headache, epiphora, post-nasal drip, and dryness of mouth were also more in the Merocel group. After pack removal in both groups, the nasal examination was done to see crusts, vestibulitis, and septal ulcers. All these findings were more in the septal clip with the splint group.Conclusions It was observed that Merocel nasal packing causes significant morbidity and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period as compared to septal clips. It is also expensive. The new septal clips with splints can be used as an effective alternative to Merocel for approximation of flaps after septal surgery.

Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Requirements for Otolaryngologic Procedures in 2021.

Little is known about the extent of prior authorization requirements in otolaryngology. We performed a secondary analysis of data comparing prior authorization (PA) policies across 5 major Medicare Advantage insurers to estimate the counterfactual proportion of 2021 Medicare Part B fee-for-service spending and utilization for commonly performed otolaryngologic procedures that would have required PA. The counterfactual proportion of spending (range: 20.4%-27.6%) and utilization (range: 1.8%-4.5%) requiring PA was relatively consistent across insurers and largely attributable to rhinologic procedures. However, PA requirements for specific services varied widely among insurers. Among the 70 (of 196; 35.7%) services subject to PA by any insurer, nearly half were subject to PA by a single insurer (n = 34; 48.6%). Only 10 (14.3%) services were subject to PA by 4 (n = 6; 8.6%) or 5 (n = 4; 5.7%) insurers. These discrepancies illustrate the challenges of navigating discordant insurer policies for otolaryngologists and raise concerns about the validity of certain PA requirements.

Local anesthesia as an alternative to general anesthesia in ENT surgery – a review of selected procedures

Surgeries and procedures in otolaryngology require close collaboration between anesthesiologists and ENT specialists, especially for operations involving the larynx and airways, which pose challenges for maintaining airway patency and visibility. Choosing the type of anesthesia, whether general or local, is crucial. This study examines the benefits and drawbacks of both types of anesthesia in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, tympanostomy and myringotomy, and flexible endoscopic biopsy of the pharynx and larynx. A review of current guidelines, systematic reviews and relevant clinical cohort studies was conducted. The findings highlight several advantages of local anesthesia, including shorter operation times, reduced hospital stays, lower costs, decreased use of analgesics, and improved patient comfort.

Cost transparency in otolaryngology: Outpatient procedures cost information at New England hospitals

PurposeHealthcare costs have dramatically increased, resulting in barriers to care for many Americans. To address this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented a price transparency mandate, requiring hospitals to provide cost-estimate tools. This study evaluates the accessibility and usability of these tools for common otolaryngology outpatient procedures. Materials and methodsCost transparency was investigated using cost-estimate tools from websites of the seven New England hospitals ranked on the US News top 50 list. Ten common current procedural terminology codes were used to collect data on availability of cost information, cost comparison, and ease-of-use by six investigators acting as “patients” for each hospital and procedure. ResultsAll investigated hospitals had cost-estimate tools, with a 35.7 % mean success rate of generating an estimate. The mean times to cost-estimate tools and generated estimates were 35.69 and 34.15 s, respectively. Pre-insurance costs varied by hospital and procedure; creation of eardrum had the largest range. Seven out of ten procedures resulted in lower post-insurance costs. The mean ease-of-use rating was 5.76 out of ten. ConclusionAll hospitals complied with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services price transparency policy. The information available is sparse, difficult to access, and frequently lacks specific estimates for common otolaryngology procedures. Although hospitals are following new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandates, the estimators currently in existence are ineffective tools for financial decision-making.

Aerosol generation during pediatric otolaryngological procedures

ObjectivesTo assess the extent of staff exposure to aerosol generation in common pediatric otorhinolaryngological procedures (tonsillotomies, adenoidectomies, and tympanostomies) and determine the surgical phases responsible for most aerosol generation in these procedures. MethodsAerosol generation was measured during 35 pediatric otolaryngological procedures using an Optical Particle Sizer that measures aerosol concentrations for particle sizes between 0.3 and 10.0 μm. The different phases of and instruments used in each procedure were logged. Operating room background aerosol levels and coughing were used as references. ResultsTotal aerosol concentrations were significantly higher during tonsillotomies and adenoidectomies when compared to tympanostomies (p = 0.011 and p = 0.042) and to empty room background aerosol concentrations (p = 0.0057 and p < 0.001). Aerosol concentration during tonsillotomies did not differ from coughing, which is considered as standard for high-risk aerosol procedures. During tympanostomies, aerosol concentrations were even lower than during perioperative concentrations. No statistically significant difference in aerosol generation comparing suction, electrocautery, cold instruments, and paracentesis was found. ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, tympanostomies are low-risk aerosol-generating procedures. On the other hand, pediatric tonsillotomies produced aerosols comparable to coughing, pointing to them being significantly aerosol-producing procedures and viral transmission is theoretically possible intraoperatively.

Nalbuphine in Pediatric Emergence Agitation Following Cochlear Implantation: A Randomized Trial.

To investigate the effects of nalbuphine on emergency agitation (EA), which affects up to 80% of the children following otolaryngology procedures, in children undergoing cochlear implantation. A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted between November 2020 and October 2022. Eligible children, aged 6 months to 3 years old, were randomly assigned to either 0.1 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine or 0.9% saline groups. EA was defined by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score ≥10. Extubation time, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay, severe EA (PAED ≥ 15), peak PAED score, the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale, Ramsay sedation score, and adverse events were also recorded. A total of 104 children were enrolled, with 26 children in each group. Nalbuphine significantly reduced the EA occurrence from 73.1% in the saline group to 38.5%, 30.8%, and 26.9% in the 0.1 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg, and 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine groups, respectively (P < 0.001), without affecting the extubation time and PACU length of stay. More children (34.6%) in the 0.9% saline group experienced severe EA. Higher dose nalbuphine (0.15 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg) showed lower peak PAED score, better analgesia and sedation effect compared with 0.1 mg/kg nalbuphine and saline groups. However, 0.2mg/kg nalbuphine caused undesired over-sedation in two (7.7%) children. No other adverse events were reported. Young children undergoing cochlear implantation surgery were at a high risk of EA and postoperative pain, while 0.2 mg/kg nalbuphine might be an ideal candidate for EA and pain prevention when used under close monitoring. ChiCTR2000040407.

Chronic Opioid Prescribing After Common Otolaryngology Procedures in Adults.

(1) Describe short and long-term opioid prescribing patterns and variation after common otolaryngologic procedures and (2) assess risk factors for chronic opioid use in this cohort. Retrospective cohort. Optum's deidentified Integrated Claims-Clinical data set. An adult cohort of patients undergoing common otolaryngology procedures from 2010 to 2017 was identified. Associations between procedure and other covariates with any initial opioid prescription and continuous opioid prescriptions were assessed with multivariable modeling. Opioid use was defined as continuous if a new prescription was filled within 30 days of the previous prescription. A time-to-event analysis assessed continuous prescriptions from the index procedure to end of the last continuous opioid prescription. Among a cohort of 19,819 patients undergoing predominately laryngoscopy procedures (12,721, 64.2%), 2585 (13.0%) received an opioid prescription with variation in receiving a prescription, daily dose, and total initially prescribed dose varying by procedure, patient demographics, provider characteristics, and facility type. Opioids were prescribed most frequently after tonsillectomy (45.4%) and least frequently after laryngoscopy with interventions (3.9%), which persisted in the multivariable models. Overall rates of continuous use at 180 and 360 days were 0.48% and 0.27%, respectively. Among patients receiving an initial opioid prescription, maintaining continuous prescriptions was associated with tonsillectomy procedures, age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.997 per year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.993-0.999), opioid prescriptions 6 months preprocedure (aHR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.37-0.47), and nonotolaryngology initial prescribers (aHRs: <1, P < .05). There is substantial variation in initial prescribing practices and continuous opioid prescriptions after common Otolaryngology procedures, but the overall rate of maintaining a continuous prescription starting after these procedures is very low. Level 3.

Evaluation of Noise Exposure Levels in Pediatric ENT Operating Rooms.

Operating room (OR) sounds may surpass noise exposure thresholds and induce hearing loss. Noise intensity emitted by various surgical instruments during common pediatric otolaryngologic procedures were compared at the ear-level of the surgeon and patient to evaluate the need for quality improvement measures. Cross-sectional study. Single tertiary care center. Noise levels were measured using the RISEPRO Sound Level Meter and SoundMeter X 10.0.4 at the ear level of surgeon and patient every 5minutes. Operative procedure and instrument type were recorded. Measured noise levels were compared against ambient noise levels and the Apple Watch Noise application. Two hundred forty-two total occasions of noise were recorded across 62 surgical cases. Cochlear implantation surgery produces the loudest case at the ear-level of the patient (91.8Lq Peak dB; P < .001). The otologic drill was the loudest instrument for the patient (92.1Lq Peak dB; P < .001), while the powered microdebrider was the loudest instrument for the surgeon (90.7Lq Peak dB; P = .036). Noise measurements between surgeon and patient were similar (P < .05). Overall agreement between the Noise application and Sound Level Meter was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.8, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.32 to 0.92). Otolaryngology OR noises can surpass normal safe thresholds. Failure to be aware of this may unwittingly expose providers to noise-related hearing loss. Mitigation strategies should be employed. Quality improvement measures, including attention to surgical instrument volume settings and periodic decibel measurements with sound applications, can promote long-term hearing conservation. Otolaryngology OR noises can surpass normal safe thresholds. Failure to be aware of this may unwittingly expose providers to noise-related hearing loss. The duration, frequency of exposure, and volume levels of noise should be studied further. Mitigation strategies should be employed. Quality improvement measures, including attention to surgical instrument volume settings and periodic decibel measurements with sound applications, can promote long-term hearing conservation.

Do Surgical Smoke Evacuators Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss for Operative Personnel During Routine Adenotonsillectomy Surgery?

Aerosol mitigation equipment implemented due to COVID-19has increased noise levels in the operating room (OR) during otolaryngological procedures. Intraoperative sound levels may potentially place personnel at risk for occupational hearing loss. This study hypothesized that cumulative intraoperative noise exposures with aerosol mitigation equipment exceed recommended occupational noise exposure levels. Sound levels generated by the surgical smoke evacuator (SSE) during adenotonsillectomy were measured using a sound level meter and compared to surgery without SSE. Thirteen adenotonsillectomy surgeries were recorded. Mean sound levels with the SSE were greater than the control (72 ± 3 A-weighted decibels (dBA) vs. 68 ± 2 dBA; p=0.015). Maximum noise levels during surgery with SSE reached 82 ± 3 dBA. Surgeons performing adenotonsillectomy with aerosol mitigation equipment are exposed to significant noise levels. Intraoperative sound levels exceeded international standards for work requiring concentration. Innovation is needed to reduce cumulative OR noise exposures.

Socioeconomic and racial disparities in revisits, indication, and readmission or reoperation in pediatric tonsillectomy

IntroductionPediatric tonsillectomy is a frequent otolaryngologic procedure. This study aimed to characterize disparities in post-tonsillectomy revisits, including emergency department evaluation, readmission, or reoperation as well as indication for revisit. MethodsCases of inpatient and ambulatory pediatric tonsillectomy in New York and Florida in 2016 constituted the analytic sample. Patients were extracted from the State Ambulatory Surgery Databases (SASD) and State Inpatient Databases (SID) and linked to the SID and State Emergency Department Database (SEDD) and SASD. Outcomes include 3 types of revisits within 30 days: ED visits, hospital readmissions, and reoperation. Indication for revisit was also analyzed. Multivariable analysis determined the association of each outcome with gender, age, race/ethnicity, primary payer, urbanicity, and zip code median household income quartile. The Holm Bonferroni test was used to correct for multiple hypothesis testing. Results15,264 pediatric tonsillectomies were included. The revisit rate was 6.77% (N = 1,034, 49.1% female; 6 years median age [interquartile range: 5]). The 30-day ED revisit rate was 4.85%, readmission rate was 1.27%, and reoperation rate was 0.65%. On multivariate analysis, Latinx patients (OR = 3.042, 95% CI = 1.393–6.803) and those who identify as other race/ethnicity (OR = 6.116, 95% CI = 1.989–19.245) have greater odds of requiring inpatient care for indications including pain, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting compared to white patients. No significant differences in tier of care for the management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage were identified. ConclusionDisparities in pediatric post-tonsillectomy ED presentation, readmission and reoperation demonstrate opportunities to improve patient safety and equity.

Coblation versus BiZact extra-capsular tonsillectomy in adults: a randomized control trial.

Tonsillectomy is a frequently performed otolaryngological procedure and is associated with significant postoperative pain and bleeding. A number of studies have investigated methods to reduce pain and bleeding. Coblation and BiZact devices have both been claimed to have favourable pain outcomes following tonsillectomy. This study was designed to investigate these two techniques in a direct comparison of postoperative pain and bleeding. In this single blinded, randomized control trial, 61 patients were randomly assigned to undergo tonsillectomy with either the BiZact or Coblation device. Pain scores were collected for 14 days postoperatively using a Visual Analogue Score scale. Secondary outcome data was collected for duration of surgery, intra-operative bleeding, return to normal, and secondary bleeding rates. Coblation was found to have lower postoperative pain on day 1 (P < 0.05). BiZact was found to have lower postoperative pain on day 7 (P < 0.05) and day 11 (P < 0.05). Pain scores for other days were not significant. There was no significant difference in set-up time, procedural time and return to normal activities. The BiZact group had a longer time to achieve haemostasis (P < 0.001) and greater intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.01). There was a trend towards more significant secondary bleeding in the BiZact arm, however, this study was not adequately powered to assess this finding. Both Coblation and BiZact devices appear to provide a safe and effective method for tonsillectomy in adults. Reduced pain on day 1 may make Coblation more suitable for day-case surgery.

Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Sudur Paschim Province of Nepal

Tonsillectomy is the complete removal of a tonsil from its bed and is one of the most common procedures in Otorhinolaryngology. The intensity of post-operative pain is severe enough to cause dysphagia which subsequently leads to infection of the fossa and other complications. Several studies on pain management have been conducted but not a single standard protocol currently exist. This study aims to evaluate the intensity of post tonsillectomy pain and to assess the efficacy of infiltration of Bupivacaine on the tonsillar fossa following tonsillectomy. A comparative study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College, ENT-HNS department for a period of 18 months (January 2018 to June 2019). Ninety three patients were included. 2.5 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine was infiltrated in right tonsillar fossa after tonsillectomy in all patients. The lateralization and intensity of pain at various post-operative period was assessed using visual analogue scale. The requirement of extra analgesics at various post-operative period was recorded. The pain score on the Bupivacaine side on the first and second post-operative day was decreased as compared to the other side. The pain score on the fourth hour and third post-operative day on Bupivacaine side was more than that of the other side. Infiltration of Bupivacaine over the tonsillar fossa has provided a good result with a significant reduction of pain in first post-operative day and in early post-operative period. However, other multi-centered and double blinded study is requires to provide better results.

Comparison of Post-operative Pain with and without Infiltration of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride in Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the complete removal of a tonsil from its bed and is one of the most common procedures in Otorhinolaryngology. The intensity of post-operative pain is severe enough to cause dysphagia which subsequently leads to infection of the fossa and other complications. Several studies on pain management have been conducted but not a single standard protocol currently exist. This study aims to evaluate the intensity of post tonsillectomy pain and to assess the efficacy of infiltration of Bupivacaine on the tonsillar fossa following tonsillectomy. A comparative study was conducted at Kathmandu Medical College, ENT-HNS department for a period of 18 months (January 2018 to June 2019). Ninety three patients were included. 2.5 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine was infiltrated in right tonsillar fossa after tonsillectomy in all patients. The lateralization and intensity of pain at various post-operative period was assessed using visual analogue scale. The requirement of extra analgesics at various post-operative period was recorded. The pain score on the Bupivacaine side on the first and second post-operative day was decreased as compared to the other side. The pain score on the fourth hour and third post-operative day on Bupivacaine side was more than that of the other side. Infiltration of Bupivacaine over the tonsillar fossa has provided a good result with a significant reduction of pain in first post-operative day and in early post-operative period. However, other multi-centered and double blinded study is requires to provide better results.

Can ChatGPT Replace an Otolaryngologist in Guiding Parents on Tonsillectomy?

Background: ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence tool, which utilizes machine learning to analyze and generate human-like text. The user-friendly accessibility of this tool enables patients conveniently access medical information without intricate terminology challenges. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of ChatGPT in providing insights into indications and management of complications after tonsillectomy, a common pediatric otolaryngology procedure. Methods: The responses generated by ChatGPT were compared to the "Clinical practice guidelines: tonsillectomy in children-executive summary" developed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF). An assessment was carried out by presenting predetermined questions regarding indications and complications post tonsillectomy to ChatGPT, followed by a comparison of its responses with the established guideline by 2 otolaryngology experts. The responses of both parties were reviewed by the senior author. Results: A total of 16 responses generated by ChatGPT were assessed. After a comprehensive review, it was concluded that 15 out of 16 (93.8%) responses demonstrated a high degree of reliability and accuracy, closely adhering to the standard established by the AAO-HNSF guideline. Conclusion: The results validate the potential of using ChatGPT to enhance healthcare delivery making guidelines more accessible to patients while also emphasizing the importance of ensuring the provision of accurate and reliable medical advice to patients.

Pain control is comparable between opioid versus non-opioid management after otolaryngology procedures.

The current study aims to measure patient-reported satisfaction with pain control using opioid and non-opioid medications after undergoing the following otolaryngology procedures: parathyroidectomy, thyroid lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, and bilateral tonsillectomy. A prospective cohort study was performed at an academic medical center that included a telephone questionnaire and chart review. Opioid prescriptions, usage, and patient-reported pain outcomes were recorded. Bivariate analyses were used to compare opioid and non-opioid users. Of the 107 total patients undergoing otolaryngology procedures included in the study, 49 (45.8%) used an opioid for pain management postoperatively and 58 (54.2%) did not. Among the 81 patients who underwent endocrine procedures (parathyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy/lobectomy), most patients reported being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with pain control whether they used opioids (n = 27/30, 90%) or not (n = 50/51, 98%). Of the 26 patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomy, 19 (73%) were prescribed opioids and among these, most (n = 17/19, 89%) reported they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with pain control. In the non-opioid usage group, all patients (n = 7/7, 100%) reported they were "satisfied" with pain control. There was no statistically significant difference in patient-reported satisfaction with pain control between opioid and non-opioid users for any of the procedures listed. The results of our study suggest that patients who did not use opioids have a similar level of satisfaction with pain control compared to those using opioids after thyroid, parathyroid and tonsillectomy surgeries. Considering the magnitude of the opioid crisis, providers should reassess the need for opioid prescriptions following certain ENT procedures. IV.

Improving Health Literacy of Elective Procedures in Pediatric Otolaryngology.

To identify if the addition of supplementary material, such as video or written resources, to the consent process, can improve a patient's or guardian's health literacy in pediatric otolaryngology. Prospective randomized crossover design. Tertiary Academic Center. From April 18, 2022 to August 29, 2023, 151 children scheduled to undergo 1 of 6 procedures by the same provider were queried and completed a 6-question baseline test based on the information. They each watched a 2-minute video and read a written summary about the procedure; the order of resources was randomized. They answered the same 6-questions after viewing each resource. All tests were scored based on accuracy using an ordinal scale of 1 to 6. Resource preference was collected. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were run to analyze differences in scores after the addition of supplementary resources and logistic regression modeling was run to analyze demographic effects on postresource score differences. Of 151 participants, 74.2% were guardians, with 78.8% having completed a high school or greater education. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that postresource scores were statistically significantly higher (P < .001) than pretest scores. Logistic regression modeling showed that participants were less likely to show score improved if they were younger than 18 and were of white race. A majority (87.4%) preferred the addition of a video to the consent process. The addition of video or written resources significantly improves understanding of elective procedures. The development of procedure-specific resources can supplement the consent process and ensure decision-makers have adequate health literacy for informed decision-making.