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Objective We surveyed otolaryngology program directors (PDs) and recent otolaryngology residency graduates on the operative autonomy of graduating residents and their comfort with independent practice. Methods An anonymous survey was sent to otolaryngology PDs and recent graduates of training programs (members of the Young Physicians Section [YPS] of the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Foundation). Questions were developed around the 14 key indicator procedures (KIPs) defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Results Fifty PDs (43% of PDs) and 152 recent graduates (6% of YPS members) responded. Over 90% of participating PDs felt their graduating residents were either somewhat or extremely comfortable performing 12 out of 14 KIPs. Among the 12 procedures PDs felt their graduating residents were comfortable performing, 57% to 95% of recent graduates also felt either somewhat or extremely comfortable performing them by graduation. Similarly, at least 90% of responding PDs felt their residents achieved meaningful autonomy in the last 2 months of residency prior to graduation for 11 of 14 KIPs. For these same 11 procedures, 74% to 95% of recent graduates indicated they achieved meaningful autonomy. The procedures that PDs and recent graduates felt required the most surgical assistance were ossiculoplasty/stapedectomy, rhinoplasty, and mastoidectomy. All PDs agreed or strongly agreed that graduating residents are comfortable operating and taking call as general otolaryngologists, compared to 86% and 93% of recent graduates. Conclusion Most PDs and recent graduates agree that residents are well‐prepared for general otolaryngology practice with the exception of select KIPs. Level of evidence: 4.

Background Gender disparities are prevalent in medicine, but their impact on surgical training is not well studied. Objective To quantify gender disparities in trainee intraoperative experiences and explore the variables associated with ratings of surgical autonomy and performance. Methods From September 2015 to May 2019, attending surgeons and trainees from 71 programs assessed trainee autonomy on a 4-level Zwisch scale and performance on a 5-level modified Dreyfus scale after surgical procedures. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the association of trainee gender with autonomy and performance evaluations. Results A total of 3255 trainees and attending surgeons completed 94 619 evaluations. Attendings gave lower ratings of operative autonomy to female trainees than male trainees when controlling for training level, attending, and surgical procedure (effect size B = −0.0199, P = .008). There was no difference in ratings of autonomy at the beginning of training (P = .32); the gap emerged as trainees advanced in years (B = −0.0163, P = .020). The gender difference in autonomy was largest for the most complex cases (B = −0.0502, P = .002). However, there was no difference in attending ratings of surgical performance for female trainees compared to male trainees (B = −0.0124, P = .066). Female trainees rated themselves as having less autonomy and worse performance than males when controlling for training level, attending, procedure, case complexity, and attending ratings (autonomy B = −0.0669, P < .001; performance B = −0.0704, P < .001). Conclusions While there was no significant difference in ratings of operative performance, a small difference between ratings of operative autonomy for female and male surgical trainees was identified.

I. Executive summary BACKGROUND: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR-RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR-RS-2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence-based findings of the document. Methods ICAR-RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence-based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence-based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results ICAR-RS-2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence-based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion This ICAR-RS-2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence-based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS.

Objective Repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the lateral recess of the sphenoid (LRS) sinus can be challenging to accomplish via an endoscopic transphenoidal approach. The endoscopic transpterygoid approach can improve surgical access to the lateral recess but requires more extensive surgical dissection. We review our experience with LRS CSF leak repair via both techniques to determine whether preoperative radiologic data can help predict the most appropriate surgical approach. Methods Electronic medical records of patients with LRS CSF leaks were retrospectively reviewed at a single tertiary referral center. Radiographic measurements from preoperative computed tomography images were reviewed. Results Twenty‐two LRS CSF leaks were identified. The transphenoidal and transpterygoid approach were used in 6 (27.3%) and 16 (72.7%) cases, respectively. The mean vidian canal to foramen rotundum angle of the repairs accessed transphenoidally as compared to the transptyergoid approach were not significantly different (41.93° ±10.91, 40.72° ±19.49, respectively; P = .63). However, the mean volume of the LRS accessed by the transpterygoid approach was significantly greater compared to those accessed through the transphenoidal approach (0.97 cm3 ± 0.48, 0.39 cm3 ± 0.40, respectively; P = .04). A LRS volume of 0.400 cm3 or greater predicted the use of the transpterygoid approach with 93.3% sensitivity and 60.0% specificity. Conclusion This study demonstrated that LRS CSF leaks that necessitated repair by the transpterygoid approach, rather than transphenoidal approach, were in the context of significantly larger lateral recess. Assessment of the LRS volume is a quantifiable parameter to aid in preoperative surgical planning. Level of Evidence Level 4., The endoscopic endonasal surgical approach is the gold standard in these repairs, however, the LRS sinus is particularly challenging due to anatomical constraints. Another method, known as the endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid (ETTP) approach has been used, but requires a more invasive process. Depending on the location of the CSF leak, maneuverability limitations and risks are important to consider. Our goal is to define a quantifiable parameter that will be useful in preoperative surgical planning to determine the safest, most effective approach on a case‐by‐case basis.

Objective In the era of SARS-CoV-2, the risk of infectious airborne aerosol generation during otolaryngologic procedures has been an area of increasing concern. The objective of this investigation was to quantify airborne aerosol production under clinical and surgical conditions and examine efficacy of mask mitigation strategies. Study Design Prospective quantification of airborne aerosol generation during surgical and clinical simulation. Setting Cadaver laboratory and clinical examination room. Subjects and Methods Airborne aerosol quantification with an optical particle sizer was performed in real time during cadaveric simulated endoscopic surgical conditions, including hand instrumentation, microdebrider use, high-speed drilling, and cautery. Aerosol sampling was additionally performed in simulated clinical and diagnostic settings. All clinical and surgical procedures were evaluated for propensity for significant airborne aerosol generation. Results Hand instrumentation and microdebridement did not produce detectable airborne aerosols in the range of 1 to 10 μm. Suction drilling at 12,000 rpm, high-speed drilling (4-mm diamond or cutting burs) at 70,000 rpm, and transnasal cautery generated significant airborne aerosols (P < .001). In clinical simulations, nasal endoscopy (P < .05), speech (P < .01), and sneezing (P < .01) generated 1- to 10-μm airborne aerosols. Significant aerosol escape was seen even with utilization of a standard surgical mask (P < .05). Intact and VENT-modified (valved endoscopy of the nose and throat) N95 respirator use prevented significant airborne aerosol spread. Conclusion Transnasal drill and cautery use is associated with significant airborne particulate matter production in the range of 1 to 10 μm under surgical conditions. During simulated clinical activity, airborne aerosol generation was seen during nasal endoscopy, speech, and sneezing. Intact or VENT-modified N95 respirators mitigated airborne aerosol transmission, while standard surgical masks did not.

Background International experience with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) suggests it poses a significant risk of infectious transmission to skull base surgeons, due to high nasal viral titers and the unknown potential for aerosol generation during endonasal instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to simulate aerosolization events over a range of endoscopic procedures to obtain an evidence-based aerosol risk assessment. Methods Aerosolization was simulated in a cadaver using fluorescein solution (0.2 mg per 10 mL) and quantified using a blue-light filter and digital image processing. Outpatient sneezing during endoscopy was simulated using an intranasal atomizer in the presence or absence of intact and modified surgical mask barriers. Surgical aerosolization was simulated during nonpowered instrumentation, suction microdebrider, and high-speed drilling after nasal fluorescein application. Results Among the outpatient conditions, a simulated sneeze event generated maximal aerosol distribution at 30 cm, extending to 66 cm. Both an intact surgical mask and a modified VENT mask (which enables endoscopy) eliminated all detectable aerosol spread. Among the surgical conditions, cold instrumentation and microdebrider use did not generate detectable aerosols. Conversely, use of a high-speed drill produced significant aerosol contamination in all conditions tested. Conclusion We confirm that aerosolization presents a risk to the endonasal skull base surgeon. In the outpatient setting, use of a barrier significantly reduces aerosol spread. Cold surgical instrumentation and microdebrider use pose significantly less aerosolization risk than a high-speed drill. Procedures requiring drill use should carry a special designation as an "aerosol-generating surgery" to convey this unique risk, and this supports the need for protective personal protective equipment.

Objectives Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by a triad of symptoms: asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and a respiratory reaction to aspirin and other cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The objective of this review is to provide otolaryngologists with an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this under-recognized condition. Data sources and methods Foundational papers on AERD were reviewed, focusing on the clinical otolaryngology and allergy/immunology literature and other high impact journals or trials. Results AERD results from increased production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and a decrease in production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins associated with the dysregulation of multiple enzymes influencing eicosanoid metabolism. Diagnosis hinges on a high index of suspicion, careful history, and confirmatory testing for all three elements. Treatments include endoscopic sinus surgery; topical, inhaled, or oral corticosteroids; aspirin desensitization; leukotriene modifying drugs; and the new class of biologics such as dupilumab. Conclusion AERD is an under-recognized disease associated with substantial patient-reported morbidity. We expect rapid progress in the pathophysiological understanding of this disease and available treatments in the coming decades. Level of evidence 5.

Introduction: Otolaryngology (ORL) applicants face challenges finding information about residency programs. Due to COVID-19, the Society of University Otolaryngologists released suggestions for students to avoid away rotations and look for programs to expand and update their web presence. However, information on program websites is not always standardized or easily accessible. Many applicants use the American Medical Association's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA), a designated, standardized resource of basic and detailed information on residency programs. However, the availability of information within FREIDA is unclear. Herein, we analyze available data within FREIDA on all 124 ORL residency programs to understand the completeness of the FREIDA database. Method: Data from all 124 otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency programs within FREIDA was abstracted in early December 2020 and organized into 2 sections: basic information and detailed information (program details, educational features, and occupational benefits). The number of contributing programs in both sections was evaluated. Results: More than half of the programs (n = 65, 52.4%) did not provide any detailed information within FREIDA. While all 124 programs had their address, contact email, and the names of program directors available, slightly fewer had direct links to their website available (n = 113, 91.1%). Most programs (70.2%) did not include a brief 1-paragraph program description. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that FREIDA provides basic information for nearly all ORL programs, but it does not offer detailed information for most programs. As COVID-19 has negatively impacted the ability of ORL applicants to learn about programs, FREIDA is a helpful, centralized resource but is currently incomplete.

Background In the era of duty hour restrictions, otolaryngology residents may not gain the operative experience necessary to function autonomously by the end of training. This study quantifies residents' autonomy during key indicator cases, defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Faculty and residents at a large academic institution were surveyed on the surgical autonomy trainees should achieve for otolaryngology key indicator surgeries at each training level. Residents and faculty used the mobile application “System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning” (SIMPL) between December 2017 and July 2018 to log trainees' operative autonomy during cases on a validated four‐level Zwisch scale, from “show and tell” to “supervision only.” Results The study included 40 participants (23 residents and 17 attendings). The survey response rate was 83%. In surveys, residents overestimated the autonomy PGY5 residents should achieve for parotidectomy, rhinoplasty, thyroid/parathyroidectomy, and airway procedures compared with faculty (P

Background The 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) is a validated patient-reported outcome measure for chronic rhinosinusitis and in many circumstances is used in rhinology/otolaryngology clinics to assess sinonasal symptoms in general when a formal diagnosis is not established, although with little support for such usage. Objective To assess the utility of the SNOT-22 as a reflection of quality of life (QOL) and symptom control for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods Retrospective review of 353 patients with persistent AR. Each patient completed a SNOT-22, 5-item EuroQol general health-related QOL (EQ-5D) questionnaire (from which the visual analog scale [VAS] was used), and Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT). In addition, 95 patients also completed these questionnaires 1 to 12 months later. Results The SNOT-22 was negatively correlated with the EuroQol 5-dimensional visual analog scale (EQ-5D VAS; r = −.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.53 to −0.36, P Conclusion The SNOT-22 has utility to assess QOL and symptom control in AR, and it is both reliable and responsive in its application to patients with AR. The SNOT-22 may therefore be a convenient and versatile tool in the clinical assessment of patients with AR.

Objectives The main purpose of this article is to examine a single-center cohort of patients with nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) for pathologic features, skull base invasion, overall survival, and disease-free survival, with a focus on response to proton beam radiation therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants Single-center institutional cancer registry was used to retrospectively identify and analyze outcomes for 12 patients treated for ACC of the nasopharynx from 2000 to 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes included 5-year overall survival and locoregional control. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 (STATACorp, College Station, Texas, United States). Spearman's rank order correlation was used for ordinal, monotonic variables with p-values Results Twelve patients with ACC of the nasopharynx were included. All patients presented with advanced disease and were treated with primary radiation therapy, typically proton beam therapy. Only two underwent a surgical attempt at resection. A majority of cases had a cribriform growth pattern. The 5-year survival was 75% and rate of locoregional control rate at 5 years was 50%, comparable to other ACC cohort studies that included earlier stage tumors in various subsites that were surgically resected. Conclusions Although ACC is traditionally noted to be radioresistant, ACC of the nasopharynx was responsive to radiotherapy in our cohort, despite advanced stage and skull base invasion. Reasons for this improved survival are unclear and suggest the need for further pathologic and genetic characterization of nasopharyngeal ACC.

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions Level of evidence To determine preference patterns for topical anesthesia in patients undergoing endoscopy pre‐coronavirus (2019 coronavirus disease [COVID‐19]) pandemic and analyze outcomes based on preference, using a decision aid format.A decision aid was developed with expert and patient input. New patients presenting to subspecialty clinics over a 2‐month pre‐COVID‐19 period completed a pre‐procedure survey about their priorities, then were asked to choose between topical oxymetazoline/lidocaine spray or none. A post‐procedure outcome survey followed.Of 151 patients, 90.1% patients elected to have topical anesthesia. Top patient priorities were “I want the scope to be easy for the doctor” and “I want to be as comfortable as possible.” Patients who strongly wanted to avoid medication (P = .002) and bad taste (P = .003) were more likely to select no spray, whereas those who wanted to avoid pain received anesthetic (P = .011). According to the post‐procedure assessment, 95.4% of patients were satisfied or strongly satisfied their choice, and this did not correlate with anesthetic vs none.Patient preferences are easily elicited and correlate with treatment choices. Most patients chose to have topical anesthetic and were willing to tolerate side effects;however, both patients with and without topical anesthetic were satisfied with their choices. This decision aid can be used to optimize shared decision making in the otolaryngology clinic. Given the aerosolizing potential of both spray and no spray conditions, this insight may be consequential when devising office protocols for post‐COVID‐19 practice.II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives This article examines a national cohort of patients with nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) for incidence, skull base invasion, overall survival, and treatment paradigms. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective national population-based study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program data of patients with ACC of the nasopharynx (NACC) and skull base between 2004 and 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes included 5-year overall survival and odds of radiation treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 15.0 (STATACorp). p-Values Results Of the 2,385 cases of ACC, 70 cases were classified as NACC. Twenty-one percent (15) involved invasion of the skull base or posterior pharyngeal wall, and 42% (30) were either stage 3 or stage 4. The 5-year overall survival for patients with NACC without skull base invasion was 67% which dropped to 40% with invasion into the skull base. Radiation was used as the primary form of therapy for 62% of NACC and 73% of NACC invading into skull base. Odds of receiving radiation therapy and 5-year survival were not affected by socioeconomic status or density of providers. Conclusion NACC is rare in incidence and was most commonly treated with radiation therapy when advanced in stage. Prognosis was dependent on invasion through posterior pharyngeal wall and skull base. Provider density and socioeconomic status did not affect odds of radiation or overall survival for NACC.

IMPORTANCE: Women comprise an increasing proportion of the otolaryngology workforce. Prior studies have demonstrated gender-based disparity in physician practice and income in other clinical specialties; however, research has not comprehensively examined whether gender-based income disparities exist within the field of otolaryngology. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether diversity of practice, clinical productivity, and Medicare payment differ between male and female otolaryngologists and whether any identified variation is associated with practice setting. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of publicly available Medicare data summarizing payments to otolaryngologists from January 1 through December 31, 2017. Male and female otolaryngologists participating in Medicare in facility-based (FB; hospital-based) and non–facility-based settings (NFB; eg, physician office) for outpatient otolaryngologic care were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Number of unique billing codes (diversity of practice) per physician, number of services provided per physician (physician productivity), and Medicare payment per physician. Outcomes were stratified by practice setting (FB vs NFB). RESULTS: A total of 8456 otolaryngologists (1289 [15.2%] women; 7167 [84.8%] men) received Medicare payments in 2017. Per physician, women billed fewer unique codes (mean difference, −2.10; 95% CI, −2.46 to −1.75; P

Importance Clinicians are increasingly adopting telemedicine in an effort to expand patient access and efficiently deliver care. However, the extent to which otolaryngologists provide telemedicine services is unclear. Objective To characterize recent trends in the use of telemedicine by otolaryngologists to deliver care to Medicare beneficiaries. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, using publicly available Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary data on physicians practicing in the field of otolaryngology and benchmark specialties (dermatology and psychiatry) that provided telemedicine services to Medicare beneficiaries. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were the mean annual number of telemedicine services delivered per active physician and mean annual payment per active physician for these services. Secondary outcomes included the number, setting, and complexity of telemedicine services. Results Between 2010 and 2018, otolaryngologists provided 2127 total telemedicine services (7 unique service types) to Medicare beneficiaries and received $88 574 in total payment for these services. During this period, the mean number of telemedicine services increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0%, and the mean Medicare payment per otolaryngologist increased at a CAGR of 21.8%. In comparison, telemedicine use during this period generally increased at a higher rate in the fields of dermatology (mean number of services per active physician at CAGR of 13.0%; mean Medicare payment per active physician at CAGR of 12.5%) and psychiatry (mean number of services per active physician at CAGR of 25.8%; mean Medicare payment per active physician at CAGR of 26.6%). In 2018, outpatient evaluation and management visits accounted for most telemedicine services provided (337 of 353 [95.5%]) and the payments received ($17 542.13 of $18 470.47 [95.0%]) by otolaryngologists. In contrast, physicians in other specialties also provided substantial portions of telemedicine services in the inpatient (psychiatry, 18 403 of 198 478 [9.3%]; dermatology, 231 of 1034 [22.3%]) and skilled nursing facility settings (psychiatry, 14 690 of 198 478 [7.4%]; dermatology, 46 of 1034 [4.4%]). Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that the extent to which otolaryngologists used telemedicine to deliver care to Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2018 was rare. Although there was relative growth in the use of telemedicine by otolaryngologists during this period, absolute growth remained low. Policy makers and provider organizations should support otolaryngologists in the adoption of telemedicine technologies, especially while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) viral suppression efforts necessitate prolonged restriction of physical clinic throughput.

Objective This study aimed to describe the impact of adverse clinical and pathologic features in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Design This study is designed with retrospective chart review. Setting The present study is conducted at a tertiary care institution. Participants All patients treated surgically for sinonasal SCC at our tertiary care institution between January 2006 and December 2013. Main Outcome Measures Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) are the final measurement of this study. Results Forty-eight patients were identified. Mean age at surgery was 65.8 years, and mean follow-up time was 40.7 months. Eighteen patients (38%) had T1–T3 disease, while 30 patients (63%) had T4 disease. Seven patients (8.3%) had nodal disease at presentation. At 2, 5, and 10 years, OS was 71, 54, and 48%, respectively, while DFS was 64, 51, and 45%, respectively. Twelve patients (25%) experienced local recurrences with mean time to recurrence of 15.3 months. Twenty-five patients (52%) had positive margins, 24 (50%) had high-grade tumors, 18 (38%) had perineural invasion (PNI), and 15 (31%) had lymphovascular invasion (LVI). In the univariate analysis, T4 disease (risk ratio [RR] = 2.7) and high grade (RR = 2.4) had a significant association with DFS. In the multivariate analysis, high grade (RR = 4.0 and 4.5) and LVI (RR = 4.1 and 4.7) had a significant association with OS and DFS. Conclusion Our single-institution experience of 48 patients suggests that high grade and LVI are independently associated with survival outcomes in sinonasal SCC, while PNI and microscopically positive margins do not have a significant impact.

Background The frequencies of systemic antibiotics and oral corticosteroids taken for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) indicate poor CRS disease control. We sought to determine the validity and responsiveness of these metrics as reflections of CRS disease burden. Methodology One hundred and eighty-seven patients undergoing medical management for CRS were recruited. Participants were assessed at two time points: enrollment and a follow-up appointment three to nine months later. At each time point, CRS related antibiotic and oral corticosteroid usage in the previous three months was measured, while general and disease-specific quality of life (QOL) was measured using the visual analog scale of the 5-dimension EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D VAS) and the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), respectively. Results The frequency of CRS-related antibiotics and oral corticosteroids use was cross-sectionally correlated with EQ-5D VAS and SNOT-22 at the corresponding time points. For participants reporting usage of these medications at enrollment, there was a decrease of 1 course per 3 months for both CRS-related antibiotics and oral corticosteroids. Change in CRS-related antibiotics from enrollment to follow-up was correlated with change in both EQ-5D and SNOT-22 over the same timeframe. The change in CRSrelated oral corticosteroids was correlated with change in both EQ-5D VAS and SNOT-22). These correlations were stronger in the subset of patients who had a change in these metrics over the study period. Conclusions The frequencies of CRS-related antibiotic use and oral corticosteroid use are valid and responsive measures of CRS disease burden.

Objectives The concept of disease control incorporates independent disease characteristics that are longitudinally reflective of disease status and which can be used to make treatment decisions. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic condition for which the determination of disease control by both the patient and the treating physician is important. Our objectives were to determine CRS disease characteristics that are associated with patient-reported and physician-rated CRS disease control. Study Type Cross-sectional. Methods A total of 209 participants were prospectively recruited. Participants were asked to rate their global level of CRS control as "not at all," "a little," "somewhat," "very," and "completely." All participants completed a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and also reported the number of sinus infections, CRS-related antibiotic courses taken, CRS-related oral corticosteroid courses taken, and missed days of work or school due to CRS, all in the last 3 months. Clinical and demographic characteristics were also collected from each participant. A Lund-Kennedy endoscopy score was calculated for each participant from nasal endoscopy. Two rhinologists were then given each participant's SNOT-22 score (as well as SNOT-22 nasal, sleep, otologic/facial pain, and emotional subdomain scores), endoscopy score, and the number of sinus infections, CRS-related antibiotics, CRS-related oral corticosteroid courses and missed days of work or school due to CRS in the preceding 3 months as reported by the patient. The two rhinologists were blinded to all other participant characteristics and each rhinologist independently rated every participant's global control level as "not at all," "a little," "somewhat," "very," and "completely." Associations were sought between CRS disease characteristics (SNOT-22 score, endoscopy score, sinus infections, CRS-related antibiotic usage, CRS-related oral corticosteroid usage, and lost productivity due to CRS) and patient-reported CRS control as well as mean physician-rated CRS control. Results Patient-reported global CRS control was associated only with SNOT-22 (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-0.99, P

The endoscopic, endonasal transcribriform approach (EETA) is an important technique used to directly access the anterior skull base and is increasingly being used in the management of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). As this approach requires removal of the cribriform plate and olfactory epithelium en route to the tumor, patients are anosmic postoperatively. Here, we report the development of phantosmia and dysgeusia in two patients who underwent EETAs for OGMs, which has not yet been reported in the literature. We hypothesize that phantosmia and dysgeusia may result from aberrant neuronal signals or misinterpretation centrally from the remaining distal portions of the olfactory and taste pathways. Since EETAs are newer than traditional open craniotomy-based techniques, reporting these outcomes will be important to appropriately counsel patients preoperatively.

Although women represent an increasing proportion of the physician workforce, barriers to the professional advancement of women persist, particularly within surgical fields such as otolaryngology. Authorship of scientific opinion articles serves as an important opportunity for professional development. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to characterize the authorship patterns of scientific opinion articles by gender in leading otolaryngology journals between 2013 and 2018. Outcome measures were the number and proportion of female physician first authors and female last authors as compared with the proportion of the otolaryngology workforce. Between 2013 and 2018, female authors accounted for 24.1% of first of multiple authors, 30.4% of sole authors, and 25.3% of last authors. Women were equitably represented in comparison with the proportion of practicing female otolaryngologists (17.1% in 2017). The proportion of female first authorship increased from 20.0% in 2013 to 32.0% in 2018. Additional efforts are necessary to support the equitable advancement of women in otolaryngology.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma, when comorbid, may influence each other’s disease course and decrease quality of life (QOL). Our objective was to determine if poorer asthma control due to CRS symptoms could be a mechanism for decreased QOL in asthmatic CRS patients. Methods A total of 120 asthmatic CRS patients were recruited. CRS symptom burden was measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and patient-reported CRS symptom control, general health-related QOL was measured using the visual analog scale of the 5-dimensional EuroQol quality of life survey (EQ-5D VAS), and asthma control was measured using the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Association was sought between these outcome measures. A mediation model was created and validated to show that asthma control mediated the association between CRS symptom burden and decreased general health-related QOL. Results ACT score was associated with SNOT-22, EQ-5D VAS was associated with SNOT-22 score, and EQ-5D VAS was associated with ACT score. A statistically significant mediation effect for ACT score in the association between SNOT-22 and EQ-5D VAS), which represented 22.1% of the total effect of SNOT-22 on EQ-5D VAS, was identified. Similar findings were made for patientreported CRS symptom control instead of SNOT-22 score. Conclusions In asthmatic CRS patients, a sizeable portion of CRS impact on QOL is indirectly mediated through the effect of CRS on poorer asthma control which may then drive decreased QOL.