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Objectives/hypothesis Although upper lateral cartilages are commonly released from the dorsum of the septum during spreader graft placement in septorhinoplasty (SRP), there has been a focus on maintaining integrity of connections in the middle vault. Avoiding release of upper lateral cartilages in certain patient groups may represent an early step in this paradigm shift. We aim to assess satisfaction with nasal appearance and correction of nasal obstruction in patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement without upper lateral cartilage release and compared it to the traditional upper lateral cartilage release cohort. Study design Prospective cohort study. Methods A total of 559 patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement with upper lateral cartilage release and 30 patients who underwent SRP with spreader graft placement without release between 2012 and 2020 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), FACE-Q Satisfaction with Nose, and FACE-Q Social Functioning scales pre- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative NOSE FACE-Q, and negative inspiratory force (NIF) scores and changes were compared between groups. Results Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up for both groups. There was no significant difference between groups in mean improvement of NOSE, FACE-Q, and NIF scores at time of last follow-up. Conclusion SRP with spreader graft placement with and without upper lateral cartilage release provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. This suggests that upper lateral cartilages do not need to be released to achieve functional improvement and that surgeons should consider whether release is necessary to achieve goals of surgery. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Standard spreader grafts (SSGs) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty to treat internal nasal valve narrowing and have been shown to improve nasal airway obstruction. Extended spreader grafts (ESGs) have also been proven effective for correcting nasal deviation. To date, the effectiveness of ESGs using patient-reported outcome measures has not been demonstrated, and results of ESGs have not been compared to SSGs. This study aims to assess satisfaction and nasal appearance in patients who have undergone septorhinoplasty with SSG versus ESG. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Five hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SSGs and 126 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with ESGs between 2012 and 2018 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nose, FACE-Q Satisfaction With Nostrils, and FACE-Q Social Functioning scales pre- and postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative NOSE and FACE-Q scores, negative inspiratory force (NIF), and changes in these values were compared between groups. RESULTS Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow-up for both groups. There was no significant difference between the SSG and ESG groups in mean improvement of NOSE scores, FACE-Q scores, and NIF at follow-up of 6 months and at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that SSGs and ESGs both provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. Both techniques can be effective. The etiology of the nasal obstruction and/or deformity should be considered when deciding which type of spreader graft to use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:765-772, 2021.

The objective of this paper is to investigate the differences between unilateral and bilateral nasal obstruction with subjective symptomatology in nasal obstruction. This is a retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data of patients with nasal obstruction presenting to a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic for evaluation and treatment. Patient demographics including age and gender were recorded along with nasal physical exam findings. These included internal valve narrowing (IVN), external valve narrowing, internal valve collapse, external valve collapse, and septal deviations (inferior and superior). Findings were reported for the left, the right, and both sides. Nasal valve and septal findings were recorded on 3- and 4-point Likert scales, respectively, for each side of the nose. A total of 1,646 patients were included in the study. On univariate analysis, a significant correlation was seen between Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores and all individual exam findings (p

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising treatment for hair restoration in patients with androgenic alopecia. Created from a platelet concentrate from an autologous blood draw, PRP is a safe therapeutic option for patients with hair loss. It is used alone or in conjunction with topical and oral therapies. Most studies of hair restoration with PRP report positive outcomes. Further research to optimize PRP preparation/administration procedures and identify patient populations that benefit most from this treatment are needed, as is long-term follow-up of objective hair loss outcomes. PRP appears to be a safe technology with excellent potential for promoting hair restoration.

Objective To characterize the acetaminophen and narcotic use pattern of the postoperative rhinoplasty patient. To describe a pain level and pain medication usage pattern of the typical post-rhinoplasty patient and identify demographic considerations. Study design Prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center. Methods Rhinoplasty patients were given standardized perioperative pain instructions and narcotic medication (18 tabs oxycodone) along with a pain medication use survey. Postoperatively, survey and tracking information was collected regarding narcotic and acetaminophen use at their first postoperative appointment. Patients were asked about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin, and chronic opioid use. Narcotic and acetaminophen use along pain levels (1-10) at time of use were recorded by patients at 4-hour increments postoperatively until their first postoperative visit. Results Pain medication usage (oxycodone and acetaminophen) peaked on (postoperative day 1) POD1. Pain was significantly higher in younger patients (30 years old or younger), female patients, and primary rhinoplasty patients. Pain was correlated with acetaminophen and oxycodone use for women, and acetaminophen used for men. Autologous rib grafting was not correlated with higher narcotic use. Conclusion Describing a pain medication usage pattern for the typical post-rhinoplasty patient provides both patients and clinicians important knowledge of postoperative pain expectations and has the potential to reduce both the amount of narcotic prescribed by providers and the amount of narcotic used by patients. Level of evidence 4 (Case Series) Laryngoscope, 131:48-53, 2021.

IMPORTANCE: Using health utility values (HUVs) as an outcome measure for surgical procedures, including rhinoplasty, allows for a standardized measurement of the qualitative and financial benefit of that procedure on overall health. OBJECTIVE: To use Euroqol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D)-derived HUVs to evaluate nasal obstruction outcomes following surgery between primary rhinoplasty (PSRP) and rhinoplasty with previous nasal surgery (RNS) in a prospective cohort study. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A single-institution prospective cohort study between 2013 and 2017 was carried out including 185 patients who underwent RNS before functional rhinoplasty and 278 patients who underwent PSRP for nasal obstruction. The analysis was carried out between December 2018 and February 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Patients in the RNS cohort and PSRP cohort who completed the EQ-5D questionnaire immediately prior to surgery and postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months were included in the study. The EQ-5D scores were converted to HUV scores and compared to evaluate for improvement in health status following surgery. RESULTS: Of the 185 patients in the RNS cohort, 97 (52%) were women and the mean (SD) age was 42.6 (13.4) years. Of the 278 in the PSRP cohort, 156 (55%) were women and the mean (SD) age was 36.0 (15.8) years. Both cohorts experienced significant improvement in HUV postoperatively. The mean (SD) HUV values were decreased in the RNS cohort versus the PSRP cohort both preoperatively (0.85 [0.16] versus 0.89 [0.14]) and postoperatively at 1 year (0.92 [0.14] versus 0.94 [0.11]); however, the difference in HUV was not statistically significant after 6 months postoperatively. Patients in the RNS cohort were typically older (76 [41%] older than 40 years vs 84 [31%], P = .02) and more likely to have sleep apnea (31 [19%] vs 24 [10%], P = .01) than in the PSRP cohort. On multivariable analysis, the use of spreader grafts and alar rim grafts in the PSRP cohort was significantly associated with improved HUV at 12 months. (r = −0.06; 95% CI, −0.11 to −0.01, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients with a history of prior nasal surgery may represent a unique cohort when assessing health utility outcomes. Euroqol 5-dimension questionnaire-derived HUVs are a valid predictor of outcomes in all patients who undergo septorhinoplasty. Although outcomes were significantly improved for both cohorts, previous surgical history should be considered when performing cost utility analysis on the benefits of functional rhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

(1) To describe electronic communication between global surgeons and trainees in a low-middle income country (LMIC) and to gauge appeal of the WhatsApp platform (2) To introduce a novel intensive ear reconstruction teaching module for surgical capacity building using simulation in a LMIC.Prospective cohort study.University-based medical center in Haiti.Eleven otolaryngology trainees and faculty in Haiti.Three months prior to on-site arrival, a WhatsApp Messenger group was created for information-sharing and distribution of teaching materials. A surgical curriculum was created to incorporate didactics, cartilage framework simulation, and live surgery. During the intensive on-site week, WhatsApp was used to distribute materials and to recap learning points from each case, with pre- and postoperative surgical photographs circulated. Postmodule written, oral, and practical testing was conducted on the final day, and a postmodule survey was administered a month later. Post-tests scores were significantly improved from pretests scores. Initial scores on the written, oral, and practical tests averaged 24.6%. Postmodule scores averaged 86.9% (p0.001). Participants rated the use of WhatsApp to be highly important to their learning and requested further use of mobile health technology.WhatsApp Messenger technology complemented a reconstructive surgery education module in a LMIC. WhatsApp provides opportunities for premodule patient screening, real-time discussion, and postmodule review. Its usage was well-received by Haitian otolaryngology trainees and faculty. Our results suggest that the combination of didactic teaching, simulated surgery, and live surgery resulted in successful transfer of both skills and knowledge.

Objective To identify characteristics of patients presenting preoperatively for functional septorhinoplasty associated with increased Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. Study design Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort at a tertiary medical center. Only baseline assessments were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Methods 1,338 patients completed baseline nasal evaluation, resulting in 1,034 NOSE scores. Demographics, medical history, surgical history, and physical exam findings were recorded. Results The average preoperative NOSE score was 59.8 out of 100 (standard deviation: 24.9). Fifty-four percent (578 per 1,074) of respondents were female, although sex did not affect baseline NOSE score (P = 0.7). Forty-five percent (404 per 896) reported prior nasal surgery. History of rhinoplasty was not associated with a difference in baseline NOSE score (P = 0.1924); however, history of septoplasty (P = 0.0390) was associated with an increased baseline NOSE score. Snoring was also both associated with higher baseline NOSE score (P = 0.0003). All 12 septal/nasal valve measurements were associated with higher preoperative NOSE score, whereas the internal nasal valve narrowing variables retained significance in multivariate analysis (left: P = .0490; right: P = .0077). Conclusion Patients presenting for nasal airway obstruction were evaluated. Sex was not associated with difference in NOSE score. History of septoplasty was associated with higher baseline NOSE score, as were snoring and internal nasal valve narrowing at rest. Level of evidence 2C Laryngoscope, 130:25-31, 2020.

In functional septorhinoplasty (FSRP), alternative grafting material is used if septal cartilage is insufficient for reconstructive needs. Autologous costal cartilage (ACC) and irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC) are compared via the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. One-hundred forty-one patients who underwent FSRP with ACC or IHCC between January 2013 and March 2018 were administered the NOSE scale pre- and postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. There was no significant difference in mean NOSE scores between the ACC and IHCC cohorts at the preoperative visit (68.5 [standard deviation, SD 24.1] and 71.7 [20.1], respectively; p

Stapes surgery with a nickel titanium prosthesis is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that leads to a significant improvement in hearing outcomes.To identify the efficacy and safety of stapedotomy procedures performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis for patients with otosclerosis.A review of 431 unique stapedotomies performed over 14 years by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care center yielded 312 cases with nickel titanium prosthesis that met inclusion criteria of otosclerosis diagnosis, initial surgery in operative ear, and presence of pre-operative and post-operative audiograms. Pure-tone averages (PTA) at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery were calculated over four frequencies; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Average air-bone gaps (ABG) were calculated from pre-operative and post-operative audiograms.Average pre-operative baseline PTA was 56.7 dB in the affected ear. Post-operative PTA was 30.1 dB, a 26.6 dB improvement. Initial average ABG was 29.7 dB, while post-operative ABG averaged 5.4 dB, a 24.2 dB improvement. Surgical success (closure of ABG within 10 dB) was achieved in 263 (84%) patients. Rate of surgical success was not correlated with age, gender, race, or affected ear. Complications included recurrent conductive hearing loss (14), progressive SNHL (4), and post-operative BPPV (3).

IMPORTANCE: By measuring health utility values (HUVs) for patients with nasal obstruction after septorhinoplasty, the association of nasal congestion with overall health can be measured and the functional outcomes of septorhinoplasty can be determined. OBJECTIVE: To use the EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire to evaluate nasal obstruction outcomes after septorhinoplasty and to determine HUVs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent septorhinoplasty for nasal obstruction at a single institution by a single surgeon from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2017. Participants completed the EQ-5D questionnaire immediately before surgery and postoperatively at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. The EQ-5D scores were converted to HUVs using population-based data for individuals with chronic diseases. Data were analyzed from May 1 through December 31, 2018. EXPOSURE: Functional septorhinoplasty. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative EQ-5D scores were compared to evaluate improvement in overall health after septorhinoplasty. RESULTS: A total of 463 patients (53.8% women; mean [SD] age, 36.8 [15.7] years) who underwent septorhinoplasty and completed EQ-5D surveys at baseline and postoperatively were included in the study population. Overall mean (SD) preoperative HUV was 0.872 (0.01), compared with 1.00 for those with a perfect state of health. On univariate analysis, female sex (mean [SD] HUV, 0.853 [0.01]; P = .004), previous nasal surgery (mean [SD] HUV, 0.85 [0.16]; P = .02), previous septoplasty (mean [SD] HUV, 0.88 [0.15]; P = .02), and previous sinus surgery (mean [SD] HUV, 0.79 [0.20]; P = .009) were associated with significantly lower baseline HUVs. On multivariate regression including these variables, only previous septoplasty was significantly associated with a positive change in mean (SD) HUV (0.88 [0.15] vs 0.85 [0.16]; P = .02). Mean (SD) HUV was significantly improved at 2 months postoperatively to 0.91 (0.14; P = .001) and remained significantly improved from baseline at 12 months, at 0.93 (0.13; P

The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become increasingly commonplace in facial plastic surgery for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). However, this treatment remains novel with a range of application techniques and outcomes described in the literature. Herein, the authors systematically review the existing literature on the use and efficacy of PRP for AGA. Systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed. Case reports were excluded. Twenty-four papers met inclusion criteria for this study: 8 randomized control trials and 16 prospective cohort studies. Twenty-one studies used clinical criteria to diagnose AGA, while three used confirmatory biopsies. PRP was injected with or without the use of a numbing agent, and most studies performed multiple injections (three or more separated by several weeks). Twenty-one studies reported positive outcomes by objective criteria (88%), while three suggested that there was no clinical improvement, although in two of these studies patients still reported increased satisfaction. There were no complications reported other than transient edema/erythema and pain/headache associated with the procedure. The existing literature suggests that PRP is a low-risk intervention to treat AGA associated with good patient satisfaction and objective improvements in outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize preparation and delivery methods as well as standardize measurements of clinical outcomes.

Objective To introduce 3 novel intensive facial plastic and reconstructive surgery teaching modules for surgical capacity building using simulation in a low-middle income country. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University-based medical center in Quito, Ecuador. Participants First- and second-year otolaryngology residents in Quito, Ecuador. Results Residents participated in an intensive 3-day teaching program focused on microtia, nasoseptal abnormalities, and facial paralysis that included didactic lectures, simulation workshops, and live surgery. Residents underwent rigorous pre- and postmodule testing including written, oral, and practical examinations in each subject area. All participants completed anonymous feedback surveys with ratings on a Likert scale from 0 (very poor) to 10 (excellent). Nineteen residents completed both pre- and postmodule testing. The training module was successfully implemented and testing performance across all 3 subject areas significantly improved. Resident feedback was exceedingly positive, with average scores for each component ranging from 8.9 to 9.8, with highest scores given to the simulation workshops. The postmodule survey indicated that all residents found the course helpful and they desired additional courses covering more subject areas. Conclusions Implementation of an intensive surgical training module combining didactics, surgical simulation, and live surgery resulted in the successful transfer of both skills and knowledge. While the long-term benefit of this program is yet to be determined, this model of training may prove to be a useful tool to help address surgical capacity building in the developing world.

To assess the comparative effectiveness of botulinum toxin and propranolol in patients with essential vocal tremor (EVT).Individual prospective cohort study.Study patients were recruited at the Emory Voice Center from patients seeking treatment for EVT. Exclusion criteria included current β-blocker treatment, spasmodic dysphonia, or other disease that prevented the use of propranolol therapy. A 10-week washout period from prior botulinum toxin treatment occurred before enrollment. Patients were assessed via the Voice-Related Quality-Of-Life (VRQOL) questionnaire, Quality of life in Essential Tremor questionnaire, and blinded perceptual voice assessment. These assessments were made at baseline voice 2 weeks after propranolol therapy and 4 weeks after botulinum toxin injection.Eighteen patients were enrolled. After 2 to 4 weeks of propranolol therapy (with a maximum dosage of 60 mg to 90 mg per day), patients report an average ΔVRQOL of 9.31. Six patients report significant VRQOL improvement10, with the rest reporting changes between -7.5 and 7.5. Fifteen patients were followed for at least 4 weeks after botulinum toxin injection, reporting an average improvement in scaled VRQOL of 22.00. Blinded perceptual voice assessment demonstrates an improvement in overall severity of tremor with botulinum toxin.In some patients with EVT, propranolol led to significant vocal improvement with no major side effects. Although botulinum toxin remains the gold-standard therapy for patients with EVT, propranolol represents a possible alternative or adjuvant therapy for certain patients.