Michael Setzen

Ambulatory tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

The performance of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in an ambulatory setting is controversial. However, most current studies show that with adequate criteria for patient selection and careful postoperative observation, these procedures can be safely done as outpatient surgery. This study was undertaken to reassess the safety of outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery and to reevaluate the current recommendations for postoperative care.

Gender Disparities in Scholarly Productivity within Academic Otolaryngology Departments

Objective To examine whether there are gender disparities in scholarly productivity within academic otolaryngology departments, as measured by academic rank and the h-index, a published, objective measure of research contributions that quantifies the number and significance of papers published by a given author. Study Design and Setting Analysis of bibliometric data of academic otolaryngologists. Methods Faculty listings from academic otolaryngology departments were used to determine academic rank and gender. The Scopus database was used to determine h-index and publication range (in years) of these faculty members. In addition, 20 randomly chosen institutions were used to compare academic otolaryngologists to faculty members in other surgical specialties. Results Mean h-indices increased through the rank of professor. Among academic otolaryngologists, men had significantly higher h-indices than women, a finding also noted on examination of faculty members from other specialties. Men had higher research productivity rates at earlier points in their career than women did. The productivity rates of women increased and equaled or surpassed those of men later in their careers. Men had higher absolute h-index values at junior academic ranks. Women academic otolaryngologists of senior rank had higher absolute h-indices than their male counterparts. Conclusions The h-index measures research significance in an objective manner and indicates that although men have higher overall research productivity in academic otolaryngology, women demonstrate a different productivity curve. Women produce less research output earlier in their careers than men do, but at senior levels, they equal or exceed the research productivity of men.

Sinus headache: a neurology, otolaryngology, allergy, and primary care consensus on diagnosis and treatment.

Sinus headache is a widely accepted clinical diagnosis, although many medical specialists consider it an uncommon cause of recurrent headaches. The inappropriate diagnosis of sinus headache can lead to unnecessary diagnostic studies, surgical interventions, and medical treatments. Both the International Headache Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have attempted to define conditions that lead to headaches of rhinogenic origin but have done so from different perspectives and in isolation of each other. An interdisciplinary ad hoc committee convened to discuss the role of sinus disease as a cause of headache and to review recent epidemiological studies that suggest sinus headache (headache of rhinogenic origin) and migraine are frequently confused with one another. This committee reviewed available scientific evidence from multiple disciplines and concluded that considerable research and clinical study are required to further understand and delineate the role of nasal pathology and autonomic activation in migraine and headaches of rhinogenic origin. However, this group agreed that greater diagnostic and therapeutic attention needs to be given to patients with sinus headaches.

Is NIH funding predictive of greater research productivity and impact among academic otolaryngologists

The h‐index is an accurate and reliable indicator of scholarly productivity that takes into account relevance, significance, and influence of research contributions. As such, it is an effective, objective bibliometric that can be used to evaluate academic otolaryngologists for decisions regarding appointment and advancement. In this study, we evaluate the impact of NIH funding on scholarly productivity in otolaryngology.

Readability assessment of patient education materials on major otolaryngology association websites.

Objective Various otolaryngology associations provide Internet-based patient education material (IPEM) to the general public. However, this information may be written above the fourth- to sixth-grade reading level recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of this study was to assess the readability of otolaryngology-related IPEMs on various otolaryngology association websites and to determine whether they are above the recommended reading level for patient education materials. Study Design and Setting Analysis of patient education materials from 9 major otolaryngology association websites. Methods The readability of 262 otolaryngology-related IPEMs was assessed with 8 numerical and 2 graphical readability tools. Averages were evaluated against national recommendations and between each source using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) analysis. Mean readability scores for each otolaryngology association website were compared. Results Mean website readability scores using Flesch Reading Ease test, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Coleman-Liau Index, SMOG grading, Gunning Fog Index, New Dale-Chall Readability Formula, FORCAST Formula, New Fog Count Test, Raygor Readability Estimate, and the Fry Readability Graph ranged from 20.0 to 57.8, 9.7 to 17.1, 10.7 to 15.9, 11.6 to 18.2, 10.9 to 15.0, 8.6 to 16.0, 10.4 to 12.1, 8.5 to 11.8, 10.5 to 17.0, and 10.0 to 17.0, respectively. ANOVA results indicate a significant difference (P < .05) between the websites for each individual assessment. Conclusion The IPEMs found on all otolaryngology association websites exceed the recommended fourth- to sixth-grade reading level.

Indications for image-guided sinus surgery: The current evidence

Background Evidence-based medicine calls for a critical evaluation of the scientific evidence for treatments of disease. This report synthesizes the available evidence supporting the indications for image guidance in sinus surgery, examining two important questions: (1) Does image-guided sinus surgery (IGSS) reduce complication rates? (2) Does IGSS improve clinical outcomes? Methods Primary research articles evaluated for this report were identified using appropriate search terms and a PubMed search. Two authors independently reviewed each article. Articles were assigned an evidence level based on accepted guidelines: level 1 = randomized trials, level 2 = prospective cohort studies with comparison group, level 3 = case-control studies, level 4 = retrospective case series, and level 5 = expert opinion. Results We identified 105 articles for full review and highlight 5 articles in our report. Primarily, there is expert opinion (level 5) and case series (level 4) with and without comparison groups supporting the indications for IGSS. In addition, authors point out that sample size and design issues preclude definitive randomized trials using IGSS. Conclusion Although randomized trials of IGSS are not practical, ethical, or feasible, clinical experience, expert opinion, and case series support the current indications for IGSS. Studies designed to draw conclusions about the role of IGSS in decreasing major complications of sinus surgery are not possible.

Analysis of the readability of patient education materials from surgical subspecialties

Patients are increasingly using the Internet as a source of information on medical conditions. Because the average American adult reads at a 7th‐ to 8th‐grade level, the National Institutes of Health recommend that patient education material be written between a 4th‐ and 6th‐grade level. In this study, we assess and compare the readability of patient education materials on major surgical subspecialty Web sites relative to otolaryngology.

From the operating room to the courtroom

Malpractice litigation has increased in recent decades, contributing to higher health‐care costs. Characterization of complications leading to litigation is of special interest to practitioners of facial plastic surgery procedures because of the higher proportion of elective cases relative to other subspecialties. In this analysis, we comprehensively examine malpractice litigation in facial plastic surgery procedures and characterize factors important in determining legal responsibility, as this information may be of great interest and use to practitioners in several specialties.

Readability analysis of healthcare‐oriented education resources from the american academy of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery

Deficient health literacy remains a widespread public issue. As such, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that all patient resources should be written around a sixth‐grade level. The authors evaluate healthcare‐oriented resources specified for patient use on the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Web site in order to identify potential areas of improvement and highlight those sections that may serve as paradigms for future revisions.

Primary Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea constitutes only 3% to 4% of CSF fistulas. Nontraumatic, normal pressure CSF fistulas with resultant rhinorrhea, in which no cause can be identified, or primary spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea, is considerably rarer. Presented here are two cases of CSF rhinorrhea of this nature, including the diagnostic workup and treatment. Reviews of literature support laboratory quantitative glucose determination as the most effective and least morbid method for confirming the presence of CSF. Iodine-contrast (metrizamide/lohexol) computerized tomographic cisternography has been shown to be the most effective and least morbid method for localizing the fistula. For inactive, intermittent, small, or questionable CSF leaks, radionuclide cisternography has been shown to be more effective in identifying the presence of these leaks, although not necessarily the location. Numerous reports provide evidence to support the use of an extracranial rhinologic approach for surgical repair of the leak, as a more successful yet less morbid procedure than a craniotomy when used appropriately.