Paul D. Neubauer

The correlation between obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and superior semicircular canal dehiscence: a new explanation for an increasingly common problem.

Objective To investigate rates of obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with a diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Two tertiary referral centers. Patients Thirty-one patients with SSCD were identified from patient records at Yale between January 1, 2003 and August 1, 2013 and from the University of Cincinnati between November 1, 2008 and November 1, 2013. The control cohort consisted of 100 consecutive adult patients who obtained high-resolution CT imaging of their temporal bones at Yale University for any reason. Interventions CT images were reviewed by two authors in double blind fashion and patient data was analyzed statistically. Main Outcome Measures Rates of OSA, body mass index (BMI), and presence of tegmental defects in patients with SSCD were compared to the control cohort. Results The 31 patients with SSCD demonstrated higher BMIs [SSCD avg. 31.62, standard deviation (SD) 8.6 vs. no SSCD 28.01, SD 6.3, P = 0.036], rates of OSA (SSCD 29.03% vs. no SSCD 7.00, P = 0.001), and rates of tegmental defects (SSCD avg. 64.5% vs. no SSCD 16%, P = 1.24 × 10−7), in comparison to the control cohort. SSCD was found in 6 of 100 consecutively reviewed adult CT scans and in 0 of 41 scans obtained in those under 17 years of age. Conclusions Patients with SSCD demonstrated higher BMIs, higher rates of OSA, and were more likely to have accompanying tegmental defects. These results may support a possible causality between increased intracranial pressure and the formation of superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

Comparison of intranasal fluticasone spray, budesonide atomizer, and budesonide respules in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis after endoscopic sinus surgery

Nasal steroids are a critical part of the management of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Increasingly, practitioners are using budesonide respules delivered to the sinonasal cavities, which is an off‐label use, in lieu of traditional nasal steroids. There has been little research comparing budesonide with traditional nasal steroids and the most effective delivery method of budesonide.

Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scales Based on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: A Systematic Review

Identification of pharyngeal residue severity located in the valleculae and pyriform sinuses has always been a primary goal during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Pharyngeal residue is a clinical sign of potential prandial aspiration making an accurate description of its severity an important but difficult challenge. A reliable, validated, and generalizable pharyngeal residue severity rating scale for FEES would be beneficial. A systematic review of the published English language literature since 1995 was conducted to determine the quality of existing pharyngeal residue severity rating scales based on FEES. Databases were searched using controlled vocabulary words and synonymous free text words for topics of interest (deglutition disorders, pharyngeal residue, endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, fiberoptic technology, aspiration, etc.) and outcomes of interest (scores, scales, grades, tests, FEES, etc.). Search strategies were adjusted for syntax appropriate for each database/platform. Data sources included MEDLINE (OvidSP 1946–April Week 3 2015), Embase (OvidSP 1974–2015 April 20), Scopus (Elsevier), and the unindexed material in PubMed (NLM/NIH) were searched for relevant articles. Supplementary efforts to identify studies included checking reference lists of articles retrieved. Scales were compared using qualitative properties (sample size, severity definitions, number of raters, and raters’ experience and training) and psychometric analyses (randomization, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and construct validity). Seven articles describing pharyngeal residue severity rating scales met inclusion criteria. Six of seven scales had insufficient data to support their use as evidenced by methodological weaknesses with both qualitative properties and psychometric analyses. There is a need for qualitative and psychometrically reliable, validated, and generalizable pharyngeal residue severity rating scales that are anatomically specific, image-based, and easily learned by both novice and experienced clinicians. Only the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale, an anatomically defined and image-based tool, met all qualitative and psychometric criteria necessary for a valid, reliable, and generalizable vallecula and pyriform sinus severity rating scale based on FEES.

Patient knowledge and expectations in endoscopic sinus surgery.

The potential for patient misconceptions about endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has implications for the informed consent process. An understanding of patients’ baseline knowledge and sources of information regarding ESS would improve surgeons’ ability to counsel patients preoperatively and provide effective educational materials.

Delayed platysma myocutaneous turnover flap for repair of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

INTRODUCTION Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a common and serious complication after total laryngectomy. Numerous surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches have been described. Here we describe a platysma myocutaneous turnover flap for repair of PCF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Platysma myocutaneous turnover flap is described and two patients are used as examples. RESULTS Repair was initially successful in both patients; however, one patient had recurrence of fistula after her cancer recurred at the stoma. DISCUSSION Numerous surgical techniques have been described for repair of PCF. Here a turnover flap was used, a technique not previously described for this problem. The delay technique enhances the viability of the flap thought to be through numerous mechanisms. CONCLUSION The platysma myocutaneous turnover flap is useful for closure of pharyngocutaneous fistula when non-operative measures have failed.

The Impact of Dairy Consumption on Salivary Inoculum

Quantitative levels of harmful oral microbes present following complex surgical excisions of head and neck cancer are important since wounds are often contaminated through direct connection to the oral cavity and its flora. This possibility is especially important in irradiated patients who have decreased protective salivary function. In addition, high oral microbial levels increase and intensify oral mucositis leading to significant morbidity in patients treated with radiation therapy. One previously untested surgical teaching to decrease the bacterial inoculum present in the oral cavity is to counsel patients against consuming otherwise nutritious dairy products, as they are thought to coat the oral cavity with rate-limiting nutrients vital for bacterial growth. This risk may extend to individuals with chronic laryngeal penetration or aspiration, since salivary bacterial load might represent a lethal threat in the presence of marginal pulmonary reserve. A crossover study using six healthy adult volunteers and six patients who had previously undergone radiation therapy to an oropharyngeal primary site was performed. Saliva samples were quantitatively cultured in both groups with and without the consumption of dairy products at 1-h and 5-h intervals. Analysis of quantitative cultures demonstrated that the consumption of dairy products had no influence on bacterial levels present in previously radiated subjects and nonirradiated controls. Additionally, the consumption of dairy did not affect the composition of microbes present. Due to the lack of changes in both quantity and composition of oral bacteria seen in this study, patients would not benefit from the avoidance of dairy products.

Building a Foundation, Defining Terms, and Looking Toward the Future

Objectives: To discuss why pharyngeal residue has been an integral and foundational component of the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) examination from its inception and why determination of pharyngeal residue severity ratings is an important clinical challenge and worthy goal to achieve

Embryology and Anatomy of the Oral Cavity and Pharynx

Objectives: To discuss the intricate embryology, anatomy, and postnatal development of the upper aerodigestive tract as it relates to deglutition

Really, How Easy Is It to Use the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale?

Objectives: To determine reliability of pharyngeal residue severity ratings with naive raters using the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale images.

A Systematic Literature Review of Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scales Based on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing

Objectives: Identification of pharyngeal residue severity located in the valleculae and pyriform sinuses has always been a primary goal during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Pharyngeal residue is a clinical sign of potential prandial aspiration making an accurate description of its severity an important but difficult challenge. A reliable, validated, and generalizable pharyngeal residue severity rating scale for FEES would be beneficial. A systematic review of the published English language literature since 1995 was conducted to determine the quality of existing pharyngeal residue severity rating scales based on FEES.