Outcomes and prognostic factors in parotid gland malignancies: A 10-year single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe a 10-year single center experience with parotid gland malignancies and to determine factors affecting outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

The institutional cancer registry was used to identify patients treated surgically for malignancies of the parotid gland between January 2005 and December 2014. Clinical and pathologic data were collected retrospectively from patient charts and analyzed for their association with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Two hundred patients were identified. Mean age at surgery was 57.8 years, and mean follow-up time was 52 months. One hundred two patients underwent total parotidectomy, while 77 underwent superficial parotidectomy, and 21 underwent deep lobe resection. Seventy patients (35%) required facial nerve (FN) sacrifice. Acinic cell carcinoma was the most common histologic type (22%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (21.5%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (12.5%). Twenty-nine patients (14.5%) experienced recurrences, with mean time to recurrence of 23.6 months (range: 1-82 months). Five- and 10-year OS were 81% and 73%, respectively. Five- and 10-year DFS were 80% and 73%, respectively. In univariate analyses, age > 60, histologic type, positive margins, high grade, T-stage, node positivity, perineural invasion, and FN involvement were predictors of OS and DFS. In the multivariate analysis, histology, positive margins, node positivity, and FN involvement were independent predictors of OS and DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our single-center experience of 200 patients suggests that histology, positive margins, node positivity, and FN involvement are independently associated with outcomes in parotid malignancies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Insurance status, stage of presentation, and survival among female patients with head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

Incidence trends and outcomes of head and neck cancer (HNC) among female patients are not well understood. The objective of this study was to estimate incidence trends and quantify the association between health insurance status, stage at presentation, and survival among females with HNC.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2007-2014) was queried for females aged ≥18 years diagnosed with a malignant primary head and neck cancer (HNC) (n = 18,923). Incidence trends for stage at presentation were estimated using Joinpoint regression analysis. The association between health insurance status and stage at presentation on overall and disease-specific survival was estimated using Fine and Gray proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Incidence of stage IV HNC rose by 1.24% from 2007 to 2014 (annual percent change = 1.24, 95% CI 0.30, 2.20). Patients with Medicaid (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45, 1.74) and who were uninsured (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.47, 2.04) were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage (stages III/IV) HNC. Similarly, patients with Medicaid (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.47, 95% CI 1.38, 1.56) and who were uninsured (aHR =1.45, 95% CI 1.29, 1.63) were more likely to die from any cause compared to privately insured patients. Medicaid (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.24, 1.44) and uninsured (aHR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.24, 1.60) patients also had a greater hazard of HNC-specific deaths compared to privately insured patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of advanced-stage presentation for female HNC patients in the United States has increased significantly since 2007, and patients who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicaid are more likely to present with late stage disease and die earlier.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 130:385-391, 2020.

The role of elective neck dissection in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the frequency and outcomes of elective neck dissection (END) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for a cohort study of patients with ACC of the major salivary glands, nasal cavity/nasopharynx, hard/soft palate, tongue, floor of mouth, larynx, and oral cavity who underwent primary surgical resection from 2004 to 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of END and occult nodal metastasis. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and modeled with Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Among 2,807 patients with ACC treated surgically, 636 (22.7%) underwent END. Patients with ACC of the salivary glands and tongue most frequently underwent END; patients with hard/soft palate (odds ratio [OR] 0.06, P < 0.001) and nasal cavity/nasopharynx (OR 0.05, P < 0.001) ACC rarely underwent END compared to patients with major salivary gland cancer. Increasing tumor (T) stage (T4 vs. T1, OR 3.02, P < 0.001) was associated with END. Patients with advanced T3 to T4 ACC of the major salivary glands demonstrated extended OS associated with END (5-year OS 78.1% vs. 70.4%, P = 0.041) on Kaplan-Meier analysis and with END with adjuvant radiation therapy (hazard ratio 0.55, P = 0.027) using Cox proportional hazards regression. Elective neck dissection for T4 ACC of the salivary glands (21.3%) and tongue (25.5%) most consistently revealed occult nodal metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Elective neck dissection for ACC of the major salivary glands or tongue is most likely to reveal occult nodal metastasis. Elective neck dissection is associated with extended OS for advanced-stage ACC of the major salivary glands.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 129:2094-2104, 2019.

Laryngeal fracture presentation and management in United States emergency rooms

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

There are limited data on laryngeal fracture presentation and management in US emergency departments (EDs). We aimed to characterize patients who are diagnosed with laryngeal fractures in the ED and identify management patterns.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) from 2009 to 2011.

METHODS

The NEDS was queried for patient visits with a primary diagnosis of open or closed laryngeal fracture (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 807.5 and 807.6). Patient demographics, comorbidities, ED management, and hospital characteristics were extracted.

RESULTS

There were 3,102 ED visits with a diagnosis of laryngeal fracture during the study period. Mean patient age was 40.9 years (range, 3-93 years). The majority of patients were male (85.5%) and sustained a closed (vs. open) fracture (91.4%), with an overall mortality rate of 3.8%. The majority of patients were treated for more than one injury during the same visit (76.2%). Most patients were evaluated at a trauma hospital (53.9%), and most patients were admitted to the hospital (71.9%). Emergent intubation or tracheostomy was rarely reported (2.6% and 0.1% of all cases), and a minority of patients underwent fiberoptic flexible laryngoscopy in the ED (1.9%). Laryngeal fractures occurred more frequently during summer months (28.2%). Mean charge for the entirety of the ED stay was $4,957.34.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal fracture is rare and frequently associated with other injuries. The frequency of emergent airway procedure, imaging, and flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy is lower than expected, raising concerns about appropriate workup and management or recognition of injury in the ED setting.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 129:2341-2346, 2019.

Opioid prescription patterns and use among patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Opioid-related deaths in the United States have increased 200% since 2000, in part due to prescription diversion from patients who had a surgical procedure. The purpose of this study was to characterize provider prescription patterns and assess patient-reported opioid use after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ESS between May 2017 and May 2018 were included. Opioid prescription, operative details, and postoperative opioid use data were extracted. The Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT) was queried to determine if patients filled their prescription.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-five patients were included. Nearly all patients received an opioid prescription (94.8%). An average of 15.6 tablets was prescribed per patient. Among 116 patients with MassPAT data, 91.4% filled their prescription. Among 67 patients who reported the number of tablets they had used at the time of first follow-up appointment, 73.1% reported taking no opioids. Mean number of tablets prescribed was significantly greater among patients who underwent primary versus revision surgery (16.5 vs. 13.5, P = .0111) and those who had splints placed (21.5 vs. 15.1, P = .0037). Predictors of opioid use included concurrent turbinate reduction (58.3% vs. 14.3%, P < .0001) and concurrent septoplasty (45.5% vs. 21.6%, P = .039).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all patients who underwent ESS were prescribed an opioid, and nearly all patients filled their prescription. However, the vast majority of patients did not require any opioid medication for postoperative pain control. As the opioid epidemic continues to persist, these findings have immediate relevance to current prescribing patterns and pain management practices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1046-1052, 2019.

Postoperative care in an intermediate-level medical unit after head and neck microvascular free flap reconstruction

Objective

The need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation after head and neck microvascular free flap reconstructive surgery remains controversial. Our institution has maintained a longstanding practice of immediately taking patients off mechanical ventilation with subsequent transfer to intermediate, non-ICU level of care with specialized otolaryngologic nursing. Our objective was to describe postoperative outcomes for a large cohort of patients undergoing this protocol and to examine the need for routine ICU transfer.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 512 consecutive free flaps treated with a standard protocol of immediate postoperative transfer to an intermediate-level care unit with specialized otolaryngology nursing. Outcome measures included ICU transfer, ventilator requirement, flap failure, postoperative complications, and length of stay. Predictors of ICU transfer were identified by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The vast majority of patients did not require intensive care. Only a small fraction (n = 18 patients, 3.5%) subsequently transferred to the ICU, most commonly for respiratory distress, cardiac events, and infection. The most common complications were delirium/agitation (n = 55; 10.7%) and pneumonia (n = 51; 10.0%). Sixty-five cases (12.7%) returned to the OR, most commonly for hematoma/bleeding (n = 41; 8.0%) and anastomosis revision (n = 20; 3.9%). Heavy alcohol consumption and greater number of medical comorbidities were significant predictors of subsequent ICU transfer.

Conclusions

Among head and neck free flap patients, routine cessation of mechanical ventilation and transfer to intermediate-level care with specialized ENT nursing was found to be safe with infrequent subsequent ICU transfer and low complication rates. Routine transfer to intermediate-level care in this population may prevent unnecessary ICU utilization and facilitate the delivery of high-value, disease-centered care.

Level of Evidence

3b.

Value of SPECT/CT for Sentinel Lymph Node Localization in the Parotid and External Jugular Chain

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging may aid in the localization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cutaneous head and neck malignancy and has been rigorously evaluated for deep cervical lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of SPECT/CT for preoperative localization of nodal basins superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, with comparison to deep nodal basins of the neck.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

SPECT/CT images obtained preoperatively for patients undergoing SLN biopsy for cutaneous head and neck malignancy between June 2015 and June 2016 were reviewed by a blinded nuclear medicine physician and head and neck surgeon. SPECT/CT imaging was compared to intraoperatively determined SLN location via gamma probe. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were determined and compared for superficial (external jugular [EJ] and parotid) nodes vs level II nodes.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were included in the study. Most had cutaneous melanoma (69.8%). The PPV of EJ/parotid node identification by SPECT/CT imaging was 85.7%, specificity was 88.9%, and sensitivity was 69.2%. Comparatively, the PPV for level II nodes was 76.9%, specificity was 50%, and sensitivity was 85.7%. No significant difference in SPECT/CT predictive value was identified between EJ/parotid and level II node identification ( P > .05).

CONCLUSION

SPECT/CT imaging has strong specificity and positive predictability for preoperative localization of SLN superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in cutaneous head and neck malignancy. SPECT/CT imaging may be a useful radiographic aid for preoperative SLN mapping in this patient population.

Transfusion in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Pedicled Flap Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

Blood product utilization is monitored to prevent unnecessary transfusions. Head-and-neck pedicled flap reconstruction transfusion-related outcomes were assessed.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-six pedicled flap patients were reviewed: 64 supraclavicular artery island flaps (SCAIF), 57 pectoralis major (PM) flaps, and 15 submental (SM) flaps. Outcome parameters included flap-related complications, medical complications, length of stay (LOS), and flap survival. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for relevant pre- and perioperative factors.

RESULTS

Of all head-and-neck pedicled flap patients included in our analyses (n = 136), 40 (29.4%) received blood transfusions. The average pretransfusion hematocrit (Hct) was 24.3% ± 0.5%, with 2.65 ± 0.33 units transfused and a posttransfusion Hct increase of 5.0% ± 0.6%. Transfusion rates differed with PM (47.4%), SCAIF (17.2%), and SM (13.3%) flaps (P < 0.005). Patients undergoing PM reconstruction trended toward higher transfusion requirements (PM 2.89 ± 0.47 units, SC 2.18 ± 0.28 units, and SM 2.00 ± 0.0 units), with transfusion occurring later in the postoperative course (4.9 ± 1.3 days vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 days for all other flaps; P = 0.08). Infection, dehiscence, fistula, or medical complications were not different. Transfusion thresholds of Hct < 21 versus Hct < 27 exhibited no difference in LOS, flap-survival, or medical/flap-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion is not associated with surgical or medical morbidity following head and neck pedicled flap reconstruction. There were no differences in outcomes between transfusion triggers of Hct < 21 versus Hct < 27, suggesting that a more conservative transfusion trigger may not precipitate adverse patient complications. Our data recapitulate findings in free flap patients and warrant further investigation of transfusion practices in head and neck flap reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:E409-E415, 2018.

Association of Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia with Gender and Hospital Volume

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a frequent and major vascular problem and can lead to amputation and death despite surgical revascularization. Women have been shown to have 3 to 4 per cent lower revascularization rates for CLI compared with men as well as inferior outcomes. We hypothesize that this difference is a result of women being more likely admitted to low-volume hospitals, which in turn perform fewer revascularizations. Prospective cohort study. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2007 to 2010 were used to identify admissions with primary International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for CLI (International Classification of Diseases-9 codes: 440.22, 440.23, 440.24, 707.1, 707.10–707.15, or 707.19). Hospitals were grouped in quintiles by annual revascularization procedures. Bivariate analyses were performed and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the odds of revascularization, amputation, and mortality while controlling for patient and hospital-level factors. Of 113,631 admissions, 54,370 (47.8%) were women, who were more likely admitted to low-volume hospitals (very low: 49.6% vs very high: 47.1%; P < 0.001). Revascularization rates were lower in women (31.6% vs 35.1%, P < 0.001) across all volume quintiles, whereas the difference was greatest in the use of open surgical revascularization (12.5% vs 16.0%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, female gender [odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–0.92, P < 0.001] and very-low hospital volume (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.17–0.26, P < 0.001) were both significantly associated with lower rates of revascularization. Women had lower odds of major amputation compared with men (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.82, P < 0.001), whereas treatment in a very high-volume hospital was associated with increased odds for amputation (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.73, P = 0.008). Neither gender nor hospital volume were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the multivariable regression model. Women are more likely to be admitted to low-volume hospitals for treatment of CLI. Because of this, they are less likely to undergo revascularization, although they also had lower rates of major amputation.

Association of Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia with Gender and Hospital Volume

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a frequent and major vascular problem and can lead to amputation and death despite surgical revascularization. Women have been shown to have 3 to 4 per cent lower revascularization rates for CLI compared with men as well as inferior outcomes. We hypothesize that this difference is a result of women being more likely admitted to low-volume hospitals, which in turn perform fewer revascularizations. Prospective cohort study. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2007 to 2010 were used to identify admissions with primary International Classification of Diseases-9 codes for CLI (International Classification of Diseases-9 codes: 440.22, 440.23, 440.24, 707.1, 707.10-707.15, or 707.19). Hospitals were grouped in quintiles by annual revascularization procedures. Bivariate analyses were performed and multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the odds of revascularization, amputation, and mortality while controlling for patient and hospital-level factors. Of 113,631 admissions, 54,370 (47.8%) were women, who were more likely admitted to low-volume hospitals (very low: 49.6% vs very high: 47.1%; P < 0.001). Revascularization rates were lower in women (31.6% vs 35.1%, P < 0.001) across all volume quintiles, whereas the difference was greatest in the use of open surgical revascularization (12.5% vs 16.0%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, female gender [odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.92, P < 0.001] and very-low hospital volume (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.17-0.26, P < 0.001) were both significantly associated with lower rates of revascularization. Women had lower odds of major amputation compared with men (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.82, P < 0.001), whereas treatment in a very high-volume hospital was associated with increased odds for amputation (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.73, P = 0.008). Neither gender nor hospital volume were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the multivariable regression model. Women are more likely to be admitted to low-volume hospitals for treatment of CLI. Because of this, they are less likely to undergo revascularization, although they also had lower rates of major amputation.

Online Teaching Tool for Sinus Surgery: Trends toward Mobile and Global Education

Objective

Online resources may provide an ideal forum for expert presentation of surgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to investigate utilization patterns of a sinus surgery website, SinusVideos.com, to gain insight into the needs of viewers.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Surgical teaching website.

Subjects and Methods

The website’s anonymized analytic database was queried from 2009 to 2014. Quantified data included user demographics, geographic location, viewing device, page visits, and time spent on the website.

Results

A total of 428,691 website pages were viewed during the study period. Growth in viewership was observed each successive year since the site was launched. The mean time spent viewing webpages was 96.1 seconds for desktop computer users, 98.0 for tablet users, and 103.8 for mobile users. The percentage of mobile devices used to view the site increased significantly between 2009 and 2014 (2.1% vs 25.4%, respectively; P < .0001). The website’s viewership expanded globally, with a significant increase in site views from outside North America over this same period (18.4% vs 51.7%, P < .0001).

Conclusion

The observed increase in global participation and mobile device usage may reflect new areas of growth for surgical education.

Resident responses to after-hours otolaryngology patient phone calls: An overlooked aspect of residency training?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Otolaryngology residents are often responsible for triaging after-hours patient calls. However, residents receive little training on this topic. Data are limited on the clinical content, reporting, and management of otolaryngology patient calls. This study aimed to characterize the patient concerns residents handle by phone and their subsequent management and reporting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

Five hundred consecutive after-hours patient calls in a tertiary pediatric hospital were reviewed. Data collected included patient and caller demographics, clinical concerns, surgical history, recommendations, and subsequent emergency department (ED) visits.

RESULTS

On average, 3.7 calls occurred per shift, 2.8 on weekday and 5.9 on weekend shifts. Mean patient age was 6.6 years. Mothers (71%) called most frequently. The majority of calls were postoperative (64.2%). Of postoperative calls, most occurred within 3 days of surgery (52.3%). Most calls were for surgical site bleeding (19.9%). Residents recommended ED evaluation for 17.2% of calls, of which 20.9% returned to the primary institution ED. ED evaluation was recommended more frequently for postoperative patients (P = .040), particularly following adenotonsillectomy (51.2%) or surgical site bleeding (18.6%). With respect to documentation, 32.8% of medical record numbers were absent, 11.8% had name errors, and 2.2% of patients could not be identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to analyze the management and reporting of patient calls by otolaryngology residents. A wide array of clinical concerns are triaged by phone conversations. The study has implications for both resident and patient education.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:E163-E170, 2018.

Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Stratification: A Comparative Analysis of Free and Pedicled Flap Patients

Patients with head and neck cancer who undergo reconstructive surgery are at risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but the risk profile for patients undergoing major flap reconstruction is highly variable. Herein, we report our findings from a retrospective analysis of head and neck cancer patients (n = 517) who underwent free (n = 384) or pedicled (n = 133) flap reconstructive operations at a major tertiary care center from 2011 to 2014. DVTs developed perioperatively in 9 (1.7%) patients. Compared with pedicled flap patients, free flap patients had a longer mean operative time (421.4 ± 4.4 vs 332.7 ± 10.7 min, P < .0001), but the DVT incidence did not differ significantly between free and pedicled flap patients (1.6% vs 2.2%, respectively, P = .28). These data suggest that perioperative DVT risk in head and neck oncology patients may be largely similar regardless of the reconstructive strategy pursued.

Long-term Functional Outcomes of Total Glossectomy With or Without Total Laryngectomy

IMPORTANCE

The optimal reconstruction of total glossectomy defects with or without total laryngectomy is controversial. Various pedicled and free tissue flaps have been advocated, but long-term data on functional outcomes are not available to date.

OBJECTIVES

To compare various total glossectomy defect reconstructive techniques used by multiple institutions and to identify factors that may lead to improved long-term speech and swallowing function.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A multi-institutional, retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients undergoing total glossectomy at 8 participating institutions between June 1, 2001, and June 30, 2011, who had a minimal survival of 2 years.

INTERVENTION

Total glossectomy with or without total laryngectomy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Demographic and surgical factors were compiled and correlated with speech and swallowing outcomes.

RESULTS

At the time of the last follow-up, 45% (25 of 55) of patients did not have a gastrostomy tube, and 76% (42 of 55) retained the ability to verbally communicate. Overall, 75% (41 of 55) of patients were tolerating at least minimal nutritional oral intake. Feeding tube dependence was not associated with laryngeal preservation or the reconstructive techniques used, including flap suspension, flap innervation, or type of flap used. Laryngeal preservation was associated with favorable speech outcomes, such as the retained ability to verbally communicate in 97% of those not undergoing total laryngectomy (35 of 36 patients) vs 44% (7 of 16) in those undergoing total laryngectomy (P < .001), as well as those not undergoing total laryngectomy achieving some or all intelligible speech in 85% (29 of 34 patients) compared with 31% (4 of 13) undergoing total laryngectomy achieving the same intelligibility (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In patients with total glossectomy, feeding tube dependence was not associated with laryngeal preservation or the reconstructive technique, including flap innervation and type of flap used. Laryngeal preservation was associated with favorable speech outcomes such as the retained ability to verbally communicate and higher levels of speech intelligibility.

Increased Resident Research over an 18-Year Period

Objectives

(1) To evaluate changes in the resident publications over time, including before and after duty hour restrictions, and (2) to identify factors statistically associated with publications during residency.

Study Design

Retrospective review of bibliometric data.

Subjects and Methods

Residents who graduated from an otolaryngology residency program from 1996 to 2013 were evaluated. Thomson Reuters Web of Science was searched to determine the number of indexed peer-reviewed publications before and after implementation of resident duty hour restrictions in 2003. Resident demographics, PhD degrees, training tracks, and postgraduation plans were collected to determine factors associated with publication rate using multivariable regression analysis.

Results

During the studied period, 75 residents completed otolaryngology residency training and published a total of 294 papers, averaging 3.92 publications per resident during training. After work hour restrictions were implemented, the mean number of publications increased from 1.21 to 5.10 ( P < .0001). First author publications, clinical publications, and basic science publications all increased ( P < .001). In regression analysis, T32 grants (β = 6.98, standard error [SE] = 1.87, P = .0004) and the time period after duty hour restrictions were introduced (β = 4.72, SE = 1.73, P = .0083) were positively associated with resident publications. Gender, PhD degree, and pursuit of fellowship training were not associated with increased publications ( P > .05).

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in resident publications over time, coinciding with the implementation of work hour restrictions. T32 grants were most predictive of increased resident publications, while PhD degrees were not significantly associated.

Analysis of an online match discussion board: improving the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery match

OBJECTIVE

"The Match" has become the accepted selection process for graduate medical education. Otomatch.com has provided an online forum for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Match-related questions for over a decade. Herein, we aim to delineate the type of posts on Otomatch to better understand the perspective of medical students applying for OHNS residency.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of an OHNS Match-related online forum.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects were contributors to an OHNS Match-related online forum. Posts on Otomatch between December 2001 and April 2014 were reviewed. The title of each thread and number of views were recorded for quantitative analysis. Each thread was organized into 1 of 6 major categories and 1 of 18 subcategories. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data were utilized for comparison.

RESULTS

We identified 1921 threads corresponding to over 2 million page views. Over 40% of threads were related to questions about specific programs, and 27% were discussions about interviews. Views, a surrogate measure for popularity, reflected different trends. The majority of individuals viewed posts on interviews (42%), program-specific questions (20%), and how to rank programs (11%). There was an increase in viewership tracked with a rise in applicant numbers based on NRMP data.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides an in-depth analysis of a popular discussion forum for medical students interested in the OHNS Match process. The most viewed posts are about interview dates and questions regarding specific programs. We provide suggestions to address unmet needs for medical students and potentially improve the Match process.