JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Jun 2020
ReviewSafety Recommendations for Evaluation and Surgery of the Head and Neck During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The rapidly expanding novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has challenged the medical community to an unprecedented degree. Physicians and health care workers are at added risk of exposure and infection during the course of patient care. Because of the rapid spread of this disease through respiratory droplets, health care workers who come in close contact with the upper aerodigestive tract during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, are particularly at risk. A set of safety recommendations was created based on a review of the literature and communications with physicians with firsthand knowledge of safety procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Preserving a highly skilled health care workforce is a top priority for any community and health care system. Based on the experience of health care systems in Asia and Europe, by following strict safety guidelines, the risk of exposure and infection of health care workers could be greatly reduced while providing high levels of care. The provided recommendations, which may evolve over time, could be used as broad guidance for all health care workers who are involved in the care of patients with COVID-19.
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2019
ReviewDiagnosis, Classification, and Management of Pediatric Tracheobronchomalacia: A Review.
Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) describes an increased collapsibility of the trachea and bronchi that is greatest on forced expiration. A broad term, TBM encompasses intrinsic tracheal weakness, some forms of tracheal deformation, and extrinsic compression. Tracheobronchomalacia is the most common congenital tracheal anomaly, affecting 1 in 2100 children. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with recurrent and prolonged respiratory tract infections, can lead to chronic lung disease, and can be fatal in its most severe form. Tracheobronchomalacia is often associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. ⋯ Tracheobronchomalacia is an entity of relevance to pediatric otolaryngologists and should be considered as being associated with respiratory distress, stridor, cough, recurrent pneumonia, or feeding difficulties, especially in children with syndromes or other congenital anomalies. A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is essential. A classification scheme facilitates discussion of individual patients among health care professionals and guides appropriate management. Novel surgical approaches for the treatment of TBM, including anterior and posterior tracheopexy and aortopexy, may be considered in management of the treatment of children with symptomatic TBM.
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JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Mar 2017
ReviewOptimal Perioperative Care in Major Head and Neck Cancer Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction: A Consensus Review and Recommendations From the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society.
Head and neck cancers often require complex, labor-intensive surgeries, especially when free flap reconstruction is required. Enhanced recovery is important in this patient population but evidence-based protocols on perioperative care for this population are lacking. ⋯ The evidence base for specific perioperative care elements in head and neck cancer surgery is variable and in many cases information from different surgerical procedures form the basis for these recommendations. Clinical evaluation of these recommendations is a logical next step and further research in this patient population is warranted.