The Acute Loss of Weight in Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

Poster Presentations P141 POSTERSto patients with smoking-related illnesses, we believe they should have a decreased tendency to smoke.Method: A survey instrument was given to OR personnel at the University of Puerto Rico in order to learn the prevalence of smoking among other tobacco use related data. Prevalence for the general population and other healthcare-related populations was investigated using various search engines and compared with our results.Results: A total of 113 individuals completed the survey; 6.19% were found to be current smokers, and 7.96% were found to be past smokers. Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that the prevalence of cigarette smoking among US adults is 20.9%, which is significantly higher than what we found in our population (P = .01). In Puerto Rico, the prevalence of smoking is 10.6%, which is also significantly higher than our study population (P = .05). Among current smokers, (n = 7), 85.7% have tried to quit at least once (P = .02), and all claimed to have knowledge of the possible complications associated with smoking. Conclusion:Smoking tobacco remains the number one cause of preventable death in the United States despite many efforts to educate the general public on the dangers associated with its use. A more visual or hands-on encounter with the effects of smoking may help decrease tobacco burden in the general population. General Otolaryngology Surgical Skills of applicants to Residency in OtolaryngologyMerry E. Sebelik, MD (presenter); Mitchell J. Challis, MD; Ken Lewoczko; Rose Mary S. Stocks, MD, PharmDObjective: 1) Measure baseline competence in the performance of a basic surgical task by 4th-year medical students applying to otolaryngology residency. 2) Determine whether information available in the standardized otolaryngology residency application correlates with competence in performance of the basic surgical task.Method: Applicants to residency in otolaryngology with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2010 and 2011 constituted the study population. During the interview, the applicant was asked to close a simulated incision with sutures. A blinded observer recorded a 15-point Objective Surgical Assessment of Technical Skill score. Results:The OSATS score provided a measure of the suturing skills of individuals applying to residency training in otolaryngology. The OSATS score was incorporated into the calculation of an overall OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) score modified to focus on surgical skill performance and a professionalism measure. Initial data analysis produced a correlation value (R value) between the OSCE score and data points gleaned from the standardized application (USMLE step I score, prior employment-related surgical experience, hobbies, musical background, athletic background, research experience that includes performance of surgical procedures). Conclusion:In contrast to other high-skill professions such as the airline industry, surgical educators have not universally developed a practice of testing...

Analysis of the Effect of Weight Loss on Eustachian Tube Function by Transnasal Videoendoscopy

“…Another problem is that there is no exact method to measure ET function objectively and previous studies have predominantly analyzed the ET function through subjective survey assessment. 1,3,4 In recent years, DSVE has been presented as a more objective, promising assessment method for ET function. 9 In this respect, due to the subjectivity of patient symptoms, DSVE was performed together with the objective tympanometry test and the subjective ETDQ, which can be regarded as a major strength of the current study compared to others in literature.…”

“…As retrospective studies have an inherent bias, the current study was designed to be prospective. Another problem is that there is no exact method to measure ET function objectively and previous studies have predominantly analyzed the ET function through subjective survey assessment 1,3,4 . In recent years, DSVE has been presented as a more objective, promising assessment method for ET function 9 .…”

“…In contrast to the dysfunctional and obstructive symptoms caused by being overweight, weight loss has the risk of patulous ET. Therefore, the studies conducted on patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and lost weight rapidly have focused on the development of patulous ET and incidence of 10% has been reported 1,3–5 . This is explained as the loss of tissue volume in tubal and peritubal structures and malfunction in the tube valve.…”

“…2 A few recent studies which have analyzed bariatric surgery patients have suggested that these patients are more prone to develop patulous ET as a result of rapid weight loss. [3][4][5] One of this studies revealed a 10% incidence and concluded that this was an overlooked complication. 1 The relationship of weight loss and patulous ET was explained as the loss of tissue volume in tubal and peritubal structures and malfunction in the tube valve.…”

“…The ET is closed at rest and the factors that contribute to this are the combined effects of the relaxed muscles, ET glands, and Ostmann fat pad 2 . A few recent studies which have analyzed bariatric surgery patients have suggested that these patients are more prone to develop patulous ET as a result of rapid weight loss 3–5 . One of this studies revealed a 10% incidence and concluded that this was an overlooked complication 1 .…”