Objective:To describe a low-cost, reproducible phantom model for training medical practitioners in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (EA) of a cystic thyroid nodule.

Methods:The model of cyst contents was created using a mixture of coffee powder, cornstarch and water to mimic colloidal contents. This was injected into the finger of a cut surgical glove secured with transparent tape to serve as an inflatable capsule and placed inside a chicken breast. This setup allows practitioners to perform key ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation techniques including spinal needle insertion, cyst aspiration, saline flushing, re-aspiration and ethanol injection.

Results:The phantom model was assembled for PhP 150.30 per unit and took approximately 5 minutes to construct. This model was demonstrated to be a cost-effective and simple method for enabling specialists to practice and enhance their skills in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of a cystic thyroid nodule.

Conclusion:The described phantom model provides an accessible and practical training tool for healthcare providers to gain proficiency in ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of a cystic thyroid nodule in a safe and controlled setting prior to actual patient handling.

Medical Education ; Otorhinolaryngology ; Radiology ; Ultrasonography

Chronic cough in children is an increasingly important public health issue. It typically involves diseases related to the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, and reflux. Due to its often multifactorial nature, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough present significant challenges, necessitating multidisciplinary collaboration among otolaryngology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. This article aims to review the unique role of otolaryngology in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with chronic cough in children.
Humans ; Cough/therapy* ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Otolaryngology ; Chronic Cough

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the cost of patient care among ORL-HNS patients admitted in a tertiary, teaching government hospital in a low- to middle-income country. Methods: This is a prevalence-based, prospective, bottom-up, cost-of-illness analysis among patients of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in a tertiary training government hospital admitted from July 2021 to March 2022. The value assessment method used is the human capital approach. The societal perspective is used for analysis to estimate and reflect payer (insurance providers) and patient perspectives. Results: A total of one hundred fifty seven (157) patients were admitted for elective surgery under the service of ORL-HNS consisting of 75 females and 82 males. The average total overall cost was $3,851.10 (Php 199, 870.50 ± 164, 725.60). The total direct health care cost for all patients within the study period amounted to $3,712.18 (Php 192, 662.22 ± 159, 548.60) while the direct non-health care cost was $58.60. The workforce cost (58.5%) and medication cost (18.8%) comprised the majority of in-patient expenses with a mean cost of $2,221.36 (Php 37,083.66) and $714.51 (Php 44,363.14), respectively. In this study, an average of $80.29 was lost due to illness and hospitalization (± $81.74). The total PHIC coverage pays a range from zero to 67.5% with an average coverage of only 17%. Conclusion Our analysis has shown that workforce and medication expenses are the main cost drivers for the direct healthcare costs among Otolaryngology patients admitted for elective procedures. Stakeholders, such as the otolaryngologists and hospitals should coordinate closely to create a more encompassing coverage of Philhealth to prevent patients from suffering from financial crises due to their illness.
Costs and Cost Analysis ; Otolaryngology ; Philippines

Pharyngology and laryngology is an important subspecialty of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. It involves congenital diseases, trauma and foreign bodies, inflammatory diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, benign lesions, laryngeal nerve and cricoarytenoid joint diseases, swallowing disorders, laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases, voice medicine, as well as laryngeal microsurgery and endoscopic surgical treatment of benign and malignant tumors of this area. The disease spectrum is wide and involves many surgical techniques and methods.
Humans ; Otolaryngology ; Larynx/surgery*

Adolescent ; Humans ; Anniversaries and Special Events ; Otolaryngology ; China ; Periodicals as Topic

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of the time-point distribution of the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) by 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (24 h MII-pH) and to provide guidance for the development of individualized anti-reflux strategies for LPR patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 24 h MII-pH data from 408 patients [339 males and 69 females, aged 23-84 (55.08±11.08) years] attending the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the Sixth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from January 2013 to March 2020. The number of gas acid/weak-acid reflux, mixed gas-liquid acid/weak-acid reflux, liquid acid/weak-acid reflux and alkaline reflux events at different time points were recorded and statistically analyzed through SPSS 26.0 software. Results: A total of 408 patients were included. Based on the 24 h MII-pH, the total positive rate of LPR was 77.45% (316/408). The type of positive gaseous weak-acid reflux was significantly higher than the remaining types of LPR (χ²=297.12,P<0.001). Except the gaseous weak-acid reflux, the occurrence of the remaining types of LPR showed a tendency to increase after meals, especially after dinner. Liquid acid reflux events occurred mainly between after dinner and the following morning, and 47.11% (57/121) of them occurred within 3 h after dinner. There was a significant positive association between Reflux Symptom Index scores and gaseous weak-acid reflux(r=0.127,P<0.01), liquid acid reflux(r=0.205,P<0.01) and liquid weak-acid reflux(r=0.103,P<0.05)events. Conclusions: With the exception of gaseous weak-acid reflux events, the occurrence of the remaining types of LPR events has a tendency to increase after meals, especially after dinner. Gaseous weak-acid reflux events accounts for the largest proportion of all types of LPR events, but the pathogenic mechanisms of gaseous weak-acid reflux are needed to further investigate.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Esophageal pH Monitoring ; Otolaryngology ; Software ; Electric Impedance

Humans ; Otolaryngology ; Head/surgery* ; Neck/surgery*

Congenital laryngeal cleft is a rare airway malformation, mainly manifested as choking, feeding difficulties, which affects the growth and development of children. Patients with a severe laryngeal cleft may have recurrent aspiration, leading to cyanotic spells, or even death. Advances in development of endoscopic techniques have made early diagnosis possible. Depending on the degree of cleft, management may involve a variety of approaches ranging from medical management alone to open repair. Therefore, it is important for pediatric ENT doctors to diagnose and evaluate in clinical practice. This consensus statement, developed by the Pediatric otorhinolaryngology Professional Committee of the Pediatrician Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, provides comprehensive recommendations and standardized guidance on diagnosis and management of laryngeal cleft, based on symptomatology, physical examinations, and laboratory tests.
Child ; Humans ; Larynx/surgery* ; Endoscopy ; Consensus ; Otolaryngology

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hearing loss and otologic diseases among Filipinos living in the Southern Tagalog Region IV-A: CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Philippines.

Methods:

               Design: Retrospective Review of Community Survey Data

               Setting: Communities in Region IV-A provinces, Philippines

               Participants: 3267 residents of the five provinces aged 0 months and above

 Results: About 71.29% and 74.60% had at least mild hearing loss, in right and left ears, respectively. For disabling hearing impairment, overall prevalence was 26.33%, distributed into 11.87% among 4 to 18-year-olds; 8.97% for 19 to 64-year-olds; and 3.17% for 65-year-olds and above. Absence of prevalent and hearing loss-associated diseases: serous otitis media [OR 0.362, 95% CI 0.167 to 0.782, p = .010], CSOM [OR 0.407, 95% CI 0.236 to 0.703, p = .001] COM [OR 0.229, 95% CI 0.106 to 0.494, p < .001] can decrease the risk for hearing loss development in the region. Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss or delay in the manifestation of presbycusis can reduce the risk of having hearing loss by as much as 75% [OR 0.253, 95% CI (0.180 to 0.355), p < .001]. All pure tone audiometry measurements were obtained with surrounding median ambient noise of 55dB (IQR 46 to 60dB).

Conclusion: The prevalence of hearing loss among surveyed residents of the Southern Tagalog Region IV-A provinces was high compared to the previous nationwide study but low compared to other low- and middle-income countries. The top otologic conditions of this population (ear occlusion with ear wax, chronic suppurative otitis media, chronic otitis media, presbycusis, noise-induced hearing loss) were associated with hearing loss and their absence decreased the risks for hearing impairment.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged (a Person 65 Through 79 Years Of Age) ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age) ; Prevalence ; Hearing Loss ; Pediatrics ; Adult ; Presbycusis ; Otoscopy ; Otolaryngology

COVID-19 ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Otolaryngology ; Pharynx ; SARS-CoV-2