SAGE Otolaryngology

Editor-in-Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Bradford A. Woodworth, MD, and Associate Editor Dana L. Crosby, MD, MPH, to discuss how lipopolysaccharide can be used to generate a model of acquired cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction in murine nasal airways as outlined in the paper “Lipopolysaccharide Causes Acquired CFTR Dysfunction in Murine Nasal Airways,” which published in the May 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They talk about CFTR as a potential driving process in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. Click here to read the full article.  

Editor-in-Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author David Goldenberg, MD, to discuss role of estrogen in developing thyroid malignancy as outlined in the paper “Elevated Risk of Thyroid Malignancy in Biological Males Taking Estrogen Hormone Therapy” which published in the April 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They talk about the risk of thyroid cancer for biological males taking estrogen compared to men not undergoing hormone therapy and women.   Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Gresham T. Richter MD, and Associate Editor John P. Dahl, MD, PhD, MBA, to discuss the outcomes of not admitting pediatric supraglottoplasty patients as outlined in the paper “Is Outpatient Supraglottoplasty Possible? Examination of Perioperative Comorbidities and Outcomes” which published in the March 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They talk about the necessity of keeping patients at the hospital for different comorbidities and situations, Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Lee M. Akst, MD, and Associate Editor Christopher M. Johnson, MD, to discuss diagnosis of, treatments, and solutions for refractory chronic cough as outlined in the paper “Refractory Chronic Cough: A State-of-the-Art Review for Otolaryngologists” which published in the February 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss both the paper's findings and their own experiences caring for patients with this condition.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by first author Shiven Sharma, JD, and Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD, to discuss what the specialty can learn about medical malpractice in the field for quality improvement as outlined in the paper “Medical Malpractice in Otolaryngology within the United States: A LexisNexis-Based Demographic Analysis” which published in the January 2025 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They talk about the database used, how trends were identified, and how the findings can influence change in otolaryngology practices.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Priyesh N. Patel, MD, and Associate Editor Peter M. Vila, MD, MSPH, to discuss the role of the operating room and its necessity in treating skin cancer defects as outlined in the paper “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Operating Room and In-Office Reconstruction of Skin Cancer Defects” which published in the December 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They weigh the effects of operating room on efficiency, patient satisfaction, and procedure success. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by author Rohani Omar MRCP, MD(Res) and Associate Editor John P. Dahl, MD, PhD, MBA, to discuss causes, especially genetic causes, of pediatric hearing loss as outlined in the paper “Etiology of Childhood Profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The Role of Hearing Loss Gene Panel Testing” which published in the November 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss the paper's investigation of gene panel testing for hearing loss in children. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Julie E. Strychowsky MD, MAS, FRCSC, and Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD, to discuss methods for improving the efficiency of ORs for surgeons as outlined in the paper “Improving Operating Room Efficiency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: A Scoping Review” which published in the October 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss the importance of finding ways to save time and cost for operating rooms in order to serve more patients and reduce physician burnout. Click here to read the full article.    

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by author Ahmad R. Sedaghat MD, PhD, and Associate Editor Dana L. Crosby, MD, MPH, to discuss the possibility of chronic rhinosinusitis when allergies are assumed as outlined in the paper “When It's Not Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical Signs to Raise a Patient's Suspicion for Chronic Rhinosinusitis” which published in the September 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They compare the symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis to those of allergies or related conditions, and where there is overlap.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by author John Pang, MD, and Associate Editor Tristan Tham, MD, to discuss circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection as a new technique to identify minimal residual disease in patients with solid tumors as outlined in the paper “ctDNA as an Adjunct to Posttreatment PET for Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence Risk Assessment” which published in the August 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They compare ctDNA to the traditional PET to assess best methods. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Jonathon O. Russell MD, and Associate Editor Raymond Liu Chai, MD, to discuss the pros and cons of two approaches to thyroidectomy as outlined in the paper “Long-term Quality of Life After Thyroidectomy: Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach Versus Transcervical Approach” which published in the July 2024 special issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They compare the quality of life for patients under two methods including scarring and self consciousness. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Diana N. Kirke, MD, MPhil, and Associate Editor Lee M. Akst, MD, to discuss the potential for deep learning models to detect voice disorders as outlined in the paper “The Use of Deep Learning Software in the Detection of Voice Disorders: A Systematic Review” which published in the June 2024 special issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They compare the accuracy of different models and inputs and ponder the possibility of real-world implentation. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by lead authors Heather M. Weinreich, MD, MPH and Carrie L. Nieman, MD, MPH to provide a patient and primary care provider-focused overview of the “Clinical Practice Guideline: Age-Related Hearing Loss” which published in the May 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss the pearls and pitfalls in screening and treating hearing loss for the patient and non-otolaryngologist providers. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by lead authors Betty S. Tsai Do, MD, and Matthew L. Bush MD, PhD, MBA, for a discussion of some key points of the “Clinical Practice Guideline: Age-Related Hearing Loss” which published in the May 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss the recommendations for screening of hearing loss and the pros and cons for different treatment options of age-related hearing loss. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by senior author Anne C. Kane, MD, and Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD for a discussion of the article “Otolaryngology Applicant Perspectives on In-person and Virtual Residency Interviews", which published in the April 2024 issue of Otlaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss the pros and cons of conducting residency interviews either in-person or virtually, including the impacts of in-person interviews on underrepresented applicants.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by author Cecelia C Damask, DO and author Christine M. Reger, DNP, CRNP for a discussion of the implications for non-otolaryngologists of the “Clinical Practice Guideline on Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy,” which published in the March 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss how allergies impact patients' lives and how immunotherapy can improve their symptoms. Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by lead author Richard K. Gurgel, MD, MSC, and author Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH for a discussion of the implications for otolaryngologists of the “Clinical Practice Guideline on Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergy,” which published in the March 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss how the CPG came together over two years and what they discovered comparing different types of immunotherapy and the effects on different patient populations.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD and Associate Editor and senior author John P. Dahl, MD, PhD, MBA for a discussion of the article “Reducing Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Opioid Prescribing: A Quality Improvement Initiative,” which published in the February 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. They discuss how the researchers were able to reduce the numbers of opioid doses given to pediatric patients after adenotonsillectomy through standardized processes for prescribing.  Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Jacob Hunter, MD, and senior author Jay F. Piccirillo, MD, for a discussion of the article “Identifying Predictors of Treatment Response in Meniere's Disease: A Clinical Severity Staging System,” which published in the January 2024 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Their conversation highlights how decreased vertigo severity, reduced comorbidity burden, and absence of hearing loss are associated with conservative treatment response in Meniere's disease. Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Jacob Hunter, MD, and co-author Anil K. Lalwani MD, for a discussion of the article “The Association of Hearing Loss With Active Music Enjoyment in Hearing Aid Users,” which published in the December 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Their conversation highlights the effect of hearing aids on active music enjoyment in individuals with varying levels of hearing loss. Article: https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ohn.473

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Babak Givi, MD, and lead author Leila J. Mady MD, PhD, MPH, to discuss “Gender Differences Among Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstructive Surgeons,” which published in the November 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.  The research used a survey that was sent to facial plastic and maxillofacial surgeons, in addition to microvascular surgeons, to gain a comprehensive understanding of what causes gender differences in the subspecialty. One takeaway of note was that there were no gender differences when it came to training and practice patterns. Another revealed gender differences when explaining changes in practice—for men, the reasons related to career advancement; for women, the reasons related to burnout, usually related to work-life balance and especially if they have children.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Raymond L. Chai, MD, and lead author Julia E. Noel, MD, to discuss “Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Comparison of Thyroid Lobectomy and Radiofrequency Ablation,” which published in the October 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.  Dr. Noel and her coauthors used time-driven activity-based cost methodology to drill down the details that reveal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a more cost-effective treatment modality. They looked at the entire treatment cycle for both lobectomy and RFA— from initial visit in clinic through the procedure and postoperative visit—to determine cost data for the hospital.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, hosts Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD, and lead author Ryan N. Heffelfinger, MD, for a conversation about the article “Recovery Benefit With Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Patients Receiving Rhinoplasty,” which published in the September 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This wide-ranging discussion covers outcomes of less nausea and vomiting for patients receiving TIVA, cost of TIVA, and data related to the environmental impact of TIVA vs. inhalational agents. Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, is joined by Associate Editor Thomas Q. Gallagher, DO, and lead author Sarah Nuss, BS, for a discussion of the article “Developing Consensus on Priority Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Conditions and Procedures,” which published in the August 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. This study was done in collaboration with the Global OHNS Initiative and used the Delphi method to capture consensus lists through survey participants representative of the seven World Bank regions. Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, Associate Editor James “Whit” Mims, MD, and lead author Ameen Amanian, MD, MSE, discuss “The Evolution and Application of Artificial Intelligence in Rhinology: A State of the Art Review.” The article, published in the July 2023 issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, provides a good introduction to what AI can do within the context of rhinology. One podcast highlight fleshes out the AI nomenclature and provides examples within rhinology of machine learning and deep learning, both of which fall under the AI domain. AI for diagnosis and AI for treatment outcomes are explained as are the limits of AI within the high stakes of patient care, including how AI will never replace the personal touch only clinicians can provide. Click here to read the article.

Join Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, for a compelling discussion of “Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematic Review of Otolaryngology-Related Health Needs and Community-Based Interventions,” which published in the June 2023 issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Associate Editor Michael J. Brenner, MD; senior author Antoine Eskander MD, ScM, FRCSC; and lead author and recent graduate Dorsa Mavedatnia, MD, take part in the discussion of this literature review on otolaryngology health needs and interventions for populations, both adult and pediatric, experiencing homelessness.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, hosts a rich discussion of “Current Management of Subcondylar Fractures: A Systematic Review,” which published in the May 2023 issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Lead author Kalpesh Vakharia, MD, and Associate Editor Babak Givi, MD, join Dr. Schmalbach in a conversation that delves into the approaches used for subcondylar fractures when treating facial trauma. This systematic review provides a resource for surgeons and demonstrates a need for more research in this area. Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, hosts a discussion on “Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients,” which published in the April 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Joining the conversation are authors Maggie A. Kuhn MD, MAS, and M. Boyd Gillespie MD, MSc, and Associate Editor Lee M. Akst, MD. This ECS is the result of a multidisciplinary team comprising experts who reached consensus on recommendations that fill existing clinical practice knowledge gaps. Also discussed are the statements that did not reach consensus, particularly those around the use of reactive and prophylactic feeding tubes. Click here to read the article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, hosts this podcast on the article “Sponsorship and Negotiation for Women Otolaryngologists at Midcareer: A Content Analysis,” which published in the March 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Coauthors Janice L. Farlow, MD, PhD, and Sonya Malekzadeh, MD, along with Associate Editor Chau T. Nguyen, MD, join Dr. Schmalbach for a compelling discussion around the need for midcareer women otolaryngologists to gain knowledge about sponsorship and negotiation.  Click here to read the full article.

Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, hosts this podcast on “Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Pediatric Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy,” which published in the February 2023 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Joining Dr. Schmalbach in conversation are lead author and chair of the expert panel, Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, and coauthor Stephen C. Maturo, MD. This ECS focuses on pediatric patients (between ages 2 and 18) with persistent OSA and on those with recurrent OSA who underwent previous tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy, but OSA came back. Rich discussion occurs around how consensus statements concentrate on quality opportunities that exist and areas on which experts agree to put forth best practices. Click here to read the full article.

Join Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, as she discusses the article “Reimbursement Trends in Pediatric Otolaryngology From 2000 to 2020: A CMS Physician Fee Schedule Analysis” with senior author Jay R. Shah, MD, and Associate Editor Thomas Q. Gallagher, DO. This engaging conversation touches on Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, relative value units, reevaluation of CPT codes, and trends in reimbursements. Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights a systematic review to determine safety of cochlear implantation in pediatric patients 12 months and younger. This research was published in the December 2022 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis involving 269 studies suggest that cochlear implantation in patients 12 months and younger is safe with similar rates of complications to older cohorts. Click here to read the full article

This podcast highlights original research published in the November official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objectives were to offer pragmatic, evidence-informed advice on administering corticosteroids in otolaryngology during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, considering therapeutic efficacy, potential adverse effects, susceptibility to COVID-19, and potential effects on efficacy of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.   In conclusion, systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) reduce long-term morbidity in individuals with SSNHL and Bell's palsy, reduce acute laryngotracheal edema, and have benefit in perioperative management for some procedures. Topical or locally injected corticosteroids are preferable for most other otolaryngologic indications. SCSs have not shown long-term benefit for sinonasal disorders. SCSs are not a contraindication to vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that these vaccines are safe for immunocompromised patients.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the October official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objectives were to identify anatomic contributions to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) necessitating revision endoscopic sinus surgery (RESS), and to create a clinical acronym to guide imaging review prior to RESS that addresses pertinent sites of disease and potential sites of surgical morbidity.   In conclusion, the REVISIONS acronym was developed as a tool to distill the unique anatomic contributions of primary endoscopic sinus surgery failure into a format that can be easily incorporated in preoperative radiologic review and surgical planning to optimize outcomes and minimize complications.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast concludes the remarkable tenure of John H. Krouse, MD, PhD, MBA, editor in chief of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and OTO Open, the official journals of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), and welcomes the incoming leadership of Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, as the new editor in chief. In his final podcast, Dr. Krouse ushers in a new era as he discusses with Dr. Schmalbach her plans for the future of both AAO-HNSF journals.   Click here to read the article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the August official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective was to evaluate nodule height-to-width ratio as a continuous variable predicting likelihood of thyroid malignancy. In conclusion, our results support the association between greater height-to-width ratio and malignancy but suggest that a multilevel rather than binary variable improves prediction. The likelihood ratios at different intervals give a more nuanced view of how height-to-width ratio predicts malignancy. With continuing review of guidelines for thyroid nodule biopsy, it is important to consider these data for any point total attributed to shape.   Click here to read the article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the July official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The objective was to determine the range of incidental mucosal changes in a general sinonasally asymptomatic population on radiology. In conclusion, the prevalence of incidental mucosal changes in a general asymptomatic population on radiology needs to be considered when making a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis.   Click here to read the article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the June official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. There has never been a time in our society when we have been as willing and open in our discussions around issues of racial and ethnic inequalities, discrimination, systemic racism, and socioeconomic disparities. Within this dialogue on health inequalities, one soon comes to realize the strong interplay of bioethics, social justice, and systemic racism on health care and outcomes. Ethical questions pertaining to the rights of individual participants in research, criteria for inclusion and recruitment into studies, and the development of trusting relationships among communities, health systems, and governmental agencies continue to challenge us in achieving our goals of reducing health disparities and improving health care outcomes for our patients.   Click here to read the full issue.

This podcast highlights original research published in the May official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. Infants with posterior tongue-tie (PTT) can have substantial difficulty with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. This study aimed to address the dearth in investigational objective data surrounding PTT release to better quantify the postoperative impacts of frenotomy for ankyloglossia. In conclusion, when measured 10 days after frenotomy for PTT, infants improve feeding parameters using an objective bottle-feeding system. Similar improvements are seen with patient-reported outcomes when PTT is released. Posterior tongue-tie is a valid clinical concern, and surgical release can improve infant and maternal symptoms.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the April official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. There is little research on the rate and risk factors for revision tonsillectomy after primary intracapsular tonsillectomy. Our study aimed to determine the revision rate following intracapsular tonsillectomy, identify patient characteristics that may increase the probability of revision surgery, and report the tonsillar hemorrhage rate after revision. In conclusion, patients below age 4 years and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may be at increased risk of undergoing revision tonsillectomy after primary intracapsular tonsillectomy. These factors should be considered when selecting an intracapsular technique for primary tonsillectomy in pediatric patients.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast highlights original research published in the March 2022 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing outcome of cochlear implantation in patients deafened by Ménière's disease. In conclusion, cochlear implant in patients deafened by Ménière's disease significantly improves word recognition scores regardless of whether medical or surgical treatment is used prior to implantation. The potential improvement in word recognition scores decreases after age 70 years.   Click here to read the full article.

This podcast discusses the implications for non-otolaryngologists of "Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations", published as a supplement to the February 2022 issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the official journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation. The purpose of this clinical practice guideline update is to reassess and update recommendations in the prior guideline from 2013 and to provide clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations on patient selection and surgical indications for managing tympanostomy tubes in children.   Click here to read the Guideline.