Position Statement: Choice of Physicians
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery strongly supports, as being in the public interest, the establishment of reimbursement plans by third-party payers that promote the patient's freedom of choice of physicians among all appropriately trained physicians (MD, DO) licensed…
Position Statement: Treatment for Microtia and Anotia
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery ("AAO-HNS") recognizes microtia and anotia as congential birth defects. These conditions are associated with appreciable psychological and functional ramifications if left untreated. Reconstructive surgery is appropriate as a primary treatment in both children and adults…
Position Statement: Plastic Surgery
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that facial plastic surgery is an integral part of the specialty and is a fundamental area of expertise for otolaryngologistshead and neck surgeons. An otolaryngology resident spends a minimum of four years training exclusively…
Care of Children Infected with Cytomegalovirus
Position StatementThe risk for transmission of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), a common in-utero infection and a leading cause of childhood hearing loss, in healthcare settings, daycare and schools including for pregnant workers is low. In fact, healthcare workers, regardless of the type of patient contact, do…
Position Statement: The Use of Biomaterials in Sinonasal Procedures
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery has determined that the use of FDA-approved biomaterials can be utilized in sinonasal procedures to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. These items, such as implants, stents, and packing materials, have functions including, but not…
Position Statement: Sinus Endoscopy
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that endoscopic evaluation and endoscopic surgery are accepted modalities of diagnosis and treatment for sinonasal disorders. Adopted 3/2/1990 Reviewed 9/16/1995 Revised 9/16/1995 Submitted for Review 3/1/1998 Reaffirmed…
Position Statement: Botulinum Toxin Treatment
Position StatementI. Treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia (Laryngeal Dystonia) The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery ("AAO-HNS") considers Botulinum toxin a safe and effective modality for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia and it may be offered as primary therapy for this disorder.1 II…
Position Statement: Use of Topical Antibiotic Drops
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recognizes the appropriateness of utilizing currently available topical preparations, including those containing aminoglycosides, in the treatment of diseases of the external auditory canal. Aminoglycoside drops can be used as culture directed secondary therapy for middle ear…
Position Statement: Physician Drug Dispensing
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery shall work to preserve the historic and traditional physician's privilege of dispensing medications and medical devices when this policy is in the best interest of the patient. Adopted 9/22/1987 Submitted for Review 4…
Position Statement: Medical Use of Cocaine
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery considers cocaine to be a valuable anesthetic and vasoconstricting agent when used as part of the treatment of a patient by a physician. No other single drug combines the anesthetic and vasoconstricting properties of cocaine. Adopted…
Position Statement: Point-of-Care Imaging in Otolaryngology
Position StatementOver the past several years, point-of-care imaging has grown in response to such factors as improved patient access, the availability of prompt clinical diagnosis and treatment, and low radiation CT imaging equipment suitable for an office setting. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head…
Position Statement: Performance and Interpretation of Laryngeal Videostroboscopy
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of laryngeal videostroboscopy as an endoscopic (diagnostic) procedure. Laryngeal videostroboscopy is a term used to describe a video endoscopic procedure with stroboscopic light source for visualization of the vocal folds. This allows the…
Parathyroid Imaging
Position StatementBased on comprehensive evidence in the medical literature and expert opinion, the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery affirms that select preoperative imaging can facilitate localization of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands and thus improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism. Examples of imaging…
Position Statement: Vestibular Rehabilitation
Position StatementVestibular rehabilitation, or Balance Retraining Therapy, is a scientifically based and clinically valid therapeutic modality for the treatment of persistent dizziness and postural instability due to incomplete compensation after peripheral vestibular or central nervous system injury. Vestibular Rehabilitation is a valid form of therapy for…
Position Statment: Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
Position StatementOtolaryngologists use a variety of safe and efficacious techniques and instruments to perform tonsil and adenoid surgery. Based on available data, the AAO-HNS does not find that one technique or instrument is clearly superior. The AAO-HNS supports the discretion of surgeons to determine…
Position Statement: Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that after one year of general surgical training, an otolaryngology resident spends a minimum of four years being educated and trained exclusively in the head and neck region. The normal and abnormal functioning of the…
Intraoperative Cranial Nerve Monitoring In Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Position StatementOtolaryngologists have been trained to perform, interpret, and utilize strategically intraoperative cranial nerve monitoring and nerve stimulation testing, which are surgically applicable to cranial nerves of the head and neck and can serve as effective adjuncts to anatomic knowledge and surgical technique. Revised 01/2018…
Position Statement: Vestibular Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Testing
Position StatementThe American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery recognizes that Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) testing is a useful neurophysiologic test and is medically indicated and appropriate in the evaluation of certain persons with suspected auditory and balance or dizziness disorders. Adopted 9/20…