AAO-HNS/F Network Search

Transgender is a term for a diverse community—such as trans women (male-to-female) and trans men (female-to-male), gender queer individuals, and those whose gender identity or expression differs from the societal expectations of how they should look, act, or identify…

With the dramatic increase in patients for whom English is not their native language, physicians can be challenged in terms of providing high-quality healthcare and maintaining patient safety. Growing evidence shows language barriers indirectly impact the quality of healthcare patients receive. Language barriers…

When compared with adults at a healthy weight, obese individuals have an increased risk of developing serious health conditions including hypertension; Type 2 diabetes; heart disease and stroke; sleep apnea and breathing problems; some cancers; and mental illness such as depression and anxiety. Obese…

The diversity of different religions and cultural norms can create challenges for healthcare teams to better understand how cultural competence impacts care. If the healthcare team is not working together to provide culturally competent care, patients are often left uncomfortable which can impact patient…

Stereotyping in medicine has serious consequences. Patients who feel judged by healthcare workers are less likely to follow medical instructions and more likely to mistrust their healthcare providers, are less likely to access readily available preventive care and put off treating health problems. In…

Discrimination against older adults has an impact on the well-being of those citizens and is a potential barrier to health equality. Studies indicate that physicians may involve older patients in medical decisions less frequently, show less patience and respect, and act less involved…

The percentage of American adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, commonly referred to as LGBTQ, is rising. Studies have shown half of all respondents have experienced a healthcare provider’s refusal to provide care or touch the patient; using excessive precautions…

Large health disparities persist between Black and white Americans. The National Academy of Medicine released a comprehensive study concluding poverty cannot account for the fact that Black people are sicker and have shorter life spans than their white counterparts. Many factors likely contribute to…

For Immediate Release: Contact [email protected] Los Angeles, California—The latest research on ear health, head and neck cancer, sleep-disordered breathing, rhinology and allergy, facial plastics, laryngology and swallowing disorders, endocrine surgery, and other topics related to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery will…

Complete assessment of the airway for potential pathology requires both direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. In most cases, these procedures require separate and distinct instrumentation and/or anesthetic management. It is the position of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery that, in…

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents (acid and enzymes such as pepsin) flow in a retrograde fashion and contact the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract.  LPR may be associated with chronic sore throat, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, cough, globus sensation, refractory asthma, laryngeal…

Photoangiolytic laser treatment, which is typically performed in an office or ambulatory setting under local or topical anesthesia with a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope, is an established surgical treatment that is indicated for management of laryngeal pathologies including, but not limited to, vascular ectasias, polyps…

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate velopharyngeal, phonatory, and swallowing functions in adults and children. This study allows for assessment of the anatomy as well as direct observation of swallowing function and control of the movement of secretions…

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a medical disorder with major personal and public health consequences that may fail treatment using non-invasive modalities such as positional therapy, weight loss, positive airway pressure (PAP) and mandibular advancement devices.  Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a valid and…

Midline partial glossectomy is an effective surgical modality for the treatment of select pediatric and adult patients with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea with significant macroglossia. Midline partial glossectomy can either be performed as a stand-alone procedure or as part of multi-level…

When behavioral, dietary, and non-invasive techniques fail, surgery plays a vital role in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, despite the fact that it may not completely eliminate or cure the syndrome. Ultimately the treating physician has the responsibility to council patients on the…

As of March 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused unprecedented, worldwide disruption in patient care, including the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Members of the International Surgical Sleep Society (ISSS) represent a unique group of OSA specialists providing surgical treatment of adult…

Utilization review companies must be registered in the state in which the review will be done. Guidelines used for making reviews should be available to those physicians. Individuals conducting reviews should be board certified in those specialties they are reviewing, and practice within the same…