AAO-HNS/F Network Search

In the adult population, tonsillectomy is the appropriate first line treatment in select patients (Epstein 2009, Evidence Based Clinical Guideline). After thorough examination, if the primary site of obstruction is hypertrophied tonsils, tonsillectomy has been shown to be a very effective treatment regardless of the…

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a common in-utero infection and a leading cause of childhood hearing loss. Through early childhood, CMV is nearly ubiquitous, as up to 70% of children between 1 and 3 years old may have CMV detected in urine or saliva. Most…

The 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…

The 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. Originally Published: September 1987 Reviewed: November 2024    Important…

The 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. Originally…

I. 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…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery strongly endorses the practice of providing patients with timely, effective, efficient, and patient-centered diagnostic imaging studies and interpretation by appropriate qualified specialists. All otolaryngologists receive training in head and neck imaging studies as part of…

The Roles of Flexible Laryngoscopy Videostroboscopy in the Office Evaluation and Management of Patients with Otolaryngologic Disorders. Flexible and rigid diagnostic laryngoscopy (31575) and flexible (31579) and/or rigid videostroboscopy are well-established diagnostic procedures that are medically indicated for the diagnosis and management of…

Over 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…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of laryngeal videostroboscopy as a 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 examiner…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) states that cerumen removal requires mechanical manipulation of the external auditory canal and such manipulation may result in traumatic and/or inflammatory lesions to the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and/or middle ear…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery states that the management of allergic disorders is an integral part of the specialty of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Originally Published: October 1982 Reviewed: October 2024    Important Disclaimer Notice (updated 7/31/14) Position statements…

The decision to test for allergy should be based on first-hand knowledge gained by an individual history and physical examination. The results of allergy testing must be interpreted in light of these findings. The decision to treat with immunotherapy should be based not just…

Debridement of the sinus cavity is a procedure most commonly performed following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and other nasal surgeries. It involves transnasal insertion of the endoscope for visualization and parallel insertion of various instruments for the purpose of removal of crusting (postsurgical or otherwise…

Sinus ostial dilation is a therapeutic option for selected patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS) who have failed appropriate medical therapy. Clinical diagnosis of CRS and RARS should be based on symptoms of sinusitis and supported by nasal endoscopy documenting sinonasal…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery endorses the intraoperative use of computer-aided surgery in appropriately select cases to assist the surgeon in clarifying complex anatomy during sinus and skull base surgery. There is sufficient expert consensus opinion and literature evidence base…

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery supports the use of FDA-approved biomaterials such as implants, stents, and packing material in sinonasal procedures to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. The use of biomaterials for Rhinologic applications including hemostasis, maintenance of sinus…

Otolaryngologists 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…