UM Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department has Strong Showing at National Meeting

Several faculty members from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery attended the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2019 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, which took place in New Orleans September 15-18.  This year, “the world’s best gathering of otolaryngologists” focused on current research on head and neck cancer, cochlear implants, techniques in treating concussion, sinus and skull base surgery, laryngology, and more.

On “Super Saturday,” Meredith Holcomb, Au.D., director of cochlear implants, now the first audiologist chair of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, presented at the American Neurotology Society Cochlear Implant Study Group meeting. She discussed best practice guidelines for cochlear implants for both adults and children.

Fred Telischi, M.D., chair of otolaryngology, professor of neurological surgery and biomedical engineering, and the James R. Chandler Chair in Otolaryngology, and Juan A. Chiossone-Kerdel, M.D., M.A., FRCS, assistant professor of otolaryngology, presented research on cochlear implantation. Dr. Telischi also chaired the Academy’s Implantable Hearing Devices Committee.

Michael Hoffer, M.D., professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery, presented on the topic of “Concussion Management for the Otolaryngologist.” Dr. Hoffer also had the opportunity to talk live with Mitch Gibbs, host of WGSO/990AM “In the Redzone,” about whether the world of medicine thinks sports are taking the proper precautions to address issues of concussions and head injuries, a growing public health concern.

“The University of Miami is actively involved in two parallel lines of research for concussion,” Dr. Hoffer said. “We are looking at the methods that diagnose whether someone has had an injury and for how long, and at the same time we are looking at mechanisms or drugs/therapy that will allow people to recover more quickly.”

Simon Angeli, M.D., director of the UHealth Ear Institute – Otolaryngology and Neurotology, discussed the management of spontaneous CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) otorrhea, which is significant because patient morbidity — including meningitis, neurologic compromise, and potentially death — can result from unrecognized or insufficiently treated sCSF leaks.

Adrien Eshraghi, M.D., M.Sc., FACS, professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery, director of the University of Miami Hearing Research Laboratory and co-director of UHealth Ear Institute, gave a presentation titled “Leading Edge — What is New in Hearing Research.” Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions encountered by the practicing otolaryngologist. While treatment to date has been mainly supportive (via hearing aids) or rehabilitative (via cochlear implants), a promise for novel therapeutics seems to be closer than ever.

David E. Rosow, M.D., director of laryngology associate professor of clinical vocal performance, and director of the Performing Arts Program, participated in a moderated panel, “Decision-Making in Vocal Fold Paralysis: Why We Do What We Do.” The panel reviewed several clinical cases and discussed controversies in determining how to provide state-of-the-art care for vocal fold paralysis patients. In particular, panelists discussed their approaches to awake vocal fold injections, medialization surgery, re-innervation surgery, and other methods to restore voice and swallowing.

Roy Casiano, M.D., FACS, professor and vice chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and director of the Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Program, led a discussion on “Frontal Sinus Surgery: Basic and Advanced Techniques,” including revision sinus surgery anatomy and treatment algorithms including medical and surgical options. He also moderated a panel on “Endoscopic Exposure and Resection of Skull Base Neoplasms” that highlighted important steps in planning and executing surgical approaches to the removal of tumors that invade regions outside the sinuses and involve the base of the skull.

Corinna Levine, M.D., M.P.H., FARS, assistant professor of rhinology and skull base surgery, was a presenting member of a panel entitled “How I do it: Endoscopic Exposure and Resection of Skull Base Neoplasms” discussing the complex planning and preoperative workup involved in the removal of tumors that extend outside the boundaries of the sinuses and involve the skull base. She reviewed the surgical techniques needed to safely remove these tumors. She also presented her work on health disparities in chronic sinusitis.

The department will provide additional research updates and perspective at the 2020 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting in Boston.

Tags: Dr. Fred Telischi, Dr. Michael Hoffer, Dr. Simon Angeli