News Release

2010 AAO-HNSF miniseminars: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Boston, MA – The 2010 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), the largest meeting of ear, nose, and throat doctors in the world, will convene September 26-29, 2010, in Boston, MA.

Featuring more than 305 scientific research sessions, 594 posters, and several hundred instruction course hours for attendees, the annual meeting is a unique opportunity for journalists from around the world to cover breaking science and medical news. Reporters will have access to the latest research and clinical advances in the field of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery.

Information for the Media

The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Newsroom will be located in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Room 052. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 25, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday-Tuesday, September 26 – 28, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 29, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the news media. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event. To register and view advance press releases, log onto the AAO-HNS website at http://am2010.entnet.org/attendees/press.cfm.


Challenges and Opportunities in Presbycusis
Presenters: Kourosh Parham, MD, PhD (moderator); George Gates, MD; Robert Doubie, MD; Brian McKinnon, MD, MBA; Douglas Backous, MD
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Room 253

Boston, MA – The growing segment of adults age 65 and older is increasing at a faster rate than the total population, according to Institute of Medicine in its seminal 2008 report, "Retooling for Aging America: Building the Healthcare Workforce."

In a paper presented at the 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Boston, by 2030, 20 percent of the population will be 65 or older and will experience some form of hearing loss (presbycusis).

Presbycusis contributes to social isolation, loss of autonomy, and is associated with depression and cognitive decline. Historically, treatment has consisted primarily of hearing aids. However, only 20 percent of the elderly who could benefit from amplification purchase hearing aids, and of this subgroup, only 60 percent use them regularly.

From their findings, the authors conclude that cochlear implants play a role in management of older patients with severe hearing loss, and have the potential to preserve residual hearing.


New Medullary Thyroid Cancer Guidelines: What We Need to Know
Presenters: David Steward, MD (moderator); Richard Kloos, MD; Ralph Tufano, MD; Gary Clayman, DMD, MD, DDS; Brendan Stack, MD
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Room 257

Boston, MA – Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a neuroendocrine malignancy (thyroid cancer) whose diagnosis and treatment differs significantly from well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

In a paper presented at the 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Boston, MA, researchers revealed that surgeons performing thyroidectomy must be familiar with the unique diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up paradigms for medullary thyroid cancer to optimize outcomes.

The researchers note that it is important for health professionals to be familiar with the American Thyroid Association's Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Management Guidelines, published in 2009, with more than 100 evidence-based recommendations for patients with medullary thyroid cancer.


Safety in Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery: Is the Bar Too Low?
Presenters: David Tunkel, MD (moderator); Ellis Arjmand, MD, PhD; Constance Houck, MD; Raul Shah, MD, FAAP
Time: 8:00 am
Location: Room 157

Boston, MA – Over the last 40 years, the practice of ambulatory (outpatient) surgery has increased tremendously in pediatric otolaryngology.

In a seminar at the 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Boston, researchers revealed that adenotosillectomy in children is one of the most widely performed ambulatory operations in the United States.

The majority of data indicate that ambulatory procedures are safe when performed upon properly selected patients, but there are several inherent risks involved in ambulatory surgery, particularly in a surgical center physically separated from a hospital. When unexpected outcomes occur, access to care may be delayed by limitations of the staff, facilities, or location of the surgical center.

The researchers note that it is important for health professionals to review and identify risks of, and accepted guidelines for practice of, ambulatory otolaryngologic surgery in children

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About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 11,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."


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