Preventing Otolaryngologic Infection: From Bench to Bedside

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Infection in Otolaryngology, whether post-operative or chronic disease, represents an enormous physical, psychosocial, and financial burden for patients. Despite major advances in surgical approaches and disease management, Otolaryngologic infections remains a widespread problem, with associated patient harm and health system costs. This presentation will review the history and current evidence supporting strategies to prevent Otolaryngologic infections, in both the post-surgical setting and prevention and management of chronic disease. Future directions in preventing Otolarynoglogic infection will be discussed including basic research, translational studies, and recent multi-institutional and clinical trial efforts led by members of the AHNS microvascular and head and neck surgery committees.

This topic will be handled through a panel presentation that will include both didactic and interactive components. A brief expert lecture on the prevention and management of Otolaryngologic infection will be presented (10 min each, 20 min total) followed by a moderated 30 min, four case presentation with expert input and interactive polling through the audience-response system. The final 10 minutes will be dedicated to future directions and translational applications of emerging research. Expert panelists will include a diverse group of physicians from several sub-specialties with broad committee representation.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the current incidence, risk factors, and strategies for preventing infection in adult Otolaryngology

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Demonstrate an understanding of the history and current state of antiseptic techniques in both open and endoscopic Otolaryngologic surgery

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement evidence-based management into current practice to improve prevention and management of infection in Otolaryngology

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: There is a need to review the current and emerging evidence surrounding management strategies to prevent and manage infection for both the general otolaryngologist and sub-specialist