2025’s Top-Read Articles in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

AAO-HNSF

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OTO Journal) is the official peer-reviewed publication of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF). Our mission is to publish contemporary, ethical, clinically relevant information in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery that can be used by otolaryngologists, clinicians, scientists, and specialists to improve patient care and public health.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Adult Sinusitis Update
Authors: Spencer C. Payne, MD, Margo McKenna, MD, Jennifer Buckley, MD, Maria Colandrea, DNP, NP-C, Anthony Chow, MD, Kara Detwiller, MD, Angela Donaldson, MD, Marc Dubin, MD, Sandra Finestone, MA, PsyD, Peter Filip, MD, Ayesha Khalid, MD, MBA, Anju T. Peters, MD, Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, Zarah Akrami, MPH, Nui Dhepyasuwan, Med

The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to identify quality improvement opportunities and provide clinicians with trustworthy, evidence-based recommendations regarding the identification and management of adult sinusitis. These opportunities are communicated through clear, actionable statements that include an explanation of the support in the literature, an evaluation of the quality of the evidence, and recommendations for implementation.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jennifer J. Shin, MD, SM, Meghan Wilson, MD, Margo McKenna, MD, Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, Kathryn Ammon, CRNP, CORLN, Dana Crosby, MD, MPH, Jonathan M. Fuchs, MA, Jason Blakeley Hensler, PA-C, Elisa A. Illing, MD, Kent Lam, MD, Corinna Levine, MD, MPH, Steven T. Kmucha, MD, JD, Edward D. McCoul, MD, MPH, Jessa Miller, MD, Kenneth Rodriguez, MD, Nicholas R. Rowan, MD, Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD, Bruce K. Tan, MD, Emma Roy, MS, Nui Dhepyasuwan, MEd

The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to provide recommendations on the surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in adults. It addresses primary surgery and adjuvant therapies in detail, with discussion of revision surgery when relevant. The goals of this CPG are to optimally guide the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care for patients undergoing sinus surgery, including how to educate, communicate, and make decisions with patients. The overarching goal is to provide a trustworthy, evidence-based reference for those making decisions about whether to utilize endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and the extent to which it should be performed. 

Executive Summary of the Clinical Practice Guideline on the Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jennifer J. Shin, MD, SM, Meghan Wilson, MD, Margo McKenna, MD, Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, Kathryn Ammon, CRNP, CORLN, Dana Crosby, MD, MPH, Jonathan M. Fuchs, MA, Jason Blakeley Hensler, PA-C, Elisa A. Illing, MD, Kent Lam, MD, Corinna Levine, MD, MPH, Steven T. Kmucha, MD, JD, Edward D. McCoul, MD, MPH, Jessa Miller, MD, Kenneth Rodriguez, MD, Nicholas R. Rowan, MD, Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD, Bruce K. Tan, MD, Emma Roy, MS, Nui Dhepyasuwan, MEd

This executive summary synopsizes the methodology for assessing current data, topic prioritization, development of key action statements (KASs), application of value judgments, and related procedures for the Clinical Practice Guideline on the Surgical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Executive Summary of the Clinical Practice Guideline on Adult Sinusitis Update
Authors: Spencer C. Payne, MD, Margo McKenna, MD, Jennifer Buckley, MD, Maria Colandrea, DNP, NP-C, Anthony Chow, MD, Kara Detwiller, MD, Angela Donaldson, MD, Marc Dubin, MD, Sandra Finestone, MA, PsyD, Peter Filip, MD, Ayesha Khalid, MD, MBA, Anju T. Peters, MD, Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, Zarah Akrami, MPH, Nui Dhepyasuwan, MEd

This executive summary describes the methodology for assessing current data, topic prioritization, development of key action statements, application of value judgments, and related procedures for the Clinical Practice Guideline on Adult Sinusitis Update.

Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Comparative Analysis of CPAP Versus Surgery
Authors: Elliott M. Sina, BA, Somya Shankar, MD, Maurits S. Boo,n MD, Colin T. Huntley, MD

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing continuous positive airway pressure therapy and sleep surgery.

Reducing Surgery for Pediatric Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage Using Tranexamic Acid: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Laura A. Petrauskas, MD, Janavi Sethurathnam, BS, Ansley J. Kunnath, BA, Rahul K. Sharma, MD, John Ceremsak, MD, Ryan H. Belcher, MD, MPH, James D. Phillips, MD, Jay A. Werkhaven, MD, Amy S. Whigham, MD, MS-HPEd, Lyndy J. Wilcox, MD, MMHC, Christopher T. Wootten, MD, MMHC, Frank W. Virgin, MD, Jason S. Park, MD, PhD

This study evaluates the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) and observation as a management option for pediatric patients presenting with posttonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Steroids for Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Pain—A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Trial
Authors: Kevin D. Pereira, MD, MS, Wiktoria A. Gocal, MD, Anna V. Borodianski, BS, Mary E. Williamson, MD, Hengameh K. Behzadpour, MSHS, Sonal Saraiya, MD, FAAP, Diego A. Preciado, MD, PhD, Amal Isaiah, MD, PhD, MBA

This study compares postoperative caregiver-reported pain control of two steroid regimens following pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Treatment of the Nasal Valve in Patients With Nasal Obstruction: Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Joseph K. Han, MD, Jon N. Rosenthal, DO, Chad M. McDuffie, MD, David M. Yen, MD, Nadim B. Bikhazi, MD, Venkata Vasu Kakarlapudi, MD, Stacey L. Silvers, MD

This study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and durability of temperature-controlled radiofrequency treatment of the nasal valve in patients with severe or extreme nasal airway obstruction.

Effect of Surgical Specialty on Postoperative Complications of Rhinoplasty
Authors: Sree Chinta, BS, Keshav D. Kumar, MPH, Dhiraj Sibala, BS, Afash Haleem, BA, Akshay K. Warrier, BA, Joseph A. Celidonio, BS, Jean Anderson Eloy, MD
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure typically performed by otolaryngologists or plastic surgeons. This study specifically investigates the association between surgical specialty and complications in rhinoplasty.

Listen to the OTO Journal Podcast
The OTO Journals podcast series highlights research published in the AAO-HNSF official peer-reviewed publications. Each podcast, moderated by Editor in Chief Cecelia E. Schmalbach, MD, MSc, and featuring the Associate Editor and the author of the paper, offers an in-depth discussion of its significance to the global otolaryngology community and to quality patient care. Listen and subscribe today!

Become a Peer Reviewer
Peer reviewing for OTO Journal and OTO Open offers the opportunity to advance research in otolaryngology while earning up to 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ of CME per year. Reviewers help ensure the best research reaches clinicians, stay current with the latest advances, and connect with the broader otolaryngology community. Whether you're an established otolaryngologist or have completed your residency with reviewing experience, we welcome your expertise. To apply, download and complete the Reviewer Application Form and email it with your CV to otomanager@entnet.org.

Publish Your Research with AAO-HNSF Journals
AAO-HNS members receive a 20% discount on article processing charges (APCs) for publishing in OTO Open and OTO Journal. Additional discounts and waivers may be available based on your country or institution's agreement with Wiley, the publisher of both AAO-HNSF journals. Authors from low- and lower-middle-income countries may be eligible for automatic waivers or 50% discounts through Wiley's partnership with Research4Life. To learn more about APC discounts and eligibility, contact the journals' production team at OTO-HNS@wiley.com or visit Wiley's waivers and discounts page.

Prefer Digital Only?

All AAO-HNS members receive digital online access to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and specific membership categories also receive the print edition. If you prefer to access the journal online only and opt out of receiving print copies, simply email otomanager@entnet.org and request to be removed from the mailing list.