Biologic therapy effective for chronic rhinosinusitis

cartoon of nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders in the US, affecting 10-15% of the population and all age groups. A significant number of these patients suffer from the growth of fleshy swellings or polyps in the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. For some, surgery and medical treatments do not offer […]

Understanding the challenges of unilateral hearing loss in children

Photo of Dr. Lieu performing an otoscopic exam on young patient

The prevalence of single-sided or unilateral hearing loss (UHL) in school-aged children may be as high as 5%. Historically, unilateral hearing loss was thought to have little consequence because speech and language presumably developed appropriately with one normally hearing ear. According to Washington University pediatric otolaryngologist Judith Lieu, MD, however, some studies suggest that a […]

New technology expands use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS)

The use of robotic-assisted surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University has increased steadily over the past few years, and recent advances in the DaVinci robotics platform should promote even greater usage. Surgeons value the technology for its ability to facilitate difficult surgery through high-resolution 3D visualization, tremor filtration, motion scaling, and a […]

Reorganization improves patient access

photo of schedulers

A recent reorganization at the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University has been undertaken to improve patient access and boost patient satisfaction. The department recently completed a self-evaluation of patient services, led by Vice-chair for Clinical Affairs Allison Ogden, MD. The primary goal was to improve patient access – getting every patient to the right […]

Auditory brainstem implant provides hope for hearing

Jena and Anusha Oberg with Dr. Buchman

Anusha Oberg is like most five-year-old children – unbridled energy and a strong desire to explore the world around her. But, Anusha is deaf. At least she was. Thanks to a procedure conducted at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Anusha can now detect sounds. Anusha’s new awareness of sound is made possible by an auditory brainstem […]

Otolaryngology faculty present research, clinical innovations across US

With the wide acceptance of virtual presentations during COVID, Department of Otolaryngology faculty have been invited to share their research and clinical innovations to audiences around the world. Recent highlights include: Craig Buchman, MD Grand rounds at the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh: “Electrocochleography in cochlear implantation” Grand rounds at the Department of Medicine […]

Clinical trial restores hearing for acoustic neuroma patients

In a unique clinical trial, five acoustic neuroma patients have received cochlear implants at the time of their tumor removal. Early results are very encouraging. Four of five patients have had their implants activated. Three of these have achieved sound awareness and more importantly demonstrated increased performance in word and sentence recognition tests compared to […]

Shew receives award to study benefits of cochlear implants using AI

Neurotology Fellow Matthew Shew, MD, was recently named one of four recipients of the Dean’s Scholars Award from the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Shew’s research efforts are focused on optimizing the benefits of cochlear implants by using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.  The Dean’s Scholars program supports outstanding […]

Pioneering surgeons teach residents advanced skull base techniques

photo of TONES lab participants

Surgeons who have pioneered some of today’s most advanced skull base surgical techniques trained Washington University School of Medicine neurosurgery and otolaryngology residents. During the two-day training session, Washington University neurosurgery, otolaryngology and opthalmalogy faculty were joined by two prominent leaders in their fields: Kris S. Moe, MD, chief of University of Washington Facial Plastics […]

Multidisciplinary care drives better pediatric patient outcomes

It’s heartbreaking when a child or fetus has a complex medical disorder. There is no “one size fits all” treatment plan, and no single medical specialty that can effectively treat the child. That’s precisely why families from around the world come to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where the use of multidisciplinary teams is expanding, having […]