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 […]

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 […]

Patient Safety Team: Building on shared responsibility

Patient safety and clinical quality is the highest priority within the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University, according to Patient Safety Officer John Chi, MD. As evidenced by regular mandatory departmental quality improvement/morbidity and mortality (QI/MM) conferences and the resident core curriculum in patient safety, the department is committed to patient safety and quality improvement.  […]

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 […]

Head and neck division sees development of endocrine specialty

photo of head and neck surgery

Jose Zevallos, MD, division chief of Head and Neck Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University has developed a new niche in his head and neck practice –  endocrine surgery. He is now among the busiest thyroid and parathyroid surgeons in the region, doing several cases each week between Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Christian […]

Audiology team adapts to changes

photo of audiologist and patient

The adult audiology division at the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) is nothing if not resilient. They are adjusting to life with COVID restrictions and welcoming new leadership. The team includes Judy Peterein, Alison Brockmeyer, Adam Voss, Cathryn Collopy, and new Director of Adult Audiology Amanda Ortmann, PhD. All share in routine patient testing, but […]

Washington University ENT expands to serve North St. Louis County

Washington University Otolaryngology has expanded once again and will now see patients at Christian Hospital Northeast Medical Building in North St. Louis County. As of Nov. 1, the clinic space is fully owned by WashU ENT. The practice had been renting the space from BJC Medical Group since March 1. Christian Hospital is a full […]

Ortmann named director of Audiology

Amanda J. Ortmann, PhD, has been named director of Adult Audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. Ortmann will continue to serve as co-director of the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS), which will further expand clinical collaborations and training opportunities in audiology for faculty, staff, and students. “We are very fortunate […]