Release Date: April 29, 1997
Contact: Kenneth Satterfield; (703) 519-1563; [email protected]
In Scottsdale, AZ (5/9-5/15); (602) 585-4848 ex7538

NEW MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TO BE PRESENTED AT COMBINED OTOLARYNGOLOGICAL SPRING MEETINGS

More than 300 medical and scientific research findings in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat as well as head and neck disorders will be presented at the 1997 Combined Otolaryngological Spring Meetings (COSM). This annual gathering of ten otolaryngologic societies will be held May 10-16, at the Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, AZ. Over 1,200 ear, nose and throat, head and neck surgeons are expected to attend.

The medical societies participating in COSM are the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Broncho-Esophagological Association, American Laryngological Association, American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, American Rhinologic Society, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, and the Triological Society.

During the seven day session, the societies' members will hear medical research findings offered by top ear, nose and throat specialists from this country and abroad.

Key research presentations include:

Saturday, May 10
"Language Acquisition in Prelingually Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants," presented by Richard T. Miyamoto, MD. Cochlear implants have been shown to provide significant hearing assistance to adults; Dr. Miyamoto examines how this electronic device can help deaf children who have not learned how to speak.

"Speech Recognition Performance of Older Children with Implants," presented by Mary Joe Osberger, PhD. New information will be presented on how hearing assistance implants have improved the speech of children between the ages of 5 and 15.

"Effect of Light Radiation Therapy (Super Lizer) on Bell's Palsy" presented by Akira Kudo, MD. Bell's palsy is paralysis, usually unilateral, of the facial muscles. This disorder is generally caused by a dysfunction of the 7th cranial nerve. The origin of the dysfunction is usually attributed to a viral infection. Thousands are affected. Dr. Kudo's research discusses a revolutionary treatment for this illness.

Sunday, May 11
"Outcomes Analysis of Voice and Quality of Life in Laryngeal Cancer Patients," presented by Amy Chen, MD. Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis for any patient. But what happens when the illness affects one's ability to communicate. Dr. Chen's review of case histories offers new insight on how laryngeal cancer victims adjust to the surgical treatment of this disease.

Monday, May 12
"Effect of Melatonin on Tinnitus," presented by Seth Rosenberg, MD. Melatonin is said to assist in treating insomnia and jet lag. This over-the-counter pill is a natural hypnotic that may regulate immune functions and slow the aging process. Can it help those with tinnitus, persistent ringing in the ears? This research offers some answers.

"An Extraordinary Foreign Body: A Sword of a Swordfish in the Head and Neck," presented by David S. Parsons, MD. A fascinating case study of a Vietnamese fisherman who suffered a freak accident - and the actions of two medical teams that responded.

Tuesday, May 13
"Practice of Otolaryngology via Telemedicine," presented by Don B. Blakeslee, MD. A shortage of medical specialists currently exists in America's rural communities. Dr. Blakeslee's research reveals how telemedicine can alleviate this practitioner shortage.

"Complications of Head and Neck Surgery in the Elderly," presented by C.M. Shaari, MD. The elderly are considered high-risk surgical candidates. Senior citizens with head and neck cancers often receive palliative radiotherapy in lieu of surgery. Through a study, Dr. Shaari assesses if this caution is necessary by reviewing head and neck surgery morbidity and mortality rates of a test population, all patients 70 or older.

Wednesday, May 14
"Nasal Reconstruction in the Elderly Patient: The Case for Not Letting Age Determine Technique," presented by Kevin A. Shumrick, MD. The surgical reconstruction of the nose is a highly complex procedure. Should approaches to this procedure be determined by age? Dr. Shumrick offers answers.

"Educating the Deaf: What Works Best," presented by Scott R. Schoem, MD. The prescribed educational program for the deaf is still being debated by those who teach and those who receive the instruction. What works? A new theory is being presented by Dr. Schoem.

Thursday, May 15
Comparison of Pediatric Otolaryngologists' Surgical Case Patterns Three Years Before and Three Years After TennCare," presented by Jerome W. Thompson, MD. TennCare, Tennessee's new system for the delivery of health care, is being studied by other states as a possible solution to spiraling health care costs. How does TennCare impact on the delivery of care? This study of young patients who received a tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy or a bilateral myringotomy and vent tube insertion reveals whether the quality of care suffers under this new reimbursement system.

Post-Operative Complications After Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy in Children with Down's Syndrome," presented by Nira A. Goldstein, MD. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a common procedure for children. What complications occur in young patients with Down's syndrome after the procedure? Dr. Goldstein offers new ideas.

Friday, May 16
"Quality of Life for Children with Otitis Media," presented by Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH. An outcomes study assesses how persistent middle ear infections affect children between ages four and ten. New conclusions regarding a common childhood ailment.

Reporters interested in interviewing the presenters and/or obtaining additional information regarding the medical research should contact Ken Satterfield at (703) 519-1563 (prior to May 9); or at COSM, phone (602) 585-4848 ex7538. The Newsroom will be located in Salon 2 at the Scottsdale Princess through May 15.

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