BackTable ENT & Allergy

Claims data suggest roughly one in three patients return after sinus surgery with persistent symptoms, and for many of them the complaint is drainage. On this episode of BackTable ENT & Allergy, host Dr. Ashley Agan welcomes Dr. Chris Davis, a comprehensive otolaryngologist in Birmingham, Alabama, whose practice is largely rhinology, to make the case that the persistent drainage after a technically perfect sinus surgery is a treatable problem rather than an acceptable residual. They discuss the anatomy and neuroimmune function of the posterior nasal nerve, how ablation may affect symptom scores and local inflammation, and the stepwise approach to patient selection and operative technique.

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This podcast is supported by

Aerin Medicalhttps://vivaer.com/

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction05:12 - CRS as a Chronic Disease and the Patient Still Draining09:31 - Posterior Nasal Nerve Anatomy and Type 2 Inflammation12:42 - Sensory Nerves, TRP Receptors and Neuroimmunomodulation17:27 - Placebo Questions and Three-Year Durability19:34 - Screening With TNSS, SNOT-22 and NOSE23:21 - Ipratropium Bromide Trials and Patient Selection26:52 - Combining Ablation With Sinus Surgery31:13 - Where to Treat and Adding the Swell Body34:47 - Sphenopalatine Artery Risk and Staggered Treatment37:34 - Coding and Reimbursement42:21 - Temperature Control Versus Impedance Control47:13 - Cryoablation, Device Design and Closing Thoughts

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More about this episode

The conversation follows the posterior nasal nerve from anatomy to the operating room. Dr. Davis describes a nerve that turned out to be a branching network rather than a single trunk, the early research on type 2 cytokine and sensory receptor changes in nasal secretions after ablation, and why he now thinks of the procedure as possible immune modulation rather than simply closing a tap. He then gets practical: the symptom scores he treats as nasal vital signs, the ipratropium bromide trial and what failing it really means, treating at the start of a sinus case while the field is dry, the staggered technique he credits for keeping delayed posterior bleeds rare, and the coding detail that makes combining the procedures viable. The episode closes on temperature control against impedance control, why he left cryoablation behind, and whether this nerve could one day keep patients off biologics.

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Resources

Lanza DC, Kennedy DW. Adult rhinosinusitis defined. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9334782/ BIOKLEAR, Effect of Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation of the Posterior Nasal Nerve on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Allergic and Nonallergic Chronic Rhinitis (NCT06599736)https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06599736 Allen DZ, et al. The Effect of Radiofrequency Ablation of Posterior Nasal Nerves on Inflammatory Cytokines, Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, and Subjective Symptom Scores in Chronic Rhinitis: A Prospective Clinical Trial. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2026https://doi.org/10.1177/00034894261449672 Stolovitzky JP, et al. 3-Year Outcomes of Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Ablation of the Posterior Nasal Nerve in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2025https://doi.org/10.1002/alr.23577 Jamileh E, et al. Radiofrequency Neurolysis of the Posterior Nasal Nerve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Laryngoscope. 2026https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.70763 Kang YJ, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Cryotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2023https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2023.01214 Hopkins C, et al. Psychometric validity of the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test. Clin Otolaryngol. 2009https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-4486.2009.01995.x ExcelENT of Alabama, Dr. Chris Davis's practicehttps://www.excelental.com Dr. Ashley Agan, BackTable ENT contributor pagehttps://backtable.com/shows/ent/contributors/dr-ashley-agan

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BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

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What if the next major advance in ENT surgery isn’t a new instrument, but a better-integrated operating room? In this episode of the BackTable ENT & Allergy Podcast, Cleveland Clinic rhinologist and skull base surgeon Dr. Raj Sindwani joins Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss how reducing cognitive load, improving workflows, and creating a more efficient OR environment can enhance the surgical experience.

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This podcast is supported by

Strykerhttps://www.stryker.com/us/en/ent.html

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction03:50 - Where Surgery Happens: Choosing the Right Site for Service06:27 - Quality Safety And Throughput09:48 - Reducing Cognitive Load In Surgery15:34 - Building an Efficient OR Ecosystem And Culture23:06 - Tech Adoption and Team Training26:19 - Smarter Surgical Navigation and Augmented Reality37:02 - Navigation Accuracy, Registration, and Smart Coaching40:29 - Inside the Stryker RISE Platform49:55 - Integration Challenges and Voice-Control Safety56:36 - Surgical Ergonomics and Injury Prevention01:09:14 - The Future of Surgical Innovation and AI in the OR

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More about this episode

Dr. Sindwani explores how minimizing unnecessary friction, improving team dynamics, and thoughtfully integrating technology can help surgical teams focus on what matters most: patient care. The conversation examines the operating room as an ecosystem where people, processes, and technology all contribute to patient outcomes. Dr. Sindwani shares strategies for reducing extrinsic cognitive load, including standardizing room setup, minimizing interruptions, and optimizing the surgical environment.He also discusses advances in sinus and skull base navigation, augmented reality guidance, and Stryker’s RISE platform, highlighting how integrated technology can simplify workflow, improve ergonomics, and reduce distractions in the OR. Throughout the episode, Dr. Sindwani emphasizes the importance of thoughtful technology adoption, team collaboration, and designing the operating room of the future around safety, efficiency, and the needs of both patients and surgeons.

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Resources

Dr. Raj Sindwanihttps://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/raj-sindwani/4268990

Stryker ENThttps://www.stryker.com/us/en/ent.html

Stryker RISE Platformhttps://www.stryker.com/us/en/portfolios/medical-surgical-equipment/integration-and-connectivity/or-integration/rise.html

Technological Advances in Sinus and Skull Base Surgery by Dr. Raj Sindwanihttps://www.oto.theclinics.com/article/S0030-6665(17)30050-6/fulltext

Ergonomics in ENT Practice NIH Articlehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11455805/

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BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

Have you considered performing a cochlear implant while your patient is awake? In this episode of the Backtable ENT & Allergy Podcast, Dr. Walter Kutz and Dr. Brandon Isaacson sit down with Dr. Sarah Mowry to explore her protocol for cochlear implants under local anesthesia, an approach especially relevant for older adults concerned about the cognitive risks of general anesthesia. Dr. Mowry shares her criteria for patient selection, preoperative counseling strategies, and how she adapts the OR setup to maximize comfort and communication during awake surgery.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction02:06 - Why to Consider Awake Cochlear Implants05:32 - Indications for Awake CI 08:50 - Local Blocks and Pain Control10:58 - Counseling and Expectations14:40 - Preventing Intraoperative Vertigo and Converting to General Anesthesia 17:17 - Set Up and Communication with Patient 19:14 - Lesser Occipital Nerve Block and Potential Role of Processed EEG26:32 - Pitch Matching for Single-Sided Deafness, CI, and Anxiety Considerations29:00 - Feedback from Patients and Electrode Choice 31:30 - Advice to Surgeons and Closing Remarks

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More about this episode

The conversation covers her anesthesia protocol, including lesser occipital and postauricular nerve blocks, minimizing propofol, and using topical 2% lidocaine in sensate areas like the facial recess and epitympanum. Dr. Mowry discusses practical strategies of using warmed irrigation to reduce intraoperative vertigo and contingency plans for conversion to general anesthesia. She discusses electrode considerations and the potential role of processed EEG to titrate anesthesia depth and practical tips for surgeons interested in adopting awake cochlear implantation. Throughout, they highlight the importance of individualized patient care, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the growing role of local anesthesia in otologic surgery.

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Resources

Cochlear Implantation Under Local Anesthesia With Conscious Sedation in the Elderly: First 100 Caseshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32663339/

Cochlear implantation under local anesthesia in 117 cases: patients' subjective experience and outcomeshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34487218/

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BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

Did you know that congenital CMV-related hearing loss can develop several years after birth? On the BackTable ENT & Allergy Podcast, hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Jeff Hyzer interview pediatric otolaryngologist Dr. Albert Park about the latest evidence on congenital CMV and its role in pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. The discussion covers diagnosis, risk factors, screening protocols, testing strategies, antiviral treatment, genetic workup, long-term surveillance, and future directions for early detection and prevention.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction 02:47 - Basics of CMV Infections and Hearing Loss Presentation 07:57 - CMV Screening Workflow 11:33 - Saliva vs. Urine Based Screening 14:00 - Early Workup and Communication 19:37 - Late Onset Workup and Use of Antivirals 24:39 - Treatment with Antiviral Medications 27:22 - Head Ultrasound vs. MRI 30:06 - Role of Genetic Testing 32:47 - Surveillance and Progression Risk37:29 - CI Outcomes and Predictors42:18 - BAHA and Older Candidates45:44 - Awareness, Prevention Efforts, and Education 54:25 - Vaccines and Universal Screening Pitfalls 57:40 - Advocacy and Closing Thoughts

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More about this episode

Dr. Park explains the differences between congenital and acquired CMV, reviews epidemiology and, and highlights that hearing loss may be present at birth or develop later in childhood. He discusses Utah’s evolution from hearing-targeted CMV testing to universal NICU screening, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis within the first 21 days of life. The conversation covers saliva versus urine testing, dried blood spot testing, and the role of a multidisciplinary team in evaluation and management. Dr. Park also reviews antiviral treatment strategies, imaging and genetic testing considerations, audiologic surveillance, and cochlear implantation outcomes. Finally, he discusses ongoing advocacy efforts, emerging prenatal screening technologies, and future directions and challenges for CMV prevention and early detection.

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Resources

Nance & Morton NEJM Paper Cited - 20% of Congenital SNHL linked to Congenital CMV https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra050700

Dr.Kimberlin’s work supporting antiviral treatment for 6 months https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1404599?utm_source=openevidence

Dr.Vossen’s antiviral therapy research https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38336204/

AAP Red Book https://publications.aap.org/redbook

Dr. Smith’s Research - Genetic Testing for Congenital Bilateral Hearing Loss in the Context of Targeted Cytomegalovirus Screeninghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985074/

Dr.Park’s Research Congenital Cytomegalovirus Testing Outcomes From the ValEAR Trialhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38415855/

Dr.Park’s Research - Analysis of an Expanded Targeted Early Cytomegalovirus Testing Programhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36884018/

Dr.Foulon - Hearing Loss With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infectionhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31266824/

Research about the use of Vaclovir to reduce vertical transmissionhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32919517/

Dr.Gantt’s research on the Ping-Pong Effecthttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29889809/

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BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app

For years, an indeterminate thyroid biopsy meant diagnostic surgery but molecular testing is now changing that reality entirely. On this episode of the BackTable ENT podcast, Dr. Ashley Agan interviews endocrinologist Dr. Erik Alexander about how molecular testing and a systematic, layered approach to thyroid nodule evaluation are reducing diagnostic surgeries and enabling more individualized patient care.

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Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app

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This podcast is supported by

Veracytehttps://www.veracyte.com/

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction02:48 - Incidence, Presentation, and Workup of Thyroid Nodules 06:26 - Hormonal Impact and Indications for FNA 10:49 - FNA workflow and Bethesda Categories 16:10 - Role of Molecular Testing for Indeterminate Nodules19:59 - Evolution of Molecular Testing and Afirma 23:51 - Basics of DNA based Testing and RNA based Testing 28:34 - Comparing DNA based and RNA Based Testing 32:10 - Utility of Molecular Testing and Sampling Techniques 35:55 - Cost Coverage and Practical Limits39:20 - Clinical Implications and Future Impact42:00 - Final Takeaways

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More about this episode

Together they walk through the full evaluation pathway, including ultrasound risk stratification using the TI-RADS criteria, the role of TSH testing, and how FNA indications have shifted from biopsying every solid nodule to a more selective, risk-adapted approach. The discussion covers the Bethesda classification system and addresses why the one-third of patients landing in indeterminate categories (Bethesda III, IV, and V) have historically been the most challenging and most overtreated group. The conversation then explores molecular diagnostics as an additional layer of risk assessment, highlighting key differences between DNA-based mutation panels and RNA-based expression classifiers. Dr. Alexander also discusses practical considerations like insurance coverage, sampling technique, turnaround time, and the future potential of molecular testing to move beyond diagnosis toward individualized prognosis.

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Resources

American College of Radiology: TI-Rads Guidelines https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/americancoldf5f-acrorgf92a-productioncb02-3650/media/ACR/Files/RADS/TI-RADS/TI-RADS-Assessment-Categories.pdf

American Thyroid Association - Nodule Guidelineshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4739132/

Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Ctyopathology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278969/table/thyroid-nod-canc-eld.T.bethesda_system_f/

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BackTable ENT & Allergy is the go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons.

Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty.

► https://www.backtable.com/app