Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

Research 

Current Studies

The Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at UNMC is actively involved in research to improve our patient’s quality of life and treatment of diseases and disorders. Research efforts involve the ear, nose, head, neck, and related functions, including hearing, balance, voice, speech, swallowing, smell, and taste, among others. This research will potentially result in improved clinical care for patients, as well as contribute to the science and education of the head and neck specialty.

• Investigating of new approaches to head and neck cancer in a collaborative project involving approximately 40 researchers from UNMC and other campuses in Nebraska

• Investigating ways to improve the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients, including treatment of depression

• Examining the impact on functioning and quality of life of maxillofacial (upper jaw) reconstruction after oral cancer surgery

• Developing of a web-site which contains video, photos, and text for the use of medical students in the diagnosis of ear disease

• Measuring voice parameters as a way to quantify when or why vocal fatigue occurs; results from this study may potentially benefit individuals who utilize their voices in their occupations

• Examining laryngeal sensation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or acid reflux) which may allow us to propose a more sensitive and specific diagnosis

• Exploring technology and computer programming and its application to prosthetic craniofacial rehabilitation; this research has the potential of reducing complex prosthetic rehabilitation from many days, to a few hours

• Studying balance in children with repaired cleft palates; the information obtained from this study may help to identify balance or motor problems to help prevent falls, scrapes and bruises in children with repaired cleft palates

• Determining whether a new procedure using titanium mesh following a mastoidectomy (an area at the base of the skull), will normalize middle ear function (improved hearing, prevention of recurrent ear disease, and correction of deformity behind the ear)

• Participating in a trial of an existing drug which is being studied for its affect on xerostomia in post-radiation head and neck patients. 

• Examining the patency of the internal jugular vein after reconstruction with a fibula or forearm graft.

• Analyzing data from national serveys to learn the demographics, symptoms, and treatment patterns in acute and chronic rhinosinusitis.

• A new approach to the care of certain patients in the post-operative setting.  In this study, patients were assigned to our cooperative care floor, in University House, for a few days.  In this setting, a loved one acts as the caregiver.  One nurse backs up every eight patients and their caregivers, and is a teacher and guide while the caregiver learns to confidently manage their loved one.   

• Attendance was studies at free head and neck cancer screenings by underserved populations versus a well-served population.  Findings showed that while free screenings are a good service to the community, offering these screenings in conjunction with a health fair provide a better turn- out and a better service to the community.  Also, screenings just for head and neck cancer are better attended in well-served areas, but the vast majority of people who show up at these screenings have very few risk factors. 

• Three studies examined the utility of using monoclonal antibodies tagged with radioactive isotopes in patients with advanced head and neck cancers. These studies could be useful in determining if the need for radiation therapy in the post-operative setting could be decreased by the use of these products in the pre-operative setting.

• The effect of hypotensive anesthesia on the quality of the surgical field in LeFort 1 Osteotomy was studied.  It was determined that this technique results in less bleeding and a better visualization intraoperatively. 

• A pharmacokinetic study of an investigational antibiotic which may help prevent esophagitis was done.  The Head and Neck team anticipates participation in the upcoming Phase III trial. 

• Quality of life issues in patients who have had reconstruction with the fibula bone were studied.

• Mapping sensory and nerve patterns inside the nose where sensation of airflow is greatest; a collaborative research project with the UNL college of engineering