BackTable ENT & Allergy

BackTable
  • 4.9 (61)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

The go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons. Tune in every week for practical, physician-led conversations on common and complex clinical topics in allergy, immunology otolaryngology, rhinology, laryngology, otology, and head and neck surgery. Hear how experienced physicians approach real cases, and get practical advice from your peers in your field.

  1. 5h ago

    Ep. 284 Optimizing Nasal Airway for CPAP Compliance with Dr. Michael Hutz and Dr. Atul Malhotra

    Is nasal obstruction the overlooked culprit behind CPAP intolerance? On this episode of BackTable ENT & Allergy, Dr. Gopi Shah interviews Dr. Atul Malhotra and Dr. Michael Hutz to examine the critical but often underappreciated role of the nose in obstructive sleep apnea management. They discuss how nasal obstruction can undermine CPAP adherence, why relying solely on AHI may miss key issues, and how identifying the true cause of intolerance can lead to more personalized and effective therapy. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Aerin Medicalhttps://vivaer.com/ --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:05 - OSA Presentation and AHI Limitations08:13 - Understanding CPAP Intolerance and Nasal Obstruction15:24 - Evaluating Nasal Obstruction20:32 - Nasal Anatomy and Workup27:47 - DICE Technique and Assessing Dynamic Nasal Collapse32:51 - Medical and Non-Surgical Management37:29 - Surgical Options and VivAer43:39 - Nasal Procedures and CPAP Success51:57 - Nasal Surgery and Heart Outcomes55:23 - Beyond CPAP: Nasal Breathing, Myofunctional Therapy, and Collaborative Care01:04:51 - Wrap Up --- More about this episode The physicians review practical strategies for evaluating nasal obstruction, from targeted patient questionnaires, physical exams, nasal endoscopy, and selective imaging. The doctors also detail medical and surgical treatment options, from allergy management and nasal sprays to septoplasty, turbinate reduction, functional rhinoplasty, and temperature-controlled radiofrequency (VivAer). Throughout the episode, they highlight how comprehensive nasal evaluation and intervention can significantly improve CPAP comfort and adherence. --- Resources Dr. Atul Malhotra - https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/22362/sleep-medicine-pulmonology-(lung) Dr. Michael Hutz- https://doctors.rush.edu/details/19100 CPAP treatment persistence following nasal procedures in obstructive sleep apnea - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13696998.2026.2671550 Design and rationale for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea using Targeted Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation trial - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1551714422001306 The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9498537/ VATRAC Trial of VivAer - https://aerinmedical.com/company/news-and-media/aerin-medical-announces-positive-two-year-outcomes-from-the-vatrac-trial-of-vivaer/ --- 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

  2. 2d ago

    Ep. 283 Streamlining Surgery: The Future of the OR with Dr. Raj Sindwani

    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. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Strykerhttps://www.stryker.com/us/en/ent.html --- 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 --- 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. --- 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/ --- 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

  3. Jul 14

    Ep. 282 Awake Cochlear Implantation: An Expert Guide with Dr. Sarah Mowry

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

  4. Jul 7

    Ep. 281 Expert Insight on Congenital CMV & Pediatric Hearing Loss with Dr. Albert Park

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

  5. Jun 30

    Ep. 280 Leadership Through Resiliency & Mentorship with Dr. Troy Woodard

    Every leader has a story. The experiences, mentors, and moments along the way shape not only who we become, but how we lead. In this episode of BackTable ENT and Allergy, Drs. Ashley Agan and Gopi Shah interview internationally renowned rhinologist Dr. Troy Woodard about his leadership journey and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore how leadership is about actions rather than titles, the value of national involvement, and the importance of embracing change and personal growth throughout a career. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:20 - From Fan Moment to Bio04:15 - Early Leadership Roots06:40 - Lead Without a Title08:43 - Finding Leadership Itch14:56 - Burnout and the Pivot19:16 - Coaching and Victim Mindset22:31 - FMLA Reset and Purpose Shift27:11 - Letting Go to Grow30:14 - Listening Tour at Buffalo33:59 - DEI and Minority Leadership35:47 - Mentorship and Leaky Pipeline39:48 - Purpose Through Outreach44:28 - Respectful Change Leadership47:25 - Emotional Intelligence Growth50:27 - Advice for New Leaders52:53 - Handling Dream Crushers56:50 - Imposter Syndrome Breakthrough01:01:01 - Leadership Impact and Closing Remarks --- More about this episode Dr. Woodard describes early leadership roles, being raised by a single mother, the mentors who impacted his career, and how responsibility and service shaped his work ethic. He explains that leadership doesn’t require a title and recounts pivoting from limited departmental opportunities to national involvement through the Academy and ARS, including advocacy work. Woodard discusses burnout, executive coaching, emotional intelligence, delegation, mentorship and ultimately, how recognizing and embracing a changing purpose mid-career is a normal part of professional growth. Now Chair of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University at Buffalo, he practices “listening tours,” mentors faculty, and emphasizes how diversity drives excellence while highlighting mentorship and pipeline development. --- Resources Dr. Troy Woodard’s Public Emailtwoodard@buffalo.edu --- 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

  6. Jun 23

    Ep. 279 Collaborative Care in Chronic Sinusitis & Allergies with Dr. Karen Kaufman

    When should recurrent sinus infections trigger an allergy or immune workup? In this episode of the BackTable ENT and Allergy podcast, Dr. Karen Kaufman of Kaufman Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology in Vienna, Virginia, sits down with Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss chronic sinusitis evaluation, allergy testing, immunotherapy, immune deficiency screening, and building a private practice. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction02:53 - Chronic Sinusitis Basics06:44 - Sinusitis Types and Polyps10:18 - Testing and Treatment Plan18:40 - When to Suspect Immunodeficiency25:44 - Allergy Testing Methods38:39 - Why Go Solo43:10 - Practice Growth, Visibility, Team Building, and Systems51:55 - ENT and Allergy Collaboration55:50 - Closing Remarks --- More about this episode Dr. Kaufman explains how to distinguish chronic sinusitis from other causes of nasal and facial symptoms, when to evaluate for allergy and immune dysfunction, and how sinusitis phenotypes influence treatment decisions. She also shares her experience launching a private practice during the pandemic and discusses strategies for practice growth through community engagement, increased visibility, and social media. --- Resources Dr. Karen Kaufman - https://kaufmanallergy.com/ Jeffery Modell Foundation 10 Warning Signs of Primary Immunodeficiency - https://www.uhhospitals.org/-/media/files/rainbow/services/allergy-and-immunology/10warningsigns.pdf --- 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

  7. Jun 16

    Ep. 278 Comprehensive Evaluation and Surgical Management of Nasal Septal Perforations with Dr. Oswaldo Henriquez

    Septal perforations can be deceptively challenging, with a wide range of etiologies, symptoms, and treatment options to consider. In this episode of BackTable ENT and Allergy podcast, hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah interview Dr. Oswaldo Henriquez, a board-certified otolaryngologist and rhinologist at WellStar Health System in Atlanta, to explore the complexities of evaluating and managing nasal septal perforations. The conversation covers how perforation size and location shape symptoms, the most common causes including iatrogenic trauma and chronic nose picking, and a thorough, stepwise approach to diagnosis and treatment. ---Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- Timestamps00:00 - Introduction03:01 - Septal Perforations Overview07:58 - Causes and Risk Factors13:26 - History Red Flags and Differential Diagnosis16:28 - Exam and Documentation Tips21:22 - Labs Biopsy and Imaging Workup31:19 - Conservative Care and Septal Buttons34:20 - Surgery Candidacy and Counseling41:35 - Surgical Techniques Landscape47:38 - Scaffolds and Grafts49:07 - Septal Blood Supply Map53:00 - CAT Scan Planning Tips55:15 - AEA Flap Technique01:05:22 - Real Case Walkthrough01:10:41 - Postop Care and Swelling01:20:44 - Pitfalls and Success Rates01:24:09 - Wrap Up --- More about this episodeDr. Henriquez outlines the key components of a comprehensive workup, including endoscopic exam, measurement, biopsy, and CT imaging for surgical planning. He discusses management options from conservative care and septal buttons to advanced endoscopic pedicled flap repairs, sharing insight on surgical techniques, success rates, splinting, and post-op care. The episode provides practical tips for physicians at any career stage looking to refine their approach to septal perforations, from diagnosis through recovery. --- ResourcesENT Animationshttps://www.youtube.com/@Dr.IsamAlobid --- 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

    Ep. 278 Comprehensive Evaluation and Surgical Management of Nasal Septal Perforations with Dr. Oswaldo Henriquez

  8. Jun 9

    Ep. 277 Molecular Diagnostics for Thyroid Nodules with Dr. Erik Alexander

    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. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Veracytehttps://www.veracyte.com/ --- 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 --- 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. --- 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/ --- 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

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4.9
out of 5
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About

The go-to podcast for otolaryngologists, allergists, and head and neck surgeons. Tune in every week for practical, physician-led conversations on common and complex clinical topics in allergy, immunology otolaryngology, rhinology, laryngology, otology, and head and neck surgery. Hear how experienced physicians approach real cases, and get practical advice from your peers in your field.

Information

  • Creator
    BackTable
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    286
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    BackTable ENT & Allergy

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