Diving Into SCUBA Physiology: Diagnostic, Treatment, and Dive Fitness Recommendations (2023 AMW) Session
2023 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This session will serve as a truly comprehensive guide for otolaryngologists to diagnose, treat, and counsel SCUBA divers based on the highest quality evidence from around the world, considering evidence published from every language in which data is available. The first part of the session serves as a primer for those with limited background knowledge regarding diving terminology and underwater physiology. The second part of the session examines strategies patients can use to prevent injury in real time while diving, and will introduce practical algorithms for the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of diving injuries. Finally, we take a deeper dive into the evidence behind diving suitability guidelines including recommendations for complex post-surgical patients. There will be a special focus on the role of eustachian tube balloon dilation.OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Characterize SCUBA physiology and pathophysiologic mechanisms of diving illness with a focus on injury prevention strategies.OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Differentiate patients who are fit to dive and those with relative and absolute contraindications.OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Challenge current practices and misconceptions in treating recreational divers, including eustachian tube dilation, based on the most up-to-date evidence.BACKGROUND STATEMENT: In the US alone, there are 3+ million SCUBA divers. 80% of diving related illnesses are otolaryngologic. Even otolaryngologists without a special interest can expect to treat patients with SCUBA-related questions or ailments multiple times yearly, regardless of where they practice.