Otobase Goals

This is an outline of the AHNS database committee plans and efforts to launch collaborative multiinstitutional studies within the framework of the society.

An updated version “Otobase 3.2.0” was just released. It is now available for FTP downloading by all registered users.

A simple questionnaire was designed to poll the participants on their particular areas of interest, and is incorporated in the “Otobase” section of AHNS new website.

Based on the responses from the participants, form study "groups" or teams of collaborators for various areas of study.

The committee took initiative in suggesting some initial study areas. These may fall into two categories:

Disease entities that are so common in our everyday practice but still have some critical questions to be answered. Examples of such areas include early glottic cancer, and selective neck dissection in the N1/N2 neck.

Disease entities that are so rare that pooled data is necessary to achieve adequately powered studies and draw any meaningful conclusions. Examples of such areas include adenoid cystic carcinoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, ethmoid cancer, etc.

Increase the utilization of the AHNS website as a platform for communication and discussion among study groups.

Begin discussions about how to best handle some obvious hurdles. These include regulatory issues such as IRBs, HIPPA, and other concerns governing human subjects research.

We are excited about the potential our society has in this area and we think it is a great opportunity for us to get a long overdue task done. Please let us know if you have any thoughts or suggestions. We welcome your input in this regard.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this effort.

Ehab Hanna, MD, FACS
Chairman, AHNS Database Committee