Experience of First Deployed Otolaryngology Team in Operation Iraqi Freedom: The Changing Face of Combat Injuries

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In September, 2004, an Air Force otolaryngology team was deployed to Iraq as a member of the multispecialty head and neck team, which had historically consisted of neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and oral surgery. We examined our operative and outpatient experience to determine if otolaryngology would be a critical component of this new head and neck team. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Between September 7, 2004, and January 22, 2005, we collected data on all otolaryngology operative procedures and outpatient visits at the Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine patients underwent 257 operative procedures with the 3 most common procedures being complex facial laceration repair, tracheostomy, and neck exploration for penetrating neck trauma. In the otolaryngology clinic, we examined and treated 529 patients from throughout the Middle East. CONCLUSIONS: The otolaryngology team proved to be a critical component of the Air Force multispecialty head and neck team. EBM rating: C-4