Does Sensationalism Affect Executive Compensation? Evidence from Pay Ratio Disclosure Reform

Beginning in 2018, publicly-traded U.S. firms were required to report the ratio of the chief executive officer’s (CEO) compensation to that of the median employee’s compensation in the annual proxy statement. Our study examines the effect of the mandated pay ratio disclosure on executive compensation. We find that pay ratio disclosure leads to declines in both total compensation and pay-for-performance sensitivity for CEOs relative to chief financial officers (CFOs). Our effects are strongest for firms that are more sensitive to political pressure. Taken together, our paper provides the first evidence that pay ratio disclosure achieves regulators’ goal of curtailing CEO compensation but also leads to an unintended decline in pay-for-performance sensitivity

Laryngeal Mask or Endotracheal Intubation in Patients with Laryngeal Carcinoma

Theoretical basis: The presence of laryngeal carcinoma requires precise assessment of the feasibility of endotracheal intubation. Difficult intubation requires preparation of a preliminary plan for ventilation if intubation proves impossible. Some authors report successful use of supraglottic devices when difficult intubation is expected. On the other hand, improper use of the above mentioned may lead to serious complications.The Aim of the study is to determine the advantages and describe the problems of ensuring upper airway patency by the use of laryngeal mask or endotracheal tube.Results: Airway dead space is higher in patients ventilated by laryngeal mask compared to patients ventilated by endotracheal tube. Airway resistance is increased in patients ventilated by endotracheal tube due to reduced airway diameter and reflective airway constriction. Airway resistance is lower in patients ventilated by laryngeal mask because of the larger tube diameter of the device and lack of direct irritation of the trachea. The increase in arterial pressure and heart rate after positioning the laryngeal mask is less than in endotracheal intubation. Intraocular pressure is increased to a lesser extent with the use of laryngeal mask compared to endotracheal intubation. The lower esophageal sphincter tone can be reduced when using laryngeal mask compared to endotracheal tube. There is no consensus on the use of the laryngeal mask in patients with carcinoma of the larynx and the neck.Conclusion: The technique of ventilation of patients with different degree of laryngeal obstruction is still under discussion

Surgical Treatment of Laryngeal Carcinoma

Theoretical basis: The treatment of laryngeal carcinoma is associated with various operative interventions depending on the distribution of the tumor process.The Aim of the study is to characterize the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical techniques used in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.Results: Any surgical procedure that preserves physiological speech and swallowing function without the need for a permanent tracheostomy is defined as organ preservative laryngeal surgery. Open techniques in early laryngeal carcinoma are divided into: vertical partial laryngectomy (frontal-lateral resection) – classically it includes a vertical incision of the thyroid cartilage. The aim is to resect the tumor at the glottic level with part of the thyroid cartilage; supraglottic laryngectomy – is best applied in T1 and T2 supraglottic lesions; supracricoid laryngectomy – is based on the concept that the main functional unit of the larynx is the cricoarytenoid complex, preservation of which is essential for the success of the operation; laser excision of early laryngeal carcinoma. Treatment of advanced carcinoma of the larynx is total laryngectomy with or without dissection cervical lymph nodes.Conclusion: The selection of the appropriate type of surgical intervention that correlates with the spread of the carcinoma is of extreme importance for the outcome of the treatment

Postoperative Complications аfter Laryngectomy

Theoretical basis: complications after laryngectomy can cause serious consequences for the outcome of treatment. Such complications include: fistula formation, wound infection, lumbo necrosis, post-operative bleeding, dysphagia, and etc.The Aim of the study is to determine the incidence of the most common post-operative complications after laryngectomy.Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study including 60 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University Hospital “Queen Giovanna” – ISUL, Sofia, 2012-2015. The analysis was conducted on all hospital documentation and postoperative screening of the patients.Results: Development of pharyngocutaneous fistula in the postoperative period was observed in 12 patients. Eleven patients reported post-operative dysphagia. Post-operative bleeding was observed in 2 patients. Loss of weight (BMI <18.5) was documented in 9 of the patients.Discussion: The development of the pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication following laryngectomy. The incidence of postoperative infections in patients undergoing laryngectomy is 23% and may increase in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Balfe et al. in a study of 45 patients reported that 7 of them or 16% developed dysphagia. In another study by Pauloski et al. of 352 patients, 59% of them reported swallowing difficulty.Conclusion: Fistula formation and dysphagia are the most common postoperative complications following laryngectomy