Quality and Outcomes Reports - Ear, Nose and Throat

Survival by Diagnosis

Why we measure it - Overwhelmingly, survival is the first and most important statistic parents and others ask about. We measure survival for a number of diagnoses and compare ourselves to the national average to make sure we are providing excellent care.

Patient Impact

 

Carson Meverden (right) and his twin, Connor, (left) were born early at 32 weeks gestation. Unfortunately, Carson had a narrow airway that made it difficult for him to breathe. He traveled to Milwaukee from his home near Wausau, Wis., for an evaluation and, at the same visit, was able to have his airway reconstructed through a small incision in his neck. He no longer has difficulty breathing and can keep up with his brother.

About the data - The graph reflects the survival to discharge for select procedures at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin compared to Pediatric Hospital Information System peers. PHIS hospitals represent other leading free-standing pediatric hospitals.

What this means - Our survival rate is 100 percent for common ear, nose and throat diagnoses.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • Some of our ENT doctors are nominated in the 2010-2011 Best Doctors in America® database. Nationally, fewer than 3 to 5 percent of all physicians are listed.
  • We have experience performing ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures for babies who needed immediate airway surgery after birth. During an EXIT procedure, the baby is delivered and the airway is stabilized while the newborn is still connected to the mother by the umbilical cord for life support. Surgery takes place to correct the baby's problem in that setting or soon after depending on the concern.
  • Through our Fetal Concerns Center of Wisconsin, we can diagnose most congenital defects in unborn babies and offer counseling and coordinate medical care for mother and baby. This allows families and staff time to anticipate needs and plan care, which improves the care provided at birth.
  • We have pediatric-trained anesthesiologists and an excellent Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed by pediatric experts. This helps us achieve better outcomes than our peers.
  • The Froedtert & Medical College Birth Center is located inside Children's Hospital to reduce the time it takes to get a newborn baby into surgery. Research shows outcomes improve when the delivery room and operating room are close together. This also offers families the added convenience of having mother and baby hospitalized near one another.
  • We have a highly specialized Children's Transport Team available 24 hours a day to stabilize and transport seriously sick and injured infants and children to our center. More than 1,500 transports are provided each year.
  • Families traveling from long distances are encouraged to use our Family Accommodations Program to make travel arrangements and coordinate appointments. Children's Hospital has partnered with non-profit organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Kathy's House to offer comfortable, "home away from home" accommodations. Local hotel chains on our referral list also offer discounts for patient families. 

Patients and families:

  • Be an advocate for your child. Participate in daily bedside clinical discussions and provide any information about your child that may be helpful to staff.
  • Follow medical instructions fully and carefully before and after surgery.
  • Ask questions if you don't understand the plan of care or if you are not sure how to care for your child at home.
  • Attend any and all follow-up appointments.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.