April 2024

This monthly review presents curated summaries of noteworthy ENT research and clinically relevant publications, compiled by Dr. Rohan S. Navelkar to support evidence-based, structured and exam-oriented ENT learning. 

• 1. Endoscopic Stapes Surgery — Early Hearing Outcomes Study

Endoscopic stapedotomy achieves similar early hearing gains to microscopic surgery with better intraoperative visualization of the oval window niche.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Postoperative Steroid Irrigation Frequency Trial

Twice-daily budesonide irrigations improve postoperative mucosal healing and symptom scores more than once-daily irrigations after ESS.

• 3. Pediatric Tonsillitis — Corticosteroid Adjunct Study

A single-dose oral corticosteroid added to standard therapy provides faster pain relief and earlier return to normal feeding in acute pediatric tonsillitis.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Immunotherapy vs. Combination Topical Therapy

Allergen immunotherapy produces more durable symptom reduction than combined topical steroid–antihistamine treatment in moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis.

• 5. Otitis Externa — Topical Antiseptic vs. Antibiotic Drops Study

Topical antiseptics are as effective as antibiotic drops for uncomplicated otitis externa and help reduce antibiotic overuse.

• 6. Septoplasty — Functional Outcomes in Deviated Nose Patients

Septoplasty significantly improves nasal obstruction in patients with external nasal deviation, though cosmetic deformity often requires adjunct rhinoplasty.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Pepsin Detection Correlation Study

Positive pepsin assays correlate strongly with symptom severity and treatment responsiveness in LPR patients.

• 8. Sleep Apnea — Inferior Turbinate Reduction as Adjunct to CPAP Tolerance

Inferior turbinate reduction improves nasal airflow and significantly enhances CPAP compliance in OSA patients with turbinate hypertrophy.

• 9. Tympanoplasty — Tragal Cartilage vs. Conchal Cartilage Graft Comparison

Tragal and conchal cartilage grafts provide equivalent closure and hearing results, allowing surgeons to choose graft source based on anatomical preference.

• 10. Pediatric Rhinosinusitis — Early Antibiotic vs. Watchful Waiting Trial

Most mild pediatric CRS cases improve with watchful waiting, with antibiotics offering modest additional benefit only in prolonged or severe presentations.