January 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. Tympanoplasty — Fat Plug vs. Cartilage Graft for Small Perforations

Fat plug myringoplasty closes small central perforations nearly as effectively as cartilage grafting but with shorter operative time and less morbidity.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Long-Term Outcomes After Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty provides durable symptom improvement in selected CRS patients, particularly those without severe polyposis or eosinophilic disease.

• 3. Pediatric OSA — Adenotonsillectomy Impact on Blood Pressure

Adenotonsillectomy leads to modest reductions in systolic blood pressure in children with OSA, especially in those with severe preoperative disease.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Nasal Steroid vs. Saline Irrigation Study

Nasal steroids outperform saline irrigations for overall symptom control, though saline provides meaningful relief of congestion and crusting.

• 5. Otitis Media With Effusion — Hearing Outcomes After Grommet Insertion

Ventilation tube placement rapidly improves hearing in OME, but long-term outcomes depend on resolution of underlying Eustachian tube dysfunction.

• 6. Septoplasty — Recovery and Symptom Resolution Time Course Study

Most patients achieve maximal symptomatic improvement within 4–6 weeks after septoplasty, with minimal additional gains beyond three months.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Effectiveness of Combined PPI + Diet Therapy

Combining PPIs with a low-acid diet results in greater symptom reduction than either approach alone in moderate LPR.

• 8. Snoring — Oral Appliance vs. Positional Therapy Study

Oral appliances reduce snoring more effectively than positional therapy in patients with mild OSA or supine-dependent snoring.

• 9. Pediatric Rhinosinusitis — Role of Adenoidectomy Alone

Adenoidectomy alone significantly improves symptoms in many children with CRS, reducing the need for sinus surgery.

• 10. Voice — Circumlaryngeal Manual Therapy Outcomes

Circumlaryngeal manual therapy produces rapid improvement in vocal strain and phonatory effort in muscle tension dysphonia.