July 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 — Endoscopic vs. Microscopic Graft Success Study

Endoscopic tympanoplasty provides graft success rates equivalent to microscopic surgery while improving access to anterior perforations and reducing morbidity.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Postoperative Steroid Irrigation vs. Spray-Only

High-volume steroid irrigations yield superior postoperative inflammation control and symptom improvement compared with spray-only therapy after ESS.

• 3. Pediatric OSA — Objective Speech and Growth Changes After Adenotonsillectomy

Adenotonsillectomy results in measurable improvements in speech resonance and growth parameters in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Second-Generation Antihistamine Comparison Trial

Second-generation antihistamines provide similar overall symptom relief, but cetirizine shows slightly better control of sneezing and rhinorrhea in moderate allergic rhinitis.

• 5. Otitis Externa — Acetic Acid vs. Steroid–Antibiotic Combination Study

Acetic acid is as effective as steroid–antibiotic drops in resolving uncomplicated otitis externa and avoids unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

• 6. Septoplasty — Quality-of-Life Improvement Predictors

Patients with severe baseline obstruction and clear anatomical deviation experience the greatest post-septoplasty symptom improvement.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Speech Therapy vs. Medication Study

Speech therapy targeting laryngeal muscle tension improves throat discomfort and voice quality more consistently than PPI therapy alone.

• 8. Snoring — Palatal Stiffening Implant Trial

Palatal stiffening implants reduce snoring intensity and bed-partner disturbance with minimal downtime in selected non-OSA snorers.

• 9. Myringotomy With Tube Insertion — Effect of Allergy Status

Children with underlying allergic disease exhibit higher recurrence rates of middle-ear effusion after tympanostomy tube extrusion.

• 10. Meniere’s Disease — Intratympanic Steroid Rescue Therapy

Intratympanic steroid injections provide meaningful short-term vertigo reduction in patients unresponsive to dietary and medical therapy.