NOVEMBER 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 — Cartilage Shield vs. Temporalis Fascia Graft Study

Cartilage-shield grafting provides superior long-term graft stability in retraction-prone ears while maintaining hearing outcomes comparable to temporalis fascia.

• 2. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery — Olfaction Recovery Predictors Study

Preoperative olfactory function and degree of polyp burden are the strongest predictors of postoperative smell improvement after ESS.

• 3. Pediatric OSA — High-Risk Residual Disease Factors After Adenotonsillectomy

Children with obesity, craniofacial narrowing, and severe preoperative AHI are significantly more likely to have residual OSA after adenotonsillectomy.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Nasal Steroid vs. Antihistamine Monotherapy Trial

Intranasal corticosteroids outperform antihistamine sprays for overall symptom control, particularly for congestion and nocturnal symptoms.

• 5. Otitis Media With Effusion — Combined Medical Therapy Trial

A combination of intranasal steroids and autoinflation reduces OME persistence more effectively than either treatment alone in selected children.

• 6. Septoplasty — Endoscopic-Assisted vs. Conventional Technique Study

Endoscopic-assisted septoplasty provides more precise correction of posterior deviations and leads to higher patient satisfaction than conventional septoplasty.

• 7. Meniere’s Disease — Intratympanic Steroid vs. Gentamicin Comparison

Intratympanic steroids reduce vertigo with better hearing preservation, while gentamicin provides greater vertigo control at the cost of higher hearing-risk.

• 8. Snoring / Mild OSA — Tongue-Stimulation Device Trial

Transoral neuromuscular tongue stimulation reduces snoring severity and improves mild OSA indices in patients with tongue-base collapse patterns.

• 9. Pediatric Chronic Rhinitis — Montelukast Adjunct Study

Montelukast offers modest additional benefit when added to intranasal steroids in children with allergic rhinitis and nighttime symptoms.

• 10. Voice Disorders — Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Therapy Study

Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises significantly improve vocal efficiency and perceived dysphonia in patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders.