OCTOBER 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. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Long-Term ESS vs. Medical Therapy Cohort

Endoscopic sinus surgery provides more durable symptom relief and lower long-term recurrence rates than maximal medical therapy in refractory CRS.

• 2. Tympanoplasty — Endoscopic Transcanal vs. Postauricular Microscopic Approach

Endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty achieves equal graft success with less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared with postauricular microscopic surgery.

• 3. Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy — Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes Study

Children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing show significant improvements in behavior, school performance, and attention scores.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Immunotherapy Duration Study

Three years of subcutaneous immunotherapy provides sustained multi-year symptom reduction superior to shorter courses.

• 5. Otitis Externa — Steroid–Antibiotic Combination vs. Antibiotic Alone Trial

Combination steroid–antibiotic drops produce faster pain relief and earlier canal swelling resolution than antibiotic-only drops.

• 6. Septoplasty — Outcomes in Patients With Concomitant Allergic Rhinitis

Patients with allergic rhinitis experience meaningful nasal obstruction improvement after septoplasty, though overall benefit is slightly less than in non-allergic patients.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Reflux Episode Pattern Study

Non-acid and mixed reflux episodes are common in LPR patients and explain persistent symptoms despite PPI therapy.

• 8. Sleep Apnea — Nasal Surgery Impact on CPAP Acceptance

Nasal surgery significantly improves CPAP tolerance and reduces required pressures in adults with nasal obstruction–associated OSA.

• 9. Pediatric Otitis Media — Predictors of Early Recurrence After Ventilation Tubes

Young age, daycare attendance, and allergic disease are strong predictors of early recurrence following tympanostomy tube insertion.

• 10. Voice — Resonant Voice Therapy Trial

Resonant voice therapy improves voice quality and reduces vocal strain more effectively than simple vocal hygiene instruction alone.