SEPtember 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 Cartilage vs. Fascia Graft Comparison

Cartilage grafting provides superior long-term graft stability compared with fascia in ears prone to retraction, while maintaining similar auditory outcomes.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Steroid-Eluting Implant Study

Steroid-eluting implants significantly reduce postoperative edema, scarring, and need for debridement after ESS in high-risk CRS patients.

• 3. Pediatric OSA — DISE-Guided Surgical Planning Trial

DISE-guided surgery improves postoperative airway outcomes more reliably than anatomy-only surgical planning in pediatric OSA.

• 4. Allergic Rhinitis — Combination Azelastine–Fluticasone vs. Steroid Monotherapy Trial

The azelastine–fluticasone combination spray produces faster and greater symptom improvement than intranasal corticosteroids alone.

• 5. Otitis Media — Recurrent AOM Prophylaxis Study

Daily xylitol reduces the frequency of recurrent acute otitis media episodes in young children.

• 6. Septoplasty — High-Flow Nasal Airflow Measurements Study

Objective post-septoplasty nasal airflow improvements strongly correlate with patient-reported obstruction relief.

• 7. Vestibular Migraine — Prophylaxis Treatment Comparison

Both beta-blockers and topiramate reduce vertigo frequency, but topiramate yields greater improvement in migrainous symptoms.

• 8. Pediatric Rhinosinusitis — Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Medical Therapy

Balloon sinuplasty offers symptom improvement in selected pediatric CRS patients who have failed prolonged medical therapy.

• 9. LPR — Dietary Therapy vs. PPI Trial

Mediterranean-style, low-acid diets provide symptom relief comparable to PPI therapy in mild-to-moderate LPR cases.

• 10. Snoring — Palatal Radiofrequency Ablation Outcomes

Palatal radiofrequency ablation reduces snoring loudness and partner-reported disturbance with minimal postoperative morbidity.