October 2025

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. Comparative Outcomes of Endoscopic Septoplasty vs. Conventional Septoplasty

Endoscopic septoplasty results in similar symptomatic improvement to conventional approaches but with reduced postoperative discomfort and quicker recovery.

• 2. Balloon Sinuplasty vs. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Prospective Cohort)

Balloon sinuplasty offers meaningful improvement in select chronic rhinosinusitis cases but remains inferior to FESS for patients with polypoid or extensive disease.

• 3. Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Sleep Outcomes Study

Adenotonsillectomy significantly improves sleep-disordered breathing parameters, though a subset of children with obesity or severe baseline OSA show incomplete resolution.

• 4. Turbinate Reduction Technique Comparison (Radiofrequency vs. Microdebrider)

Radiofrequency turbinate reduction yields comparable symptom relief with less postoperative crusting compared with microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty.

• 5. Tympanoplasty Graft Material Comparison (Cartilage vs. Fascia)

Cartilage tympanoplasty provides greater long-term graft stability in retraction-prone ears while maintaining hearing outcomes equivalent to fascia grafting.

• 6. Ototoxicity Monitoring Study in Chronic Ear Disease

Regular audiometric surveillance in chronic otitis patients on long-term ototopical therapy enables earlier detection of reversible threshold shifts than symptom-based follow-up.

• 7. Chronic Rhinitis Medical Therapy Adherence Study

Patients using combination steroid–antihistamine sprays demonstrate better symptom control and higher adherence rates than those on single-agent therapy.

• 8. Early Postoperative Hearing Predictors After Ossiculoplasty

Improvement in air–bone gap at 1 month is a reliable predictor of stable long-term hearing outcomes after ossicular chain reconstruction.

• 9. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Treatment Response Study

Twice-daily PPI therapy yields modest improvement in LPR symptoms, but non-acid triggers and lifestyle factors remain major determinants of long-term control.

• 10. Snoring / Mild OSA Positional Therapy Trial

Positional therapy significantly reduces snoring intensity and apnea–hypopnea frequency in positional OSA, though adherence tends to decline over 6–12 months.