FEbruary 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. Endoscopic Tympanoplasty — Short vs. Long Graft Support Study

Shorter-duration external support after endoscopic tympanoplasty leads to similar graft success with less postoperative discomfort compared to prolonged packing.

• 2. CRS With Nasal Polyps — Dupilumab Real-World Outcomes

Dupilumab markedly improves polyp burden, smell, and symptom scores in severe type-2 CRSwNP patients refractory to surgery and steroids.

• 3. Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea — Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Predictive Study

DISE findings reliably predict which children are most likely to have incomplete improvement after adenotonsillectomy.

• 4. Acute Sinusitis — Antibiotic vs. Symptomatic Management Comparison

Most adult acute sinusitis cases improve with symptomatic treatment alone, with antibiotics providing only modest additional benefit in severe or prolonged cases.

• 5. Tympanoplasty — Cartilage vs. Perichondrium Graft Outcomes

Cartilage grafts show higher long-term stability than perichondrium in high-risk perforations without compromising hearing results.

• 6. Laryngeal Hypersensitivity / Chronic Throat Irritation Study

Neuromodulator therapy (gabapentin-style regimens) significantly reduces chronic throat-clearing and globus symptoms attributed to sensory neuropathy.

• 7. Allergic Rhinitis — SLIT vs. SCIT Effectiveness Comparison

Both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy improve symptoms and reduce medication use, but SCIT shows slightly greater long-term clinical effect.

• 8. Sleep-Disordered Breathing — Nasal Valve Reconstruction Outcomes

Nasal valve reinforcement procedures improve airflow and reduce snoring severity in patients with structural nasal valve collapse.

• 9. Otitis Media — Adenoid Size and Middle-Ear Disease Correlation Study

Adenoid hypertrophy strongly correlates with recurrent OME, supporting adenoidectomy in children with persistent disease beyond age four.

• 10. Vocal Fold Nodules — Behavioral Therapy vs. Surgery Study

Structured voice therapy achieves symptom improvement comparable to phonomicrosurgery for most small vocal fold nodules, avoiding surgical morbidity.