January 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. Tympanoplasty — Endoscopic vs. Microscopic Visualization Study

Endoscopic tympanoplasty offers superior visualization of anterior and hidden recess perforations while achieving equivalent graft success to microscopic techniques.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — Long-Term Outcomes After ESS

Endoscopic sinus surgery provides durable long-term symptom and quality-of-life improvement, especially in patients with high preoperative disease burden.

• 3. Pediatric Tonsillitis — Rapid Antigen Test Accuracy Update

Modern rapid streptococcal antigen tests show high negative predictive value, safely reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in children.

• 4. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction — Pressure Equalization Balloon Trial

Balloon dilation improves ETD symptoms and middle-ear ventilation more effectively than medical therapy alone in adults with chronic obstructive ETD.

• 5. Allergic Rhinitis — Combined Antihistamine–Steroid Spray vs. Single-Agent Study

Combination antihistamine–steroid nasal spray provides faster and greater symptom relief than monotherapy, particularly in moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis.

• 6. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — PPI vs. H2-Blocker Comparison

PPIs offer greater improvement than H2-blockers for classic LPR symptoms, but neither significantly improves isolated globus sensation.

• 7. Otitis Media With Effusion — Intranasal Steroid Trial

Intranasal steroids show minimal benefit for OME resolution in children without allergic rhinitis, suggesting limited routine value.

• 8. Deviated Nasal Septum — Objective Airflow Change After Septoplasty

Septoplasty leads to significant objective improvements in nasal airflow that correlate closely with subjective symptom relief.

• 9. Pediatric Recurrent Epistaxis — Moisturization vs. Silver Nitrate Study

Regular nasal moisturization reduces recurrence nearly as effectively as silver nitrate cautery while avoiding procedural discomfort.

• 10. Snoring / Mild OSA — Oral Appliance Retention Study

Mandibular advancement devices significantly reduce snoring intensity and AHI in mild OSA but require ongoing adherence monitoring due to long-term dropout.