July 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 vs. Microscopic Ossiculoplasty (Comparative Study)

Endoscopic ossiculoplasty provides comparable hearing improvement to microscopic surgery while offering better visualization of hidden recesses.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis — High-Dose Budesonide Irrigation Trial

High-dose budesonide irrigations significantly reduce inflammation and symptom burden in refractory CRS without increasing systemic steroid exposure.

• 3. Pediatric Tonsillar Hypertrophy — Watchful Waiting vs. Early Surgery

Early tonsil surgery improves sleep-related symptoms faster than observation, though many mild cases improve spontaneously over several months.

• 4. Acute Otitis Media — Amoxicillin Duration Study

Shorter antibiotic courses (5 days) remain as effective as standard 10-day regimens for uncomplicated AOM in children.

• 5. Tympanoplasty — Endoscopic Underlay vs. Inlay Comparison

Underlay endoscopic grafting yields higher anatomical success than inlay techniques, especially for larger perforations.

• 6. Deviated Septum — Objective Nasal Flow Assessment Study

Objective airflow measurements correlate strongly with patient-reported obstruction, supporting their use in surgical candidacy evaluation.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Alginate vs. PPI Study

Alginate therapy provides symptom relief comparable to PPIs for mild-to-moderate LPR with fewer medication-related side effects.

• 8. Snoring & Mild OSA — Myofunctional Therapy Trial

Daily oropharyngeal exercises reduce snoring frequency and mild OSA indices, particularly in patients with tongue-base collapse patterns.

• 9. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo — Repositioning Maneuver Comparison

Modified Epley maneuvers demonstrate slightly higher immediate vertigo resolution rates than standard Epley in posterior canal BPPV.

• 10. Pediatric Epiglottitis — Risk Factor Update Study

Vaccinated children continue to experience low rates of epiglottitis, with most modern cases linked to non-Hib pathogens and underlying airway vulnerabilities.