may 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 Stapes Surgery Outcome Comparison

Endoscopic stapes surgery offers comparable audiological improvement to microscopic techniques with reduced postoperative discomfort and faster return to normal activities.

• 2. Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps — Steroid Irrigation vs. Standard Spray

High-volume steroid irrigations provide superior symptom and polyp-size reduction compared with standard intranasal steroid sprays.

• 3. Pediatric Tonsillitis Antibiotic Stewardship Study

A delayed-prescription strategy safely reduces unnecessary antibiotic use in pediatric tonsillitis without increasing complication rates.

• 4. Septoplasty With Turbinate Reduction — Long-term Outcomes Study

Septoplasty combined with turbinate reduction yields durable improvements in nasal obstruction, especially in patients with preoperative turbinate hypertrophy.

• 5. Myringoplasty Success Predictors Study

Larger perforations and active mucosal disease predict lower graft success rates, while smoking cessation significantly improves outcomes.

• 6. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss — Steroid Route Comparison (Oral vs. Intratympanic)

Intratympanic steroids provide similar hearing recovery to systemic steroids and serve as an effective option for patients with steroid intolerance.

• 7. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux — Diet vs. Medication Study

Plant-based, low-acid diets result in symptom improvement comparable to PPI therapy in mild-to-moderate LPR.

• 8. Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube — Adult Outcomes at 12 Months

Balloon dilation maintains significant long-term symptom relief and improved middle-ear ventilation in appropriately selected adults.

• 9. Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy — Outfracture vs. Submucosal Resection Comparison

Submucosal resection achieves greater long-term airway improvement than outfracture alone, though with slightly higher early postoperative discomfort.

• 10. Snoring Intervention Study — Nasal Valve Stabilization Device

A nasal valve stabilization device reduces snoring intensity and improves subjective sleep quality in patients with nasal valve collapse–related snoring.