Dr Katerina Karamali, MD, MSc, FEB ORL-HNS, Senior Head and Neck Fellow, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
The announcement of rhino refresher was such a pleasant surprise to me as I have been α bit out of routine rhinology clinics and Ι was very keen on the idea of quick, low cost online revision. The programme from the European Rhinology Society (ERS) covered wide range of topics and it was covered by speakers across Europe and USA. They covered common topics such as chronic rhinosinusitis, septoplasty outcomes, sinus imaging and management of intraoperative complications. It was very educational for trainees as well as general ENT.
The speakers also touched on more niche topics. For example, rhinoplasty assessment and approaches by Professor Saleh and the role of objective testing in sinonasal assessment by Miss Rennie, which prompt me to read the EPOS in diagnostic tools in rhinology. They also covered more complicated subjects, such as CSF leak management and indications for biologics.
A new innovative inferior meatus augmentation procedure, with very promising outcomes for empty nose syndrome, was presented by the Professor Nayak from Stanford. There was a helpful presentation on septal perforations repairs with excellent illustration of techniques by Dr Alobid. I personally found the presentations for the current and future practice for sinonasal malignancies the most fascinating and useful to me, as this is part of my current fellowship practice.
Although I felt that it was a bit intense, I do not believe there is any other way to cover so many topics in one day. It was excellent for revision but possibly a bit challenging for someone who is unfamiliar with the information already. Overall, I thought it was a great initiative, well-organised and I hope that we will copy the idea to other subspecialties. Such revision days are an excellent opportunity to refresh our pre-existing knowledge and to point out areas for further reading.
Huge thank you to the organisers, Professor C Hopkins, Dr M Speth and Dr D Liu.
