Journal Reviews archive for 2015
Combined endoscopic and transcutaneous approach for removal of parotid stones
The authors describe a small case series (n=8) of patients with obstructive symptoms from sialolithiasis of the parotid gland. A combined endoscopic and transcutaneous approach was used. The position of the stone in Stensen’s duct was identified by endoscopic transillumination....
Damage to the cochlear nucleus with electrocautery to the cochlear nerve
This study is of importance to neurotologists and neurosurgeons. It is unclear why patients with NF2 have poorer outcomes with an auditory brainstem implant compared to non-tumour patients. This effect is postulated to be due to damage to certain cells...
Rhinosinusitis in secondary school children - Part 2: main project analysis of MSNOT-20 Young Persons Questionnaire (MSYPQ)
Rhinosinusitis in secondary school children - Part 2: main project analysis of MSNOT-20 Young Persons Questionnaire (MSYPQ) This study used the modified SNOT-20 in Young Persons Questionnaire (MSYPQ) to evaluate the prevalence and effects of rhinosinusitis in adolescent children (aged...
Quality of life after FESS or balloon sinuplasty
This randomised control trial compared the SNOT-22 questionnaires both pre-operatively and three months post-operatively in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing either FESS or balloon sinuplasty to the maxillary sinus. Forty two patients participated in the study, 21 in each treatment...
Quality of life outcomes in paediatric endoscopic sinus surgery
This prospective cohort study evaluated chronic rhinosinusitis patients aged 5-18 years undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery in terms of quality of life. General and chronic rhinosinusitis surveys were completed by the parents and the child pre-ESS and at 30-90 days post-operatively....
Ultrasound assessment of metastatic disease
This Japanese study of 10 patients over 15 years, assesses the role of ultrasonography in assessing metastatic disease to the thyroid gland, specifically renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC). Whilst uncommon, the authors state that there is a favourable prognosis when...
Local dexamethasone infiltration in tonsillectomy
Intravenous dexamethasone is routinely given during tonsillectomy for its effects on postoperative pain and nausea. This Chinese randomised study divided 240 children undergoing tonsillectomy into three groups, receiving either no steroid, intravenous dexamethasone, or the same amount of dexamethasone infiltrated...
Chemo-radiation in elderly patients with head and neck cancers
Chemo-radiotherapy is the standard of care for organ preservation in stage three and four oropharyngeal cancer, prospective data on patients over 65 has not been available as they are usually excluded from randomised trials. This paper reviews the experience of...
Seeking medical attention with tonsillectomy complications depends on who you are. Lessons from the USA
In the current UK model, NHS care is free at point of access so there are no perceived economic barriers to seeking attention with postoperative complications. This study from the US examines surgical and emergency room databases from across California,...
External auditory canal carcinoma
Although uncommon, primary malignant tumours of the external auditory canal (EAC) are associated with a poor prognosis as they often present late. In this study the authors evaluate the clinical and pathological factors associated with treatment and outcome of EAC...
Cochlear implantation and inner ear malformations
In this study the authors attempted to compare the outcomes in children who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) with inner ear malformations to those that had normal inner ear anatomy. Sixty three children with prelingual deafness who underwent CI were included....
Botulinum toxin in ENT
This comprehensive review neatly summarises non-cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin within otorhinolaryngology, it is perhaps easy to forget the medical use of botulinum toxin has now been approved for the last thirty years. Its overall safety profile places it as...
