Journal Reviews
Skull base imaging: a review
This excellent review paper describes the anatomy, imaging protocols and differentiating imaging findings on CT and MRI in myriad skull base lesions. Skull base protocol MRI and thin section CT are required to evaluate all skull base lesions. According to...
Deep space neck infections and their management
This article explores the approach to managing patients with deep space neck infections. Clearly, an understanding of the fascial planes within the neck is required which then provides an understanding of the route of spread in these cases. The authors...
Simulation and otologic surgery
Ensuring adequate exposure and developing surgical skills for trainees has been an ongoing challenge. In this article, the authors reviewed the role of simulation and its role in developing skills in otologic surgery for trainees. Virtual-reality (VR) simulation models have...
Advances in diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis
This article reviews advances in the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis. Recent advances in the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis include testing of local immunoglobulin E (IgE), urinary test to diagnose aspirin hypersensitivity and optical rhinometry to assess degree of...
Omalizumab for CRSwNP: a monoclonal antibody
A prospective study from London, evaluating the response of chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyposis who were being treated with monoclonal antibody against IgE for severe allergic asthma. Thirteen patients were treated with Omalizumab, according to UK guidelines for their...
Above and beyond interprofessional learning
There has been a significant focus on interprofessional education for all health professionals over recent years. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association became a member of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies (in America) in 2016. These competencies provide four core competencies...
The earlier the better: learning to work together
Working as part of a team can be the most challenging aspect of any health professional’s job role. The authors of this article acknowledge that this is frequently considered a skill that can only be learnt ‘on the job’. Yet...
We all need to support the human rights of people with communication difficulties
This article starts by reminding us of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) of which article 19 stated: ‘‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference...
Does turbinoplasty outcome vary in the presence of allergic disease?
This well organised study from Australia looks at inferior turbinoplasty outcomes in patients with allergy and non-allergic rhinitis who have become refractory to medical treatment. There were 190 patients undergoing turbinoplasty with or without septoplasty assessed in this case-control study...
Is combined two wall decompression approach a better surgical outcome for Grave’s orbitopathy?
This retrospective study looked at the outcome of endoscopic medial wall combined with transcutaneous lateral orbital wall decompression in Graves’ orbitopathy. The following parameters were studied: reduction in proptosis; change in visual acuity and diplopia. A total of 36 orbits...
Graft material success for tympanoplasty
This retrospective Belgian study looked at the success rates of xenograft and human allograft materials as alternatives to more common autograft materials like fascia, fat or cartilage. A total of 71 consecutive patients who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty were included,...
Parathyroid surgery in day care
Targeted parathyroid adenoma excision via preoperative ultrasound and radionuclide scanning techniques allow accurate localisation of the affected gland, allowing a minimally invasive surgical approach. The authors reviewed 144 cases undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Of these 67 were eligible for...
