Journal Reviews
SpeechEasy® for stuttering
In this article, the authors describe their experiences with an altered auditory feedback (AAF) device: SpeechEasy® during a random clinical trial. AAF has been reported in other laboratory studies to reduce stuttering events without influencing the rate, intensity or frequency...
Do intratympanic injections require local anaesthesia?
Intratympanic injections are becoming increasingly acceptable in the management of Meniere’s disease, tinnitus and sudden hearing loss. This is because they avoid the need for hospitalisation and can be performed as low-cost outpatient procedures. It is traditional to freeze the...
SPECT-CT imaging improves surgical efficiency in sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used in clinically lymph node negative, primary cutaneous melanoma. A combination of planer lymposcintigraphy using a radiolabelled colloid detected intra-op by gamma probe, and cutaneous injection of blue dye is used. However, with lymphoscintigraphy spillage...
BAHAs in single-sided deafness doesn’t improve sound localisation
This systematic review from South Korea nicely summarises what we know about SSD (single-sided deafness) and hearing rehabilitation with BAHAs (Bone Anchored Hearing Aids). SSD was defined as a PTA greater than 90 dB and a normal hearing opposite ear...
Basic principles of bioengineering and regeneration
The ability to create de novo tissue to replace that removed from patients during surgery is a relatively recent advance. However, this is a fast-moving field and one which surgeons must be aware of from practical, ethical and scientific viewpoints....
Tissue engineered flaps
This article provides a thorough summary of the current techniques available in head and neck reconstruction. It details the challenge of restoration of form and function posed by the shape of the craniofacial skeleton and soft tissue. The introduction on...
Another paper advocating resection templates
Resection in the head and neck region leads to complex defects with significant impairment in function. Reconstruction is even more difficult and to improve the accuracy of both resection and reconstruction a number of aids are used. With the improved...
Comparison between objective and subjective BPPV
BPPV presentation in ENT clinics is variable. The objective of this study was to examine differences in demographic and clinical features, as well as treatment outcomes, between classic objective BPPV (O-BPPV) and subjective BPPV (S-BPPV). Unlike classic BPPV (with nystagmus),...
Minimal or not so minimal?
Parathyroidectomy is usually a straightforward technique when the target gland has been accurately determined. Surgical excision is usually through a small midline incision. With the advent of video assisted surgery, trials have been made to use this technique in parathyroidectomy....
Postoperative recovery in children after ENT surgery
This Belgian prospective study reported on the postoperative recovery time after routine ENT surgery (grommets, adenotonsillectomy), and compared parental estimations of postoperative pain with those of the child themselves (however, the authors do admit that many of the children included...
Literature review of experience with the BAHA Attract implant
The authors undertook a literature review for reports on patients who underwent BAHA Attract implantation. Of the 497 PubMed articles, 10 studies met their inclusion criteria. All the studies published were observational studies. There were no randomised control trials. The...
Vitamin C analgesia for UPPP
Postoperative pain management after uvulopharyngopalatoplasty is a common clinical problem. This well-designed study from Iran describes the novel use of vitamin C as an analgesic. The precise mechanism of action is not clearly defined, but appears to be related to...
