Journal Reviews
N-acetylcysteine may have a role in the protection of cochlear hair cells
Gentamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic which is widely used throughout the world, despite its ototoxic potential. It therefore seems wise to continue the search for accessible otoprotective agents. The aim of this study was to clarify the potential protective role...
Nasal packing after septoplasty
This Turkish study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of nasal packings on middle ear pressure in patients undergoing septoplasty. The authors reference several articles that describe eustachian tube dysfunction, temporary ear fullness and mild pain due to...
Reasons for rejection of BAHA in patients with unilateral hearing loss
Ever since Tjellström first developed the procedure of BAHA implantation, the techniques have come a long way towards faster and more convenient surgical methods to offer better hearing for a wide variety of conditions. Unilateral hearing loss has now been...
Benefits of combined antiviral and corticosteroid therapy in Bell’s palsy and the role of decompression surgery
Early use of steroids has been established as standard management in Bell’s palsy but simultaneous use of antiviral agents has variable acceptance. This review article analyses statistically based evidence to settle the issue. High quality evidence from a 2009 Cochrane...
The benefits of early voice therapy for unilateral vocal cord paralysis
This retrospective review of voice outcomes following a diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis divided patients into three groups according to the time of initiation of voice therapy following the onset of paralysis. The ‘early’ group started voice therapy within...
Surgical anatomy for central auditory device implantation
This cadaveric study by researchers in the USA and Japan examined the cerebellopontine angles with the aid of the surgical microscope and 45o endoscope via the retrosigmoid and translabyrinthine approach. Using fibre dissection technique, the ascending auditory pathways between the...
Botulinum toxin and drooling – how much, how often and where?
This was an incredibly useful article covering all aspects of the use of botulinum toxin as a treatment modality in sialorrhoea. The article starts by outlining why treating sialorrhoea is important and describes the non-pharmacological and pharmacological options, highlighting that...
Tongue tie – just a snip?
This article regarding ankyloglossia raises an eyebrow; surely it’s just a snip isn’t it? Seemingly not. The authors describe two types of tongue tie – the first being posterior, with the frenulum being short and tight, the second being anterior,...
Post-cancer prosthodontic reconstruction
A functional outcome after head and neck cancer resection is aimed at restoring speech and swallow. Dental reconstruction greatly facilitates this, particularly by enabling the patient to chew food. The authors reinforce the need for careful presurgical planning with treatment...
3D printed temporal bones for drilling are here!
It was only a matter of time before the 3D printer was used to help us with simulated temporal bone (TB) drilling. This group printed three paediatric TB models and evaluated their quality. They were found to be of ‘high...
Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
This is a very nicely written overview of this difficult condition by two expert rhinologists with a tertiary practice. The genetic basis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, natural history and available management options are all discussed. Clearly there is a large spectrum of...
Budesonide irrigation in polyposis
It is very well known through many RCTs and now meta-analyses that saline-based irrigation is beneficial in patients after sinus surgery. It is also demonstrated that intranasal steroids are beneficial postoperatively but there is also a trend for steroid based...
