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The artificial eardrum: how an eggshell membrane fed a German ENT family

In the pre-antibiotic era, purulent otitis media often resulted in a permanent eardrum perforation with hearing loss. In addition to pig or fish bladders, eggshell membranes and cigarette paper were used as eardrum prostheses. I have vivid personal boyhood memories...

The Indian method: Sushruta’s influence on modern nasal reconstruction

Ancient Indian medicine, as documented in the Sushruta Samhita, contains one of the earliest known references to nasal reconstruction, including surgical techniques still resembling modern practices. (The Sanskrit word ‘Samhita’ is used to define a collection of written work, similar...

Kallmann’s Syndrome

‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’ (Shakespeare) Kallmann’s Syndrome (KS), or hereditary hypogonadal anosmia, is a rare genetic disorder characterised by delayed or absent puberty and anosmia. It is named after Franz Kallmann, but he was...

Michelle – Chevalier Jackson’s choking doll: Simulation in paediatric airway management 100 years ago

Simulation has become an indispensable tool in modern paediatric airway management as it offers clinicians the opportunity to practise complex procedures in a safe, controlled environment [1], although challenges will always remain in replicating the true anatomical proportions and tactile...

The use of a tactical throat mic guitar amp system to improve communication in theatre in the COVID era

During the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic, current guidelines dictate that surgical teams wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in theatre. Currently this is, at a minimum, an FFP3 respirator, a visor, fluid repellent gown and gloves [1]. Many surgeons, particularly in...

New international collaboration: Young Otolaryngologists of IFOS – ‘YO-IFOS’

The Young Otolaryngologists of IFOS, founded in Paris in 2017, has an ambition to fulfil four key missions at an international level: education, research, networking and congress-related activities. Kate Stephenson tells us more about this exciting initiative. During the recent...

BACO: evolution and modernisation

Chairing the local organising committee is no small task, but it has a personal connection for Tim Woolford, as he tells us. I attended my first BACO in Manchester as a registrar, and have attended every one since. In July,...

A patient-centred approach from the patient’s point of view

Seeking help for hearing loss is often a big step for patients. Shari Eberts, a hearing health advocate living with hearing loss, explains why, and gives us her five top tips to improve patient-centred care in such cases. Sensorineural hearing...