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The microbiological environment of the paranasal sinuses

This article reviews the ecology of the sinuses and tries to make sense of the confusing literature on the subject. This covers the details of molecular studies, particularly those which attempt to differentiate normal sinuses from those in patients with...

Olfactory neuronal damage in sinusitis

So many patients with nasal disorders have poor olfactory function, yet sometimes the nose may seem comparatively clear of conductive problems. This study postulated that neuronal damage in the olfactory apparatus would lead to a leakage of neuron specific enolase...

A spoonful of sugar… helps the operated sinuses calm down?

Ottoviano et al. present a prospective double-blinded RCT to assess the effect of a nasal gel containing silver sucrose octasulfate (Silsos Gel) on wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery. The placebo used was a glycol gel. Thirty-four consecutive patients were...

No soup for you…! Early identification of postoperative perforation increases the success of conservative management

Iatrogenic perforation of the hypopharynx or cervical oesophagus is a well-recognised life-threatening complication. Previous studies have demonstrated that conservative management with broad-spectrum antibiotics and withholding oral feeding may avoid morbidity associated with surgical repair. This study addresses when conservative management...

The theory of everything (tonsil)?

Tonsil sepsis can manifest as acute tonsillitis, a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) or rarely as an intra-tonsillar (ITA) abscess. Whilst the management of these conditions is familiar to ENT surgeons from early in training, perhaps little attention has been paid to...

Smell and mental health

This national survey from Korea asked questions about many aspects of health and one of these was about sense of smell. The prevalence of olfactory problems was 5% in the adult group surveyed, and other studies would suggest that this...

Combined sprays for allergic rhinitis maintenance

This meta-analysis looked at the reported efficacy for allergic rhinitis control of various topical sprays, particularly comparative studies. There were fewer ‘head to head’ studies than we would have hoped to exist. This review included intranasal anti-histamines, intranasal steroids and...

Management of infantile haemagiomas of the airway

This paper reviews the diagnosis and management of infantile haemagiomas (IH) affecting the airway. Approximately half of infants with this condition would also have cutaneous haemagiomas which are usually in the beard distribution. IH could affect any parts of the...

Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery – From the Lab to the Operating Room: an Evidence-based Approach

There have been many attempts to comprehensively address the topic of ‘Rhinology’, however Georgalas and Fokkens in their new book Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery – From the lab to the operating room: an evidence-based approach, have managed to deliver...