Salvage intratympanic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss: our real-life experience in 32 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of salvage intratympanic steroid injections in patients presenting with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss following a poor response to initial oral steroid treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient records over the course of four years was conducted, and pure tone thresholds were reviewed before treatment, after oral steroid therapy and six weeks after intratympanic steroid injection therapy. RESULTS: After oral steroid therapy alone, there was a mean average threshold change of 6.2 dB HL (range, -13.8-33.8 dB). This change was statistically significant for severely affected patients (those with an average presenting threshold of over 71 dB). The mean average threshold improvement following intratympanic steroid injection therapy was 2.9 dB (range, -22.5-61.3 dB); this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Some patients experienced moderate improvement following intratympanic steroid injection therapy; however, no specific subgroup was identified to benefit more from intratympanic steroid injection therapy.

The utility of lateral neck radiographs in the management of fish bones.

BACKGROUND: Lateral neck radiographs are commonly used in the investigation and management of patients presenting with suspected fish bone impaction. The effectiveness of these is questioned, as many fish do not have radio-opaque bones. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the utility of lateral neck radiographs in the management of patients presenting with fish bones retained in the upper aerodigestive tract, with the creation of a treatment algorithm to guide further management. METHODS: An audit of practice was undertaken at the University Hospital of Southampton, identifying all patients admitted with potential fish bone impaction in the upper aerodigestive tract. Following analysis, a treatment algorithm was constructed for use by junior doctors. RESULTS: In total, 34 per cent of patients with a normal radiograph were subsequently found to have a fish bone present under local or general anaesthetic assessment. The sensitivity of radiographs in the detection of fish bones was found to be 51.6 per cent. CONCLUSION: Lateral neck radiographs have limited value in the management of suspected fish bone impaction, and should only be used following detailed clinical examination of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Immunological profiling of key inflammatory drivers of nasal polyp formation and growth in chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the upper airways, often associated with the formation of nasal polyps (CRSwNP). It is well established that macroscopically normal (non-polypoidal) sinonasal mucosa in CRSwNP patients can undergo polypoidal change over time, turning into frank polyps. However, little is known about what drives this process. This study aimed to investigate potential drivers of nasal polyp formation or growth through comparison of the immunological profiles of nasal polyps with contiguous non-polypoidal sinonasal mucosa, from the same patients. METHODS: The immune profiles of three types of tissue were compared; nasal polyps and adjacent non-polypoidal sinonasal mucosa from 10 CRSwNP patients, and sinonasal mucosa from 10 control patients undergoing trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery. Nasal polyp and control samples were also stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) using a nasal explant model, prior to cytokine analysis. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (IL-5, T-bet, IL-17A, FoxP3, TLR-4, IL-8, IL-1beta and IL-6) and Luminex (IFNgamma, IL-5 and IL-17A) were used to quantify pro-inflammatory responses. RESULTS: Nasal polyps and contiguous non-polypoidal sinonasal mucosa from CRSwNP patients displayed a very similar pro-inflammatory profile. When stimulated with SEB, nasal polyps displayed a Th2/Th17 mediated response when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In CRSwNP, nasal polyps and non-polypoidal sinonasal mucosa from the same patient displayed a similar pro-inflammatory profile skewed towards the Th2/Th17 pathway in nasal polyps following SEB stimulation, with evidence of disordered bacterial clearance. These factors may contribute to enhanced survival of bacteria and development of a chronic inflammatory milieu, potentially driving new polyp formation and recurrence following surgical removal.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear cavity presenting with Horner's syndrome.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour of striated muscle accounting for 3% of all primary soft tissue tumours of the middle ear cavity. We describe a unique case of a rhabdomyosarcoma of the middle ear cavity in a four-year-old boy, presenting as an otherwise asymptomatic ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. This case involved tumour erosion through the tensor tympani semicanal, accessing the carotid canal and the sympathetic plexus running through it. This child was treated successfully with chemotherapy and proton beam therapy, and remains disease free at six years of follow-up. This case highlights the importance of investigating patients with non-resolving ear infections, polyps or granulation tissue.

A five-year follow-up observational study of the T-14 paediatric throat disorders outcome measure in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The T-14 questionnaire is a validated outcome measurement tool to assess the value of paediatric tonsillectomy from a parent's perspective. There is a paucity of data regarding the long-term postoperative effects of tonsillectomy on quality of life in the paediatric population. Our previous study assessed T-14 scores up to year 2 postoperatively, with this study extending follow-up to 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We undertook a prospective uncontrolled observational study examining 54 paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Parents of children undergoing surgery were invited to complete a T-14 questionnaire preoperatively, as well as at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and now 5 years postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 44 of 54 patients completed questionnaires preoperatively and at all postoperative time points, with 46 being completed at 5 years. There was a highly significant (P < 0.001) difference between the preoperative scores and all other measured T-14 scores postoperatively. The mean score preoperatively was 33.3 compared with 1.0 at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess long-term quality of life following paediatric tonsillectomy using the T-14 questionnaire. The benefits of tonsillectomy on long-term quality of life further confirms its value within the paediatric population.

The use of visual distraction to improve the tolerability of flexible laryngoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Flexible laryngoscopy is a commonly performed procedure in otolaryngology. Although this procedure is not considered painful, many patients describe it as uncomfortable. This study investigated the role of visual distraction as a form of pain relief during flexible laryngoscopy. METHODS: The study included patients undergoing flexible laryngoscopy at the University Hospital Southampton. Patients were self-allocated to one of four groups: with or without co-phenylcaine anaesthetic spray; and with and without visual distraction. Visual distraction involved the patient watching the procedure concurrently with the clinician, via a video monitor. Pre- and post-procedural discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The use of topical anaesthetic spray was not associated with significantly reduced discomfort scores (p > 0.05). Discomfort scores were significantly reduced in the visual distraction groups (p = 0.04), irrespective of the use of topical anaesthetic spray. CONCLUSION: This small study showed that visual distraction should be considered as a simple and cost-effective alternative to local anaesthetic for flexible laryngoscopy.

Quality of online otolaryngology health information.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 70 per cent of the population search online for medical or health-related information. This study aimed to assess the quality of online health resources available to educate patients on a variety of otolaryngological conditions. METHODS: Two clinicians independently analysed the quality and content of educational websites (patient.co.uk and wikipedia.org) for common and uncommon diagnoses, with cancerresearchuk.org also used to assess two head and neck cancers. RESULTS: Cancerresearchuk.org, followed by patient.co.uk, scored most highly in their ability to inform readers on a selection of otolaryngological conditions. Although wikipedia.org was less likely to include all relevant information and was more difficult to read, it still provided mostly accurate information. CONCLUSION: Where possible, patients should be advised to access professionally maintained health information websites (patient.co.uk and cancerresearchuk.org). However, wikipedia.org can provide adequate information, although it lacks depth and can be difficult to understand.

A guide to new anticoagulant medications for ENT surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to ascertain otolaryngologists' current knowledge of new (e.g. apixaban, rivaroxaban) and old (e.g. warfarin) anticoagulant medications, and to provide an educational overview of new anticoagulants for use by surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was distributed across the Wessex region, UK, to ascertain the levels of knowledge of and confidence in managing patients taking various anticoagulants. In total, 50 questionnaires were completed (41 by trainees and 9 by consultants). A literature review of new anticoagulant medications was then conducted. RESULTS: In general, there was poor clinical and pharmacokinetic knowledge of newly licensed anticoagulant medications. Respondents were more confident in the use of older vs newer forms of anticoagulants. This was true across all grades of doctors, but particularly at the senior level. All respondents stated that they would like to see an educational resource on anticoagulants. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of newly licensed anticoagulation medications is poor. This study has produced an educational resource for the management of anticoagulant agents. A thorough knowledge of these drugs is essential for the acute management of bleeding patients and in peri-operative surgical planning.

A two-year follow-up observational study of the T-14 paediatric throat disorders outcome measure in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The T-14 questionnaire is a validated patient reported outcome measure used to assess the value of paediatric tonsillectomy from the patient's perspective. There are currently limited data revealing the long-term postoperative effects of tonsillectomy on quality of life in the paediatric population. A previously published study was therefore extended to provide additional data at 12 and 24 months following surgery. METHODS: A prospective uncontrolled observational study was undertaken examining 54 paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Parents of children having surgery were invited to complete a T-14 questionnaire preoperatively as well as at 3, 6 (previously published), 12 and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed for 50 of the 54 patients preoperatively as well as at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, with 44 being completed at 24 months. The mean difference between the preoperative T-14 scores and the scores at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery were highly statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study published in the literature to assess the T-14 questionnaire at 12 and 24 months following paediatric tonsillectomy, providing evidence of the ongoing benefit of patient reported outcome measures. This further confirms the value of tonsillectomy in the paediatric population and demonstrates its ongoing positive effects on quality of life.

Patient reported outcome measures in septorhinoplasty surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical procedures incorporating a cosmetic element such as septorhinoplasty and otoplasty are currently under threat in the National Health Service (NHS) as they are deemed to be procedures of 'limited clinical benefit' by many primary care providers. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), which assess the quality of care delivered from the patients' perspective, are becoming increasingly important in documenting the effectiveness of such procedures. METHODS: The Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire, a validated PROM tool, was used to assess patient satisfaction in 141 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery over a 90-month period at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients with a mean follow-up period of 36 months completed the study. The mean ROE score was 73.3%. In addition, 75% of patients questioned were happy with the final result of their operation and 83% would undergo the procedure again if required. These benefits occurred irrespective of age, sex and primary versus revision surgery, and were maintained for up to 71 months following surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that patients are generally satisfied with their functional and cosmetic outcomes following septorhinoplasty surgery. These results help support the case for septorhinoplasty surgery to continue being funded as an NHS procedure.

Controversies in the management of acute tonsillitis: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted with acute tonsillitis generate a substantial workload for the National Health Service (NHS), placing huge financial pressures on an already overstretched budget. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: Due to the difficulty of accurate diagnosis and varying practices across the UK, there exist a number of controversial areas and non-standardised practice. These will be highlighted and tackled within this article. TYPE OF REVIEW AND SEARCH STRATEGY: A literature review, last performed in September 2013, searched PubMed citing variations on the areas of controversies with 'tonsillitis', 'pharyngitis' and 'pharyngotonsillitis' - from 1956 to present with language restrictions. Excluded articles included those regarding sore throat after tonsillectomy and peritonsillar abscess. EVALUATION METHOD: Titles and abstracts were initially screened, and full text of potentially relevant articles obtained. The bibliographies of articles were searched for relevant references. The references were then compiled and reviewed independently by two authors (JB & TB), overseen by the senior author (EK). RESULTS: (i) Diagnosis and investigation: Use of the Centor criteria is inadequate within the secondary care setting. Blood testing is unnecessary in the majority of cases where patients do not require admission, as they are unlikely to change management. (ii) Antibiotics: Antibiotics are likely to be indicated in all those presenting to secondary ENT care, with penicillin being the antibiotic of choice for first-line therapy. (iii) Corticosteroids: Moderate evidence supports the benefit of steroid administration in this patient cohort, advocating a single dose initially followed by reassessment. (iv) Analgesia: Paracetamol and NSAIDs have good evidence of action. Codeine should be used with caution in the paediatric population. (v) Reduced admission rates and early discharge: There is evidence suggesting that a trial of medical therapy prior to admission is beneficial in reducing rates of admission and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Management of acute tonsillitis within a secondary care setting largely consists of anecdotal or relatively low-quality evidence. Thus, much evidence from management comes from expert opinion or practice within a primary care setting. Management across the UK can also vary greatly. An evidence-based review of best practice has been presented here, but further evidence will be required in the future examining the significance of corticosteroids and antibiotic administration in this patient cohort specifically, ensuring practice is evidence based and clinically relevant.

Application of the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (T-14) for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The T-14 questionnaire is a validated patient reported outcome measure (PROM) used to assess the value of paediatric tonsillectomy from the patient's perspective. Tonsillectomy is a procedure under threat. As such, this study aimed to provide further evidence supporting the role of tonsillectomy in the management of recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea. METHODS: A prospective uncontrolled observational study was undertaken examining 54 paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at our institution. Parents of children having surgery were invited to complete a T-14 questionnaire preoperatively as well as at three and six months postoperatively. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed for 52 of the 54 patients preoperatively as well as at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (96% response rate). The mean difference between the preoperative and six-month T-14 score was 31.8 (p<0.0001). T-14 scores at three months were also significantly improved compared with those taken preoperatively (mean difference: 29.9, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in the literature to assess T-14 questionnaires at three and six months following paediatric tonsillectomy, providing evidence of the early benefit on PROMs. Tonsillectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the UK, and it is regarded highly by patients and otolaryngologists alike. This study provides significant evidence that tonsillectomy improves PROMs, thereby demonstrating its ongoing clinical value as a funded National Health Service procedure.

Maxillary dentinogenic ghost cell tumour.

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumours are extremely rare, and pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges as this case clearly demonstrates. An awareness of different clinical presentations and distinct histopathological features is important in establishing an early definitive diagnosis and instituting appropriate management. Furthermore, there is little precedent in the literature to guide management in such a case, and we therefore consider this report to be noteworthy and instructive in this respect.

YouTube as a source of information on rhinosinusitis: the good, the bad and the ugly.

OBJECTIVE: YouTube is an internet-based repository of user-generated content. This study aimed to determine whether YouTube represented a valid and reliable patient information resource for the lay person on the topic of rhinosinusitis. METHODS: The study included the first 100 YouTube videos found using the search term 'sinusitis'. Videos were graded on their ability to inform the lay person on the subject of rhinosinusitis. RESULTS: Forty-five per cent of the videos were deemed to provide some useful information. Fifty-five per cent of the videos contained little or no useful facts, 27 per cent of which contained potentially misleading or even dangerous information. Videos uploaded by medical professionals or those from health information websites contained more useful information than those uploaded by independent users. CONCLUSION: YouTube appears to be an unreliable resource for accurate and up to date medical information relating to rhinosinusitis. However, it may provide some useful information if mechanisms existed to direct lay people to verifiable and credible sources.