Socioeconomic and ethnic disparities associated with access to cochlear implantation for severe-to-profound hearing loss: A multicentre observational study of UK adults.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss may benefit from management with cochlear implants. These patients need a referral to a cochlear implant team for further assessment and possible surgery. The referral pathway may result in varied access to hearing healthcare. This study aimed to explore referral patterns and whether there were any socioeconomic or ethnic associations with the likelihood of referral. The primary outcome was to determine factors influencing referral for implant assessment. The secondary outcome was to identify factors impacting whether healthcare professionals had discussed the option of referral. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A multicentre multidisciplinary observational study was conducted in secondary care Otolaryngology and Audiology units in Great Britain. Adults fulfilling NICE (2019) audiometric criteria for implant assessment were identified over a 6-month period between 1 July and 31 December 2021. Patient- and site-specific characteristics were extracted. Multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to compare a range of factors influencing the likelihood of implant discussion and referral including patient-specific (demographics, past medical history, and degree of hearing loss) and site-specific factors (cochlear implant champion and whether the hospital performed implants). Hospitals across all 4 devolved nations of the UK were invited to participate, with data submitted from 36 urban hospitals across England, Scotland, and Wales. Nine hospitals (25%) conducted cochlear implant assessments. The majority of patients lived in England (n = 5,587, 86.2%); the rest lived in Wales (n = 419, 6.5%) and Scotland (n = 233, 3.6%). The mean patient age was 72 ± 19 years (mean ± standard deviation); 54% were male, and 75·3% of participants were white, 6·3% were Asian, 1·5% were black, 0·05% were mixed, and 4·6% were self-defined as a different ethnicity. Of 6,482 submitted patients meeting pure tone audiometric thresholds for cochlear implantation, 311 already had a cochlear implant. Of the remaining 6,171, 35.7% were informed they were eligible for an implant, but only 9.7% were referred for assessment. When adjusted for site- and patient-specific factors, stand-out findings included that adults were less likely to be referred if they lived in more deprived area decile within Indices of Multiple Deprivation (4th (odds ratio (OR): 2·19; 95% confidence interval (CI): [1·31, 3·66]; p = 0·002), 5th (2·02; [1·21, 3·38]; p = 0·05), 6th (2·32; [1·41, 3·83]; p = 0.05), and 8th (2·07; [1·25, 3·42]; p = 0·004)), lived in London (0·40; [0·29, 0·57]; p < 0·001), were male (females 1·52; [1·27, 1·81]; p < 0·001), or were older (0·97; [0·96, 0·97]; p < 0·001). They were less likely to be informed of their potential eligibility if they lived in more deprived areas (4th (1·99; [1·49, 2·66]; p < 0·001), 5th (1·75; [1·31, 2·33], p < 0·001), 6th (1·85; [1·39, 2·45]; p < 0·001), 7th (1·66; [1·25, 2·21]; p < 0·001), and 8th (1·74; [1·31, 2·31]; p < 0·001) deciles), the North of England or London (North 0·74; [0·62, 0·89]; p = 0·001; London 0·44; [0·35, 0·56]; p < 0·001), were of Asian or black ethnic backgrounds compared to white patients (Asian 0·58; [0·43, 0·79]; p < 0·001; black 0·56; [0·34, 0·92]; p = 0·021), were male (females 1·46; [1·31, 1·62]; p < 0·001), or were older (0·98; [0·98, 0·98]; p < 0·001). The study methodology was limited by its observational nature, reliance on accurate documentation of the referring service, and potential underrepresentation of certain demographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of adults meeting pure tone audiometric threshold criteria for cochlear implantation are currently not appropriately referred for assessment. There is scope to target underrepresented patient groups to improve referral rates. Future research should engage stakeholders to explore the reasons behind the disparities. Implementing straightforward measures, such as educational initiatives and automated pop-up tools for immediate identification, can help streamline the referral process.

A systematic review of otologic injuries sustained in civilian terrorist explosions.

PURPOSE: Determine the prevalence of otological symptoms and tympanic membrane perforation, healing rates of tympanic membrane perforation with surgical and conservative management, and hearing function in civilian victims of terrorist explosions. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted with searches on Medline, Embase, EMCare and CINAHL for publications between the 1st January 1945 and 26th May 2023. Studies with quantitative data addressing our aims were included. This review is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020166768. Among 2611 studies screened, 18 studies comprising prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. RESULTS: The percentage of eardrums perforated in patients admitted to hospital, under ENT follow up and attending the emergency department is 69.0% (CI 55.5-80.5%), 38.7% (CI 19.0-63.0%, I2 0.715%) and 21.0% (CI 11.9-34.3%, I2 0.718%) respectively. Perforated eardrums heal spontaneously in 62.9% (CI 50.4-73.8%, I2 0.687%) of cases and in 88.8% (CI 75.9-96.3%, I2 0.500%) of cases after surgery. Common symptoms present within one month of bombings are tinnitus 84.7% (CI 70.0-92.9%, I2 0.506%), hearing loss 83.0% (CI 64.5-92.9%, I2 0.505%) and ear fullness 59.7% (CI 13.4-93.4%, I2 0.719). Symptomatic status between one and six months commonly include no symptoms 57.5% (CI 46.0-68.3%), hearing loss 35.4% (CI 21.8-51.8%, I2 0.673%) and tinnitus 15.6% (CI 4.9-40.0%, I2 0.500%). Within one month of bombings, the most common hearing abnormality is sensorineural hearing loss affecting 26.9% (CI 16.9-40.1%, I2 0.689%) of ears 43.5% (CI 33.4-54.2%, I2 0.500) of people. CONCLUSION: Tympanic membrane perforation, subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness and sensorineural hearing loss are common sequelae of civilian terrorist explosions.

Outcomes of cochlear implantation in Usher syndrome: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This study is a systematic review of the literature which seeks to evaluate auditory and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with Usher syndrome. METHODS: Systematic review of studies indexed in Medline via PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov was performed up to March 9th 2022, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Patient demographics, comorbidity, details of cochlear implantation, auditory, and QOL outcomes were extracted and summarized. RESULTS: 33 studies reported over 217 cochlear implants in 187 patients with Usher syndrome, comprising subtypes 1 (56 patients), 2 (9 patients), 3 (23 patients), and not specified (99 patients). Auditory outcomes included improved sound detection, speech perception, and speech intelligibility. QOL outcomes were reported for 75 patients, with benefit reported in the majority. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients with Usher syndrome develop improved auditory outcomes after cochlear implantation with early implantation being an important factor.

Impact of Insertion Speed, Depth, and Robotic Assistance on Cochlear Implant Insertion Forces and Intracochlear Pressure: A Scoping Review.

Cochlear implants are crucial for addressing severe-to-profound hearing loss, with the success of the procedure requiring careful electrode placement. This scoping review synthesizes the findings from 125 studies examining the factors influencing insertion forces (IFs) and intracochlear pressure (IP), which are crucial for optimizing implantation techniques and enhancing patient outcomes. The review highlights the impact of variables, including insertion depth, speed, and the use of robotic assistance on IFs and IP. Results indicate that higher insertion speeds generally increase IFs and IP in artificial models, a pattern not consistently observed in cadaveric studies due to variations in methodology and sample size. The study also explores the observed minimal impact of robotic assistance on reducing IFs compared to manual methods. Importantly, this review underscores the need for a standardized approach in cochlear implant research to address inconsistencies and improve clinical practices aimed at preserving hearing during implantation.

The effect of photobiomodulation on hearing loss: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess outcomes associated with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for hearing loss in human and animal studies. DESIGN: Systematic review and narrative synthesis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. SETTING: Data bases searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science. No limits were placed on language or year of publication. Review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. PARTICIPANTS: All human and animal subjects treated with PBMT for hearing loss. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and post-PBMT audio metric outcomes. RESULTS: Searches identified 122 abstracts and 49 full text articles. Of these, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes in 327 animals (11 studies), 30 humans (1 study), and 40 animal specimens (5 studies). PBMT parameters included 6 different wavelengths: 908 nm (1 study), 810 nm (1 study), 532 & 635 nm (1 study), 830 nm (3 studies), 808 nm (11 studies). The duration ranged from 4 to 60 minutes in a session, and the follow-up ranged from 5-28 days. Outcomes improved significantly when wavelengths within the range of 800-830 nm were used, and with greater duration of PBMT exposure. Included studies predominantly consisted of non-randomized controlled trials (10 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Hearing outcomes following PBMT appear to be superior to no PBMT for subjects with hearing loss, although higher level evidence is required to verify this. PBMT enables concentrated, focused delivery of light therapy to the inner ear through a non-invasive manner with minimal side effects. As a result of heterogeneity in reporting PBMT parameters and outcomes across the included studies, direct comparison is challenging.

Patient perceptions of a remote assessment pathway in otology: a qualitative descriptive analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to gain in-depth feedback on patient perceptions of remote assessment in otology, to better inform the development of a telemedicine pathway for new otology referrals. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to analyse semi-structured interviews from 14 patients seen in a routine otology clinic. RESULTS: Patients were generally accepting of the proposed telemedicine pathway. Key themes included maintaining quality of care, adequate training for facilitators, reducing waiting times, appropriate actioning of clinic outcomes and anxiety surrounding the use of technology. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed telemedicine pathway for new otology referrals is acceptable to patients, provided there is no compromise in the standard of their care versus a traditional pathway. These results further our understanding of remote assessment in otology from the patient perspective and may help to inform the development of such pathways outside of our centre.

A retrospective cohort study of telephone versus face-to-face clinics for the management of new otology referrals.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of telephone and face-to-face consultations for new otology referrals and discuss the wider use of telemedicine in otology. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including new adult otology referrals to our unit, sampled consecutively between March 2021 and May 2021, seen in either a face-to-face or telephone clinic. Primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with a definitive management outcome (discharged or added to waiting list for treatment) versus the proportion of patients requiring follow-up for further assessment or review. RESULTS: 150 new patients referred for a routine otology consultation (75 telephone, 75 face-to-face) were included. 53/75 patients (71%) undergoing a face-to-face consultation received a definitive outcome following initial review, versus 22/75 (29%) telephone patients (χ2 < 0.001, OR 5.8). 52/75 (69%) telephone patients were followed up face-to-face for examination. The mean (SD) number of appointments required to reach a definitive outcome was 1.22 (0.58) and 1.75 (0.73) in the face-to-face and telephone cohorts, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Telephone clinics in otology have played an important role as part of the COVID19 response. However, they are currently limited by a lack of clinical examination and audiometry. Remote assessment pathways in otology that incorporate asynchronous review of recorded examinations alongside audiometry, either conventional or boothless, may mitigate this problem; however, further research is required.

COVID-19 and tinnitus: an initiative to improve tinnitus care.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with tinnitus and their views to guide future tinnitus care. DESIGN: A mixed-methods cross-sectional research design. STUDY SAMPLE: An online survey was completed by 365 individuals with tinnitus from Australia and other countries. RESULTS: Tinnitus was reported to be more bothersome during the pandemic by 36% of respondents, whereas 59% reported no change and 5% reported less bothersome tinnitus. Nearly half of the respondents had received COVID-19 vaccination(s) and 12% of them reported more bothersome tinnitus while 2% developed tinnitus post-vaccination. Australian respondents spent less time in self-isolation or quarantine and saw fewer change in in-person social contact than respondents from other countries. More than 70% of respondents thought that tinnitus care services were insufficient both before and during the pandemic. Regarding their opinions on how to improve tinnitus care in the future, five themes including alleviation of condition, government policies, reduced barriers, self- and public-awareness, and hearing devices were identified. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of respondents did not perceive any change in tinnitus perception and one-third of respondents had worsened tinnitus during the pandemic. To improve tinnitus care, better awareness and more accessible resources and management are crucial.

Antibiotics versus non-antibiotic treatments for acute otitis externa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Otitis externa is a condition causing inflammation of the outer ear canal, which presents with itching, discharge and pain. Most cases of acute otitis externa are caused by bacterial infection and are thus treated with antibiotics. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials aims to assess the effectiveness of topical non-antibiotic treatments compared to topical antibiotic treatment for the treatment of acute otitis externa. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis databases searched: Cochrane Library including ClinicalTrials.gov; MEDLINE; World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Web of Science to identify randomised clinical trials evaluating topical antibiotics and topical non-antibiotic agents in adults and children with acute otitis externa. Non-antibiotic therapeutics for comparison with topical antibiotics included antiseptics, steroids, non-pharmaceuticals and astringents. RESULTS: Seventeen trials were eligible for inclusion, with 10 combined in meta-analysis. Data could be pooled comparing antiseptic and steroid monotherapies with topical antibiotic agents. There were no significant differences in cure rates in any pairwise comparisons. Individually, the majority of studies favoured topical antiseptics or steroids over antibiotics, however these differences were not significant when pooled in meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Antiseptic, steroid and antibiotic monotherapies are all effective for the management of acute otitis externa. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that topical antiseptic or steroid agents are superior or inferior to topical antibiotics.

A systematic review on the efficacy of tranexamic acid in head and neck surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative and postoperative blood loss is a major risk in head and neck (H&N) surgery. Recently the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has been investigated by multiple studies for reducing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, however reported results are variable. OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of TXA use in H&N surgery. METHODS: Systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ClinicalKey, and Clinicaltrials.gov according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported on intraoperative bleeding, volume or duration of postoperative drain or return to theatre rate for postoperative haemorrhage in adult populations following use of TXA. Risk of bias assessment with Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2) tool for randomised controlled trials and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tool for non-randomised studies. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were identified (114 407 patients). Eight studies evaluated TXA in major H&N surgery and eight studies in tonsillectomy. Primary outcomes were reduction in intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. Secondary outcomes included the duration of postoperative drain placement and return to theatre rate. No adverse events were reported in any patients. TXA is effective in reducing intraoperative blood loss in tonsillectomy. However, the effect on posttonsillectomy haemorrhage was unclear. Insufficient evidence exists of benefit of TXA on intraoperative bleeding in major H&N procedures. Postoperative drainage volumes were significantly reduced in most major H&N studies. The duration of drain placement and risk of blood transfusion was unchanged in most cases. CONCLUSION: TXA use is safe in H&N patients. Whilst sufficient evidence exists to support the use of TXA in tonsillectomy, insufficient evidence exists to recommend use in major H&N surgery.

Metagenomics and chemotherapy-induced nausea: A roadmap for future research.

Uncontrolled chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can reduce patients' quality of life and may result in premature discontinuation of chemotherapy. Although nausea and vomiting are commonly grouped together, research has shown that antiemetics are clinically effective against chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) but less so against chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN). Nausea remains a problem for up to 68% of patients who are prescribed guideline-consistent antiemetics. Despite the high prevalence of CIN, relatively little is known regarding its etiology independent of CIV. This review summarizes a metagenomics approach to the study and treatment of CIN with the goal of encouraging future research. Metagenomics focuses on genetic risk factors and encompasses both human (ie, host) and gut microbial genetic variation. Little work to date has focused on metagenomics as a putative biological mechanism of CIN. Metagenomics has the potential to be a powerful tool in advancing scientific understanding of CIN by identifying new biological pathways and intervention targets. The investigation of metagenomics in the context of well-established demographic, clinical, and patient-reported risk factors may help to identify patients at risk and facilitate the prevention and management of CIN.

Considerations for developing supportive care interventions for survivors of head and neck cancer: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe considerations for developing supportive care interventions targeted to head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS: One-time semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with HNC survivors who had recently finished treatment (n = 20) and HNC providers (e.g., physicians, nurses; n = 13). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using inductive applied thematic analysis techniques to identify themes. RESULTS: HNC survivors (75% male; M = 61 years old) and providers (54% physicians; 62% female) were unanimously supportive of developing HNC-specific supportive care interventions. Participants described potential benefits of offering interventions at various points throughout the HNC treatment and survivorship trajectory rather than at a single critical time. Many participants preferred group-based interventions because of the high value of peer-support. Others described how group interventions may not be appropriate for all HNC survivors due to risks for negative social comparisons and exacerbated anxiety. Participants suggested topics that should be addressed in HNC-specific interventions including education about acute and long-term side effects, symptom management, nutritional support, relationship/social role changes, grief/loss, and fear of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HNC-specific supportive care interventions are critically needed, as survivors experience persistent symptoms and distinct psychosocial concerns that impact quality of life. Findings from this study can inform the development of supportive care interventions targeted to the unique psychosocial concerns of HNC survivors.

"I have cancer during COVID; that's a special category": a qualitative study of head and neck cancer patient and provider experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed cancer care delivery strategies. Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LA-HNC) may be particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as they often undergo treatments that require daily clinic visits (e.g., radiation therapy). The goal of this study was to characterize the lived experience of LA-HNC patients and their healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: LA-HNC patients who completed a full course of chemotherapy and radiation therapy during the COVID19 pandemic (N = 20) and LA-HNC healthcare providers (N = 13) participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for qualitative themes. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on patients' overall quality of life and health care. Results were organized in four main themes: (1) increased psychological distress; (2) exacerbated social isolation; (3) added stress in clinic for patients and providers; and (4) delays in health care. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight myriad ways LA-HNC patients and providers have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results can inform the development of supportive interventions to assist LA-HNC in managing COVID-19-related stress and unmet needs related to social isolation and in-clinic support.

Civilian penetrating neck trauma at a level I trauma centre: A five-year retrospective case note review.

OBJECTIVES: To report the experience of civilian penetrating neck trauma (PNT) at a UK level I trauma centre, propose an initial management algorithm and assess the degree of correlation between clinical signs of injury, operative findings and radiological reports. DESIGN: Retrospective case note review. SETTING: UK level I trauma centre April 2012-November 2017. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred ten cases of PNT were drawn from electronic patient records. Data were extracted on hard and soft signs of vascular or aerodigestive tract injury, clinical management, radiological imaging and patient outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, morbidity and mortality. The correlation between clinical signs, and radiological reports to internal injury on surgical exploration. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-one (87.4%) male and 39 (13.6%) female patients with a mean age of 36 years (16-87) were identified. The most common causes of injury were assault 171 (55.2%) and deliberate self-harm 118 (38%). A knife was the most common instrument 240 (77.4%). Past psychiatric history was noted in 119 (38.4%), and 60 (19.4%) were intoxicated. 50% were definitively managed in theatre with a negative exploration rate of 38%, and 50% were managed in ED. Pre-operative radiological reports correlated with operative reports in 62% of cases with venous injury the most common positive and negative finding. Multivariate correlation was r = 0.89, p = 0.045, between hard signs plus positive radiology findings and internal injury on neck exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Management of PNT by clinical and radiological signs is safe and effective, and can be streamlined by a decision-making algorithm as proposed here.

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base: treatment and outcome analysis in a consecutive case series of 24 patients.

BACKGROUND: We present our 9-year consecutive case series of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas from a UK tertiary referral centre, discussing treatments offered and outcomes. This was carried out to improve understanding around current treatment and to better inform the management of future patients. METHODS: Consecutive case series over a 9-year period (2007-2016). Retrospective data analysis from the electronic skull base multidisciplinary team database and the digital patient records at a UK tertiary referral centre RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were identified (11 chordomas, 13 chondrosarcomas, mean age 52). Nineteen had proton beam therapy (PBT) postoperatively; two had intensity-modulated radiotherapy; two had no further treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up. All chordomas were resected via a transnasal endoscopic approach. Of the 19 patients undergoing resection with PBT, 13 were disease free at latest follow-up, and six patients had local recurrence, of which two died (mean follow up 7.4 years). Of the three patients treated with surgery then IMRT/TomoTherapy, one died 4 years post-treatment, and the other two are alive after 4 and 5 years of follow-up respectively. Of the two patients treated with surgery alone, one was lost to follow-up, and the other is alive after more than 8 years. Chondrosarcoma 5-year survival was 91.6%, and chordoma 4-year survival was 75%. CONCLUSION: Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas can be challenging to resect, and most cases require adjuvant therapy to achieve control. Where complete resection is not possible, it is critical to undertake sufficient resection to permit high-dose radiation.

A systematic review of remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy over the past 10 years: reliability and applications.

PURPOSE: This systematic review describes and evaluates the current literature on remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy with regards to reliability and potential applications. METHODS: Systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. There was heterogeneity of included studies, so a descriptive analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included for analysis conducted across a variety of healthcare settings. Overall, there was a trend towards acquisition of adequate images for diagnosis by non-otolaryngology-specialist facilitators with reasonable agreement between asynchronous images and controls; however, there was significant variation between the studies. CONCLUSION: Remote otological assessment using video-otoscopy shows potential as a safe and effective method for detecting the presence of ear disease in a wide range of healthcare settings. Barriers to the acquisition of adequate images include the presence of obstructing cerumen, and strategies to deal with this should be considered. Further work is required to evaluate endoscope-based systems to assess whether they will allow the acquisition of higher quality images.

Teaching middle ear anatomy using a novel three-dimensional papercraft model.

BACKGROUND: The middle ear is a complex anatomical space which is difficult to interpret from two-dimensional imagery. Appropriate surgical knowledge of the area is required to operate, yet current anatomical teaching methods are costly and hard to access for the trainee. METHODS: A papercraft 3D design involving anatomical elements added separately to a model was designed, and then peer-validated by medical students and junior doctors. Preliminary quantitative assessment was performed using an anatomical labelling questionnaire, with six students given a lecture to act as a control. Qualitative feedback was also gathered. RESULTS: 18 participants were recruited for the study. A total of 12 models were constructed by 6 medical students and 6 junior doctors. 6 medical students received a lecture only. Qualitative feedback was positive and suggested the model improved knowledge and was useful, yet timing and complexity were issues. Students scored, on average, 37% higher after completing the model, with junior doctors also improving anatomical knowledge, though these differences were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this initial investigation, the model was shown to be an engaging way to learn anatomy, with the tactile and active nature of the process cited as benefits. Construction of the model improved anatomical knowledge to a greater extent than a classical lecture in this study, though this difference was not significant. Further design iterations are required to improve practical utility in the teaching environment, as well as a larger study.

Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic views in cadaveric ears.

PURPOSE: The advent of endoscopic otosurgery provides reduced tissue destruction with theoretically improved views, yet a quantification of the difference of exposure between microscopic and endoscopic approaches has not yet been performed in human specimens. The objective of this study was to assess the difference in views of cadaveric tympanic membranes when inspected with operating microscopes or endoscopes. METHODS: A circular graduated disc was inserted into eight cadaveric external ear canals to rest against the tympanic membrane. Three independent observers assessed the maximum possible observable radius of the graduated disc in each ear using a 0° endoscope and a surgical microscope in superior, inferior, posterior, and anterior directions. RESULTS: The endoscope was able to view a significantly larger mean maximum visible radius than the microscope in posterior, superior, anterior, and inferior directions. This represented a mean gain in observable distance of 19.18%. There was a smaller variation in mean maximum visible radius than the microscope. CONCLUSION: The wider field of view in an endoscope compared to a microscope implies reduced surgical tissue damage is needed to provide sufficient operative exposure. Enhanced views of the attic were demonstrated by the endoscope, further indicating utility in cholesteatoma observation and surgery.

Patient safety in otolaryngology: a descriptive review.

Human evaluation and judgement may include errors that can have disastrous results. Within medicine and healthcare there has been slow progress towards major changes in safety. Healthcare lags behind other specialised industries, such as aviation and nuclear power, where there have been significant improvements in overall safety, especially in reducing risk of errors. Following several high profile cases in the USA during the 1990s, a report titled "To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System" was published. The report extrapolated that in the USA approximately 50,000 to 100,000 patients may die each year as a result of medical errors. Traditionally otolaryngology has always been regarded as a "safe specialty". A study in the USA in 2004 inferred that there may be 2600 cases of major morbidity and 165 deaths within the specialty. MEDLINE via PubMed interface was searched for English language articles published between 2000 and 2012. Each combined two or three of the keywords noted earlier. Limitations are related to several generic topics within patient safety in otolaryngology. Other areas covered have been current relevant topics due to recent interest or new advances in technology. There has been a heightened awareness within the healthcare community of patient safety; it has become a major priority. Focus has shifted from apportioning blame to prevention of the errors and implementation of patient safety mechanisms in healthcare delivery. Type of Errors can be divided into errors due to action and errors due to knowledge or planning. In healthcare there are several factors that may influence adverse events and patient safety. Although technology may improve patient safety, it also introduces new sources of error. The ability to work with people allows for the increase in safety netting. Team working has been shown to have a beneficial effect on patient safety. Any field of work involving human decision-making will always have a risk of error. Within Otolaryngology, although patient safety has evolved along similar themes as other surgical specialties; there are several specific high-risk areas. Medical error is a common problem and its human cost is of immense importance. Steps to reduce such errors require the identification of high-risk practice within a complex healthcare system. The commitment to patient safety and quality improvement in medicine depend on personal responsibility and professional accountability.

Coblation tonsillectomy: a systematic review and descriptive analysis.

Coblation is one of the more recent techniques for tonsillectomy; however, it remains unclear whether it exhibits any benefit or increased risk when compared to other techniques. This review provides an updated assessment of coblation tonsillectomy and how it compares to other tonsillectomy techniques. Systematic review and descriptive analysis of published literature. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database were performed. We included all randomized control trials comparing coblation tonsillectomy (not 'tonsillotomy') with any other tonsillectomy technique. Studies were excluded if tonsils, rather than individuals, were randomized. 16 eligible studies were identified, including a total of 567 patients, both adults and children. Coblation was compared with a variety of other tonsillectomy techniques. Outcomes included pain, primary and secondary haemorrhage, intraoperative bleeding and operation time. Postoperative pain was the primary outcome in most studies. There was a trend towards less pain in the coblation group in seven of the included studies. More recent studies appeared to fare more favourably in terms of pain outcomes and operating time. The coblation technique appears to be comparable with other commonly employed techniques for tonsillectomy; however, there is still no strong evidence to suggest that it possesses any definitive benefits. Findings would advocate further work being done through carefully designed randomised control trials, which compare coblation with cold dissection as the 'gold standard' and place an emphasis on reducing the amount of adjuvant electrocautery used so as to maximise the benefits of coblation and the lower temperature it generates.