The Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: In this study, we aimed to evaluate probiotics' clinical efficacy and safety in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and summarize mechanistic evidence related to mucosal immunity and microbiota modulation. : We performed a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched until May 2025.

Quality of life (QoL) following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) resection of parapharyngeal space tumours.

Introduction: Parapharyngeal space tumours (PSTs) can be challenging to manage in view of their distinct location and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Numerous surgical approaches have been described including minimally invasive techniques utilising transoral robotic surgery (TORS). This study aims to evaluate the role of TORS in the management of PSTs with a special focus on quality of life (QoL) outcomes.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Management of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Although endoscopic surgery has advanced the treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, spontaneous leaks remain challenging due to their higher recurrence rates compared to other etiologies. This systematic review aims to identify factors influencing surgical success.

Data Sources: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched on 26 October 2024, and updated on 9 June 2025.

Otolaryngology Education in Medical Training: A Literature Review of Current Practice, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Introduction: Concerns about the adequacy of ENT education are widespread, particularly in the UK. Limited exposure during undergraduate and postgraduate training are key factors. This review aims to synthesize the literature on ENT education, identify gaps, and explore strategies for improvement.

Clinical Findings in Symptomatic Patients With Radiologically Isolated Sphenoid Sinus Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To explore the clinical presentations of isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD).

Setting And Design: A literature search was conducted on 23 December 2023 across electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. We performed a meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model to determine the prevalence of clinical findings in patients who presented with symptoms and had ISSD on radiological imaging.

Managing thyroid hormone replacement after total thyroidectomy: Guidance for family medicine.

Thyroid hormones are among the most prescribed medications to patients worldwide and are commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Thyroxine is also indicated after total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease or a multinodular goitre. In this commentary, we discuss and provide guidance for family medicine and primary care clinicians on how to navigate thyroid hormone replacement in patients after total thyroidectomy for cancer.

Contemporary Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea: A Review of the Literature.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea carries a significant risk of life-threatening intracranial complications. This review provides a contemporary overview of current management strategies for CSF rhinorrhoea. We conducted a literature review, examining studies from Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar published within the last 20 years.

Prevalence of synchronous bilateral/contralateral tonsil carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify the prevalence of synchronous contralateral tonsil carcinoma (SCTC) amongst patients with tonsil carcinoma or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (HNSCCUP). Thirteen retrospective studies, comprising 2623 patients, were analysed, revealing an overall pooled SCTC prevalence of 4%, rising to 10% in HNSCCUP cases. HPV/p16 positivity was associated with SCTC prevalence of 3%, while HPV/p16 negativity was greater at 8%.

Evolving Trends and Future Demands in ENT Procedures: A Nationwide 10-Year Analysis.

: This study aims to investigate the trends in otology, rhinology, and head and neck (H&N) operations over the past decade in England. These trends will allow for predictive modelling to forecast the demand over the coming years to aid workforce and resource planning in ENT. : Hospital Episode Statistics data were extracted between April 2012 and April 2023.

Rationalising surgical instruments in tonsillectomy: a pilot study to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs.

Objective: The healthcare industry is estimated to contribute 4.4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This pilot study aimed to investigate the impact of rationalising surgical instruments in tonsillectomy trays on greenhouse gas emissions and costs.

Assessment and management of allergic rhinitis: A review and evidence-informed approach for family medicine.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting nasal mucosa in response to allergen exposure and is commonly assessed and managed in family medicine. In this article, we review new international guidelines on the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis and generate evidence-informed recommendations for family medicine doctors.

Primary Tumour Detection in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary with Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) Tongue Base Mucosectomy: A Meta-analysis.

Background: Head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) represents a challenging diagnostic process when standard work-up fails to identify the primary tumour site. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic utility and complication profile of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) tongue base mucosectomy (TBM) in the management of CUP.

Patients And Methods: An electronic database search was performed in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Blood, Sweat, and Tonsils: Bleeding After Abscess Tonsillectomy for Quinsy-A Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Abscess tonsillectomy is performed during an active episode of quinsy. Apprehensions regarding an elevated bleeding risk have hindered its widespread acceptance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) associated with abscess tonsillectomy.

Correlation of maximal nasal septal deviation with deviation at the maxillary insertion.

Purpose: It is unclear if septal deviation at the insertion points to the nasal cavity is associated with the overall septal deviation. This study aimed to assess septal deviation at the cribriform plate (CP) and maxillary crest (MC) using CT scans and to see if there was any correlation with overall septal deviation.

Methods: All consecutive CT sinus scans between January 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Incidence of Vestibular Schwannoma in Patients with Unilateral Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Current literature indicates that 1.6% of patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus (MRI IAM) for audiovestibular symptoms are diagnosed with a VS.

Surgical Implications of Superior Thyroid Cornu Agenesis in Laryngeal Malignancy.

The most commonly reported superior thyroid cornu (STC) anatomical variation is in STC syndrome, where the cornu is enlarged or medially displaced. STC agenesis is a rare laryngeal variation that can be unilateral or bilateral. Previous studies have reported STC agenesis in cadaveric or forensic studies in patients with an otherwise normal larynx.

Telephone Consultation in Otorhinolaryngology During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: a Cross-sectional Analysis of Effectiveness and Satisfaction for Patients and Clinicians.

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated measures to minimise face-to-face interaction. We assessed the efficacy of teleconsultation and patient satisfaction in adult otorhinolaryngology clinic. A prospective review of telephone consultations over 6 months in a single district general hospital was conducted.

Recognition and Management of Button Battery Ingestion Amongst Emergency Practitioners.

Introduction Button battery ingestion (BBI) carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. We conducted a regional analysis following an NHS England national patient safety alert to evaluate the knowledge base in the emergency management of BBI amongst emergency practitioners. Methods A ten-point questionnaire was distributed electronically and in hardcopy formats to emergency departments across 15 hospitals within the West Midlands, United Kingdom.

A Systematic Review of Antibiotic Prescription for Acute Otitis Externa.

Background: There is a perception among ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons that oral antibiotics are over-prescribed for acute otitis externa (AOE), and the potential for topical therapy as first-line treatment is not fully realized in primary care. We evaluated the prescription rate of topical and oral antibiotics for AOE in primary care and in patients referred to the ENT emergency clinic.

Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching the MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases between January 1990 and October 2020.

The Prevalence of Incidental Mastoid Opacification and the Need for Intervention: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives/hypothesis: The increasing use of cross-sectional imaging has led to the predicament of incidental mastoid opacification (IMO). We investigated the prevalence of IMO and the clinical need for ENT assessment or intervention when identified.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cross-sectional analysis of hospital tasks handed over to general practitioners: workload delegation or dumping?

Purpose Of The Study: New requirements for hospital clinicians to follow up and act on hospital-initiated investigations were introduced in 2016 in the National Health Service standard contract. We aimed to evaluate the tasks handed over from hospital clinicians to general practitioners (GPs).

Study Design: A retrospective observation of all tasks in a random sample of electronic discharge summaries at a university teaching hospital over a 1 month period was conducted.

Impacted denture in the oesophagus: review of the literature and its management.

Foreign body impaction in the oesophagus is a common cause of acute dysphagia. Oesophageal impaction of sharp objects such as dentures can be life threatening due to the risk of oesophageal perforation. This condition requires urgent treatment, and therefore prompt diagnosis and management is vital to avoid complications.

Postoperative hemiparesis following tonsillectomy.

We report a rare complication following a routine elective tonsillectomy. A 32-year-old woman woke up from general anaesthesia with left sided hemiparesis. She underwent extensive investigations, which were normal.