Abstract Objectives: To determine the immediate post-operative course and outcome of pediatric patients with complicated acute mastoiditis (CAM) following surgical treatment. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with CAM who underwent mastoid surgery during 2012-2019. Setting: Tertiary care university hospital. Participants: the study includes 33 patients, divided into two groups: 17 patients with subperiosteal abscess (SPA) alone - single complication group (SCG) and 16 patients with SPA and additional intracranial or intratemporal complications -multiple complications group (MCG). Main Outcome Measures: post-operative fever course and pattern (POF). Results :33 patients belong to the SCG 17(51%) and 16(49%) belonged to the MCG, respectively. 6/17(35.3%) SCG patients experienced POF vs. 12/16(75%) in the MCG (P=0.012). At post-operative day 2 (POD2), 10/13(77%) febrile patients belonged to MCG and 3/13(23%) to SCG (P=0.013). POF was recorded until POD6 in both groups. Seven patients, all from MCG with POF, underwent second imaging with no new findings. Conclusion: Following a cortical mastoidectomy for CAM, POF is not unusual in the first 6 days and seem to be benign condition. POF is more common, higher, and persistent for a longer duration in MCG compared with SCG. At POD 6, fever is expected to normalize in both groups, so if fever persists further evaluation should be considered.

Objectives We set out to create Consensus Guidelines, based on current evidence and relative risks of adverse effects and the costs of different treatments, that reflect the views of the British Rhinological Society (BRS) Council on where the use of biologics should be positioned within treatment pathways for CRSwNP, specifically in the setting of the National Health Service (NHS). Methods An expert panel of 16 members was assembled. A review of the literature and evidence synthesis was undertaken and circulated to the panel We used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi-step process to make recommendations on the use of biologics. Setting and participants N/A Results Recommendations were made, based on underlying disease severity, prior treatments and co-morbidities. A group of patients for whom biologics were considered an appropriate treatment option for CRSwNP was defined. Conclusions Although biologics are not currently available for the treatment of CRSwNP, the BRS Council have defined a group of patients who have higher rates of ‘failure’ with current treatment pathways, higher resource use and are more likely to suffer with uncontrolled symptoms. We would urge NICE to consider approval of biologics for such indications without applying further restrictions on use.

Objectives: Smell/taste disturbances are a common but underrated, under-researched and under treated sensory loss and an independent risk factor for reduced longevity. This study aimed to characterise the experience of patients these disorders in seeking help. Design: The study was designed by patients together with clinicians through a dedicated workshop and conducted as a cross-sectional survey to capture experiences in public and private healthcare settings internationally. Setting: Primary, secondary and tertiary care. Participants: Any members of the public self-reporting a smell/taste disorder were invited to participate. Main outcome measures: The survey captured information including experience of getting consultations and referrals to medical professionals, treatments offered, costs incurred and related problems with mental health. Results: Of 673 participants; 510 female, 160 male, self-reported aetiology included sinonasal disease (24%), idiopathic (24%) and post-viral olfactory dysfunction (22%); true gustatory disorders were typically rare. Failure of medical professionals to recognise the problem was a key concern - 64%, 76% and 47% of GPs, ENT specialists and Neurologists acknowledged respectively. Other issues included repeated ineffective treatments, difficulties getting referrals to secondary/tertiary care, mental health problems (60%) and a mean personal cost of £421 to seeking advice and treatment. Whilst the participants were self-selecting, however they do represent those who are seeking help and intervention for their disorders. Conclusion: There is an unmet need for these patients in accessing healthcare including a clear need to improve education of and engagement with the medical profession in Otorhinolaryngology, General Practice and other specialties, in order to remove the current barriers they face.

Objectives: To compare the endoscopic approach to manage attic cholesteatoma with conventional microscopic technique. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Participants: A total of 190 patients (192 ears) diagnosed with attic cholesteatoma extending to the antrum area (stages Ib and II) were randomly assigned into two groups: one undergoing endoscopic approach and the other undergoing the microscopic technique. Main outcome measures: The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative and intraoperative findings, access to hidden areas expressed in terms of the Middle Ear Structural Visibility Index (MESVI), mean operative time, and postoperative findings. Results: No difference in the parameters of the preoperative and intraoperative findings analyzed (patient age, computed tomography findings, disease stage, and intraoperative cholesteatoma characteristics) was observed between the endoscopic and microscopic groups. The median MESVI for the endoscopic group was better than that for the microscopic group (P<0.05). The mean operating time using the endoscopic approach was less than that using the microscopic approach (P<0.05). The median postoperative pain score in the endoscopic group was lower than that in the microscopic group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of taste sensation, air-bone gap closure at the end of 4 weeks, and vertigo experienced at the end of the first week. When long-term surgical outcomes were assessed 1 year postoperatively, five patients in the microscopic group had recurrence, four had cartilage displacement, three had perforation, and five had retraction pocket formation. In the endoscopic group, four patients had disease recurrence, three had cartilage displacement, two had perforation, and four had retraction pocket formation. Conclusion: Endoscopic management of limited attic cholesteatoma showed definite advantages over the conventional microscopic approach, such as providing better visualization, requiring less postoperative time, subjecting the patients to less pain, and decreasing the incidence of complications.

Introduction Iatrogenic facial nerve palsy is distressing to the patient and clinician. The deformity is aesthetically displeasing, and can be functionality problematic for oral competence, dental lip trauma and speech. Furthermore such injuries have litigation implications. Marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) palsy causes an obvious asymmetrical smile. MMN is at particular risk during procedures such as rhytidoplasties, mandibular fracture, tumour resection and neck dissections. Cited causes for the high incidence are large anatomical variations, unreliable landmarks, an exposed course and tumour grade or nodal involvement dictating requisite nerve sacrifice. An alternative cause for post-operative asymmetry is damage to the cervical branch of the facial nerve or platysmal dysfunction. This tends to have a transient course and recovers. Distinction between MMN palsy and palsy of the cervical branch of the facial nerve should therefore be made. In 1979 Ellenbogen differentiated between MMN palsy and “Pseudo-paralysis of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve”. Despite this, there is paucity in the literature & confusion amongst clinicians in distinguishing between these palsies, and there is little regarding these post-operative sequelae and neck dissections. Method This article reflects on the surgical anatomy of the MMN and cervical nerve in relation to danger zones during lymphadenectomy. The authors review the anatomy of the smile. Finally, we utilise case studies to evaluate the differences between MMN palsy and its pseudo-palsy to allow clinical differentiation. Conclusion Here we present a simple method for clinical differentiation between these two prognostically different injuries, allowing appropriate reassurance, therapy & management.

Background Airway obstruction in a child requires expedite management in addition to comprehensive discussion between the Otolaryngology and Anaesthesiology team to formulate a treatment plan to ensure safe airway. Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is an exophytic benign laryngeal lesion which poses a great challenge when presented with respiratory distress. Objective: This paper presents a novel, safe and cost-effective approach to temporary tracheal ventilation of the obstructed airway in a child with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis using the laryngeal suction tube connected to general anaesthetic (GA) machine. Result and Conclusion Rigid laryngeal suction tube is placed through the side-port of Lindholm laryngoscope and connected to breathing circuit of GA machine via modification of the suction tubing and endotracheal tube (ETT) 15mm male connector. Manual bagging ventilation with 100% FiO2 achieved good oxygenation throughout the debulking of the papilloma without hindering the surgical field. Our technique utilizes the readily available equipment whilst enabling safe anaesthesia and providing good surgical field during excision of obstructive papillomatous airway lesion.

OBJECTIVES: Cleft palate children have a higher incidence of otitis media with effusion, more frequent recurrent acute otitis media episodes, and worse conductive hearing losses than non-cleft children. Nevertheless, data on adenoidectomy for middle ear disease in this patient group is scarce, since many feared worsening of velopharyngeal insufficiency after the procedure. This review aims at filling this knowledge gap by collecting the available evidence on this subject, to frame possible further areas of research and interventions. DESIGN: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was performed. Multiple databases were searched with criteria designed to include all studies focusing on the role of adenoidectomy in treating middle ear disease in cleft palate children. After duplicate removal, abstract and full-text selection, and quality assessment, we reviewed eligible articles for clinical indications and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 321 unique citations, 3 studies were deemed eligible (2 case series and a retrospective cohort study). The outcomes were positive in all three articles in terms of conductive hearing loss improvement, recurrent otitis media episodes reduction, and effusive otitis media resolution (this last result being not statistically significant). CONCLUSION: Despite promising results, research on adenoidectomy in treating middle ear disease in the cleft population has stopped in the mid-Seventies. No data is therefore available on the role of modern conservative adenoidectomy techniques (endoscopic and/or partial) in this context. Prospective studies are required to define the role of adenoidectomy in cleft children, most interestingly in specific subgroups such as patients requiring re-tympanostomy, given their known risk of otologic sequelae.

Objectives - The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in surgical capacity for head and neck cancer in the UK between the first wave (March-June 2020) and the current wave (Jan-Feb 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design – REDcap online based survey of hospital capacity. Setting - UK secondary and tertiary hospitals providing head and neck cancer surgery. Participants – One representative per hospital was asked to report the capacity for head and neck cancer surgery in that institution. Main outcome measures – The principal measures of interests were new patient referrals, capacity in outpatients, theatres and critical care; therapeutic compromises constituting delay to surgery, de-escalated surgery and therapeutic migration to non-surgical primary modality. Results – Data was returned from approximately 95% of UK hospitals with a head and neck cancer surgery specialist service. 50% of UK head and neck cancer patients requiring surgery have significantly compromised treatments during the second wave: 28% delayed, 10% have received radiotherapy based treatment instead of surgery and 12% have received de-escalated surgery. Surgical capacity has been more severely constrained in the second wave (58% of pre-pandemic level) compared with the first wave (62%) despite the time to prepare. Conclusions - Some hospitals are overwhelmed by COVID-19 and unable to offer essential cancer surgery, but all have neighbouring hospitals in their region retaining good (or even normal) capacity. It is noteworthy that very few patients have been appropriately re-directed away from the hospitals most constrained by their burden of COVID-19. The paucity of an effective central or regional strategic response to this evident mismatch between demand and surgical capacity is to the detriment of our head and neck cancer patients.

Key points·      Simultaneous translabyrinthine tumor resection and cochlear implantation is a promising treatment method with hearing rehabilitation for sporadic vestibular schwannomas.·      Size of vestibular schwannoma, distance to the modiolus, residual hearing and promontory stimulation electrical brainstem response audiometry are important preoperative predictive factors for chance of cochlear implantation. ·      Electrically evoked brain stem response audiometry with an intracochlear test electrode is an important additional tool during vestibular schwannoma resection to decide on cochlear implantation.    Sporadic vestibular schwannomas (VS) can be treated using radiation therapy, microsurgical resection, or a wait-and-scan approach. Most VS will require treatment after some period of observation. However, the currently available treatment options carry a high risk of loss of serviceable hearing. Some authors believe that the possibility of cochlear implantation in the setting of VS should completely change the treatment strategy for this disease(1). However, patient outcomes with CIs show a wide variation—with some patients having no auditory perception, while others exhibit open-set speech understanding(2). The intraoperative testing of cochlear nerve function using electrically evoked brainstem response audiometry (eABR) provides a means of objectively assessing cochlear nerve conduction, and has been increasingly applied in this setting(2, 3). In the present study, we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma resection and cochlear implantation, and to develop a new scoring system to preoperatively identify suitable patients for this treatment course. Appropriate preoperative classification of patients can have important impacts on patient counseling and expectations.DesignEach study participant gave their informed consent to participate. The trial was approved by the local ethics committee 1111/2017, and is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03745560). All 17 patients underwent translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma resection, during which eABR were recorded with an intracochlear test electrode (ITE) before and after tumor resection. In cases with positive responses after complete tumor resection, a cochlear implant (CI) was placed. Overall, ten patients received a CI with a Flex 28 or Flex Standard electrode (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) depending on cochlear duct length. Data availability statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.SettingThe study was conducted at a tertiary care center.Participants Seventeen patients with unilateral sporadic VS were screened between January 2017 and January 2020 (see Table 1). Inclusion criteria were as follows: sporadic vestibular schwannoma, no ipsilateral functional hearing, desire to undergo cochlear implantation, and general good health. Exclusion criteria were prior treatment for vestibular schwannoma, neurofibromatosis type 2, history of pathology requiring multiple head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or history of malignant disease of the head and neck. A lack of functional hearing was defined as ≤50% monosyllable recognition at 80 dB HL. Main outcome measuresThe patients’ preoperative findings and results were re-evaluated to develop a new scoring system for patient selection. All patients underwent MRI of the brain performed using a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) unit (Philips Achieva; Philips Medical Systems, Best, the Netherlands). To visualize the cerebellopontine angle, the MR protocol included a 3D balanced fast field echo sequence that was used for further assessment. Using a picture archiving and communication system (IMPAX; AGFA HealthCare, Bonn, Germany), all MR examinations were anonymized and randomly presented to a neuroradiologist who was not aware of any clinical data. Grading according to four-grade Koos classification system was carried out (4). Additionally, a four level grading system was used to evaluate intrameatal extension towards the modiolus (Table 2).Promontory stimulation eABR was performed with a gold coated rigid electrode with a rounded-bent (hockey stick) tip stimulation probe manufactured by MED-EL (Innsbruck, Austria)  and recorded with the Neuropack, Nihon Kohden, Tokyo. A positive response is defined as a clear wave V reproducible in latency and amplitude. In cases with a wave V that can only be seen at high stimulation intensities or that is not reproducible an unclear response is documented. No identifiable wave V is defined as a negative response.The pure-tone average (4-PTA) was calculated as the mean for each patient, using the results at frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. Monosyllables were measured at 65 and 80 dB HL. Based on these results, patients were categorized in four groups as seen in Table 2. STARD guidelines were followed when reporting the data of this study. ResultsAfter six months of follow-up, ten patients were daily users of the CI. Their mean aided pure-tone average was 38 dB HL, and their mean WRS was 28% at 65 dB, and 52% at 80 dB. Outcomes for individual patients can be seen in Table 3. Nine of the ten patients had open-set speech understanding. The patient without open-set speech understanding has significant hearing loss on the contralateral side and a language barrier. Facial nerve outcomes according to House Brackman (HB) are shown in Table 3. In all cases, the six-month follow-up MRI showed no sign of residual or recurrent tumor. The scoring system Table 2 shows the scoring system that was developed. Besides Koos grading, results of promontory stimulation eABR were included. Our system also evaluated residual hearing, which is an important factor reflecting the state of the nerve and the cochlea before an intervention. Further, we identified relation to the modiolus as a predictive factor. Table 4 shows the scoring system applied to the presented patients. DiscussionVarious advancements over recent years have made CI a good option for restoring binaural hearing in patients with VS. Imaging sequences have been improved and CI magnets have been developed to reduce metal artifacts(5) and allow postoperative evaluation of the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle for tumor follow-up(6). Another recent development is the possible use of intraoperative eABR with an ITE, enabling objective assessment of cochlear nerve functionality(2, 3). In the past, the outcome of CIs in the context of VS was considered unpredictable, and many patients did not benefit from this technique. However, the advent of testing systems, such as intraoperative eABR, permits more precise evaluation of possible outcomes. Although simultaneous VS resection and cochlear implantation is possible with only visual assessment of the cochlear nerve(7), eABR measurements are a useful tool for objectifying the surgeon’s assessment. Only two prior studies have described the use of eABR during translabyrinthine VS resection(2, 8). One study included eight patients(8). The other was a pilot study by our research group(2). In this previous manuscript, we demonstrate the intraoperative objective evaluation of the cochlear nerve with eABR, using an ITE, during translabyrinthine VS resection and cochlear implantation(2). Our preliminary results indicated that positive eABR results (clear wave V) seem to be reliable, and to correlate well with CI-aided auditory perception. This thesis was further supported by the results of our present study, in which all patients with positive eABR results and who received an implant showed auditory perception with their CI, and most (90%) even have open-set speech understanding. A remaining major challenge is to identify patients with a high chance of cochlear nerve preservation. Therefore, as a logical next step, the knowledge gained in this study was used to create a grading system with the aim of preoperatively determining candidacy, as was performed herein.Individuals with residual speech understanding were more likely to have positive eABR results, and to receive a CI. These results are in line with the findings of Sanna et al(7). In their study, individuals with good functional hearing underwent translabyrinthine VS resection and cochlear implantation. After tumor removal, surgeons evaluated the cochlear nerve and visually determined whether it was intact(7). Of the nineteen included patients, thirteen were able to receive a CI, of whom 84% use their CI daily or almost daily(7). Another identified predictive factor was the VS extension towards the cochlear modiolus. This anatomic structure also reportedly plays an important role when assessing CI candidacy in cases of malformation,(9) as well as the need of its preservation in intracochlear VSs(10). Obviously, tumor resection is increasingly challenging with greater VS size, reducing the possibility of nerve protection reflected by Koos grading. The last category of our scoring system was promontory stimulation. One issue with promontory stimulation is that it produces a substantial number of artefacts in awake patients. Another problem is that some patients do not tolerate stimulation well, leading to a wide variety of stimulations intensities between different individuals. Artefacts and said stimulation range diminish the interpretation possibilities and reliability of the results. One limitation of the present study was the relatively small sample size on which the scoring system was based. Nevertheless, this study represents the largest group of patients with vestibular schwannomas, in whom eABR was intraoperatively performed. As well as the first study assessing predictive factors for cochlear implantation which can be assessed preoperatively.Overall, our results indicated that patients with a Class I scoring had a very high chance of receiving a CI. Among patients categorized as Class II (6–8 points according to our system), the majority could be implanted, but they had a distinctly worse chance of receiving an implant, and thus careful counseling is essential in these cases. Patients categorized as Class III and IV were not able to be implanted with a CI. ConclusionSimultaneous translabyrinthine VS excision and cochlear implantation using intraoperative eABR measurements is a good option for hearing rehabilitation and provides binaural hearing. Preoperative accurate assessment of the size and extent of VS, audiometric testing, and promontory stimulation eABR improves preoperative patient selection, help manage patient expectations, and predict the possibility of cochlear implantation. References1.         Upadhyay U, Almefty RO, Dunn IF, Al-Mefty O. Letter to the Editor: Save the nerve. J Neurosurg. 2015;123(3):821-2.2.         Dahm V, Auinger AB, Honeder C, Riss D, Landegger LD, Moser G, et al. Simultaneous Vestibular Schwannoma Resection and Cochlear Implantation Using Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response Audiometry for Decision-making. Otol Neurotol. 2020;41(9):1266-73.3.         Patel NS, Saoji AA, Olund AP, Carlson ML. Monitoring Cochlear Nerve Integrity During Vestibular Schwannoma Microsurgery in Real-Time Using Cochlear Implant Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response and Streaming Neural Response Imaging. Otol Neurotol. 2020;41(2):e201-e7.4.         Koos WT, Day JD, Matula C, Levy DI. Neurotopographic considerations in the microsurgical treatment of small acoustic neurinomas. J Neurosurg. 1998;88(3):506-12.5.         Schwartz N, Rooth MA, Dillon MT, O'Connell BP, Dedmon MM, Huang BY, et al. MRI surveillance following concurrent cochlear implantation in cases of vestibular schwannoma resection. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020;41(4):102518.6.         Schwarz-Nemec U, Dahm V, Arnoldner C. Letter to the editor regarding worldwide 1st MED-EL Mi1200 SYNCHRONY cochlear implant magnet removal for MRI image artifact reduction by Wieser et al. Otolaryngology Case Reports. 2019;10(March):43-4.7.         Sanna M, Medina MD, Macak A, Rossi G, Sozzi V, Prasad SC. Vestibular Schwannoma Resection with Ipsilateral Simultaneous Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Normal Contralateral Hearing. Audiol Neurootol. 2016;21(5):286-95.8.         Roberts S, Levin B, Sanli H, Ferch R, Kong K, Eisenberg R. Simultaneous cochlear implantation and removal of acoustic neuroma: implications for hearing. J Laryngol Otol. 2020;134(6):519-25.9.         Grover M, Sharma S, Preetam C, Gupta G, Samdani S, Agarwal S, et al. New SMS classification of cochleovestibular malformation and its impact on decision-making. J Laryngol Otol. 2019;133(5):368-75.10.       Plontke SK. An Improved Technique of Subtotal Cochleoectomy for Removal of Intracochlear Schwannoma and Single-stage Cochlear Implantation. Otol Neurotol. 2020;41(7):e891.    Patient Demographics   ID Age (y) Sex Side 4-PTA   WRS @ 80 dB Contralateral 4-PTAC 1 47 f l 77 dB 20% SSD 6 dB      2 59 m r 68 dB 40% AHL 54 dB 3 55 f l 51 dB 5% SSD 20 dB 4 74 m r 85 dB 0% AHL 48 dB 5 42 f l 68 dB 0% SSD 8 dB 6 61 f l 64 dB 30% SSD 5 dB 7 69 f r ³ 100 dB 0% ³ 100 dB 65 dB 8 59 m r 60 dB 0% SSD 21 dB 9 44 m r 74 dB 0% SSD 6 dB 10 55 f r 49 dB 40% SSD 6 dB 11 56 f l ³ 100 dB 0% SSD 10 dB 12 60 f r 87 dB 0% SSD 16 dB 13 44 m l 75dB 0% AHL 55 dB 14 52 f l ³ 100 dB 0% SSD 25 dB 15 56 f l 40 dB 25% SSD 14 dB 16 62 f r 64 dB 0% SSD 20 dB 17 46 f l ³ 100 dB 0% ³ 100 dB 80 dB Total 55.4 (± 8.9 SD) m = 5 f = 12 l = 9 r = 8 74 dB (± 19 SD) 9% (± 15 SD) SSD = 12 AHL = 3 27 dB (± 23 SD)  Table 1: Age is given in years (y). Gender is described as f (female) or m (male). Puretone average (4-PTA) is calculated as average decibel (dB) hearing level (HL) at the frequencies 500 Hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Word recognition scores (WRS) are calculated using Freiburg monosyllables at (@) 80 dB HL. Hearing of the contralateral side resulted in the diagnoses of single sided deaf (SSD), asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) or bilateral complete hearing loss larger than 100 dB HL (³ 100 dB). Contralateral 4-PTA = 4-PTAC       Scoring System       Category Definition Points Koos Grading Koos 4 0 Koos 3 1 Koos 2 2 Koos 1 3   Extension Transmodiolar extension 0 Infiltration of modiolus 1 Contact with modiolus 2 No contact, no infiltration of modiolus 3   Hearing ³ 100 dB 4-PTA 0 80 < 100 dB 4-PTA 1 < 79 dB 4-PTA 2 > 0% monosyllables, any PTA 3   PS EABR No response 0 Unclear wave V 1 Stable wave V 2       Total Score Class IV 0 - 3 Class III 4 - 5 Class II 6 - 8 Class I 9 - 11   Table 2: Scoring system to identify patients with higher chances of nerve integrity in case of VS resection. A certain amount (0-3) of points are given in four categories. Points are added up and patients are categorized to a certain class which reflects the probability of cochlear implantation after translabyrinthine vestibular schwannoma excision. Promontory stimulation eABR (PS EABR)   Patient Outcomes   ID Koos CI 6-month Follow-up VII 1/2/3/4 yes/no 4-PTA WRS @ 65 dB WRS @ 80 dB HB – POD1 HB – 6 Mo FU 1 2 yes 35 dB 40% 65% 1 1 2 1 yes 30 dB 65% 65% 1 1 3 3 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 5 3 4 3 yes 36 dB 0% 30% 1 1 5 2 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 1 1 6 1 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 1 1 7 2 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 1 1 8 4 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 5 2 9 2 yes 35 dB 0% 20% 1 1 10 2 yes 34 dB 45% 85% 1 1 11 2 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 1 1 12 2 yes 35 dB 10% 45% 2 1 13 2 yes 51 dB n.p. n.p. 1 1 14 1 no n.a. n.a. n.a. 3 1 15 2 yes 33 dB 40% 60% 1 1 16 1 yes 43 dB 20% 40% 1 1 17 2 yes 35 dB 35% 55% 1 1    Table 3: Outcomes of seventeen included patients. The second column shows the size and extension of the vestibular schwannoma according to Koos grading one to four. The third column shows which patients were provided with a cochlear implant (CI) (yes) and which not (no). Column four - Puretone average (4-PTA) in CI aided condition calculated as average decibel (dB) hearing level (HL) at the frequencies 500 Hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. Column five and six - word recognition scores (WRS) in CI aided condition are calculated using Freiburg monosyllables at (@) 65 and 80 dB HL. The last two columns show facial nerve function according to House Brackmann (HB) scale 1 to 6 on postoperative day one (POD 1) and at the 6 months follow-up appointment (6 Mo FU). n.p. - not performed due to a language barrier. n.a. – not applicable     Applied Point System   ID Koos Points Modiolus Audio PS eABR Points CIass CI 1 2 2 3 n.p. ³ 7 £ II yes 2 3 3 3 2 11 I yes 3 1 2 3 2 8 II no 4 1 3 1 2 7 II yes 5 2 2 2 2 8 II no 6 3 1 3 2 9 I no 7 2 0 0 1 3 IV no 8 0 1 2 2 5 III no 9 2 3 2 2 9 I yes 10 2 3 3 2 10 I yes 11 2 1 0 0 3 IV no 12 2 3 1 1 7 II yes 13 2 3 2 2 9 I yes 14 3 1 0 2 6 II no 15 2 3 3 2 10 I yes 16 3 2 2 2 9 I yes 17 2 2 0 2 6 II yes Results  0 - 3 0 - 3 0 - 3 0 - 2 0 - 11 I - IV yes/no  Table 4: Point system applied to the presented seventeen patients. Every column represents one of the categories and points given. Koos - Koos classification, Modiolus - extension (in connection to the Modiolus), Audio - audiometric results, summation of pure tone average and word recognition score) and PS eABR - promontory stimulation electrically evoked auditory brainstem response. In total, there are four categories. Points reflects the sum of all points. Class is the resulting group each patient is categorized into, according to amount of points. Patient 1 did not undergo PS eABR, which does not allow for a complete classification. CI – cochlear implant: yes if they were provided with a CI, no if no CI was placed. N.p. – not performed  

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To investigate a possible relationship between altered nasal flow and chronic otitis media (COM) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort sample of CT scans from patients with COM and controls without COM to compare the results of various nasal airflow parameters determined by CFD between a group of patients with COM (N=60) and a control group of subjects without any evidence of ear disease (N=81). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The CT were subjected to various procedures to carry out CFD studies, determining the resistance to nasal flow, the proportion of flow through the right and left nasal cavity, and two nondimentional estimators. The results of CFD studies between patients with COM and controls were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Whereas only 12.3% of the controls had CFD alteration (10 out of 81), 43.3% of the patients suffering COM displayed alterations of our nondimentional parameters (26 out of 60). According to our results, the incidence of alterations in nasal airflow by studying with CFD is significantly higher in patients with COM than in controls IMPLICATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first paper linking nasal cavity and COM using a CFD approach. Our results support the hypothesis that nasal flow alterations could be implicated in the etiopathogenesis of the COM.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to establish a frequency-specific ABR (fs-ABR) system via loudspeakers to assess the hearing improvement in ossiculoplasty intra-operatively and observe its efficiency and accuracy in predicting the long-term outcome. Setting Blackman-gated 1kHz tone-pips with 1ms, 2ms and 3ms duration were used in normal hearing (NH) subjects to calibrate the system and the standard ABR threshold and wave V latency for this system were established. All subjects would take four hearing tests: Pure tone audiometry (PTA) before and six-month after the surgery, fs-ABR under anesthesia before surgery and right after the ossicular chain reconstruction intra-operatively. PTA was used as the standard test to measure hearing. Bland-Altman analysis and linear correlation analysis were used to compare the agreement between PTA and fs-ABR results. Participants Forty-two conductive hearing loss (CHL) subjects. Results: For NH and CHL subjects in operating room before surgery, the fs-ABR threshold showed a high linear relation with the PTA results (r=0.88, P<.0001). For CHL follow up results: for 1ms group, PTAI showed a better correlation with fs-ABRI (r=0.67, P<.01) with the equation: PTAI=2.15*fs-ABRI-3.49; for 3ms group, PTA showed a better correlation with fs-ABR (r=0.76, P<.01) with the equation PTA=0.93*fs-ABR+3.48. Bland-Altman analysis showed no difference between PTA and fs-ABR in all above analysis. Eustachian tube malfunction would negatively affect the prediction efficacy, for subjects with normal ETF, the correlation between fs-ABRI and PTAI was even higher: PTAI=1.6*fs-ABRI+12.48 with r=0.77 (P=.0407<0.05). Conclusions This system could monitor the function of the reconstructed ossicular chain intra-operatively and predict the post-surgical 6-month hearing improvement efficiently and accurately. The average testing time for the fs-ABR was short, about 10 to 15 minutes. This system would serve as a promising tool clinically to help surgeons optimize the efficacy of ossiculoplasty. Besides, ETF should be taken into consideration as a risk factor that would negatively influence the hearing impairment.

A document by Klaus Rose, written on Authorea.

ABSTRACT Introduction Radioactive iodine (RAI) is widely used as a treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer following total thyroidectomy. There is a risk of second primary malignancy (SPM) in these patients which is estimated between 0-5% although research to support this is limited. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the rate of SPM in patients who have undergone RAIT for thyroid cancer. The secondary objectives were to assess whether the risk is dose dependant and examine the overall survival and recurrence rates. Methods A retrospective review of all patients treated with radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer between 2002 and 2014. Patient information was collected from a structured database. Data regarding second cancers and recurrence rates was obtained from an online clinical portal. Follow up was 5 years minimum. Results 199 patients underwent RAI treatment. Median age was 53. 71.4% patients were female and 28.6% were male. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy. 13.6% underwent total thyroid and central neck dissection. 11% underwent total thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection. 5.5% required post-operative radiotherapy. 12% patients developed recurrent thyroid cancer. 8% developed a SPM of which prostate, skin, head and neck SCC were the most common. A dose ≥3.7 (Gigabecquerel) GBq was statistically significantly more likely to lead to a SPM with a P value of 0.041 (95% CI -0.52 – 0.01318). Conclusions Increased risk of developing a second primary malignancy should be taken into account, especially in younger patients with low risk disease, when deciding on RAIT. Key words Radioactive iodine, Differentiated thyroid cancer, Second primary malignancy, Radioiodine, Thyroid cancer

Objective To assess the efficacy and outcome of a pilot model in triaging urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design Prospective observational cohort study Setting Regional Head and Neck Cancer hub, United Kingdom. Participants 84 patients who were referred via the 2 week wait pathway and streamed directly for imaging investigations after initial telephone consultation. Main outcome measures The malignancy detection rate using the telephone-and-test model Results 495 2-week wait referrals were received during the study period. 104 patients were discharged following their initial telephone consultation. 84 (17%) patients were streamed directly for imaging investigations following their telephone consultation. Malignancy was identified in 11.9% of patients which included squamous cell carcinoma, differentiated thyroid carcinoma and lymphoproliferative disease. 51% of patients had other benign pathologies such as benign salivary gland tumour, benign thyroid disease and physiological lymphadenopathy. Following their radiological investigation, 48.8% of patients were discharged without any need for further consultations. Conclusions The telephone-and-test approach is an effective and efficient model for triaging head and neck two-week wait referrals, which could be applicable outside the pandemic times.

Objectives: To determine the immediate post-operative course and outcome of pediatric patients with complicated acute mastoiditis (CAM) undergoing simple mastoidectomy. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with CAM who underwent a mastoidectomy during 2012-2019. Setting: Tertiary care university hospital. Participants: 33 patients were divided into two groups: 17 patients with subperiosteal abscess (SPA) alone- single complication group (SCG) and 16 patients with SPA and additional complications (sigmoid sinus vein thrombosis, perisinus fluid/abscess, epidural abscess)-multiple complications group (MCG). Main Outcome Measures: post-operative data were collected. Demographics, microbiology data, inflammatory parameters, hospitalization length, and POF pattern were recorded, compared, and analyzed. Results: Of 162 acute mastoiditis patients, 33(20.4%) underwent surgery due to CAM; 17(51%) and 16(49%) belonged to the SCG and MCG, respectively. 6/17(35.3%) SCG patients experienced POF vs. 12/16(75%) in the MCG (P=0.012). At post-operative day 2 (POD2), 10/13(77%) febrile patients belonged to MCG and 3/13(23%) to SCG (P=0.013). POF was recorded until POD6 in both groups. Seven patients, all from MCG with POF, underwent second imaging with no new findings; A total of 18 positive cultures were reported. Fusobacterium necrophorum counted for 8/18(44.5%) of all positive cultures, 7/9(77.8%) in the MCG vs. 1/9(11.1 %) in the SCG, P=0.004. Streptococcus pneumoniae was reported only in SCG (5/9, 55.5%, vs. 0/9, P=0.008). Conclusion: Post-mastoidectomy fever due to CAM is not unusual and seems to be a benign condition for the first 5-6 days following surgery. MCG patients are more prone to develop POF. F. necrophorum is more likely to be associated with MCG, and S. pneumoniae is common in SCG patients. Keywords: Mastoiditis, post-operative fever, complications, microbiology

Abstract Objectives: There is no study in the literature that patients with clinically-proven PET were evaluated by Valsalva CT. We aimed to evaluate the merit of Valsalva computed tomography (CT) in patients who had clinically-proven patulous Eustachian tube (PET). Design: Case-series Setting and participants: We recruited patients with clinically-proven PET. Participants: Main outcome measures: All participants underwent temporal bone CTs while they were performing the Valsalva maneuver in the supine position. Standard axial plane CT images, along with multiplanar reconstruction and 3D Air volume rendering, were used to visualize the ET in its entirety. Results: Three patients (2 females, one male) with a total of 6 ears were included in the study. All patients had suggestive symptoms of PET, including aural fullness, aerophony, and autophony and underwent clinical examination and audiologic tests. In all ears, the whole Eustachian tube could be visualized with Valsalva CT. Conclusion: For the first time, we demonstrated the merit of Valsalva CT in visualization of the Eustachian tube in its entirety in patients with clinically diagnosed PET.

Objective: To study the profile of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) and to compare their reflux findings with LPR patients without OSAS. Design: Prospective controlled study. Methods: Patients with LPR and OSAS were prospectively recruited from Augustus 2019 to June 2020. The profile of hypopharyngeal reflux events (HRE) of patients was studied through a breakdown of the HEMII-pH findings over the 24-hour of testing. Reflux symptom score (RSS), gastrointestinal and HEMII-pH outcomes were compared between LPR patients and patients with LPR and OSAS. Multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between reflux data and the following sleep outcomes: Apnea-Hypopnea Index, Epworth Slippiness Scale (ESS) and paradoxical sleep data. Results: A total of 89 patients completed the study. There were 45 patients with LPR and 44 subjects with both OSAS and LPR. The numbers of upright and daytime HREs and the otolaryngological RSS were significantly higher in patients with LPR compared with those with OSAS and LPR. There was a significant positive association between RSS quality of life score and ESS (p=0.001). The occurrence of HREs in the evening was associated with higher ESS (p=0.015). Patients with OSAS, LPR and GERD had higher number of nocturnal HREs compared with those without GERD (p=0.001). Conclusion: The presence of OSAS in LPR patients is associated with less severe HEMII-pH and ear, nose and throat symptoms. There may have different OSAS patient profiles according to the occurrence of GERD.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood and is reported to have a low mutational burden. However, in this study, we identified nine MBs with high mutational burden by next generation sequencing. Of them, two had canonical mutations in the POLE proof-reading domain, where a large proportion of mutations in these tumor genomes contributed to signature 10. We report very rare incidences of hypermutation in MB and mechanisms driving mutagenesis. Strikingly, of the four known molecular subgroups in MB—-SHH, WNT, Group 3, and Group 4—both the POLE-mutated MBs belonged to the SHH subgroup.

Key point: • Being one of the commonest presenting emergencies, epistaxis can increase the pressure on the health service; in times similar to COVID-19 pandemic such pressure can be crucial and challenging to deal with. • Non-absorbable nasal packing and home discharge for selected patients can be a safe and efficient alternative treatment method with low readmission rates (5.3 %); such management can be of tremendous help when the hospital capacity is overwhelmed. • Although such protocols can be challenging to generalize, the presented protocol seems safe, easily adoptable without any significant complications.

Improving clinical practice in ENT: lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemicJames R Tysome, Cambridge University Hospitals, UKEditor-in-Chief, Clinical OtolaryngologyWhile currently in the midst of another wave of COVID-19 infections, putting untold strain on both healthcare systems and healthcare workers around the globe, it is important to reflect on the changes that we have all had to make. All ENT departments, within a very short timeframe, restructured clinical services to prioritise the delivery of patient care to those with the greatest clinical need, while increasing services such as tracheostomy for the high number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care. We also changed the methods that we use to teach our trainees and share knowledge with colleagues. Many of these changes have been successful and should now be maintained in the future.It has been fascinating to see the how the research community built new research networks and redirected focus to projects related to understanding SARS-CoV-2 infection; surveillance and public health measures, optimising patient management of the disease and understanding the impact of COVID-19 on different healthcare systems. This resulted in over 89,000 peer reviewed publications relating to COVID-19 in 2020 and the development of new research structures such as CovidSurg , a global collaborative platform of studies aiming to explore the impact of COVID-19 on surgical patients.1Two papers in this issue demonstrate how clinical practice in ENT adapted to COVID-19. The first explores the publication of guidance relevant to ENT.2 Both national bodies and specialist societies across the globe published guidance on how services should be reconfigured, patients prioritised, and ENT surgeons protected, particularly with respect to aerosol generating procedures given the potential high risk of infection. It is the speed of publication that was particularly impressive. Of the 175 online publications of COVID guidance related to ENT, 41% were published between the third and fourth week of March 2020.The second study explores the impact of this guidance on clinical care through a prospective audit of the management of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess in 86 hospitals across the UK following the publication of guidelines by ENT UK, the professional body representing ENT surgeons in the UK. This provided a pathway that aimed to prevent hospital admission when safe to do so.3 Increased use of single doses of intravenous dexamethasone and antibiotics resulted in return to swallowing in many patients, allowing patients to be discharged safely, without later increases in re-presentation or admission.These studies show the strong clinical leadership has been demonstrated within the ENT community, removing traditional barriers to change. Clinicians have taken the initiative to develop new pathways and new ways of working. An almost overnight change from face-to-face appointments to remote appointments took place in many hospitals, showing how we can adapt when needed. Remote appointments, either by telephone4 or video calls,5 are suitable for many ENT patients, preferred by many and are certainly here to stay.There has been rapid scaling of technology such as digital consultation platforms to enable this remote service delivery. Video conferencing facilitates multidisciplinary team meetings, bringing together clinicians at distant locations to discuss patient management in an efficient manner without the need to spend hours travelling to meet in the same location. Virtual patient consultations can allow sharing of digital information such as imaging without the patient needing to leave their home, reduced footfall in previously over-crowded outpatient departments.New teaching and training opportunities have arisen through the use of digital conferencing platforms, replacing traditional teaching programmes and allowing us to reach larger audiences.6Entire conferences have successfully moved to virtual participation. These opportunities have the potential to significantly enrich training and teaching in the future.We have seen many examples of enhanced local system working. ENT and intensive care teams have needed to work more closely together to manage patients with COVID-19 requiring a tracheostomy.7 It is important that these closer relationships are maintained in the future for patient benefit.The ENT community has demonstrated strong clinical leadership, adaptability to rapid change, enhanced clinical pathways and local networks, widespread use of digital technology for consultation and teaching and redirection of research programmes. These have permanently changed the way we work and, when the current global pandemic improves as COVID-19 infections drop and vaccination programmes are rolled out, we should ensure that the positive changes that have been made are embedded in clinical practice to improve patient care.Globalsurg.org. Covidsurg, NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery [Cited 2020 Jan 18]. Available from https://globalsurg.org/covidsurg/Cernei st al. Timing and volume of information produced for the Otolaryngologist during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. A review of the volume of online literature. Clin Otolaryngol;46(2):???????Smith M, et al. Admission avoidance in tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess: a prospective national audit during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Otolaryngol;46(2):???????Sharma S and Daniel M. Telepmedicine in paediatric otorhinolaryngology: lessons learnt from remote encounters during the COVID19 pandemic and implications for future practice. Int J Paediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020:139:110411.Fieux M, et al. Telemedicine for ENT: effect on quality of care during COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2020; 137(4):257-261.Herman A, et al. National, virtual otolaryngology training day in the United Kingdom during the COIVD-19 pandemic: results of a pilot survey. J Surg Educ. 2020; S1931-7204McGrath BA, et al. Multidisciplinary guidance for safe tracheostomy care during the COVID-19 pandemic: the NHS National Patient Safety Improvement Programme (NatPatSIP). Anaesthesia 2020;75(12):1659-1670.

The T-graft is a new tool in the armament of structural rhinoplasty. The graft makes it easy to create a well- balanced nasal framework both for beginners and more experienced rhinoplastic surgeons. Due to its multifunctional character the T-graft allows the surgeon to control nasal length as well as nasal tip projection and -rotation. The T-graft is indicated in many anatomical features like in patients with a short nose or heavy soft tissue envelope, but also in patients with under projection of the nasal tip, under- or over-rotation of the nasal tip and deviations of the caudal nasal septum.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of using Image1 S™ endoscopic enhancement system for discrimination of the vascular patterns in laryngeal lesions. Design: Forty patients presenting with benign, dysplastic and malign laryngeal lesions were examined with Image1 S system. The vascular patterns were classified by a group of the authors/ according to the ELS guideline, as perpendicular or longitudinal, in all lesions. Endoscopic images of the vascular patterns are evaluated through an online survey by a group of otolaryngologists with different levels of clinical expertise. The qualitative evaluation of the vascular patterns in two groups were compared to investigate the consistency. The relationship between the vascular patterns and the pathological results was statistically analyzed. Results: Eleven patient presented with benign, 13 patients with dysplastic and 16 patients with malignant pathology. The vascular patterns were longitudinal in 9 lesions, perpendicular in 28 lesions and undetectable in 3 lesions. The relevance between the vascularization pattern and the pathological diagnosis was found to be significant (χ2= 20.30, p < 0,001). The qualitative evaluation of the vascular patterns by the two groups of observers was significantly close to each other (=0.63). The survey also showed that spectral modes producing high contrast images were preferred by 81,9% of the participants over white light images. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the usefulness and feasibility of Image1 S endoscopic enhancement system to predict the diagnosis from vascular changes in laryngeal lesions.

Background: To describe how parents and families of children with cancer evaluate the benefits and risks of using social media (SM) and how they navigate disagreements between oncologists’ advice and information found on SM. Procedure: Parents of children who had been previously diagnosed with cancer, and who had used SM for a purpose related to that child’s health were recruited through SM sites and nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and were invited to complete questionnaires about their experiences using SM; a subset of participants also completed a follow-up in-depth interview. Open-ended responses and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: 90 parents completed written questionnaires; 21 completed follow-up interviews. 70% described experiencing a situation in which information shared on SM conflicted with information provided by their child’s oncologist. Although 86% discussed it with the oncologist and 70% described the response as positive, 78% retained negative feelings about the experience. Openness to discussing SM, honesty, transparency and humility regarding the limits of medicine, and shared decision-making regarding information found on SM were connected with reported trust in the oncologist. Conclusions: Parents offered valuable insights regarding their experiences navigating SM, including 8 recommendations for how pediatricians might approach discussing parental SM use. Future studies will evaluate the utility of these recommendations for pediatric clinicians.

Guidelines state there is no Abstract for Correspondence: Our Experience