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Time trend analysis of otological procedures performed in England, 1989 to 2005

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2007

C K Hari*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
R Powell
Affiliation:
Peninsula Research and Development Centre, Exeter, UK
G M Weiner
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Churunal Hari, Flat 2, 5 Eaton Crescent, Bristol BS8 2EJ, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective:

To observe trends in the number of major otological procedures performed in England, in the context of advances in the understanding of disease.

Methods:

The data used were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics statistical database, published by the UK Department of Health, for England, 1989 to 2005. Specific otological procedures were identified using the Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures system (fourth revision) of the Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys. Trend analysis of different procedures was performed using exponential smoothing (using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 13 software).

Results:

Our study did not confirm any reduction in the number of surgical procedures performed for cholesteatoma or otosclerosis. We noted a sharp decline in the number of endolymphatic sac surgical procedures performed, probably attributable to the increased use of intratympanic therapy.

Conclusion:

The number of major otological procedures (other than endolymphatic sac surgery) was consistent over the period examined. The generally perceived reduction in the number of procedures performed by individual surgeons may be due to a dilutional effect. This can only support the need for subspecialisation, particularly regarding the training of junior surgeons.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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