The loss of a scalpel or a needle during surgery can threaten the health of the patient and lead to additional costs, and radiographical assistance during surgery has been the only recovery method. This study evaluates the efficacy of a metal detector compared with conventional radiology for recovering a needle lost in the oropharynx during surgery.

Different fragment sizes of needles normally used in pharyngoplasty were embedded at different locations and depths in a lamb's head. Three experienced and three junior otolaryngologists searched for the needle fragments using a metal detector and conventional radiology.

All fragments were found with each method, but the mean searching time was 90 per cent shorter with the metal detector.

A metal detector can be a useful tool for locating needles that break during ENT surgery, as it requires less time than conventional radiology and avoids exposing patients to radiation.

The National Health Service (NHS) recognised the risk to public health brought by climate change by launching the Greener NHS National Programme in 2020. These organisational changes aim to attain net zero direct carbon emissions. This article reviews the literature on initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of ENT practice.

Systematic review of the literature using scientific, healthcare and general interest (public domain) databases.

The initiatives reviewed can be broken down into strategies for mitigating the carbon footprint of long patient stay, use of operative theatres and healthcare travel. The carbon footprint of in-patient stay can be mitigated by a shift towards day-case surgery. The ENT community is currently focused on the reduction of theatre waste and the use of disposable instruments. Furthermore, supply chains and healthcare delivery models are being redesigned to reduce travel.

Future areas of development include designing waterless theatre scrubs, waste-trapping technologies for anaesthetic gases and a continuing investment in virtual healthcare.

To compare visual estimation versus ImageJ calculation of tympanic membrane perforation size in the paediatric population between clinicians of different experience.

Five images of tympanic membrane perforations in children, captured using an otoendoscope, were selected. The gold standard was the ImageJ results by one consultant otologist. Consultants, registrars and Senior House Officers or equivalent were asked to visually estimate and calculate the perforation size using ImageJ software.

The mean difference in variation from gold standard between visual estimation and ImageJ calculation was 12.16 per cent, 95 per cent CI (10.55, 13.78) p < 0.05, with ImageJ providing a more accurate estimation of perforation. Registrars were significantly more accurate at visual estimation than senior house officers. There was no statistically significant difference in ImageJ results between the different grades.

Using ImageJ software is more accurate at estimating tympanic membrane perforation size than visual assessment for all ENT clinicians regardless of experience.

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent occupational disease worldwide and is historically associated with the Industrial Revolution. This study analyses early descriptions of this disorder during the pre-industrial period in the work of the Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (1633–1714).

Primary and secondary historical literature were reviewed.

Ramazzini described hearing loss in corn millers and in coppersmiths and recognised that this disorder is irreversible and progressive when exposure to noise continues. He also seemed to describe tinnitus. He further suggested the use of earplugs as a preventive measure for these classes of workers. Ramazzini's anatomical and pathological knowledge appears to be based on ancient authors; he did not discuss contemporaneous medical authors’ work on hearing function.

Despite some limitations, Ramazzini's work appears pioneering for his time and represents an important milestone in the history of otolaryngology.

This study used the European Laryngeal Society (2016) and Ni (2011 and 2019) classifications for narrow-band imaging and correlated the findings with histopathology.

Retrospective analysis was conducted by retrieving data of patients who underwent micro-laryngoscopy for suspicious glottic lesions. The narrow-band imaging findings were classified using both classification systems. Retrieved histopathology report findings were correlated with narrow-band imaging data.

Using the European Laryngeal Society and Ni classifications, 37 (69.8 per cent) and 35 (66 per cent) patients, respectively, were suspected to have malignant lesions. Upon histopathology, 37 (69.8 per cent) lesions were malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy using the European Laryngeal Society classification were 91.9 per cent, 81.3 per cent, 91.9 per cent, 81.3 per cent and 88.7 per cent, and using the Ni classification were 91.9 per cent, 93.8 per cent, 97.1 per cent, 83.3 per cent and 92.5 per cent, respectively.

The Ni classification had better specificity and accuracy. The European Laryngeal Society classification is simple to use and may serve as a useful screening tool. For optimum results, both European Laryngeal Society and Ni classifications may be used together, in that order.

Guidance for the management of thyroid nodules has evolved over time, from initial evaluation based predominantly on clinical grounds to now including the established role of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology in their assessment. There is, however, significant variation in the management of thyroid nodules depending on which national guidelines are followed. In addition, there are certain clinical situations such as pregnancy and paediatric thyroid nodules that have differing evaluation priorities.

This review aimed to provide an overview of currently accepted practices for the initial investigation and subsequent management of patients with thyroid nodules for the non-specialist. The review also addresses areas of variance between the systems in common clinical use, as well as newer, evolving technologies, including molecular testing in the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Post-operative success and patient satisfaction were assessed following septoplasty for mild to severe anterior septal deviation.

The study included patients with an anterior nasal septal deviation in the form of a ‘C’ shape and close to the nasal valve in the anterior septal area. Deviation severity was classified as severe (group 1), moderate (group 2) or mild (group 3). Open or closed septoplasty procedures were performed. All patients were surveyed twice using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

The mean Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score for group 1 was 15.58 ± 2.34 prior to surgery and 6.61 ± 3.29 following surgery. The corresponding pre- and post-surgery scores in group 2 were 11.9 ± 2.82 and 6.3 ± 3.03, respectively. In group 3, these values were 8.28 ± 2.63 and 7.12 ± 3.18, respectively. The mean 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical function value for groups 1 and 2 increased after surgery; in group 3, this value decreased after surgery, but the result was not statistically significant.

Septoplasty is very successful for treating moderate or advanced deviations, but great care should be taken when employing septoplasty for mild deviations.

The arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic disrupted life suddenly and forcefully, and healthcare systems around the world are still struggling to come to terms with it. This paper reviews the impact of the pandemic on ENT practice and training.

The present manuscript was developed as a narrative review to examine the role of otorhinolaryngologists in the management of the pandemic, and assess its impact on practice and training in the specialty.

Otorhinolaryngologists handle secretions of organs implicated in disease transmission, leaving them particularly vulnerable even while performing simple procedures. Although the pandemic increased skill expectations, it simultaneously reduced learning opportunities for trainees. In addition, attention to emergencies has been delayed. Further, the suspension of elective procedures has affected patients with malignancies.

While planning service resumption, provisions need to be made for protective equipment and training; improving teleconsultation services will help provide sustainable care during further waves.

The existing provision of ENT teaching in the undergraduate curriculum is deemed inadequate by medical students, general practitioners and ENT surgeons alike. This study aims to explore the perceptions of a variety of stakeholders on how undergraduate ENT provision can be optimised.

This study involved semi-structured interviews with seven participants (two medical students, two general practitioners, two ENT surgeons and a curriculum developer). Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes that emerged from the interviews.

The four emergent themes were evaluation of current ENT provision, barriers to learning and teaching, alternate means of delivery of ENT education, and professional identity development. A number of barriers to learning and teaching in the clinical environment were identified including student-related, teacher-related and environmental factors.

The existing ENT provision should be re-considered to help students achieve a basic level of competence in managing common ENT conditions. This can be achieved by ENT teaching in additional contexts including general practice, e-learning and simulation workshops.

Simulation training has become a key part of the surgical curriculum over recent years. Current trainees face significantly reduced operating time as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, alongside increased costs to surgical training, thus creating a need for low-cost simulation models.

A systematic review of the literature was performed using multiple databases. Each model included was assessed for the ease and expense of its construction, as well as its validity and educational value.

A total of 18 low-cost simulation models were identified, relating to otology, head and neck surgery, laryngeal surgery, rhinology, and tonsil surgery. In only four of these models (22.2 per cent) was an attempt made to demonstrate the educational impact of the model. Validation was rarely formally assessed.

More efforts are required to standardise validation methods and demonstrate the educational value of the available low-cost simulation models in otorhinolaryngology.

The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services.

This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures.

As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.

Treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic disease in the maxillary sinus, pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae requires appropriate surgical exposure. As modern rhinology evolves, so do the techniques available. This paper reviews extended endoscopic approaches to the maxillary sinus and the evidence supporting each technique.

A literature search of the Ovid Medline and PubMed databases was performed using appropriate key words relating to endoscopic approaches to the maxillary sinus.

Mega-antrostomy and medial maxillectomy have a role in the surgical treatment of refractory inflammatory disease and sinonasal neoplasms. The pre-lacrimal fossa approach provides excellent access but can be limited because of anatomical variations. Both the transseptal and endoscopic Denker's approaches were reviewed; these appear to be associated with morbidity, without any significant increase in exposure over the afore-described approaches.

A range of extended endoscopic approaches to the maxillary sinus exist, each with its own anatomical limitations and potential complications.

Opioid analgesics are often prescribed following rhinology surgery. This study aimed to evaluate whether the quantity of opioid analgesics prescribed is justified.

Patients were asked about their pain management post-operatively. Parameters recorded included: current pain (using a 10-point Likert scale); type of operation; the opioid analgesics prescribed; and the quantity of opioid tablets taken and other methods of pain relief used.

Thirty-five patients were successfully contacted. The median pain score at one week post-operation was 1 (interquartile range, 0–3). Of these 35 patients, 16 were prescribed opioids, whilst 19 were not. Patients prescribed opioids took a median of 8 tablets (interquartile range, 0.8–10.5) out of the 28 tablets prescribed.

The study shows that the quantity of post-operative opioid analgesics prescribed does not compare with the amount consumed by patients to relieve pain, resulting in a surplus of opioid medication which has the potential to be abused.

ENT disease prevalence, risk factors and treatment vary between developed and developing countries. Health provision, particularly disease prevention strategies and surgery, in developing countries is poor, manifesting as a high frequency of common and preventable diseases. Healthcare systems in developing countries are unsustainable, and the technological advances that provide ENT surgery with novel diagnostic and treatment opportunities are inaccessible.

A multifaceted approach is essential to improve the care of patients with ENT diseases in developing countries. Public health efforts must focus on educating the local community, reducing high-risk behaviours and decreasing the frequency of preventable diseases. Governments must be pressured to prioritise the funding of long-term, sustainable efforts with effective disease prevention strategies. Providing local healthcare professionals with high-quality ENT training so that self-sustaining and low-cost care can be delivered, mainly in a primary care setting, is key.

Otorhinolaryngology has an extensive history that spans nearly five millennia, and the history of women as medical and surgical practitioners stretches back to at least 3500 BC.

To explore the history of women in ENT from ancient to modern times, and discover their fascinating role in this field over the years.

A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed.

In ancient and medieval times, there were female doctors accomplished in areas pertaining to ENT. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, inspirational women pioneers paved the way for modern female ENT surgeons. This led to a rapid increase in the representation of female otorhinolaryngologists in clinical practice and authorship over the last fifty years.

The contribution of women to otorhinolaryngology has evolved since ancient times and the greatest advancement has occurred within the last two hundred years.

Upper respiratory tract infection is the most common non-preventable cause of surgery cancellation. Consequently, surgeons and anaesthesiologists involved in elective ENT surgical procedures frequently face a dilemma of whether to proceed or to postpone surgery in affected children.

A literature review was conducted and a practical assessment algorithm proposed.

The risk–benefit assessment should take into consideration the impact of postponing the surgery intended to bring relief to the child and the risks of proceeding with general anaesthesia in an inflamed airway. The suggested algorithm for assessment may be a useful tool to support the decision of whether to proceed or to postpone surgery.

The field of ENT surgery is one of the most varied specialties, with numerous subspecialties and continuing divergence. With this evolution there comes, however, a risk that specialists become de-skilled in certain areas. In the case of ENT emergencies, this can be particularly dangerous.

Current guidance from relevant UK professional membership bodies regarding emergency surgery provision was inspected and a literature search was performed to identify studies relating to management of ENT emergencies in the context of increasing subspecialisation.

The specialty currently has provisions in place to ensure timely, appropriate and safe management of emergencies, in the form of guidelines and emergency clinics; however, there is scope for improvement of the system.

Surgeons are exposed to a variety of occupational risks, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study investigated the prevalence of these latter disorders amongst UK ENT surgeons and compared this with the existing literature.

A survey containing questions on work-related musculoskeletal disorders was distributed to the entire membership of ENT-UK electronically, with the assistance of its Survey Guardian. A literature review on the subject was then performed.

A total of 323 completed questionnaires were received (a 24 per cent response rate). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had been experienced by 47.4 per cent of respondents. There were no statistical differences between the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and: grade, length of time spent in the specialty or the subspecialty of respondents. Eighty-five per cent of affected surgeons sought treatment, with 22.9 per cent taking time off work and six surgeons retiring early. The literature review only identified five related studies.

Despite the scarcity of studies, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are common amongst ENT surgeons in the UK. Such disparity highlights the need for more research and appropriate ergonomic intervention within the specialty.

Sharps injuries are a common occupational hazard amongst surgeons. Limited work has been conducted on their effects within the ENT community.

A literature review was performed and a survey on sharps injuries was distributed to the entire membership of ENT-UK electronically.

The literature review revealed 3 studies, with 2 of them performed more than 20 years ago. A total of 323 completed questionnaires were returned (24 per cent response rate). Of the respondents, 26.6 per cent reported having experienced sharps injuries. There was no statistical difference between the occurrence of sharps injuries and the grade, length of time spent in the specialty or subspecialty of respondents. Only 33.7 per cent of afflicted clinicians reported all their injuries as per local institutional policies. No seroconversions were reported.

The study found poor evidence on sharps injuries amongst ENT surgeons, and low reporting rates that were comparable to other studies conducted in the UK. This highlights the need for further research and increasing awareness on sharps injuries regulations within the specialty.