The 5S model proposes five hierarchical levels (systems, summaries, synopses, syntheses and studies) of pre-appraised evidence to guide evidence-based practice. This review aimed to identify and summarise pre-appraised evidence at the highest available 5S level for the management of different subsets of otitis media: acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma in both adults and children.

Data sources were pre-appraised evidence resources. Evidence freely available from sources at the highest available level of the 5S model were summarised for this review.

System level evidence exists for acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Summary level evidence exists for recurrent acute otitis media and medical management of chronic suppurative otitis media. There is an absence of randomised controlled trials to prove the efficacy of surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma.

Until randomised controlled trial data are generated, consensus publications on the surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media and cholesteatoma should be used to guide best practice.

To evaluate the effectiveness of tympanostomy tube placement in controlling symptoms of intractable Ménière's disease.

Fifteen patients with intractable Ménière's disease underwent tympanostomy tube placement in the affected ear. Post-operative changes in vertigo attacks and hearing level were recorded, and were evaluated according to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria.

At 12 months after treatment, 3 patients (20 per cent) showed complete control of vertigo, 7 (47 per cent) showed substantial control and 2 (13 per cent) showed limited control; 3 patients (20 per cent) required other treatment. At 24 months after treatment, 7 patients (47 per cent) showed complete control of vertigo, 3 (20 per cent) showed substantial control and 1 (7 per cent) showed limited control; 1 patient required other treatment 15 months after tympanostomy tube placement.

There is no definite pathophysiological explanation for the effect of tympanostomy tube placement in reducing vertigo attacks. This treatment is not effective for all patients with intractable Ménière's disease. However, tympanostomy tube placement might be an additional surgical therapeutic option to consider prior to contemplating other, more invasive treatments.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment in Bangladeshi people of all ages.

A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2013. A total of 4260 subjects (1774 males and 2486 females), with a mean age of 32 years, participated. Hearing impairment was determined by pure tone audiometry and otoacoustic emissions testing.

Disabling hearing loss (greater than 40 dB loss in adults, and greater than 30 dB loss in children younger than 15 years, in their better hearing ears) was present in 9.6 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 8.5–10.8 per cent) of the respondents. Hearing loss was more prevalent in socio-economically deprived people and in those older than 60 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age, socio-economic deprivation, family history, impacted ear wax, chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and otitis externa as the significant predictors of disabling hearing loss.

Deafness prevention should focus mainly on chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and impacted ear wax prevention, integrated within the primary healthcare system and addressing the equity issue.

To demonstrate the inhibitory effects of clarithromycin on in vitro tympanosclerosis.

Twenty-eight rats were divided into three groups: a clarithromycin group, a non-clarithromycin group and a negative control group. Those in the first two groups were injected with Streptococcus pneumoniae following a myringotomy, and tympanosclerosis was experimentally induced. Oral clarithromycin therapy was administered in the clarithromycin group. The other groups received no medical treatment.

All eardrums in the clarithromycin and non-clarithromycin groups developed myringosclerosis, but there was only one eardrum, in the clarithromycin group, with very severe myringosclerosis. In the clarithromycin group, 11 ears showed no inflammation and there were no ears with severe inflammation. In the non-clarithromycin group, there were 11 ears with severe inflammation. The mean eardrum thickness in the clarithromycin group was 20.93 µm and in the non-clarithromycin group it was 42.71 µm.

Acute otitis media and myringotomies induced tympanosclerosis, but clarithromycin reduced the severity of tympanosclerosis.

To compare the hearing results and graft take rates of the recently developed gold wire prosthesis with those of the hydroxyapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis in patients with chronic otitis media.

This retrospective study examined patients who underwent type 2 tympanoplasty with a minimum follow up of one year. The study population consisted of 32 patients in the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 26 patients in the gold wire group. The main outcome measures were the graft success rate and level of hearing improvement. Complications and extrusion rates were also noted.

The graft take rate was 90.6 per cent for the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 92.3 per cent for the gold wire group (p = 0.848). Pre-operatively, there were no significant differences in the air or bone-conduction thresholds between groups. Post-operatively, the mean hearing gain was 18.5 ± 14.0 dB in the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 16.5 ± 10.6 dB in the gold wire group (p = 0.555). The mean air-conduction thresholds were 26.6 ± 12.4 and 32.6 ± 10.5 dB, respectively (p = 0.027), and the mean bone-conduction thresholds were 9.7 ± 7.0 and 10.4 ± 6.4 dB, respectively (p = 0.687).

The success and complication rates provided by the gold wire prosthesis seem comparable to those of the hydroxyapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis.

To study the biomechanical properties of glass ionomer cement used for incudostapedial rebridging.

Two groups were established based on the size of the gap between the incus and stapes (1.0 mm in group 1 and 2.0 mm in group 2). Glass ionomer cement was applied to the gaps, and compression tests were performed. Maximum force was measured at the fracture point, and was divided by the cross-sectional area to obtain the maximum compressive strength.

No significant difference was found in the maximum force for the two groups (p = 0.312). The glass ionomer cement diameter was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.006). The maximum compressive strength was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.042).

The fragility of bone cement used in this study was 25.5 per cent higher for a 2 mm gap than for a 1 mm gap. We speculate that the use of bone cement may be safer for the repair of smaller incudostapedial defects.

This study compared the results of nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriage and nasal cytology in men with and without a moustache.

The study group comprised 118 adult men with a moustache, and the control group consisted of 123 adult men without a moustache. Samples were taken from the participants' right nasal cavity for cytology and from the left nasal cavity for microbiology.

The results for S aureus were positive in 19.5 per cent (n = 23) of participants with a moustache and in 20.3 per cent (n = 25) of men without a moustache. This difference was not significant (p > 0.05). However, nasal cytology revealed rich eosinophil clusters in participants with a moustache.

The presence or absence of a moustache had no effect on nasal S aureus colonisation. However, further research is needed to understand whether the presence of a moustache increases the risk of allergic or non-allergic rhinitis.

To describe modification to endoscopic medial maxillectomy for treating extensive Krouse stage II or III inverted papilloma of the nasal and maxillary sinus.

Ten patients with inverted papilloma arising from the nasoantral area underwent diagnostic nasal endoscopy, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinus and pre-operative biopsy of the nasal mass. They were all managed using endoscopic medial maxillectomy and followed up for seven months to three years without recurrence.

Most patients were aged 41–60 years at presentation, and most were male. Presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction, mass in the nasal cavity and epistaxis. In each case, computed tomography imaging showed a mass involving the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus, with bony remodelling. The endoscopic medial maxillectomy approach was modified by making an incision in the pyriform aperture and removing part of the anterolateral wall of the maxilla bone en bloc.

Modified endoscopic medial maxillectomy providing full access to the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses is described in detail. This effective, reproducible technique is associated with reduced operative time and morbidity.

Venous thromboembolism is uncommon in ENT practice. There are no specific venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines for ENT surgery, despite the bleeding risks associated with ENT surgery and the low incidence of venous thromboembolism.

An online poll of the ENT UK expert panel was conducted on the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

A total of 132 responses were received. Of the respondents, 84.5 per cent routinely assess all of their patients for venous thromboembolism risk. In addition, 75.4 per cent use local health trust guidelines, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence being the most common source of national guidelines. There was significant heterogeneity in the use of low molecular weight heparin. Only 53.7 per cent of respondents felt that the guidelines they currently used reflect their practice.

There is significant heterogeneity in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. There is therefore scope for revision of the ENT UK venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines to reflect general ENT practice.

Genetic alteration of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors has been associated with carcinogenesis mechanisms in various organs.

This study aimed to evaluate the expression and mutational analysis of Cip/Kip family cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21CIP1/WAF1, p27KIP1 and p57KIP2) in early glottic cancer.

Expressions of Cip/Kip family and p53 were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and densitometry. For the analysis of p21 inactivation, sequence alteration was assessed using single-strand conformational polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, the inactivation mechanism of p27 and p57 were investigated using DNA methylation analysis.

Reduced expression of p27 and p57 were detected in all samples, whereas the expression of p21 was incompletely down-regulated in 6 of 11 samples. Additionally, single-strand conformational polymorphism polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the p53 mutation at exon 6. Methylation of p27 and p57 was detected by DNA methylation assay.

Our results suggest that the Cip/Kip family may have a role as a molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis in early glottic cancer.

Branchial cleft cysts occur because of a failure of involution of the second branchial cleft. However, as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma can mimic branchial cleft cysts, there is a lack of consensus on the appropriate management of cystic neck lumps.

To report our experience of fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section examination in the management of cystic neck lumps.

Retrospective case note review of patients managed in the Southern General Hospital, Scotland, UK.

The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section for detecting branchial cleft cysts was 75 per cent and 100 per cent respectively. Two patients who did not undergo intra-operative frozen section examination were either over- or under-treated, which is discussed.

Adult patients subjected to surgical excision of a suspected branchial cyst should undergo intra-operative frozen section analysis regardless of clinical suspicion for malignancy. This part of management is critical to ensure patients are offered appropriate treatment.

A primary otological presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis is rare. We present four cases of granulomatosis with polyangiitis with different otological manifestations.

A literature review of granulomatosis with polyangiitis cases presenting to otolaryngologists was undertaken. A case series review of four patients presenting within a 12-month period was also performed. One patient had serous otitis media which worsened after myringotomy. Two patients presented with acute ear infection and facial palsy and one with acute mastoiditis. All were positive for antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody, and three had positive findings upon histological analysis.

When acute supposed ear infections fail to respond to treatment (antibiotics or surgery), rarer causes of the symptoms should be considered. By reporting this case series, we aim to improve the early diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis to enable timely treatment and prevent systemic involvement.

Lyme disease is an uncommon tick-borne multisystemic infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The most common clinical manifestation is erythema migrans. In this report, a very unusual presentation of this condition is described, in which sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss was the sole presenting symptom.

Case report and review of English-language literature.

A patient presented with sensorineural hearing loss, with no other symptoms or signs. Acute Lyme infection was detected by laboratory tests. Magnetic resonance imaging showed signs of labyrinthitis of the same inner ear. After hyperbaric oxygen and systemic antibiotic treatment, the patient showed total hearing recovery, and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the labyrinthitis.

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Lyme disease presenting only with sensorineural hearing loss. Borreliosis should be considered as an aetiological factor in sensorineural hearing loss. Adequate treatment may provide total recovery and prevent more severe forms of Lyme disease.

Infratemporal fossa schwannomas are benign, encapsulated tumours of the trigeminal nerve limited to the infratemporal fossa. Because of the complications and significant morbidity associated with traditional surgical approaches to the infratemporal fossa, which include facial nerve dysfunction, hearing loss, dental malocclusion and cosmetic problems, less invasive alternatives have been sought.

This paper reports two cases of infratemporal fossa schwannomas treated in 2012 using mini-invasive approaches. The literature regarding different infratemporal fossa approaches was reviewed.

The first schwannoma was 30 mm in size and was removed completely by a preauricular subtemporal approach. The second one was 25 mm in size and was removed completely using a purely transnasal endoscopic approach. In both cases, there were no intra-operative or post-operative complications.

These two approaches allow non-invasive and wide exposure of the infratemporal fossa as compared to classical approaches. Surgical approach should be selected according to the tumour's anatomical location with respect to the maxillary sinus posterior wall. The preauricular subtemporal approach is recommended for tumours localised posterolaterally with respect to the maxillary sinus posterior wall. Medial and anterior tumours near the maxillary sinus posterior wall can be best removed using a transnasal endoscopic approach.

This paper reports the case of a 13-year-old girl with a 2-year history of left cervical lymph node swelling that was diagnosed as metastatic cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.

A 13-year-old girl with a left, level II cervical lymph node underwent excisional biopsy after an ultrasound suggested suspicious features. The histology indicated polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and a primary lesion in the left palate was identified. The patient underwent left maxillectomy, neck dissection and reconstruction. Histological analysis of resection specimens led to a revised diagnosis of cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.

Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland has recently been described as a separate entity to polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in light of histological and behavioural differences, including higher rates of metastasis at presentation. This is the first report in the world literature of an adolescent with this entity. It is possible that some previous reports of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in childhood would have been more accurately described as cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.

A sphenoethmoidal cell is a posterior ethmoid cell that pneumatises superiorly and/or laterally to the sphenoid sinus. Disease within such a cell may cause visual symptoms because of the close relationship of the optic nerve.

This paper reports four cases of chronic rhinosinusitis involving a sphenoethmoidal cell, two with visual loss. The management of such cases is discussed and the current literature is reviewed.

Pathology within a sphenoethmoidal cell must be considered in cases of optic neuropathy. The presence of these cells may be relevant even in cases of seemingly uncomplicated rhinosinusitis as they are associated with a higher rate of optic nerve protrusion and dehiscence.