ENT features
Upper airway endoscopy: achieving a balanced service whilst minimising the conflict of sustainability
Nasal endoscopes present a unique challenge in balancing sustainability and practicality. Both disposable and reusable scopes may have distinct roles in modern practice. Flexible endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract is an essential technique that facilitates detailed assessment of the...
Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy / parathyroidectomy – a new approach
Historically, scarless surgery has been popular in certain cultures. But is it gaining traction around the world? A UK team tell us more. Background Alternative, remote access approaches to thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy are increasing in popularity, the newest of these...
Per-Ingvar Brånemark: father of osseointegration
The application of osseointegration has been central to the development of both bone-anchored hearing aids and dental implants. But how did it all come about? Per-Ingvar Brånemark (1929–2014). Image Johan Wingborg. Many hearing-impaired patients owe a great debt of gratitude...
Monstrous craws and horrid butchery: a concise history of thyroid surgery
Prior to the foundation of our speciality, thyroid surgery had a dubious reputation and universally dismal outcomes. Jenny Walton casts a critical eye over this dark chapter. Diseases of the thyroid gland have been referenced in historic texts for well...
OBITUARY: Max McCormick
It is with great sadness that we record the passing of Max McCormick, a treasured friend and an eminent and greatly valued colleague. Max was a larger-than-life charismatic character who was both loved and esteemed by the entire UK ENT...
AI reshaping the landscape of head and neck cancer
With artificial intelligence set to transform almost every aspect of life, Abishek Mahajan reviews its potential to improve head and neck cancer care. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in healthcare. In the realm of oncology, AI...
Jameel Muzaffar, Anne Schilder and James O’Hara
In a follow-up to the interview with Anne Schilder back in 2016*, Jameel Muzaffar speaks to Anne and to James O’Hara about the current research landscape in ENT in the UK. *Banerjee A. In conversation with Professor Anne Schilder. ENT...
The role of artificial intelligence and applications in ENT surgery
AI is progressing apace. If you’re wondering how it might affect our working lives in ENT, read on for insights and a pilot study that show us what may be possible. The recent launch of ChatGPT, an open access artificial...
Targeting the microbiome in chronic rhinosinusitis
Researchers at St Paul’s Sinus Centre and UBC in Vancouver are testing a novel treatment for CRS: transferring mucus from a healthy donor into a patient’s sinuses. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common diseases managed by otolaryngologists...
Recent advances in the diagnosis of silent reflux
The vexed topic of reflux always generates much discussion, particularly when it comes to testing. We hear about a non-invasive assay that is gaining in popularity. Voice disorders impact around four percent of the UK population and can significantly hamper...
Patient initiated follow-up in head and neck cancer
Is it time for a change in the way we follow up head and neck cancer patients after treatment? Paul Nankivell and Hisham Mehanna explain the rationale for the PETNECK2 trial. After completion of curative intent treatment, clinical follow-up currently...
Frederik Dikkers: championing change in laryngology
Prof Dikkers shares the details of his journey into ENT surgery, his dedication to treating laryngeal papillomatosis, and his pioneering advancements in button battery safety. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is one of the most frustrating conditions managed by laryngologists. There...
