Rhinophyma can be a challenging condition to treat. Despite technological advances in surgical devices, such as use of lasers and radiofrequency systems, no universally accepted treatment algorithm currently exists for the treatment of rhinophyma. A review in this month’s issue evaluates contemporary therapeutic strategies for rhinophyma, emphasising evidence-based treatment selection according to disease severity and clinical grading.Reference Bayar Muluk¹ Medical management is recommended for early-stage disease, progressing to surgical management in advanced stages of the condition. The authors acknowledge that, despite significant surgical advancements, the existing literature is limited by a lack of large-scale, multicentre randomised controlled trials comparing specific surgical techniques, largely due to ethical considerations and the heterogeneous presentation of the disease. In addition, while surgical debulking effectively eradicates the immediate architectural deformity, it does not arrest the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of rosacea. Consequently, post-operative recurrence remains a clinical challenge.

Taste disturbance following stapedectomy is common, but the reported prevalence varies significantly.Reference Berling Holm, Knutsson, Strömbäck, Danckwardt Lillieström, Papatziamos and Rosenblad² An article in this month’s issue by Saki et al. was designed to investigate the prevalence of taste dysfunction after stapedectomy in patients with otosclerosis, to analyse demographic and surgical predictors and to evaluate recovery patterns over time.Reference Saki, Kardooni, Hosseini, Nikakhlagh and Bayat³ Taste disturbance occurred in 35.6 per cent of patients at 1 week (114 out of 320 patients), 7.8 per cent at 6 weeks and 0.9 per cent at one year following stapedetomy. There was a statistically significant reduction in taste disturbance prevalence over time and most taste disturbances resolved within one year after surgery. Among 114 patients with taste disturbance, 76 cases (66.6 per cent) reported reduced taste sensation and 69 patients (60.5 per cent) reported metallic taste. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, prosthesis diameter and chorda tympani nerve stretching were identified as the strongest predictors of taste disturbance. In addition, older age was associated with a higher risk of post-operative taste dysfunction.

Mentoring is widely advocated within Otolaryngology training and is associated with improved career development, satisfaction and retention.Reference Abrar and Stapleton⁴ In this month’s issue, the WENTS National Mentoring Collaborative Authors explore participant understanding of mentoring within a national Otolaryngology mentoring programme.Reference Stapleton, Abrar and Lodhi⁵ The authors identified variability in understanding across all training grades and roles within a national Otolaryngology mentoring programme. The authors conclude from their findings that effective implementation of developmental mentoring requires more than programme establishment alone, and a lack of shared conceptual framework may limit programme effectiveness and sustainability. For mentoring programmes to achieve their intended impact, the authors highlight the importance of clear articulation of the mentoring model, structured participant training and alignment of expectations as essential for ensuring that mentoring relationships reflect developmental principles rather than defaulting to traditional hierarchical approaches.

JONATHAN FISHMAN

ANN-LOUISE MCDERMOTT

STEPHEN JONES

Senior Editors