The year 2015 promises to bring a greater contribution of Australian researchers to The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. We are now on our third issue of Australian-only based content. This emphasises the confidence that established research groups have in The Journal for publication, and highlights an increased awareness of research and its integration into otolaryngology training.
This issue brings to light the importance of well performed secondary research efforts to ensure that summaries of current evidence are disseminated amongst clinicians. Tuckett and Cervin demonstrate convincing evidence that computed tomography offers great diagnostic value in assessing for airway foreign bodies.Reference Tuckett and Cervin1 The days of routine bronchoscopy, in light of the safety and low radiation exposure (2 mSv) associated with the study, are likely to be behind us.
Sleep and airway surgery gain a focus in this issue. Professor Mackay's group explore the depth of trainee understanding of current indications and appropriateness for sleep intervention.Reference Mackay, Holmes and Jones2 Their study highlights the deficiencies that exist in training and the application of sleep surgery in Australia. Such investigations will act as a platform for reform, and there are efforts underway to address the way sleep surgery is delivered in Australia.
Two articles address management of the airway. Dowthwaite et al. focus on avoiding complications and stenosis when using composite nasal septal grafts to reconstruct defects resulting from thyroid malignancy management.Reference Dowthwaite, Friel and Coman3 Chan et al. highlight the advantages of low temperature ablation in managing short segment tracheal stenosis.Reference Chan, Frauenfelder, Foreman, Anthanasiadis, Ooi and Carney4 This is an area in which many options exist (compared with long segments), and coblation, in their hands, offers a simple alternative.
An audit of Professor Carney's group's use of coblation in tonsillectomy demonstrates that rates of complications and bleeding are very similar to those in published reports on alternative techniques.Reference Rodger, Frauenfelder, Woods, Wee and Carney5 Their outcome differs to that of a UK audit which suggested coblation tonsillectomy was associated with a higher secondary bleed rate. The importance of surgical technique and correct use of coblation are thought to be significant factors in this discrepancy.
In the early days of rhinology, betadine and other agents were often irrigated through the sinuses in attempts to ‘purge’ them of bacteria, in the hope that this would settle down the chronic inflammation observed. Such practice is uncommon now, but betadine is a ciliotoxic agent, as demonstrated by Kim et al., and should be avoided inside sinus cavities unless absolutely necessary.Reference Kim, Rimmer, Mrad, Ahmadzada and Harvey6 Nasal dilator strips are very commonly used devices, but common sense on appropriate use should prevail with regard to clinical suspicion and appropriateness of the nose. Kam et al. highlights the racial differences and their impact on the collapsibility of the nasal valve.Reference Kam, Pratt and Harvey7 The Caucasian nose is more at risk of valve dysfunction, which should be of interest to those screening for causes of nasal obstruction and those performing interventions for valve disorders.
Mohammadi et al. highlight the importance of further investigation into causes of unilateral auditory neuropathy.Reference Mohammadi, Walker and Gardner-Berry8 The effort in organising a magnetic resonance imaging study of the young children affected was productive in determining a diagnosis in 82 per cent of the patients.
Australian otolaryngology research continues to thrive in 2015. With the upcoming annual scientific meeting to be held in Sydney, 7–9th March, I encourage all researchers who have a successful submission to the conference to submit their work to The Journal of Laryngology & Otology Australian Supplement for publication.
