Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are usually found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas; however, they are rare in the middle ear. The presentation of vague symptoms, such as tinnitus and conductive hearing loss, complicates the diagnosis. We present a 46-year-old male with a history of right ear discharge and a previous canal wall-down mastoidectomy, suspected to have cholesteatoma recurrence. Imaging and surgery demonstrated a well-differentiated G1 NET in the middle ear. Postoperative metastatic workup revealed few pulmonary nodules needing ongoing observation. Middle-ear NETs are difficult to diagnose due to their rarity. This case underscores the importance of histological and immunohistochemical evaluation and the need for systemic assessment to rule out metastasis due to pulmonary nodules. We contribute to the limited literature highlighting the need to include NETs in the differential of middle ear masses and the usefulness of interdisciplinary teamwork.
Background: Rhinoplasty is a widely performed cosmetic and functional procedure. Despite its popularity, postoperative dissatisfaction remains a common concern. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction and quality of life using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) survey, to help improve preoperative planning and postoperative care. Patients and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and Web of Science using the terms “Rhinoplasty OR Septorhinoplasty,” “Satisfaction OR Prognosis OR Outcome,” “Quality of Life OR QoL,” and “ROE OR Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation.” All studies published between 2018 and 2024 were selected, and nonrelevant studies were excluded after full text review. Results: Twenty-four studies were included in a meta-analysis comparing ROE scores pre- and postoperative. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in satisfaction and quality of life postoperatively. The subgroup analysis revealed a notable variation in the outcome according to the country of origin. Although the study heterogeneity was high (I 2 = 99.8%), a random-effects model was used for the analysis. Conclusions: Gender was not a major determinant of satisfaction. However, the country of origin significantly influenced ROE scores. These findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive counseling, individualized surgical planning, and management of patient expectations to enhance satisfaction.
1 January 2026 in International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
One of the main factors that lead to increased hearing loss consequences and progression is inadequate knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management modalities. In Saudi Arabia, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians are the primary source of knowledge about hearing loss and its management. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management among ENT physicians in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management among ENT physicians in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with 106 ENT physicians working at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia from January to May 2023. A questionnaire consisting of 2 sections with 20 questions was used to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management for children. The current study showed inadequate knowledge of hearing loss and its management. The mean knowledge score was of 12.4 ± 2.12. The knowledge scores of the different types of ENT professionals were compared, and no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.489). More research should be conducted to assess the practice of hearing screening in Saudi Arabia. Our recommendation is the provision of more educational sessions about the recent guidelines on hearing loss screening.
Background: Ear piercing is one of the most commonly performed forms of body modification worldwide. While generally considered a simple procedure, it may be associated with a range of local and cosmetic complications. Objective: To evaluate current ear-piercing trends, determine the prevalence of ear-piercing complications, and identify factors independently associated with the development of these complications among females residing in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among females residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through an online self-administered questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of complications. Results: A total of 1018 participants were included. Ear piercing for aesthetic purposes was reported by 52.8% of respondents. Most participants (87.8%) reported not receiving information regarding procedural risks or aftercare instructions. Complications were reported by 26.5% of participants, with infection (57.0%) and ear pain (54.1%) being the most frequent. Independent predictors of complications included having multiple piercings, cartilage piercing, student status, and the use of piercing guns. Undergoing the first ear piercing before one year of age was associated with a lower risk of complications. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that nearly one-quarter of females reported experiencing complications from ear piercings and are associated with several potentially modifiable factors. This emphasizes the importance of informed consent before the procedure, along with proper education on associated risks.
Introduction: Tympanic membrane perforations are typically repaired using surgical tympanoplasty techniques, which involve various grafting materials and approaches. While effective, traditional tympanoplasty methods can require significant operative time and technical skill. This study evaluates a novel sutured patching (SP) tympanoplasty technique, comparing its efficacy and outcomes to conventional tympanoplasty (CT). Patients: This prospective study included 44 patients with small, central, dry tympanic membrane perforations. Intervention: SP utilized tragal cartilage sutured to a silastic sheet, applied via a transcanal approach. Patients were monitored postoperatively for pain, subjective hearing improvement, and audiological outcomes. Follow-up occurred at 6 days, 4 weeks, and 6 months post-surgery. Data were analyzed using t-tests , χ 2 tests, and linear regression. Results: Both SP and CT achieved 100% graft integrity at 6 months. Preoperative ABG was lower in the SP group (16.0 ± 10.4 dB) compared with the CT group (22.2±7.66 dB, P = 0.032), with comparable postoperative ABG values (SP: 6.90±5.80 dB; CT: 9.57±6.01 dB, P = 0.143). SP demonstrated significantly shorter operative times (27.9±8.27 vs. 87.1±25.9 min, P < 0.001) and reduced postoperative pain (VAS: 2.00 vs. 5.00, P < 0.001). Patients in the SP group reported quicker subjective hearing improvement (median: 1 vs. 24.5 d, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sutured patching tympanoplasty offers comparable audiological outcomes to conventional tympanoplasty, with the added benefits of reduced operative time, less postoperative pain, and faster perceived recovery. This technique is a promising alternative for suitable patients, particularly in resource-limited settings or high-risk surgical candidates. Further research is warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and broader applicability.
Background. Sinonasal lymphoepithelial carcinoma (SNLEC) is a rare neoplasm, representing less than 1 of all types of carcinomas and approximately 3 of head and neck tumors. It can affect the nasopharynx due to the rich lymphoid tissue present in this region. Clinical SNLEC presentation varies, ranging from asymptomatic to nonspecific sinonasal symptoms. We report a case of SNLEC and review the literature for SNLEC presentation, diagnosis, management options, and outcomes. Case Presentation. A 38-year-old male, medically free, presented to the emergency department complaining of nasal obstruction, right facial numbness, persistent right-sided headache, intermittent orbital pain, and a history of on/off epistaxis. Imaging showed a destructive mass in the right sphenoid sinus extending to different sinuses and infratemporal fossa. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of SNLEC, with immunohistochemistry being positive for EpsteinBarr virus (EBV) and CK8/18. Induction chemotherapy was started with three cycles of cisplatin and gemcitabine, followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Conclusion. SNLEC is rare, with limited reported cases from around the world. It is mostly seen in adults between their fifth and seventh decades with male predominance. SNLEC is diagnosed using imaging, immunohistochemistry, and EBV testing given its strong association with EBV. Owing to the limited cases, there is no standard approach to treating SNLEC. However, most cases managed with radiation and with and without other modalities showed an excellent response in terms of tumor nonrecurrence.