ENTtoday: July 2025

Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Advancements and Adoption Challenges 

Scan the literature on transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) and you’ll find a host of benefits for the procedure when it is compared with its microscope-guided counterpart, including enhanced visualization, superior training, and reduced post-operative complications, to name just a few. Coupled with recent equipment advances, such as thinner, more flexible endoscopes and ones that combine cutting and suctioning for enhanced bleeding control, it’s clearly an exciting time for TEES.

ENT Surgeons Explore the Benefits and Challenges of AI-Powered Scribes: Revolutionizing Documentation in Healthcare

In the fall of 2024, artificial intelligence-powered ambient scribe technology was rolled out across the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) health system, allowing otolaryngologists and other clinicians to transcribe conversations with patients into text with just a click of a button.

The Importance of Time Away

This July editorial ENTtoday editor, Robin W. Lindsay, MD, decided to focus instead on physician wellness and the importance of taking some time off away from work to recharge, refocus, connect with friends and family outside of work, and focus on self-care. More on the other topics over the next few months.

Reflections from a Past President of the Triological Society

There is no other organization in our specialty that promotes fellowship, camaraderie, and development across the entire spectrum of otolaryngologists (Triological Society fellows, candidates, residents, and students) the way our society does. Some organizations stop there, looking inward, promoting internal professional development. But the Triological Society also looks outward, promoting engagement, education, and opportunity outside of its member group.

How to: Pediatric Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Skull Base Approach and Closure: Technique and Technical Tips

The authors review their pediatric EESS technique in patients with intra-operative high flow cerebrospinal fluid leak, with a focus on details that differ from adult transsphenoidal surgery technique.

TXA: Potentially Useful Adjunct in the Management of Anterior Epistaxis

Current literature suggests that topical TXA could potentially be a useful adjunct in the management of anterior epistaxis.

Remote Programming a Viable Option for the Adult and Pediatric CI Populations

What are the effects and outcomes of remote cochlear implant (CI) programming in terms of burden and costs, feasibility and satisfaction, and comparability to traditional in-person CI management, for patients and families within the adult and pediatric CI populations?

New Parotidectomy Quality of Life Index Poised to Help Improve Clinical Practice

What is the potential value of a newly developed Parotidectomy Quality of Life Index (PQOL) in addressing the multidimensional nature of patient-centered outcomes from this procedure?

Proposal Would Limit Use of Botulinum Toxin on Patients with Hemifacial Spasm and Facial Dystonia

How might a recent Medicare policy proposal concerning off-label use of botulinum toxin injections affect patients with hemifacial spasm and facial dystonia?

Successful Strategy to Overturn Payor Policy Change on Treatment for Postparalytic Facial Palsy

What can physicians do to address a payor’s detrimental policy change regarding patient treatment, as demonstrated in a 2021 case impacting patients with postparalytic facial palsy?

Triological Society’s 2025 Honorees and Thesis Award Winners: Celebrating remarkable surgeons at COSM 2025

At this year’s Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in New Orleans, the Triological Society recognized Drs. Michael Hoa, Meredith Holcomb, and Peter A. Weisskopt with presidential citations. Dr. Cherie-Ann Nathan was chosen as the 2025 Ogura Lecturer, and Dr. Fred Telischi was Guest of Honor.