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Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a life threatening emergency most commonly seen among paediatric age group that requires immediate therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this study is to report our experience on management of these aspirated foreign body (FB) with rigid bronchoscopy during the COVID 19 pandemic. This is a retrospective study which included 100 children less than 17 years of age, diagnosed with suspected FBA and underwent rigid bronchoscopy for its removal between March 2020 and March 2021. Guardians of all female children with history of FBA, had to go through medicolegal enquiry considering the possibility of female infanticide. Analysis of data was made of the demographic details, characteristics and location of the aspirated FB, treatment modalities and difficulties encountered. Among the 100 patients included in the study, 67% were under 3 years of age. The male to female ratio was 2.23:1. 69% of the FB’s were most frequently found in the right main bronchus. 63 cases of the removed FB were organic materials such as nuts. Tracheobronchial FB’s should be suspected in children who have sudden onset of cough and respiratory distress, even when physical and radiographic evidence is absent. Mortality due to FBA is preventable by early intervention with bronchoscopy. During the Covid 19 pandemic before performing any emergency procedure, prior preoperative planning and use of personal protective equipment is important, considering the very high risk of transmission of the virus due to aerosol generation.

Successful cochlear implantation in the setting of labyrinthitis ossificans is challenging. Various surgical techniques are described to circumvent the region of ossification and retrograde insertion of the electrode array is one such option. While reverse programming is often recommended in the case of retrograde electrode insertion, we present our experience of retrograde electrode insertion for labyrinthitis ossificans, where standard programming was adopted due to patient preference and provided satisfactory outcomes.

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Petrified pinna is clinically characterized by an unbending rigid stone hard ear. Usually, the majority of the patients are asymptomatic but occasionally may experience pain from local pressure while sleeping. This uncommon condition is reported to be in association with local trauma, hypothermia, inflammation, and several life-threatening endocrine and systemic diseases. Awareness and knowledge to identify this entity is essential as it might be helpful in treating several systemic conditions and thus any untoward events.

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to highlight the involvement of the facial nerve as one of the presenting symptoms in patients suspected of coronavirus disease associated mucormycosis (CAM). Methods This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care referral centre which included 300 patients with past history of being treated for coronavirus disease and who presented to our department with symptoms of invasive fungal sinusitis. All the patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for presence of facial nerve palsy (FNP) in suspected cases of CAM. All the patients were managed with combined modality treatment with antifungal therapy and radical endoscopic debridement of the necrotic tissue and fungal debris. Results The data were analysed to assess the possible epidemiological factors linked to CAM. Diabetes mellitus was the most common associated factor identified for aggravating of CAM. FNP is also one of the common presentation seen among 53 patients with CAM. Conclusion FNP is an unusual but significant sign in presentation of mucormycosis. It could be easily misdiagnosed as cerebrovascular accident leading to delay in the treatment. During this era of Covid-19 pandemic where wearing of masks has become mandatory, there is a high probability of this finding to be missed. Thus, our study emphasises for thorough cranial nerve examination in all cases of CAM, for an early and an immediate intervention to prevent the spread of the disease and also to improve the overall general condition of the patient.

Objective Cochlear implant is the standard treatment of choice for children and adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cochlear implant among doctors other than otolaryngologists in a tertiary care academic institution. Method A 24-item knowledge, attitude and practices questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review and expert opinion and was administered to 100 non-otolaryngologists in a tertiary care academic institution to be completed in about 15 minutes. The data obtained was analysed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cochlear implant in this group. Results The results showed that awareness regarding the option of cochlear implants for elderly and unilateral deafness was deficient. Surgeons and doctors in higher specialties did better when it came to practice related to cochlear implant. The age and experience of doctors also improved knowledge and practice with regards to cochlear implant. Conclusion Improving awareness about cochlear implants and their benefits among non-otolaryngology colleagues can ensure that more people who could potentially benefit from cochlear implants will receive appropriate counselling and referral.