Objectives The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smellduring the COVID‐19 pandemic Design After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi‐step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral andimaging. Setting and participants An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists. Main outcome measures The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Using a 9‐point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was: Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean. Results Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A Drops. Alpha lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made. Conclusion This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID‐19 related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID‐19 develops.

Background The association between spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid CSF leak/rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension IIH has been increasingly recognized over the last years However considerable variability of opinion regarding the assessment investigations and management of patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea remains Methods A consensus group was formed from experts from Europe Asia Australia South and North America Following literature review and open discussions with members of the panel a set of statements was produced A modified Delphi method was used to refine expert opinion with rounds of questionnaires and a consensus group meeting in Santo-Rhino meeting in September Results Fi y statements of total on spontaneous CSF leak and IIH reached consensus In of statements the median response was strongly agree and in the remaining statements the median response was agree Eleven statements were excluded because they did not reach consensus and one new statement was added during SantoRhino meeting The final statements refer to patient history and clinical examination "History taking should include presence of headache tinnitus and visual defects" investigations role of Thin Slice Computed Tomography and CISS/FLAIR sequences in Magnetic Resonance Imaging principles of management watchful waiting or measures to reduce ICP are supplementary but cannot subsitute surgical closure surgical technique intraoperative early postoperative and long term management Conclusion We present fi y consensus statements on the diagnosis investigation and management of spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion Although by no means comprehensive and final we believe they can contribute to the standardization of clinical practice Early diagnosis prompt surgical closure of the defect assesment for and treatment of potentially co-existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach are essential in order to successfully manage spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea reduce associated morbidity and prevent recurrence

Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of skull base lesions has been introduced widely as an alternative to microscopic transmucosal approaches. We report the introduction of this technique to our unit, including the learning curve recognized for this procedure, comparing techniques in a concurrent case-control fashion. All patients operated on for sellar, suprasellar, or clival lesions were considered for endoscopic surgery, with 51 patients undergoing endoscopic surgery and 46 having microscopic surgery with the operating method determined by the availability of the ear, nose, and throat surgeon involved with the procedures. Endoscopic surgery compared favorably with microscopic surgery with respect to endocrine control, length of stay, diabetes insipidus, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. A learning curve was found with a significant fall in complication rates between the first third and most recent third of the cohort. Endoscopic skull base surgery has superior results to microscopic approaches once the initial learning curve is overcome, but this can be done quickly and safely.

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