Purpose Otorhinolaryngological surgeries being highly aerosol-generating carry the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Most centers have canceled elective surgeries. Surgical demonstration and hands-on training of postgraduate residents are challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued training of residents is of utmost importance in terms of time and skill development. Tonsillectomy is one of the most common and important surgeries in ENT. Resident training of tonsillectomy is essential. Here, we present a simple, inexpensive model for tonsillectomy hands-on training addressing critical steps of the surgery. Methods An oropharynx and tonsil model is prepared using easily available materials, such as a small plastic tub, gauze pieces, ribbon gauze, and rubber strips. The junior residents are trained in all the critical steps of tonsillectomy using routine tonsillectomy instruments. Conclusion This model for tonsillectomy is a simple, inexpensive model for training postgraduate residents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that this model can help young residents to get trained in critical steps of tonsillectomy, in a closely simulated environment and help them develop confidence and skills in managing live patients.

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to determine the incidence of ossicular chain erosions in patients suffering from chronic otitis media, mucosal type. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study group comprised 60 consecutive patients affected by COM, mucosal type. Preoperative assessment was done by thorough clinical examination, pure tone audiometry, X-ray of mastoids, etc. Tympanic membrane perforation, continuity of ossicular chain, condition of middle ear mucosa, condition of mastoid air cells and antrum, patency of aditus was evaluated during surgery. Tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy were performed accordingly. RESULTSOssicular chain erosions were found in 23 (38.33%) out of the 60 patients included in the overall sample. Ossicular chain erosion was found most frequently in subtotal perforation, n=19 (31.67%); in patients with bilateral disease, n=22 (36.67%) and granulation tissue in the middle ear, n=15 (25%). The incus was the ossicle most frequently affected by erosion, n= 20 (33.33%). CONCLUSIONOssicular chain erosions in patients with chronic otitis media, mucosal type are frequent and are present in 38.33% of the patients as per this study. Incus is the most common ossicle to get eroded (33.33%). Subtotal perforation, bilateral disease and granulation tissue in the middle ear can be considered as good indicators of ossicular chain involvement.

Benign tumors of major salivary glands commonly affect the parotid gland and it is rare when the tumor exclusively involves the deep lobe of the gland. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision. Parotid surgeries carry a formidable risk of injury to the facial nerve. Hence, identification of extracranial part of facial nerve using many of its anatomical landmarks helps in preventing this daunting complication. There are instances where the facial nerve's morphometry is altered due to the location and extent of the tumor. A better knowledge of the anatomy and anticipation for these variations can result in a better outcome limiting the complications of the surgery.

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Aims: With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in most centres postponing the non-emergency services, there is a potential risk of under reporting of uncomplicated cholesteatoma cases, due to lack of symptoms and awareness. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge about CSOM, especially cholesteatoma and related harmful practices among general population. Methods: All consenting adult hospital visitors, irrespective of their purpose of visit were invited to participate in this questionnaire based, cross sectional study at the preregistration point of the tertiary care teaching hospital. Data was collected and analyzed using appropriate methods. Results: Among 350 respondents, majority exhibited poor level of knowledge about general perceptions about ear infections [295(84.3%)], perceptions about cholesteatoma[246(70.3%)]; knowledge about intratemporal complications[244(69.7%)]; knowledge about intracranial complications[247(70.6%)] and harmful practices in ear disease patients[279(79.7%)].Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and ear disease history related characteristics with overall ear disease related knowledge has shown that unskilled workers and unemployed respondents have poor knowledge levels compared to their counterparts, but at the same time the study has found that respondents with higher level of education also exhibited poor levels of knowledge in contrary to the existing evidence. Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of awareness about CSOM, especially cholesteatoma and its complications, harmful practices mainly in rural population, even in well educated groups, and the need for health education measures to create awareness among the general population regarding various areas ofconcern, to prevent a potential increase in the incidence of complications, especially during and post COVID-19 pandemic.