Review of congenital anomalies of ear, nose, and throat in a resource-challenged facility

Introduction: The complex pattern of development of the branchial arches predisposes to a myriad of congenital anomalies of the head-and-neck region. The ear, nose and throat (ENT) are by no means spared. The birth of a child with congenital anomaly elicits emotion, anxiety, the feeling of guilt, and dejection in the parents, especially the mother. They are worried and anxiously seek for the explanation which the attending doctor who is ill-equipped to venture into it. The etiological factors are many and vary. ENT anomalies are often associated with malformations of other organs and systems and should be searched for and detected. Any treatment offered should aim at restoring normal or near-normal appearance and function and allay the fears and apprehensions of the parents. Aim: The aim of the study was to review and document the incidence, variety, and presentation of ENT congenital anomalies seen and treated in the Otolaryngology Department of our institution and formulate a baseline for the future. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective review of ENT anomalies handled in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. The case notes of the eligible cases were retrieved and the relevant data were extracted. The data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics and presented in tables and prose as deemed fit. Ethical Consideration: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the hospital records department. Results: Forty-six cases were studied, 24 males and 22 females. Their ages ranged from 0.019 years (one week) to 55 years, average of 7.84 ± 10.38, 95% confidence interval of 4.75682–10.92318. There was no significant difference in the ages of the males and females P = 0.8809, t = 0.1507, dt = 44. Fourteen different malformations were detected most common of which was deafness 15 (32.61%), followed by thyroglossal cyst 7 (15.22%) with 5 different anomalies coming last with 2.17% each. Conclusion: ENT malformations are common in our locality. Adequate history and examination with appropriate investigations will help get the diagnosis and associated conditions. Multi-disciplinary approach to management will offer a better outcome. Parents and caregivers need to be properly counselled.