Objectives: Systemic steroids are a well-known, proven treatment for olfaction impairment. Topical nasal steroids are an attractive alternative that avoids systemic side effects and might provide an increased local drug activity. Nonetheless, the access of the medication to the olfactory cleft (OC) by using low- volume devices, such as nasal drops, is greatly dependent on the position of the head. We aimed to examine the accessibility of nasal drops to the OC area in two different head positions: the Mygind (lying head back) position and the Kaiteki position. Design and Setting: This is a cadaver study; the specimens were firstly positioned in Mygind and thereafter in Kaiteki positions. Nasal drops mixed with blue food dye were administered into the nostril in each head position. Endoscopic videos were recorded, and two blinded observers scored the extent of olfactory cleft penetration (OCP) using a 4-point scale (0 = none, 3 = heavy). Participants: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaver specimens Main outcome measures: The dye’s penetration to the OC Results: The mean score of nasal drops penetrance to the OC in the Mygind position was 1.34, as compared to 1.76 in the Kaiteki position. The difference in the OCP score between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05) Conclusion: Both Mygind and Kaiteki head positions are reasonable alternatives in treatment with nasal drops for olfaction impairment. The preference of one position over another should rely on the patient’s comfort.

Objectives: To assess droplet splatter around the surgical field and surgeon during simulated Coblation tonsil surgery to better inform on mitigation strategies and evaluate choice of personal protective equipment. Design: Observational study Setting: Operation theatre suite at a tertiary hospital Participants: Life size head model was used to simulate tonsil surgery using fluorescein-soaked strawberries to mimic tonsils Main outcome measures: The Coblation wand was activated over the strawberries for 5 minutes. This was repeated 5 times with 2 surgeons (total of 10 data sets). The presence of droplet around the surgical field and anatomical subsites on the surgeon was assessed in binary fashion: present or not present. The results were collated as frequency of droplet detection and illustrated as a heatmap; 0 = white, 1-2 = yellow, 3-4 = orange and 5 = red. Results: Fluorescein droplets were detected in all four quadrants of the surgical field. The frequency of splatter was greatest in the upper (nearest to surgeon) and lower quadrants. There were detectable splatter droplets on the surgeon; most frequently occurring on the hands followed by the forearm. Droplets were also detected on the visor, neck, and chest albeit less frequently. However, none were detected on the upper arms. Conclusion: Droplet splatter can be detected in the immediate surgical field as well as on the surgeon. Although wearing a face visor does not prevent splatter on the surgical mask or around the eyes, it should be considered when undertaking tonsil surgery as well as a properly fitted goggle.