To improve case selection for near-total laryngectomy by identifying the causes of poor oncological and functional outcomes.

Analysis of prospectively accrued data for 28 consecutive cases of near-total laryngectomy undertaken between 1996 and 2005 at a tertiary care centre. We analysed the impact of tumour extent and location, patient physiological status, and surgical technique on disease-free survival and on functional outcome.

Patients' average four-year Kaplan–Meier disease-free survival was 74 per cent (95 per cent confidence intervals, 46–89 per cent). Eighty-two per cent of patients had good to excellent functional outcomes. Pre-operative tumour extension to the ipsilateral arytenoid significantly compromised disease-free survival (patients with this development had a two-year survival of 40 per cent; p = 0.001). Internal communicating fistula formation (i.e. a fistula between the neopharynx and myomucosal shunt lumens) occurred in five of 28 cases and was uniformly associated with a poor functional outcome (i.e. lack of phonation with or without aspiration). Fistula formation was significantly more likely in cases with tumour involving the ipsilateral arytenoid and the ipsilateral subglottis.

Significant disparity exists for the functional outcome of near-total laryngectomy in patients who develop post-surgical internal fistula, compared with those with uneventful healing. Tumour involvement of the ipsilateral arytenoid compromises the oncological and functional results. Tumour extension to the subglottis may compromise functional outcome. Near-total laryngectomy should be avoided in cases with ipsilateral arytenoid involvement, and undertaken with caution in cases with subglottic extension.

To evaluate if phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture (Cophenylcaine) nasal spray performs better than xylometazoline (Otrivine) spray for the purposes of out-patient rigid nasendoscopy preparation.

Prospective, double-blind, randomised trial comparing visual analogue scores for out-patients receiving either phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture or xylometazoline, prior to undergoing rigid nasendoscopy as part of their assessment.

Seventy-three patients requiring rigid nasendoscopy as part of their assessment were recruited to the study from Raigmore Hospital's out-patient clinic. These patients were randomised to receive a nasal spray comprising either phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture or xylometazoline, 10 minutes prior to rigid nasendoscopy. Double-blinding was adopted. After the procedure, the patient and the doctor independently completed separate visual analogue score-based questionnaires regarding the pain of the procedure and the ease of the examination, respectively.

Analysis of the data using standardised statistical methods demonstrated that the phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture did not perform better than xylometazoline, to any statistically significant extent.

Phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture is considerably more expensive and has potentially more side effects than xylometazoline. These study findings suggest that it is difficult to justify the use of phenylephrine–lignocaine mixture over xylometazoline, for nasal preparation prior to rigid nasendoscopy.

To assess the quality of life of adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis after tonsillectomy, and to determine predictive factors for patient satisfaction.

In a prospective cohort study, a Glasgow benefit inventory questionnaire was posted to 70 adult patients six months after tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis. Data were obtained on patient characteristics, risk factors, tonsillitis history, and clinical and operative findings. The patients were also assessed using self-completed diary data collection regarding acute symptoms (i.e. fever, throat pain, cough and rhinitis), tonsillitis episodes and visits to a doctor, either three to six months before tonsillectomy or six months after tonsillectomy. Predictive factors were sought for inclusion in the worst 30th percentile of patients (i.e. Glasgow benefit inventory score under 18), regarding post-operative change in quality of life.

Sixty-two patients (40 females, 22 males; age range 15–46 years) returned the questionnaire (response rate 89 per cent). The mean total Glasgow benefit inventory score after tonsillectomy was +26 (standard deviation 14). The mean scores for Glasgow benefit inventory subscales were: general health +25 (standard deviation 18), social functioning +5 (standard deviation 14) and physical functioning +55 (standard deviation 23). The only factors associated with low patient satisfaction were a small number of tonsillitis episodes (diary-based data) and days with fever before tonsillectomy.

Adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis seemed to be generally pleased with their tonsillectomy. The more symptoms they had prior to surgery, the greater was their improvement in quality of life. No other patient- or disease-related factors were associated with patient satisfaction.

Vocal cysts with fold atrophy often result in more severe glottal incompetence than vocal cysts along during phonation. Although total excision or marsupialisation are reliable treatments for vocal fold cysts, any post-operative vocal deficit with significant glottal gap will need further treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment consisting of marsupialisation of the cyst immediately followed by strap muscle transposition laryngoplasty.

Under direct laryngomicroscopy, microscissors were used to make a disc-shaped incision encircling the equator of the cyst. After marsupialisation of the cyst, a simultaneous medialisation laryngoplasty with strap muscle transposition was performed.

Seven patients with vocal cysts and marked vocal fold atrophy were included in the study. After surgery, subjective improvement in voice quality was reported by all patients. Patients' glottal incompetence and vocal performance were markedly improved.

Marsupialisation is a simple and effective surgical technique for vocal fold cysts. For cases of vocal cysts with marked vocal fold atrophy, marsupialisation followed by medialisation laryngoplasty with strap muscle transposition may be considered.

In patients with severe nasal polyposis resistant to strict medical treatment, surgery is indicated, but no prognostic factors for surgery efficacy have yet been determined. Some authors suggest that eosinophilic infiltration of nasal polyps could indicate a risk of surgical ineffectiveness.

Surgical plus medical treatment was evaluated over a mean follow-up period of 64 months. One hundred and forty-four subjects were separated into two groups: those with eosinophilic infiltration of >50 per cent (n = 73); and those with ≤50 per cent infiltration (n = 71).

Combined surgery and corticosteroid therapy was effective in the treatment of severe nasal polyposis. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of control of nasal obstruction and sense of smell loss. However, a significant difference was found in terms of control of posterior rhinorrhoea (p = 0.01).

Eosinophilic infiltration influences the outcome of nasal polyposis surgery, mainly regarding control of posterior rhinorrhoea. It could be considered as a risk factor for surgery in patients with nasal polyposis.

We evaluated the efficacy of laryngotracheal reconstruction with costal cartilage grafting for the treatment of idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.

From January 2001 to December 2005, 129 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis were treated at our hospital. Of these patients, five (4 per cent) female patients whose ages ranged from 14 to 34 years were identified as having idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis. These patients were treated with a modified laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting. A Montgomery T-tube remained in place for 12 to 22 months.

Three patients presented with grade three and two with grade two stenosis. Three patients were decannulated after one procedure, with normal respiratory function and good exercise tolerance; one patient was decannulated after two procedures. One patient failed decannulation. The mean time to decannulation was 13 months.

Laryngotracheal reconstruction with anterior costal cartilage grafting is a safe and effective method, and provides an alternative treatment for idiopathic laryngotracheal stenosis.

The surgical treatment of intractable aspiration usually requires sacrifice of the patient's natural voice to prevent food entering the airway. Biller described a tubed supraglottic laryngoplasty to control aspiration while allowing patients to phonate with their larynx. Our preliminary experience with this technique in Chinese patients has been disappointing, as tension in the mucosa on wound closure led to wound dehiscence. Our objective was to modify Biller's technique in order to achieve a better outcome.

We modified Biller's technique by trimming the epiglottic cartilage and by inserting a tibial periosteal graft to reinforce closure of the mucosa, creating an arrangement resembling a Chinese steam boat.

Three Chinese patients underwent the modified Biller's technique. No wound dehiscence occurred, the surgery controlled aspiration, and the patients were able to phonate with their own larynx. All patients resumed oral feeding, and previously placed gastrostomy tubes were removed.

The ‘steam-boat’ supraglottic laryngoplasty is a viable surgical alternative to total laryngectomy or tracheal diversion for controlling intractable aspiration, and preserves a phonating larynx.

To assess the long term outcome of gentamicin inner-ear perfusion using the Silverstein MicroWick™ in the treatment of Ménière's disease.

Retrospective questionnaire survey of patients and review of medical records.

A district general hospital.

All 15 patients who completed a minimum follow up of at least 24 months were included.

Subjective symptoms, change in hearing thresholds and Glasgow benefit inventory scores.

Based on the American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (1995) guidelines for reporting, 80 per cent of respondents obtained class A vertigo control and 20 per cent obtained class B control. Respondents' functional level improved from pre-operative levels of between three and six to post-operative levels of between one and three. Three respondents had pre-operative ‘dead ears’ and one developed the condition post-operatively. Hearing deteriorated further in three respondents, improved in two and remained unchanged in the rest. Respondents with class A control demonstrated improved quality of life, with a mean Glasgow benefit inventory total score of +34.

Transtympanic gentamicin therapy via the Silverstein MicroWick results in good vertigo control. Patients should however be made fully aware of the risk of hearing deterioration.

To discuss the technique and outcome of this simple procedure and the management of post-traumatic parotid sialocoeles, and to review the literature regarding this condition.

We report the successful surgical treatment, by peroral drainage, of three patients with post-traumatic parotid sialocoele resistant to conservative management.

We discuss the method and outcome of the surgical procedure performed, along with the causes, presentation and management of parotid sialocoele.

Correct initial management of a parotid duct injury may prevent the formation of a sialocoele. When conservative treatment of post-traumatic parotid sialocoele fails, we advocate the surgical technique described in this report as it is effective, simple and carries minimal risk to the patient.

We established a series of exercises that evaluated surgeons' marking of excision margins, and we sought to identify factors influencing such marking.

Twenty-four participants were asked to draw preset margins (3, 4, 5, 8 or 10 mm) on a series of life-size images representing noncosmetically and cosmetically sensitive facial sites, and also to draw circles of set diameters (3, 5 and 8 mm) on white paper. Margins were measured with vernier callipers calibrated to 0.05 mm.

In the small margin (3 mm) and noncosmetically sensitive exercises, the mean margins drawn were greater than required. When a 10 mm margin was required in cosmetically sensitive areas and nonsensitive areas, the margin was consistently underestimated in the former group by all participants (p < 0.05).

Surgeons marking facial lesions for excision should use a measurement of scale, in order to eliminate the inherent tendency to underestimate the margin required for large excisions and for cosmetically sensitive areas.

To evaluate the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction, using Sutter® technology, in the treatment of snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea.

Prospective, non-randomised trial.

Fifty-two patients with simple snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea underwent bipolar radiofrequency palate reduction under local anaesthesia.

All patients were Friedman stage II and III, with tonsil sizes graded as zero, one or two, a mean body mass index of 22.6, and a mean age of 36.2 years. Seventy-seven per cent of patients reported improvement in their snoring; patients' mean snoring level (assessed by visual analogue scale) improved from 8.9 to 3.4 (p < 0.05). Eighty-three per cent of patients reported an improvement in their Epworth sleepiness scale score, from a mean of 14.6 to 9.5. Seven out of the 17 patients (41.2 per cent) met the surgical success criteria (i.e. at least a 50 per cent reduction of the pre-procedure apnoea–hypopnoea index, and a post-procedure apnoea–hypopnoea index of below 15). Patients' mean apnoea–hypopnoea index improved from 13.6 to 9.8, and their mean lowest oxygen saturation improved from 88.3 to 92.5 per cent. Eighty-two per cent of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life as a result of the procedure.

One session of Sutter bipolar radiofrequency tissue volume reduction represents a viable method of treating snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnoea, with good results.

To investigate the differing opinions of patients and medical practitioners regarding the relative priorities of pain relief versus bleeding prevention following tonsillectomy.

Questionnaires were mailed out to adult patients, paediatric patients' parents, general practitioners and ENT surgeons.

A total of 72/112 (64.3 per cent) questionnaires were returned. Adult patients, paediatric patients' parents, general practitioners and ENT surgeons all ranked bleeding as the most important factor when assessing risks related to tonsillectomy. Most adult patients indicated that they would accept a bleeding risk of 2 per cent; however, parents indicated that they would accept a higher bleeding risk (3 per cent) for their children in exchange for better pain control.

Adult patients, paediatric patients' parents and doctors were slightly more inclined to ‘trade-off’ an increased post-tonsillectomy bleeding risk in exchange for better post-tonsillectomy pain control, although concerns about post-operative haemorrhage remained the main priority for all groups.

To determine whether, in a developing world context, early oral feeding after laryngectomy is safe, cost-effective and appropriate.

A prospective study of early oral feeding after laryngectomy, compared with retrospective, historical delayed feeding controls.

Forty patients underwent total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx with or without hypopharyngeal involvement, not requiring tongue base resection or myocutaneous flaps, and were commenced on oral feeding on the second post-operative day. Thirty-nine laryngectomy patients previously managed in the same unit who had received conventional, delayed oral feeding served as controls.

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae developed in 20 per cent of the early feeding patients, compared with 15.4 per cent of the delayed oral feeding controls (p = 0.592). For patients who did not develop fistulae, hospitalisation was shorter in the early oral feeding group (p = 0.007).

Early oral feeding for laryngectomy patients is recommended, both in developed and developing countries.

To establish whether there is a requirement for a network policy on management of suspected intraparotid lymphoma, and to answer the question, ‘Can lymphoma of the parotid region be adequately diagnosed, typed and treated on the basis of a core biopsy, within the West of Scotland?’

We identified 22 patients from the West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network database who had been diagnosed between 2003 and 2005 with lymphoma of the parotid region (nodal or extranodal). These 22 cases were reviewed, assessing specifically their investigation and diagnosis (compared with the World Health Organization classification of parotid lymphoma).

Three of the 22 patients underwent core biopsy to diagnose and type their lymphoma. All these procedures were performed within a single centre.

It is possible to successfully perform core biopsy of parotid lymphoma lesions (generally under ultrasonic guidance). This may obviate the need for open procedures. Close collaboration with haematology, pathology, radiology, and head and neck colleagues is required.

Fungal rhinosinusitis has gained much attention in recent years. To our knowledge, no previous studies have addressed the role of fungus in primary atrophic rhinitis.

Prospective case study.

All cases of primary atrophic rhinitis presenting to the out-patient department at El-Sahel Teaching Hospital over a five-month period were included in the study. Crusts and purulent secretions removed from patients' nasal cavities underwent microbiological analysis at the Medical Microbiology and Immunology department of the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine. Special emphasis was placed on fungal isolation.

Fourteen consecutive cases of primary atrophic rhinitis were studied in the five-month period starting 26 November 2007. Patients comprised eight females and six males, with an age range of 12 to 65 years (mean 37 years). Microscopy of the crusts and purulent secretions showed pus cells in most of the samples. Klebsiella species were isolated from nine patients (65 per cent), and other bacterial species were isolated in most of the remainder. Fungal elements, most commonly aspergillus species, were isolated in 13 patients (93 per cent).

It is proposed that the initial trigger for primary atrophic rhinitis is a virulent bacterial infection of the nasal lining, which leads to damage of the ciliated epithelium. This initiates the cascade of events leading to inflammation of the mucosa and submucosa, with secondary pyogenic osteomyelitis of the turbinate bone. The persistence of purulent secretion, within the setting of impaired mucociliary clearance, leads to saprophytic fungal colonisation which contributes greatly to the clinical picture.

To investigate the impact of nasal irrigation with isotonic or hypertonic sodium chloride solution on mucociliary clearance time in patients with allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis.

Mucociliary clearance time was measured using the saccharine clearance test on 132 adults before and after 10 days' application of intranasal isotonic or hypertonic saline. Patient numbers were as follows: controls, 45; allergic rhinitis, 21; acute sinusitis, 24; and chronic sinusitis, 42. The results before and after irrigation were compared using the Wilcoxon t-test.

Before application of saline solutions, mucociliary clearance times in the three patient treatment groups were found to be significantly delayed, compared with the control group. Irrigation with hypertonic saline restored impaired mucociliary clearance in chronic sinusitis patients (p < 0.05), while isotonic saline improved mucociliary clearance times significantly in allergic rhinitis and acute sinusitis patients (p < 0.05).

Nasal irrigation with isotonic or hypertonic saline can improve mucociliary clearance time in various nasal pathologies. However, these solutions should be selectively prescribed rather than used based on anecdotal evidence. Further studies should be conducted to develop a protocol for standardised use of saline solution irrigation in various nasal pathologies.

Recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint is difficult to treat with nonsurgical methods. A new nonsurgical method for the treatment of this condition is presented.

Routine dental arch bars were applied to the teeth, and two latex elastic bands were placed between the two arch bars on either side of the dental arch. Muscular exercises (i.e. active mouth opening) were then performed regularly over approximately three months.

Patients were followed up for two to five years, and the treatment proved successful in five of five cases (i.e. no recurrence was seen). The advantages of this treatment are its simplicity and the lack of special equipment needed. No surgery is required, although patients must perform regular muscular exercises. Surgical complications such as trismus and facial nerve palsy are avoided. The disadvantages of this method are the requirement for patient compliance, and its lack of usefulness in patients without teeth.

The described method is useful for patients complaining of recurrent dislocation of the temporomandibular joint.

The diagnosis and treatment of unilateral vocal fold palsy is a common part of otolaryngology practice. In those patients in whom resolution of symptoms is slow, the resulting dysphonia can have a dramatic effect on the patient's quality of voice and life. We have previously described the procedure of direct phonoplasty under local anaesthesia using the transnasal laryngoesophagoscope.

To examine the subjective and objective data for the first five patients to undergo this procedure, in the form of laryngographic speech analysis, perceptual assessment and therapy outcome measures.

Analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in voice quality, in all the above assessment categories, following local anaesthetic direct phonoplasty using the transnasal laryngoesophagoscope.

Collagen injection via transnasal flexible laryngoesophagoscopy is a particularly useful technique for treating vocal fold medialisation, especially in palliative care patients and those with shortened life expectancy.

This paper evaluates the feasibility of transoral, endoscopic resection of macroscopically localised, low grade, subglottic chondrosarcoma.

Retrospective case study including patients diagnosed with low grade, subglottic laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Tumours were resected endoscopically via direct laryngoscopy with microlaryngeal technique, under jet ventilation. The post-operative course, vocal fold function, airway patency and oncological results were evaluated.

Two male patients aged 49 and 60 years underwent endoscopic, translaryngeal, en bloc resection of low grade chondrosarcoma of the cricoid cartilage. Extubation was performed immediately after surgery. Neither patient required tracheostomy or developed subglottic stenosis. No tumour recurrence was noted after an average follow up of 10.5 months. Voice quality was stable and dyspnoea improved.

Transoral, endoscopic resection of low grade, subglottic chondrosarcoma is a viable technique with good functional outcomes. Extensive resection of subglottic disease is possible, which may afford patients an alternative to total laryngectomy.