When the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode is inserted into the scala tympani through the round window the operation is best performed via a posterior tympanotomy. The view of the round window membrane, however, is incomplete because of its orientation and the fact that it has a conical shape. Nevertheless, a good view along the basal turn is obtained after the antero-inferior overhang of the round window niche and the crista fenestrae have been removed. It might be damaging to drill away the postero-superior overhang as the osseous spiral lamina lies extremely close to the round window membrane.

Tympanometry and otoscopy were performed by the authors on 893 schoolchildren in Kuwait during early 1983. Based on tympanometry 31.3 per cent were found to have tympanograms indicating secretory otitis media. The otoscopic findings confirmed this high prevalence (30.0 per cent). At re-examination three months later, the point prevalence had decreased by almost 5 per cent which is well in accordance with the seasonal variation of this disease.

The intranasal distribution of aerosol from a metered dose inhaler has been assessed using a radiotracer technique. Inhalers were prepared by adding 99Tcm-labelled Teflon particles (simulating the drug particles) to chlorofluorocarbon propellants, and scans of the head (and chest) taken with a gamma camera. Ten healthy subjects (age range 19–29 years) each performed two radioaerosol studies with the inhaler held in two different ways: either in a single position (vial pointing upwards) or in two positions (vial pointing upwards and then tilted by 30° in the sagittal plane).

The vast majority of the dose (82.5 ± 2.8 (mean ± SEM) per cent and 80.7 ± 3.1 per cent respectively for one-position and two-position studies) was deposited on a single localized area in the anterior one-third of the nose, the initial distribution pattern being identical for each study. No significant radioaerosol was detected in the lungs. Only 18.0 ± 4.7 per cent and 15.4 ± 4.1 per cent of the dose had been removed by mucociliary action after 30 minutes, and it is probable that the remainder had not penetrated initially beyond the vestibule. Since the deposition pattern was highly localized and more than half the dose probably failed to reach the turbinates it is possible that the overall effect of nasal MDIs is suboptimal for the treatment of generalized nasal disorders.

We have successfully used fibrin glue to avoid operative nasal packing in 30 cases of septal surgery. Avoiding a nasal pack is not only more acceptable to the patient but may also reduce hospital stay. Analysis of our results showed some minor short-term complications but initial post-operative septal deviation tended to resolve spontaneously. Transient oedema and hyperaemia occurred in 37 per cent of cases and may represent an allergic response despite few classical allergic reactions having been reported.

A prospective study was undertaken of 75 patients complaining of epistaxis who presented to an Accident and Emergency Department.

The patients were placed into four groups according to their presenting features, and various forms of appropriate management applied.

It was found that in the group that had ceased bleeding on presentation, whether or not a bleeding point was visible, there was no benefit obtained by treatment. If the nose was still bleeding on presentation, and the bleeding point was visible, successful management could be obtained by cauterising the bleeding point. This is a treatment that could be carried out by either the General Practitioner or the Accident Department. If the nose was actively bleeding, and the bleeding point could not be seen, then even initially successful treatment by the Accident Department was usually found to be ineffective within forty-eight hours. It is suggested that this group should be referred to an ENT unit on presentation.

Attention is drawn to the problems of surgical resection by partial laryngectomy after full therapeutic dosage of telecobalt irradiation. Material is presented from two treatment centres to indicate trends in surgical treatment and the complications experienced. Results will be given which confirm a reasonable expectation of cure and functional conservation by vertical partial laryngectomy for recurrence of glottic cancer after irradiation. The results of treatment of recurrent supraglottic cancer by horizontal partial laryngectomy gave more cause for concern in terms of complications and survival. In conclusion an attempt is made, based on the quoted experience, to define the position of conservation surgery in two centres for laryngeal cancer in the United Kingdom.

An earlier paper (Cheesman et al., 1985) described assessment procedures for ‘failed’ oesophageal speakers who were referred to Charing Cross Hospital for possible Surgical Voice Restoration in 1983–4.

This paper presents the results of surgical voice restoration in the first fifty laryngectomized patients referred and analyses the reasons for failure in those where surgical voice restoration was unsuccessful.

94 per cent of patients who underwent secondary voice restoration were successful at two weeks post-surgery, but this success rate dropped to 73 per cent at three months. Reasons for this are explained and the pre-requisites for a successful surgical voice restoration are indicated.