Tissue adhesives have been available and in use for more than 40 years. They have, however, never been popular for ossiculoplasty because of the reported excessive inflammatory reaction and ototoxicity. The authors present a case of ossicular disruption successfully repaired with tissue adhesive and review the literature.

The present paper reports our experience with the surgical retrosigmoid-transmastoid (RS-TM) technique for implanting auditory brainstem implants (ABIs). From April 1997 to August 1998, four patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were operated on for vestibular schwannoma removal with ABI implantation. The subjects (three men and one women) ranged in age from 22 to 31 years. Tumour size ranged from 12 to 30 mm. A classical RS-TM approach was performed. After tumour excision, identification of landmarks (VIIth, VIIIth and IXth cranial nerves, choroid plexus) to the foramen of Luschka was carefully carried out. The choroid plexus was partially removed and the tela choroidea divided and deflected. The floor of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and the convolution of the dorsal cochlear nucleus became visible. The electrode array was then inserted into the lateral recess and placed in the correct position with the help of electrically-evoked auditory brain stem responses. Auditory sensations were induced in all patients with various numbers of electrodes. Different pitch sensations could be identified with different electrode stimulation. Details of the results are presented. In our series, the RS-TM approach represents the elective route for ABI insertion.

The authors report a case of myiasis of the middle ear caused by Wohlfartia magnifica Schiner (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). The entomological aspects, the clinical epidemiological characteristics and the therapeutic solutions of this disease are evaluated. In particular, they underline the rarity of myiasis both because of the aetiologic agent and the anatomical site. The therapeutic aspects are also reported and discussed.

This paper demonstrates the need for a cosmetic device as a necessary adjunct to long-term tracheostomy care. Such devices are not available, at present, from tracheostomy tube manufacturers. The cosmetic tracheostomy cover plate is based on a silver Negus tracheostomy tube, to which the silver chain and cover plate (locket) are attached. The result, for the patient who tried it, was excellent.

Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is a common surgical procedure performed to improve the nasal airway. We present the case of a previously well six-year-old boy who underwent submucosal diathermy and developed the unusual complication of a left oculomotor nerve palsy. The possible aetiology is discussed.

We present a previously undescribed event where an inhaled foreign body was propelled into the post-nasal space by the Heimlich manoeuvre. We present figures showing a drop in the mortality following inhaled foreign bodies since the introduction of the Heimlich manoeuvre.

We report a case of a patient who experienced transient recurrent facial nerve palsies during flights on commercial aeroplanes. Although this condition is well recognized in divers, only six cases have been reported to occur on flying. The pathophysiology of this condition is discussed.

Cavernous haemangiomas are rare lesions of the cerebello-pontine angle that can mimic the more commonly occurring vestibular schwannoma. A case report involving a patient with a cavernous haemangioma of the internal auditory canal (IAC) highlights this as a diagnostic possibility for lesions of the IAC by comparing and contrasting the clinical and radiological findings with the more commonly occurring vestibular nerve and facial schwannomas.

Symptoms such as hearing loss and facial paralysis that are disproportionate to the size of the lesion or fluctuate with hormonal changes such as those seen in pregnancy are suggestive of haemangioma. Radiological imaging demonstrating a lesion enchancing with gadolinium and containing areas of calcification is also suggestive of haemangioma. It is important to consider the possible diagnosis of haemangioma as early recognition of this entity may improve the chances of preserving the functional integrity of the facial nerve.

The treatment of pharyngeal pouches by endoscopic stapling diverticulotomy has gained popularity over the last few years. We assessed the results of this technique in 44 patients by means of a clinical questionnaire and by reviewing case records. Thirty – six (82 per cent) patients commenced oral intake within 18 hours of the procedure and 37 (84 per cent) patients were discharged within 48 hours. Five patients had complications that included throat discomfort, a loose incisor tooth, shoulder pain, pharyngeal perforation and one mortality due to mediastinitis. Of the 37 patients that completed the questionnaire, nine (24 per cent) had some residual symptoms although only two (five per cent) felt that there had been no improvement at all following the stapling procedure. Thirty – five (95 per cent) of the patients stated that they would undergo the procedure again. It appears that pharyngeal pouches can be successfully treated by endoscopic stapling, with patients commencing oral intake within a few hours of surgery and having a short hospital stay. However, as there can be serious complications, we recommend that the procedure be performed by an experienced surgeon.

A deaf female patient was diagnosed with bilateral acoustic neurinomas. Diagnosis incorporated the standard audiological battery for sensorineural hearing loss, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The left side had been operated on four years previously in another clinic using the suboccipital approach. The auditory brainstem implant surgery was performed on the ‘second side’ using the same approach. It was an uneventful operation with good anatomy and no serious post-operative complications. Post-operatively, the patient performed exceptionally well, with up to 50 per cent of words recognized in the opened set and 85 per cent in the closed set, both without lip-reading.

Tinnitus produced by repetitive contraction of the middle-ear muscles is a rare condition. We present an interesting case of bilateral middle-ear myoclonus causing incapacitating tinnitus in a patient with multiple sclerosis. Otological examination demonstrated rhythmic involuntary movement of the tympanic membrane. These movements correlated with a rhythmic ‘rushing wind’ noise perceived by the patient. Oropharyngeal examination showed no evidence of palatal myoclonus. Impedance audiometry confirmed rhythmic change in the middle-ear volume. Medical management was unsuccessful. The patient’s tinnitus was subsequently cured with bilateral sectioning of the tensor tympani and stapedial tendons.

Congenital cholesteatoma may arise in the petrous apex, mastoid, middle ear, or external auditory canal. The least common site being the mastoid process. We present one case of primary mastoid cholesteatoma confirmed by clinical examination, surgical findings and radiological evaluation.

During the placement of a mould for a hearing-aid by a hearing-aid dispenser, moulding material entered the middle ear through pre-existent perforations in the tympanic membrane in both ears. Besides hearing loss, there were no other symptoms. Surgical removal of the moulding material by tympanotomy was necessary, and was complicated by encirclement of the ossicles by the material. All the material could be removed and the hearing was saved. Recommendations for an improved procedure of mould-making are made including more detailed information of the otoscopic findings at the prescriptions for hearing-aid moulds.

Primary paraganglioma of the external auditory canal is a rare otological finding. To date, only three cases have been reported in the world-wide literature. Such a tumour is now described in a 42-year-old female. The clinical and histopathological features of the case are discussed. The role of immunocytochemistry in defining diagnosis, from a large list of differentials, is illustrated. We present the first magnetic resonance images of this rare tumour and highlight the benefit of intra-operative frozen section in limiting surgery to canal excision.

The authors present a case of bilateral cavernous haemangiomas affecting the posterior ends of both inferior turbinates of the nose. The condition was treated by angiographically controlled embolization. Review of the literature back to 1967 has revealed no other report of embolization being used specifically for this condition. All previous treatments have involved surgery; we describe an alternative therapeutic option.

Salivary gland choristoma of the middle ear is rare. It consists of non-malignant, non-growing, normal salivary gland tissue in the middle ear. It is a developmental abnormality that occurs around the proximal part of the second branchial arch before the fourth month of intrauterine life.

The authors found the 25th recorded case in our centre and another 24 reported cases from a review of the literature between 1961 and 1999. Intratympanic salivary gland choristoma frequently occurs during the first and second decades of life and with a female preponderance (56 per cent). Nearly all the patients (96 per cent) in our review presented with a hearing loss, that had begun since birth, in infancy, or during childhood. Tinnitus (28 per cent), and serous otitis media (24 per cent) were also commonly present. One case complained of otorrhoea. Intratympanic and extratympanic anomalies were found in 96.2 per cent and 34.6 per cent of cases respectively. Of these anomalies, ossicular chain (88.5 per cent), facial nerve (65.4 per cent), middle-ear muscles (30.8 per cent) and labyrinthine windows (23 per cent) were the four most common sites. Therefore, salivary gland choristoma may represent a manifestation of a congenital ear anomaly.

Diagnosis of salivary gland choristoma is generally not documented pre-operatively, but is based on surgical biopsy and histopathological investigations. Treatment of this rare lesion depends on the size, location and extent of the mass, degree of anatomical abnormality and expertise of the surgeon. In difficult cases where the mass is attached to the dehiscent or inferiorly placed facial nerve, only biopsy is recommended. However, complete surgical removal is advocated for a mass that is easy to remove. KTP laser use via a 200 micron fibreoptic light carrier can facilitate removal especially in cases with ossicular chain involvement.

A 26-year-old man was seen one day after developing a left facial palsy of unknown aetiology. He had previously had a left facial palsy at age 14 and a right facial palsy at 19, both with minimal residual paresis. Both his mother and grandmother have had facial palsies. The role of hereditary influences in idiopathic facial paralysis, as well as the treatment of this condition, is discussed.

Globus pharyngeus as a possible presenting symptom of a pharyngeal or upper oesophageal neoplasm is the main reason why barium swallows are requested, although it is essentially a benign disorder that in many cases requires reassurance only. We therefore retrospectively reviewed all barium swallows done in our department for globus pharyngeus during a one-year period to assess their value in the investigation of this condition. Ninety-two patients were identified. All had a normal ENT examination, and symptoms suggestive of acid reflux was the most common associated complaint, at 11 per cent. Acid reflux (18.5 per cent) and hiatus hernia (12 per cent) were the commonest findings of a barium swallow. Three cases of suspicious findings on barium swallow had a normal examination under general anaesthetic. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between the symptoms of globus and the barium swallow results. A barium swallow does not seem to add any further useful information to the investigation of globus pharyngeus. But most globus patients will continue to undergo a barium swallow, because although alternative investigations have been extensively assessed, it is still not clear which is the most appropriate mode of investigation for this condition.

Middle-ear tumours are not uncommonly mistaken for mastoiditis on presentation. We report a case of cerebellopontine angle non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma originally presenting as a middle-ear inflammatory process. In mastoiditis not resolving with conventional treatment it is important to look for an underlying cause.

A case of post-traumatic retropharyngeal haematoma causing airway obstruction in an elderly man on anticoagulant therapy is described. The importance of managing the airway, cervical spine and haemostatic problem with the help of a multidisciplinary team is discussed.