The bithermal caloric test remains, four decades after its first description, the single most valuable test of vestibular function. However, there are several variations described in the exact procedure of caloric stimulation and in the method of evaluating and representing the test results. For the past 10 years, we have followed a procedure using a constant standardized stimulus and a particular system for caloric nystagmus representation, viz., the Butterfly Chart, and have found it to be very satisfactory. This paper describes our experience with the use of the Butterfly Chart and its clinical application in over 4,500 cases.

Documentation of normal and pathological anatomy is important to all medical practitioners. The ability to visualize and photograph the upper respiratory tract has been revolutionized by the advent of the flexible fibreoptic rhinolaryngoscope (FFRL), which demonstrates a one-instrument capability for the examination and photodocumentation of the ears, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, hypopharynx and trachea (Selkin, 1984). If a large natural maxillary ostium, or surgical window, is present, the antrum may also be examined.

There are some cases in which mucocoeles of the paranasal sinuses are multiple and their structures are complicated. When the mucocoeles are multiple, pre-operative evaluation is especially important for correct surgical management. We describe the usefulness of computed tomography for the evaluation of multiple mucocoeles of the paranasal sinuses.

Guinea pigs were treated with a single dose of Cisplatin (5 mg IP). After 2–4 days the cochleas were prepared for morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis by X-ray dispersive microanalysis. Following Cisplatin, the bundles of stereocilia on the hair cells were found to be rough, disarrayed, fused, and finally absorbed. Significant increases were found in the levels of calcium, sulphur, and phosporus in the abnormal hair cells. It is suggested that the high calcium levels might be due to the inhibition of enzymes which normally keep cytoplasmic calcium low, and that some of the changes in the stereocilia might be secondary to this.

The role of radiographs in the management of nasal fractures is assessed. The inj ury is common and the total cost of radiographs significant. A retrospective study concluded that radiographs were not definitive in the management of nasal fractures. This prompted a prospective study, in which 54 patients were assessed clinically, radiologically and under anaesthesia. At each stage they were grouped into treatment and pathological categories and the contribution of each type of assessment studied. Radiographs were not found to be useful in the routine management of nasal fractures.

A technique for resection of post-cricoid carcinoma with preservation of a functioning larynx is described. Two case histories are presented; indications, contraindications and relevant anatomy are discussed.

In view of the various technical and electricity maintainance problems with endoscopes in any developing country, a new suspension device for laryngeal endoscopy with a straight-bladed anaesthetic laryngoscope has been described. The advantages of this system are its small size, cheap cost, lack of a chest piece and the use of a non-failing battery source. It also makes use of bipod stands already available in a tonsillectomy set. It can be used in the countryside, and in out-patient and mobile clinics.

Alter a bnet review ot the history or laryngeal photography, a simple and inexpensive method as used at the ENT Clinic of Ljubljana is described.

The equipment consists of a standard 35 mm Olympus OM-1 camera attached to the Olympus OME-J operating microscope and an Olympus T-32 flash unit connected via a large bore flexible light cable to a specially designed laryngoscope.

With the equipment described excellent photographs can be obtained even in inexperienced hands without interference with endoscopic procedures.