This observational study investigates migratory foreign bodies in the upper aerodigestive tract, emphasising clinical presentation, assessment and factors contributing to extraluminal migration.

Conducted across multiple medical centres in India, the study included 15 patients aged 11 to 70 years. Detailed observations, demographic information, clinical history, radiological findings and intra-operative outcomes were compiled.

Fifteen patients presented with varied symptoms. Fish and chicken bones, along with metal wires, were common foreign bodies. Computed tomography scans played a crucial role in diagnosis, confirming extraluminal migration. Neck exploration successfully retrieved foreign bodies in most cases, with varied sites of impaction.

Migratory foreign bodies, although rare, pose significant challenges for otolaryngologists. Early recognition, thorough diagnosis and meticulous neck exploration, is crucial for effective management, preventing severe complications. This study adds valuable insights to the understanding of migratory foreign bodies, contributing to the existing literature in otolaryngology practice.

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of angled otoendoscopy with pure tone audiometry in predicting ossicular discontinuity in patients of mucosal chronic otitis media.

Ninety-four patients were included in this prospective study. A 2.7-mm 30° otoendoscope was used to examine ossicular status preoperatively. Hearing thresholds were recorded by pure tone audiometry. Intraoperative ossicular status was recorded as the gold standard. Otoendoscopic findings were recorded as per the criteria has been devised by the authors of this manuscript.

Otoendoscopy was conclusive in 56 (59.6 per cent) patients, with 100 per cent sensitivity, 95.56 per cent specificity, 84.62 per cent positive predictive value, and 100 per cent negative predictive value in the conclusive group. Overall (in 94 patients), diagnostic test values of otoendoscopy were 73.33 per cent sensitivity, 97.47 per cent specificity, 84.62 per cent positive predictive value, and 95.06 per cent negative predictive value. As per the ROC curve, air–bone gap > 38.12dB had the optimal diagnostic test values, with 73 per cent sensitivity, 72 per cent specificity, 33.3 per cent positive predictive value, and 93.4 per cent negative predictive value.

Angled otoendoscopy has better diagnostic accuracy (93.6 per cent) than pure tone audiometry (72.3 per cent; p < 0.001) for preoperative ossicular discontinuity prediction in patients of mucosal chronic otitis media.

Oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction is a common presentation to emergency departments. Often these patients are given medication with little evidence of efficacy. Although many cases self-resolve, some require removal of the obstruction. Delay in removal can lead to complications such as oesophageal perforation and mediastinitis. Traditionally, removal was performed by ENT surgeons using rigid oesophagoscopy, but oesophago-gastro duodenoscopy offers a safer alternative that does not require a general anaesthetic.

The current performance, pathways and outcomes of patients attending emergency departments across three health boards in Scotland were reviewed.

In total, 313 patients admitted for oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction were identified. Mixed practice for a single common presentation was observed. In addition, it was found that the majority of patients are already managed by surgery and gastroenterology services with good outcomes and low morbidity.

Patients presenting with soft food bolus obstruction should be referred to local surgery and gastroenterology services in the first instance.

Flexible upper aerodigestive endoscopy is often performed in the emergency setting. To prevent nosocomial infection on-call clinicians must have access to decontaminated endoscopes.

A telephone survey of 104 ENT units in England replicated previous cycles conducted 10 and 20 years ago. The on-call clinician was asked about decontamination practices, training and cross-cover.

Seventy-one clinicians participated of which 68 had an endoscope available out-of-hours. Twenty-five (36.8 per cent) used single-use endoscopes. Twenty-three (51.1 per cent) of the 45 clinicians using re-usable endoscopes decontaminated them themselves, an increase from 43.3 per cent in 2013 and from 35.1 per cent in 2002. Overall 91.2 per cent had safe practices, up from 68.7 per cent in 2013 and 48 per cent in 2002. One hundred per cent had been trained in decontamination, compared to 37.3 per cent in 2013 and 12.1 per cent in 2002. On-call clinicians from the ENT department increased to 91.5 per cent, compared to 63 per cent in 2013.

There has been a dramatic increase in patient safety, underpinned by the introduction of single-use endoscopes, increased training and reduced cross-cover.

Developing skills in rigid endoscopy poses challenges to the surgical trainee. This study investigates whether a modified manikin can improve the technical skill of junior operators by providing direct quantitative feedback.

A force-sensing pad was incorporated into the oral cavity of a life support manikin. Junior trainees and senior otolaryngologists were invited to perform rigid endoscopy and received real-time feedback from the force sensor during the procedure.

There was a significant inverse correlation between operator seniority and the weight applied to the oral cavity (p < 0.0001). All junior trainee operators applied less weight after five attempts (346 ± 90.95 g) compared to their first attempt (464 ± 85.79 g). This gave a statistically significant decrease of 118 g (standard deviation = 107.27 g, p = 0.007) when quantitative feedback was provided to learning operators.

This low-cost, simple model allows trainees to rehearse a high-risk procedure in a safe environment and adjust their operative technique.

Ingested foreign bodies pose a unique challenge in medical practice, especially when lodged in the oesophagus. While endoscopic retrieval is the standard treatment, certain cases require more innovative approaches.

This paper reports the case of a patient who intentionally ingested a butter knife that lodged in the thoracic oesophagus. After multiple endoscopic attempts, a lateral neck oesophagotomy, aided using a Hopkins rod camera and an improvised trochar as a protective port, was performed.

The foreign body was successfully extracted without causing oesophageal perforation. The patient was made nil by mouth, with nasogastric feeding only until a swallow assessment after one week. The patient was discharged and recovered well.

This case illustrates a successful, innovative approach to removing a foreign body in a high-risk patient, highlighting the significance of adaptability in surgical practice. It emphasises the need for individualised approaches based on the patient's history, the nature and location of the foreign body, and associated risks.

Retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy is challenging. This study investigated a minimally invasive approach to salvage retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

An anatomical study of four fresh cadaveric heads was conducted to demonstrate the relevant details of retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy using the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach. Six patients with nasopharyngeal cancer with retropharyngeal lymph node recurrence, who underwent retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy with the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold technique at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University from July to December 2021, were included in this study.

The anatomical study demonstrated that the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach offers a short path and minimally invasive approach to the retropharyngeal space. The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all patients, with no significant post-operative complications.

The endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach is safe and efficient for retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy.

Non-fatal strangulation as a consequence of a sexual assault attack or domestic violence represents serious bodily harm. Otolaryngologists have an important role in documenting physical findings and managing airway symptoms. This study aimed to describe our otolaryngology department's experience managing patients referred from the sexual assault referral centre who suffered non-fatal strangulation.

A retrospective analysis of patients suffering non-fatal strangulation referred to the Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Otolaryngology Department from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 was carried out.

A total of 86 patients were referred from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Of these patients, 56 were given telephone advice and the remaining 30 were seen by the on-call otolaryngology team. In addition, 20 out of 30 (66.6 per cent) patients underwent fibre-optic nasal endoscopy. Common presenting symptoms were neck pain (81.4 per cent), dyspnoea (80.2 per cent) and dizziness (72.1 per cent). Five patients had identifiable laryngeal injury on endoscopy.

Meticulous documentation is recommended when managing patients who suffer non-fatal strangulation because medical records may be used as evidence in criminal investigations.

To investigate the risk of fibromyalgia in patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with primary muscle tension dysphonia, diagnosed based on history of dysphonia with evidence of laryngeal muscle tension on examination. Fibromyalgia was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (‘FiRST’).

Fifty patients were enrolled: 25 with primary muscle tension dysphonia (study group) and 25 matched controls. The mean age of the study group was 50.7 ± 15.2 years versus 49.5 ± 18.6 years for the controls, with a male to female ratio of 3:2 for both groups. Fifty-six per cent tested positive for fibromyalgia in the study group versus 4 per cent in the controls (p < 0.001). The mean Voice Handicap Index 10 score in the study group was significantly higher for those who screened positive for fibromyalgia compared to those who screened negative. There was a positive, strong point-biserial correlation between Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool and Voice Handicap Index 10 scores (r = 0.39; p = 0.09).

These results suggest that fibromyalgia is a significant co-morbid condition in primary muscle tension dysphonia.

This study used the European Laryngeal Society (2016) and Ni (2011 and 2019) classifications for narrow-band imaging and correlated the findings with histopathology.

Retrospective analysis was conducted by retrieving data of patients who underwent micro-laryngoscopy for suspicious glottic lesions. The narrow-band imaging findings were classified using both classification systems. Retrieved histopathology report findings were correlated with narrow-band imaging data.

Using the European Laryngeal Society and Ni classifications, 37 (69.8 per cent) and 35 (66 per cent) patients, respectively, were suspected to have malignant lesions. Upon histopathology, 37 (69.8 per cent) lesions were malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy using the European Laryngeal Society classification were 91.9 per cent, 81.3 per cent, 91.9 per cent, 81.3 per cent and 88.7 per cent, and using the Ni classification were 91.9 per cent, 93.8 per cent, 97.1 per cent, 83.3 per cent and 92.5 per cent, respectively.

The Ni classification had better specificity and accuracy. The European Laryngeal Society classification is simple to use and may serve as a useful screening tool. For optimum results, both European Laryngeal Society and Ni classifications may be used together, in that order.

Image enhancement systems are important diagnostic tools in the detection of laryngeal pathologies. This study aimed to compare three different image enhancement systems: professional image enhancement technology, Image1 S and narrow-band imaging.

Using the three systems, 100 patients with laryngeal lesions were investigated using a flexible and a 30° rigid endoscope. The lesions were diagnosed by three experts and classified using the Ni classification. The findings were compared.

Lesions classified as ‘benign’ were histopathologically confirmed in 50 per cent of patients, malignant lesions were confirmed in 41 per cent and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were confirmed in 9 per cent. There was no significant difference between the experts’ assessments of each image enhancement system.

The three systems give comparable results in the detection of laryngeal lesions. With two additional systems, more users can perform image-enhanced endoscopy, resulting in a broadly available tool that can help to improve oncological assessment.

To evaluate risk factors for poor prognosis in vocal fold leukoplakia.

Clinical data were collected for 344 patients with vocal fold leukoplakia who received surgical treatment in our otolaryngology department from October 2010 to June 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the relevant factors were conducted.

Among the 344 patients, 98 exhibited recurrence and 30 underwent a malignant change. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that size of the lesion (p = 0.03, odds ratio = 2.14), form of the lesion under white light (p < 0.001), surgical method (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 0.28) and pathological type (p < 0.001) were independent factors that affected the recurrence of vocal fold leukoplakia. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, the sole independent risk factor for malignant transformation of vocal fold leukoplakia was pathological type (p < 0.001).

The outlook for vocal fold leukoplakia depends on several clinical factors, especially pathological type. The more severe the pathological type, the more likely it is to recur or become cancerous.

This study aimed to present experience with surgical treatment of laryngeal cleft cases through both open and endoscopic approaches.

A retrospective evaluation of all patients diagnosed as having a laryngeal cleft in a tertiary hospital over 10 years was performed. Pre-operative data, conservative and surgical management of cases, and outcomes were collected, tabulated and analysed.

This study included 43 patients aged from 2 to 44 months with a median of 9.19 months. Concerning management technique, 12 patients had conservative treatment and the remaining 31 underwent a surgical procedure (of them, 20 patients underwent endoscopic intervention and 11 had the open surgical technique). In the open group, we used either tibial periosteum (six cases) or harvested costal cartilage (five cases).

Surgical management in the form of endoscopic Coblation-assisted or an open approach is indicated in severe cases or mild cases not responding to conservative management.

Transorbital endoscopic approaches are becoming increasingly popular for skull base pathologies; the superior lateral orbital portal is one such approach to the middle cranial fossa. This paper provides a technical description that maximises the surgical portal and minimises morbidity.

A superior lid crease incision is made extending laterally and the orbital rim is exposed. A subperiosteal dissection of the lateral and superior orbit is performed, with elevation of periosteum off Whitnall's tubercle, ligation of the recurrent branch of the middle meningeal artery, and identification of the superior orbital fissure. The lacrimal keyhole is then drilled away. The middle cranial fossa is accessed by drilling posterior to the orbital rim to expose: the temporalis muscle anterior-laterally, the dura of the temporal lobe posterior-laterally, the anterior cranial fossa superiorly and the periorbita medially.

These surgical steps can maximise the surgical portal and minimise morbidity, with avoidance of injury to surrounding structures.

In severe refractory epistaxis, the anterior ethmoidal artery may need to be ligated. Previously described endonasal or transorbital approaches are not always effective, or they have suboptimal aesthetic outcomes. This paper describes a safe and effective surgical technique, with a consistent landmark allowing quick identification.

A transcaruncular incision is made, oriented medially in the direction of the medial orbital wall towards the level of the nasion. Once onto bone, a subperiosteal plane is developed and an endoscope is used to dissect posteriorly at the level of the nasion, until the anterior ethmoidal artery is identified, and subsequently ligated.

The nasion is an easy, constant landmark to use for ligation of the anterior ethmoidal artery in refractory epistaxis. The traditional method of identifying the anterior ethmoidal artery is not applicable or constant enough for use during the transorbital approach. The described technique avoids injury to surrounding structures and has a satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression in patients with post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis.

This retrospective study included 10 patients with post-traumatic complete facial nerve paralysis who underwent endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression. The surgical technique was explained step by step, and the surgical complications, hearing status and facial nerve function 12 months post-operatively were reported.

Endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression allowed exposure of the geniculate ganglion to the mastoid segment. The facial nerve function improved from House–Brackmann grade VI to grades I and II in 8 of 10 (80 per cent) patients, and 2 patients experienced partial recovery (House–Brackmann grades III and IV). No severe complication was reported.

Endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression, involving the nerve from the geniculate ganglion to the mastoid segment, is a safe and effective approach in patients with post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis.

A literature review and meta-analysis was performed to assess for difference in rate of complications and need for revision surgery between endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy. The hypothesis was that endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy has a lower complication rate but endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy has a lower need for revision surgery.

This was a systematic review of English-language studies comparing endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Meta-analysis of results with regard to rate of pharyngeal perforation, major post-operative complication and need for re-operation was performed.

Nine retrospective studies were included with pooled analysis of 417 endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and 413 endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy cases. Meta-analysis found no significant difference in rate of pharyngeal perforation, major complication or need for re-operation between the two groups.

This study demonstrated both endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy and endoscopic carbon dioxide laser diverticulotomy to be a safe alternative to open surgery for Zenker's diverticulum. Both appear to be similar in terms of adverse events and efficacy. The authors recommend either approach, guided by surgeon's preference and experience, where patients are unsuitable for an open surgery approach.

This study primarily assessed ENT surgical trainees’ preferences for the qualities of disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes. Secondary aims included eliciting trainees’ views on ENT surgery and climate change, and creating a single-centre per-use cost analysis for disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes.

A cross-sectional study was formulated. An online survey consisting of multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions was distributed nationally. Cost analysis was performed using 2021–2022 data from the host institution.

Twenty-four trainees responded. Data on disposable fibre-optic nasendoscopes showed no difference in overall satisfaction (p = 0.244). Reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes had a lower cost per use compared with disposable nasendoscopes at 5 years (4.7 per cent reduction) and 10 years (7.1 per cent reduction). Of the trainees, 79.2 per cent were supportive of climate-friendly initiatives within ENT surgery, and 25 per cent felt supported by their departments.

Trainees’ satisfaction with disposable and reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes is similar. Cost analysis favours reusable fibre-optic nasendoscopes in the long term at the host institution. Empowering departments and trainees to pursue climate-friendly initiatives should be encouraged.

Surgical management is the mainstay of treatment for tumours in the parapharyngeal space. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, limits and technical nuances of the endoscopic transoral approach.

Thirteen patients with parapharyngeal space tumours that were treated between May 2017 and November 2020 were included in this retrospective study.

All patients underwent surgery for complete oncological resection except one patient who received treatment for diagnostic purposes. No major complications were reported, with excellent control of the vital structures of the parapharyngeal space.

The endoscopic transoral approach to the parapharyngeal space is a promising alternative approach for selected parapharyngeal space tumours with satisfactory outcomes.