Search

The article focuses on a study of cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM), a technique for management of dysphagia which occurs due to failure of relaxation of upper oesophageal sphincter made up of cricopharyngeal muscle. Topics discussed include symptoms of dysphagia with evidence of cricopharyngeal hypertrophy on barium swallow, relief of symptoms caused by cricopharyngeal spasm, and increase in exposure of the laryngopharynx to gastric contents.

A letter to the editor which discusses the advantages of trans-nasal oesophagoscopy (TNE) is presented.

The article focuses on a technique using 0-degree Hopkins rod during the course of direct endoscopic rigid oesophagoscopy. It also discusses advantages of this technique which includes surgical training and diagnosis as well as improved visualization efficacy and photodocumentation with no additional cost.

A response by the authors to a letter to the editor about their article "An evidence based review of the assessment and management of penetrating neck trauma" in the previous issue.

• There is a significant risk of blood contamination during the non-surgical management of epistaxis. Contamination beyond gloves happens in 55% of cases and the contamination risk to eyes as high as 18%.• There is a lack of awareness and a majority of ENT doctors underestimate this risk.• Protective barrier equipment and eye protection in particular are suboptimally available in all clinical areas where epistaxis is dealt with.• Consequently, there is poor utilization of protective barrier equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor about a letter describing the use of the anterior commissure laryngoscope.

winter s.c.a., cassell o., corbridge r.j., goodacre t. & cox g.j. (2004) Clin. Otolaryngol. 29, 274–278 Quality of life following resection, free flap reconstruction and postoperative external beam radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue This study was conducted to evaluate quality of life in a cohort of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base, treated with primary surgery, reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy. Twelve patients were assessed in a cross-sectional study using the University of Washington Quality of Life Instrument (UW-QOL). All patients underwent external beam irradiation following primary resection of their tumour and reconstruction. Patients on average reported their overall and health related QOL to be good. Functionally they had good pain control, speech intelligibility, activity and recreational levels. There were some limitations in chewing, swallowing and taste. The results suggest that surgical resection can offer good functional and overall QOL results for advanced tumours when combined with reconstruction. The morbidity associated with postoperative radiotherapy includes reduced swallowing, taste, saliva production and difficulty chewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]