To flex or not to flex: oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction in the modern age.

Background: 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.

Predictors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: a systematic and narrative review.

Objective: Hypocalcaemia is the most common complication after total or completion thyroidectomy. This study assesses recent evidence on predictive factors for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in order to identify the patients affected and aid prevention.

Method: Two authors independently assessed articles and extracted data to provide a narrative synthesis.

Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty for Eustachian tube dysfunction: report of long-term outcomes in a UK population.

Background: Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty is a surgical management option for Eustachian tube dysfunction; it has shown promising results in studies worldwide, but has had limited uptake in the UK. This study reports long-term outcomes for patients offered balloon Eustachian tuboplasty for chronic dilatory and baro-challenge-induced Eustachian tube dysfunction, and describes practical experience gained from its implementation.

Methods: Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty was conducted in 25 patients (36 ears) with Eustachian tube dysfunction over three years.

Primary versus secondary tracheoesophageal puncture: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Tracheoesophageal puncture represents the 'gold standard' for voice restoration following laryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal puncture can be undertaken primarily during laryngectomy or in a separate secondary procedure. There is no current consensus on which approach is superior.