Unusual findings and diagnostic challenges in a child with Lemierre's disease.

16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of fastidious organisms is becoming increasingly commonplace. We present the case of a child admitted to an acute paediatric unit of a university teaching hospital with otorrhoea, torticollis, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly associated with pancytopenia.

Securing a paediatric airway with a nasal sucker for laser surgery.

The administration of anaesthetic gases to an infant undergoing an endolaryngeal laser procedure can be difficult. We describe the use of a Magill's nasal sucker and an anaesthetic connector to maintain anaesthesia during laser surgery.

Hydrostatic balloon dilatation of pharyngeal stricture under local anaesthetic.

Balloon dilatation is well established in the management of enteric strictures. The use of this technique in the pharynx has been reported under radiological and endoscopic guidance. We describe the hydrostatic dilatation of a benign pharyngeal stricture in a laryngectomy patient under local anaesthetic, without radiological guidance, in the ENT out-patient department.