Neuroimmune signalling pathways in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Purpose Of Review: To evaluate the role of neuroimmune signalling pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Recent Findings: The sinonasal mucosa is densely infiltrated by immune cells and neuronal structures that share an intimate spatial relationship within tissue compartments. Together, such neuroimmune units play a critical role in airway defence and homeostatic function.

V-Y advancement flap for the repair of localized cutaneous defects following nasal closure in severe hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

In patients with severe refractory epistaxis due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, the most effective results are achieved by surgical closure of the nares to permanently prevent nasal airflow. Flap failure and dehiscence can occur and result in fistula formation and clinical relapse. We describe the utility of a V-Y advancement flap in repairing localized cutaneous defects in patients who have previously undergone nasal closure for severe HHT.

Open and Thoracoscopic Aortopexy for Airway Malacia in Children: 15 Year Single Centre Experience.

Objectives: The objective was to report and analyse the characteristics and results of open aortopexy and thoracoscopic aortopexy for the treatment of airway malacia in a paediatric population.

Methods: We report a retrospective consecutive case series of paediatric patients undergoing aortopexy for the treatment of airway malacia at a quaternary referral centre between December 2006 and January 2021. Outcome measures included days to extubation, continued need for non-invasive ventilation, further intervention in the form of tracheostomy and death.

Vocal fold paralysis following first dose of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine.

Background: In a bid to end the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, many countries, including the UK, have rolled out mass immunisation programmes. While considered generally safe and effective, vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 have been reported to be associated with rare and potentially adverse reactions and side effects.

Case Report: This paper reports an unusual case of a patient who developed a unilateral vocal fold paralysis shortly after receiving the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine.

Necrotising otitis externa: a serious condition becoming more frequently encountered.

Background: Necrotising otitis externa is an aggressive infection of the external ear, which extends to the surrounding bone and soft tissue. In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in the number of patients admitted to our hospital with this condition.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients admitted to our hospital with necrotising otitis externa between July 2012 and June 2020.

Remote triaging of urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals: our experience during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, otolaryngology departments across the United Kingdom have adopted non-face-to-face clinics with consultations being carried out remotely, via telephone or video calls. By reducing footfall on hospital sites, the aim of this strategy was to limit direct contact and curb the spread of infection. This report outlines our experience of conducting a telephone triage clinic in the assessment of urgent suspected head and neck cancer referrals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experiences in academic publication among ENT trainees in the UK: results from a national survey.

Objective: This study aimed to provide an objective means of identifying patterns in academic publication among ENT trainees during their higher surgical training.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to ENT higher surgical trainees.

Results: A total of 153 ENT specialty trainees participated, giving a response rate of 46.

The use of modified Silastic nasal splints as frontal sinus stents: a technical note.

Background: Endoscopic frontal sinus surgery is frequently complicated by post-operative stenosis and obstruction of the frontal sinus outflow tract, resulting in recurrent disease. Frontal sinus stents may help prevent re-occlusion of the frontal neo-ostia.

Objective: This paper presents a simple and cost-effective approach to frontal sinus stenting using modified Silastic nasal splints.

Cervical Subcutaneous Emphysema following Total Laryngectomy: An Unusual Complication of Nasogastric Intubation.

The nasogastric tube remains an important route of enteral feeding in the early postoperative period following total laryngectomy. Its insertion, however, is not without any risks of complications. In this article, we report an unusual case of inadvertent nasopharyngeal perforation secondary to intraoperative nasogastric tube insertion presenting as unilateral cervical subcutaneous emphysema in a patient who underwent total laryngectomy.

Assistive communication devices for patients with hearing loss: a cross-sectional survey of availability and staff awareness in outpatient clinics in England.

Fair and equal access to health care for all is a fundamental principle of the National Health Service (NHS) in England. However, findings from a previous national survey examining the experiences of hearing-impaired patients when accessing services within the primary care setting have revealed that significant barriers continue to exist. The aim of this study was to examine the availability of assistive communication devices for patients with hearing loss at reception desks and in patient waiting areas in hospital outpatient settings.

Palliative treatment for symptomatic malignant pericardial effusion†.

Consensus has yet to emerge regarding the optimal choice of therapy in the management of malignant pericardial effusion. We review the literature to evaluate the existing evidence on the clinical effectiveness of surgical and interventional cardiological approaches. A formal literature search for all studies addressing the treatment of pericardial effusion in cancer patients was undertaken using predefined keywords.