Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve with a coexisting contralateral nerve demonstrating extralaryngeal branching.

Non-recurrence and extralaryngeal branching are 2 of the more frequently encountered anomalies of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. If not anticipated intraoperatively, these abnormalities can put the nerve at risk, with subsequent vocal cord palsy. It is therefore important to report on and understand these abnormalities.

Zenker's diverticulum complicating achalasia: a 'cup-and-spill' oesophagus.

A 72-year-old woman presented with long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux, regurgitation of swallowed food and worsening cervical dysphagia. Fluoroscopic barium oesophagography revealed a posterolateral pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum (ZD)) complicating a 'cup and spill' oesophageal deformity with a smoothly tapered segment at the gastro-oesophageal junction. CT and high-resolution manometry confirmed that the underlying abnormality was a massively dilated oesophagus with aperistalsis and pan-oesophageal pressurisation, consistent with a diagnosis of oesophageal achalasia (type II).

Vocalization assessed by electrolaryngography is unaffected by topical lidocaine anesthesia: a prospective, crossover, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

Background: Topical anesthesia of the upper airway is often recommended when difficulty in airway management is anticipated. There are published reports, however, of administration of topical anesthesia resulting in complete loss of airway control. Adverse effects are mostly attributed to interference with involuntary protective airway reflexes, while gross motor function itself generally is thought to be preserved.

Prevalence of symptoms suggestive of extra-oesophageal reflux in a general practice population in the UK.

Unlike gastro-oesophageal reflux, extra-oesophageal reflux (EOR) is not necessarily associated with heartburn. The potential prevalence of EOR in general practice in the UK using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire was determined. A total of 1152 patients attending a GP surgery for routine conditions completed the RSI questionnaire: 26.

The value of a liquid alginate suspension (Gaviscon Advance) in the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the backflow of stomach contents into the laryngopharynx. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that LPR is a contributing factor in some cases of hoarseness, vocal fatigue, voice breaks, cough and globus and chronic throat clearing. However, several randomised placebo-controlled trials of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of LPR have been reported with the majority showing no significant benefit in patient symptom scores over placebo.

Speech therapist led voice clinic: which patients may be suitable?

Joint Voice clinics run by an ENT surgeon (Laryngologist) and Voice therapist avoid repetition of clinical assessment, better planning of patient management and early initiation of treatment. Although is perceived as optimal management of voice patients it is perhaps not necessary for all patients as it is time consuming for the clinicians involved. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it was possible to identify any subgroup of patients that could potentially be seen in a Voice therapist-led new patient clinic by reviewing the outcome of 96 patients referred to a Joint Voice clinic.

Thyroglossal duct carcinoma.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this paper is to review the presentation and management of thyroglossal duct carcinoma.

Recent Findings: Recent articles have analyzed the value of preoperative investigation and have addressed some of the controversies in the management of such tumors; in particular, the optimal surgical management of the thyroid gland, as well as optimal management of lymph node metastases, the role of thyroid suppression therapy, and radioactive iodine therapy.

Summary: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is uncommon, occurring in approximately 1% of all thyroglossal duct cysts.