Tympanic membrane retraction: An endoscopic evaluation of staging systems.

Objectives/hypothesis: The objectives of this work were to assess inter- and intraobserver variability of different staging systems for tympanic membrane (TM) retraction using otoendoscopy in children at risk of retraction from cleft palate, to compare hearing level with stage of retraction, and to propose optimum characteristics for monitoring TM retraction with endoscopy.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Endoscopic images of 245 TMs of children with cleft palate (mean age, 13.

Aspirated stoma button: an unusual complication.

The larynx functions as a protective valve of the upper airway. An end-tracheostomy represents a risk factor for foreign body aspiration. We describe a case of tracheostomy stoma button aspiration, leading to recurrent chest infection and irreversible lung damage, necessitating a pneumonectomy.