Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base: treatment and outcome analysis in a consecutive case series of 24 patients.

Background: We present our 9-year consecutive case series of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas from a UK tertiary referral centre, discussing treatments offered and outcomes. This was carried out to improve understanding around current treatment and to better inform the management of future patients.

Methods: Consecutive case series over a 9-year period (2007-2016).

A recurrent case of pituicytoma 16 years later.

Background: Pituicytoma is a rare; slow-growing primary tumour originating from the glial cells of the neurohypophysis. It was classed as a low-grade (grade I) central nervous system tumour by the World Health Organization in 2007. We present the case of a 71-year-old man with a previous history of sellar meningioma who underwent surgical resection of pituicytoma by transphenoidal hypophysectomy.

Spontaneous neck haematoma.

A 66-year-old Caucasian woman presented with right-sided neck swelling and worsening pain for 5 days. There was no history of trauma, cough or excessive muscular strain. She was not on any anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Local anaesthetic for post-tonsillectomy pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in otolaryngology. Pain is a significant aspect of post-operative patient morbidity. The use of local anaesthetic, by infiltration or topical application, has been advocated as a way of reducing post-operative pain.