Optimising endoscopic stapling of pharyngeal pouches.

Background: Endoscopic hypopharyngeal diverticulotomy is now largely performed using an endoscopic stapling device. A poorly applied endoscopic stapling device can result in incomplete division of the cricopharyngeal bar, necessitating the application of a second set of staples. Applying more than one set of staples is associated with an increased risk of complications and greater cost.

An unusual case of intratracheal thyroid.

Intratracheal thyroid is a rare condition. It presents with symptoms of tracheal obstruction and may mimic adult onset asthma. We present a case and discuss the difficulties in diagnosis and management.

Patient satisfaction with NHS elective tonsillectomy outsourced to the private sector under the Patient Choice Programme.

Rationale, Aims And Objectives: An interim goal of the NHS 'Extending choice for patients' initiative was that, by 2004, patients who had been on the NHS waiting list for elective surgery for 6 months were provided with a choice of staying on the waiting list or being treated faster by opting to have their operation with an alternative provider. The aim of this study was to examine patient satisfaction in a cohort of patients who travelled out-of-region to undergo routine tonsillectomy performed by an NHS consultant at a private hospital.

Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted of adult patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy in 2002 and 2003 at The Hampshire Clinic, Basingstoke, UK.