Endoscopically assisted branchial fistula excision.

We describe an endoscopically assisted dissection technique for cervical branchial fistulae that prevents the need for additional 'ladder' incisions in the neck. Two titanium clips are placed at the internal opening of the tract under endoscopic guidance through the initial skin incision. This technique is a useful adjunct to the usual technique if difficulties are experienced obtaining access higher in the neck.

Facial baroparesis secondary to middle-ear over-pressure: a rare complication of scuba diving.

A facial nerve palsy, as a result of middle-ear high pressure, is a rare complication of sub-aqua diving. It may occur as a result of an acute pressure change in the middle ear during ascent in those patients who have experienced difficulty equalizing their middle-ear pressure during the prior descent. We present the case history of this occurring in a 21-year-old diver and discuss the pathophysiology, management and the previous literature.

Radiological difficulties in the diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia of the sphenoid sinus and the cranial base.

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign disorder of bone. We present the case of a 26-year-old man with fibrous dysplasia of the sphenoid sinus and the cranial base. The presentation and management of this rare condition are discussed highlighting the potential for misdiagnosis with MRI.