G. E. Murty

Bilateral internal jugular phlebectasia.

Internal jugular phlebectasia is a venous anomaly commonly presenting as a unilateral neck swelling in children. The clinicopathology, aetiology and management are discussed. Bilateral doppler ultrasonography is the diagnostic investigation of choice and should be performed in all suspected cases. Conservative management of the bilateral case is recommended.

Bilateral vocal fold paralysis in infants : tracheostomy or not ?

Tracheostomy has, in the past, been performed in the majority of children under one year with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. We present our experience of 11 cases over a ten-year period during which tracheostomy was avoided whenever possible. Ten cases were managed conservatively but in the youngest a tracheostomy was required. Full bilateral vocal fold mobility developed in all cases at a mean age of 11.5 months (range 5-26 months). Our experience suggests that the airway can commonly be managed expectantly without a tracheostomy.

Branchial cyst—to endoscope or not?

Cervical cystic metastases are uncommon, originating predominantly from an oropharyngeal primary. Pre-operative differentiation from a branchial cyst can prove difficult. Three cases which presented clinically as branchial cysts but were subsequently found to be cystic metastases are described, and the literature is reviewed. Endoscopy, ipsilateral tonsillectomy and blind biopsies of Waldeyers ring, combined with excision of the cervical lesion are recommended in patients over 40 years old.

Carcinoma in situ of the glottis: radiotherapy or excision biopsy?

Excision biopsy, radiotherapy, and laryngofissure cordectomy have all been used, but the best treatment regimen for glottic carcinoma in situ remains controversial. A 20-year experience of 37 cases is reported. For the first 10 years biopsy with radiotherapy was the first-line treatment (n = 20), but for the last 10 years surgical or laser excision biopsy alone has been performed (n = 17). The T stage of the carcinoma in situ does not determine its premalignant potential. Malignancy appears to be a recurrence, rather than a new expression of carcinogenesis. Excision biopsy alone provides local control results (75%) comparable to those of primary radiotherapy (85%). Excision biopsy alone, however, retains the option of subsequent radiotherapy with preservation of laryngeal function, but very close follow-up, especially in the first year, is required.

Tussometry: An Objective Assessment of Vocal Cord Function

A number of techniques have recently been developed for altering laryngeal function, including structural framework surgery, reinnervation procedures, augmentation of the vocal cords, electrical stimulation, and pharmacologic intervention. The application of such procedures to appropriate disorders would be facilitated by better objective measures of the outcome. This study describes the new technique of tussometry, which investigates the airflow pattern produced during coughing. The value of 1 parameter, peak value time, is shown by a study of 35 vocal cord palsies versus a control, and of 17 vocal cord palsies before and after augmentation, to be an accurate assessment of vocal cord position. The technique is independent of lung function parameters and intraoral pressures. It is truly objective, having an interobserver variation of 0%, and is eminently reproducible, with an intrasubject coefficient of variation of 3.1% to 5.7%. Tussometry is a rapid, noninvasive technique providing inexpensive objective assessment of vocal cord function in the office setting.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy: otolaryngologists beware!

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a rare condition in which a parent or guardian fabricates an illness in a child either by inducing physical signs or prevaricating. A case presenting as recurrent episodes of infant apnoea is reported. A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis and, therefore, the otolaryngologist must be familiar with the condition if the life of the infant is to be protected and potentially harmful unnecessary investigations are to be avoided.

Inhalation of a Montgomery Safe T-tube plug.

The first case of an inhaled Montgomery Safe T-tube plug is reported. Both the surgeon and the patient should be aware of this possible complication and regular inspection of the plug is recommended. More than one plug should be provided with each T-tube.

Cervical cord compression complicating tracheo-oesophageal puncture

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture for voice restoration is now established as a common procedure in the postlaryngectomy patient. We present what we believe to be the first recorded case of osteomyelitic cervical cord compression following this technique. This is a potentially fatal complication, but diagnosis and active surgical intervention can result in recovery of full neurological function.

Tracheostomy self care : the Nottingham system

Tracheostomy self care at home can be a problem for some patients. The Nottingham System attributes a competence ratio to each patient. Those liable to develop problems can be identified early and the appropriate support provided. The Nottingham System is described.