The term electronic nose describes an electronic system that is able to mimic the human sense of smell. Electronic noses have been developed over the last 10 or more years to perform a variety of identification tasks in various industries. More recently electronic noses have attracted new interest in their application in the field of medical diagnosis. The aim of this study is to explore the use of an electronic nose to identify and classify pathogens associated with ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections. In this study 90 bacterial swab samples were collected from 90 patients with ENT infections. Some of these samples were analysed immediately with a commercial electronic nose (Cyranose C320). Similar numbers of swabs were also taken from the same site of infection and were sent for microbiology culture and sensitivity. The electronic nose diagnosis was compared with the microbiology diagnosis and it was found that the electronic nose diagnosis was correct in 88.2 per cent of the cases, which is an encouraging result.

Intumescentia septi nasi anterior (ISNA) is a common anatomical variation that is not routinely noticed by surgeons or radiologists. ISNA is a mucosal bulging located on each side of the anterior part of the septum. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ISNA in different ages and sexes.

In this study, computerized tomography (CT) scans of the paranasal sinus were obtained from 595 patients who had symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Among 595 subjects, ISNA was found in 332 (55.79 per cent) of subjects. It was found more frequently in males than females in every age group.

Although ISNA is a common anatomical variation, it is generally overlooked. This is the first report on ISNA in different age groups and sexes.

A novel auditory brainstem response (ABR) detection and scoring algorithm, entitled the Vector algorithm is described. An independent clinical evaluation of the algorithm using 464 tests (120 non-stimulated and 344 stimulated tests) on 60 infants, with a mean age of approximately 6.5 weeks, estimated test sensitivity greater than 0.99 and test specificity at 0.87 for one test. Specificity was estimated to be greater than 0.95 for a two stage screen. Test times were of the order of 1.5 minutes per ear for detection of an ABR and 4.5 minutes per ear in the absence of a clear response. The Vector algorithm is commercially availablefor both automated screening and threshold estimation in hearing screening devices.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common entity in children, most present with sleep disturbances such as snoring, choking during sleep, enuresis, restless sleep, or apnoeic spells. Other symptoms include poor school performance, hyperactivity, failure to thrive,heart failure and cor pulmonale. Most authors would concur that the polysomnogram (PSG) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of OSA, and that adenotonsillectomy is the surgical procedure of choice, with high curative rates and relatively low morbidity. Close post-operative monitoring of all children with OSA cannot be over-emphasized. The focus has been, traditionally, to anticipate post-operative airway and respiratory complications in this group of children. We present 73 children with clinical OSA and 36 children with proven OSA on PSG, with only one child having respiratory complications (mixed apnoea), and all with uneventful recovery. In view of ourlow complication rates, low post-operative morbidity, cost and facility factor, the need for a mandatory overnight PSG pre-operatively is questioned, and clinical criteria for performing a PSG preoperatively are suggested.

The purpose of this study was to assess the practicality and validity of laryngeal ultrasound to establish vocal fold movement in children with suspected vocal fold palsy. Fifty-five consecutive patients (age range three days to 12 years) with suspected vocal fold palsy underwent both laryngoscopy and laryngeal ultrasound. Ultrasonographic findings correlated with endoscopic findings in 81.2 per cent of cases. This, however, rose to a concordance rate of 89.5 per cent in patients aged over 12 months. Laryngeal ultrasound is well-tolerated, safe and non-invasive and the authors feel that it is a useful adjunct to endoscopy in the diagnosis of vocal fold palsy.

A postal survey was undertaken to assess otolaryngologists’ awareness, implementation and perceived weaknesses of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) clinical guideline for the Management of Sore Throat and Indications for Tonsillectomy. The reply rate was 77 per cent. There was high awareness of the guideline and while 84 per cent of the correspondents felt that they followed the guideline, or a guideline based on it, only 35 per cent were able to accurately recall the four main criteria recommended for listing for tonsillectomy. Twenty-five per cent of the surgeons were in departments that had ongoing implementation programmes for these guidelines but only 10 per cent of surgeons were in departments that had audited their compliance. The most common criticism of the guideline (22 per cent) was that it failed to consider the impact of the disease process on the patient’s quality of life. Suggestions made to improve the guideline are included.

Nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSC) are rare congenital lesions that most frequently present in children, but have been reported in adults.

This article reviews adult (more than 16 years of age) nasal dermoid sinus cysts as they present, their radiological investigation, surgical approach and outcome. Thirty-eight previously published cases are reviewed, to which a further six cases are added.

All 44 cases are tabulated and reviewed. The risk of intracranial extension is 27.5 per cent, especially men with a dermal sinus. Recurrences are likely if the NDSC is not completely excised.

Curative treatment is surgical. It is recommended that all adults who present with a dermal cyst and/or sinus in the region of the nasal dorsum should be investigated by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MRI). This is to delineate deep tissue involvement and to exclude a possible associated intracranial extension, prior to recommending surgical excision.

The objectives in treatment of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) are to achieve adequate airway, preservation of voice quality and laryngeal competence. The present prospective study was designed to evaluate precisely the efficiency and long-term clinical outcome in a series of 13 patients with irreversible BVFI, consecutively managed with endoscopic radiosurgical posterior transverse cordotomy (ERPTC). The operation was performed endoscopically using an Ellman Radiosurgical Instrument and a specially designed electrode. Pre- and post-operative inspiratory function measurements and acoustical vocal analysis were conducted on the patients and were tested for potential statistical relation to successful rehabilitation of the airway. One-step, successful restoration of the airway was achieved in all patients. The post-operative improvement of spirometric values was statistically significant (p < 0.0001), and during the follow-up period of (six to 30) months, airway stability was demonstrated in all patients. In terms of acoustic analysis a non-significant difference was found between pre- and post-operative vocal functions (p > 0.05). This management approach offers an alternative to laser procedures, it provides a ’one-stage’ solution for permanent bilateral vocal fold immobility, and avoids terminal loss of voice quality. The authors’ data confirm the safety, ease of performance, and efficiency of ERPTC in patients with bilateral immobile vocal folds.

This study investigated the role of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) as a symptom in oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (Phenprocoumon; Marcumar®, Falithrom®). Vascular compromise of the cochlea due to thrombosis, embolus, reduced blood flow or vasospasm is one of the four possible pathways that can lead to SSNHL. Oral anticoagulant therapy should prevent thrombosis; if it does not the question arises as to whether the anticoagulation is working, or the wrong hypothesis of vascular compromise has been made. Patients with SSNHL during oral anticoagulant therapy who were admitted tothe ENT Department of the University Hospital in Jena from 1998 to 2001 were included. The pure-tone audiograms and the prothrombin time (PT) values before and after the event of the SSNHL were evaluated. The study found 10 patients with SSNHL during oral anticoagulant therapy. Although the audiograms showed some improvement in the majority of cases, three cases showed almost no improvement in hearing. On admission, half of the patients showed a PT-value higher than 30 per cent and in nine cases a PT-value >30 per cent could be demonstrated at least once duringtesting. It was not possible to demonstrate a relationship between the SSNHL and oral anticoagulation. Vascular compromise cannot be excluded as a cause for sudden hearing loss in patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy. It is possible that oral anticoagulants influence the viscosity of the plasma leading to interference with the microcirculation in the inner ear. Further research into this area is currently being conducted.

Infections with organisms resistant to conventional antibiotics are of increasing concern. This observational study investigates the bacterial colonization of the peristomal area of laryngectomy patients.

Thirty-two consecutive patients who had previously undergone laryngectomy were recruited from the Head and Neck Clinic of a teaching hospital. Swabs were taken from the laryngectomy stoma site, the mouth and both nasal cavities. Microbiological culture and isolation were performed following standard procedures.

Despite no clinical sign of infection, 27 patients were found to be carriers of one or more organism (84.4 per cent). Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the peristomal area of 15 patients (46.9 per cent). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated in seven (21.9 per cent) cases.

In this series the authors found a high incidence of colonization with potentially pathogenic bacteria in laryngectomy stomas with no clinical signs of infection. In a significant number of patients, Gram positive organisms were identified that could potentially cause cellulitis or wound infections.

Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract is rare. However, the larynx is the commonest site within the upper airways to be affected.

Three cases of uncomplicated primary amyloidosis of the larynx and one case of laryngeal amyloidosis with more generalized dissemination throughout the head and neck are presented.

In this article the different presentations of laryngeal amyloidosis and principles of management of this condition at that site are highlighted.

The contribution of air conduction auditory brainstem response (AC-ABR) testing in the paediatric population is widely accepted in clinical audiology. However, this does not allow for differentiation between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. The purpose ofthis paper is to review the role of bone conduction auditory brainstem responses (BC-ABR). It is argued that despite such technical difficulties as a narrow dynamic range, masking dilemmas, stimulus artifact and low frequency underestimation of hearing loss, considerable evidence exists to suggest that BC-ABR testing provides an important contribution in the accurate assessmentof hearing loss in infants. Modification of the BC-ABR protocol is discussed and the technical difficulties that may arise are addressed, permitting BC-ABR to be used as a tool in the differential diagnosis between conductive and sensorineural hearing. Two relevant case studies are presented to highlight the growing importance of appropriate management in early identification of hearing loss. It can be concluded that BC-ABR should be adopted as a routine clinical diagnostic tool.

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a multisystemic disease characterized by foci of necrotizing vasculitis and granuloma formation. Subglottic stenosis may occur either asa presenting feature or a late-stage manifestation of the disease, but will occur in approximately 10–20 per cent of cases.

We present a series of seven cases of Wegener’s granulomatosis with subglottic stenosis and discuss our management of this condition. Where there is active disease, tracheostomy is the first-line surgical treatment of respiratory obstruction, as an adjunct to full medical therapy.More aggressive or elaborate surgical treatments should be reserved for non-active cases in which patients have not required medical treatment for one year.

This study evaluated the long-term results of endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia. It assessed the patient satisfaction with the procedure by retrospective review and a questionnaire survey.

Seventy patients were referred for endoscopic DCR to the senior author between 1997 and 2000. A success rate of 92 per cent was achieved at three months and it was possible to perform 85 per cent of cases under local anaesthetic; 91 per cent were discharged on the same day. Long-term follow up by postal survey revealed that the watering eye had improved following surgery in 83 per cent (follow up range = eight to 66 months; mean = 28.6 months). Eighty-eight per cent were satisfied with the tolerability of the procedure under local anaesthesia.

The authors describe changes in technique, which evolved with their experience of the procedure. Endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy can be performed safely and successfully as a day-case procedure under local anaesthesia with excellent results and with great satisfaction to the patients.

Treatment of the predisposing factors that are identified in the nose and throat in several ENT diseases is mandatory prior to the definitive management of the latter. When surgical management is indicated it has been traditional to use staged procedures. This study was undertaken to assess the role of concurrent surgical procedures in ENT and evaluate their cost-effectiveness compared to similar staged procedures. This was a retrospective case series of 100 consecutive patients undergoing concurrent and similar staged ENT surgical procedures. On analysis, it was noted that the average duration of surgery, anaesthesia and hospital stay was significantly less in the concurrent procedures group than in the staged procedures (2.35/3.1.hours; 3.05/3.30.hours and 2.5/6.5 days, respectively). The average hospital bill for the concurrent procedures was also lower than for the staged procedures. Hence, in patients requiring multiple ENT surgical procedures for definitive treatment, concurrent procedures are more cost-effective than staged procedures and should be considered the treatment of choice in a tertiary care centre.

This study was undertaken to assess the impact on patients of proposals to centralize head and neck oncology services in the UK. A retrospective audit of the 2001–2002 head and neck cancer database at South Devon district general hospital identified 85 patients (50 males: 35 females; median age 66 years; range 29–93) diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The total number of hospital visits for diagnostic, therapeutic and other management services were recorded (median number of visits 28; range 1–78). Using this data, the extra distance required to travel to a potential regional cancer centre located in Bristol during the first six months of management was extrapolated. It was calculated that each patient would have to travel on average an extra 5333 miles (median 5658; range 185–13 759). Published documents advocating centralization of oncology services make no reference to the patient burden of geographic relocation of medical services. Agencies involved with restructuring oncology services must recognize the non-clinical impact of centralization and make some provision to overcome the burden facing patients and their carers.

Introduction: The volumes of the maxillary sinuses are of interest to surgeons operating endoscopically as variation in maxillary sinus volume may mean variation in anatomical landmarks. Other surgical disciplines, such as dentistry, maxillo-facial surgery and plastic surgery, may benefit from this information.

Objectives: To compare the maxillary sinus volumes of dried crania from cadavers of European and Zulu descent, with respect to ethnic group and gender.

Methodology: Helical, multislice computed tomography (CT) was performed using 1-mm coronal slices. The area for each slice was obtained by tracing the outline of each slice. The CT machine calculated a volume by totalling the slices for each sinus.

Results: Ethnic and gender variations were found in the different groups. It was found that European crania had significantly larger antral volumes than Zulu crania and men had larger volumes than women. Race and gender interaction was also assessed, as was maxillary sinus side.

Conclusion: A variation in maxillary sinus volume between different ethnic groups and genders exists, and surgeons operating in this region should be aware of this.

This study assessed the functional results in patients treated primarily through supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP).

Fifteen patients with a diagnosis of epidermoid carcinoma of the glottis region admitted to the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (México) between June 2001 and September 2002 were studied. Three patients were at stage I, five at stage II, six at stage III, and one at stage IV. Both cricoarytenoid units were preserved in 12 patients, and only one in three. Each case was assessed through the clinical grading postoperative aspiration (CGPA) scale, the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HNC), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Likewise, voice quality of the patients was assessed regarding tone and intensity using the SpeechViewer version 1 (IBM) and data were obtained with the Cool Edit 2000 software.

Twelve patients received phoniatric rehabilitation and three were left without rehabilitation. The average time for decannulation was 12 days and 23 days for removal of the nasogastric catheter. The degree of aspiration was 0 in four patients and one in 11. According to PSS-HNC, the mean for normalcy in the diet was 95 and the mean for those eating in public was 91. Intelligibility reached an average of 90. Karnofsky’s assessment was related to the disease and not to the treatment, as it remained at 100 per cent in most patients and was never below 80 percent. The mean intensity of quality of voice was -18 dB below normal; however, the mean frequency was 243.7 Hz.

SCPL and CHEP allows the preservation of the basic function of the larynx; however, a clear alteration in voice occurs after the procedure, although normal frequency is kept when both arytenoids are preserved. Likewise, preservation of both arytenoids shortens the time needed for cannula and feeding catheter removal. PSS-HNC, Karnofsky, and CGPA assessments demonstrated thatpatients can reach an almost normal bio-psycho-social integration. It is recommended that all patients be subjected to phoniatric rehabilitation.

Head and neck cancers have been described in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. However the incidence, aetiology and clinical features of the disease remain unclear.

Patients with head and neck cancer and HIV were identified from a large HIV centre. The incidence and clinical features were recorded, and the tumours were stained for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Head and neckcancer occurred more frequently than in an age-matched control group (1.66 vs 0.55/10,000 patient years respectively p < 0.05). Highly active anti-retroviral therapy has not significantly altered the incidence of the disease. All of the tumours tested were positive for EBV. Patients were moderately immunosuppressed at diagnosis and had aggressive tumours. All but one of the patients died of cancer with a median survival of 28 months.

Head and neck cancer occurs more frequently in HIV. It is an aggressive disease and EBV may play a role in its pathogenesis.

Primary salivary adenocarcinoma of the head and neck is rare. In cases where cervical metastases are evident or suspected, neck dissection is likely to play a role in management. However, there is little data in the literature regarding the findings and outcome of neck dissection in these patients. The present study comprised a review of 12 patients with high-grade salivary adenocarcinoma (salivary ductal carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS). Eight underwent neck dissection (four modified radical, four selective). Histological examination showed evidence of cervical metastases in five. The prevalence of occult metastases in the N0 neck was 40 per cent. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were not useful in detecting occult neck disease. Five patients had no evidence of disease at the most recent follow up. Neck dissection is indicated in patients with high-grade salivary adenocarcinoma, and may provide information for planning adjuvant treatment.