Pharyngocutaneous fistula is one of the most common complications following total laryngectomy. It increases hospital stay and the financial burden on patients, and prolongs nasogastric feeding. This paper presents novel techniques for prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre to assess the effectiveness of continuous extramucosal pharyngeal suturing and the hydrogen peroxide leak test in prevention of pharyngocutaneous fistula in 59 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy with or without partial pharyngectomy for locally advanced cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx.

The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula in our study was 6.8 per cent, which is considerably lower than the incidence reported in various previous studies.

The continuous extramucosal suturing technique provides watertight closure of the neopharynx and can be recommended as a reliable method for neopharyngeal closure post total laryngectomy to reduce the occurrence of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Ingested foreign bodies pose a unique challenge in medical practice, especially when lodged in the oesophagus. While endoscopic retrieval is the standard treatment, certain cases require more innovative approaches.

This paper reports the case of a patient who intentionally ingested a butter knife that lodged in the thoracic oesophagus. After multiple endoscopic attempts, a lateral neck oesophagotomy, aided using a Hopkins rod camera and an improvised trochar as a protective port, was performed.

The foreign body was successfully extracted without causing oesophageal perforation. The patient was made nil by mouth, with nasogastric feeding only until a swallow assessment after one week. The patient was discharged and recovered well.

This case illustrates a successful, innovative approach to removing a foreign body in a high-risk patient, highlighting the significance of adaptability in surgical practice. It emphasises the need for individualised approaches based on the patient's history, the nature and location of the foreign body, and associated risks.

Auricular pseudocysts are rare, painless, benign intracartilaginous cysts of the auricle that are not lined by epithelium and have no known aetiology.

This was a prospective study conducted in an ENT department from January 2020 to June 2022. In 21 patients, complete aspiration of the pseudocyst with enhanced negative drainage was performed. They were followed for a minimum of six months.

All patients completely responded to the negative drainage treatment. No cases of recurrence or obvious deformities were observed.

Aspiration with intensified negative drainage was associated with a positive response in patients with auricular pseudocysts. Complete resolution of the swelling can be achieved without any serious complications. Thus, it appears to be a simple and effective method for managing the condition.