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Non-absorbable synthetic material for middle fossa repair using a combined transmastoid/middle fossa approach

Repair of CSF leaks can be a challenging technical undertaking. In this article, the authors describe their use of a synthetic material to help with the successful repair of these leaks from the middle cranial fossa. Erosion of the middle...

Nature or nurture in surgical training

It’s Thursday in the UK, so that means time for another root and branch reform of medical training. If you’re not keen on the Greenaway Report (Shape of Training review) [1], don’t fret there’ll be another one along well before...

Human factors, theatre ethnographics and Girls Aloud

The issue of ambient music in the operating theatre is frequently controversial and has been known to cause ‘Bluetooth wars’, as different team members vie for control of the speakers. Our own Chris Potter gives his personal slant on this...

Endoscopic ‘syringe and cutdown’ technique for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children

This article presents a novel yet simple technique to help in the management of congenital NLDO. The authors propose it as a valuable addition to existing standard procedures. Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is a condition encountered within the first...

Building low-cost high-fidelity simulation for ENT

In this article, the authors describe their ingenious technique to produce affordable yet realistic simulation models for some common ENT procedures. The use of surgical simulation in otolaryngology training has significantly increased in recent years. This is most likely due...

Awake transnasal laryngeal and pharyngeal biopsy in the unsedated patient

In an attempt to improve the efficiency and flow of patients through a busy ENT clinic, technology now allows the ENT surgeon to consider biopsies in the outpatient setting on a more regular and controlled basis. This can avoid the...

Otorhinolaryngology training in Haiti: a call for accompaniment

Haiti is a small Caribbean country in which a group of freedom fighters successfully defied Napoleon and the French military. It has faced embargoes, economic isolation, political crises and devastating natural disasters since its independence. Its GDP is 0.01% of...

Hyposalivation: a review of current and future treatments

Hyposalivation remains a stubbornly difficult condition to treat, but novel therapies may not be far away. Saliva has many essential functions, including aiding digestion and swallowing, lubrication, maintaining tooth integrity and antibacterial activity. When patients experience reduced saliva production (hyposalivation),...