This study aimed to compare recurrence and survival in patients undergoing either selective neck dissection or modified radical neck dissection to treat metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to the cervical lymph nodes (levels I–V) only.

Twenty-eight year, retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database from a tertiary referral hospital, with a minimum follow up of two years.

There were 122 eligible patients: 96 males (79 per cent) and 26 (21 per cent) females (median age, 66 years). Sixty-six patients (54 per cent) underwent selective neck dissection and 56 (46 per cent) modified radical neck dissection. The former patients had a lower rate of regional recurrence compared with the latter (17 vs 23 per cent, respectively). There was no significant difference in five-year overall survival (61 vs 57 per cent, respectively) or five-year disease-free survival (74 vs 60 per cent, respectively), comparing the two groups. Overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly improved by the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy.

We found no difference in outcome in patients undergoing selective versus modified radical neck dissection. Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved outcome.

Skull base osteomyelitis typically presents in an immunocompromised patient with severe otalgia and otorrhoea. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the commonest pathogenic micro-organism, and reports of resistance to fluoroquinolones are now emerging, complicating management. We reviewed our experience of this condition, and of the local pathogenic organisms.

A retrospective review from 2004 to 2011 was performed. Patients were identified by their admission diagnostic code, and computerised records examined.

Twenty patients were identified. A facial palsy was present in 12 patients (60 per cent). Blood cultures were uniformly negative, and culture of ear canal granulations was non-diagnostic in 71 per cent of cases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in only 10 (50 per cent) cases; one strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin but all were sensitive to ceftazidime. Two cases of fungal skull base osteomyelitis were identified. The mortality rate was 15 per cent. The patients’ treatment algorithm is presented.

Our treatment algorithm reflects the need for multidisciplinary input, early microbial culture of specimens, appropriate imaging, and prolonged and systemic antimicrobial treatment. Resolution of infection must be confirmed by close follow up and imaging.

Chronic tympanic membrane perforations can cause significant morbidity. The term myringoplasty describes the operation used to close such perforations. A variety of graft materials are available for use in myringoplasty, but all have limitations and few studies report post-operative hearing outcomes. Recently, the biomedical applications of silk fibroin protein have been studied. This material's biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to act as a scaffold to support cell growth prompted an investigation of its interaction with human tympanic membrane keratinocytes.

Silk fibroin membranes were prepared and human tympanic membrane keratinocytes cultured. Keratinocytes were seeded onto the membranes and immunostained for a number of relevant protein markers relating to cell proliferation, adhesion and specific epithelial differentiation.

The silk fibroin scaffolds successfully supported the growth and adhesion of keratinocytes, whilst also maintaining their cell lineage.

The properties of silk fibroin make it an attractive option for further research, as a potential alternative graft in myringoplasty.

To assess the clinical and radiological characteristics of the posterior prolongation of the cartilaginous nasal septum, an under-utilised source of autologous cartilage for nasal reconstruction.

Consecutive patients undergoing primary, external approach rhinoplasty were included. The septal cartilage was assessed intra-operatively prior to routine harvest. Cartilage use was recorded and post-operative cosmesis noted. Computed tomography scans from a separate patient group, with no septal surgery, were used to assess septal cartilage dimensions.

Of the 25 rhinoplasty patients studied, 24 had harvestable septal cartilage, with a posterior prolongation mean length ± standard deviation of 24.3 ± 8.40 mm, mean height of 4.33 ± 0.34 mm and mean width of 1.1 ± 0.35 mm. The mean post-operative cosmesis score was +2.41 ± 0.71 at a mean follow up of 45 ± 8.7 weeks. All 25 radiology patients had visible posterior prolongations on computed tomography (mean length, 18.1 ± 5.1 mm; mean height, 4.2 ± 1.1 mm; mean width 1.5 ± 0.63 mm).

Harvesting of the posterior prolongation would increase by 25 per cent the cartilage area available for autologous grafts. Endoscopic guidance aids this process. Cartilage is most commonly used for overlay grafts, with good cosmesis. The posterior prolongation is demonstrated on computed tomography, although dimensions may be underestimated.

This study aimed to critically review our criteria for elective admission to the paediatric intensive care unit following adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea.

We reviewed 122 children electively admitted between 1997 and 2011. During this time, our criteria for admission evolved.

In these 122 children, the respiratory disturbance index during rapid eye movement sleep ranged from 6 to 159 (mean, 83). Forty-one per cent of the children had a recognised co-morbidity. Nine children required extra intervention, i.e. in addition to re-positioning and/or supplemental oxygen. One child was an unplanned re-admission after discharge from the paediatric intensive care unit. Over the same period, five children required unplanned transfers into the paediatric intensive care unit following adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing.

Based upon these results, we describe our current criteria for elective admission to the paediatric intensive care unit following adenotonsillectomy for severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequent cause of acute mastoiditis. Despite the recent (2005) introduction of pneumococcal vaccination, mastoiditis incidence and severity may be increasing. This study aimed to assess the incidence, severity and microbiology of acute mastoiditis over an 11-year period.

Retrospective review of paediatric acute mastoiditis cases seen at our institution (2000–2010), comparing patients seen prior to vaccination introduction (period one, 2000–2004), around the time of vaccine introduction (period two, 2005–2007) and post-vaccination (period three, 2008–2010).

We reviewed 84 children. In periods one, two and three, respectively: mean annual case load was 8.4, 5 and 9 children; pneumococcal isolates were seen in 40.5, 6.7 and 29.6 per cent of cases; highest recorded fever was 38.6, 38.9 and 38.2°C and highest leukocyte count 18.9, 15.0 and 15.6 × 109/l; incidence of intracranial complications was 11.9, 0 and 7.4 per cent; mean duration of intravenous antibiotics was 6.0, 4.1 and 4.2 days; proportion treated surgically was 71.4, 60.0 and 48.1 per cent; and mean length of in-patient stay shortened.

Pneumococcal mastoiditis admission rates appeared to fall when vaccination was introduced, with concomitant reduction in overall mastoiditis incidence and intracranial complications; subsequently, however, admission rates rapidly returned to pre-vaccination levels.

A Pott's puffy tumour is a subperiosteal abscess and osteomyelitis of the frontal bone secondary to frontal sinusitis. Intracranial complications are seen in approximately 40 per cent of cases and are potentially life-threatening; such complications have not previously been reported in pregnancy.

A 21-year-old woman at 35 weeks' gestation presented with a history of frontal headaches and swelling, periorbital oedema, pain and chemosis. Imaging confirmed Pott's puffy tumour with right-sided epidural empyema and periorbital cellulitis. A multidisciplinary team was involved in the patient's management. Intravenous antibiotics were commenced and initial percutaneous drainage through the frontal sinus skin was performed, followed by endoscopic sinus drainage. A caesarean section was performed 3 days later. Complete resolution of the sinus and intracranial collections was noted on imaging performed six weeks later.

This case highlights the challenges of managing rare intracranial complications of sinusitis in pregnancy, and the importance of multidisciplinary care.

We report lateral sinus thrombosis occurring as a rare complication following a routine and uneventful otological procedure.

Lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare but known complication of otitis media. It has not been documented as a complication of routine otological surgery. We present a case of this rare complication following a myringoplasty. We also discuss the presentation, investigation and treatment of lateral sinus thrombosis. It is essential to be able to recognise and treat this rare complication early, due to its high mortality rate.

Lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. It is therefore essential for clinicians to be able to recognise and treat this condition early.