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Background: The recent introduction of 445 nm blue laser to office-based laryngology presents potential advantages. These include a desirable combination of cutting and photoangiolytic qualities and a lightweight, shock-resistant design. Despite its increasing use, current evidence is limited to experimental data and case reports. Objectives: The authors present a case series and overview of office blue laser transnasal flexible laser surgery (TNFLS), considering indications, patient selection, safety, technique, and surgical outcomes. We also review the safety and relevance of TNFLS to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Retrospective case series and narrative review. Our primary outcome measure was preoperative and postoperative Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) score. Complications were documented by nature and severity. Results: Thirty-six cases of office blue laser TNFLS were performed. A statistically significant improvement in VHI-10 score was demonstrated in cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and benign laryngeal lesions causing dysphonia ( P < 0.01 and 0.045). Blue laser also proved effective in assisting office biopsy procedures. A minor and self-limiting complication was reported. Conclusions: Office blue laser TNFLS is safe and effective in the treatment of RRP and a range of benign laryngeal lesions. Future research should compare the efficacy and safety of blue laser with potassium titanyl phosphate laser in office-based treatment of these conditions. Further assessment of the cutting qualities of blue laser, initially in the theater environment, is necessary to refine our understanding of future applications.

Botulinum toxin has been used for the past few decades to treat conditions in the head and neck. In recent years, its use is expanding. This article presents a summary of the wide range of uses in the laryngeal, pharyngeal, cervical, oromandibular and facial muscles. As well as the uses discussed in this article, botulinum toxin has also been used more recently for a newly recognized condition: retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction. The condition and its treatment are discussed. Botulinum toxin is a safe and generally successful treatment for spasmodic dysphonia, Meige syndrome and oromandibular and cervical dystonia; neurological conditions, such as multiple system atrophy and migraine; and finally the oropharynx, post-laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal dysphagia, Zenker’s diverticulum and retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction disorder.

A 45-year-old man with a background of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) was referred to ENT (Ear,Nose and Throat) clinic with a 7-month history of progressive sore throat and dysphonia. He had been under the care of Dermatology and Ophthalmology for management of his disease which was diagnosed 7

The use of botulinum toxin in the specialty of aesthetic surgery in the head and neck is well known. However, it has also been used for other conditions affecting the head and neck, and in recent years its use, as well as the number of relevant applications, has expanded enormously. This article presents a summary of the current range of uses in the laryngeal, pharyngeal, cervical, oromandibular and facial muscles and salivary glands. We highlight particular conditions focusing on dystonia (laryngeal, craniocervical, oromandibular and cervical), multiple system atrophy, migraines, facial nerve palsy, post-laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal dysphagia, Zenker’s diverticulum, retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction disorder, sialorrhea and gustatory sweating (Frey’s syndrome). This article should aid the ear, nose and throat surgeon garner knowledge about the range of uses for botulinum toxin in the head and neck.

A previously fit and well 48-year-old woman presented to her emergency department with a 4-day history of sore throat. Over the past 24 hours her symptoms had progressed rapidly with associated fevers, and she had become unable to tolerate liquids or food. She had no significant medical history

A fit and active 53-year-old man was referred to his endocrinologist with incidentally identified hypercalcaemia (2.8 mmol/L) detected on routine blood tests. He reported a history of non-specific malaise and fatigue but no other symptoms. His history was only of surgery for a lumbar disc prolapse

The authors reviewed the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty (LETP) in the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Medline via Pubmed, OvidSP and Science Direct were consulted, with a supplementary manual review of citations. English language case series constituted a baseline for inclusion. Primary outcome measures were pre- and post-operative tympanometry, otoscopy findings, subjective symptoms and pure tone audiometry, and findings were stratified into short term (≤6 months) and long term (>6 months–5 years). Eight unique case series were identified, detailing LETP procedures in 306 patients (462 Eustachian tubes). LETP demonstrated mixed short-term and positive long-term results across primary outcome measures. There was an overall complication rate of ≈4.4%, and no major adverse events were reported. Poor documentation of pre- and post-operative primary outcome measures and inter-study outcome heterogeneity prevents substantive comment on efficacy. Whilst LETP is safe, its use should remain limited to research in adults. Future trials should be case controlled, and detail pre- and post-operative tympanometry, otoscopy findings, subjective symptoms, and pure tone audiometry. Patients should also be stratified into those suffering from baro-challenge induced ETD, and those suffering from ETD with intractable sequelae, such as Chronic Otitis Media.

An 11-year-old boy with a history of autism spectrum disorder attended the emergency department with his mother 8 days after an adenotonsillectomy reporting postoperative bleeding. Detailed physical examination revealed no active bleeding, but a rigid neck posture was noted. A head and neck CT scan demonstrated unilateral rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation and possible damage to the anterior spinal ligament. He was reviewed by neurosurgeons who performed manipulation under anaesthetic and successfully realigned the occipital cervical tract. Non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation (Grisel's syndrome) is a rare but serious complication of routine ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures. An awareness of this complication among paediatricians, otolaryngologists and emergency physicians, and a high index of suspicion in any patient presenting with torticollis following ENT surgery is essential in preventing significant neurological morbidity.