Perioperative management of lithium in the patient undergoing pituitary surgery: a case report.

Lithium is a psychotropic drug used primarily in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is renally excreted and characteristically causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus as an adverse drug reaction. Lithium also requires serum level monitoring as there is a narrow therapeutic window and untreated toxicity can result in neurological sequelae including drowsiness, coma, seizures, and ultimately death. We present the case of a 65-year old man admitted for pituitary surgery complicated by post-operative difficult fluid management and subsequent lithium toxicity. We highlight this rare situation and the need to be vigilant in the peri-operative period with any patients on lithium who undergo pituitary surgery.

The 'muscle wonton' repair - A case series of internal carotid artery injuries at a single Centre during its 10-year experience in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Although rare, injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA) during pituitary surgery may result in serious morbidity such as stroke or death. This case series explores a single centre's incidence and outcomes of ICA injury during endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, discusses the current management options, and introduces the 'muscle wonton' (morcellised muscle wrapped in a single sheet of Surgicel®) as being a viable repair option. METHODS: All patients undergoing pituitary operations from January 2010 to December 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK were included. Primary outcome was number of internal carotid artery injuries during pituitary surgery. Secondary outcome measures included pre-operative (demographic, risk factors such as previous radiotherapy, number of previous operations, imaging available), operative (intra-operative image guidance, intra-operative doppler ultrasound, which side ICA was damaged, repair technique) and post-operative result (death, cranial nerve VI palsy, or stroke). RESULTS: 7 out of 893 patients (0.8%) were identified as having an ICA injury. Four of the injuries were left sided. Average age was 54 years old, five were male. In four of the ICA injuries intra-operative navigation imaging was used, and a further two concurrently used ultrasound doppler. Three of the seven cases resulted in permanent morbidity (stroke). There were no other consistent demographic, pre-operative, operative, or post-operative similarities. The two patients with muscle wonton repair suffered no permanent serious complication of ICA injury (i.e. death, abducens nerve palsy, stroke). DISCUSSION: Our findings resemble the current literature, with left sided ICA injury being more common. Different methods for repairing ICA injury exist, however morcellised muscle patches have shown significant promise in animal models, and the perforated Surgicel® helps create an easy delivery method. The muscle wonton is a viable surgical option for repairing ICA injuries during pituitary surgery.

Intra-operative use of biological products-Are we aware of their derivatives?

INTRODUCTION: Global medical advances within healthcare have subsequently led to the widespread introduction of biological products such as grafts, haemostats, and sealants. Although these products have been used for many decades, this subject is frequently not discussed during the consent process and remains an area of contention. METHODS: A nationwide confidential online survey was distributed to UK-based junior registrars (ST3-5), senior registrars (ST6-8), post-CCT fellows, specialist associates/staff grade doctors and consultants working in general/vascular surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, oral and maxillofacial surgery and plastic surgery. RESULTS: Data were collected from a total of 308 survey respondents. Biological derivatives were correctly identified in surgical products by only 25% of survey respondents, only 19% stated that they regularly consent for use of these products. Our results demonstrate that most participants in this study do not routinely consent (81%) to the intra-operative use of biological materials. An overwhelming 74% of participants agreed that further education on the intra-operative use of biological materials would be valuable. DISCUSSION: This study highlights deficiencies in knowledge that results in potential compromise of the consenting process for surgical procedures. A solution to this would be for clinicians to increase their awareness via educational platforms and to incorporate an additional statement on the consent form which addresses the potential intraoperative use of biological products and what their derivatives may be. CONCLUSION: Modernising the current consent process to reflect the development and use of surgical biological products will help to ensure improved patient satisfaction, fewer future legal implications as well as a better surgeon-patient relationship.

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base: treatment and outcome analysis in a consecutive case series of 24 patients.

BACKGROUND: We present our 9-year consecutive case series of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas from a UK tertiary referral centre, discussing treatments offered and outcomes. This was carried out to improve understanding around current treatment and to better inform the management of future patients. METHODS: Consecutive case series over a 9-year period (2007-2016). Retrospective data analysis from the electronic skull base multidisciplinary team database and the digital patient records at a UK tertiary referral centre RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were identified (11 chordomas, 13 chondrosarcomas, mean age 52). Nineteen had proton beam therapy (PBT) postoperatively; two had intensity-modulated radiotherapy; two had no further treatment. One patient was lost to follow-up. All chordomas were resected via a transnasal endoscopic approach. Of the 19 patients undergoing resection with PBT, 13 were disease free at latest follow-up, and six patients had local recurrence, of which two died (mean follow up 7.4 years). Of the three patients treated with surgery then IMRT/TomoTherapy, one died 4 years post-treatment, and the other two are alive after 4 and 5 years of follow-up respectively. Of the two patients treated with surgery alone, one was lost to follow-up, and the other is alive after more than 8 years. Chondrosarcoma 5-year survival was 91.6%, and chordoma 4-year survival was 75%. CONCLUSION: Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas can be challenging to resect, and most cases require adjuvant therapy to achieve control. Where complete resection is not possible, it is critical to undertake sufficient resection to permit high-dose radiation.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery reconstruction using the fibrin sealant patch Tachosil®.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of CSF leak following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery remains the most important measure in the success of any repair. The nasoseptal flap (NSF) has played a pivotal role in reconstructing defects. However, morbidity associated with the NSF includes bleeding, septal injury, altered smell and crusting. Tachosil® is an absorbable fibrin sealant patch that promotes haemostasis and wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tachosil® to repair intraoperative defects during an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach with the use of Tachosil® at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, between January 2013 and June 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Tachosil® was used as an overlay patch over of the bony defect, in a multi-layered repair depending on the defect and grade of CSF leak. The primary outcome measure was post-operative CSF leak. RESULTS: A total of 52 primary procedures where Tachosil® was used as the overlay were analysed. There were 23 (44.2%) intraoperative CSF leaks. The overall post-operative CSF leak rate was 7.8% (n = 4), with all cases having had a Tachosil® overlay reconstruction with no NSF. A formal NSF was harvested in only five cases alongside the Tachosil® patch, where a grade 2 or more leak was identified at the time of the primary procedure, none of which developed a post-operative leak. No patient had any post-operative adverse outcomes that were attributed to Tachosil®. CONCLUSIONS: We believe this to be the largest case series evaluating the endoscopic use of Tachosil® in skull base reconstruction. Our data show that in endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, Tachosil® may be used safely in a multi-layered approach as an effective alternative to the NSF in low flow CSF leak cases, or alongside a NSF in higher flow leaks.

CSF rhinorrhoea after endonasal intervention to the anterior skull base (CRANIAL): proposal for a prospective multicentre observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The endonasal transsphenoidal approach (TSA) has emerged as the preferred approach in order to treat pituitary adenoma and related sellar pathologies. The recently adopted expanded endonasal approach (EEA) has improved access to the ventral skull base whilst retaining the principles of minimally invasive surgery. Despite the advantages these approaches offer, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea remains a common complication. There is currently a lack of comparative evidence to guide the best choice of skull base reconstruction, resulting in considerable heterogeneity of current practice. This study aims to determine: (1) the scope of the methods of skull base repair; and (2) the corresponding rates of postoperative CSF rhinorrhoea in contemporary neurosurgical practice in the UK and Ireland. METHODS: We will adopt a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort design. All neurosurgical units in the UK and Ireland performing the relevant surgeries (TSA and EEA) will be eligible to participate. Eligible cases will be prospectively recruited over 6 months with 6 months of postoperative follow-up. Data points collected will include: demographics, tumour characteristics, operative data), and postoperative outcomes. Primary outcomes include skull base repair technique and CSF rhinorrhoea (biochemically confirmed and/or requiring intervention) rates. Pooled data will be analysed using descriptive statistics. All skull base repair methods used and CSF leak rates for TSA and EEA will be compared against rates listed in the literature. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal institutional ethical board review was not required owing to the nature of the study - this was confirmed with the Health Research Authority, UK. CONCLUSIONS: The need for this multicentre, prospective, observational study is highlighted by the relative paucity of literature and the resultant lack of consensus on the topic. It is hoped that the results will give insight into contemporary practice in the UK and Ireland and will inform future studies.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as Unilateral Acute Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (eGPA) is a rare vasculitis of small-medium sized vessels that can cause both anterior and posterior ischaemic optic neuropathies. Herein, the authors present a rare case of eGPA presenting initially as an acute unilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy from short posterior ciliary artery vasculitis. The diagnosis presented a challenge as clinical and histopathological evidence suggested allergic rhinosinusitis, and no invasive fungal sinusitis was found. The high serum eosinophilia, asthma, optic neuropathy and paranasal sinus abnormalities fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of eGPA. Furthermore serum was positive for myeloperoxidase antibodies. Subsequently the case was successfully treated with oral glucocorticoids and intravenous rituximab.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for Clival Chordomas - a single institution experience and short term outcomes.

Purpose: Clival Chordomas are locally aggressive tumours which pose a significant treatment challenge. Endoscopic endonasal approach for clival chordomas is correlated with higher resection rates and lower morbidity rates in comparison to open approaches. We present our initial single institution experience and short-term patient outcomes following endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of clival chordomas. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of ten patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal approach for clival chordomas in our neurosurgical unit over a 6 year period between August 2010 and September 2016. The procedures were performed using two surgeons, four hands, binostril endoscopic endonasal approach with a Karl Storz® endoscope and intraoperative BrainLab® image guidance. Results: Overall 15 endoscopic endonasal approach resections of clival chordoma were performed in 10 patients with median follow up period of 39.5 months (range 9-76). Gross total resection was achieved in 4 cases (40%), near total resection in 4 cases (40%) and subtotal resection in 2 cases (20%). 5 cases (50%) required revision resections. Cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in 2 patients. 1 case of meningitis occurred in a patient with revision surgery. There were no new neurological deficits post operatively with 3 patients demonstrating resolution of diplopia post operatively. No recurrence occurred following gross total resection. 1 out of 4 cases of near total resection showed evidence of progression during the follow up period. Both cases of subtotal resection demonstrated evidence of progression with one dying of unrelated cause during the follow up period. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal approach represents a safe technique for debulking and resection of clival chordomas. Due to the rarity of clival chordomas, it is important that patients with this pathology are managed in high volume skull base centres where a multi-disciplinary team approach is available.

Prevalence of asthma, aspirin sensitivity and allergy in chronic rhinosinusitis: data from the UK National Chronic Rhinosinusitis Epidemiology Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common disorder associated with other respiratory tract diseases such as asthma and inhalant allergy. However, the prevalence of these co-morbidities varies considerably in the existing medical literature and by phenotype of CRS studied. The study objective was to identify the prevalence of asthma, inhalant allergy and aspirin sensitivity in CRS patients referred to secondary care and establish any differences between CRS phenotypes. METHODS: All participants were diagnosed in secondary care according to international guidelines and invited to complete a questionnaire including details of co-morbidities and allergies. Data were analysed for differences between controls and CRS participants and between phenotypes using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: The final analysis included 1470 study participants: 221 controls, 553 CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs), 651 CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and 45 allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). The prevalence of asthma was 9.95, 21.16, 46.9 and 73.3% respectively. The prevalence of self-reported confirmed inhalant allergy was 13.1, 20.3, 31.0 and 33.3% respectively; house dust mite allergy was significantly higher in CRSwNPs (16%) compared to CRSsNPs (9%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of self- reported aspirin sensitivity was 2.26, 3.25, 9.61 and 40% respectively. The odds ratio for aspirin sensitivity amongst those with AFRS was 28.8 (CIs 9.9, 83.8) p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asthma and allergy in CRS varies by phenoytype, with CRSwNPs and AFRS having a stronger association with both. Aspirin sensitivity has a highly significant association with AFRS. All of these comorbidities are significantly more prevalent than in non-CRS controls and strengthen the need for a more individualised approach to the combined airway.

Cone beam CT paranasal sinuses versus standard multidetector and low dose multidetector CT studies.

UNLABELLED: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising modality for quick outpatient imaging with lower radiation dose and less metal artifact when compared to conventional CT (MDCT) scans. This article will be providing evidence on the diagnostic and treatment-planning applications of CBCT in sinus imaging, mainly, in patients with chronic sinusitis for surgical planning, which retrospectively assessed 21 patients over a period of one year at Queen Elisabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. The main objective was to compare the absorbed dose of radiation from CBCT and conventional CT, and to compare the clarity and image quality for important structures in sinus anatomy in patients with sinus disease meriting CT scan imaging. Results of the mean effective dose of twenty-one consecutive CBCTs of paranasal sinuses were 0.27 mSv (range 0.05-0.48 mSv). This dose was approximately 40% lower when compared to a similar cohort of standard MDCT examinations and 30% lower when compared to low dose sinus CT scans. The visualization of high-contrast bone morphology on CBCT was comparable to standard sinus CT, allowing clear delineation of the principal surgically relevant osseous structures. Soft tissue visibility was however limited. We concluded that, CBCT scan provides a fast and efficient alternative to conventional CT with substantial radiation dose reduction and low dose MDCT techniques. However for more advanced sinus disease, conventional CT scan is preferable. OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to compare the absorbed dose in the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional CT and to compare the clarity and image quality for important structures in sinus anatomy. DESIGN: Retrospective scan review. SETTING: We compared both the image characteristics and the effective dose used in CBCT and conventional MDCT sinus imaging, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham over a 1 year period. PARTICIPANTS: Patient with sinus disease meriting CT scan imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Comparison of effective dose exposure and image quality. RESULTS: The mean effective dose of twenty one consecutive CBCTs of paranasal sinuses performed in our institution over a one year period was 0.27 mSv (range 0.05-0.48 mSv). The dose was approximately 40% lower when compared to a similar cohort of standard MDCT examinations and 30% lower when compared to low dose sinus CT scans. The visualization of high-contrast bone morphology on CBCT was comparable to standard sinus CT, allowing clear delineation of the principal surgically relevant osseous structures. Soft tissue visibility was however limited. CONCLUSION: Cone beam CT scan is a quick and efficient alternative to conventional CT with substantial radiation dose reduction over conventional and low dose MDCT techniques. However for more advanced sinus disease, conventional CT scan is preferable.

Endoscopic Medial Rectus Sling: A Window Into the Intraconal Orbital Apex.

PURPOSE: Surgical approaches to the medial orbit especially within the cone of orbital muscles necessitate great precision and care to avoid damage to surrounding structures-most importantly the optic nerve. The authors present a novel technique in which access to the medial orbital contents was achieved through an entirely endoscopic approach. METHODS: A 72-year-old Caucasian female presented with loss of vision in the right eye and reduced extraocular movements. Baseline blood tests were within normal limits. Inflammatory markers were slightly elevated. CT scan revealed bilateral medial orbital apex masses. Biopsy of the right orbital apex lesion was performed through an exclusively endoscopic approach in which the medial rectus muscle was retracted infero-medially. RESULTS: This exclusively endonasal approach to the medial intraconal space provided excellent access to the orbital apex, thus allowing successful biopsy of the medial orbital apex lesion. A video of the surgical technique demonstrates its use in this patient (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at http://links.lww.com/IOP/A123). CONCLUSIONS: Similar reports of endonasal medialization of the medial rectus for accessing intraconal orbital lesions have been previously described in the rhinological literature. The authors describe a modification that allows for a safe and less invasive approach to the medial intraconal space and intraorbital optic nerve. There is minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues and no further damage to the optic nerve along with no associated adverse clinical sequelae. In addition, this negates the need for an adjuvant external or transconjunctival approach.

Optic neuropathy secondary to eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis.

Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder with a predilection for upper respiratory tract submucosa. We report a 45-year-old man with progressive unilateral visual loss secondary to a retroorbital soft tissue mass with histological features consistent with EAF. The patient experienced marked improvement in vision after endoscopic optic nerve decompression through sphenoethmoidectomy.

Skull base surgery for malignant tumors: The 2nd international collaborative study (1995-2015).

BACKGROUND: The current study presents the effort of a global collaborative group to review the management and outcomes of malignant tumors of the skull base worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 institutions contributed data on 3061 patients. Analysis evaluated clinical variables, survival outcomes, and multivariable factors associated with outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 56 years (IQR 44-67). The open surgical approach was used in 55% (n = 1680) of cases, endoscopic resection was performed in 36% (n = 1087), and the combined approach in 9.6% (n = 294). With a median follow-up of 7.1 years, the 5-year OS DSS and RFS were 65%, 71.7% and 53%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, older age, comorbidities, histology, dural/intracranial involvement, positive margins, advanced stage, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for OS, DSS, and RFS. Adjuvant RT was a protective prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The progress across various disciplines may have contributed to improved OS and DSS in this study compared to previous reports.

Rhinotillexomania: a rare cause of medial orbital wall erosion.

The authors report a rare case of medial orbital wall erosion with an orbital inflammatory mass and resultant lacrimal obstruction secondary to rhinotillexomania. A 67-year-old male with known history of compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) sought treatment for complaints of watering in his OD. Examination revealed a blocked right inferior canaliculus. Nasal endoscopy showed a large nasal septal defect with multiple areas of crusting and bleeding. Hematologic investigations were normal. CT scan confirmed a large nasal septal and right medial orbital wall defect with an adjacent soft tissue mass in the medial orbit. Investigations ruled out systemic pathology. Histologic examination of medial orbital mass, sinus, and nasal mucosa revealed a reactive inflammatory infiltrate with surface Gram-positive cocci. The authors hypothesized that the patient had enlarged an existing nasal septal defect due to repetitive nose picking resulting in recurrent infection and inflammation of sinuses, leading to erosion of his medial orbital wall.

Evaluation of The Three-Dimensional Endoscopy in Basic and Extended Nasal Procedures: A Clinical and Cadaveric Study.

Introduction The three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered a new surgical tool used in different approaches in intranasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are many advantages of 3D over two-dimensional (2D) endoscopy that have been demonstrated in clinical applications, surgical training, and different experimental studies. Objective To show the difference between using the 3D and 2D endoscopes during endonasal and anterior skull base surgery and its importance. Methods Our study is divided into two phases (clinical and cadaveric phases). In the clinical study we, have performed 52 endonasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures (26 study cases and 26 control cases). We recorded accuracy, duration, and intraoperative complication for each case. The cadaveric study was performed on three cadavers. Differences in accuracy and dissection time were recorded using 3D and 2D endoscopy for each side chosen by randomization. Results In the clinical study, the cases done by 3D endoscope were significantly faster and more accurate with less intraoperative complications compared with cases done using 2D endoscope. In cadaveric dissection, while using 3D endoscope, there was better depth of perception regarding the anatomical landmarks compared with 2D endoscope. Conclusion Three-dimensional endoscopy is an advanced instrument that allows better training for the coming generation of ear, nose, and throat surgeons. Both clinical and cadaveric studies offer a promising outcome in both endonasal and anterior skull base surgery.

Endonasal skull base repair with a vascularised pedicled temporo-parietal myo-fascial flap.

Objective: Expanded endonasal approaches (EEAs) to the skull base have increased the scope and extent of pathologies that can be treated endoscopically. The trade-off is creation of large skull base bone defects requiring reconstruction to re-establish barriers between the sino-nasal mucosa and subarachnoid space to prevent CSF leak and infection. A popular reconstructive technique is the local vascularized pedicled naso-septal flap, an option that may not always be possible when there is disruption of the vascular pedicle from multiple previous surgeries, adjuvant radiotherapy or extensive tumor infiltration. An alternative is the regional temporo-parietal fascial flap (TPFF) transposed via the trans-pterygoid route. We implemented a modification of this technique incorporating contralateral temporalis muscle at the tip of this flap and deeper vascularised pericranial layers within the pedicle to provide a more robust flap in selected cases. Study design/methods: A retrospective review of two cases is presented with both patients having undergone multiple EEAs to resect skull base tumors with adjuvant radiotherapy, their postoperative courses complicated by recalcitrant CSF leaks resistant to multiple surgeries. Results: Our patients had their persistent CSF fistulae repaired using infra-temporal transposition of the TPFF modified to include some of the contralateral temporalis muscle with optimisation of a vascular pedicle: a temporo-parietal temporalis myo-fascial flap (TPTMFF). Both CSF leaks resolved without further complication. Conclusion: In situations where local flap repair to reconstruct skull-base defects following EEA may not be viable or has failed, a modified regional flap incorporating temporo-parietal fascia with a preserved vascular pedicle along with attached temporalis muscle plug may provide a robust alternative option.

Endonasal endoscopic management of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: The Birmingham UK experience.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (SCSFL) occur in the absence of trauma, surgery, or underlying intracranial pathology. They represent a significant healthcare burden on patients with complications such as meningitis. We present our experience of SCSFL repair via the endonasal endoscopic approach. METHODS: All patients who underwent CSF fistula repair at a tertiary UK hospital, between 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2019, were identified and had their case notes analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 33 patients included consisting of 27 (81.8%) females, with age range from 31 to 81 years (mean 55.2). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 35.2 kg/m2 , with 32 (97.0%) patients overweight (BMI >25). All patients presented with intermittent watery rhinorrhoea and had a positive biochemical analysis. Computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified leak sites in 29 patients (87.9%). The most common intraoperative defect site was the cribriform plate (42.4%). A variety of closing techniques were used including onlay grafts (72.7%), tissue glue (87.9%), nasoseptal flaps (63.6%), mucosal free grafts (21.2%), fat grafts (21.2%), and additional support materials (87.9%). Nasal packing was used in all patients. The average length of stay was 1.6 days. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients (6.1%) (meningitis, epistaxis). Overall, there was a successful primary repair in 32 (97.0%) patients with most cases employing a multilayered reconstruction method (78.8%). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate excellent success rates with the endoscopic endonasal approach to SCSFL. This adds to the literature by demonstrating a detailed analysis of the experience in SCSFL management in one of the largest UK centres.

Abducens Nerve Schwannoma: First Case to Be Treated With an Expanded Endonasal Approach.

Abducens nerve schwannomas are incredibly rare, with very few cases being reported previously. Our patient is the first to have been treated through use of an endoscopic endonasal approach. A 61-year-old woman presented with diplopia over a 1-year period. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 2.8-cm lesion expanding into her right sphenoid sinus. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for histological diagnosis and clearance of the lesion. Intraoperative exploration found the lesion to be originating from Dorello canal. Histological analysis confirmed a benign schwannoma. Following a multidisciplinary case review, we have followed a conservative approach and she remains well on radiological surveillance. In patients presenting with a sixth nerve palsy/paresis and a concomitant sphenoid lesion, clinicians should consider an abducens schwannoma as a possible diagnosis.

Widening access to the specialised foundation programme.

The specialised foundation programme, previously known as the academic foundation programme, is an alternate foundation training pathway for doctors that are interested in research, medical education and leadership. The programme is highly competitive, with competition ratios rising to 1:5 in some units of application. A series of courses is held each year out of goodwill to assist students with the application process, but little has been published with respect to evidence-based approaches to both the application process and interviews. This article provides a series of frameworks to simplify the challenges posed by the application process and the academic, personal and clinical interviews.