[Lateral diverticula of the pharynx (author's tranl)]. / Les diverticules latéraux du pharynx

The authors describe two clear-cut cases of hypopharyngeal lateral diverticulum. They have found only 22 published cases. They discuss the nosological limits of the physiological pharyngeal expansions visible under high pressure pharyngography, those of kinetic pharyngoceles which are often forced hernias, finally, the very real but uncommon presence of true lateral diverticula. The passage of barium Therapeutic indications are discussed. The surgical technique is simple.

[Embolization in the jugulo-tympanic chemodectoma. Value, indications and results]. / L'embolisation dans les chémodectomes jugulo-tympaniques. Intérêt, indications et résultats

Jugulo-tympanic chemodectomas are usually treated by means of surgical ablation and radiotherapy, these two techniques being used either in isolation or association. The recent advent of embolization, which has undergone considerable development in the field of vasular neuro-radiology within the last few years, open up new therapeutic possibilities for these vascular tumours. A study of three personal cases, followed up after a substantial lapse of time, gives a good idea of the importance of embolization in the therapeutic armoury. In fact, although embolization used alone can cause a reduction in functional symptomatology and even and objective clinical improvement (disappearance of some lesions of the cranial pairs, for exemple), it is regularly followed by repermeabilization of the various pediculi. Embolization used in isolation should therefore be reserved for patients who are inoperable for reasons for extension or associated deficiencies. Embolization appears to be of value before the operation as it results in less haemorrhage and may also be of value before radiotherapy.

[26 cases of tracheal stenosis after prolonged intubation or tracheotomy. Personal retrospective study]. / 26 cas de sténoses trachéales aprés intubation prolongée ou trachéotomie. Etude personnelle rétrospective.

A retrospective study over a period of 10 years, involving different hospital departments, revealed a total of 26 patients with post-intubation and/or post-prolonged tracheotomy stenosis which required surgical treatment. Predisposing factors included poor general condition, infection, iatrogenic factors related to intensive therapy (respiration, inadequate nursing) and the duration. Stenosis were situated from the sub-glottis to the carina. After surgical treatment, there were ten cases of restenosis, two multiple, and one inflammatory granuloma. Intubation may be life-saving, but must be performed by an individual competent in the procedure, under strictly aseptic conditions, and using non-traumatic disposable material. The patient should undergo thorough ENT examination at the time of extubation, repeated one month and six months later.