ObjectiveThe removal of nasal foreign bodies (NFBs) can be a difficult task for the inexperienced physician, and the more unsuccessful attempts are made, the more difficult the extraction becomes. We have formulated this simple “four-step” approach to improve success, especially on the first try.MethodsA retrospective review of cases requiring NFB removal, seen by one registrar from 2012 to 2016 at Frankston Hospital, was performed.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2016, 93 patients were referred, of whom 65 were confirmed to have NFBs. In all, 20 patients were first seen by the registrar and had the NFB removed successfully. Another 28 patients were referred to the registrar only after one failed attempt by another medical personnel, and the remaining 17 patients were referred after two failed attempts. All patients had the NFB removed locally in the emergency department using the “four-step” approach, except four patients who had the NFB removed under general anesthesia in the operating theater. Three of the latter had two failed attempts and had refused further attempts, and the fourth patient had developed epistaxis after a failed removal by his general practitioner.ConclusionWhen performed correctly, the “four-step” approach will result in the successful removal of NFBs. Ideally, the removal of NFBs should only be performed by an experienced medical personnel, and any failed first attempt removals must be subsequently managed only by an experienced medical personnel.

Cortical thickness was found to influence the periprosthetic fracture pattern around cemented femoral stems, but this was not observed with cementless stems. Type A fracture patterns were significantly more likely to occur with a cortical thickness of 6.3 mm or less around cemented stems.

Objective This study aimed to determine the efficacy of probiotic gargles compared with placebo gargles on reducing post-tonsillectomy morbidity in adults. Method This was a triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study. Thirty adults underwent elective tonsillectomy and were randomly assigned to receive either probiotic or placebo gargles for 14 days after surgery. Daily pain scores and requirement of analgesia were measured for 14 days post-operatively. Secondary outcomes assessed probiotic safety and tolerability and the feasibility of the trial. Results The probiotic group experienced less pain at rest on day 2. However, the amount of oxycodone (5 mg) tablets used was greater in the probiotic group compared with placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse effects between both groups. This trial was feasible. Conclusion This pilot study suggested that probiotic gargles do not reduce post-tonsillectomy pain or bleeding, highlighting the importance of pilot and feasibility studies in clinical research.