A prospective study was performed to compare Telfa,® paraffin gauze, Merocel® and BIPP used postoperatively following septal or turbinate surgery. Packs were assessed in terms of patient comfort, control of bleeding and ease of removal. There was little to choose between the packs while they were in situ and there was no significant difference in ease of removal. On removal the Telfa® and paraffin gauze were associated with less discomfort and less bleeding than BIPP or Merocel® (p<0.05).

Blast injury of the auditory system is uncommon and our knowledge incomplete. This article reviews the literature to date giving an account of the interactions of blast waves with the ear, the mechanisms of injury, the pathology, the clinical features, and an outline of management principles.

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture now has a well established role and in several units is now the principal means of speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy. Although not a difficult procedure, there are a number of problems and complications that may be encountered. With proper management these can usually be overcome and a useful voice achieved.This study looks at those problems in a series of 119 patients and discusses their management.