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The study was undertaken to compare the micro ear anatomy of three commonly available animal models which are expected to have similar anatomy to human and to find out suitable model among them as an alternative for human cadaver temporal bone dissection. This is an observational study of comparison of micro ear anatomy of the three animal models with human. Decapitated heads of cattle, pig and sheep were collected from slaughter houses, soft tissues along with brain were removed and preserved in commercially available formalin preservative. CT scan was taken for the three specimens and 3D reconstructions were done. Each specimen was subjected to micro dissection and the anatomical features were studied and compared with human. Among the three animal models sheep is found to be an ideal model for a beginner because of ease of exposure of bone, very thin cortical bone, and no cellularity, good exposure of all the middle ear structures and similar interrelations of middle ear structures with human. Pig may not be an ideal model because of abundant fatty soft tissues, thick periosteum very narrow space occupied by the middle ear, difficulty in accessing cellularity small fragile ossicular chain and overhanging facial nerve.

Acquired Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is a challenging and complicated condition. The laryngeal protection is lost in acquired TEF cases due to the established connection between the esophagus and the airways leading to aspiration, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Malignancy contributes to about 80% of acquired TEF. Nonmalignant causes for TEF include prolonged ventilation, trauma (iatrogenic, penetrating, or blunt injury), foreign bodies, corrosive burns, and granulomatous infections. With the advancements in critical care, the incidence of TEF post-ventilation is on the rise in recent decades. We would like to share our experience managing ten cases of nonmalignant acquired cervical TEF by the lateral cervical approach at our institute. Apart from the isolated TEF cases, one patient with concomitant tracheal stenosis was repaired simultaneously with good postoperative results. TEF was identified in two cases following removal of T-tube and solid stent respectively and was repaired successfully with lateral cervical approach with strap muscle flap interposition.