Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...
Which sphincter prevents regurgitation of food from the stomach? Our food pipe starts in the neck and connects the back of the throat to the stomach. At both ends of the food pipe or oesophagus, there is a ring of muscle which prevents food and acid from the stomach from coming back into the throat. Which conditions can present as regurgitation or dysphagia? Regurgitation of undigested food or acid can be due to slowly growing conditions such as: The tightness of the upper ring muscle (Cricopharyngeal spasm) Web formation in the food pipe Out-pouching of the food pipe (Pharyngeal Pouch) Stricture or tightness of the food pipe because of a previous injury such as a burn The food pipe muscles unable to relax due to a stroke. In some cases, it can present suddenly due to obstruction of the food pipe due to a foreign body. You should attend A&E if you suspect that you have a sudden onset complete dysphagia. In some patients, this can be the presentation of cancer in the food...