In the present study, edema of the facial nerve was not observed in patients without facial palsy. Although the present study has limitations and do not necessarily justify decompression, these different findings suggest that nerve decompression relieves the entrapment of the facial nerve.

We introduce here an easy but effective method for detailed observation of the larynx and hypopharynx. During the endoscopic observation, the patient's head is turned to one side. Anatomical structures on the same side of the endolarynx, such as the laryngeal ventricle and inferior surface of the vocal fold, are easily observed. In addition, observation of the opposite side of the hypopharynx also becomes easier. Such head turning is also useful in patients with an oblique larynx, in whom the epiglottis obstructs insertion of the endoscope. This is a simple but very effective technique for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal observation.

Full digital, high definition video cameras are now commonplace products and can easily be applied to patients with laryngeal disorders. They provide superior laryngeal images, compared with conventional video systems. Furthermore, high definition video systems are cheaper than proprietary medical video systems. We consider our system to represent an accessible technique of gaining superior laryngeal observation in otolaryngological clinics.

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A rare case of extracranial meningioma presenting as a tumour of the external auditory meatus is reported. Biopsy indicated a diagnosis of meningioma, but the radiological appearance was unusual. For example, computed tomography (CT) scans showed an unenhanced tumour mainly located in the squamous part of the temporal bone which expanded into the external meatus destroying the temporal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the tumour did not extend into the intradural space.This meningioma, had an obvious tendency for extracranial development. According to the operative findings, the tumour arose from the middle cranial fossa dura and extended through the air cells of the temporal bone into the external meatus, instead of growing intracranially.Secondary extracranial meningiomas of the temporal bone usually have a large intracranial component and cause neurological symptoms. However, this was a very rare case of a small meningioma causing no symptoms except for conductive hearing loss.