Direct laryngoscopy using a videogastroscope: A new technique

• Main Authors: Vijant Singh Chandail, Vinu Jamwal, J Paul Kanotra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Digestive Endoscopy
• Subjects: Laryngoscopy -Videogastroscope -Flexible laryngoscope -Vocal cord - Laryngeal examination
• Online Access: http://www.jdeonline.in/article.asp?issn=0976-5042;year=2011;volume=2;issue=1;spage=6;epage=8;aulast=Chandail
• ISSN: 0976-5042; 0976-5050

Background and objectives: Although indirect laryngoscopy is commonly used method for evaluation of laryngeal disorders in outpatient Ear, Nose and Throat Department (ENT) but proper and accurate diagnosis is not possible in every patient. The direct laryngoscopy using fiberoptic- or video- laryngoscopy has been shown to be a valuable tool in the examination of laryngeal and supraglottic anatomy and pathology. Our goal was to develop a new diagnostic method wherein direct laryngoscopy can be performed by videogastroscope which unlike fiberoptic- or video- laryngoscopy, is readily available at most of the centres. Methods: Between May 2009 and December 2009, 1462 consecutive patients underwent indirect laryngoscopy for evaluation of laryngeal disorders at ENT outpatient department. Fifty-two (93.6%) consecutive patients who had unsuccessful, inconclusive or incomplete examination underwent direct laryngoscopy with videogastroscope. Results: The study group consisted of 39 males and 13 females with mean age of 34.8 ± 11 years (range 14 to 58 years). The following abnormalities were found in vocal cords in 31 (59.6%) patients: cancer in 8 patients; leukoplakia, 6; cases, nodules, 6; palsy, 5; epitheloid granuloma, 2; submucosal hemorrhages, 2; and polyp in 2. Conclusions: Direct laryngoscopy using videogastroscope is safe, feasible and highly accurate for the diagnosis of laryngeal disorders.