Direct pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy

Direct pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy

Examination of the pharynx, larynx and neck under general anaesthesia may be required to assess the stage and resectabil - ity of the primary site, or in instances where comprehensive examination has not been possible; such scenarios include an inadequate clinical examination caused by trismus from pain, poor patient compliance or large obstructive pharyngeal or laryngeal pathology . These examinations may be further aided by the use of an operating microscope or rigid straight and angled (30° and 70°) endoscopes (Hopkins’ rods) ( Figure 52.15 ). The advantages and disadvantages of laryngeal examina - tion techniques are given in Summary box 52.3 . Summary box 52.3 - Advantages and disadvantages of larynx and pharynx examination techniques /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF

Flexible nasolaryngoscopy Well-tolerated examination Can also examine nasal passages and postnasal space Need /f_i breoptic light source Rigid endoscopy Can be used with stroboscope for evaluation of voice High-de /f_i nition view Needs /f_i breoptic light source Bulky and dif /f_i cult if prominent gag re /f_l ex present Laryngeal mirror Does not need /f_i breoptic light source No record of examination Low-resolution image Dif /f_i cult if prominent gag re /f_l ex present

Direct pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy

Examination of the pharynx, larynx and neck under general anaesthesia may be required to assess the stage and resectabil - ity of the primary site, or in instances where comprehensive examination has not been possible; such scenarios include an inadequate clinical examination caused by trismus from pain, poor patient compliance or large obstructive pharyngeal or laryngeal pathology . These examinations may be further aided by the use of an operating microscope or rigid straight and angled (30° and 70°) endoscopes (Hopkins’ rods) ( Figure 52.15 ). The advantages and disadvantages of laryngeal examina - tion techniques are given in Summary box 52.3 . Summary box 52.3 - Advantages and disadvantages of larynx and pharynx examination techniques /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF /uni25CF

Flexible nasolaryngoscopy Well-tolerated examination Can also examine nasal passages and postnasal space Need /f_i breoptic light source Rigid endoscopy Can be used with stroboscope for evaluation of voice High-de /f_i nition view Needs /f_i breoptic light source Bulky and dif /f_i cult if prominent gag re /f_l ex present Laryngeal mirror Does not need /f_i breoptic light source No record of examination Low-resolution image Dif /f_i cult if prominent gag re /f_l ex present