Fiberoptic Endoscopy and Its Variations

Fiberoptic Endoscopy and Its Variations
Nasal Endoscopy, Nasopharyngoscopy, and Laryngoscopy (Nasolaryngoscopy)
by Fauquier ENT Consultants • Last Modified 10/17/2007

Introduction

Fiberoptic endoscopy is performed in order to evaluate areas of the head and neck that is not otherwise able to be visualized. Whereas CT and MRI scans provide internal body information, they provide only static pictures (a single snapshot in a single moment in time) and not function (how things move or work over a continuous period of time). These exams are performed without any sedation and are easily tolerated by patients as young as 5 years of age with their full cooperation. Prior to examination, the nose is decongested and anesthetized with a nasal spray. Familiarize yourself with orientation and anatomy first (Figure Orientation below) before checking out the various flexible endoscopies performed of the upper airway. Seeing the various image & light quality differences among different endoscopes in use today (rigid, fiberoptic, digital chip-on-tip) can be found here.

Click here to watch a video of a patient undergoing endoscopy. This type of exam can also be performed on children (video).

Nasal Endoscopy • Nasopharyngoscopy • Laryngoscopy

Figure Orientation

Figure 1: Fiberoptic Nasal Endoscopy (used to visualize internal nasal and sinus anatomy)

Figure 2: Fiberoptic Nasopharyngoscopy (used to visualize the back of the nose for velopharyngeal function as well as discerning any masses leading to eustachian tube dysfunction and subsequent ear problems). Expected image in this position shown to the right.

Figure 3: Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy or Nasolaryngoscopy (used to visualize the voicebox and surrounding anatomic structures). Expected image in this position shown to the right.

Video of a Patient Undergoing Trans-Nasal Endoscopy: All 3 different types of endoscopy is being performed from nasal endoscopy to laryngoscopy.