Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
In recent years, flexible laryngoscope is a major contribution to endoscopic technique and is a standard method in diagnosis of many laryngeal and pharyngeal diseases.
OBJECTIVE:
To show the accuracy of flexible fiberoptic endoscope in the diagnosis of laryngeal and pharyngeal disorders in comparison with direct laryngoscopy
PATIENT AND METHOD:
A prospective study conducted at otolaryngology department, Surgical Specialties Hospital, Medical City, Baghdad between Feb.2008 and Feb. 2009 with fifty patients were included in the study. All patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal symptoms were examined by flexible fiberoptic endoscope and direct laryngoscope under general anesthesia.
RESULTS:
Male to female ratio was 1.8:1; dysphonia was the main chief complains in 66% followed by dysphagia in 16%. The commonest finding of flexible fiberoptic endoscope was laryngeal mass in 58% patients followed by impaired or immobile vocal cords in 18%. The accuracy of flexible fiberoptic endoscope in diagnosis of pharyngolaryngeal disease was 76% while of the direct laryngoscope accuracy was 92%.
CONCLUSION:
Flexible fiberoptic endoscope is vital instrument in outpatient clinic especially when indirect laryngoscope is unsatisfactory, but don’t supplant direct laryngoscopy specially when biopsy is indicated.