Objective
To examine the diagnostic effectiveness of the Flexible Nasopharyngolaryngoscopy in ENT as
an OPD procedure.
Method
This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery,
Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad from June 2003 to June 2008. A total of 182 patients
who presented to ENT OPD with symptoms of upper airway disease were selected for
nasoendoscopy. Flexible endoscope was used for examination of upper airway under local
anesthesia and findings were entered in a proforma. Data was analyzed in SPSS 13.
Results
Amongst the 182 patients 119 (65.4%) were males. The mean age was 45 ±18.272 years. The
major findings in order of frequency were structural abnormalities (50.5%) amongst which vocal
nodules were commonly seen (19.2%). Nasal pathologies were the next common findings
(18.6%) followed by carcinomas of larynx/hypopharynx/nasopharynx (14.8%) and vocal cord
paralysis (13%).
Conclusion
Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is a very effective diagnostic tool in patients with upper
airway symptoms. The procedure offers flexibility in use and can be accomplished under local
anesthesia in OPD setting. (Rawal Med J 2009;34: )
Key words: Anesthesia, larynx, hypopharynx, vocal cord paralysis.
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