Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx and larynx / Video fiberoscopy / Fiberoscopy

Endoscopic Examination of the Nasopharynx and the Larynx (Voice Box)

The main advantage of this examination is the ability to precisely examine even hard-to-reach areas, as the device adapts to the surface being examined. This enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of any lesions. In addition, fiberscopy can be performed even in cases of swelling, mucosal hypertrophy, or anatomical changes in the nasal cavity.

Endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract are performed with the patient seated and the head resting on a headrest. A special instrument (fiberscope) is then inserted through the nose into the nasopharyngeal cavity.

The examination usually does not require anaesthesia. However, local anaesthesia in the form of a nasal spray may be used to reduce discomfort.

Purpose of the Examination

The primary purpose of a nasopharyngeal endoscopic examination is to assess the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) in children, especially when hypertrophy of the third tonsil is suspected.

Other indications for performing nasopharyngeal endoscopy include:

• Diagnosis of snoring,
• Suspected nasopharyngeal tumour,
• Diagnosis of nasal bleeding,
• Diagnosis of chronic rhinitis,
• Persistent throat complaints.

Endoscopic examination of the larynx allows for visual assessment of its structures and the detection of any pathological changes.

Other indications for performing laryngeal endoscopy include:

• Suspected neoplastic changes,
• Voice disorders (hoarseness, loss of voice, voice changes),
• Swallowing disorders,
• Sensation of a foreign body in the esophagus,
• Chronic throat conditions,
• Reflux disease (laryngopharyngeal reflux).

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications to this examination.

The examination can be performed in adults and children aged 5 and above.

Please bring a printed referral from your doctor for the examination. Please take your previous medical records with you if you have had any examinations before.

Due to possible vomiting reflexes, it is not recommended for adults to consume any food or drinks for two hours before the examination. In case of children, it is not recommended to consume any food or drinks for at least one hour before the examination.

Please be prepared for the endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx as follows:

• The nebulisation from an ampoule of saline should be carried out 4 times a day for 2 days prior to the examination. Nebulisation means the administration of the medicine into the nose in the form of an aerosol, using a special inhaler available in pharmacies. In addition, it’s recommended to flush nasal passages several times (4-6 times) during these 2 days with aerosolised sea water solutions.

• Apply mucosal decongestants, e.g. oxymetazoline, 1-2 doses to each nostril, 30 minutes before the examination. These medicines are available over-the-counter.