Читать книгу Advances in Neurolaryngology - Группа авторов - Страница 37

There are two main types of endoscope used in laryngology – rigid and flexible. The rigid endoscope is passed through the mouth and gives a beautiful and detailed, though primarily two-dimensional view of the larynx. The flexible endoscope is passed through the nose. It provides a functional and almost three-dimensional view of the larynx and can bypass many obstructions.

A flexible endoscope, whether the less expensive fiberoptic endoscope attached to a camera or the more expensive integrated video chip endoscope, perhaps even with high definition capabilities, can provide a nearly complete assessment of the three-dimensional anatomy as well as functional motion of the structures innervated by the 10th cranial nerve. In general, the chip endoscope provides a much clearer view and the examiner will learn more using this higher technology. Subtle findings become more obvious.

The two types of endoscope can be used in complementary fashion, but the flexible evaluation is the more essential one.