title: Fiberoptic examination of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in children.
abstract: A flexible fiberoptic nasolaryngoscope with color video camera was used to study the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in 243 pediatric patients. The size of the adenoid tissue was judged by endoscopy and classified into three types according to the distance from the vomer to the adenoid tissue. The condition of the nasopharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube was also classified into three types relating to the condition of adenoid tissue. Assessment was performed by correlating these measurements with the type of tympanogram, lateral X-ray and clinical complaints. The authors conclude that: (1) Fiberoptic examination allows direct visualization of the size and condition of the adenoid tissue, as well as of the condition of the nasopharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube. (2) The size of the adenoid tissue correlates very well with the nasal obstruction complaint as well as with the type of tympanogram. (3) The condition of the nasopharyngeal orifice of the Eustachian tube significantly corresponds with the type of tympanogram. (4) For the indication of adenoidectomy, fiberscopy gives more accurate information than standard X-ray. (5) With a correct choice of premedication and local anesthesia, it is a minor invasive technique which is very well tolerated by children. It is possible in all cases provided it is performed by a skilled endoscopist and preceded by careful explanation to the child. (6) Finally, thanks to the possibility of direct visualization of the fiberscopic image via a monitor, it allows a better explanation of the indication for adenoidectomy to the child's parents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: D Y
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Clement
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Derde
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000234:Adenoids / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology*