title: [The relevance of mirror examination in modern otorhinolaryngology].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to investigate whether the teaching of mirror examination of the larynx and rhinopharynx is still relevant and to estimate whether it is still a reliable examination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients underwent a mirror examination of the larynx and rhinopharynx by a young doctor, a young otorhinolaryngologist, and a senior otorhinolaryngologist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Not surprisingly the senior otorhinolaryngologist conducted the most adequate examinations. Forty-three percent of the laryngoscopies were adequate, that is all anatomic structures were seen. Forty-one per cent provided a reasonable survey, that is a few anatomic structures were not seen. This shows that 84% of the laryngoscopies could be used to give a reasonable examination of the larynx. Only 27% of the rhinoscopies were completely adequate, and as many as 49% were inadequate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Routine mirror examination of the larynx adequately provides a reliable diagnosis in most patients. But in some, it is not adequate, and here fibrolaryngoscopy is a good alternative and a more reliable examination. Mirror examination of the rhinopharynx is difficult, so if a disease of the rhinopharynx is suspected, the patient must be given a fibroscopy and biopsy under general anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: Øre-naese-halsafdelingen, Amtssygehuset i Gentofte.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Grabas
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Charabi
authors.forename: V H
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Balle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D015588:Observer Variation; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
vernacular_title: Relevansen af spejlundersøgelse i moderne otorhinolaryngologi.