Theme |
More Comfortable Endoscopy -- Transnasal Endoscopy and Capsule Endoscopy |
Title |
Transnasal Small-caliber Endoscopy for Observation of Oro-hypopharyngeal Conditions |
Author |
Mika Yuki |
Division of Internal Medicine, Izumo-City General Medical Center |
Author |
Yoshinori Komazawa |
Division of Internal Medicine, Izumo-City General Medical Center |
Author |
Yoshikazu Kinoshita |
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shimane University, School of Medicine |
[ Summary ] |
Transnasal small-caliber gastrointestinal endoscopy is now widely used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract. Easy maneuverability in narrow spaces and comfortable examinations make transnasal small-caliber endoscopy preferable for observation of the oro-hypopharynx. Since patients do not gag or choke during transnasal small-caliber endoscopy, close-up view of the oro-hypopharyngeal mucosa can easily be obtained. Observation of the orohypopharynx by transnasal small-caliber endoscopy can be improved when combined with image-enhanced technology. However, the resolution obtained is lower than that with standard high-resolution endoscopes. For effective examination using transnasal small-caliber endoscopes, the Valsalva maneuver and the neck rotation method should be employed. |