The Evaluation of the Tumor Extension of the Laryngeal Carcinoma with Rigid Endoscopes

Abstract

Objectives:Direct laryngoscopy using the operating microscope (microlaryngoscopy) that is a traditional method provides a clear observation of the laryngeal pathologies and allows fine surgery to the larynx. Microlaryngoscopy (MLS) permits only the observation of the larynx along a vertical axis. To evaluate the superiority of the rigid endoscopes with different angles of vision for the further information about tumor extension of the laryngeal carcinomas.Materials and Methods:Twenty-two patients in different stages of laryngeal carcinoma were examined by microlaryngoscopy and rigid endoscopy under general anesthesia. Endoscopes which have different angles (0°, 30° and 70°) and length (18 cm and 30 cm) and 4 mm diameter were used. Both microlaryngoscopic and rigid endoscopic images were recorded using color video camera, video recorder and monitor.Results:Rigid endoscopy to get further information for tumor extension of laryngeal carcinoma was superior to microlaryngoscopy in respect of the petiole of the epiglottis, anterior commissure, posterior commissure, lower surface of the vocal fold, subglottic region and tracheal lesions.Conclusion:We concluded that the usage of rigid endoscopes in order to perform a more accurate diagnostic evaluation about the tumor extension of the laryngeal carcinoma was a beneficial method.

Keywords

• larynx
• endoscopy
• laryngeal carcinoma.