Diagnostic fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy.

This paper reviews observations made on 324 patients undergoing video rhinolaryngoscopy at the Topeka Allergy and Asthma Clinic because of symptoms related to the nose and throat. Many abnormalities were found, and the observations made were considered very helpful in the diagnosis and management of these problems. The procedure is quite safe, and the risk-benefit ratio appears very favorable. Playback capability provides an excellent tool for patient education. Physicians using this procedure must maintain a sufficient case load of rhinology patients to justify the equipment expense and to maintain the requisite level of expertise. Fiberoptic rhinolaryngoscopy under video control and with video recording/playback capability may be the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of most anatomic and functional abnormalities of the nose, nasopharynx and glottic structures.