[Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract].

Instruments for endoscopy of the upper airways can be divided in two main categories : rigid and flexible. Rigid endoscopes are of very good quality since the introduction of Hopkins (Storz) and Lumina (Wolf) optics. These exist in several lengths and diameters and with different visual angles. Apart from mere visual observations, small diagnostic and even therapeutic procedures can be carried out under endoscopic control. A flexible scope of small dimensions permits a complete visualisation of the entire nasopharyngolarynx, especially in children.