Flexible 'chip-on-the-tip' endoscopy for larynx diagnostics

Background. Laryngoscopic procedures can be performed either with rigid or with flexible endoscopes (FE). While the benefit of FEs is a better reflection of the physiological situation, rigid endoscopes ( RE) usually offer better image quality. Modern flexible 'chip-on-the- tip' endoscopes promise to combine the advantages of both procedures. Material and methods. A total of 38 patients with dysphonia were examined with RE, conventional FE, and "chip-on-the-tip" endoscopes (TCE). Image quality was assessed and compared and procedures were evaluated with regard to patient contentment. Results. In all cases image quality of TCE and RE was better than conventional FE. In 55% of cases image quality of TCE and RE was comparable, in 24% RE was judged to be better and in 21% TCE was better. Patient contentment was higher for FE in comparison with RE. Conclusion. 'Chip-on-the-tip' endoscopes combine the advantages of both RE and FE with respect to a physiological examination and high image quality.