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Objective: Three-dimensional (3D) endoscopy has been developed to provide depth perception to allow for improved visualisation during otolaryngology surgery. We conducted a systematic review to determine the surgical safety and efficacy of 3D endoscopy in comparison to two-dimensional (2D) endoscopy in performing otolaryngology procedures, and the role of 3D endoscopy as a training tool for novice otolaryngology surgeons., Methods: Primary studies were identified through MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases, which were searched for articles published through June 2022 that compared the outcomes of 2D and 3D endoscopy in otolaryngology surgical procedures or otolaryngology-relevant simulations. Candidate articles were independently reviewed by two authors., Results: A total of 18 full-text articles met inclusion criteria for this study. In clinical trials (n = 8 studies, 362 subjects), there were no significant differences in performance time, intraoperative or postoperative complications with 3D endoscopes when compared to 2D. In simulation studies (n = 10 studies, 336 participants), 3D endoscopes demonstrated a decreased error rate (n = 5 studies) and shorter performance time (n = 3 studies). Studies also reported improved depth perception (n = 14 studies) and visualisation preference (n = 5 studies) with 3D over 2D systems. The 3D systems were found to have a shorter learning curve and better manoeuvrability among novice surgeons., Conclusion: 3D endoscopy showed equivalent safety and efficacy compared to 2D endoscopy in otolaryngology surgery. The improved depth perception and performance for novices using 3D endoscopes suggests the technology may be superior to 2D endoscopes as a training tool for otolaryngology surgeons., (© 2024 The Authors. Clinical Otolaryngology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: Define aerosol and droplet risks associated with routine otolaryngology clinic procedures during the COVID-19 era., Methods: Clinical procedures were simulated in cadaveric heads whose oral and nasal cavities were coated with fluorescent tracer (vitamin B2) and breathing was manually simulated through retrograde intubation. A cascade impactor placed adjacent to the nares collected generated particles with aerodynamic diameters ≤14.1 µm. The 3D printed models and syringes were used to simulate middle and external ear suctioning as well as open suctioning, respectively. Provider's personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedural field contamination were also recorded for all trials using vitamin B2 fluorescent tracer., Results: The positive controls of nebulized vitamin B2 produced aerosol particles ≤3.30 µm and endonasal drilling of a 3D model generated particles ≤14.1 µm. As compared with positive controls, aerosols and small droplets with aerodynamic diameter ≤14.1 µm were not detected during rigid nasal endoscopy, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and rigid nasal suction of cadavers with simulated breathing. There was minimal to no field contamination in all 3 scenarios. Middle and external ear suctioning and open container suctioning did not result in any detectable droplet contamination. The clinic suction unit contained all fluorescent material without surrounding environmental contamination., Conclusion: While patients' coughing and sneezing may create a baseline risk for providers, this study demonstrates that nasal endoscopy, flexible laryngoscopy, and suctioning inherently do not pose an additional risk in terms of aerosol and small droplet generation. An overarching generalization cannot be made about endoscopy or suctioning being an aerosol generating procedure., Level of Evidence: 3.

Mobile technology has been a significant development. With the advent of smartphones and many applications, it is possible to integrate endoscopic instruments. This is a study where the authors were able to use a smartphone as the capturing device for endoscopic examinations and were able to get satisfactory results on all but two of the 52 patients, doing four endoscopic examinations commonly being performed in otolaryngology clinics: rigid nasal endoscopy, rigid laryngoscopy, otoscopy and flexible fiberoptic naso-laryngoscopy. This article reveals their experience.

Background: Transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures are a mainstay of treatment for a variety of conditions and are often preferable to open surgery where possible. Cases of micrognathia, prominent incisor teeth or trismus may create difficulties in gaining sufficient access to undertake such procedures. Extraction of the anterior maxillary teeth can help overcome these problems in appropriate cases, with subsequent prosthetic tooth replacement supported by dental implants. To date, this approach has not been reported in the literature., Case Reports: This paper reports on two cases which illustrate this approach; the first case involved pharyngeal pouch management where previous open surgery had failed, and the second case involved glottic carcinoma management where oral access was compromising resection., Conclusion: This technique is recommended to facilitate effective transoral surgical procedures as a low-morbidity alternative to either open surgery or non-surgical therapies.

Objectives/hypothesis: To describe the initial results of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in pediatric inflammatory salivary gland disease., Study Design: Retrospective review of patient medical records from a private practice consisting of three fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists., Methods: Consecutive pediatric patients with either recurrent or chronic sialadenitis underwent diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy as an alternative to continued antibiotic therapy or surgical gland excision. Data collected included age, gender, indications for surgery, intraoperative findings, complications, recurrences, follow-up intervals, and need for additional procedures., Results: Twelve pediatric patients underwent sialendsocopy (9 cases of juvenile recurrent parotitis, 3 cases of chronic submandibular sialadenitis. Intraoperative findings included ductal stricture (n = 8), thick intraductal mucus (n = 6), and ductal calculus (n = 1). The only postoperative complication was one case of a submandibular gland, which remained enlarged for 1 month postoperatively before resolving. Average follow-up was 16.5 months (range: 1-49 months), during which time two patients had recurrence (17%). One patient had repeated recurrences that only resolved after salvage parotidectomy. Another patient had one isolated recurrence that resolved with antibiotics. To date, 92% of patients have not required any further surgical intervention after a sialendoscopy procedure., Conclusions: Sialendoscopy was successfully implemented as a safe and effective technique for management of recurrent and chronic parotid and submandibular sialadenitis in a pediatric otolaryngology practice., Level of Evidence: 4., (© 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Study Objective: To determine variations in interobserver and intraobserver agreement of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in a cohort of experienced versus nonexperienced ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons., Design: Prospective, blinded agreement study., Setting: Ninety-seven ENT surgeons (90 nonexperienced with DISE; seven experienced) observed six different DISE videos and were asked to score the upper airway (UA) level (palate, oropharynx, tongue base, hypopharynx, epiglottis), direction (anteroposterior, concentric, lateral), and degree of collapse (none; partial or complete collapse). Findings were collected and analyzed, determining interobserver and intraobserver agreement [overall agreement (OA), specific agreement (SA)] and kappa values per UA level., Measurement and Results: In the nonexperienced group, overall interobserver agreement on presence of tongue base collapse (OA = 0.63; kappa = 0.33) was followed by the agreement on epiglottis (OA = 0.57; kappa = 0.23) and oropharynx collapse (OA = 0.45; kappa = 0.09). Low overall interobserver agreement in this group was found for hypopharyngeal collapse (OA = 0.33; kappa = 0.08). A similar ranking was found for degree of collapse. For direction of collapse, high interobserver agreement was found for the palate (OA = 0.57; kappa = 0.16). Among the experienced observers, overall interobserver agreement was highest for presence of tongue base collapse (OA = 0.93; kappa = 0.71), followed by collapse of the palate (OA = 0.80; kappa = 0.51). In this group, lowest agreement was also found for hypopharyngeal collapse (OA = 0.47; kappa = 0.03). Interob-server agreement on direction of collapse was highest for epiglottis collapse (OA = 0.97; kappa = 0.97). Concerning the degree of collapse, highest agreement was found for degree of oropharyngeal collapse (OA = 0.82; kappa = 0.66). Among the experienced observers a statistically significant higher interobserver agreement was obtained for presence, direction, and degree of oropharyngeal collapse, as well as for presence of tongue base collapse and degree of epiglottis collapse. Among the nonexperienced observers, high intraobserver agreement was found in particular for tongue base and epiglottis collapse. Among the experienced observers, high agreement was found for all levels but to a lesser extent for hypopharyngeal collapse. Intraobserver agreement was statistically significantly higher in the experienced group, for all UA levels expect for the hypopharynx., Conclusion: This study indicates that both interobserver and intraobserver agreement was higher in experienced versus nonexperienced ENT surgeons. Agreement ranged from poor to excellent in both groups. The current results suggest that experience in performing DISE is necessary to obtain reliable observations.

This article presents the evolution of current office-based surgery of the larynx, focusing on the development of the tools and techniques for these ambulatory procedures, including laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, and current office-based interventions. Additionally, a historical timeline is presented for the development of office-based laryngology within the context under which laryngology, as a subspecialty, has evolved over the past 200 years, with questions posed to the reader regarding what further developments may arise and how those will affect the practice., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: The endoscopy is nowadays the basic diagnostic method in otolaryngology. However, the size and distance of the video display and the location of the monitor continue to be impediments to endoscopy due to the inadequate alignment of the optical axis., Aim: In this study, I evaluate the practical usefulness of video glasses in endoscopy., Methods: The video glasses, weighing 115 g, which are designed for consumer video home use, consisting of two active LCD color panels with over 300000-pixel resolution. The operator sees the image in front of them, and below the glasses, simply by moving his or her eyes, thus seeing the patient and the field of intervention. 76 patients participated in this study; all of having undergone nasal endoscopy and flexible nasopharyngoscopy., Results: The video glasses allowed me to use an ultra large screen as if there was a 115-cm screen 2 m in front of me. During endoscopy, I could concentrate more on the procedures. There were no complications attributable to the use of the device., Conclusion: In my opinion the video glasses may represent a viable alternative to conventional displays for endoscopy, but definition of the specific roles requires further investigation.

The field of rhinology is an exciting area with new surgical techniques constantly introduced. The way surgical skills are taught is changing with use of surgical simulators. Training programs are evolving to a competency-based model, and rhinology-specific tools need to be developed to assess the endoscopic sinus surgery skills of trainees. There is a need for accreditation of rhinology fellowships to ensure fellows receive advanced training. This article reviews these issues, including new and alternative methods for rhinologic surgical training., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The endoscope has long been an invaluable tool in assessment of the paediatric airway. Recently, its applications for definitive surgery of the airway have greatly increased, due to innovative surgical techniques, development of new instruments, improvements in anaesthesia and availability of new medications for endoscopic use. This review discusses the move towards endoscopic techniques in the management of paediatric airway disorders.

Introduction: Endoscopic digital photography usually involves expensive and often cumbersome equipment., Aim: This study aimed to construct a low cost adaptor with which to connect a budget-priced digital camera to a nasal endoscope, in order to enable inexpensive, good quality otology photography., Method: A method of making an adaptor from a simple plastic bottle top is described, and the photographic technique is outlined., Results: The adaptor fitted well with commonly used endoscopes, and excellent results were obtained., Conclusion: High quality digital endoscopic photographs can be obtained using a low cost compact digital camera fitted with a simple adaptor made from a plastic bottle top. Such a method would make digital photography via a rigid endoscope easily affordable worldwide.

Objective: To validate the technique of the Muller maneuver (MM) using videoendoscopy and to quantify the correlation between its clinical results and variables of polysomnography., Study Design: Prospective, controlled study., Methods: Videoendoscopy with MM was performed in 70 patients who were categorized into two groups, with 35 patients giving a history suggestive of snoring and 35 patients without such history. The snoring group underwent further examination with polysomnography. Cross-sectional areas at the retropalatal (RP) and retrolingual (RL) levels during quiet respiration (RP(0) or RL(0)) and the maximal effort of MM (RP(1) or RL(1)) were calculated with the digital measurement software "Image J." One hundred forty pairs of data were acquired. The collapsing ratio (CR) was defined as the difference of RP(0) (or RL(0)) between RP1 (or RL(1)) divided by RP(0) (or RL(0)) to compare the difference between the two phases. These results were compared with each other and correlated to the variables obtained from polysomnographic studies., Results: There were significant differences in the CR of RP (CR(RP)), the CR of RL (CR(RL)), and body mass index (BMI) when comparing the two groups. In snoring patients, BMI was positively related to the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) staging but not to CR(RP) and CR(RL). CR(RP) had a significant positive relationship with RDI and OSA rather than CR(RL)., Conclusion: MM with videoendoscopy can be a simple, cost-effective, quantitative, and even predictable technique. This method allows us to examine the dynamic upper airway for more precise preoperative planning.

Background: Endoscopic endonasal procedures for advanced lesions involving the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and its various communications are increasingly performed. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2) passes through the foramen rotundum and crosses the upper part of the PPF, with a risk of partial or complete injury during surgery in this complex region. Despite the available knowledge of the sinonasal anatomy, the endoscopic orientation of the V2 remains unclear and requires further analysis from this unique view., Methods: Using an extended endoscopic approach, the PPF was dissected in 20 sides of 10 adult cadaver heads. The V2 also was followed anteriorly from the trigeminal ganglion, toward the infraorbital canal. The course and the neurovascular relationships of the V2 were studied. High-quality endoscopic images have been produced by coupling the video camera to a digital video recording system., Results: The endoscopic course and relations of the V2 were carefully described. Important landmarks to identify and avoid injury of the nerve were discussed in relation to this unique view., Conclusion: This study updates our understanding of the V2 anatomy from an endoscopic perspective. The medial to lateral inclination and drooping of the V2, as well as different relationships of the V2 with the vascular structures are important findings to be taken into consideration while endoscopically addressing related lesions.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and perioperative management of patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in New York State., Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to otolaryngologists in New York State who were registered with the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in November 2005. Questions addressed the incidence and perioperative care of patients with successful closure of unexpected CSF fistula during ESS., Results: Twenty-five percent of respondents have experienced at least one episode of unexpected CSF fistula during ESS over the prior 5 years, with a calculated incidence of 0.16%. Surgeons most often (46%) observed patients for 1-2 days. Antibiotics were used in 93% of patients. A lumbar drain was most commonly not used. Repair techniques most often used an intranasal flap or graft (92%)., Conclusion: The incidence of unexpected CSF fistula during ESS may be lower than previously reported. A majority of surgeons use an intranasal flap or graft in repair with antibiotic use, with no consensus regarding use of lumbar drain or inpatient observation. More study is needed to determine consensus algorithms for management of CSF leaks during ESS.

Naso-endoscopes are important tools in the everyday practice of otolaryngology. However, cleaning methods have not yet been standardized. The aims of this article are to assess the degree of variation in practice both within and outside the UK, and to propose explanations why standard national and international guidelines have not been forthcoming. It is hoped that the systematic identification of the problems facing health authorities will lead to a better understanding of the task at hand, and bring us closer to drawing up a more specific standard for 'best possible' practice.

Objectives: To describe the Seldinger-assisted videotelescopic intubation (SAVI) technique, a complementary method for aiding in difficult pediatric intubations that uses common equipment available to the practicing otolaryngologist., Study Design: Technique description., Methods: Detailed description of technique for use of a pediatric laryngoscope with video-assisted endotracheal tube (ETT) covered rigid tracheoscopy controlled intubation in difficult pediatric airways., Results: In our practice, SAVI is vital in establishing a secure airway in the difficult-to-intubate child. After insertion of a laryngoscope, an appropriate sized endotracheal tube is delivered through the glottis under direct video-visualization from a rigid telescope using a variation of the well-established Seldinger technique. The telescope serves as the stable ETT stylet that also provides panoramic visualization. The ETT slides over the telescope to provide a secure airway directly visible to all in the operating room. Benefits of the SAVI technique to previously described video-assisted intubations with flexible or specially designed endoscope devices include decreased cost, employment of previously existing endoscopy skills, the benefit of rigid delivery of the endotracheal tube as well as innate versatility to a multitude of clinical situations., Conclusions: The SAVI technique offers an additional practical clinical solution to the difficult pediatric airway. Although ultimately establishing the airway depends on the skills of the operator, the SAVI technique has saved multiple lives by using common equipment through a common-sense approach., Ebm Rating: D.

Background: Acute and chronic progressive compression of the optic nerve is mostly caused by tumors and trauma. Special knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of the nerve injury is necessary in all clinical disciplines managing optic nerve neuropathy. Hence, the technique, the indications and limitations of the endonasal endoscopic decompression procedure of the optic nerve will be described from an otolaryngological point of view., Methods: On the basis of our own experience and the international literature, the indications and limitations of the endonasal-endoscopic approach for optic nerve decompression are described and critically reviewed., Conclusions: The management of optic nerve neuropathy, especially in cases of severe trauma, remains controversial. Because the data of the present clinical trials are mostly not evidence based, an efficient transfer of relevant guidelines or recommendations into the clinical practice is difficult. Therefore, the indication for optic nerve decompression surgery, especially in traumatic optic nerve neuropathy, must be individualized.

The discovery of laryngoscopy by Manuel Garcia (1805-1906) was very important for the development of rhinoscopic research. The discovery of nasal speculum by Ludovit Markuszovsky (1815-1893) is described. Markuszovsky and Johann N. Czermak (1828-1873) initiated the term "rhinoscopy". The achievements of Czermak for rhinoscopy are significant. The "conductor of light" by Phillip Bozzini (1773-1809) for the nasal research is presented. The nasal specula by Fraenkel, Duplay, Voltolini and others are depicted. The distinguished Polish rhinolaryngologist Antoni Jurasz sen. (1847-1923) was a creator of simple instrument for the anterior rhinoscopy. The discoveries and employments of cocaine, adrenaline and X rays were very useful for nasal examinations.

Subglottic hemangioma is a rare, histologically benign congenital neoplasm. The natural history is characterized by progressive obstruction of the airways during the proliferative stage, followed by gradual regression of the obstructive symptomatology in the involutional phase. After an asymptomatic neonatal period, the infant presents a characteristic biphasic stridor as the lesion progressively obstructs the subglottic space. In 80-90% of cases, these symptoms appear in the first six months of life. The involutional process generally begins at 12 months of age and continues until the subglottic hemangioma regresses completely. Due to high incidence of mortality in untreated cases, therapy should be undertaken immediately. Aim of therapy is to restore normal respiration, attempting to preserve the child's voice and alter the quality of life both of the infant and the family as little as possible. A retrospective study was carried out on all cases of infantile subglottic hemangioma treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, "Sick Children Hospital", Toronto, between 1980 and 2000. The therapeutic strategy adopted until breathing returned to normal comprised repeated endoscopic CO2 laser treatment of the lesion and perioperative administration of oral cortisone (1 mg/kg/day dexamethazone, subdivided in 3 doses) for 24-48 hours. CO2 laser was used each time the patient presented progressive worsening of obstructive respiratory symptoms. The interval between two laser treatments was > or = 6 weeks. Repeated endoscopic laser treatment, combined with other therapeutic modalities, enabled tracheotomy to be avoided in all but 4 (7.2%) cases.

Objective: The rate of false passages during probing for congenital nasolacrimal system obstruction (CNLO) is a major limiting factor for a successful outcome. This shortcoming may be decreased with the use of a nasal endoscope during probing. This approach is particularly important in the probing training of ophthalmology residents., Methods: An experienced pediatric ophthalmologist performed probings on 11 eyes, and a group of ophthalmology residents under his supervision performed probings on another 11 eyes for CNLO. Their claims of a successful or unsuccessful procedure were evaluated with nasal endoscopy by an ear--nose--throat (ENT) surgeon. The age range of the patients was 8-23 months., Results: The ophthalmologist made two false passages, one of which he was aware, out of 11 eyes. The residents had five false passages, two of which were unclear to them, out of another 11 eyes. No false passages occurred in obstructions at the level of the Hasner valve. None of the successful probings required more than a 30 mm probe introduction into the nasolacrimal canal from the inferior punctum., Conclusion: It seems justified to have a nasal endoscopic evaluation, performed by an ENT surgeon, for probings during the training program of ophthalmology residents. Difficult cases with stenosis proximal to the inferior meatus, prior false passage experience on a particular case, and any indication for silicone tube implantation will benefit from the use of an endoscope during the procedure. In order to achieve the best results in CNLO, the collaborative teamwork of an ophthalmologist and an ENT specialist is necessary.

The purpose of this article is to review the endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and encephaloceles, with particular emphasis on safety and efficacy, by retrospective assessment utilizing the results of a mailed questionnaire. Surveys were mailed to members of the American Rhinologic Society with practices in both academic centers and/or private settings. Survey results were then assessed and tabulated. There were 635 mailings, with 197 responses (31%). Seventy-two (36% of respondents) indicated that they performed endoscopic management of CSF leaks and encephaloceles, while 125 (64% of respondents) did not. Respondents reported approximately 522 cases of CSF leaks and approximately 128 cases of encephaloceles managed by endoscopy. Success rates after a single procedure were estimated at 90% for CSF leaks and 93% for encephaloceles. Success rates after a secondary procedure were estimated at 86% and 97%, respectively; 29% of respondents have, at some point, made a referral to neurosurgery. A total of 13 complications related to endoscopic repairs were reported (2.5%). For CSF leak repair, complications included seizures, 0.2%; meningitis, 1.1%; and one reported case each of cavernous sinus thrombosis, temporary visual problems, sinusitis, and intracranial hypertension/bleed. There was only one reported death in the approximately 522 cases. Eleven complications following encephalocele repairs (8.5%) included seizures, 3.1%; meningitis, 2.3%; and one reported case each of brain abscess, sinusitis, false aneurysm of middle cerebral artery, and mild dizziness. No deaths following encephalocele repair were reported. The endoscopic management of CSF leaks and encephaloceles has become increasingly popular and has proven to have low morbidity and mortality with high success. Overall, our results confirm that in the hands of the skilled endoscopist, endoscopic management of CSF leaks and encephaloceles is highly efficacious and has a very low incidence of significant complication.

Prior to flexible transnasal endoscopy (FTE) topical intranasal agents such as cocaine or combinations of a local anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor agent are generally recommended for local anaesthesia, easier access, and better examination of the interior of the nose, especially the middle meatus. This double-blind study involved 60 patients. Each had five per cent cocaine sprayed in one nostril and normal saline in the other. The pain/discomfort and gag scores showed no statistical difference. Forty-two (70 per cent) patients had a moderate/marked deviation of the nasal septum. A significant pain score (3-5) was obtained in 33.3 per cent of cases with the deviation towards the cocaine side and in 37 per cent of cases with the deviation towards the saline side. Ease of procedure scores for both sides were also comparable, when deviation of the nasal septum was taken into account.

The endoscopic approach to the fronto-ethmoidal recess (FER) in the treatment of chronic frontal sinus disease is now widely accepted. The Lothrop procedure was first described in 1914, but was largely replaced with more invasive open frontal sinus procedures until the advent of the rigid Hopkins' rod, since when it has enjoyed renewed popularity. We describe a modification of this technique which allows both transnasal endoscopic and external direct visualization of the FER and frontal sinus and a direct approach to the anterior buttress (or "nasofrontal beak") which allows its quick and simple removal.

Flexible rhinofaringolaryngoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool in our daily practice, adding up to 60% of additional information in the diagnosis and clinical approach in neonates, children and adults with pathology of the upper respiratory tract and allergic diseases. We present a practical method for office use, and review our experience with 423 patients in whom the exam was performed. 49% had an abnormal nasal mucosa and middle meatus, site related to ethmoidal and maxillary sinus drainage. In 23 patients we found abnormal turbinates, either clefting, polypoidal changes, degeneration or concha bullosa; most of these findings were not appreciated after routine speculum examination. 7% of our patients had mucosal changes in the area related to the olfactory epithelium, edema and inflammation related to taste and smell disorders. 56 patients had inflammation and hypertrophy in adenoids, 50% of these with some degree of auditory canal obstruction (Eustaquian orifice). In the inferior pharynx and larynx, 58 patients had abnormalities, inflammation in glotic area (8%) due to speech dysfunction. They required speech therapy 4% (14 patients) with abnormal vocal cords, polyps (5), paralysis (4). 2 patients with carcinoma, were referred for biopsy and specific treatment. After gaining sufficient expertise rhinofaringolaryngoscopy is a useful and safe procedure which enhances the diagnostic ability of the practicing allergist/immunologist to evaluate complains referable to the upper airways.

Impaction of a fish bone at the base of tongue or the vallecula is a very common problem. Removal of the bone from these sites without a general anaesthesia can be challenging to surgeons and patients alike. Various manoeuvres to facilitate this procedure have been described, some are very successful but may require specialized instruments, while others may cause excessive discomfort to the patients and even inadvertent dislodgement of the bone. We describe a method using a flexible fibreoptic nasendoscope to provide a visual guide in order to facilitate peroral removal of the bone with a pair of forceps. This method is well tolerated by patients and avoids the need for a general anaesthesia in many cases.

The use of the rigid endoscope has been investigated in the management of 63 cases with posterior nasal obstruction. It was found to be a true advance in rhinology, since it visualizes and localizes the site of the obstruction which is classified into pre-choanal, and post-choanal. Moreover, the nasal endoscope allowed complete and safe removal of most of the obstructing lesions under direct endoscopic vision.

Endoscopic sinus surgery has become popular during recent years. We report the complications of endoscopic sinus surgery in 593 patients in whom 1235 sides were operated on. Forty-five patients had complications, in three of whom they were systemic. The remaining 42 patients had complications on 52 (4.2%) sides; these complications were mostly minor. In 0.3% of the sides operated on, potentially serious complications, such as orbital hematoma or cerebrospinal fluid leak, were seen. None of these patients developed loss of vision or meningitis. Absence of the middle turbinate is a risk factor for developing complications. We conclude that endoscopic sinus surgery is a safe procedure in experienced hands.

Inverted papilloma is noted for recurrence and occasional association with malignancy, leading most authors to recommend lateral rhinotomy as the initial surgical approach in all cases; however, conservative surgery has been reported to be effective in selective cases. Endoscopic control was used in the surgical treatment of three cases of inverted papilloma. In all three cases, the lesions were unilateral and localized, with limited extension into the sinonasal region, and they were not associated with malignancy or recurrent (as proved by endoscopy, computed tomography, and histopathologic examination). Total removal of the mass was achieved through a conservative intranasal approach. Endoscopic follow-up for periods ranging between 12 and 39 months, with an average of 23 months, failed to identify any recurrence. These findings point to the feasibility of applying this conservative endoscopic approach for total excision of limited lesions of inverted papilloma.