• C S Grabas, S Charabi, and V H Balle.
• Øre-naese-halsafdelingen, Amtssygehuset i Gentofte.
• Ugeskr. Laeg. 2001 Nov 19;163(47):6586-9.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the teaching of mirror examination of the larynx and rhinopharynx is still relevant and to estimate whether it is still a reliable examination.Material And MethodTwenty-five patients underwent a mirror examination of the larynx and rhinopharynx by a young doctor, a young otorhinolaryngologist, and a senior otorhinolaryngologist.ResultsNot surprisingly the senior otorhinolaryngologist conducted the most adequate examinations. Forty-three percent of the laryngoscopies were adequate, that is all anatomic structures were seen. Forty-one per cent provided a reasonable survey, that is a few anatomic structures were not seen. This shows that 84% of the laryngoscopies could be used to give a reasonable examination of the larynx. Only 27% of the rhinoscopies were completely adequate, and as many as 49% were inadequate.DiscussionRoutine mirror examination of the larynx adequately provides a reliable diagnosis in most patients. But in some, it is not adequate, and here fibrolaryngoscopy is a good alternative and a more reliable examination. Mirror examination of the rhinopharynx is difficult, so if a disease of the rhinopharynx is suspected, the patient must be given a fibroscopy and biopsy under general anaesthesia.

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