Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation
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Comparative Study
Flexible laryngoscopy: a comparison of fiber optic and distal chip technologies. Part 1: vocal fold masses.
This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of fiber optic (FO) and distal chip (DC) flexible imaging platforms in the diagnosis of true vocal fold pathology when compared to the gold standard rigid transoral laryngeal telescopic examination. The recorded strobovideolaryngoscopic examinations of 34 consecutive patients were evaluated retrospectively by five raters. All stroboscopy segments were evaluated by two laryngologists, an otolaryngologist, a laryngology fellow, and an otolaryngology resident. ⋯ Rigid endoscopy provides superior images of the true vocal folds and is necessary for precise diagnosis in patients with true vocal fold pathology. Thus, the most cost-effective means of evaluation of voice disorders remains FO flexible endoscopy for dynamic voice assessment and the neurolaryngologic examination followed by rigid stroboscopy for evaluation of the vocal fold edge and mucosal wave. Strobovideolaryngoscopy using high-quality FO or DC flexible equipment should be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate transoral rigid examination, such as children and those with a very strong gag reflex.