High resolution magnifying endoscopy: a new diagnostic tool also for laryngeal examination?

Aim of this report is to introduce the use of a new high resolution magnifying endoscope in the endoscopic examination of the upper aerodigestive tract and discuss the usefulness of this tool in the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions. A total of 26 patients presenting various laryngeal disorders were examined by means of an electronic videoendoscope and a high resolution magnifying endoscope. The images obtained were examined and compared. High resolution high magnification endoscopic examination allowed a better description of the laryngeal lesions (colour, extension and thickness of the lesion, irregularities in surface and borders) with easy characterisation of aspect of neighbouring laryngeal mucosa especially in pre-malignant lesions. Furthermore, the optical magnifying zoom does not require a close approach to the laryngeal mucosa, therefore, local anaesthesia is not required. In conclusion, the high resolution magnified images obtained with this new tool provide important information on the characteristics of the laryngeal structures. This new endoscopic technology, as already occurred in gastric, oesophageal and colorectal disorders, could also be improved by using chromo-endoscopy and other vital stain techniques in order to provide useful information concerning pre-neoplastic lesions of the larynx.