Out-patient examination of the upper airway: a survey of current practice in the UK.

Questionnaires have been sent to all ENT Consultants practising in the UK in an attempt to establish current practice with regard to out-patient examination of the upper aerodigestive tract. Seventy-eight per cent of these were returned completed. The results indicate that mirror examination remains the most widely used method, though the fibreoptic rhinolaryngoscope and/or the Hopkins rod telescope are now used by many specialists. Mirrors are most frequently warmed by a spirit lamp, despite the fact that 125 respondents reported having had a fire in their departments. Other methods of warming mirrors are discussed.