Office-based videoendoscopy for the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus.

We have manufactured a trial videoendoscope for the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus in cooperation with Asahi Optical Co, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan. In this paper we report on the clinical trial of this new and useful videoendoscope. The videoendoscope has small charge-coupled device (CCD) chip built into the tip of this endoscope and is equipped with a transparent hood at the tip, which allows observation and treatment of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. The outer diameters of the hood (7.5 mm) and the insertion tube (5.1 mm) of the videoendoscope are relatively small, and the diameter of the instrument channel is 2 mm. The videoendoscope system is compact. Compared with conventional flexible fiberscopy and rigid endoscopy, this videoendoscope has several clear advantages. It presents a clear dynamic color image on a color video monitor and provides excellent resolution and recording, thus yielding a high diagnostic accuracy. The diameter of the videoendoscope is relatively small and results in less discomfort for patients. Patients can be examined in a sitting position on a procedure chair at an ENT outpatient clinic, which obviates general anesthesia. The endoscope can be used not only for observation but also for examination and treatment, including biopsy and foreign body extraction. This new endoscope thus widens the indications for office-based endoscopy of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus.