Electronic laryngoscopy procedure
Oct 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
During electronic laryngoscopy, anesthesia is applied to the patient's nasal cavity or pharynx to reduce the sensitivity of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. The physician inserts the electronic nasopharyngoscope into the anterior nasal cavity and gradually advances it into the nasopharynx, then further downward into the larynx, carefully and thoroughly examining the entire condition of the nose, pharynx, and larynx.
Electronic laryngoscopy involves inserting an electronic laryngoscope through the nasal cavity to examine the patient's pharynx and larynx via the nasopharyngeal passage. The procedure mainly consists of preoperative preparation, intraoperative examination, and postoperative considerations, as detailed below:
Preoperative preparation: Before undergoing laryngoscopy, patients should remain fasting or consume only a small amount of food. The doctor directly sprays anesthetic onto the mucous membrane of the throat and instructs the patient to hold it in place for approximately 2–3 minutes.
Intraoperative examination: During the examination, the patient lies down or sits upright. Typically, the patient is asked to protrude the tongue while the doctor inserts the laryngoscope through the mouth into the pharynx and onward to the larynx. Throughout the procedure, patients are generally instructed to phonate the sound "ee," allowing both vocal cords to fully close at the midline.
Postoperative considerations: Electronic laryngoscopy enables a comprehensive assessment of the nasal cavity and throat. After completing the procedure, ensure proper cleaning of the instrument and check whether any foreign objects are obstructing the patient’s airway.
