Laryngoscopy: appraisal of 202 procedures carried out in two centers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Laryngoscopy is a visual examination of the larynx and its related structures. It is an effective procedure for ascertaining the causes of laryngeal disorders, pain in the throat and difficulty in swallowing and should be used in all ENT clinics routinely.

Aim and Objective: This study established the use of laryngoscopy in two otolaryngology clinics in Port Harcourt. It also analyzed the indications, findings and the role it played in the management of patients.

Patients and Methods: This was a 2-year (1st January 2013 to 31stDecember 2014) prospective study of 202 laryngoscopy procedures done in the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery clinics of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Port Harcourt and Kinx Medical Consultants clinic in Port Harcourt. The researchers in a profoma prepared for the study, documented all laryngoscopies done. The data collected were bio-data (age and sex), presenting symptoms/indications for the procedure, types of laryngoscopy and findings at laryngoscopy /biopsy results. The data were entered into SPSS version 14 computer software and analyzed descriptively.

Results: There were a total of 202 (60 males and 142 females) with M: F ratio of 1:2.4. The age range was 18-83 years with a mean of (54.5 ± 5.64) years and median age of 32 years. Age group 40-50 years had the highest number of procedures. The commonest type of laryngoscopy done was indirect laryngoscopy and the commonest indication was pre-operative evaluation for thyroidectomy. The commonest positive findings were hyperaemia and indurations in 25 cases.

Conclusion: Indirect laryngoscopy using laryngeal mirror remains a very useful cost effective diagnostic procedure in the otorhinolaryngology clinics.

Keywords: Laryngoscopy, laryngeal mirror, fibreoptic laryngoscopy, rigid laryngoscopy, hoarseness, globuspharyngeus