In speech pathology and medicine, nasoendoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the velopharynx, or the nose, often with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the nostril. It can provide information to evaluate speech and velopharyngeal function or dysfunction, as in diseases such as sinonasal carcinomas.[1][2]

Nasoendoscopy
Purposeexam of the nose

Procedure

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Indications

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After removal of nasal packing following epistaxis, routine nasoendoscopy is not necessarily indicated.[3] However, widely accepted indications for nasoendoscopy include:[4]

  • abnormal speech characteristics: hypernasal resonance, excessive nasal airflow including nasal air escape and nasal turbulence (also called nasal rustle), and absence of or weak intra-oral air pressure for oral pressure consonants;
  • limited progress with speech therapy to establish oral pressure sounds;
  • difficulty maintaining intra-oral air pressure and velopharyngeal closure during speech;
  • patient has known or suspected abnormality of palate or velopharynx; and,
  • patient is being considered for pharyngoplasty, maxillary advancement or speech prosthesis.

Contraindications, complications, and safety

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No absolute contraindications exist for nasoendoscopy; and, while the procedure is relatively safe, the exact risk of the procedure depends on the skill and experience of the endoscope operator.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Pegoraro-Krook M. I., Dutka-Souza J. C., Marino V. C. (2008.) "Nasoendoscopy of velopharynx before and during diagnostic therapy", J App Oral Sci, 16(3):181-8.
  2. ^ Seikel J. A., King D. W., Drumright D. G. (2010.) Anatomy & Physiology for Speech, Language, and Hearing, Cengage Learning, p. 290.
  3. ^ Makarawo T. P., Howe D., Chan S. K. (2011.) "Is routine nasoendoscopy warranted in epistaxis patients after removal of nasal packing?", Allergy Rhinol, 2(1):12-5.
  4. ^ Nasoendoscopy Procedure - White Memorial Medical Center
  5. ^ Tabaee A., Hsu A. K., Kacker A. (2011.) "Indications, technique, safety, and accuracy of office-based nasal endoscopy with biopsy for sinonasal neoplasm", Int Forum Allergy Rhinol, 1(3):225-8.
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