Concepts and Clinical Application of Fiberoptic Examination of the Upper Airway

Using the RPLS, clinicians now have easier access to areas of the upper airway that heretofore were the exclusive domain of the otolaryngologist often in the surgical suite. Routine inspection of the upper airway can lead to more timely diagnosis of hidden pathology. This results in appropriate referral of patients to the otolaryngologist, promoting a more productive and harmonious working association between the allergist and otolaryngologist to the benefit of both specialties and utimately to patients. In reviewing some of the many clinical circumstances for the use of the flexible fiber-optic RPLS in daily practice at the Allergy Respiratory Institute, it has been my purpose to share with the reader our experience with a remarkably useful clinical tool. I can testify without hesitation that the fiberopticscope has had a profound influence on the interpretation of patient complaints, leading to an enhanced patient-physician relationship and the identification of heretofore unrecognized pathology. It has allowed for early diagnosis and prompt appropriate otolaryngologic surgical intervention in circumstances where delay would have been a significant disadvantage to the patient. Lastly, precise examination of the upper airway has added a dimension to our office practice and has had a significant impact on our allergy practice potential.