Answer:

Throat endoscopy is a routine procedure in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examinations. Doctors prescribe it to evaluate and diagnose causes of a sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or suspected lesions in the throat and larynx. Unlike gastrointestinal endoscopy, throat endoscopy does not require patients to fast. This procedure is simple and takes a short time.

No specific preparation is needed before a throat endoscopy. However, for a safe and smooth procedure, inform your doctor about current medications, existing medical conditions, and any allergies. Staying relaxed and cooperative helps ensure the endoscopy proceeds quickly and smoothly.

Doctor Hang performs a throat endoscopy for a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

During a throat endoscopy, the doctor uses a specialized endoscope with an attached camera. This is inserted above the patient's tongue, moving from outside into the pharynx. The endoscope is flexible, causing no pain or discomfort. Endoscopic images appear clearly on a tivi screen, allowing the doctor to observe the tongue surface, uvula, tonsils, pharyngeal arch, bilateral piriform sinuses, base of the tongue, glottis, arytenoid cartilage, and vocal cords.

Modern endoscopy systems provide sharp images and color spectrum changes, helping doctors observe and diagnose accurately. This system also supports early screening for nasopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal-laryngeal cancer.

Patients must sit still throughout the throat endoscopy. For children undergoing the procedure, a family member should be present to hold them, limiting movement that could affect the endoscopy. After the procedure, patients can eat and drink normally.

Master, Doctor, Level II Specialist Tran Thi Thuy Hang

Head of Ear, Nose, and Throat Department

ENT Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM