Flexible endoscopy in ENT practice

Although rigid esophagoscopy and tracheobronchoscopy have always been a domain of the ENT surgeon,the development of flexible endoscopes has increased diagnostic and therapeutic indications in clinical practice. Component elements of fiberendoscopes and CCD endoscopes are shown. Techniques in flexible bronchoscopy,flexible esophagoscopy and rhinolaryngoscopy are explained. General and special indications of fiberendoscopy are listed. Possibilities and limitations of flexible bronchoscopy are shown. Flexible techniques for removing foreign bodies of the esophagus and indications for mini-endoscopy are demonstrated. Experience has shown that flexible endoscopy has brought the diagnosis and therapy of tubular organs into a new perspective.Since flexible techniques do not replace rigid ones and complement each another, ENT surgeons must be trained in both techniques.