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Successful wireless capsule endoscopy for a 2.5-year-old child: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from mixed, juvenile, capillary hemangioma-angiomatosis of the jejunum.

The lesion responsible for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in the pediatric population may not be determined with standard primary endoscopic methods. Wireless capsule endoscopy, now a first-line modality for evaluation of the small bowel in the adult population, is a tool that may be useful among children. We report a case of a 2.5-year-old girl who presented with melenic stools. Upper and lower endoscopy, Meckel scans, and mesenteric angiography yielded negative results. Wireless capsule endoscopy identified numerous abnormal, dilated, blood vessels in the proximal jejunum, with associated fresh blood. The patient underwent surgical exploration, with resection of the affected portion of the jejunum. Pathologically, the dilated blood vessels were consistent with mixed, juvenile, capillary hemangioma-angiomatosis of developmental or congenital origin. The patient fared well postoperatively, with no additional bleeding in 9 months of follow-up monitoring. This case report highlights the use of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and successful treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in a young infant. This is the youngest reported patient treated with the use of wireless capsule endoscopy in the pediatric population.

Angiomatosis↗

Advances in gastrointestinal endoscopy and laser therapy; the way ahead.

Modern flexible fibreoptics enable gastroenterologists to visualise and treat many lesions and conditions in the upper gastrointestinal tract and colon. Therapeutic endoscopy is forming a larger proportion of many unit's workload and the newer techniques to stop or prevent rebleeding are the subject of much research and development. Developments in the fields of operative endoscopy, small intestinal endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound are also progressing rapidly. The place of video-endoscopy is still to be established but potentially has several advantages over fibreoptic endoscopy. Laser therapy has been well established as a means of treating gastrointestinal haemorrhage from peptic ulcers, and has potential use in the treatment of angiomatous lesions. It is increasingly being used both for palliation and 'cure' of malignancy and neoplasia in the gastrointestinal tract. The use of such lasers depends upon thermal damage, but newer types of non-thermal laser therapy, using pulsed lasers, or dye lasers with prior tumour sensitisation are rapidly going to be applied to the treatment of gastrointestinal disease.

Aged↗

Overview of monitoring in endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has evolved rapidly over the past 30 years and has become one of the larger specialities in medicine. An increasing number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are being performed with the aid of the flexible endoscope. With this expansion in the use of endoscopy came the routine administration of premedication. The endoscopist thus became a part-time anaesthetist. The lack of proper studies to evaluate the untoward effects of diazepam and, later, midazolam, at their introduction led to an unfortunate increase in reports of fatalities after the introduction of midazolam. Later studies showed the safety of these agents when properly administered, but the affair served to focus attention on monitoring in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The benefits of using extracorporeal monitoring equipment during endoscopy has not been proved in clinical trials, and because of this those bodies that issue guidelines on medical practice, such as the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, have not mandated the use of these devices. The guidelines issued have emphasized the importance of training and recertification in advanced cardiac life support. Many endoscopists are reluctant to recognize their role as anaesthetist, and to adopt new practices recommended in the guidelines. However, these changes represent the evolution of medicine and reflect the desire to ensure a uniform high quality of care and as such should not be resisted.

Anesthesia↗

Surgical resection of third ventricle colloid cysts. Preliminary results comparing transcallosal microsurgery with endoscopy.

It is still not determined which is the best surgical option for third ventricle colloid cysts. Since 1990, the authors have used a steerable fiberscope to remove colloid cysts in seven patients and have performed microsurgery via a transcallosal approach in eight patients. The two techniques were compared for operating time, length of hospital stay, incidence of complications, recurrence, and hydrocephalus, and days spent recuperating before return to work to determine if endoscopic removal of colloid cysts is a safe and effective alternative to microsurgery. Statistical analysis was adjusted for age, sex, and presenting symptoms. Microsurgical cases averaged 206 minutes of operating time whereas endoscopic cases averaged 127 minutes (p = 0.01). For combined days spent in the intensive care unit and on the ward, the patients averaged 9.5 days after microsurgery and 4 days after endoscopy (p = 0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in five of eight patients after microsurgery and in one of seven patients after endoscopy (p = 0.09); complications were transient and primarily related to short-term memory loss. In all patients, preoperative symptoms resolved and the cysts have not recurred. Postoperatively, one patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt after microsurgery but all patients were shunt-independent after endoscopy. Patients returned to work an average of 59 days after discharge following microsurgery compared with an average of 26 days after endoscopy (p = 0.05). Compared with transcallosal microsurgery for the removal of colloid cysts, these preliminary results show that a steerable endoscope reduced operating time and that patients spent fewer days in the hospital and returned to work sooner after endoscopy.

Adolescent↗

Outcome of non-variceal acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in relation to the time of endoscopy and the experience of the endoscopist: a two-year survey.

AIM: To prospectively assess the impact of time of endoscopy and endoscopist's experience on the outcome of non-variceal acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding patients in a large teaching hospital. METHODS: All patients admitted for non-variceal acute upper GI bleeding for over a 2-year period were potentially eligible for this study. They were managed by a team of seven endoscopists on 24-h call whose experience was categorized into two levels (high and low) according to the number of endoscopic hemostatic procedures undertaken before the study. Endoscopic treatment was standardized according to Forrest classification of lesions as well as the subsequent medical therapy. Time of endoscopy was subdivided into two time periods: routine (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and on-call (5 p.m.-8 a.m.). For each category of experience and time periods rebleeding rate, transfusion requirement, need for surgery, length of hospital stay and mortality we compared. Multivariate analysis was used to discriminate the impact of different variables on the outcomes that were considered. RESULTS: Study population consisted of 272 patients (mean age 67.3 years) with endoscopic stigmata of hemorrhage. The patients were equally distributed among the endoscopists, whereas only 19% of procedures were done out of working hours. Rockall score and Forrest classification at admission did not differ between time periods and degree of experience. Univariate analysis showed that higher endoscopist's experience was associated with significant reduction in rebleeding rate (14% vs 37%), transfusion requirements (1.8+/-0.6 vs 3.0+/-1.7 units) as well as surgery (4% vs 10%), but not associated with the length of hospital stay nor mortality. By contrast, outcomes did not significantly differ between the two time periods of endoscopy. On multivariate analysis, endoscopist's experience was independently associated with rebleeding rate and transfusion requirements. Odds ratios for low experienced endoscopist were 4.47 for rebleeding and 6.90 for need of transfusion after the endoscopy. CONCLUSION: Endoscopist's experience is an important independent prognostic factor for non-variceal acute upper GI bleeding. Urgent endoscopy should be undertaken preferentially by a skilled endoscopist as less expert staff tends to underestimate some risk lesions with a negative influence on hemostasis.

Adult↗

Comparison between empirical prokinetics, Helicobacter test-and-treat and empirical endoscopy in primary-care patients presenting with dyspepsia: a one-year study.

AIM: To investigate the optimal strategy to treat dyspeptic patients in primary care. METHODS: Dyspeptic patients presenting to primary care outpatient clinics were randomly assigned to: (1) empirical endoscopy, (2) H pylori test-and-treat, and (3) empirical prokinetic treatment with cisapride. Early endoscopy was arranged if patients remained symptomatic after 2 wk. Symptom severity, quality-of-life (SF-36) as well as patient preference and satisfaction were assessed. All patients underwent endoscopy by wk 6. Patients were followed up for one year. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty four patients were recruited (163 female, mean age 49). 46% were H pylori positive. 26% of H pylori tested and 25% of empirical prokinetic patients showed no improvement at wk 2 follow-up and needed early endoscopy. 15% of patients receiving empirical cisapride responded well to treatment but peptic ulcer was the final diagnosis. Symptom resolution and quality-of-life were similar among the groups. Costs for the three strategies were HK dollar 4343, dollar 1771 and dollar 1750 per patient. 66% of the patients preferred to have early endoscopy. CONCLUSION: The three strategies are equally effective. Empirical prokinetic treatment was the least expensive but peptic ulcers may be missed with this treatment. The H pylori test-and-treat was the most cost-effective option.

Adolescent↗

Diagnostic yield and safety of capsule endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: the capsule endoscopy (CE), from his approval, has become a first line diagnostic procedure for the study of the small bowel disease. The aim of this study is to report our experience since the implantation of this technique in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective review of the CE undertaken in Department of Endoscopy. There was gathered in every case the age, sex, motive of consultation, previous diagnostic procedures, capsule endoscopy findings and complication of the technique. One took to end a descriptive and analytical analysis. RESULTS: there was achieved a total of 416 explorations in 388 patients. The obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequent indication (83.30%) followed by suspected Crohn s disease (7.5%). Angiodisplasia was the endoscopic lesion more frequently detected (42.2%), especially, in patients with digestive bleeding of obscure origin (OR 3.13 p < 0.001), followed by the flebectasia (10.6%) and the ulcer suspicious of Crohn s disease (9.9%). The global diagnostic yield as for the detection of injuries was 77.34% with a case of "not defecation of the capsule" and therefore need of laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: the capsule endoscopy is a technique consolidated and as his potential is known, his indications are extended. The obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent indication and the angiodisplasia the most identified injury. Once known his diagnostic yield, larger studies are needed that assess the influence of capsule endoscopy on clinical outcoumes.

Capsule Endoscopy↗

[Colonoscopy with computed tomography with volume reconstruction. The results and a comparison with endoscopy and surgery].

PURPOSE: Virtual CT colonoscopy is a novel technique whose diagnostic accuracy and clinical yield are currently investigated. Several studies have shown its capabilities in detecting colon and rectal cancers. We report the results of a preliminary experience with the volume rendering technique and compare CT colonoscopy with endoscopy and surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our series consisted of 25 patients with colon cancer confirmed at endoscopy and/or surgery. All examinations were carried out with a spiral CT scanner Philips Tomoscan AVE1. Intestinal preparation was adequate in all patients, consisting in gas insufflated immediately before acquisition, after the injection of 100 mL iodinated contrast agent. All examination were performed in prone position using axial 5 mm slices with 5 mm table feed (pitch 1) and 2 mm reconstruction index; 120 kV and 200-250 mA were used. Images were transferred to a workstation (Easy Vision, Philips, release 4.2.1.1) for processing. We acquired multiplanar (MPR) and virtual endoscopic images with volume rendering; the selected threshold was -250 to -600 Hounsfield Units. Virtual endoscopic images could be obtained in 23 of 25 cases. The results of the radiological study were compared with endoscopic and surgical findings in 25 and 17 cases, respectively. RESULTS: Endoscopy and surgery detected 46 lesions: 29 were malignant and 17 benign. Axial CT and MPR alone detected 35 lesions (76%), 29 of them malignant and 6 benign. The 11 benign lesions missed by axial CT ranged 6-8 mm in diameter. There were no false positives. CT colonoscopy alone detected 66 lesions, but 22 of them were false positive due to residual stool in the colon (21 cases) and to residual barium in the colon (1 case). Combining CT colonoscopy and axial and MPR images enabled to correct the false positive diagnoses made by CT colonoscopy alone and to decrease the false negative ratio of axial and MPR images. Forty-one of 44 lesions (93%) were detected. Thirty-seven lesions were found in the 17 surgical patients; 34 of them were correctly identified combining CT colonoscopy and axial and MPR findings, while endoscopy detected only 31 lesions. Thus, CT had 92% sensitivity, versus 83% of fiberoptic endoscopy. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary experience volume rendering CT colonoscopy exhibited high sensitivity in detecting colon cancers, but their correct evaluation and characterization can be obtained if axial and MPR studies are combined. Further investigation and technological developments are necessary to define the yield of this new technique.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Computers in endoscopy.

Computers have taken over the endoscopy unit, as they have the rest of society. In 1980, most endoscopy units had no computers at all. Today, however, the average hospital endoscopy unit in the United States is equipped with many computers. Computers have revolutionized performance and teaching techniques of endoscopy. Changes in communication of findings and management of the endoscopy unit that are occurring are attributed to the use of computers. This article discusses videoendoscopy, advances in electronic technology, and the impact of the digital image.

Communication↗

Symptom-directed selective endoscopy: long-term efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous primary neoplasms have been encountered in some patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Routine panendoscopy along with various radiological tests have been advocated to identify these potential tumors. In 1993, we originally described symptom-directed, selective endoscopy as an efficient and cost-effective means to evaluate patients to identify synchronous primary neoplasms. OBJECTIVE: To review the ultimate success rate of symptom-directed, selective endoscopy in that initial cohort of patients and the success of the program longitudinally in clinical practice over the intervening 6 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The status of the original 100 patients who participated in the selective endoscopy study were reviewed at least 6 months after the original procedure. A statistically significant random sample of 101 subsequent patients who had at least 6 months' follow-up or until their death were reviewed. RESULTS: No additional primary, mucosal head and neck, esophageal, or pulmonary cancers were identified in the surviving original cohort of patients suggesting that the selective endoscopy identified all synchronous tumors. Sixteen metachronous primary cancers were identified between 12 and 70 months after the initial evaluation. Eight synchronous primary cancers were identified in the new cohort using symptom-directed evaluation, direct laryngopharyngoscopy, and chest x-ray films. No additional tumors were detected within 6 months. CONCLUSION: Symptom-directed, selective endoscopy seems to be an effective alternative to routine panendoscopy in identifying synchronous primary cancers.

Cohort Studies↗

"Endoview" project of intrapartum endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The change in obstetrical practices over the last decade in favor of trials of labor in patients with uterine scars has resulted in increased incidences of uterine ruptures. Although neither repeat cesarean delivery nor a trial of labor is risk free, evidence from a large multicenter study shows vaginal birth after the cesarean (VBAC) is associated with shorter hospital stays, fewer postpartum blood transfusions, and a decreased incidence of postpartum maternal fever. The uterine rupture remains the most serious complication associated with VBAC. Factors associated with uterine rupture include excessive exposure to oxytocin, dysfunctional labor, and a history of more than 1 cesarean delivery.2 Because uterine rupture may be a life-threatening event, intrapartum surveillance and the ability to perform an emergency surgery are both necessary when trial of labor is allowed. Until now, no early symptoms pathognomonic to uterine rupture had been described. We share our experiences with the novel approach to the problem - an intrapartum endoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endoscopic examination was accomplished by using the intraoperational fiberscope (Olympus and Endoview system (Costa Mesa, CA, USA). A gas-sterilized 25-cm long fiberscope is introduced into the amniotic cavity through the cervical canal after rupture of the membranes. The distance between the fiberscope and the object varies from 3 to 50 mm. The fiberscope has a separate channel for the fluid infusion (normal saline) throughout the procedure; the surgeon looks through the eyepiece directly and exhibits control over the flexible scope. The duration of endoscopy is less than 15 minutes. The inserting of the endoscopic device is very similar to that of insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter. The IRB Committees of both participating institutions approved the study protocol. Twenty-eight patients with an unknown or poorly documented site of the uterine scar were included in the study. An ultrasound examination had been performed on all patients prior to endoscopy to assess fetal wellbeing and placental location. The ages of the patients ranged from 21 to 38 years. Eighteen women had 1 previous cesarean delivery, and 10 had 2. The performance of intrapartum endoscopy did not interfere with fetal monitoring; 21 fetuses were monitored externally, 7 internally. Indications for previous cesarean deliveries were as follows: fetal distress in 11 cases, failure to progress in labor in 8, placenta previa in 2, and unknown in 7. Twenty-one patients delivered vaginally; 7 had had repeat cesarean deliveries. All neonates were born in satisfactory condition. The Apgar scores at 1 minute varied from 7 to 9 and at 5 minutes from 8 to 10. The integrity of the uterine wall was assessed by manual postpartum uterine exploration in each case of vaginal delivery and by visualization and palpation of the scar site in each abdominal delivery. RESULTS: The lower uterine segment and contractile portion of the anterior uterine wall were visualized successfully in all patients. In 25 patients, the presumed scar site looked totally indistinguishable from the rest of the lower uterine segment and anterior uterine wall. Two scars were identified as vertical in 2 patients who were delivered by a repeat abdominal operation. A vertical scar appears as a groove running in a cephalad-caudad direction from the lower uterine segment into the contractile portion of the anterior uterine wall. The usefulness of the intrapartum endoscopy is best demonstrated by the following case reports (2 of 28 study cases).

Adult↗

[Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the possibility of curing chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy. METHOD: 30 adult eyes with chronic dacryocystitis were divided into two groups: 20 treated under endoscopy as endoscopy group and 10 under rhinoscope as control. RESULT: In endoscopy group, treatment in all 20 eyes successed at the first time, but in control group only in 8 of the 10 eyes successed at the first time and the other 2 needed second surgery. CONCLUSION: Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis by probing through naso-lacrimal duct under endoscopy is better.

Chronic Disease↗

[Assessment of the quality and psychological impact of information delivered using official consent forms in digestive endoscopy].

AIM: To test the impact of information brochures and informed consent forms in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy procedures. METHOD: All patients undergoing digestive endoscopy procedures during a two-month period were given information about the procedure to be performed by delivery of an information form produced by the French Endoscopy and Gastroenterology Societies. The patients were then asked to sign an inform consent form. A questionnaire about the informed consent form and the consent experience was given to all patients after the endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 108 consecutive patients. The informed consent form was completely read by 96.3% and understood by 95%. Sixteen percent asked for complementary information, all about complications. Twenty percent were distressed by the explanations. Receiving written information was surprising for 22.2% of the patients, and distressing for 18.5% mainly when endoscopy was planned without general anesthesia (P=0.01 versus general anesthesia). Obtaining informed consent was qualified as a normal procedure for 47.2%, but distressing for 19.4%. It was considered by 41.1% as a way for doctors to be discharged from their obligations. CONCLUSION: The informed consent forms written by scientific societies are easy to understand. One third of the patients were distressed or surprised to be given oral or written information. To sign a written consent form before an endoscopy procedure is considered to be a means of discharging practitioners from their responsibilities for 30% of the patients.

Adult↗

Endoscopy: current state and future trends in tumor diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has been significantly improved during the last decade. Tumors of less than 5 mm in diameter can now be detected by using high-resolution videoendoscopes. Additional in vivo staining allows better delineation and more precise identification of the lateral spreading of lesions. Today the missing of cancers in early stage is mainly due to lack of screening programs rather than technical limitations. Endoscopic mucosal resection of superficial lesions is primarily a diagnostic procedure to determine the need for surgery. However, it may be curative when histology proves a complete resection. Swallowable endoscopy capsules provide access to the entire small bowel. The capsule takes 2 images/second and transmits them to a recorder. After passage of the small bowel the 50,000 recorded images are reviewed on a computer. The capsule should not be used in patients with suspected intestinal stenosis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an established procedure for the T- and N-staging of gastrointestinal tumors. With an accuracy rate of around 90%, this method is helpful for the therapeutic decision e.g. indication for operation. EUS cannot distinguish benign from malignant changes, particularly in focal pancreatic lesions. However, this drawback can be reduced with EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of the primary lesion or an accessible lymph node. At 7.5-20 MHz the gastrointestinal wall is visualized in 5 and more layers allowing for detailed staging of T1 tumors. 3D-EUS resolution is described to be better than 100 microns. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a resolution of 10-20 microns demonstrates tissue micro-architecture. Structures only seen in histology before are visualized real-time in vivo during endoscopy. However, the infiltration depth is only 1 mm and the method is still in the clinical experimental stage. Confocal microscopy has been recently adapted for endoscopy. Images from the first clinical evaluations already show single cells and nuclei. Cellular characteristics become visible and endoscopy is on the way towards optical biopsy.

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal↗

Lugol's iodine dye-enhanced endoscopy in patients with cancer of the oesophagus and head and neck.

Lugol's iodine dye indicates the presence of unsuspected early oesophageal cancers during endoscopy at which such cancers fail to show the characteristic black colour change. We evaluated Lugol's iodine dye-enhanced endoscopy in 17 patients with oesophageal cancer. In a further 37 patients with head and neck cancer we examined the use of Lugol's iodine since these patients have a 29% risk of synchronous oesophageal cancer. The oesophagus was sprayed with Lugol's iodine (1.5%) during endoscopy. Any areas not turning black were biopsied. In 13 patients with oesophageal cancer discrete areas beyond the macroscopically obvious primary tumour showed no change in colour. Biopsy revealed cancer in all cases. Six synchronous cancers were found in the head and neck group, one of which was identified only by the use of Lugol's iodine. Lugol's iodine augmented the information gained about the oesophageal mucosa during endoscopy. It revealed unsuspected cancer which altered the management of patients with primary oesophageal cancer as well as those with head and neck cancer. We recommend the routine use of Lugol's iodine-enhanced endoscopy for surveillance of all 'at risk' oesophageal cases.

Adult↗

[Advantage of virtual endoscopy in the evaluation of the ossicular chain].

PURPOSE: Our study consists of a comparison of traditional computed tomography (CT) data sets with 2 views of virtual endoscopy in the preoperative evaluation of various diseases of the middle ear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 59 patients, all sent for conductive hearing loss with normal eardrum who underwent a complete CT examination: axial helical acquisition and coronal incremental acquisition: virtual endoscopy with selection of two reproducible views: an external one of the auditory canal and a lower one of the hypotympanum. Reading was performed by 2 independent radiologists. All patients were subsequently operated by the same surgeon. Results were compared with surgical reports. RESULT: Virtual endoscopy is valuable for the evaluation of ossicular and prosthesis dislocations, morphological anomalies of the malleus, incus, and stapes superstructure. Nevertheless, standard axial and coronal CT images remain necessary as confirmed by the poor results of virtual endoscopy in cases of attic obstruction, cholesteatomas and otospongiosis. CONCLUSION: Virtual endoscopy is a valuable technique of the evaluation of some ossicular chain pathologies but it cannot be used alone.

Adolescent↗

Intravenous midazolam sedation in pediatric diagnostic upper digestive endoscopy. A prospective study in a general hospital.

The positive role of benzodiazepines (Midazolam) in conscious sedation in pediatric patients is widely known. However, problems concerning the role of sedation in diagnostic upper endoscopy are a matter for debate as little is known about dosage and timing. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy, safety and optimal intravenous sedation dosage of midazolam in 257 consecutive patients, aged 2 months to 18 years old, who underwent upper endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract. The initial midazolam dosage was 0.2 mg/kg Bw (Body weight) i.v. for 1 minute and, if necessary, another 0.1 mg/kg Bw was administered 5 minutes later. If sedation was sufficient, the procedure would be started 4-5 minutes later; if not, another 0.1 - 0.2 mg/kg Bw would be administered. All procedures were performed by a pediatrician together with a gastroenterologist. No serious complications occurred in any of the procedures. Oxygen saturation (OS) was maintained at over 90%, if necessary with blowby oxygen. Flumazenil was administered to 7 children (OS < 90%). Endoscopy could not be completed in 1 child. All endoscopies were completed within 10 minutes. No unexpected hospital admissions were necessary. The mean midazolam dosage was 0.4 mg/kg Bw in patients up to 6 years, for the over 6 years-olds the mean dosage was decreased to 0,2 mg/kg Bw. Particular attention was paid to the importance of informing patients before the procedure. Endoscopic diagnostic procedures can be performed safely and effectively in children with intravenous sedation in a well equipped pediatric endoscopy unit.

Adolescent↗

Nasal endoscopy in asthmatic children: clinical role in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of rigid nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis and adenoiditis in asthmatic children. Hundred-forty-five asthmatic children (aged 2-15 years) with recurrent upper respiratory symptoms were evaluated with complete ENT examination and nasal endoscopy by rigid endoscope during local anaesthesia. A step by step endoscopic procedure is described. Endoscopy was successfully performed in 128 patients (88.3%). Purulent rhinosinusitis was diagnosed in 61 subjects (47.6%) and adenoiditis in 45 subjects (35.1%). Rhinosinusitis was associated with adenoiditis in 35 subjects (27.3%), more frequently in younger children (i.e. 2-5 years). Nasal bacteria occurred in 90% of rhinosinusitis patients. Numerous anatomical anomalies were identified. Endoscopy of nasal cavity and rhinopharynx is less traumatic and more readily accepted than other methods. Nasal endoscopy may be proposed as an appropriate routine diagnostic tool in children since it is well tolerated, easily and quickly performed, cost-efficient, and useful in diagnosing rhinosinusitis.

Adenoids↗