ePoster
Presentations Description
Institution: Westmead Hospital - NSW, Australia
Aims:
To present a novel, safe, and inexpensive technique for rigid oesophagoscopy using a standard microlaryngoscopy setup and a disposable endotracheal tube (ETT), enabling enhanced visualisation and atraumatic access to the upper oesophagus.
Methodology:
A conventional microlaryngoscopy arrangement with a Lindholm laryngoscope is prepared. A size 7 ETT is modified as an oesophageal conduit by railroading it over a 0-degree rigid endoscope. Under direct microlaryngoscopic view, the laryngoscope is positioned to expose the upper oesophageal inlet, after which the endoscope-ETT assembly is advanced carefully into the oesophagus. Continuous white-light visualisation allows controlled insertion and detailed assessment. The ETT provides gentle circumferential dilation, splaying the mucosa to improve detection of subtle lesions and foreign bodies.
Results:
Compared with traditional rigid oesophagoscopes, this technique provided markedly improved visualisation due to high-definition imaging and bright illumination. The smooth, flexible ETT profile enabled atraumatic passage while maintaining adequate luminal expansion. Its splinting effect reliably opened mucosal folds, allowing identification of small or concealed abnormalities. The technique was simple, reproducible, and required only readily available, low-cost equipment. No mucosal injuries, intraoperative complications, or postoperative symptoms beyond routine expectations were observed.
Conclusion:
This rigid oesophagoscopy method, combining a standard microlaryngoscopy setup with a size 7 ETT railroaded over a 0-degree endoscope, offers a safe, practical, and cost-effective alternative to conventional oesophagoscopes. Superior visualisation from modern camera systems and gentle dilation from the ETT support improved inspection of minor mucosal pathology. Its simplicity, safety profile, and accessibility make it a valuable technique for routine ENT practice.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Reza Bigdeli - , Dr Mark Smith - , Dr Niranjan Sritharan - , Prof Carsten Palme - , Prof Faruque Riffat -
