Role of transnasal flexible laryngo‐oesophagoscopy (TNFLO) in investigating patients with globus symptoms. (18th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohammed, H.; Coates, M.; Masterson, L.; Chan, W.Y.; Hassan, Y.; Nassif, R.
• Is Part Of: Clinical otolaryngology. Volume 42:Number 6(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1311
• Page End: 1318
• Publication Date: 2017-04-18
• Subjects: diagnosis -- dysphagia -- endoscopy -- gastro‐oesophageal -- head and neck cancer -- infectiuous conditions -- reflux; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1111/coa.12872
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-4478

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To explore the rationale for investigating patients presenting with globus symptoms. In this regard, we also assess the efficacy and safety of transnasal flexible laryngo‐oesophagoscopy (TNFLO). Methods: A prospective study in a head and neck cancer centre of patients with persistent globus symptoms with normal flexible nasoendoscopy/indirect mirror laryngoscopy and failure of first‐line medical treatment. The role of TNFLO in investigating these patients was assessed. Results: A total of 218 patients were recruited in this study. Positive findings included upper aerodigestive cancers in two patients, other pathologies included reflux (four patients), cricopharyngeus‐related pathologies (19 patients), candida (five patients). There were only five re‐referrals of patients who were discharged following normal examination with TNFLO. In nine patients, TNFLO could not be completed and they went on to have other diagnostic procedures Conclusion: This article is the largest to date in the UK to assess the role of TNFLO in investigating patients with globus symptoms. TNFLO is equal to rigid endoscopy as a diagnostic tool. However, it is superior in terms of image clarity, ability to record video images and safety