importance of fibreoptic laryngoscopy in the diagnosis of voice disorders

Abstract   Objective: To find out the importance of fibreoptic laryngoscopy in diagnosis of voice disorders.   Design: Prospective observational study.   Methods: In this study, we included 61 patients presenting with a primary symptom of persistent change of voice for at least 4 weeks. Of these 29 patients were female and 32 were male. Following detailed examination with a 70 degree rigid fibreoptic laryngoscope,we had come to a diagnosis.   Result: Among these patients we found vocal fold nodules (50.8%), laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), vocal fold polyp, keratotic mass of vocal folds, vocal fold paralysis , Reinke's oedema and sulcus vocalis also found .   Conclusion: Fibreoptic laryngoscopy is a very useful examination for diagnosing various types of voice disorders.   KeyWords: Fibreoptic laryngoscope, hoarseness