Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
03:58

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation

Published on: August 2, 2024

Flexible endoscopy of aerodigestive tract in small infants

Yu-Sheng Lee1, Wen-Jue Soong, Mei-Jy Jeng

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|October 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Flexible endoscopy (FE) is a safe and effective tool for diagnosing respiratory distress in infants. This study found laryngomalacia to be the most common diagnosis, with few complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Flexible endoscopy (FE) is crucial for diagnosing infant airway issues.
  • Congenital or acquired airway lesions can cause significant respiratory distress in infants.
  • Comprehensive investigation and management are vital for affected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility and safety of flexible endoscopy in infants.
  • To identify common airway findings in infants presenting with respiratory distress.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 568 infants under one year old who underwent FE.
  • Analysis of medical history, diagnoses, interventions, and complications.
  • Focus on infants with symptoms of respiratory distress.

Main Results:

  • FE was primarily diagnostic (91.2%) in infants aged 4.5 months.
  • Stridor was the most common indication (38.0%), with laryngomalacia the frequent finding (33.3%).
  • Synchronous lesions were identified in 61.8% of cases, with no major complications.

Conclusions:

  • Flexible endoscopy provides direct visualization of the infant aerodigestive tract.
  • Laryngomalacia is the leading cause of respiratory distress diagnosed via FE in infants.
  • Frequent synchronous lesions necessitate thorough aerodigestive tract evaluation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach04:47

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach

Published on: June 23, 2023

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure01:15

Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure

Endotracheal or ET intubation is a critical medical procedure used to secure a patient's airway, often in acute respiratory distress, apnea, upper airway obstruction, ineffective clearance of secretions, high risk for aspiration, or during general anesthesia.
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy01:28

Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained...