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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
The Use of Hand-Held Digital Otoscope as a Basic Nasal Endoscopy Tool for Lacrimal Evaluation and Pedagogy Instrument
Obaidur Rehman1, Sima Das1, Rafal Nowak2
1Department of Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology, Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Purpose:
To investigate the utility of a hand-held digital otoscope for nasal endoscopy and as a pedagogy tool for residents and fellows in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery.
Methods:
A digital otoscope (MS450-NTE, Teslong Inc., USA) comprising a digital screen device and a connectible camera probe was used for performing nasal endoscopy. Inspection of nasal cavities was performed pre-, intra-, and post-operatively in sequential patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, who underwent DCR or lacrimal probing. Images (1920 × 1080 pixels) and videos (1280 × 720 pixels) were captured. The device was also used for training residents and fellows in performing nasal endoscopy, and to teach basic concepts.
Results:
The digital otoscope could be used for routine outpatient nasal examination and for performing minor procedures. 53.8% (n = 13) of ophthalmology trainees had never observed nasal endoscopy and 84.6% could not identify more than one major structure correctly prior to the current training. Post-training, all trainees could independently perform nasal endoscopy with the device and 76.9% identified all structures correctly.
Conclusion:
A digital otoscope with a camera probe is a handy tool for nasal endoscopy and pedagogy. Low-cost gadgets such as this device can effectively be used for performing outpatient nasal endoscopy when expensive endoscopes are unavailable and in peripheral healthcare centers.
