The Use of Hand-Held Digital Otoscope as a Basic Nasal Endoscopy Tool for Lacrimal Evaluation and Pedagogy Instrument

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Lacrimal
• digital endoscope
• digital otoscope
• nasal endoscopy
• endoscopic probing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Funding

Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation (MJA) and JC Bose Grant of Science and Engineering Board (SERB), Government of India (MJA). Professor Ali receives royalties from Springer Nature for the 2nd editions of his treatise “Principles and Practice of Lacrimal Surgery,” and “Atlas of Lacrimal Drainage Disorders.”