We manufactured a trial videoendoscope for the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus with the Asahi Optical Co., LTD. This videoendoscope was equipped with a hood at its tip, so as to observe and treat the hypopharynx and the entrance of the esophagus. This videoendoscope showed better images compared to conventional fiberscopes. Its diameter was relatively thin and thus resulting in less suffering for patients on examination. We could examine patients in a sitting position at our ENT out-patient clinic. We were able to perform not only observation but also examination and treatment such as biopsy and foreign body extirpation with this scope.
