Observation Of The Esophagus, Pharynx And Lingual Root By Gastrointestinal Endoscopy With A Percutaneous Retrograde Approach

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of retrograde observation of the esophagus, pharynx, larynx and lingual root.METHODS: With the beagle dog under anesthesia, the anterior wall of the stomach was fixed on the abdominal wall in a similar way to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The gastrointestinal scope was inserted via a 12 mm laparoscopic port for subsequent retrograde observation from stomach to the oral cavity.RESULTS: With this technique, direct observation of gastric cardia was possible without restriction. The cervical esophagus was dilated well, also allowing clear observation of the hypopharyngo-esophageal junction. If the tongue was manually pulled out forward, observation of the lingual root was possible.CONCLUSION: This procedure is easy and effective for pre-treatment evaluation of the feasibility of endoscopic resection in cases of superficial carcinoma of head and neck. (C) 2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved.