ABSTRACT
A group of endoscopes were produced by Karl Storz that were specifically designed for the intra-operative evaluation of the larynx. This technique is called contact endoscopy and typically involves examination of the superficial epithelium of the larynx. Rigid endoscopy associated with microlaryngoscopy allowed the direct observation of the vascular networks and alterations. The first description of contact endoscopy is atributed to Desormaux in 1865, who observed the vascular network of the bladder mucosa. The development of contact endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract has led to establishing parallels with other areas such as gynaecology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and opthalmology. In 2007, observation of the mucosal vascular network was enhanced by combining contact endoscopy with an Olympus system of illumination called 'narrow band imaging'. The microcirculation is visible with illumination from a regular endoscopy light source. Contact endoscopy has identified that fungal infections are in many cases associated with chronic inflammatory changes, and dysplastic or neoplastic lesions in different anatomical sites.
