ear, nose, and throat disorders
How To Do Mirror Laryngoscopy
Step by Step Description of Mirror Laryngoscopy
Adjust the external light source. Warm the mirror with warm water (about body temperature) to prevent fogging (check to make sure mirror is not too hot). Alternatively, coat the mirror with antifogging solution or alcohol. Wrap the patient's tongue with gauze and grasp it with your nondominant hand. The gauze will prevent the tongue from slipping and protect it from injury by the lower incisor teeth. Gently pull on the tongue. Instruct the patient to breathe deeply through the mouth, to help prevent gagging. Slide the mirror into the oropharynx without touching the tongue or any mucosa. Place the back of the mirror against the uvula and gently insert it further until the larynx can be clearly seen. If gagging occurs, remove the mirror and spray the posterior oropharynx with a topical anesthetic. Move the mirror gently and as little as possible to inspect the base of the tongue, valleculae, epiglottis, piriform sinuses, arytenoids, false and true vocal cords, and if possible the larynx below the vocal cords. Rotate the mirror from side to side with thumb and forefinger to bring lateral structures into view. Fully inspect the vocal cords. Instruct the patient to say "eeee," which will contract the vocal cords, and assess their function. 