Telemedicine in laryngology.

Objective: The significance and usefulness of image transmission in laryngology were evaluated retrospectively on the basis of daily clinical practice.

Materials and methods: The subjects consisted of 29 patients with laryngeal disease, whose laryngeal findings had been already recorded on videotape. Patient data were sent to a major hospital by Internet e-mail. Two laryngeal images, during breathing at rest and phonation, were transmitted as an attached file. Using a rigid or flexible endoscope coupled with a one-chip CCD camera, laryngeal images were recorded. Pictures of these laryngeal images were printed by a video printer, digitized by a compact print scanner, and saved as JPEG files.

Results: The diagnosis made by the three specialists in laryngology (receivers), who referred to the transmitted images and text files of the patient's history, was identical to the diagnosis made by the general otolaryngologist (sender), who referred to the original pictures and patient data. All images were displayed with sufficient quality to evaluate morphologic abnormalities, and the disturbance of cordal movements was detectable by comparing images during breathing at rest with those obtained during phonation.

Conclusion: The image-transmitting system was a useful tool for consultation between otolaryngologists and for referrals from general practitioners to otolaryngologists.