Clinical Application of Endoscopy Using Smartphone

Background and Objectives: From patient monitoring and diagnostics to more efficient medical education and communication, smartphones serve a vital role in the practice of medicine today. This study was to evaluate the diagnostic capability of the smartphone installed with endoscopy adapter, as compared to the traditional endoscope, and to its investigate clinical utility. Material and Methods: This study enabled observation of internal body status using the portable light source device and camera of smartphone and rigid endoscope inside the ear, nose, and throat of adult man which cannot be directly observed with eyes of human, and obtained the image using the display and recording function of smartphone. Results: This study evaluated the photos obtained and use of endoscope examination using the smartphone. In the evaluation of photo image obtained, it obtained low score in comparison with the photo taken using the existing endoscope of clinics but no statistical significance was found. In the evaluation on use of endoscope examination using the smartphone, only ease of endoscope replacement and convenience on actual use showed statistical significance. Conclusions: In a clinical environment, satisfaction score showed relatively lower compared with the existing endoscopy, but it’s considered useful using for examination and diagnosis from U-healthcare, telemedicine, and emergency situation at low cost. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2016;27:103-111)