Sleep Apnea: Fiber-Optic Pharyngoscopy

Topic Overview

Fiber-optic pharyngoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look into the upper part of your respiratory system. He or she may use it to help decide how to treat your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

You remain awake during the procedure. Your doctor gives you medicine (anesthesia) to numb your throat and then places a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) inside your nostril and gently guides the tube into your throat. A camera at the end of the tube sends pictures to a video monitor.

This process is sometimes done while you are using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to find the areas in your airway that collapse during sleep.