Introduction

In-office biopsy (IOB) using local anaesthetic for laryngopharyngeal tumours has become an increasingly popular approach since the advent of distal chip endoscopes. Although a wide range of studies advocate use in clinical practice, the widespread application of the procedure is hampered by concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to assess the diagnostic accuracy of IOBs performed via flexible endoscopy. In addition, an analysis of potentially modifiable factors that may affect diagnostic accuracy was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL were used in the literature database search.

Results

875 studies were identified, 16 of which were included into the systematic review. 1572 successful biopsies were performed using flexible endoscopy. 1283 cases were accurately diagnosed in the outpatient setting (81.6%). 289 samples did not provide an accurate diagnosis (18.4%). The median sensitivity of IOBs was 73%, the specificity was 96.7%. Analysis of variable factors did not show any significant differences in method of approach, size of equipment (forceps), additional lighting system or learning curve.

Conclusion

IOBs are a viable tool for diagnostic workup of laryngopharyngeal tumours. Clinicians should be wary of reported limitations of IOBs when benign or pre-malignant diagnoses are made. In cases suspicious of malignancy, confirmatory investigation should be conducted.