In recent years many articles stressing the need for visualization of the nasopharynx both for diagnostic and for surgical purposes have been published. To mention a few: Guggenheim1 has described his technique for direct adenoidectomy; Dalton2 devised a self-retaining illuminating palate retractor, and Meltzer3 has stressed the value of direct adenoidectomy for the prevention of deafness.
The adjustable self-retaining palatal elevator and mouth gag to be described, which fills a long-felt need in otolaryngology, combines the advantage of exposing the epipharynx and allowing the operator the free use of both his hands without the aid of an assistant. This palatal elevator can be moved horizontally and anchored in a fixed position to the soft palate. By an upward turn it can also elevate the soft palate and expose the nasopharynx. It has practical use for the removal of faucial tonsils, islands of lymphoid hyperplastic, and lateral pharyngeal, tissues.