If you often experience nosebleeds, nasal or sinus infections, facial pain, pressure, or loss of smell, your doctor may suggest a procedure known as nasal endoscopy. This procedure uses an endoscope to examine the interior of the sinuses and nasal cavities. An endoscope is indispensable for a comprehensive investigation of the sinus passages. It allows ENT doctors to find and diagnose issues faster without complications.
What is a Nasal Endoscopy Procedure?
Endoscopes
Endoscopes come in two varieties: rigid and flexible. They consist of a thin tube with a camera that uses fiber-optic cables and tiny lights. The endoscope helps view and magnify the interior of the nasal and sinus passages on a computer screen. Older endoscopes have angled lenses and mirrors to help see deep into the nasal cavity.
Nasal endoscopes are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of sinus conditions, such as:
• Nosebleeds
• Facial pressure and pain
• Congestion
• Sinus infections
• Diminished or loss of smell
• Headaches
• Breathing difficulties
• Tumors and polyps
How Nasal Endoscopes Are Used
A nasal endoscope allows for a better view of the inside of the nasal cavity. An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor customarily performs an endoscopy. The patient is seated erect in a chair and receives an anesthetic before the insertion of the endoscope into each nostril. The camera will capture images for examination and take tissue samples if necessary.
A nasal endoscope allows for a safe approach, with only negligible short-lasting discomfort. The anesthetic spray mitigates discomfort and reflexive sneezing during the procedure. The doctor should use a non-allergenic anesthetic to prevent complications. Make sure to inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinning medications before the endoscopy.
Doctors will use endoscopes for a variety of procedures, such as:
Debridement
Endoscopes can help clean the nasal cavities before and after surgeries to promote healing.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects can get lodged into the nose and become difficult to remove without the aid of an endoscope.
Surgery
Having a magnified and direct view of the sinus cavity helps improve sinus surgeries by being minimally invasive and offering live images, making them safer and more effective.
Nosebleeds
Endoscopes can help establish the origin of the nosebleed and aid in treatment.
If you have questions about the nasal endoscopy procedure, contact us today!