What is Nasal Endoscopy?
It is a procedure that allows a doctor to look deep inside your nose by using a device similar to a telescope. The scope is placed into your nostrils. Your doctor may look directly through the scope or attach it to a video camera. The video camera projects images onto a screen. Many cameras are able to take photographs and record videos.
What are the Benefits of Nasal Endoscopy?
It allows for deeper examination of the nasal cavity and the drainage pathways of the sinuses. There are also scopes that have angled lenses which help to look around bends and corners. These benefits have made the nasal endoscope necessary in the management of nasal and sinus conditions.
Why is Nasal Endoscopy Performed
It is performed by Otorhinolaryngologists (Ear Nose & Throat, or ENT, doctors). The procedure is routinely done in the ENT clinic. It is used to evaluate patients with nasal or sinus complaints, such as stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, nose bleeds and loss of smell. Your doctors uses the scope to look for signs of infection, inflammation, bleeding, and abnormal growths or tumors. Nasal endoscopy is also used to perform procedures in the nose and sinuses. These may be done in the office or in the operating room.
How is Nasal Endoscopy Performed?
It is usually performed in a seated position. Prior to the procedure, your doctor may spray your nose with a numbing medication and a decongestant. This may improve their view and minimizes your discomfort. The scope is passed into each nostril, one at a time.
What are the Risks of Nasal Endoscopy?
Nasal endoscopy is very safe. It can cause some minor discomfort but is usually not painful. In rare cases, complications may occur.
Injury to the membrane that lines the inside of the nose can cause bleeding. Some patients are at greater risk of bleeding. Blood thinners (Aspirin, Coumadin, etc,) and clotting disorders increase the risk of bleeding.
In rare cases, a vasovagal reaction may also occur. This reaction is a reflex that causes the heart rate and blood pressure to drop. A patient may feel nauseous, light-headed or briefly pass out. Many patients will have experienced this reaction in the past, often at the sight of blood. Medical procedures and stressful situations may also cause the response. If you have experienced this in the past, it is best to tell your doctor prior to the procedure. Symptoms typically resolve when the patient is laid flat.
Although extremely rare, allergic reactions to medications may occur. It is important to notify your physician of any drug allergies you have prior to the procedure.
Copyright © 2020 by the American Rhinologic Society