Nasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used by ENT specialists to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat. It involves inserting an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light source and camera, into the nasal cavity. This provides real-time images displayed on a monitor, allowing for detailed views and leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Types of Nasal Endoscopy
Nasal endoscopy can be categorized into two types based on its purpose:
Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (DNE)
Therapeutic Nasal Endoscopy
Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (DNE)
Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (DNE) examines the nasal passages to diagnose various nasal conditions:
Nose blockage
Addressing abnormalities
Unexplained nosebleeds
DNE offers high-resolution images, facilitating precise diagnosis. The entire process typically lasts only 4 to 5 minutes, making it a quick and efficient method for accurately identifying these conditions.
What can a nasal endoscopy detect?
Diagnostic nasal endoscopy is required in various situations, including:
Sinusitis: Doctors use diagnostic nasal endoscopy for sinusitis to determine the type of sinus infection, such as bacterial or fungal.
Nosebleed: Endoscopy helps pinpoint the exact source of the bleeding.
Nasal conditions: Diagnostic nasal endoscopy is also employed to diagnose nasal blockages, identify abnormalities, and detect infections in the nasal passages.
Therapeutic Nasal Endoscopy
As the name suggests, Therapeutic nasal endoscopes are used for treatment procedures. These instruments are highly effective and minimally invasive, making them ideal for addressing various nasal and sinus conditions, such as:
Removing foreign bodies
Sinus issues
Nasal tumors
Nasal bleeding
One key advantage of therapeutic nasal endoscopes is their excellent magnification clarity. This allows doctors to see fine details, such as the sharp edges of foreign bodies, which aids in their careful removal. With its superior visualization capabilities and relatively low risk of side effects, this approach is considered the best for treating nasal and sinus issues.
When is nasal endoscopy needed?
Removing Foreign Bodies: When a foreign object becomes lodged in the nose, especially in children, doctors use therapeutic nasal endoscopes. These devices help visualise the object, assess its size and shape, and safely remove it.
Managing nasal bleeding: A nasal endoscope helps doctors pinpoint the exact source of nasal bleeding and apply treatments such as laser therapy or diathermy (using bipolar or monopolar energy) to stop the bleeding effectively.
Treating sinus issues: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) is a common procedure for treating sinus problems. This surgery is typically performed when medical treatments are ineffective.
Addressing nasal tumours: Doctors use therapeutic nasal endoscopy to diagnose nasal tumours and perform biopsy when necessary.
What equipment is needed for an endoscopy?
The essential equipment for nasal endoscopy includes:
Endoscope and Telescopes: in nasal endoscopy, doctors use 4mm endoscopy with 0 degrees and 30 degrees telescopes.
High-resolution cameras and monitors: A high-resolution cameras are crucial in nasal procedures. These cameras offer clearer and more detailed images, helping doctors identify and treat small and delicate nasal structures accurately. This camera must accurately show colours, even in difficult situations like heavy bleeding. So, using a high-end camera like a three-chip camera that processes red, green, and blue signals separately ensures image clarity even with significant red signal interference, such as from blood. This reduces the risk of complications by providing clear, instant views of nasal structures.
Cost of Nasal Endoscopy
The cost of nasal endoscopy can vary significantly depending on whether the procedure is diagnostic or therapeutic.
Diagnostic Nasal Endoscopy (DNE):
The cost of a diagnostic nasal endoscopy typically ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 INR.
Therapeutic Nasal Endoscopy:
The cost of therapeutic nasal endoscopy can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the type of anaesthesia used.
When performed under local anaesthesia, the cost typically ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 INR.
For general anaesthesia, the cost ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 INR.
Other factors, such as the healthcare facility, the surgeon's expertise, and the geographic location of the procedure, can also influence the overall cost of nasal endoscopy.
Is Nasal Endoscopy Painful?
Generally, nasal endoscopy is not painful due to the use of general and local anesthesia, which minimizes discomfort. Some patients may feel slight pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but it is not painful.
Side Effects of Nasal Endoscopy
Nasal endoscopy is generally a safe procedure with minimal side effects. However, sometimes, the conditions being treated can cause side effects rather than the endoscopic procedure itself. These may include:
Bleeding: Removing sharp foreign objects from the nasal passages can cause minor bleeding. Although bleeding is usually minor, patients must be aware of this possibility.
Anesthesia: Topical anesthesia is often applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure. While rare, some people may experience side effects from the anesthesia.
It's important to know that these side effects are rare and can be managed effectively in a hospital setting where the procedure is done.
Conclusion
Nasal endoscopy, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure crucial in diagnosing and treating various nasal and sinus conditions. Its excellent visualization capabilities, minimal discomfort, and low risk of side effects make it an essential tool in nasal healthcare.