Therapeutic nasal endoscopy is a medical procedure involving the use of an endoscope to treat various conditions related to the nose and sinuses. The term "therapeutic" itself indicates that this technique is employed specifically for treatment purposes, distinguishing it from diagnostic nasal endoscopy, which is primarily used for examination.
Use of Therapeutic Nasal Endoscopy
Therapeutic Nasal Endoscopy can have multiple uses like
1. Removal of Foreign Bodies
One of the primary uses of therapeutic nasal endoscopy is the removal of foreign bodies from the nose, a common issue, especially in children. Children often insert objects into their noses out of curiosity, and these objects can become lodged and cause discomfort or injury. Using an endoscope, a doctor can visualize the foreign body, determine its size and shape, and carefully remove it. The endoscope provides magnification and clarity, allowing for precise extraction with minimal risk.
2. Addressing Nasal Bleeding
Another significant application of the endoscope is managing nosebleeds. Before endoscopes, treating nasal bleeding was a guessing game for ENTs because the exact location of the bleed couldn't be determined. Nosebleeds can originate from a specific bleeding point within the nasal cavity, often due to a microaneurysm—a weakened blood vessel that balloons out and bursts.
This condition can be related to high blood pressure or weakness in the vessel wall. With a nasal endoscope, the doctor can locate the exact source of bleeding and apply treatments such as laser or diathermy (using bipolar or monopolar energy) to stop the bleeding effectively.
3. Sinus Surgery
All sinus surgeries today, including Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), use a nasal endoscope. The introduction of endoscopes in treating sinusitis was revolutionary. It instantly tripled the success rate and gave doctors a better understanding of how sinuses function. With the latest advanced equipment and techniques, the success rate has now reached 99.9%.
Before the use of endoscopes, sinus surgery was more invasive, leaving a cut on the face, damaging the mucosa lining of the sinuses, and had a success rate of only 10%. The journey to a 99.9% success rate is due to the findings from using endoscopes in sinus surgery, formulated by Dr. Messerklinger.
4. Tumor Diagnosis and Biopsy
The endoscope can be used to diagnose nasal tumors, including taking biopsies. While diagnosing, this process falls under therapeutic nasal endoscopy, which involves taking a small tissue sample for biopsy.
About the Endoscope
The endoscope used in these procedures features a 2.7-millimeter-diameter telescope that is 10 to 15 cm long. This device is attached to a high-resolution camera and monitor. This setup provides excellent magnification and clarity, enabling the physician to see fine details, such as the sharp edges of foreign bodies, which aids in their careful removal.
Anesthesia for Nasal Endoscopy Procedure
Adults: Generally, local anesthesia is sufficient for adults who are cooperative during the procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the area, making the procedure comfortable without the need for general anesthesia.
Children: Because children may not cooperate as adults, general anesthesia is often used to ensure they remain still and comfortable during the procedure.
Side Effects
The risks associated with therapeutic nasal endoscopy are minimal and primarily stem from the conditions being treated rather than the procedure itself. For instance:
Bleeding: there can be minor bleeding when removing sharp foreign objects.
Anesthesia: Potential side effects from anesthesia, particularly general anesthesia, must also be considered.
Cost
The cost of therapeutic nasal endoscopy varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the type of anesthesia required.
Local Anesthesia: The procedure typically costs between 2,000 to 5,000 INR.
General Anesthesia: Generally, ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 INR, depending on the specifics of the procedure.
Conclusion
Therapeutic nasal endoscopy is a highly effective and minimally invasive procedure used to treat various nasal conditions, including the removal of foreign bodies, sinus issues, and nasal bleeding. With its excellent visualization capabilities and relatively low risk of side effects, it stands out as the best approach for these issues, making it an accessible treatment option for many patients.
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