Nasal endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows your physician to examine the nasal and sinus passages. It is performed with an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible and lighted instrument that can be inserted in the nose to visualize the internal structures.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The nasal endoscopy procedure will be performed in your doctor’s office. While you sit upright in an exam chair, your doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia and insert the endoscope into your nose, guiding it through the nasal cavity and sinuses. The endoscope is a thin, lighted tube that is attached to a camera and allows for a magnified view of the area.
The procedure may be mildly uncomfortable, but it will not be painful. Your doctor may repeat the process a few times on each side of the nose to ensure that a detailed picture of your condition has been obtained. In some cases, a tissue sample may also be removed and sent to a lab for evaluation of the cells.
After a nasal endoscopy, you will be able to return to your normal daily routine immediately without any restrictions. In most cases, the information obtained from the procedure will allow your doctor to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and begin planning for your treatment. However, some patients will also require additional tests, such as a CT scan, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
