From year to year, diagnostic medical techniques are being improved to provide timely and most comprehensive care to the patient. Qualified ENT specialists are increasingly using nose endoscopy in their practice. This procedure makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis based on examination data. Before the examination, the patient may have questions. To exclude unnecessary experiences, we will try to reveal the essence of the procedure.
What it is?
An endoscope is called a fiber optic light guide device . The device looks like a thin rigid or flexible tube, the thickness of which does not exceed 4 mm. There is a flashlight and a camera at one end, and an eyepiece at the other. Endoscopy refers to the ability to examine some internal organs by introducing an endoscope into the cavity. It is administered through the natural pathway or by puncture. Endoscopy of the nose - examination with a thin endoscope through the nose.
Why is this needed?
The survey is conducted to achieve the following goals:
- detecting the presence of pathologies of the sinuses;
- detect the presence or absence of pathologies of the nasal septum;
- control the presence or absence of the effect of medical procedures;
- detection of tumors, the presence of foreign bodies, the presence of wounds in the nasal cavities (microsurgical manipulations to eliminate them);
- collection of secretions for bacteriological studies;
- monitoring the state of ENT organs after surgery;
- treatment of wound surfaces and the elimination of interference for drainage of the sinuses;
- determining the condition of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, the size of the nasal concha, the structure of the contents;
- the most accurate diagnosis of major ENT diseases.
When is a nose and nasopharynx endoscopy prescribed?
The otolaryngologist prescribes endoscopy in many cases. A doctor can conduct a similar examination when handling:
- with nosebleeds of unknown origin;
- sinusitis
- runny nose;
- polyposis;
- changes in the nasal septum;
- injuries to the face and skull;
- unexplained headaches;
- during the rehabilitation period after rhinoplastic or other interventions.
So, for example, with sinusitis, endoscopy of the sinuses of the nose helps to determine which departments are affected by the inflammatory process. And if you suspect the presence of polyps or minor tumors, the doctor decides on surgical endoscopy. As you understand, the price of a nose endoscopy of varying complexity will vary. It can be from 450 to 3500 rubles. The exact cost must be clarified by the specialist who will carry out the procedure.
Preparation for manipulation
Before endoscopy, special preparation of the patient is not required. The doctor can irrigate the mucosa with a vasoconstrictor drug to reduce swelling. This will increase the visibility during the manipulation.
Does it hurt or not?
Most of the patients are nervous because they are afraid of pain. In order not to hurt, the doctor irrigates the mucous membrane with a local anesthetic. If a minimally invasive surgery is planned, then general anesthesia can be used.
If the patient has wide nasal passages, then the doctor can conduct a routine examination with a thin endoscope without anesthesia. In addition, endoscopy of the nose and nasopharynx can be performed without anesthesia for severe allergic reactions to anesthetics.
How is the procedure going?
Inspection begins with an examination of the lower nasal passage. Then the endoscope is held to the nasopharynx and a thorough examination is performed. The mouth of the auditory tube and choan is also examined. The next stage is the examination of the sphenoidal pocket, upper and middle nasal passages.
Features of endoscopy in children
Doctors are sure that this type of examination is the most effective in diagnosing a child. The most difficult thing in conducting endoscopy of the nose in children is to ensure their calm and immobility. To do this, before starting the procedure, the doctor talks with a small patient, explaining to him that the procedure is fast, it will be a little unpleasant, but not painful. The main thing is to convince the child that you can not break out, twitch and scream, so as not to interfere with the doctor. In many cases, nose endoscopy for children is performed in the hands of parents. So they feel calmer.
Is it necessary ...
Sometimes patients doubt the need for endoscopy of the nose. However, it should be borne in mind that when viewed with a conventional expander and a mirror, the doctor cannot get the full picture. In order not to make a mistake in making a diagnosis and not to prescribe unnecessary drugs, the doctor must perform an examination with an endoscope. In addition, this will allow timely detection of the appearance of neoplasms, notice the curvature of the septum and assess the state of adenoids.
Polyp removal
The nasal polyp is formed during the release of histamine and inflammatory mediators, which destroy the mucous membrane, while swelling and changes in glandular tissues occur. Endoscopy of nasal polyps has replaced mechanical removal with a metal wire loop. Thanks to modern achievements, the doctor can expand the sinus anastomosis and maximize the removal of polypous tissue. In this case, the morbidity of the manipulation is significantly reduced, the surgeon can visually assess the progress of the procedure, observing it on the monitor, the patient will be discharged from the hospital after 3-5 days.
It should be borne in mind that endoscopy of nasal polyps does not eliminate the cause of the proliferation of polypous tissue. The patient should continue treatment of the underlying disease, otherwise the problem will return in a few years. Previously, with mechanical removal, polyps again grew much faster.
Contraindications for endoscopy
Examination with an endoscope does not worsen the condition of the patient, therefore, there are no special contraindications. The only difficulty is an allergy to anesthesia. Be sure to warn the doctor about nosebleeds and high sensitivity. In this case, the procedure will be carried out with an ultra-thin (children's) device.