Sinus Endoscopy Health Article

Definition

Sinus endoscopy is a procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat disorders of the nose, sinuses, or throat. During sinus endoscopy, an endoscope—a narrow, flexible tube fitted with a fiber-optic device such as a telescope or magnifying lens—is inserted into the nose, the interior of the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat.

Purpose

Sinus endoscopy is used diagnostically to evaluate structural defects, infection or damage to the sinuses, or structures in the nose and throat. It may be used to view polyps (growths) in the sinuses and to investigate causes of recurrent sinusitis (infection of the sinuses). During treatment, an endoscope may be used to view the affected area before, during, and after surgical procedures to correct anatomical malformations, sinus-drainage problems, or to remove polyps from the nose and throat.

Precautions

Insertion of the endoscope may cause a gag reflex and some discomfort, however, no special precautions are required to prepare for nasal endoscopy. Before the procedure begins, the nurse generally describes this and any other discomfort the patient may experience.

Description

This procedure is usually performed in a physician's office or other outpatient setting, such as a clinic or ambulatory surgical center. The endoscope is inserted into a nostril and threaded through the sinus passages to the throat. To visualize these areas more easily, and to record the areas being examined, the endoscope is fitted with a camera, monitor, or other viewing device.

Preparation

During the procedure, the patient is usually awake and seated upright in a chair. A local anesthetic spray or liquid may be applied to the throat to ease insertion of the endoscope and minimize discomfort.

Aftercare

Following sinus endoscopy procedures, most patients may immediately resume normal activities. If anesthetic was used, the patient may have to wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking.

Complications

The insertion and removal of the endoscope may trigger a gag reflex and can cause some discomfort. The procedure may also irritate the tissues of the nose and throat, causing a nosebleed or coughing.

Results

Under normal conditions, no polyps are found in the sinuses. There should also be no evidence of infection, swelling, injury, or an anatomical or structural defect that would prevent normal draining of the sinuses.

Polyps, growths, infections, or structural defects of the nasal passages are considered abnormal.

Health care team roles

Sinus endoscopy is usually performed by an otolaryngologist (a physician specializing in disorders of the ear, nose and throat). Before the procedure, some patients may undergo computed tomography (CT) scans or other imaging studies performed by radiological technologists.

KEY TERMS

Fiber-optic—Relating to the transmission of light through very fine, flexible glass or plastic fibers.

Polyp—A usually nonmalignant growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder, or intestine, often causing obstruction.

Patient education

Generally, the procedure is explained by the physician who will perform it. Since the procedure is generally performed in the physician's office or other outpatient setting, patient education also may be provided by nurses, nursing assistants, or certified medical assistants working in the medical office.

BOOKS

Gates, George A. Current Therapy in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. St. Louis: Mosby, 1998.

"Nasal Endoscopy." In The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests, edited by Barry L. Zaret. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. One Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314. (703) 836-4444.

Ear Foundation. 2000 Church St., Box 111, Nashville, TN 37236. (615) 329-7807, (800) 545-HEAR.

Barbara Wexler