Nasal Endoscopy
How we look into your nose / sinuses?
When you come to CSI with a nose or sinus related problem, the doctors may want to perform a nasal endoscopy. This is a surgical procedure using sterile small cameras to look through the nostrils. This may allow your doctor to:
- obtain drainage for culture
- evaluate previous surgery, scar, openings, masses, polyps, causes of blockage
- evaluate healing or complications of surgery
- obtain specimens / biopsy for pathology evaluation
- remove old blood, foreign material, packing, scabs/scar/blockage
- educate you and others: We can use video glasses / TV screens to show inside also
The nurse will have you sign a permission form first then offer to spray your nose to make the procedure easier. The spray is a combination of Afrin (to shrink tissue) and Lidocaine (to numb). This spray does taste bad and can cause teeth/throat numbness that wears off in about 20-30 minutes. Some patients have a sensation that they can't swallow also- do not panic - this will pass.
Two words you need to remember during this procedure:
"Ouch": allows us to know where it is tender
"Sneeze": allows us to get outta there fast.
A few patients experience significant discomfort/pressure during the procedure.
The video glasses/ TV Screens allow you to see and can decrease the anxiety related to this. Less than 5% of patients faint/get queasy also - called a vasovagal reflex - we will put these patients chairs back and allow them to relax for a few minutes and this goes away.
For more information, visit:
Questions about sinus surgery?
Although many sinus-related problems can be treated with medicines, surgery may be needed in some patients. Whenever possible, CSI surgeons use newer, less deforming, and less painful techniques. The most common type of sinus surgery is Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS).
In FESS, your CSI surgeon will use small cameras and instruments to work carefully in the nose. They will remove obstructing tissues, allowing the sinuses to drain more naturally. This should decrease the severity, frequency, and duration of infections.
In some cases your surgeon may suggest surgery that includes "surgical navigation" -- usually with a special type of CT or MRI scanner -- in order to diminish the chance of complications and improve results.
For more education on sinus surgery, please visit the following valued links:
LOCATIONS - California Sinus Institute
