Nasal Endoscopy Procedure
Endoscopes are special fiber optic telescopes used to examine parts of the airway. They are usually performed after topical anesthesia is sprayed into the airway. Nasal endoscopy can be used in diagnosis, surgical planning, and in treatment. A Houston nasal endoscopy procedure can also be used to identify the source of nose bleeds and may aid in the treatment of this condition as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Endoscopies
A nasal endoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that ENT doctors use to look inside your nasal cavities and sinus passages.
Yes. Although the procedure uses small tools and doesn’t require an external incision, physicians generally consider nasal endoscopies surgical procedures. Insurance companies always consider endoscopies surgical procedures.
Physicians use nasal endoscopies to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. Sometimes they use tiny tools to take small biopsies to diagnose an issue.
An ENT guides an endoscope — a tiny, flexible or rigid tube connected to a tiny camera — through your nasal and sinus passage. Physicians typically do this procedure in-office or at a surgery center. Doctors take images of the area and sometimes take a biopsy to identify any abnormalities.
A nasal endoscopy can help detect and diagnose multiple health issues:
- Blockages
- Sinusitis
- Nasal tumors or masses
- Chronic runny or swollen nose
- Polyps
- Foreign objects in the nose or sinus
- Deviated septum (presurgery)
A nasal endoscopy can detect sinonasal cancers alongside a biopsy. Your doctor may perform multiple imaging tests to determine the existence and severity of any tumors and check how far the cancer has spread. These measures can also investigate growths that may or may not be cancerous.
The endoscope tool moves slowly through your nasal cavity, reaching past your throat and stopping just above your voice box.
A nasal endoscopy cannot show the esophagus. However, a transnasal endoscopy uses a much smaller camera and can move down to the back of the throat to your esophagus.
Yes, a nasal endoscopy can see the throat.
A nasal endoscopy procedure is very quick, usually taking only two to five minutes. You’ll be awake and able to communicate with your doctor during this time.
If you’re worried about the pain that might come with a nasal endoscopy — relax! Nasal endoscopies aren’t painful. You might experience some discomfort or pressure, but your physician will numb your nasal passage.
Patients very rarely develop an infection after a nasal endoscopy procedure. If you feel chills, run fever or experience other signs of an infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The average out-of-pocket cost of a nasal endoscopy in the U.S. is approximately $1,260. This price varies based on your location, insurance and doctor.
Check with your provider to see whether they’ll cover your nasal endoscopy. If they will, you’ll still need to pay the office visit copay and coinsurance for the procedure. Your insurance will usually apply the endoscopy surgery payment toward your deductible and coinsurance.
Nasal endoscopies can seem very expensive, especially if you live in a large urban area. The procedure may include a number of additional procedures that your doctor customizes for your specific needs. The cost might also increase depending on what sedatives and extra treatments your ENT uses.
West Houston Office
12121 Richmond Avenue, Suite #104
Houston, Texas 77082
Phone: 281-920-5558
Bellaire Office
6699 Chimney Rock Road, Suite #202
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone: 713-665-8887