What is a Nasopharyngoscopy?

A nasopharyngoscopy helps ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons to examine the nose and sinus and detect abnormalities. It can help to evaluate the following conditions:

• Constant nasal congestion
• Chronic sinusitis 
• Nasal polyps or abnormal growth in the nose
• Nasal tumors
• Nasal obstruction
• Foreign body in the nose or throat
• Epistaxis (bleeding through the nose)
• Dysphonia (problems with speech)
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Dysphasia (difficulty swallowing)
• Progress after nasopharynx surgery or medical treatment

The patient sits up straight in a chair. A child might need to sit on the parent's lap. The doctor sprays a mixture of topical anesthetic and decongestant into each nostril that trickles down the throat. This spray opens up and numbs the nasal passages and throat, minimizing discomfort. The doctor inserts a flexible endoscope into the nostril and down the throat. The doctor watches the video on the monitor to study the structures and detect abnormalities. The doctor can also insert instruments such as forceps (grasping instruments) or suction catheters along with the scope. The doctor may take a biopsy or suction out secretions during a nasopharyngoscopy. The doctor can even remove a foreign body, if present, during the procedure. The scope is removed after the procedure that only takes a few minutes. The anesthesia numbs the throat, so the patients should avoid eating or drinking anything for about 30 minutes till the topical anesthesia wears off.

Endoscopy of the nasopharynx allows ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors to visualize the structures in the respiratory tract. The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It is a routinely performed outpatient procedure. The risk of complications is very low. It comes with a few risks. Some complications include laceration, bleeding, vomiting, and respiratory collapse. These complications are usually rare and easily avoided if the procedure is performed by a highly experienced doctor and if the patient is cooperative.

There are also no absolute contraindications to perform a nasal endoscopy. The procedure would have to be performed with caution in patients with bleeding disorders, with cardiovascular diseases, who are taking anticoagulants, or with sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hence, it is important for the doctor to be informed of the patient’s complete medical history.