What is a Nasal Fibroscopy Used For?

What is Nasal Fibroscopy?

Nasal fibroscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible endoscope with a light source and sometimes a small camera. It allows close examination of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and pharyngolarynx mucous membranes, detecting lesions and assessing structural mobility. Fibroscopy can be nasal or laryngeal, depending on the area examined. It also allows observation of vocal cord movement without tongue traction or a mirror, unlike traditional examinations.

What are the different fibroscopy techniques available?

Different fibroscopy types are classified by the cavity inspected. These include:

• Laryngeal and pharyngeal fibroscopy;
• Nasal fibroscopy;
• Bronchial fibroscopy;

When should a fibroscopy be performed?

When is fibroscopy used?

Fibroscopy diagnoses and studies larynx and vocal cord pathologies, pharynx issues (including vocal cord paralysis and nasal obstruction as in rhinosinusitis), and suspected foreign bodies. Some conditions requiring fibroscopy are:

• Polyps;
• Nodules;
• Granulomas;
• Benign and malignant tumors;
• Ulcers;
• Adenoidal hyperplasia;
• Throat tumor;

Benefits of nasal fibroscopy

The procedure provides precise visualization of the pharynx and larynx, highlighting pathologies. It's crucial for studying dysphonia, allowing real-time observation of vocal cord movement during natural speech without the limitations of indirect laryngoscopy. Analyzing vocal cord motility and morphology helps assess speech therapy success for functional and organic dysphonia. Fibroscopy is also important for evaluating nasal breathing, characterizing nasal obstruction causes, identifying nasal polyposis, and assessing sleep apnea syndrome. It helps determine the best therapy, excluding CPAP contraindications and identifying surgical needs for apnea.

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How is a nasal fibroscopy performed?

Preparation for nasal fibroscopy

No special preparation is usually needed. Patients are encouraged to relax and breathe normally for better visualization. A topical anesthetic spray may be used for patients with a strong gag reflex, though this is usually unnecessary.

Nasal fibroscopy procedure

A fiber optic device is inserted into the nasal cavities. No anesthesia is typically required, and it's generally painless, though some patients may experience slight discomfort or nausea. The examination is brief.

How long does nasal fibroscopy take?

The examination takes approximately 15-30 minutes, but depends on the patient's condition and any concurrent procedures. A simple examination or biopsy takes only a few minutes, while procedures with a CO2 laser can take longer depending on complexity.

How does one feel during a nasal fibroscopy?

Some discomfort from the fiber's slight friction against the mucosa is possible. It's usually well-tolerated without anesthesia, causing no suffocation or discomfort. However, an anesthetic may be necessary for sensitive areas or strong gag reflexes.

What are the risks and complications of nasal fibroscopy?

The examination is generally safe and painless, though some patients may experience an unpleasant sensation during insertion. It's advisable to wait at least two hours after eating before the procedure due to potential anesthetic discomfort. Bleeding, fever, pain, and bloating may occur afterward.

Is nasal fibroscopy performed in children?

Yes, using smaller pediatric instruments. No anesthesia is usually required, but patient cooperation is necessary. It's crucial for diagnosing obstructive nasal pathologies like adenoids but should only be considered for severe obstruction unresponsive to medical treatment, before more invasive surgery. There are no specific contraindications in children; the procedure is similar to adults, only using a thinner fibroscope. It's fundamental in diagnosing obstructive nasal pathologies like adenoid hypertrophy.

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