Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Endoscopy: A Modern Diagnostic Method in Otolaryngology

Nasal and nasopharyngeal endoscopy is a highly informative diagnostic method that enables detailed visualization of the anatomical structures of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and the openings of the Eustachian tubes. This method significantly surpasses traditional examination techniques using mirrors and nasal specula, providing precise detection of pathologies at early stages.

Indications for Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Endoscopy

This procedure is performed for the diagnosis and monitoring of various ENT disorders. The main indications include:

• Chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis (assessment of the mucosa, detection of polyps, turbinate hypertrophy, and nasal septum deviation).
• Suspicion of neoplasms (polyps, cysts, tumors of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx).
• Frequent nasal bleeding (identification of the bleeding source).
• Nasal breathing difficulties (detection of anatomical abnormalities and adenoid hypertrophy).
• Adenoiditis in children and adults (evaluation of the size and condition of adenoid tissue).
• Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction and tubotympanic disorders (assessment of Eustachian tube patency).
• Ear congestion and hearing loss (exclusion of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx).
• Suspected foreign body in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx.
• Preoperative assessment before ENT surgeries and postoperative monitoring.

How Is Endoscopy Performed?

The procedure is conducted using a flexible or rigid endoscope equipped with an illumination system and a camera that transmits images to a monitor.

1. Patient Preparation
          If necessary, local anesthesia of the nasal mucosa is performed using aerosol or gel anesthetics.
          In cases of significant mucosal swelling, decongestants are applied.

2. Examination Process
          The physician inserts the endoscope into the nasal cavity, carefully examining the nasal passages, septum, sinus ostia, and nasopharynx.
          Video recording and photographic documentation of pathological changes may be performed if needed.
          In certain cases, a biopsy may be taken for histological examination.

3. Duration and Safety
          The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes.
          It is painless, with minimal discomfort.
          It has virtually no contraindications, except for severe nasal bleeding and acute infectious processes.

Advantages of Endoscopy

• High diagnostic accuracy – allows detection of conditions that are not visible with traditional examination methods.
• Safety and minimal invasiveness – requires no complex preparation or general anesthesia.
• Visual monitoring of treatment dynamics – enables evaluation of therapy effectiveness.
• Early detection of tumor processes – crucial for timely intervention and treatment.

Conclusion

Nasal and nasopharyngeal endoscopy is the gold standard of diagnosis in modern otolaryngology. This method provides a detailed evaluation of the mucosal condition, identifies neoplasms, inflammatory processes, and anatomical features affecting nasal breathing. Regular endoscopic examinations are particularly important for patients with chronic ENT diseases, recurrent sinusitis, nasal bleeding, and suspected tumors.

Nasal and nasopharyngeal endoscopy in VitaMed MC (Yerevan, Charentsavan, Stepanavan)

Tatevik Martirosyan, ENT doctor and pediatric doctor

Tatevik Martirosyan, ENT Specialist

 

Education

• Postgraduate studies, National Research Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow, Russia, 2017–2020
• Clinical Residency, National Research Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow, Russia, 2015–2017
• Medical degree, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Russia, 2009–2015

 

Professional Experience

• ENT Specialist, Vardanants Innovative Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia, 07.06.2024–28.11.2024
• Part-time ENT Specialist, Euromedservice Multidisciplinary Clinic, Moscow, Russia, 01.10.2023–01.02.2024
• ENT Specialist, IMMA Multidisciplinary Clinic, Moscow, Russia, 10.10.2022–01.02.2024
• ENT Specialist, ABC Medicine Multidisciplinary Clinic, Moscow, Russia, 10.01.2020–01.10.2022
• National Research Institute of Otorhinolaryngology named after L.I. Sverzhevsky, Moscow, Russia, 01.10.2018–01.12.2019
• Moscow Polyclinic No. 22, Branch No. 3, Russia, 01.09.2017–01.09.2018

 

Teaching Experience

 

• Clinical Practice, 4th-year students, National Research Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow, Russia, 2019

 

Academic Activities

• Ongoing Professional Development, Ministry of Health of Armenia, 11.01.2024–11.02.2024
• Qualification Upgrade in Otorhinolaryngology, Continuing Medical Education, Moscow, Russia, 18.01.2023–11.01.2024
• Advanced Training in "Emergency Otorhinolaryngology," Professional Development Academy, Moscow, Russia, 22.11–29.11.2021
• Advanced Training, Professional Development Academy, Moscow, Russia, 01.12–24.12.2020

 

Scientific Publications

• Published works in medical journals
• 3 patents
• "Method for assessing congenital immunity in patients with recurrent exudative otitis"
• "Endoscopic treatment of the auditory tube"
• "Silicone prosthesis for tympanic cavity formation"
• Methodological Contributions to Otorhinolaryngology:
• "Selection of methods to assist in stapedoplasty in patients with otosclerosis", 2020
• "Diagnosis and treatment of middle ear injuries in the outpatient setting", 2020
• "Otoscopy in emergency medical practice", 2018
• "Atypical middle ear inflammation: clinical features and diagnosis", 2018
• "Features of stapedoplasty in patients with tympanosclerosis", 2018

 

Awards

• Director's gratitude from the National Research Institute of Otorhinolaryngology for diligent work, professionalism, and sensitivity towards patients, 22.04.2019
• 2nd place diploma in the Young Otorhinolaryngologist Scientific Works Competition for the report "Syndrome of the patulous auditory tube and its treatment", 2019

 

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