What are the steps involved in the entire nasal endoscopy procedure?

The entire nasal endoscopy procedure includes preoperative preparation, nasal anesthesia, positioning adjustment, endoscopic examination, and post-procedure observation. It is a commonly used minimally invasive examination method in otolaryngology and must be performed properly by qualified physicians. If severe pain, heavy bleeding, or persistent discomfort occurs during the examination, patients should immediately inform the physician and seek medical evaluation.

1. Preoperative Preparation: The physician verifies the patient's information and indications for the procedure, explains the purpose and precautions, prepares instruments such as the nasal endoscope, normal saline, and anesthetic cotton swabs, and cleans any surface secretions from the patient’s nasal cavity to ensure a clear field of view.

2. Nasal Anesthesia: A cotton swab soaked in local anesthetic is placed inside the nasal cavity and left for several minutes to anesthetize the nasal mucosa, reducing pain and irritation during the procedure. Patients with known allergies to anesthetic agents should inform the physician beforehand.

3. Positioning Adjustment: The patient sits upright or lies in a semi-reclining position with the head stabilized and slightly tilted forward to facilitate the physician's observation. The facial muscles should remain relaxed to prevent nasal constriction caused by tension, which could interfere with the procedure.

4. Endoscopic Examination: The physician gently inserts the nasal endoscope into the nasal cavity and systematically examines structures including the nasal vestibule, nasal septum, nasal turbinates, nasal passages, and openings of the paranasal sinuses. The angle of the endoscope may be adjusted as needed, and any abnormalities are carefully documented.

5. Post-Procedure Observation: After removing the endoscope, the physician checks the nasal cavity for signs of bleeding or mucosal injury, communicates the findings and follow-up instructions to the patient, and develops an appropriate treatment plan if further intervention is required.

For 1–2 hours after the examination, patients should avoid forceful nose-blowing or picking the nose. Diet should be mild and cool, avoiding spicy or irritating foods to minimize nasal irritation. Mild nasal discomfort can be relieved through deep breathing, and the nasal cavity should be kept clean and dry.