Nasal Endoscopy for Urgent and Complex ED Cases

​Fiberoptics and endoscopy have changed the way we treat patients in the emergency department. Endoscopes are relatively easy to use, and can aid your diagnosis and treatment plan. Endoscopy may be useful in urgent cases, such as epistaxis, nasal foreign bodies, and ear debridement. It may also be helpful when dealing with more complicated presentations and critically ill patients, such as those with Ludwig's angina, epiglottis, tracheostomies, or those who need intubation.Fiberoptic tools are not just for surgeons and consultants. The endoscope has many uses in the emergency department, and we have a few tips and tricks for nasal endoscopy, or nasopharyngoscopy. We suggest attending an airway course to properly buff up on mastering trach, video laryngoscopy, and intubation techniques, or partner with your ENT and airway team next time they visit your department.The flexible endoscope. Photos by M. Roberts.The endoscope magnifies what your eye normally sees with better lighting. The body of the endoscope is a light source that extends into a flexible tube that can be used for direct visualization of the anatomy and even for suction and secretion removal. Usually, the procedure can be done on an awake and alert patient. It's great for kids, and a little IM or IV ketamine can help with sedation.When done correctly, the patient can assist with her exam by swallowing, stimulating her vocal cords, and coughing. The scope itself causes only a small tickling sensation to the nose ...
Source: The Procedural Pause - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs