Rhinoscopy

Rhinoscopy is the examination of the nasal cavity using a rhinoscope, a medical instrument designed for visualization of nasal passages. It includes anterior rhinoscopy, which uses a speculum and light to inspect the anterior nasal cavity, and nasal endoscopy, which employs rigid or flexible endoscopes to visualize the entire nasal cavity and the openings of the paranasal sinuses. In humans and animals, rhinoscopy provides direct visualization for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Indications include unexplained nasal obstruction or discharge, chronic rhinitis, epistaxis, suspected foreign bodies, polyps or tumors, assessment before sinus surgery, trauma, and postoperative follow-up. The procedure is typically performed with the patient in a seated position; topical anesthesia and vasoconstrictors may be used for anterior rhinoscopy, while nasal endoscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia in uncooperative patients or in animals.

Techniques: Anterior rhinoscopy provides a limited view of the anterior mucosa; nasal endoscopy allows systematic inspection of the inferior, middle, and superior meatuses, the turbinates, septum, nasopharynx, and sinus ostia. Endoscopy enables biopsy, suction, irrigation, and the placement of instruments through a working channel.

In veterinary medicine, rhinoscopy is used to diagnose nasal disease in dogs, cats, and other species and often requires anesthesia.

Complications are generally minor and include discomfort, sneezing, or mild epistaxis; more serious complications are rare but can include bleeding or injury to nasal structures.