ENT, Respiratory and Thoracic Endoscopy

If you have chronic nosebleeds, earaches, cough or hoarseness, your health care provider may suggest an endoscopy. These procedures play an important role in otolaryngology (ENT), pulmonology (respiratory medicine) and thoracic medicine (lungs and area around the lungs) to identify and treat issues affecting the ears, nose, throat, chest and lungs.

At Banner Health, we understand the importance of clear and comfortable breathing and hearing and the impact these can have on your quality of life. Read on to learn more about ENT. respiratory and thoracic endoscopy.

What are ENT, respiratory and thoracic endoscopy?

ENT, respiratory and thoracic endoscopy are medical procedures used to diagnose and treat many conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, respiratory system and chest cavity.

ENT endoscopy focuses on the middle ear, nasal passages and openings of the sinuses. 

Respiratory endoscopy focuses on the back of the throat, windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), bronchial tubes (bronchi) and smaller airways (bronchioles) within the lungs.   

These procedures use an endoscope, a small, flexible tube fitted with a light and tiny camera. It’s passed through your nose or mouth, down your throat and into your airways. Sometimes, small instruments can be passed through the tube to take a small piece of tissue or a cell sample (a biopsy) to confirm a diagnosis. Tools can also be used to repair or treat conditions.

Thoracic endoscopy focuses on the lungs, the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. 

These surgical endoscopic procedures also use a small, flexible tube with a light and camera. However, they are inserted into your chest cavity through small incisions either below the shoulder blade or above the breastbone.

Importance of endoscopy

Some of the key benefits include:

• Accurate diagnosis: Clear and detailed images help specialists pinpoint the exact cause of symptoms like chronic cough, voice disorder, sinusitis and lung infections.
• Early detections: Catching problems early, such as tumors or infections, allows for prompt treatment and improved chances of recovery. 
• Less invasive: Unlike traditional surgeries, endoscopy procedures are minimally invasive, resulting in faster recovery times and reduced risk of pain and complications.
• Patient comfort: Gentle techniques and sedation or general anesthesia (medicine that helps you relax or sleep) ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process. You’ll likely experience less pain and have a quicker return to normal activities.

Types of endoscopy procedures

Several types of endoscopy procedures are used to examine and treat different parts of your ear, nose, throat, respiratory system and chest cavity. Here is an overview of some common ENT, respiratory and thoracic endoscopies:

• Bronchoscopy: A procedure used to examine the airways and lungs. It aids in diagnosing conditions such as lung infections, tumors or blockages and may involve a biopsy for testing and diagnosis.
• Laryngoscopy: A procedure that visualizes the voice box and other areas within the throat, including the vocal cords. It assists in diagnosing conditions that affect the voice, swallowing and breathing, like throat infections or laryngeal cancer. 
• Mediastinoscopy: A surgical endoscopic procedure that looks at the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs. It’s often used to diagnose conditions like lymph node enlargement or lung cancer staging. 
• Thoracoscopy: A surgical endoscopic procedure used to examine the inside of the chest cavity using a thoracoscope. It helps diagnose conditions such as fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) or lung nodules (abnormal growths). 
• Nasopharyngoscopy: A procedure used to examine the nasal passages and nasopharynx using a nasopharyngoscope. It aids in diagnosing conditions like nasal polyps, deviated septum or adenoid enlargement. 
• Sinus endoscopy: A procedure that looks at the sinuses and nasal passages. It helps diagnose sinusitis, nasal polyps or sinus tumors. 

Preparing for and recovering from endoscopy

Are you scheduled for an ENT or respiratory endoscopy procedure? Learn what to expect before, during and after the procedure. Understand how to prepare for your appointment, what will happen during the procedure and what to expect during your recovery.

Expert care 

Considering an endoscopy? Banner Health's experts are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. We offer a comfortable environment and advanced technology for your endoscopy needs.