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Nasendoscopy · London

Private nasendoscopy in London, by a consultant ENT surgeon.

A flexible camera through the nose that shows the nasal cavity, sinuses and nasopharynx - the definitive test for chronic congestion, sinusitis and snoring. Performed by an ENT consultant.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private nasendoscopy costs in London.

Indicative ranges across UK ENT clinics.

In short

£250-£500, with findings the same visit.

Procedure Indicative range
Flexible nasendoscopy £250–£500
Nasendoscopy + ENT consultation £400–£800
Rigid nasal endoscopy £350–£700
Sinus endoscopy £450–£900
Nasendoscopy with biopsy £600–£1,100
Follow-up nasendoscopy £250–£500

Prices vary by clinic, whether a full ENT consultation is included, and whether biopsies are taken and sent for analysis.

The problem

Chronic congestion, sinusitis, snoring - people wait too long.

Nasal sprays, antihistamines and repeat GP visits can only go so far. A nasendoscopy shows what is actually happening - and it is much easier than most people expect.

  • Anxious about the scope?

    A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose. Most patients say it is easier than a dental check-up.

  • Not sure you need one?

    Sometimes an allergy test, a CT sinus or a course of the right spray is the better first step.

What it shows

Find the reason that matches your symptom.

Nasendoscopy answers questions no other nasal or sinus test can - and can take biopsies as it goes. These are the common reasons people have it.

  • Chronic nasal congestion

    Direct view of the septum, turbinates and any blockage in the airway.

  • Chronic sinusitis

    The definitive way to see the sinus openings and any polyps or discharge.

  • Snoring / sleep-disordered breathing

    Locates where the airway collapses - nose, palate or tongue base.

  • Recurrent nosebleeds

    Finds the bleeding point on the septum or in the nasopharynx.

  • Nasal polyps

    Confirms polyps, their size and how much of the airway they occupy.

  • Allergic rhinitis assessment

    Assesses swelling and mucosal changes when medication isn’t working.

  • Suspected nasopharyngeal mass

    Direct view of the nasopharynx - the area behind the nose no other test reaches.

  • Red flag: unilateral nasal obstruction or bleeding > 3 weeks

    2-week wait pathway - urgent ENT assessment.

Scope types

Not all nasendoscopies are the same.

What each option on your referral is actually for.

  • Flexible nasendoscopy

    A very thin flexible camera through one nostril, under local anaesthetic spray. The standard diagnostic scope.

  • Rigid nasal endoscopy

    A short rigid scope for a more detailed view of the nasal cavity, often used before sinus surgery.

  • Sinus endoscopy

    Focused examination of the sinus openings, useful for chronic sinusitis and post-surgical follow-up.

  • Post-op sinus review

    Routine check-up of the sinus cavities after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

  • Adenoid assessment

    Direct look at the adenoid pad in the nasopharynx - the definitive way to assess adenoid size.

  • Sleep-position endoscopy (DISE - specialist)

    Drug-induced sleep endoscopy performed by a specialist team to identify airway collapse points in snorers.

  • Paediatric flexible nasendoscopy

    Very thin scope used gently in children by paediatric-experienced ENT teams.

  • Nasendoscopy with biopsy

    A small tissue sample is taken from an abnormal area and sent for histology.

Safety and eligibility

Very safe - a few sensible things to know.

Nasendoscopy is a very safe outpatient procedure.

  • Local anaesthetic spray

    A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose. No sedation, no cannula, no fasting needed.

  • Brief discomfort

    A pressure sensation, mild sneeze reflex and a watery eye are normal. It settles as the scope is withdrawn.

  • Small chance of nosebleed

    A small nosebleed can occur, especially in patients on blood thinners. Usually settles with simple pressure.

  • Colds and infection

    Nasendoscopy is not usually done during a heavy cold or acute infection - views are poor and mucosa is fragile.

  • Pregnancy

    Flexible nasendoscopy under local anaesthetic spray is fine during pregnancy.

  • Children

    Paediatric nasendoscopy needs a paediatric-experienced ENT clinic and a very thin scope.

  • Blood thinners and biopsy

    For biopsy, anticoagulation is discussed in advance. Warfarin, DOACs and clopidogrel may need pausing - never stop on your own.

  • Sinus procedures and imaging

    Sinus endoscopy may need a CT sinus alongside for accurate planning.

  • Results on the day

    Findings are usually explained in the same visit. Biopsy histology follows in 7-14 days and is explained by your consultant.

Reading your report

A nasendoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.

However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.

A London consultant ENT surgeon reviewing nasendoscopy video images

A quiet reminder

You will be told the headline in the same room - the biopsy detail takes a little longer.

If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.

  1. 01 Header

    Your details and the indication

    Your details, the symptoms behind the referral, and which side and cavity were examined.

  2. 02 Technique

    How the procedure was done

    Which scope was used, which side was passed, and whether biopsies were taken.

  3. 03 Findings

    What the ENT surgeon saw

    The nasal cavity, septum, turbinates and nasopharynx described in turn, with any polyps, discharge or lesion recorded.

  4. 04 Impression

    The conclusion: read this first

    The conclusion - normal, deviated septum, polyps, adenoids or a suspicious lesion - and what happens next.

Recognised by major UK insurers

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Frequently asked

Common questions about nasendoscopy.

Quick answers on cost, comfort, biopsies, safety and results.

  • What does a nasendoscopy actually show?

    A flexible camera passed through the nose gives a direct view of the nasal cavity, sinus openings and the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose). It is the definitive test for chronic nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, recurrent nosebleeds and snoring, and it is the only test that sees the nasopharynx directly.

  • Does a nasendoscopy hurt?

    It is uncomfortable rather than painful. A local anaesthetic spray numbs the nose first. Most people notice a pressure feeling, a brief sneeze reflex and a watery eye, all of which settle as the scope is withdrawn. There is no sedation, no cannula and no fasting.

  • How much does a private nasendoscopy cost in London?

    Combined with a full ENT consultation it is £400-£800. Sinus endoscopy is £450-£900, and adding a biopsy takes it to £600-£1,100.

  • Do I need a GP referral?

    No. A nasendoscopy is arranged with a short ENT consultation first so the right scope is chosen and any medication is reviewed.

  • Nasendoscopy or sinus CT - which do I need?

    They answer different questions. Nasendoscopy gives a direct view of the airway, sinus openings and nasopharynx and can take biopsies. A CT sinus maps the bony anatomy of the sinuses and is essential before sinus surgery.

  • When do I get the results?

    The findings are usually explained in the same visit - your consultant shows you the video and writes the plan there and then. If a biopsy is taken, histology follows in 7-14 days and it should be explained to you.

  • Is nasendoscopy safe in pregnancy?

    Yes. Flexible nasendoscopy under local anaesthetic spray is considered safe in pregnancy.

  • When should I see a GP urgently?

    Unilateral nasal obstruction or nosebleeds lasting more than three weeks, a lump in the neck, unexplained hearing loss on one side, or blood in the saliva are red flags on the 2-week wait head-and-neck pathway.

  • What happens after a biopsy?

    The nose may bleed a little for a day or two - gentle pressure and avoiding heavy nose-blowing is usually enough. Avoid strenuous exercise, hot drinks and aspirin for 24-48 hours. Histology takes 7-14 days and is explained by your consultant.

Related content

Looking for something different?

In practice, in London

Why private nasendoscopy moves differently in London

With nasendoscopy, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. On the NHS, nasendoscopy typically sits behind a triage step and a wait that can stretch from a few weeks into months. In London’s private sector, the same appointment often lands within days. That speed matters when symptoms are disrupting work, sleep, or a plan you’d already committed to - and it is a common reason people look at private options.

In practice, a private nasendoscopy appointment in London means a named consultant, a proper hour in the room (or the equivalent on a video call), and a report you can actually read. Many private imaging suites and endoscopy units sit within a mile of Harley Street or in Chelsea and Fulham, and turnaround on findings is measured in days, not weeks. For nasendoscopy specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.

It is worth being clear about what a private pathway for nasendoscopy can and can’t promise. It can compress a wait, put you in front of a subspecialist quickly, and get a proper report in your hands within a week. It can’t rewrite what the imaging or the bloods say. Setting that expectation up front tends to make the whole experience less stressful.