The sinus surgeries are performed in two ways: traditional and modern. The traditional method involves viewing through the endoscope’s eyepiece. The technique aids in assessing the orientation and depth of the surgical site. However, surgeons may have to bend their back or neck while using the traditional method. If during the surgery microdebrider or any other big instrument is also required, the instrument may reach the head of the surgeon, causing discomfort. The traditional method is good because the naked eye offers a good image of the surgical site but the technique may lead to the neck problems in the surgeon.

In modern technique, a video camera is connected to the endoscope so that the surgeon can operate through the monitor. Most of the surgeons prefer a video monitor for its ergonomic advantage, especially, while operating the frontal recess. The surgeon can either stand or sit near the patient without bending the neck or back to have a clear view of the nasal cavity. The video monitor has another advantage: It delivers magnified images of the organs and surgical site. The images are very useful during delicate surgeries involving skull base and optic nerve. The monitor also allows two surgeons to operate the patient simultaneously.

With the monitor, the experienced surgeons can monitor the trainee surgeons during the operation. The trainees can learn nuances of the sinus surgeries by carefully watching the professional surgeons engaged in the surgical process. The nurses can assess the need for instrument required in various steps of the procedure in advance. The anesthetist can supervise and intervene if required during the surgery.

The monitor should be of medical grade. A digital camera or three-chip camera with excellent light source is required. The 3–chip camera produces brilliant image, facilitating detailed paranasal sinus surgeries.  Good lighting is also the prerequisite because redness of the blood absorbs most of the light, and making difficult to visualize the site from a poor image.

Single-chip cameras are unable to cover blood properly during the surgery, therefore, the tissue contrast and depth perception may not be captured correctly on the image. Cheap quality cameras affect orientation and visibility, hindering the surgeon’s work and increasing the chances of complications. A split beam can also be used to view the image, but image will be of low quality. So, use the monitor to operate.

An endoscope cleaner / scrubber washes the endoscope’s lens if blood obscures it, and thereby operation continues without removing the endoscope. There is no need for manual cleaning of the endoscope during the surgeries in case surgical site becomes bloody. As a result, the surgery goes uninterrupted and requires less time. Good visibility reduces chances of errors during the surgery, ensuring safety. The surgeons thus can work easily and quickly.