Comprehensive video examinations are the latest tools doctors are now able to use to help solve debilitating ear, nose and throat complaints suffered by patients.
The Royal Bahrain Hospital's video-endoscopic examination, for example, can be viewed live by the patient and is simultaneously recorded into their hospital e-file for future reference.
ENT Specialist Dr Avneesh Kumar believes the hi-tech tools are essential. "If a patient complains of hoarseness, we can examine and video-record the vocal cords to pinpoint where the problem lies," he explained.
"If they are suffering from a runny or blocked nose, the equipment allows us to look inside the nostrils on a magnified scale with no discomfort felt by the patient. The operative procedures are recorded and the patients are given a copy if they desire."
Dr Avneesh considers Bahrain his second home, as he completed his primary education at the Indian School, before doing his MBBS and then MS (Master's in ENT) in India at the prestigious Manipal University.
Nasal allergies, recurrent attacks of flu and sinusitis are quite prevalent in Bahrain. Most nasal allergies can be controlled with simple medication; however, some patients are more prone to sinusitis due to an abnormal anatomy of the nose and sinuses.
If the medical treatment fails, a video-endoscopy of the nose is done to look for any anatomical abnormality.
These abnormalities can be corrected by video-endoscopic sinus surgery. Both pre and post-surgery videos are done and a copy is given to the patient.
For more information or to book an appointment call Royal Bahrain Hospital's toll-free number 8000 1090.