Using Nonsedated Endoscopy to Screen for BE

Endoscopic screening for Barrett esophagus (BE) is recommended for patients with long-standing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and surveillance is recommended for those found to have BE. The need for sedation during endoscopy is a major limitation, increasing the time required for the procedure and impairing patients’ functionality thereafter.

Now, in a prospective, randomized, crossover study, researchers have evaluated accuracy and patient acceptance of office-based nonsedated endoscopy compared with conventional sedated endoscopy. For nonsedated endoscopy, a 5.1-mm flexible endoscope was passed transnasally following application of topical anesthesia to the nose and oropharynx. When the transnasal approach was unsuccessful, a…