Unsedated Transnasal Esophagoscopy Is Well Tolerated and Safe, but Is It Worth It?

Patients gave the procedure high marks for tolerability; however, the need for expanded esophageal disease screening is questionable.

Unsedated small caliber transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) has been suggested as an efficient and accurate method for endoscopic evaluation of the esophagus, with lower costs and risks compared with standard sedated upper endoscopy. However, further validation of these reported benefits is needed.

To assess patient acceptability, feasibility for esophageal disease screening, and safety of TNE, investigators conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study involving 426 patients in two academic centers who underwent nonsedated, office-based TNEs performed by two endoscopists who had previously performed >100 TNEs. The TNE was conducted using a one-wheel, 65-cm video endoscope with a 120-degree field of view and a disposable sheath that was 4.7 mm i…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors