Transnasal Endoscopy

A transnasal Endoscopy (also called Transnasal Gastroscopy) is a minimally invasive medical examination, an alternative to or in addition to a traditional Endoscopy. This exam is much less uncomfortable and therefore much better tolerated by patients. This examination in comparison to a traditional Endoscopy is used to locate problem areas in the upper digestive tract system.

Transnasal and traditional Endoscopy

What are the differences?

Traditional Endoscopy uses a 14mm probe, which in inserted through the mouth. The traditional examination is not painful but it can be very uncomfortable in that it can often lead to a sense of suffocation, cause gagging and a sense of constriction.

Transnasal Endoscopy uses a very thin probe with a diameter of only 4mm, and is inserted through the nostril leaving the mouth free and therefore avoiding all the problems associated with the traditional examination. During the examination using the transnasal technique, the patient is able to speak and swallow, making it easier to maintain a controlled emotional state and reducing if not eliminating anxiety and tension.

What are the advantages?

The advantages with respect to the traditional technique are multiple:

• No feeling of suffocating
• No feeling of gagging or vomiting
• No feeling of constriction
• Possibility of speaking or swallowing freely during the examination
• Painless
• No need to take any medications

During the endoscopic exploration, which lasts about 3 minutes, the patient can converse with the doctor and breathe normally through the mouth. The reduced emotional tension and the short duration of the endoscopic exam means that sedation is not required, making the procedure safer.

Transnasal Endoscopy also allows for an easy endoscopic exploration even in patients with clinical problems that may be contraindicated (i.e.: very elderly patients, cardiopathic patients, chronic bronchitis etc.)

How is it carried out?

Exam Procedure

A transnasal Endoscopy is performed after a fast of 5 hours during which however it is possible to drink moderate amounts of water. After having blown your nose and spraying the nostrils with a decongestant, it is decided which nostril is better for the exam. A deviated septum is not a problem and is often times better for the exam. All of the tools used during the examination are sterilized prior to each exam.

Can a biopsy be done during a transnasal Endoscopy ?

Yes. Transnasal Endoscopy is a routine technique that has been used for over 30 years in the entire world, but only available in certain specialized centres which have the skills and equipment needed to carry out this minimally invasive technique.

The transnasal technique allows for the same movements and operations as the traditional examination, without any particular restrictions or limitations, providing the same diagnostic and surgical performances, even for operative procedures such as biopsies and the removal of polyps.

During the examination therefore it is possible to proceed, in a painless manner, with the removal of one or more samples of gastric mucosa so as to check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria responsible for many gastric pathologies) or of other pathologies.

When is it not possible to not have a transnasal Endoscopy ?

In a small number of cases, about 5%, the shape of the nose may render the exam painful or impossible to insert the endoscope through the nostril and therefore in such a case a traditional Endoscopy is necessary (through the mouth).

Opinions and Transnasal Endoscopy

In some of our CertisMed centres it is possible to book a Transnasal Endoscopy. After each individual procedure the patient who undergoes the procedure is asked their opinion, of particular interest are the opinions of patients who have previously undergone at least one traditional Endoscopy .

What is the opinion of doctors about transnasal Endoscopy ?

The opinion of doctors that carry out the transnasal Endoscopy is mostly very positive. Actually since transnasal Endoscopy is performed without sedation, it is possible therefore to have the patient actively cooperate with the doctor during the examination, meaning that the specialist can perform the procedure more quickly and often more efficiently than in a traditional situation.

What is the patient’s opinion of the transnasal Endoscopy ?

Just like the doctors, the patients also provide very positive opinions after having had a transnasal Endoscopy. The examination is actually much better tolerated than a traditional Endoscopy, allowing for the possibility of carrying out biopsies without any limitations. This exam is especially appreciated by patients who have to have frequent gastroscopies as part of a follow-up treatment.

Where to have the examination done

What are the centres that carry out Transnasal Endoscopy?

In some CertisMed centres it’s possible to request a booking for this exam. Anyone interested can contact the patient answering service to request more information about the centres where transnasal Endoscopy are done.