TRIAL OF TRANSNASAL ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY

Background:  Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is conventionally performed transorally, although this is often a rather unpleasant experience for the patient. In the present study, we examined the merits and demerits of transnasal EGD. Materials and Methods:  We used two types of small‐diameter endoscope, produced by Olympus Co. and Fujinon Toshiba ES Systems Co., Ltd. Results:  Transnasal EGD was performed successfully in 98.8% (955/967) of patients examined. When questioned about premedication and the degree of discomfort, the great majority of patients stated that transnasal EGD was more comfortable than a transoral procedure. The incidences of nausea and vomiting were low at 8.6% (82/955) and 0.8% (8/955), respectively. Other identified adverse reactions were nasal pain in 42.9% (415/967) of patients, and epistaxis in 1.1% (11/967). The average time taken for transnasal EGD was 8.2 ± 0.7 min, approximately 1 min longer than for the transoral method. Conclusion:  Transnasal EGD is less stressful to patients than transoral EGD, and is a feasible and safe alternative.