Transnasal esophagoscopy.
BACKGROUND
Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE), a new diagnostic technology, allows comprehensive, in-office examination of the esophagus without sedation.


OBJECTIVE
To report the authors' experience using TNE.


METHODS
Retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing TNE.


RESULTS
The most frequent indications for TNE were screening examination of the esophagus in reflux, globus, and/or dysphagia patients (n = 79), biopsy of a lesion in the laryngopharynx, trachea, or esophagus (n = 8), screening examination of the esophagus in head and neck cancer patients (n = 5), tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy (n = 4), and evaluation for an esophageal foreign body (n = 2). Four procedures were aborted secondary to a tight nasal vault. Significant findings were found in 44% (42/96). The most frequent findings were esophagitis (n = 19), Barrett's (n = 6), hiatal hernia (n = 4), and carcinoma (n = 5).


CONCLUSIONS
TNE is safe and well tolerated by patients with topical anesthesia alone. TNE may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in otolaryngology patients with reflux, globus, and dysphagia.
Belafsky
P C
PC
Department of Otolaryngology, Center for Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1034, USA.
Postma
G N
GN
Daniel
E
E
Koufman
J A
JA
D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000209:etiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000175:diagnosis; D020701:Esophagoscopes; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004947:Esophagus; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009666:Nose; D009819:Office Visits; D018579:Patient Selection; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome