title: Current status of transnasal endoscopy worldwide using ultrathin videoscope for upper gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: Transnasal endoscopy with an ultrathin endoscope has been reported to be highly acceptable even without any sedative measures. Poor image quality and complex manipulation have been reported as shortcomings of this type of endoscopy compared with standard transoral endoscopy. However, image quality has improved markedly with the latest ultrathin endoscopes. To investigate the status of clinical use of endoscopes, we recently conducted a questionnaire survey involving 149 facilities (98 in Japan and 51 overseas). In Japan, transnasal endoscopes were being used primarily in clinics (34% in clinics and 9% in hospitals). Overseas, however, transnasal endoscopes were seldom used (1% in hospitals and 0% in clinics). This may be attributable to the complex pretreatment and more challenging manipulation required for transnasal endoscopes. However, it is evident that transnasal endoscopes are highly acceptable for patients. If the pretreatment required is simplified and healthcare physicians improve their skills and understanding, this type of endoscopy will have high potential for common use.
authors.affiliation: Center for Gastroenterology, Teine-Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
authors.forename: Tokuma
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanuma
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
authors.forename: Yoshinori
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Morita
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Hisashi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Doyama
mesh_terms: D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008904:Miniaturization; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D009666:Nose; D041742:Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: clinics; hospitals; questionnaire; transnasal endoscopy; ultrathin videoscope; upper GI tract