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There’s a new arrival at �ձ�avɫ��Ƭ that’s making it easier for your gastroenterologist to see what’s happening in your esophagus or your stomach. It’s called transnasal endoscopy (TNE), and it’s performed without sedation. That means you or your child won’t need general anesthesia to undergo the procedure.��

“When you undergo TNE without sedation, preparation and recovery times are markedly decreased,” says Dr. Aliza Solomon, an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Associate Attending Pediatrician at �ձ�avɫ��Ƭ. Patients only need to fast for 2 to 4 hours beforehand, as opposed to a full 8 hours before traditional endocopy with sedation or anesthesia.����

“With TNE, we use a topical anesthetic that wears off fairly quickly,” Dr. Solomon says. “And because there is no sedation, you’l�� be discharged within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the procedure.����

“After anesthesia, recovery time can be variable, but you can still experience drowsiness or disorientation for several hours,” she continues. “By contrast, TNE patients can usually return to work or school immediately.”��

All of this translates into a shorter fasting period before TNE and less missed work or school time afterwards.����

How and why is TNE being used?��

“W��’r�� using this procedure for follow-up with patients who have eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), noting any changes or progression,” she says. EoE is an allergic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus.��

Investigations are also underway for its use as a way to follow up on other upper GI tract diseases, from acid reflux to abdominal pain stemming from a variety of conditions. It’s also a viable option for people who are at high risk for problems with anesthesia and have a new upper GI tract complaint that warrants endoscopy.��

Is TNE used for patients of all ages, including children? ��