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FAQs for Patients and Families
Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is a minimally invasive medical procedure performed by a physician intended to examine the digestive tract. It involves inserting an endoscope through the nose, advancing down through the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and part of the small intestine (duodenum) to look at and treat conditions of the upper digestive tract.
EvoEndo sedation-free endoscopy takes TNE to the next level through the utilization of our FDA-cleared single-use scope. It is ultra-slim, narrow, and flexible, minimizing patient discomfort and allowing your doctor to perform a transnasal endoscopic exam in the clinic, office, or hospital bedside without the need for general anesthesia!
Choosing the EvoEndo Sedation-Free Endoscopy System for your TNE exam eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia and reduces overall exposure to anesthetic agents for you or your loved one. It also decreases pre-and post-procedure time, for a shorter office visit and a faster return to normal activities.
Additionally, the single-use disposable design minimizes any cross-contamination risks associated with inadequate sterilization of reusable equipment commonly used in endoscopic examinations.
Overall, the EvoEndo Sedation-Free Endoscopy System is a safe, convenient, and flexible option when it comes to diagnostic endoscopic examinations of the upper digestive tract!
According to medical literature, unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE) reports a 94-98% success rate, and is well-tolerated by the majority of patients.1-4
As with any medical procedure, it is not without risks. Some of the most common side effects may include:
- sore nose or throat
- scant bleeding/irritation
- mild chest/stomach discomfort
- pressure
- brief nausea/regurgitation
These have been documented in 2-5% of cases.1 For a more thorough list of the possible risks of any form of endoscopy, please discuss with your provider.
Before: It is always best to speak with your healthcare provider regarding specific preparation instructions. No food or drink for 2-4 hours prior to the procedure is typically recommended.
After: Your provider will brief you on findings, biopsy timelines, discharge guidelines, and next steps. You should be able to go back to work, school, or other commitments following the procedure.
Here's what you can expect:
- A numbing agent will be applied to your nasal passages to make you more comfortable.
- You might receive an EvoEndo Patient Experience Kit with items designed to provide distraction during the procedure.
- Once ready, the doctor will gently insert the EvoEndo Scope through your nose, and it will travel down through the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- If needed, very small samples of tissue called biopsies may be taken through the EvoEndo Scope using special forceps. Air and water may also be used to make it easier for the doctor to see.
Unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE) typically takes about 1 hour from arrival at the medical center to departure. The TNE procedure lasts about 5-7 minutes and can be performed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, or procedural units.
It is your choice to decide which medical procedure you would like to have. Many studies have demonstrated that patients who have had unsedated transnasal endoscopy would choose it over sedated endoscopy. Unsedated TNE may also allow your medical team to provide answers on the same day. It is recommended to discuss which procedure, sedated or unsedated, is best for you.
References
1. Nguyen N, et al. Transnasal Endoscopy in Unsedated Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using Virtual Reality Video Goggles. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019 Nov;17(12):2455-2462.
2. Nguyen N, et al. Emerging Role of Transnasal Endoscopy in Children and Adults. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Mar;20(3):501-504.
3. Cho S, et al. Unsedated transnasal endoscopy: a Canadian experience in daily practice. Can J Gastroenterol. 2008 Mar;22(3):243-6.
4. Scherer C, et al. Pediatric Patients’ and Parents’ Perspectives of Unsedated Transnasal Endoscopy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021 Apr 1;72(4):558-562.