Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the first in South Florida to offer a new sedation-free procedure to evaluate the upper digestive tract in children. Transnasal endoscopy can be used as an alternative to traditional upper endoscopy performed through the mouth for patients and their families who prefer to avoid sedation and the associated inconveniences.
“Transnasal endoscopy offers many potential benefits for patients and their families,” said Dr. Laura Irastorza, pediatric gastroenterologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. “It can be performed in an outpatient office without lengthy advance fasting and eliminates the need for placement of an intravenous line, and the longer recovery time associated with anesthesia. It is particularly of interest to families of children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), as these youngsters often require a series of endoscopies during care.”
Nicklaus Children’s Division of Gastroenterology uses the EvoEndo® Sedation-Free Transnasal Endoscopy Scope. The ultrathin equipment is inserted in the nose to enable clinicians to assess the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The procedure can be concluded in the medical office in approximately an hour with minimal advance preparation. Virtual reality distraction is used to promote patient relaxation during the procedure.