Transnasal Endoscopy Techniques in Gastrointestinal Assessment
Summary
Transnasal endoscopy has emerged as a versatile approach for diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. By advancing an ultrathin endoscope through the nasal passage instead of the oral cavity, clinicians can bypass the need for conscious sedation, reducing patient recovery time and procedural costs. The reduced diameter of dedicated transnasal endoscopes—often between 3.0 mm and 5.5 mm—minimises gag reflex and pharyngeal discomfort, making the examination more tolerable across a broad age spectrum, including paediatric and geriatric populations. Modern devices integrate high-resolution imaging channels, biopsy capability and, in some models, narrowband or chromoendoscopic functions to enhance mucosal visualisation. Technological advances have also led to tailored therapeutic applications such as nasobiliary drain placement and targeted feeding-tube deployment. Globally, transnasal endoscopy is being adopted in both outpatient and community settings, improving access in resource-limited environments and streamlining endoscopy unit workflows. As procedure times shorten and patient satisfaction rises, service models are evolving to integrate transnasal pathways alongside conventional peroral endoscopy, delivering a patient-centred strategy that preserves diagnostic accuracy while mitigating sedation-related risks.
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Transnasal Endoscopy Techniques in Gastrointestinal Assessment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in transnasal endoscopy techniques in gastrointestinal assessment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Transnasal endoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract via insertion of an ultrathin scope through the nasal passage rather than the mouth.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Endoscopic visualisation of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum, commonly performed to diagnose mucosal disease.
Ultrathin endoscope: A flexible endoscope with a distal diameter typically under 5.5 mm, designed to reduce patient discomfort and allow transnasal insertion.
Conscious sedation: Administration of sedative agents to reduce anxiety and discomfort without impairing respiratory function or protective reflexes.
Nasobiliary drain: A catheter placed endoscopically through the nose into the biliary system for drainage or cholangioscopic access.
References
- The benefits of transnasal endoscopy compared to conventional endoscopy in adolescents. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association (2024).
- Safety and efficacy of a novel ultrathin gastroscope for unsedated transnasal endoscopy in children and adults for evaluation of upper GI disorders. iGIE (2024).
- Transforming transnasal endoscopy services: A multicentre service evaluation pilot project. Clinical Medicine (2025).
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