Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) is a safe way to examine the esophagus in patients at risk for esophageal cancer and other disorders.
It does not require sedation, unlike other techniques widely used to look into the esophagus.
TNE uses a camera that is passed through the nose, whereas other techniques, such as upper endoscopy, are performed through the mouth, requiring a patient to be sedated.
It is used by both otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists as a diagnostic tool to detect globus, dysphagia, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
TNE may also be useful in detecting Barrett’s esophagus.
TNE may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in otolaryngology patients with reflux, globus, and dysphagia.
Transnasal esophagoscopy is an office based procedure in which the patient is anesthetized locally in the nose and sometimes the oropharynx.
The patient sitting upright in an exam chair unencumbered by cardiac monitoring equipment.