New Transnasal Endoscopy Service opens at PRH

Each day multiple gastroscopies are performed at Princess Royal Hospital. With improved systems for performing this common procedure now available, the charity is pleased to help ensure patient experience is the best it can be for those undergoing gastroscopy at University Hospitals Sussex.

A gastroscopy is a diagnostic method to check inside your throat, oesophagus and stomach. This could be done for digestive symptoms, treatment of some conditions or to check for cancer.

Conventionally, the standard method has used transoral endoscopy, in which a thin, flexible tube is passed into the patient’s mouth, down their throat and into their stomach. This method is invasive, can be sore post-procedure and usually requires sedation with subsequent recovery time.

Comparatively, the newer method of transnasal endoscopy inserts a tube through the patient’s nose. Accuracy has been proven the same as the conventional method, but with numerous benefits. Since the nasal route is less sensitive and the nasal endoscopes much smaller, there is no need for sedation; patients remain awake and alert, eliminating the associated risks. Post-procedure monitoring is not needed, thus patients can resume normal activities immediately.

Most gastroscopy services in the UK are now using transnasal endoscopy as a preferable procedure in the diagnostic pathway. My Charity is thrilled to support the service at Princess Royal Hospital to become one of them.

Dr Fergus Chedgy, Endoscopy Clinical Lead, said: