Abstract
Background Unsedated transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) may offer a less expensive, mobile alternative
to sedated esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for evaluations of reflux related complications.
Comparisons of imaging quality by these methods are lacking.
Methods Two reviewers evaluated videos of TNE and EGD procedures, performed during a community
randomized study comparing endoscopic techniques. Subjects were randomized to EGD,
TNE in endoscopy suite, or TNE in mobile research unit. Endoscopic quality was assessed
using a validated scoring tool.
Results In total, 115 videos (58 EGD, 28 endoscopy suite TNE, and 29 mobile TNE) were reviewed.
Overall quality scores for TNE and EGD were excellent without a statistically significant
difference (P = 0.30). There were no differences in gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) visualization
scores, though EGD scored higher in esophageal passage (P < 0.05) and TNE scored higher in esophageal intubation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any quality score between mobile
TNE and gastrointestinal suite TNE.
Conclusion Esophageal assessment with TNE or EGD was comparable in overall quality and GEJ visualization.
TNE quality was not affected by procedure location. TNE is a feasible option for endoscopic
assessment of reflux complications.
