Transnasal esophagoscopy: revisited (over 700 consecutive cases)

High-resolution transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) allows comprehensive, in-office examination of the esophagus without sedation.

To compare the authors' present experience using TNE with our initial, previously reported experience.

Retrospective review of 611 consecutive patients undergoing TNE was compared with 100 consecutive patients previously reported.

The most frequent indications for TNE were screening examination of the esophagus in reflux, globus, or dysphagia patients (n = 490), biopsy of a lesion in the laryngopharynx, trachea, or esophagus (n = 42), screening examination of the esophagus in head and neck cancer patients (n = 45), and evaluation for an esophageal foreign body (n = 12). Seventeen procedures were aborted secondary to a tight nasal vault. Significant findings were found in 50% (294/592). The most frequent findings were esophagitis (n = 98), hiatal hernia (n = 47), and Barrett's esophagus (n = 27). These results are similar to those previously reported.

TNE is safe, well tolerated by patients, and is easy to learn with a short learning curve. TNE may replace radiographic imaging of the esophagus in otolaryngology patients with reflux, globus, and dysphagia.