Unsedated small-caliber upper endoscopy: an emerging diagnostic and therapeutic technology

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy requires patient sedation, leading to increased morbidity, work absence, and resource use.
• Sedation requirements limit the settings where upper gastrointestinal evaluations can be performed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the techniques, equipment, and applications of small-caliber endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal tract evaluation.
• To highlight the advantages of small-caliber endoscopy over conventional methods, particularly in unsedated patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical practices regarding small-caliber endoscopy.
• Discussion of transnasal endoscopy techniques and available equipment.
• Exploration of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

• Small-caliber endoscopy allows for unsedated transnasal evaluation of the upper GI tract.
• The procedure can be performed in various settings, including clinic and office environments.
• Applications range from general diagnostics to specific interventions like feeding tube placement and dilation.

Conclusions:

• Small-caliber endoscopy provides a viable alternative to conventional endoscopy, especially for unsedated procedures.
• Its versatility enhances accessibility and efficiency in upper gastrointestinal diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Further integration into clinical practice is supported by its benefits.