East Cheshire NHS Trust has launched a new trans-nasal endoscopy service, offering patients a “safer, less invasive” alternative to traditional endoscopy procedures at Macclesfield District General Hospital.
The technique allows the examination of the oesophagus, stomach and upper small intestine by passing a flexible, camera-equipped tube through the nostril rather than the mouth, and investigates symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, pain, recurring indigestion or heartburn, vomiting and bleeding.
The procedure, which takes around 15 minutes, bypasses the gag reflex, making it more comfortable and better tolerated by most patients, and also enables patients to speak with the endoscopist during the process.
Mark Morrison, endoscopy nurse specialist at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this new service at Macclesfield Hospital.
“A trans-nasal endoscopy is an extremely well-tolerated procedure that does not require sedation, which means that patients can carry on with their day without any restrictions.
“We have successfully carried out this procedure on a number of patients who previously required either heavy sedation or general anaesthetic when having a normal gastroscopy.
“It is a safe and effective method to undertake diagnostic gastroscopies, and we are very pleased to be able to offer this service to our community.”
(Photo: East Cheshire NHS Trust).
