Authors' objectives:

To assess the diagnostic efficacy, safety and economic impact of transnasal gastroscopy (TNG) in adults.

Authors' results and conclusions: Feasibility of TNG: Feasibility was properly established by 4 randomised controlled trials and 5 other trials, in a total of more than 2000 patients. Diagnostic efficacy and safety: The level of evidence of these trials was inadequate to assess the visual diagnostic efficacy of TNG, the diagnostic efficacy of specimens taken and the safety of the method (epistaxis in 2-27% of TNGs performed in 7/8 trials) in comparison with standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Acceptability and patient comfort: Studied in 4 comparative trials against standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, with or without general anaesthesia. The design quality of these trials was insufficient to draw up any conclusions. Disinfection procedures and technical aspects of the procedure were not specifically studied.

Authors' recommendations: TNG is feasible; the diagnostic efficacy and safety of the procedure could not be properly evaluated, nor could the acceptability and patient comfort. Because TNG allows examination without sedation, it could reduce the costs of upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.has-sante.fr/

Year Published: 2003

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: France

Organisation Name: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Santé

Contact Address: 2 avenue du Stade de France, 93218 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex, France. Tel: +33 01 55 93 71 88; Fax: +33 01 55 93 74 35;

Contact Name: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Contact Email: sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr

Copyright: L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Sante (ANAES)