If your child has gastric or airway issues that need endoscopy, you probably have some concerns. You may worry about how they’ll feel after sedation (getting medicine to go to sleep). Will they feel groggy for the rest of the day? Will they still be able to play sports, read a book, or enjoy other hobbies?
Endoscopies are safe procedures. But you might want to avoid sedating your child. At UVA Health Children’s, many children can now get a transnasal endoscopy (TNE). This type of endoscopy doesn't require sedation.
The Endoscopy Without Sedation Experience
During an endoscopy, your child’s doctor threads a long, thin camera down your child’s throat to see the inside of the esophagus and digestive system. This lets them look for symptoms that might not be clear otherwise.
For a transnasal endoscopy, they still use a long thin camera. But it’s much thinner. And instead of going down your child’s throat, it goes down their nose.
Is TNE Just as Effective?
Yes. Even though it’s much thinner, the endoscope’s camera still lets us see everything we need to. We can also collect tissue samples. For conditions that cause growths, we can even fix them through the endoscopic tube.
How We Make the Experience More Comfortable
Having a tube go down your nose and throat is uncomfortable. To help, your child’s doctor applies a numbing spray in their nose and throat before the procedure. Once they’re sure it worked, they insert the camera and do the endoscopy.
This can be scary to some kids. So, we’ll offer your child a VR headset, so they can enjoy some distracting entertainment during the TNE. While we work, your child can watch their favorite TV show.
After the TNE
After the procedure, your child can go right home, without the need to recover from sedation. For many families, this speedy return to normal live is a huge advantage.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis Care
TNE often treats kids with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition that makes eating and swallowing hard.
TNE Frequently Asked Questions
Your child’s doctor will review the specifics of their procedure with you ahead of time. This includes details like medicines they may need to stop taking or when to stop eating and drinking. These questions also come up.
What are the Common Side Effects of TNE?
It’s normal for kids to have a slightly sore throat afterward. Biopsies can sometimes cause a little bleeding.
How Large is the Endoscope?
The tube used for this procedure is about 6 mm wide (about the same as the width of a paperclip).
Can Everyone Get a TNE?
No. Children need to be old enough (usually starting at 8 years old) to understand their instructions and the importance of staying still. They also can’t have a history of a broken nose or deviated septum.
How Long Does a TNE Take?
The exact time limit depends on what your child needs. Most of the time, it’s a short procedure, usually less than a half-hour.
Can My Child Still Talk During TNE?
Yes! One of the advantages of TNE is that children can talk during the procedure.