Sunshine Coast Health is constantly looking for innovative ways to provide high quality care to our patients, which is why we are now offering unsedated transnasal endoscopy to eligible patients.
This novel technique not only eliminates the need for sedation but also allows for the patient to remain fully awake and comfortable throughout the transnasal endoscopy procedure. The use of numbing spray, combined with the insertion of a thin gastroscope through the nose, makes the experience more patient-friendly.
Unlike traditional methods that often require a longer recovery period, this innovative approach minimizes disruption to patients’ daily lives. With the procedure taking as little as five minutes to complete, patients can go back to daily activities almost immediately with very little downtime.
Sunshine Coast Health Hepatology Staff Specialist Professor James O’Beirne explained some of the benefits of the new procedure.
“Unsedated transnasal endoscopy is a much more comfortable procedure for patients than endoscopy via the mouth, and it can be done without sedation, which is very convenient for patients because they can drive themselves to their appointment and drive themselves home. It doesn’t interfere with work or childcare.”
“One of the great benefits is that patients can breathe normally through their mouth, they can speak, and I can talk to them while I’m performing the procedure and point out on the screen what is happening, and I think patients find that really interesting and empowering.”