Pediatric Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE) Program

When your child has swallowing or stomach problems, they may need testing to figure out what is going on in their body. Often, a test called an upper endoscopy would be done to examine the upper digestive system. This test uses general anesthesia. That is medicine that puts patients to sleep.

The pediatric Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE) program at Nationwide Children’s offers another approach that does not require general anesthesia.

What Is Unsedated Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE)?

• An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube which has a camera on the end.
• During a transnasal endoscopy, the tube (scope) passes through your child’s nose and into the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.
• The doctor can find the same results as a traditional endoscopy, without fully putting your child asleep with medicine.
• Your child’s nose and throat are numbed. The smallest possible scope is passed through the nose and into the esophagus (feeding tube).
• Just like a traditional endoscopy, the tissue is viewed with a camera and small biopsy samples are taken for testing.

Who Can Have a Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE)?

Your pediatric gastroenterologist or GI doctor will help determine if your child is a potential candidate for this procedure.

Generally, children 8 years and older, teens and young adults may be able to get this procedure. It is typically used to monitor known conditions such as allergic/eosinophilic esophagitis (also known as EoE).

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE)?

Transnasal endoscopy is a quick procedure. Once it is done, your child can return to all their usual activities the same day.

An IV is not required. Because general anesthesia is not needed, your child will go less time without eating and drinking before the procedure and will not require extensive monitoring after the procedure.

During the TNE procedure, patients may experience some pain and discomfort as the scope passes through the nose. We use numbing medication in the nose and back of the throat to help reduce this discomfort. Our team of physicians, nurses and Child Life specialists will ensure your child is as comfortable as possible.  Your child may also be able to use virtual reality goggles to help distract them during the procedure. 

Why Nationwide Children’s?

The pediatric Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE) program at Nationwide Children’s can evaluate children who need an upper endoscopy without the risk and other potential difficulties of general anesthesia.

Our team looks forward to working with your family to determine if this approach is a good fit for your child. If you are already a Nationwide Children’s GI patient, please reach out to your child’s physician.