Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE)

If your child is experiencing frequent vomiting, stomach aches, or difficulty swallowing, your child’s provider may recommend a transnasal endoscopy.
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A transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to evaluate and diagnose conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract in children.  

It can help your provider diagnose issues with your child’s stomach or esophagus. A TNE is usually recommended for children who have trouble swallowing, frequent vomiting, or frequent stomach aches.  

A TNE is performed by inserting a thin, flexible tube that includes a small camera and light into the nose and down into the esophagus and stomach without the need for general anesthesia. This allows your child’s provider to visually identify possible causes for symptoms such as ulcers or inflammation.  

University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital offers the most comprehensive gastroenterology services in eastern Iowa. Our gastroenterology specialists are experts in diagnosing and caring for GI conditions in children. They will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to address your child’s symptoms and bring relief.  

Benefits of transnasal endoscopy

There are a few key benefits to having a TNE performed. These include:

It is a quick and comfortable procedure. 

TNE is completed quickly and with minimal discomfort. We use numbing sprays to make the nasal passages and throat feel numb. Children can go back to their normal activities almost immediately. The time they need to avoid eating or drinking (NPO time) is shorter compared to traditional upper endoscopy, and the recovery time is also shorter, meaning less disruption in school and work schedules.  

It is effective for diagnosis and monitoring. 

TNE allows us to collect biopsy samples, when necessary, just like a traditional upper endoscopy. This helps us diagnose and monitor conditions effectively.  

How a transnasal endoscopy works

During a TNE, a narrow, flexible tube —also referred to as a scope—is inserted into the nose and down the throat into the esophagus and stomach. The tube has a light and a very small camera on the end, allowing your provider to see any visual issues in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Your provider may also take small tissue samples during this time, if they believe additional testing is needed.  

Your child will not need to be put to sleep for the procedure and will instead be given medicine before the test to numb the nose and throat. Your child will be able to breathe and talk normally during the procedure.  

What to expect during a transnasal endoscopy

Your child should not eat any solid foods and should stop drinking water at least two hours before the test.  

Before the procedure, your child will receive an anesthetic spray for the nose and throat that will numb the area and allow the nostrils to open, making it easier and more comfortable to insert the tube.

Once numbed, the provider will insert the scope into the nose and lead it down into esophagus and stomach. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes to perform and is considered safe and painless. If your child’s provider needs to take tissue samples, our child may experience mild discomfort, which is often described as a tugging sensation. This should pass quickly.  

After the procedure, your care team will review your child’s results and schedule a follow-up appointment with you to go over them and discuss the next steps of your child’s treatment. While your child may experience some mild irritation in their throat and nose, serious complications are rare. 

Not sure whether a transnasal endoscopy is right for your child?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
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