Transnasal esophagoscopy: a position statement from the American Bronchoesophagological Association (ABEA).

OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize the current literature on transnasal esophagoscopy, and to compare information with conventional esophagoscopy.

DATA SOURCES: Medline (Ovid), book chapters.

REVIEW METHODS: A thorough review of the literature using the Medline database was performed with the following search terms: esophagoscopy, transnasal esophagoscopy, ultrathin endoscopy, and esophagoscope.

RESULTS: The literature seems to support the equivalence of transnasal esophagoscopy and conventional esophagoscopy in image quality and diagnostic capability. It also points to some potential advantages of transnasal esophagoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS: Transnasal esophagoscopy is a useful tool for accurate diagnosis and can be used in a variety of office procedures.