A trans-nasal gastroscopy is very similar test to a gastroscopy.

In trans-nasal endoscopy a much smaller camera is introduced through the nose (not into the mouth like gastroscopy) down to the back of the throat and into your oesophagus (food pipe).

Patients generally tolerate the procedure better as the camera does not touch the back of the tongue so they are unlikely to gag or retch during the procedure.

The procedure is performed sat up and as the camera is not touching the back of your tongue you can talk throughout the procedure.

Like gastroscopy trans- nasal endoscopy is a test to examine the upper part of your digestive system- your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and duodenum (small intestine). 

The test is often used to investigate the symptoms you have been having such as indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing or to exclude other abnormalities. Although the camera is thin it is still big enough to allow biopsies to be taken to help with your diagnosis.

Although the camera is passed through your nose we do not make a thorough examination of the nasal passages although if pathology is seen this will be reported to the doctor who requested the test.

The procedure takes five to 10 minutes and is commonly performed with local anaesthetic only although sedation can be used if preferred.