Technology status evaluation report: Ultrathin endoscopes esophagogastroduodenoscopyMarch 2000

Ultrathin endoscopes are available and may make unsedated EGD via the nasal or oral routes practicable for motivated patients and endoscopists. Both transnasal and peroral UT-EGD are accurate means of detecting upper gastrointestinal tract pathology, although image quality and endoscope characteristics are somewhat poorer than with conventional endoscopes. Compared to transnasal UT-EGD, peroral UT-EGD is technically easier to perform and has a higher completion rate and shorter procedure time, although patient tolerance is similar. Complications are rare, but self-limited epistaxis occurs in up to 22% of transnasal UT-EGD, and an esophageal perforation has been reported. Ultrathin endoscopes may facilitate performance of EGD in the office setting. While the potential for cost savings exists, additional formal cost analyses are needed.