7131 Nasal versus oral route for gastroscopy: results of a multicenter randomized study.

A multicenter randomized study was conducted to compare the tolerance to and the efficacy of nasal (NG) and oral route (OG) for gastroscopy. Methods: 10 centers (5 private practice and 5 universitary hospitals) included each 50 patients (pts) with a first indication of gastroscopy (= no previous gastroscopy). Randomization between NG and OG was done as 10 equivalent blocks of 50 pts. A 5mm diameter fiberscope (Olympus N30) was used for NG (250 pts) and a standard videoendoscope (diameter>10mm) for OG (250 pts). Pts had no sedation but a local anesthesia (lidocaine; NG: nasopharynx; OG: pharynx). Main evaluation criterion was a score of intolerance previously validated and calculated from 8 items (global discomfort, unpleasantness at scope introduction , pain, nausea, cough, eructation, bloating, feeling of asphyxia) analyzed in a post-procedure pt questionnaire. Secondary criteria were different parameters on vision quality (10 anatomical sites) and progress of the procedure. Results: Age, sex, indications were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Procedure failed in 17 pts (6.8%) for NG and in 4 pts (1.8%) for OG (p