Feasibility and tolerance of 2-way and 4-way angulation videoscopes for unsedated patients undergoing transnasal EGD in GI cancer screening

Background The differences between 2-way and 4-way angulation endoscopes for use in unsedated patients undergoing transnasal EGD have not been elucidated. Objective Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and tolerance of 2- and 4-way angulation endoscopes for unsedated transnasal EGD in GI cancer screening of elderly people. Design A total of 291 patients were randomized to receive unsedated transnasal EGD with a 5.2-mm diameter 2-way angulation endoscope (GIF-N260, Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) (n = 146) or 5.5-mm diameter 4-way angulation endoscope (XGIF-XP240N2, Olympus) (n = 145). The transnasal insertion success rate and incidence of epistaxis were compared. The following parameters were evaluated: overall quality of the examination, ease of passing the endoscope through the pylorus, intubation of the second portion of the duodenum, ability to observe the entire upper GI tract and perform target biopsy, and examination time. Patient tolerance and acceptance were also assessed with regard to nasal pain, choking, gagging, abdominal discomfort, and overall pain and discomfort. Setting Matsushita Health Care Center, Moriguchi, Japan. Patients A total of 291 patients had unsedated transnasal EGD as part of a gastric cancer screening program. Results Use of the pediatric 4-way angulation endoscope significantly shortened the examination time when biopsy was performed compared with the 2-way angulation instrument, whereas the examination time without biopsy was not significantly different. Other parameters were not significantly different between the 2 endoscopes. Conclusion For unsedated transnasal EGD with biopsy, the 5.5-mm 4-way angulation videoscope shortens examination time while providing easy transnasal insertion and improved patient tolerance.