Office-based transnasal oesophagoscopy: Evaluating the safety, efficacy and application in head and neck cancer patients.

Abstract

Transnasal Oesophagoscopy (TNO) is an approach to inspect the upper aerodigestive tract, especially in the head and neck cancer (HNCA) population that present with dysphagia. Twenty-five (25) office-based TNO procedures were performed, with a same-day discharge rate of 96% (24/25) and no reported complications. This case series is the first to compare preoperative and postoperative outcomes (EAT-10) following stricture dilatation using TNO in the UK. Our results show a statistically significant improvement in symptom severity (EAT-10 scores) (n=11, P=0.001). Nearly half (45.5%) of patients undergoing dilatation developed strictures due to post-radiation/post-laryngectomy complications.Biopsy in 4/5 patients was sufficient fordiagnosis/ruling out disease. Of these patients, 5/5 had a previous HNCA. This study identifies the remit for a new 'one-stop' TNO service for suspected cancer referrals, of which a large proportion are patients with a previous HNCA. Surveillance, therapeutics and diagnostics can be achieved in a single visit. Earlier staging or treatment may be achieved due to a fast turnover in clinic.