A new service which aims to enhance the experience for patients by offering faster recovery times and a more comfortable, less invasive procedure has begun at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The trans-nasal endoscopy service (TNE) allows the endoscopist to examine the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine without the need for sedation or a general anaesthetic, which offers a safer option with fewer side effects.
TNE involves passing a small, flexible tube equipped with a camera, through the patient’s nostril, unlike the traditional Oesophago Gastro Duodenoscopy, which requires inserting the tube through the mouth.
By bypassing the gag reflex, the procedure significantly reduces discomfort and allows patients to remain more relaxed. It typically lasts up to 15 minutes and is usually performed using local anaesthetic, without the need for sedative drugs or general anaesthetic.
Among the key benefits of the new service are faster recovery times, minimal gagging and the ability for patients to speak with the endoscopist during the procedure. These factors make TNE better tolerated for most patients, particularly those who may struggle with traditional endoscopy. In the past patients who didn’t tolerate or didn’t want a traditional sedated endoscopy were offered a procedure under general anaesthetic. TNE means that patients can avoid the risks and delays associated with a general anaesthetic.
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Dr Muhammad Salman, said: “Launching this new service is a really positive step for the Trust as an effective alternative for diagnostic gastroscopy as it means patients – who can’t tolerate the camera – can tolerate the TNE equipment better and crucially it means they are still able to have an endoscopy to provide diagnosis as quickly as possible.
Image: Bradford Teaching Hospital
“TNE also has benefits for patients on oxygen as it means they can also have the procedure sitting up.
“Once our new, standalone endoscopy unit comes online at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) in early 2026, we are hoping to run the new service from outpatient clinic rooms which will provide additional capacity for us to potentially perform more complex procedures within the endoscopy department.
Until then, the procedure will be done for patients who require TNE at our existing endoscopy units at the Duke of York Wing at the BRI.”
The new service – which Dr Salman was trained in while a resident doctor at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary – comes as the Trust continues its journey to provide outstanding care as it aims to enhance the patient experience.
Endoscopy nurses, Xyza Husain and Thrixia Florentino, have also been trained in the procedure and will support the new service.
Alison Marsden, 31, from Buttershaw, Bradford, is one of the 52 patients who have recently experienced the new TNE procedure which can be carried out while the patient is sitting in a chair.
Alison, who suffers from liver disease caused by childhood cancer treatment initially had a failed endoscopy investigation at another hospital before she came to Dr Salman’s clinic at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI).
She said: “It (the failed endoscopy at another hospital) wasn’t a positive experience and I just couldn’t tolerate the traditional endoscopy.
When Alison decided to move hospitals and come to the BRI, Dr Salman suggested she try the new TNE procedure. Alison decided she was willing to “give it a go” following his reassurances that this time the procedure would be different.
“Dr Salman offered me the new procedure and initially I was still very, very nervous but he was very reassuring and said it was much easier, so I trusted him and he was right,” Alison continued.
“After the endoscopy, I was initially a bit groggy from the sedation, but it was a much, much better experience and it was successful which is the most important thing.
“Throughout the endoscopy, Dr Salman’s kind words and reassurance kept me calm. I’d encourage other patients who have difficulty with traditional endoscopies to consider this new TNE procedure as it’s a lot easier to tolerate.”
Clinical Lead for Gastroenterology, Dr Sarah Jowett, commented: “We are delighted with this new service that Dr Salman and the endoscopy team have developed.
“It offers a safe, comfortable and timely service for patients who cannot tolerate traditional endoscopy.”
