It was a day for innovation and development in the Endoscopy Unit at Huddersfield last week when the Trust held it's first ever Transnasal Endoscopy (TNE) list. 

In short the endoscopy enters the patient through the nose instead of the tradtional mouth which is better patient satisfaction without causing retching and vomiting.

Our Consultant in Upper GI, Bariatric and General Surgery, Arin Saha, explains more:

" The new technique is associated with much better outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction and comfort and fewer complications with retching or vomiting. Patients can also talk through the procedure meaning that they are more relaxed and comfortable."

"The TNE list was a real demonstration of colleagues working together across the Trust, with everyone playing their part in its success.

"The project has backing from our Chief Operating Officer Helen Barker - an enthusiastic supporter of the investment needed to bring in the new equipment and scopes required. And the whole endoscopy department, particularly Sister Tracy Burland, De'Anne Durkin and the whole team, worked hard to develop protocols for management.

"The Endoscopy Lead for TNE, Mr Mark Peter, developed the business and clinical cases for bringing the new procedure to the Trust. The whole team was also supported by colleagues Jason Bushby and Mel Addy in the Divisional Management team and this allowed a dedicated TNE list to be created.

"The TNE group are also very grateful to the Endoscopy Team from York District Hospitals for taking time to travel to Huddersfield and support it. Dr Prashant Kant (Consultant Gastroenterologist), Mr Wing Wong (Consultant Surgeon), Michelle (Endoscopy Sister) and Mel (Endoscopy Nurse Specialist) provided valuable guidance and advice and had very positive comments about the Trust and the Endoscopy Unit as a whole and have invited colleagues to have a 'return visit' at York in the future.

"The feedback from the patients was fantastic and the TNE team now hope to expand the project to reduce waiting times for fast track referrals, bariatric assessment and the deep sedation endoscopy list as the TNE route is much better tolerated than standard endoscopy."