New diagnostic technology enhancing patient care at Macclesfield District General Hospital

East Cheshire NHS Trust have launched a new transnasal endoscopy service, offering patients a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy procedures at Macclesfield District General Hospital.

The innovative technique allows the examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine by passing a flexible, camera-equipped tube through the nostril rather than the mouth, and investigates symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, pain, recurring indigestion, or heartburn, vomiting and bleeding.

The procedure, which takes around 15 minutes, bypasses the gag reflex, making it more comfortable and better tolerated by most patients, and also enables patients to speak with the endoscopist during the process, further enhancing the experience.

Mark Morrison, Endoscopy Nurse Specialist at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said:

"We are delighted to announce the launch of this new service at Macclesfield Hospital. 

“A transnasal endoscopy is an extremely well-tolerated procedure that does not require sedation, which means that patients can carry on with their day without any restrictions.

“We have successfully carried out this procedure on a number of patients who previously required either heavy sedation or general anaesthetic when having a normal gastroscopy.

“It is a safe and effective method to undertake diagnostic gastroscopies, and we are very pleased to be able to offer this service to our community."

The launch of this new service reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to improving patient care and enhancing the quality of diagnostic services in East Cheshire.

Pictured - Mark Morrison, Endoscopy Nurse Specialist (left) with Staff Nurse Jingbo Ellison.