Interpretation of Transnasal Esophagoscopy Findings (TNE)

Vanderbilt University

Status and phase

Completed

Phase 4

Conditions

Larynx Disease

Treatments

Procedure: Transnasal Esophagoscopy

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00372918

060713

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of esophageal pathology in patients with voice disorders. In addition, , the intra- and interdisciplinary variability regarding the identification of esophageal pathology will be analyzed in this study.

Full description

Throat symptoms are common complaints for many patients. Some symptoms are thought to be attributable to laryngopharyngeal reflux (i.e. the reflux of stomach acid to the level of the larynx). It is unclear what role laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) has in producing throat symptoms and its relationship to laryngeal pathology. LPR may be more carefully diagnosed if knowledge could be obtained regarding the presence of esophageal manifestations of reflux of stomach acid. Although LPR may occur in the absence of esophageal manifestations, the presence may make this diagnosis more probable. If so, therapy can be more carefully directed.

Using a flexible endoscope, otolaryngologists perform transnasal flexible laryngoscopy. This requires only topical anesthesia and occurs in the clinic setting. The small caliber transnasal esophagoscope was developed in recent years and is performed in a similar manner. It can provide key information regarding esophageal pathology. This obviates the need for administration of anesthesia (i.e. other than the topical, non-sedating agent). Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy is considered to be the standard of care for evaluation of the larynx. Transnasal esophagoscopy is an extension of this standard of care.

There are a number of studies demonstrating the safety and utility of transnasal esophagoscopy in humans. Typically these studies are composed of retrospectively on a select group of patients. Additionally the TNE findings are reviewed by one medical discipline. This study will be the first prospective analysis of TNE in which the findings will be reviewed in a multidisciplinary manner (i.e. otolaryngologists and gastroenterologist). Also, the population involved will be more general than previous studies, representing a myriad of throat symptoms.

Enrollment

98 patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Study participants include persons 18 years and older
Patients presenting to the Vanderbilt Voice Center and complaining of throat symptoms. These include hoarseness, throat clearing/pain/burning, heartburn, globus sensation, and acidic/sour taste.
New and return patients will be included.

Exclusion criteria