'Safer' endoscopy service starts at hospital

Dr Muhammad Salman said it was a "really positive step" for the hospital trust

A new endoscopy service aims to enhance the experience for patients by offering faster recovery times and a more comfortable, less invasive procedure.

The trans-nasal endoscopy (TNE) service began at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in August after being trialled over the past year.

It allows medics to examine the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine without the need for sedation or 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."

TNE involves passing a small, flexible tube equipped with a camera, through the patient's nostril, unlike the traditional method 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, according to the trust.

A hospital spokesperson said the key benefits of the service were faster recovery times, minimal gagging and the ability for patients to speak with the endoscopist during the procedure.

The trust will also open a standalone endoscopy unit at the Bradford Royal Infirmary in early 2026.

Alison Marsden, from Bradford, is one of the 52 patients who have recently experienced the new procedure.

The 31-year-old, 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 Bradford Royal Infirmary.

"It wasn't a positive experience and I just couldn't tolerate the traditional endoscopy," she said.

"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."

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