Transnasal Tracheoscopy

Transnasal Tracheoscopy (TNT) is a procedure to examine the airway (the breathing passages) from the nose to the lungs, including the trachea (the airway between the voice box and the lungs) using a flexible endoscope that is passed through the nose.

 This examination is underatken to evaluate people with stridor (noisy breathing) or unexplained shortness of breath.

 This examination has traditionally been performed under general anaesthetic (rigid tracheoscopy or bronchoscopy) or under intravenous sedation (bronchoscopy). With modern channelled videoendoscopes this procedure can now be performed using local anaesthetic only, without the need for a general anesthetic or sedation, making the procedure fast and simple. There is no prolonged recovery time.

Dr David Vokes performs TNT at the Remuera office of ENT Associates.