All patients received topical anaesthesia; before TG xylocain gel were inhaled into each nostril and before OG xylocain spray (10 mg/dose), 4 doses were spayed into the pharyngeal cavity. Intravenous sedation using midazolam were used only if specifically requested by the patient. The patients were positioned in the left lateral recumbent position during the procedures. Endoscopies were performed by experienced endoscopists.