Exploring Conscious Painless Endoscopy in Adults: Prof. Dr. G.S. Prabudoss’ Highlights from WALS 2025

Endoscopy has long been a cornerstone of diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, offering clinicians a window into the body’s internal structures without the need for invasive surgery. However, traditional endoscopy often involves discomfort, sedation, or anesthesia, which can deter patients and complicate procedures. In recent years, advancements in endoscopic techniques have aimed to address these challenges, with a particular focus on making the process painless and accessible under conscious conditions. At the World Association for Laser Surgery and Medicine (WALS) 2025, Prof. Dr. G.S. Prabudoss, a distinguished surgical gastroenterologist and pioneer in minimally invasive techniques, presented groundbreaking insights into conscious painless endoscopy in adults, revolutionizing the field and offering new hope for patient-centered care.

Prof. Dr. G.S. Prabudoss, based in Chennai, India, is a highly regarded figure in surgical gastroenterology, with over 16 years of experience and a reputation for innovation. A gold medalist in M.Ch. Surgical Gastroenterology and a senior consultant at Gleneagles Global Health City, he has dedicated his career to advancing laparoscopic and bariatric surgery, as well as developing novel endoscopic approaches. One of his most notable contributions is his patented technique for painless nasal endoscopy, which he highlighted during his presentation at WALS 2025. This technique, designed to minimize discomfort while maintaining diagnostic efficacy, represents a significant leap forward in patient experience and procedural efficiency.

Conscious painless endoscopy, as explored by Dr. Prabudoss, refers to endoscopic procedures performed without general anesthesia or heavy sedation, relying instead on innovative methods to eliminate pain and anxiety. Traditional endoscopy, such as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy, often requires sedation to manage patient discomfort caused by the insertion of the endoscope through natural orifices like the mouth or rectum. While effective, sedation introduces risks such as respiratory depression, prolonged recovery times, and the need for additional monitoring, making it less ideal for some patients. Dr. Prabudoss’ approach challenges this norm by leveraging advanced technology and refined techniques to achieve a painless experience under conscious conditions, allowing patients to remain awake and alert throughout the procedure.

At WALS 2025, Dr. Prabudoss emphasized the role of his patented nasal endoscopy method as a cornerstone of this innovation. Unlike traditional oral endoscopy, which can trigger gag reflexes and discomfort, nasal endoscopy involves threading a thin, flexible endoscope through the nasal passage—a route that is less invasive and better tolerated by patients. By integrating laser-assisted technology and precise instrumentation, Dr. Prabudoss has refined this method to ensure it is not only painless but also highly effective for diagnosing conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. His presentation showcased clinical data demonstrating reduced procedure times, lower complication rates, and high patient satisfaction scores, underscoring the potential of this technique to transform routine diagnostics.

The implications of conscious painless endoscopy extend beyond patient comfort. Dr. Prabudoss highlighted its applicability in resource-limited settings, where access to anesthesiologists or advanced monitoring equipment may be scarce. By eliminating the need for sedation, this approach reduces costs and logistical burdens, making it a viable option for outpatient clinics and rural healthcare facilities. Furthermore, it empowers patients with greater autonomy, as they can communicate with clinicians during the procedure and resume normal activities immediately afterward without the grogginess associated with sedation. At WALS 2025, Dr. Prabudoss presented case studies of adults undergoing painless endoscopy for conditions such as gastritis, Barrett’s esophagus, and early-stage esophageal cancer, illustrating its versatility and diagnostic precision.

Laser technology, a central theme of the WALS conference, played a pivotal role in Dr. Prabudoss’ advancements. He discussed how low-power laser systems, integrated into the endoscope, enhance visualization and facilitate therapeutic interventions without causing tissue damage or pain. For instance, lasers can be used to cauterize small bleeding sites or ablate abnormal tissue during the procedure, all while the patient remains conscious and comfortable. This synergy of laser surgery and painless endoscopy aligns with the broader mission of WALS 2025 to push the boundaries of minimally invasive medicine, and Dr. Prabudoss’ work stood out as a practical application of this vision.

While the benefits of conscious painless endoscopy are compelling, Dr. Prabudoss also addressed challenges and future directions in his talk. Patient selection remains critical, as individuals with high anxiety or anatomical abnormalities may still require sedation. Additionally, widespread adoption of his techniques will depend on training programs to equip endoscopists with the necessary skills and on regulatory approval of new devices. Dr. Prabudoss expressed optimism about ongoing research into topical anesthetics and ergonomic endoscope designs, which could further enhance the painless experience. His vision, as shared at WALS 2025, is to make conscious endoscopy the standard of care for adults, reducing the physical and psychological barriers that have long accompanied these procedures.

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. G.S. Prabudoss’ highlights from WALS 2025 illuminate a transformative shift in endoscopic practice. His pioneering work on conscious painless endoscopy, exemplified by his patented nasal technique, bridges the gap between patient comfort and clinical efficacy. By harnessing laser technology and a deep understanding of gastrointestinal anatomy, he has redefined what is possible in minimally invasive diagnostics and therapy. As healthcare continues to prioritize patient-centered innovation, Dr. Prabudoss’ contributions serve as a beacon, guiding the field toward a future where endoscopy is not only a powerful tool but also a painless and empowering experience for adults worldwide. WALS 2025 has undoubtedly marked a milestone in this journey, with Dr. Prabudoss at the forefront of this exciting evolution.