EDG

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an exam that is used to look at the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.  The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach. The duodenum is the upper part of your small intestine.

During an EGD a long, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted down your throat and along the length of your esophagus, through the stomach and into the duodenum. A small camera on the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The tube contains a light and a tube (channel) that allows the doctor to pump air into the esophagus for better visualization. If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) and other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope. The doctor may also perform certain treatments during an EGD, such as widening any unusually narrow areas of your esophagus.

A EGD typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Indications for EGD

  • Severe, chronic heartburn

  • Vomiting blood

  • Black or tarry stools

  • Regurgitating food

  • Pain in your upper abdomen

  • Unexplained anemia

  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • A feeling of fullness after eating less than usual

  • A feeling that food is lodged behind your breastbone

  • Pain or difficulty swallowing


Your doctor may also use an EGD to determine how effectively a treatment is working or to track complications for conditions such as:


  • Crohn’s disease

  • peptic ulcers

  • cirrhosis

  • swollen veins in your lower esophagus


Risks

An EGD poses few risks. Rarely, complications of an EGD may include:

  • A reaction to the sedative used during the exam

  • Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken, or other abnormal tissue was removed

  • A tear or small hole in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine (perforation)

While EGD tests have very few serious risks, please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms are worse than before the test

  • You have difficulty swallowing

  • You feel dizzy or faint

  • You’re vomiting

  • You have sharp pains in your abdomen

  • You have blood in your stool

  • You’re unable to eat or drink

  • You’re urinating less than usual or not at all


EGD Preparation

Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your EGD test. You may also want to:

  • Arrange for transportation home. You will likely be given sedatives during the test, and you won’t be able to drive until they wear off. Ask a family member or friend if they can help you get home after the test.

  • Take the day off. You may experience slight discomfort after the test, and it may take a while for the sedatives to wear off. Take the day off from work if you can and plan to rest at home.

  • Do not eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the test.

  • Adjust your medications. Remind your doctor of your medications at least a week before the exam — especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems or if you take medications or supplements that contain iron.

Also tell your doctor if you take aspirin or other medications that thin the blood, or heart medications that affect platelets. The doctor may need to adjust your dosages or have you stop taking these medications temporarily.

What to expect

During the procedure

During an EGD, you will wear a gown. If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them. Sedation or anesthesia is usually recommended. In most cases, the sedative is combined with pain medication given intravenously to lessen any discomfort. Your doctor may spray a local anesthetic into your mouth to stop you from gagging or coughing as the endoscope is inserted. You’ll be given a mouth guard to wear. This helps prevent damage to your teeth or the camera. The doctor will pass an endoscope down your esophagus and into your stomach and upper part of your intestine. You may feel some pressure as the endoscope goes down your throat. Your doctor may perform certain treatments during an EGD, such as widening any unusually narrow areas of your esophagus. When the test is over, your doctor will remove the endoscope.

After the procedure

After the exam, it takes about an hour to begin to recover from the sedative. You'll need someone to take you home because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off. Don't drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day. You may experience some uncomfortable symptoms, such as gas or bloating, slight cramping or sore throat.

These side effects are quite common and should go away completely within 24 hours. Wait to eat or drink until you can swallow comfortably. Once you do begin eating, start with a light snack.

Results

You will have a one week follow up with your doctor to review the results of the colonoscopy and make recommendations for follow up.

Video Block
Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more