Endoscopy or EGD
Overview:
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that gives a direct view of your upper GI tract (upper digestive tract). For the procedure, the doctors use a long, thin, flexible tube, which contains a light and camera, called an endoscope. It sends live video of the upper GI tract to a monitor. The doctor can pass tools through channels in the scope, which may be used to take tissue samples, treat bleeding, or remove growths or foreign objects.
The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). During the EGD the doctor is looking at these areas for any problems. The doctors are able to take tissue samples, called a biopsy, to help diagnose and treat your GI problem.
Problems may include but are not limited to:
- inflammation
- foreign objects
- growths
- ulcers
Preparing for your Endoscopy:
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, on evening prior to EGD.
- Bring your medications or a list of medications with you to the hospital.
- Because you will be given sedating medication for your procedure, you MUST arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Since sedation medications decrease your reflexes just like alcohol, you SHOULD NOT DRIVE at all on the day of your EGD.
Results of the EGD may be ready right after the procedure or they may take longer, especially if a biopsy was done. If a biopsy was done, you will be hearing from the doctors office with the results. Once we have received the results, further testing or treatments may be discussed.
Please contact us to schedule an appointment with our surgeons, Dr. Stone and Dr. Sufficool.
Krames Patient Education. (2015). Upper GI Endoscopy: A direct view of the upper digestive tract. USA: The StayWell Company, LLC.