EGD
(ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY)
This is an examination of the upper digestive tract by a flexible tube called en endoscope. The endoscope will allow direct visualization of the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenal portion of the small intestine.
EGD can diagnose ulcers, gastritis, tumors, and causes of bleeding and pain. It is also used for taking biopsy specimens, removing foreign objects (coins swallowed by children), polyps, to control bleeding and to open strictrures (narrow areas).
An EGD may take anywhere from
You will be transported by cart to the procedure room. Intravenous sedation will be given. Sedation medications will be provided for your comfort and relaxation for the procedure. You will be positioned on your left side and a mouthpiece will be put in place. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and each part of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum is examined. The endoscope will not interfere with your breathing. Air inserted during the procedure may cause you to belch. When the procedure is completed, you will rest until the sedation wears off. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored during and after the endoscopy. Your throat may be a little sore and you may feel some “gassiness” and fullness in the abdomen after the procedure because of the air that was introduced to examine your stomach, but passes easily in a short time.
Your doctor will tell you the results of your EGD. General findings are usually available when the sedation wears off. Biopsy results take several days. You will be given a list of instructions before you leave.
An EGD is safe and associated with very low risks when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in this endoscopic procedure. But there is some risk to everything we do from stepping out of the bathtub to driving a car to the doctor’s office. Specifically, there is a very slight chance of having an allergic reaction to the medication used during the procedure.
One possible complication is perforation in which a small tear through the wall of the stomach may allow leakage of digestive fluid. This complication may be managed simply by aspirating the fluid until the opening seals, or it may require surgery.
Bleeding may also occur from the site of the biopsy or polyp removal. It is usually minor and stops on its own or can be controlled by cauterization through the gastroscope. Rarely, transfusions or surgery may be required. We would not be suggesting this procedure to you of we felt its risks were greater than the risks of not getting the desired information about your stomach or carrying out the desired treatment through the gastroscope. Every precaution will be taken to minimize the possibility of any complication of the examination.
1) It is extremely important that you follow our instructions. Food or liquids in the stomach during the procedure could be dangerous if you were to vomit and possibly aspirate the liquid into your lungs. If you forget and eat or drink something, please tell the nurse.
2) If you are on medication for high blood pressure or a heart condition, please take your medicine on the day of your procedure. Try to take your medication at least four(4) hours before your before your arrival time, and drink just enough water to swallow the pills.
3) If you are going to be sedated, you must have someone to drive you home. Even though you may not feel tired, your judgment and reflexes may not be normal. Your family or friends may bring you to the office, leave and return later. You should be able to resume driving and other activities the next day.
4) You may have solid food until eight hours prior to your arrival time.
You may have clear liquids until four
hours prior to your arrival time.
5) Do
not take any antacids after
6) Nothing by mouth four hours prior to your arrival.
7) Your procedure scheduler will tell you the time, date, and location of your procedure.