Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
What is an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or gastroscopy, is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. This gastroscope looks inside the esophagus and stomach through its long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the gastroscope, the physician can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to show the inside of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The high-quality picture from the gastroscope is shown on a TV monitor and gives a clear, detailed view.
Preparing for the EGD
During the EGD
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed.
As you lie on your left side the doctor will insert the lubricated, flexible gastroscope through your mouth. As the gastroscope is carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, the doctor will examine the lining thoroughly. You may feel some cramping or gas due to the air introduced into the stomach during the test.
Often a biopsy specimen is taken for examination. If you have a polyp, it may be removed by electrocautery through the gastroscope. You will not feel any sensation of discomfort when the biopsy is performed or when the polyp is removed.
After the EGD
Many people do not recall the procedure due to the effect of the sedation medicine. After the procedure, you will be moved to the outpatient recovery room for observation. You will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You may feel some bloating from the residual air left from the procedure. You will feel more comfortable if you expel this air.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. Your physician may remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
What is an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or gastroscopy, is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. This gastroscope looks inside the esophagus and stomach through its long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the gastroscope, the physician can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to show the inside of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The high-quality picture from the gastroscope is shown on a TV monitor and gives a clear, detailed view.
Preparing for the EGD
- Inform physician BEFORE the procedure of:
- Heart or lung conditions
- Any other major diseases
- If you take aspirin, NSAIDS, arthritis or blood-thinning medication, please notify your physician. These medications may need to be stopped several days before the EGD.
- Please do not take anything by mouth after midnight.
- Please refrain from bringing valuables to the hospital.
- Please confirm your medications with your physician.
- Inform physician and the GI nurse to any known medication allergies.
- Be prepared to sign a consent form authorizing the doctor to perform the procedure.
- Remove eyeglasses prior to the procedure.
- Dentures may be removed prior to the procedure.
- You may prefer to remove contact lenses.
- You will not be able to drive home after the procedure, so please make transportation arrangements.
During the EGD
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed.
As you lie on your left side the doctor will insert the lubricated, flexible gastroscope through your mouth. As the gastroscope is carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, the doctor will examine the lining thoroughly. You may feel some cramping or gas due to the air introduced into the stomach during the test.
Often a biopsy specimen is taken for examination. If you have a polyp, it may be removed by electrocautery through the gastroscope. You will not feel any sensation of discomfort when the biopsy is performed or when the polyp is removed.
After the EGD
Many people do not recall the procedure due to the effect of the sedation medicine. After the procedure, you will be moved to the outpatient recovery room for observation. You will probably feel drowsy and may sleep for a short time. You may feel some bloating from the residual air left from the procedure. You will feel more comfortable if you expel this air.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. Your physician may remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
