Upper Endoscopy at AGMG
Learn about Upper Endoscopy from the doctors of Associated Gastroenterology
Upper endoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the first part of the GI tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum).The doctors of AGMG are highly skilled in all aspects of this procedure having performed thousands of endoscopies in the past. We takes great pride in providing a safe, effective and efficient procedure experience for all of our patients.
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) because those are the organs that are examined during the procedure. This procedure is performed to diagnose disorders of the GI tract such as ulcers or pain or to perform an intervention such as control of bleeding, destruction of pre-cancer cells or placement of a stent.
What is an EGD?
Upper endoscopy is also known as EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) because those are the organs that are examined during the procedure. This procedure is performed to investigate disorders of the GI tract such as pain, bleeding or trouble swallowing. During the procedure, diseases can be diagnosed in real time such as ulcers, tumors or strictures. In addition to diagnosing disease, interventions can be performed such as control of bleeding, destruction of pre-cancer cells or placement of a stent.
We love what we do, and we love our patients. We hope to see you at Associated Gastroenterology.
When Should I Have an EGD?
Unlike colonoscopy, there is no specific reason for performing an EGD in patients without any symptoms except in rare genetic syndromes.
Reasons for EGD include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting blood or passing blood in the stool
- Vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
- Low blood counts (anemia)
- Trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing
- GERD
The EGD Procedure
The process for an EGD is very straight forward. No bowel preparation is required like a colonoscopy.
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day prior to procedure
- Discuss what to do with important medicines (blood thinners, insulin, pain medicines) with your doctor at your office visit.
- Make sure you have a ride home from your procedure set up.
- There is always a doctor (24/7) on call at AGMG. If in doubt, call!
Frequently Asked Questions
EGD can be uncomfortable due to the air inflated in the stomach and with passage of the instrument; however it is not painful. For the majority of our patients, we will provide medicines through an IV so that you are relaxed and comfortable. Some patients will require an anesthesiologist to provide deeper sedation if they have heart or lung issues. We always provide the option to have an anesthesiologist there for your procedure if you would prefer a deeper sedation for a small fee.
No it is not painful. Rarely some patients will choose to do a EGD without any sedation because of work obligations or personal preferences. While this is a minority of patients, they do fine without any significant pain or discomfort. For patients who receive sedation, you will often wake up and ask if we have started.
Unfortunately no. There needs to be a friend, family member or acquaintance who is able to drive or escort you home from your procedure. While we understand this is a small inconvenience, you will receive sedation for your procedure so for safety reasons we need someone to be responsible for your health once you are discharged.
EGD is a very very safe procedure.The most common side effect from the procedure is sore throat from passing the endoscope down the back of the throat into the esophagus. Aside from a sore throat, patients can experience bloating and gas. Air is inflated in the stomach and small interesting to improve visualization. After your procedure, this air is expelled as gas. There are most serious risks with EGD however they are rare. These risk include allergy or reaction to the medicines used for sedation, bleeding from biopsies or even perforation of the lining of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. These risks are rare and will be discussed with you at that time of your procedure.