Upper Endoscopy
Updated June 25, 2014.
The upper endoscopy (also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) allows the doctor to examine the inside of the patient's esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) with an instrument called an endoscope, a thin flexible lighted tube.
During the endoscopy exam, the doctor will be able to see the walls and tissue of the upper digestive tract, and will be able to detect disorders such as strictures (narrowed areas), hiatal hernias, ulcers and tumors.
If necessary, biopsies can be collected.
Endoscopy is often used in patients who have had heartburn for many years to determine whether a condition called Barrett’s esophagus has developed.
What can be expected if the doctor orders an EGD?
- The patient is not to eat anything for at least six hours before the procedure.
- A local anesthetic will be sprayed into the patient's throat to suppress the gag reflex, and an intravenous sedative will help the patient relax.
- The endoscope is then slowly passed into the patient's mouth and down the esophagus. The gag reflex and the urge to vomit usually pass once the tube is in the esophagus. The tube will not interfere with breathing.
- Once the endoscope is in place, the doctor will be able to examine the esophagus and stomach through a tiny camera, and detect any abnormalities. Other instruments can be inserted through the endoscope tube, which will allow the doctor to perform biopsies if such conditions as cancer or infections are evident.
- The patient may experience a sore throat for a few days after the procedure. This is common. If complications (such as vomiting a large amount of blood or severe stomach pains) occur, the doctor should be notified immediately.
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Other diagnostic tests:
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Sources:
"Preparation of patients for GI endoscopy." VOLUME 57, NO. 4, 2003. American Society For Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 1 Feb 2007 <http://www.asge.org/nspages/practice/patientcare/sop/preparation/2003_PrepGE.pdf>.
"Heartburn? Could It Be GERD? Understanding Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)." AN417/AGA/GERD/Booklet 12/3/03. American Gastroenterological Association. 1 Feb 2007 <http://www.gastro.org/user-assets/Documents/GERDBooklet.pdf>.
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