What is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An upper endoscopy (also called esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD) is an endoscopic test involving a long, slender, soft tube (or scope) that is inserted into the mouth and gently snaked to the beginning of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The scope includes a light and camera attached to the end, which helps our physicians at Gastroenterology Consultants to more easily examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the start of the small intestine.
An upper endoscopy may typically be suggested as a way to diagnose the cause of GI problems, including abdominal pain, heartburn and/or acid reflux, complications with swallowing, bleeding, or irregular x-ray outcomes. An EGD may also be performed for Houston, TX patients who have constant symptoms of heartburn to screen for changes that could be an indication of esophageal cancer. If you need an EGD, please schedule a visit with a GI doctor at Gastroenterology Consultants
What are the benefits of an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy test is often beneficial for multiple reasons. The procedure can allow your GI physician to directly assess the inner structures of your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine (known as the duodenum). Further benefits of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy involve:
- It is often an efficient, quick, and safe process
- Helps in detecting a range of digestive concerns (including GI infections, celic disease, GERD, Crohn’s disease, and more)
- Allows for the removal of polyps, tissue biopsies, and other small procedures
- Can help discern the causes of GI symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and pain
What can I expect the day prior to My esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
Your GI specialist will provide you with pre-op instructions outlining the necessary preparation for your upper endoscopy. A great deal of our patients are allowed to eat normally the day leading up to the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. You may be instructed not to eat or drink after 12 a.m. except for necessary medications. It is vital that you abide by the requirements given to you by our office at Gastroenterology Consultants. There will also be more guidance regarding your medications. Generally, your medications will be continued as normal. However, there are certain situations where this may not be true, especially if you take blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) or for diabetics. If this pertains to you, we will give you specialized instructions.
What should I expect on the day of my EGD?
We will ask you to check in at our Houston, TX gastrointestinal office 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. You’ll need to replace your clothes with a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be put in your arm so we can administer sedation. You will be connected to special equipment that helps your GI specialist keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and much more during and after your treatment.
Once in one of our comfortable exam rooms, you will be asked to relax on your left side on the stretcher. Sedation will be started. Once you are sedated, the endoscope will be inserted into your mouth. The scope will be strategically snaked through your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine. Your physician may inject a small amount of air into your gastrointestinal tract through the scope so as to see better. Any fluid left over in your upper gastrointestinal tract will be removed through the scope. Depending on the results of the exam, a number of things could be done, such as control of bleeding, the removal of polyps, and biopsies. The exam typically takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes. Following your exam, we will take you to the recovery room so we can monitor you as the sedation begins to wear off.
When will I receive my test results?
After finishing the procedure, our GI specialist will explain the findings of the exam to you. Many individuals don’t remember what they were told after the exam because they have a foggy brain due to the sedation. We encourage you to bring a family member with you to this discussion. We will also send you home with a typed-up report. In a number of cases, we will have biopsy results within a week.
Are there any risks with an EGD?
Upper endoscopies are, by and large, safe and reliable. Generally, problems occur in about 1% of procedures. Most problems are not life-threatening; however, if a complication occurs, it might require hospitalization and surgery. Before your exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by our team. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss these with your physician ahead of your procedure.
Such as any other test, an EGD is not foolproof. There is a slight but accepted possibility that irregularities such as cancer might go undiscovered during the procedure. It is paramount to follow up with your physician as recommended and to let them know of any recent or ongoing problems.
Are there alternatives to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
Depending on what your physician is trying to find, you may have alternatives for an EGD. Typically, an upper endoscopy is the best treatment to check for and address abnormal results in your upper GI tract. However, an upper GI/barium swallow, a special type of x-ray, can evaluate your upper GI tract also. This is, however, just a diagnostic analysis. Treating these abnormalities might require an EGD or surgery.
EGD FAQs
Is an EGD the same procedure as an upper endoscopy?
You might hear an EGD referred to by a variety of names. In some cases, it could be called a “gastroscopy” or an “upper endoscopy.” While these terms may vary, they typically mean the same thing as an EGD.
What are considered "normal" results for an EGD?
Receiving normal results for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy generally indicate that your gastrointestinal provider did not see any areas of concern in the upper portion of the GI tract. However, normal EGD results might be represented by a smooth texture and normal color of the tissue in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In addition, there shouldn’t be any signs of growths, bleeding, or inflammation in these areas. It’s vital to understand that a “normal” EGD result does not always mean that no medical conditions are present. Some health conditions may not be noticeable during this type of test or could be located in another portion of the GI tract, outside the reach of the endoscope device used during the process.
Why would an EGD be recommended?
Your Gastroenterology Consultants specialist may request an EGD exam if you have Crohn’s disease or liver cirrhosis to help keep track of such health concerns. In addition, an EGD exam might be requested should you experience:
- Black or tarry stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Issues with swallowing
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Persistent nausea
What should I bring to my EGD procedure?
Upon arriving at the facility for your esophagogastroduodenoscopy test, you might be required to fill out a few patient forms. As such, you should carry your insurance card and ID with you to your appointment. It might be a good idea to bring a written list of medications you take, their dosages, and the reason for taking them. We suggest that you keep any jewelry and other types of valuables at home.
