Upper Endoscopy (EGD) in Houston, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat 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 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.
Diagnostic EGD to treat symptoms
If you or a family is struggling with uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and/or stomach pains, then an upper endoscopy might be the first step in obtaining relief for your condition. You can find an expert gastroenterologist who offers an EGD in Houston, TX at our practice. Reach out to Gastroenterology Consultants as soon as possible to book your EGD.
Reviews
Just did a Colonoscopy an EGD, Nurse's we're nice an polite, Dr. Darmadi is a very good doctor, he keeps you well informed an he takes his patients care seriously. I would recommend him to anyone.
I went to doctor kafrouni with gastritis issues and had an EGD done. Every appointment he listened to me and never once made me feel rushed. He was genuine and truly made me feel like he cared. He's very knowledgeable and kind. I definitely recommend him. Lastly, my gastritis was completely better within 3 months!
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