An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), upper endoscopy, or scope is typically an outpatient procedure. It allows your doctor to examine the different parts of your upper digestive system including your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).
Just before the EGD, you will be made comfortable and given a light sedative to help you sleep. Once you are sedated, your doctor will use a flexible tube that has a camera and light on its end to perform the procedure.
An EGD may be ordered to evaluate several disorders including:
EGD is used in the diagnosis, staging, and management of cancer, particularly cancers of the upper digestive tract. This includes esophageal and stomach cancer. The EGD process includes:
Any procedure carries a level of risk and potential complications. Your AHN care team will discuss any risks with you prior to the procedure. AHN specialists are highly trained and skilled in their area of practice and work to maximize patient safety. Some of the risks with an upper endoscopy include:
You have options when it comes to where you get care. Choosing AHN for your EGD means you will be seen by highly skilled and trained physicians who use the latest in care advancements. This, coupled with our integrated and personalized care approach mean we see your needs and deliver exceptional care. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy at AHN includes:
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a routine procedure that uses sedation to make you comfortable and ensures the physician is able to fully view the area of concern or interest. Your AHN care team will go over, in detail, what you need to do and what you personally can expect for the procedure, but this overview can help you get a general understanding.
When your esophagogastroduodenoscopy is scheduled, you will receive detailed instructions regarding what you need to do to prepare for the procedure. Please make sure you read them carefully and follow as instructed. Your physician will ask you to not eat or drink after midnight the evening before your procedure. Certain medications may need to be held in order to safely complete the procedure. Occasionally, you may need evaluations by other care team members to ensure a safe and comprehensive procedure.
Make sure you arrive to the procedure site at the time specified by your doctor’s office. Upon arrival, the staff will complete the registration process, and you will be evaluated by the medical team. An IV will be placed to help administer medication. The anesthesia team will discuss if you need a light sedation (sometimes called twilight) or a deeper sedation where a breathing tube is placed to support your airway while you are asleep.
Once the pre procedure evaluation is completed you will be taken to the procedure room. You will be positioned, often on your left side.
We will place a plastic mouthpiece to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Once you are sedated and comfortable the doctor will insert the endoscope through your mouth and complete the test. During the procedure your doctor may take small samples of the lining of your GI tract using the biopsy forceps. Under certain circumstances additional instruments and interventions may be needed.
You will be monitored until most of the effects of the sedatives have worn off. Your doctor will explain the results of the examination to you. If biopsies were performed, you will have to wait a few days for those results to become available. You must have a driver take you home. Recovery time will vary for each person, but often patients start feeling back to normal by the next day. You may notice some throat soreness or bloating. If these symptoms persist, or you experience persistent pain, trouble swallowing, bleeding, or unusual abdominal pain, be sure to contact your doctor.
Needing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) will likely bring about a lot of questions. Your AHN care team is available to talk with you about what you can expect and what the procedure will look like for you. To get you started, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions about EGDs.
Upper GI endoscopy and EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) are essentially the same thing. EGD is the medical term for an upper endoscopy. It's a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
Most patients do not experience significant pain during an EGD. You will likely receive medication to help you relax and may also receive a numbing spray for your throat. You may feel some pressure or bloating during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.
An EGD can detect a variety of abnormalities in the upper digestive tract, including:
An EGD typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. However, the total time you spend at the facility will be longer due to preparation and recovery.
Our team remains available to answer your questions anytime beyond your clinic visit. Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 to request an appointment and learn more about EGD procedures.
