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Upper Endoscopy


 

Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).

For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). You will receive medicine to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air in to the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the organs. This test does NOT exam the gallbladder or liver or pancreas.

The physician can see abnormalities, like ulcers, cancers and inflammation, through the endoscope that don't show up well on x rays. The physician can also insert instruments in to the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.
Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure.

The procedure takes 5 to 10 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest at the endoscopy facility for 30 minutes to one hour after your procedure. You may feel a little groggy after the procedure but most people feel very comfortable.

Please contact us for additional questions regarding EGD (upper endoscopy).

Preparation

Your stomach and duodenum must be empty for the procedure to be thorough and safe, so you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours beforehand. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home—you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions.

What to Expect