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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)

What is an EGD?

An Esophagogastroduod-enoscopy, or EGD for short, is a endoscopic procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract down to first part of the small intestine. During the procedure, the doctor will examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In order to do so, the doctor will pass a small tube, called an endoscope,

EGD

down the patients throat and along the length of the esophagus to the stomach. The patient will be sedated during the procedure, and the test can last any where from 5 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, the doctor may take small tissue samples using the endoscope. These tissues can then be examined for any abnormalities. 

Preparation for an EGD

Generally the only preparation for this exam is that you do not eat anything after midnight, or any specific time frame given by your doctor. It is important, as with all medical procedures/interactions that you listen to and follow the doctors instructions very carefully. 

Why an EGD is performed.

Your doctor may recommend an EGD test for any of symptoms listed below:

  • Severe/chronic heartburn

  • Vomiting blood

  • Black or tarry stools

  • Regurgitating food

  • Pain in your upper abdomen

  • Unexplained anemia

  • Persistent nausea/vomiting

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Feeling of fullness after eating less than usual

  • Feeling that food is lodged behind your breastbone

  • Painful or difficulty swallowing 

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The doctor may also track treatment progress for any of the following conditions:

  • Crohn's Disease

  • Peptic ulcers

  • Cirrhosis

  • Swollen veins in your lower esophagus

What to expect after the procedure.

A nurse will typically observe you for about an hour following the procedure to ensure the sedative has worn off and you are able to swallow with out difficulty. You may feel slightly bloated due to the endoscope blowing little puffs of air during the procedure. You may also have slight cramping or a sore throat. These side effects are quite normal and should go away within 24 hours. You should not eat or drink after the procedure until you can swallow comfortably, and is recommended to start with a light snack. Your doctor will also go over the results of the test with you, and advise on a treatment plan or order more tests to be completed. 

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You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the below symptoms after the procedures completion:

  • Your symptoms are worse than before the test

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Feeling dizzy or faint

  • Vomiting

  • Sharp pains in your abdomen

  • Blood in your stools

  • Unable to eat or drink

  • Urinating less than usual or not at all

Find out More
​Procedures
Hemorrhoidal Banding
Anorectal Manometry
Symptom and Diseases
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bloating & Gas Disorders
Peptic Ulcer Disorders
Abdominal Pain
Evaluation of Celiac Disease
Swallowing Disorders
Crohn's Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Hepatitis A, B, & C
Liver Disorders
Pancreatic Diseases
Gastro-Intestinal Cancer
Helicobacter Pylori
Obscure GI Bleeding
Constipation/Diarrhea
Colitis
Rectal Bleeding
Heart Burn

Viplove Senadhi, D.O.

Board Certified in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Internal Medicine

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