Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

Overview

A EGD is a test that visually examines the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) with a small camera (flexible fiberoptic endoscope) which is inserted down the throat. An EGD can also dilate the esophagus if you have difficulty swallowing.

Your Appointment

You are scheduled for an EGD on:

_____________________    at _____________________

If you have to change or cancel your appointment, or if you have questions, call your doctor.

What Does an EGD Do?

This test is helpful in determining:

• the cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
• the cause of swallowing difficulties
• the presence of ulcerations or inflammation
• the cause of abdominal pain
• the condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
• the presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
• inflammation, narrowing, or tumors of the esophagus

Preparing for a EGD

• You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the morning of the test. 
• If your test is scheduled for late in the day, you must fast for 6-12 hours beforehand. 
• You must sign an “informed consent”, giving permission for the test.

During the Exam

• You will be given a sedative to relax you and a pain reliever. 
• A local anesthetic, similar to novacaine that is used at the dentist’s office, will be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.
• An IV may be inserted to administer medications during the procedure.
• You will be instructed to lie on your left side.
• After the gag reflex has been suppressed by the anesthetic, the endoscope will be advanced through the esophagus to your stomach.
• Air will be introduced through the endoscope to help the doctors see. The lining of these organs will be examined and biopsies may be obtained through the endoscope.
• The endoscope will then be removed and you will be asked to cough to expel the extra air. You will be asked to not eat or drink until your cough reflex returns.
• The test lasts about 30 to 60 minutes

After the Exam

• You will be kept in the endoscopy area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. 
• Your throat may be a little sore for a couple of hours.
• You may feel bloated for a short time because of the air that used to examine your stomach. 
• A companion must accompany you to the examination because you will be given medication to help you relax.  It will make you drowsy, so you will need someone to drive you home.
• You should make arrangements in advance to have someone stay at your home with you for the day.

What Are the Risks of EGD?

There is a small chance of perforation of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus or bleeding at the site where a biopsy was done. 

You could have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, medication, or tranquilizer used during the procedure, which could cause:

• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Excessive sweating
• Slow heart rate
• Spasms in your larynx (voicebox)

Call Your Doctor If….

If any of these conditions arise after the test, please call your doctor.

• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain
• Fever
• Black stools
• Blood in vomit