Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Upper Endoscopy (EGD) at Garnet Health

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also called an upper endoscopy, is an outpatient procedure that is used to examine your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine (called the duodenum). Your physician may recommend an EGD if you experience: heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dysphagia (food sticking in your esophagus) or bleeding from the upper GI tract.

Preparing for Your EGD

Your physician will give you specific instructions, but generally you must not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before your test. Tell your physician about any medications you are taking. Prior to the test, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into your arm. You will be placed on a monitor that checks your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level. You will receive a type of medication called sedation through your IV line to make you comfortable, sleepy, less anxious and will help to diminish gagging.

What to Expect During Your EGD

During the EGD procedure, your physician will pass an endoscope, or a long flexible tube that includes a light and tiny video camera at one end, through your mouth and guide it down into your esophagus, stomach and duodenum so that he/she can view these organs. Using the endoscope, your physician or gastroenterologist will see a magnified picture of the lining of your upper gastrointestinal tract on a video monitor.

Depending on what your physician sees, he/she may take a piece of tissue for a biopsy or perform a treatment procedure with special instruments attached to the endoscope. Some of these treatments are:

• Dilation of an esophageal stricture (stretching a narrowing of the esophagus with a tube)
• Stopping a bleeding ulcer in the stomach or duodenum
• Taking a biopsy of the tissue in the esophagus to examine it for evidence of Barrett’s esophagus.   

A typical EGD takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on whether there are any abnormalities, biopsies taken or therapies performed.

What to Expect After Your EGD

After your EGD, a nurse will monitor you until you are fully awake. Because of the sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home. You will be able to eat and drink when you return home. Your physician will call you with the results.

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