Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)

Patient Education > Stomach - Abdomen > Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)

Upper GI Endoscopy is one of the most frequently performed non-invasive procedures in our practice. The following is a list of questions commonly asked by patients. The answers will give you the information we feel is necessary to understand this procedure. Simply click on the question of interest to you.

What is upper GI endoscopy?

Upper GI endoscopy is a special examination of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract for problems like ulcers, foreign objects, tumors, inflammation, bleeding, or pain. It is used for taking biopsy specimens, removing polyps, stopping bleeding, or opening strictures (narrow areas). During endoscopy, a long flexible tube or endoscope is passed through the mouth to the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine for direct viewing. Flexible glass fibers transmit light through the endoscope. Video equipment allows for reviewing of findings on a large screen with the ability to record photographs of abnormalities.

Improvements in medication and technology have combined to make EGD a comfortable and effective procedure. Short acting sedatives and improved amnesia effect have made the procedure much more patient friendly and safe.

If during your endoscopy, your doctor sees an abnormality such as an area of inflammation, growth, or ulceration, your doctor will take further steps to diagnose and treat your condition. A biopsy (tissue sample) may provide additional information to help your doctor treat your condition.

What are the reasons (indications) for doing an EGD?

Diagnostic EGD is indicated for evaluating upper GI disorders. This includes symptoms of acid reflux, burning, pain in the abdomen, or vague abdominal or back pain. These may be indications of peptic ulcer disease. Black, tarry, sticky stools may indicate active bleeding or occult blood (blood in stool not readily seen) may indicate slower, more chronic bleeding. Difficulty swallowing or painful shallowing is suggestive of esophageal abnormalities. Abdominal x-ray studies may suggest masses, ulcers, or strictures which may require endoscopic evaluation and biopsy. Sometimes x-ray studies are indeterminate and an EGD is performed to obtain further information. There is a premalignant condition of the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus which must be monitored periodically. Healing gastroduodenal ulcers may require repeat endoscopy.

Why is upper endoscopy (EGD) done?

EGD is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It is also the best test for finding the cause of bleeding from the upper GI tract. Frequently it is used to remove food stuck in the esophagus. Upper endoscopy is more accurate then x-rays for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This is particularly true when there has been a major operation on the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Upper GI endoscopy can detect early cancer and can distinguish between benign and malignant (cancer) conditions by performing biopsies (taking small tissue samples) of suspicious areas. Biopsies are also taken to determine if benign lesions or bacteria are present.

What preparation is required for EGD?

For the best and safest examination, you should have nothing to eat or drink including water for approximately six to eight hours before the examination. You will be informed about the time to begin fasting depending on the time of day your test is scheduled. You will be given information pamphlets and have an opportunity to have your questions answered.

What happens during endoscopy?

In the endoscopy room, your throat will be anesthetized with both a gargle and spray. You will feel burning followed by a sensation of a lump in your throat. A physician, nurse, and technician will be with you. Your heart rate, respirations, and oxygen levels will be monitored. Patients will have an intravenous catheter placed in their right hand through which sedative medications will be administered. Supplemental oxygen may be given if necessary. Once sedated, you may fall asleep and may not remember the procedure afterwards. Most patients consider the test to be only slightly uncomfortable, and many patients fall asleep during the procedure. A small mouthpiece is placed between your teeth so you don't bite the endoscope tube. Placement of the endoscope does not interfere with your breathing.

The lights in the room are lowered, and your surgeon will begin the examination. Swallowing the flexible tube after the back of your throat has been numbed, is easier then most people expect it to be. To give your surgeon a clear view, air will be used to temporarily expand your upper GI tract. Depending on what your doctor sees, your doctor may be able to treat the problem immediately or a biopsy may be taken. When the examination is over, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, you will be taken to a recovery area.

What happens after endoscopy?

After the test, you will be monitored in the endoscopy area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat may be a little sore for awhile and you may feel bloated right after the procedure because of the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to resume your regular diet 2 to 3 hours after you leave the procedure area unless you are instructed otherwise. It is important that all sensation, including your gag reflex, return to the back of your throat before you eat or drink anything after your EGD. Your doctor may inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure - usually in writing; the sedative may make you forget what you are told. The results of any biopsies taken during the procedure will take several days to be processed and reported. This may require a follow-up office visit.

After EGD is completed patients are observed for approximately one hour. Vital signs, heart and lung function are monitored and excessive air can be expelled by belching. At the time of discharge an instruction sheet will be given indicating diet, further follow-up, and a telephone number to call if questions or an emergency arise.

How will I find out my results?

Your surgeon may speak with you on the day of the procedure about your results. Often patients are still sedated or do not remember those communications, so follow-up visit in the office is scheduled. Biopsy results will not be immediately available and therefore make it difficult to finalize your diagnosis and treatment. Biopsy results take several days to be processed. Written results will be placed on your EGD discharge sheet. Our office will arrange for you to meet with your surgeon within 7-10 days of your procedure to review all of the final reports in detail. At that time, you will have an opportunity to have questions answered as you review the endoscopic, photographic, and biopsy findings.

EGD Brochure

Please click on the following link to view a printable version of Cheboygan Surgical Associates' EGD Brochure.

File Download: 1178635219Upper_GI_Endoscopy_Brochure.pdf