EGD Specialist

What is an EGD?

Short for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD is an outpatient procedure that uses a camera attached to a small flexible tube (endoscope) to evaluate the health of your esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum).

Why would I need an EGD?

Your Digestive Disease Specialists provider may recommend an EGD to evaluate symptoms, such as:

• Unexplained stomach pain or bloating
• Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent or persistent nausea and vomiting
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding
• Chest pain that is not related to heart disease
• Bloody stools, which may indicate a stomach ulcer

You may also require an EGD for routine follow-up on previously diagnosed conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, or other digestive disorders, that can worsen over time.

How should I prepare for an EGD?

There is some home-prep required for an EGD, the details of which your Digestive Disease Specialists physician explains before scheduling the procedure.

Generally, you should avoid taking iron supplements for seven days before the study and may be asked to hold certain medications on the morning of the study. However, do not stop any medications without explicit instructions from your provider.

You’re technically awake during an EGD but heavily sedated. For safety reasons, you must arrange a ride home after the test.

What happens during an EGD?

Your nurse establishes an intravenous (IV) line before starting the study, which is used to administer fluids or a sedative during the EGD.

While you relax, your provider inserts the endoscope into your mouth and carefully guides it through the esophagus and stomach to the duodenum. A topical anesthetic stops your gag reflex as it numbs your throat and prevents discomfort during the study.

Your blood pressure, pulse rate, other vital signs, and comfort level are carefully monitored throughout the procedure.    

As your provider advances the endoscope, the camera transfers detailed images of the structures under study to a nearby monitor, which your physician carefully reviews for abnormalities.

Depending on your presenting symptoms and study findings, your provider may take tissue samplings (biopsies) or perform other minor procedures, such as esophageal dilation, during an EGD.

After the study, you’re released home to rest for the remainder of the day, and your provider contacts you with a detailed treatment strategy once they have reviewed the EGD findings.

For an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing your digestive symptoms, schedule a visit at Digestive Disease Specialists today. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online.