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Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)


 

This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.


Upper GI endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD, is a diagnostic procedure used to visually examine and diagnose certain conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. The upper gastrointestinal tract includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (upper part of the small intestine).

Upper GI endoscopy is performed using a flexible tube containing a light and camera, called an endoscope. It is inserted through the mouth and guided along to thoroughly examine the upper gastrointestinal tract.


Candidates for Upper GI Endoscopy

Patients experiencing any signs of digestive problems, such as difficulty swallowing food, abdominal pain, difficult reflux symptoms, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, are usually considered good candidates for upper GI endoscopy. However, before undergoing the procedure, the doctor should be made aware of the presence of any pre-existing or current medical conditions that may affect the patient's eligibility for an upper endoscopy, including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Allergies to medication
  • Lung conditions
  • Heart conditions
  • Diabetes

Benefits of Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy can be extremely beneficial for identifying and treating various conditions that affect the upper digestive tract, including anemia and cancers of the digestive system. It offers the advantage over surgical techniques in that it requires no incisions or stitches.

Upper GI endoscopy is usually recommended for investigating troublesome digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, heartburn and ulcers. Upper GI endoscopy is also used to treat certain problems of the digestive system, which may involve cauterizing blood vessels to stop bleeding or widening a narrow esophagus.

During the upper GI endoscopy procedure, tissue samples can also be obtained for biopsy, matter lodged in the gastrointestinal tract can be removed and therapeutic procedures may be performed. Upper GI endoscopy may also be combined with other imaging procedures, such as an ultrasound.


The Upper GI Endoscopy Procedure

For about four to eight hours before the upper GI endoscopy, patients are restricted from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum. Necessary medications may still be taken, with only a small amount of water, preferably more than 3 hours before the procedure. Driving is not permitted for up to 24 hours after the procedure, so the patient will need to arrange for transportation home.

Upper GI endoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure at a surgery/endoscopy center, hospital, or outpatient clinic. During the procedure, patients are positioned to lie on their side on a table, with sensors attached to the body to monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate. Short-acting sedation medications are administered by an anesthesiologist or by the gastroenterologist. The endoscope will then be passed through the mouth and guided along the upper gastrointestinal tract, transmitting images on to a video monitor in the treatment room. Any abnormalities found in the digestive tract during the procedure will be recorded. 


Recovery From Upper GI Endoscopy

After the upper GI endoscopy is completed, the patient will be monitored in a recovery area for approximately 30 minutes. Mild sore throat discomfort rarely occurs after this procedure and it can be soothed with lozenges. The patient can usually resume their regular activities the next day.


Risks Of Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy is generally considered a very safe procedure. However, there are certain risks that may rarely occur, including:

  • Complications from the sedatives or medication administered during the procedure
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fever
  • Chest pains
  • Swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Bleeding
  • Puncture of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Infection
  • Persistent pain in the area of the endoscopy

Results of Upper GI Endoscopy

The results of an upper GI endoscopy will usually be available immediately after the procedure. The doctor will discuss the results with the patient once the sedative has worn off. If a biopsy was performed during the procedure, the results will be available after the sample has been sent to a pathology lab for more detailed testing. It may take 4-10 days to obtain the biopsy results from the laboratory, at which point a treatment plan can be determined.

Location

Albert M. Harary, MD
110 East 55th Street, 17th Floor
Midtown East/Upper East Side

New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-702-0123

Office Hours

Get in touch

212-702-0123