EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy

EGD is done in a hospital or outpatient center by a specially trained doctor called a gastroenterologist. The procedure uses an endoscope. This is a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. The procedure is done as follows: During the procedure, your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level are…

You will not be able to eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the test. Follow instructions about stopping aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines before the test.

The anesthetic spray makes it hard to swallow. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The scope may make you gag. You may feel gas and the movement of the scope in your abdomen. You will not be able to feel the biopsy. Because of sedation, you may not feel any discomfort and have no memory of the test. You may…

EGD may be done if you have symptoms that are new, cannot be explained, or are not responding to treatment, such as: Black or tarry stools or vomiting blood Bringing food back up (regurgitation) Feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual Feeling like food is stuck behind the breastbone Heartburn…

The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum should be smooth and of normal color. There should be no bleeding, growths, ulcers, or inflammation.

An abnormal EGD may be the result of: Celiac disease (damage to the lining of the small intestine from a reaction to eating gluten) Esophageal varices (swollen veins in the lining of the esophagus caused by liver cirrhosis ) Esophagitis (lining of the esophagus becomes inflamed or swollen) Gastritis (lining of the…

There is a small chance of a hole (perforation) in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus from the scope moving through these areas. There is also a small risk of bleeding at the biopsy site. You could have a reaction to the medicine used during the procedure, which could cause: Apnea (not breathing) Difficulty breathing…

Koch MA, Zurad EG. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger & Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 91. Sugumar A, Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and…