Endoscopy (upper endoscopy, or EGD)

Upper endoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a video camera exam of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (part of the small intestine). It is performed using a thin fiberoptic video camera scope. Biopsies (tissue samples) can be taken.

Do you need an upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy is useful for diagnosis and treatment.

For symptoms
You may need an upper endoscopy if you have:

• heartburn or acid reflux (that does not respond to medicine)
• bleeding
• trouble swallowing
• a feeling that food or liquid gets stuck on the way down
• persistent vomiting
• anemia (low blood count)
• unexplained weight loss
• chronic diarrhea
• weight regain after gastric bypass surgery

Some of these may be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastritis, ulcer, duodenitis, or celiac disease.

For disease
You may need an upper endoscopy if you have Barrett’s esophagus or a narrowing (stricture).

What is an upper endoscopy like?

Before
We’ll know your medical history in detail before the procedure. Let us know if you are diabetic or on blood thinners – we will need to plan.
You will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight before your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the endoscopy.

The procedure
After meeting the team and giving your consent, you will be given sedation or anesthetics. You’ll lie on your side, and the scope will go through your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

After
You will go to the recovery area and the sedation will wear off. We’ll go over the preliminary results with you. Biopsies are sent to a pathologist for detailed examination, and the results come back later. You will be able to eat now. Someone will need to drive you home. We will arrange a follow-up appointment or follow-up endoscopy as needed. We will send the detailed reports to your doctor.